News Archive Index
WinNews (tm) - The Monthly PC/Mac News Archive

Prepared & Distributed by:  Baker Enterprises

Assorted press releases  and news articles are available by subject heading in the topic areas shown below or use SEARCH  to find articles listed by company names.

SOFTWARE:	HARDWARE:

Business & Productivity  	PC Systems

Professional/Engineering  	Expansion Products

Personal & Educational  	Peripherals

Games & Entertainment  	Macintosh Specific

System Software & Utilities  	Miscellaneous Hardware

Macintosh Specific

Miscellaneous Software  	GENERAL INTEREST:

Books & Publications

Miscellaneous News

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About Press Releases
Full Text Press Releases...

Press Releases are distributed electronically with 100% of the entire text included as supplied by the company. Most material is available via the online news areas on America Online and Delphi within several days of receipt. News archives such as this are created at the end of every month. For additional information concerning any product or service mentioned, please contact the company directly. Check the end of the article for the company's mailing address and/or telephone numbers.

Note that additional Backgrounder reports may be available for downloading from our Information Download Libraries on America Online and Delphi.


About SEARCH Capabilities
Using SEARCH to Find Articles by Company Name...

1)	Click on the SEARCH button to see a list of companies referenced

within the various news articles included in the news archive.

2)	Select the desired company from the list, then click on the Show Topics

button (or double click on the company name) to see a list of relevant

articles for that company.

3)	Select an article of interest and click on the Goto button

(or double click on the article title) to display the article text.


About Baker Enterprises
About Baker Enterprises...

Baker Enterprises electronically distributes PC & Macintosh related news and full text press releases  via our New Product Information Service on America Online (Keyword=New Product) and Delphi (GO NEWS PRODUCTS). Monthly news archives such as this are created at the end of each month and include all news processed during the previous month. Besides this Windows-compatible format, the same information is also available in a PKZIP collection of standard ASCII text files with a simple index, but requires your own text file utilities to read. News archive files are available from a download library on AOL, Delphi, and selected Internet archive sites, or direct via mail from Baker Enterprises.

Baker Enterprises also maintains a reference database listing companies and products from throughout the PC industry. The database appears as an online searchable database via America Online in the PC Vendors Database within our New Product Information area. The same data is also distributed monthly on diskette by EMS Professional Software.

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News archives are available in either this WinNews format for Windows users, or optionally in a PKZIP collection of standard ASCII text files with a simple index that requires your own utilities to read. A one year subscription for either format, mailed on 3.5" 720K diskettes, is $60 for first class mail within the USA, $75 elsewhere via AirMail. Single copies are $5 postpaid. NJ orders include 6% sales tax. This material MAY NOT be redistributed for profit without obtaining prior written permission from Baker Enterprises. Contact us direct for more information.

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Free Distribution
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Our services are provided at no cost to any companies or shareware authors wishing to have their press releases distributed, or their company and product information included in our database. All submissions should be mailed, faxed or Emailed directly to Baker Enterprises. Press releases are typically processed and available nationwide within one to three days of receipt!


PC Industry Reference Database
PC Industry Reference Database...

Baker Enterprises produces a PC industry reference database that includes information on thousands of companies and authors, plus brief information on their products. More than just a software locator, the database also lists hardware, peripherals, publications, accessories, supplies, shareware and more -- just about anything and everything relating to the PC industry. Company information includes mailing addresses, telephone/fax/BBS numbers, Email addresses and more. The database is available as an online searchable database in our New Product Information area on America Online. The same data is also licensed for monthly worldwide distribution on disk and CD-ROM as the PC Products Database sold by EMS Professional Software. Individual copies on diskette are $25 plus $5 shipping within the USA (contact EMS on foreign orders).

For information on ordering copies of the PC Products Database on disk and CD-ROM, or optional quarterly and monthly subscriptions, please contact:

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Business & Productivity Software
Business & Productivity Software News:

SPC Superbase 4 Gets WIN Award

Multi-Ad Free Fonts & Font CD-ROM

QuickForms Contracts 1992 Edition

Aldus Gallery Classic Windows Art

Prentice Hall Prof. Business Swr

SPC Harvard Graphics for Windows

Monthly Electronic Art Promo

Intex Spellin! for Lotus 1-2-3

StatSci Consultants Program


Professional/Engineering Software
Professional/Engineering Software News:

Sylvan Swr vs Williams & Wilkins

RASTEREX Graphics Solutions

HTBasic with National Inst I/O

NC-Auto-Code NC/CNC Programming

Chem-X Inorganic Modeling

CNC Mastercam CAD/CAM Expansion

MicroSim Design Center v5.1

National Instr DAQ Designer

Jandel SigmaPlot 5.0

MATHPLOT Data Analysis

CNC Mastercam DRAFT 3D Mech CAD


Personal & Educational Software
Personal & Educational Software News:

Chaos Demonstrations Expanded

BEST Faces Learning Activities

HomeCraft ORGANIZE! Databases

Magellan Project CD-ROMs


Games & Entertainment Software
Games & Entertainment Software News:

EA Expanding CD multimedia Prods

Carmen Sandiego for Sega Genesis

ULTIMA Underworld Stygian Abyss

Accolade & Jack Nicklaus Agreements


System Software & Utilities
System Software & Utilities News:

Artisoft LANtastic Version 4.1

Microsoft C/C++ V7.0 Dev System

Central Point Anti-Virus 1.2

LANtastic for Windows (Japanese)

Central Point Backup 7.2 Windows

Central Point Anti-Virus Windows

Central Point Acquires Eikon Sys

Hard Drive Specification Database

HiJaak for Windows Graphics Util

HSC InterActive for Multimedia

Paint Shop Pro Win Screen Capture

Lahey F77L-EM/32 Fortran Compiler

MACLAN Connect for NetWare

Vert Plus Synthetic Speech

LANtastic for Foreign Languages

After Dark 2.0 for Windows

FlexeLint V5.0 C Source Analysis

MultiExpressFAX Communications Swr

LAN Manager Interopability

MS Open Database Connectivity

OPTI-NET CD-ROM Networking Swr

Prof Toolkit for Visual Basic

ScreenExtender Reader's Choice


Macintosh Specific Software
Macintosh Specific Software News:

Aldus PressWise 1.0

New Aldus Additions (3rd Parties)

Speak English from Japanese

Transparent Language

Reflection 4 Plus Terminal Emulator


Miscellaneous Software
Miscellaneous Software News:

FONE Service Pricing Database Pgm


System Hardware
System Hardware News:

Phoenix Buying GRiD Pen Computers

Intecolor Industrial Workstations

GRiD 486 DX2 50MHz Systems

Micro Express AM386DXL Notebook

NEC ProSpeed 486SX Mono Laptop

NEC UltraLite SL/25C Color Notebook

Logitech Digitizer in PalmPad

Micro Express Always Tech Support

Facit N1200 Industrial Portable PC

NEC UltraLite SL/25C MPC Portable

GRiD PalmPAD Wearable Pen Computer

NEC PowerMate Image Line Expanded


Expansion Hardware
Expansion Hardware News:

Telecom DSP Development System

P1600 SCRAMNet Interface

Controller for Fuzzy Logic Eng.


Peripheral Hardware
Peripheral Hardware News:

Mitsubishi VGA & Hires Monitors

Paperless Office & Fujitsu Scanner

PERCON Laser Bar Code Reader

Relisys RE-1422 VGA Monitor

Laser Printer Sharing Devices

US Robotics Lowers Modem Prices

JetLAN Network LaserJet Prt Server

Relisys 20 inch Multiscan SuperVGA


Macintosh Specific Hardware
Macintosh Specific Hardware News:

Radius Precisioncolor Displays


Miscellaneous Hardware
Miscellaneous Hardware News:

MultiX25 PAD for X.25 Data Networks

Systran SCRAMNet Network Boards


Books & Publications
Books & Publications:

Microsoft Press Windows Books

Osborne/McGraw-Hill Publications

Fax-On-Demand Consumer's Guide

Word for Windows 2.0 Video Training

Ventana Press News (PC & Mac)

1992 Accounting Software Survey

Macworld Guide to Microsoft Word 5

Microsoft Press PC & Mac Titles

Supercharged C++ Graphics


Miscellaneous News
Miscellaneous News:

NetWorld 92 Record Attendance

SPA vs Fred Meyer Inc Settlement

Windows Open Competition April 6-9

Data Acquisition Hardware Booklet

SPA Settlements & Conference Info

Aldus Developers Conf. Apr 13-16

Dial N Cerf USA Internet Access

DEC Alpha Open Computing Architect

SPA vs Melco Industries Inc

USENET News Available on CD-ROM

New NSA Division & Business Unit

PC EXPO New York June 23-25


EA Expanding CD multimedia Prods
Electronic Arts announced it will expand its studio organization to accelerate development of compact disc (CD) multimedia products.

Senior Vice President Stewart J. Bonn, 41, will manage the new group, and Vice President Luc Barthelet, 30, will be responsible for technology and development.

The CD Group's charter will be to create new categories of entertainment software. CD technology is expected to supersede floppy disks and videogame cartridges as the dominant platform within the next few years.

The new group's products will include "edutainment" entertainment software with an educational twist), "infotainment" (entertainment software with an information twist) and creativity

"Obviously, this is a major commitment by Electronic Arts," said EA President and CEO Larry Probst. "Stewart and Luc have been the key executives responsible for the success of our 16-bit product line.

"In the near future, CD multimedia machines will represent a huge opportunity for consumer software, and warrant our very best," Probst said.

In conjunction with this expansion, Richard Hilleman, 30, has been promoted to Vice President of Production, assuming responsibility for five producer groups as well as technical support. Hilleman, who joined Electronic Arts in 1983, was most recently Executive Producer, responsible for leading 16-bit products such as John Madden Football, NHL Hockey, Earl Weaver Baseball, Chuck Yeager Air Combat, and Road Rash.

Additionally, Don Traeger, 35, has been promoted to Director of Creative Development, responsible for game design and property development. Traeger, who joined Electronic Arts in 1985, was most recently Executive Producer, responsible for PGA TOUR Golf, Lakers vs Celtics and the NBA Playoffs, and Skate or Die.

In addition, Electronic Arts Canada, formerly Distinctive Software, Inc., will be integrated into EA Studios. Bing Gordon, 42, senior vice president, will oversee the activities of Production, Creative Development, EA Canada and Studio Operations.


Microsoft Press Windows Books
Microsoft Pre-Releases Win32 API Specifications

Software Developers Get Head Start on 32-Bit Windows-based Applications with New Books from Microsoft Press

As part of the Open Process forum, Microsoft Corporation has announced the release of detailed programming information on the Microsoft Win32' application programming interface in the Microsoft WIN32 APPLICATION PROGRAMMING INTERFACE: THE PROGRAMMER'S REFERENCE from Microsoft Press.

Win32 is the new Microsoft Windows 32-bit application programming interface (API) supported by the Windows NT' operating system. Available to users later this year, Windows NT will offer the same user interface as Windows and will have the ability to run all existing applications for the Microsoft Windows and MS-DOS operating systems. Windows NT will offer advanced operating system features needed for specialized applications, high-performance networks, and advanced workstations.

Published in two volumes, the MICROSOFT WIN32 APPLICATION PROGRAMMING INTERFACE: THE PROGRAMMER'S REFERENCE contains essential information on the 32-bit API. Volume 1 contains overview information, the Guide to Programming, and the alphabetical API reference from A-G. Volume 2 completes the API reference from H-Z and includes information on Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) transaction types; system messages, notifications, structures, and types; and macros.

"Studying the Win32 spec will help developers plan and design new 32-bit applications for Windows in advance of the Software Development Kit for Windows NT," said Cameron Myhrvold, director of developer relations at Microsoft. "Microsoft wants to let developers know what to anticipate, so they can be prepared to take the best advantage of the opportunities the Win32 API in Windows NT will offer."

A postage-paid registration card in the back of volume 1 enables customers to qualify for special discounts on the Microsoft Win32 Software Development Kit and on updated editions of volumes 1 and 2 of the MICROSOFT WIN32 APPLICATION PROGRAMMING INTERFACE: THE PROGRAMMER'S REFERENCE.

Microsoft Corporation's Open Process invites leading commercial software developers to participate in the design and refinement of Microsoft operating systems. By previewing design specifications long before they are finalized, developers instigate changes in the operating system which help them build better applications, and more effectively plan for the use of Microsoft innovations in their products.

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The Authorized Edition

       Running Word for Windows

Complete Coverage of Microsoft Word for Windows Version 2

RUNNING WORD FOR WINDOWS from Microsoft Press is the definitive guide to the document processing software for the 1990s.

Previously titled Working with Word for Windows, this all-new edition provides complete coverage of Microsoft Word for Windows and details the powerful new features of version 2.

Author Russell Borland--an original member of the Microsoft Word for Windows product-design team delivers clear and thorough descriptions of Word's extraordinary capabilities. Expert advice and practical examples fill every chapter. Throughout the book, special tips provide valuable insights and suggest helpful shortcuts. Readers will discover the easiest, most effective way to produce professional-looking documents with Word's new capabilities:

* Create drawings, charts, and graphs and insert them into Word documents

* Produce tables of any size or type even tables that include spreadsheet-like calculations

* Incorporate stunning effects, such as rotated and circular text, with the WordArt feature

* Wrap text around "frames" containing text, graphics, or tables

Borland also explains in detail how users can streamline "behind-the-scenes" document preparation to:

* Build document templates that let users instantly create documents that follow standard layouts

* Enhance templates to include hand-tailored sets of menus, keyboard assignments, styles, glossary entries, macros, and Toolbar arrangements

* Link text and graphics within documents, across documents, and across Windows-based programs with Word's fields

* Use the enhanced print-merge feature to create form letters and address lists

Dozens of hands-on examples and page after page of screen illustrations demonstrate the features of Microsoft Word for Windows version 2. Appendixes provide information about fields and instructions for their use, additional in-depth information about the Word for Windows Setup program, and answers to the most commonly asked Word for Windows questions. A comprehensive index allows readers to quickly locate information about any topic in the book.

Russell Borland has been a technical writer for Microsoft Corporation for 11 years and was a member of the Microsoft Word for Windows product-design team. Borland is the author of Microsoft WordBasic Primer and coauthor of Windows 3.1 Companion, both published by Microsoft Press.

RUNNING WORD FOR WINDOWS is part of the Microsoft Press Running series authorized editions covering the most widely used Microsoft software products. Books in the series include the classic Running MS-DOS by Van Wolverton, now in its fifth edition; Running Windows by Craig Stinson and Nancy Andrews, Running Microsoft Excel by Douglas Cobb and Judy Mynhier with Craig Stinson and Chris Kinata, Running Microsoft Word 5.5 by Peter Rinearson, and Running Microsoft Works by Charles Rubin.

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Microsoft Press, the trade book division of Microsoft Corporation, publishes a wide range of quality books on computer programming, software and hardware, and other topics of importance to the computer industry. Microsoft Press books are widely recognized as authorized editions for the MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows operating systems, Microsoft languages, and software applications such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. Microsoft Press books are distributed to book and software retailers worldwide. Consumers in the United States may also order directly from the publisher at l-800-MSPRESS.

Microsoft Press, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052-6399

206-882-8080


SPC Superbase 4 Gets WIN Award
Software Publishing Corporation was awarded the WIN award for its relational database management system (RDBMS) product, Superbase 4, by Windows Magazine editorial staff in an awards ceremony last evening held at the Fairmont Hotel as part of the January '92 Windows and OS/2 Show at the San Jose Convention Center. Receipt of this award marks the fourth such distinction awarded to Superbase 4 by an industry publication since its acquisition by Software Publishing in July of 1991.

The first annual WIN Awards ceremony was held to acknowledge the top 100 products which run under the Microsoft Windows graphical user interface (GUI) environment. The Windows Magazine editorial staff conducted a rigorous evaluation of thousands of products before making their selections of products to achieve the WIN Award for "best of 1991. " Other Awards and Distinctions

Over the last six months, Superbase 4 has also received the "Reader's Choice" award by DBMS Magazine readers in an awards ceremony at COMDEX '91 in Las Vegas, Byte Magazine's 1991 RAM Award of Distinction, and an honor award in PC Week's GUI Application Development Tools Shoot-Out at the August '91 Windows and OS/2 Trade Show in Boston.

"Clearly, editors and developers alike have discovered what a productive, flexible, and powerful product this is for developing graphical, connected RDBMS applications," said Fred Gibbons, president and CEO of Software Publishing. "We are proud to have added the award-winning Superbase 4 graphical relational database product to our corporate heritage of providing graphical information of all kinds to personal computer users," he added.

"Since introducing our first Windows product less than a year ago, Software Publishing products for the Windows platform have achieved twelve industry awards," said Pat Motola, vice president of marketing for Software Publishing. Software Publishing's award winning Windows products include: the Harvard Graphics for Windows presentation graphics product, the Harvard Draw illustration product, the Professional Write PLUS document processing product, and the Superbase 4 application development RDBMS product. The Superbase 4 Product

Superbase 4 version 1.3 is the most recent version of Software Publishing's Windows-based application development RDBMS. Superbase 4 employs the Windows graphical user interface to make it an intuitive product for developers and end users to use. Superbase 4 also incorporates development tools such as an object-oriented Form Designer and a comprehensive Database Management Language (DML), which make it a powerful product for application developers.

Popular features include: image-handling, a query optimizer, and an embedded Structured Query Language (SQL) capability which allows Superbase 4 to provide connectivity to supported database servers (Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle Server, Gupta SQLBase, Sybase and XDB) via another recently announced Software Publishing product, Superbase SQL Library. The suggested retail price for Superbase 4 version 1.3 is $695, and it is available through Software Publishing's leading resellers throughout North America. The Company

Software Publishing Corporation, (NASDAQ:SPCO), is a leading international supplier of business productivity software for IBM personal computers and compatibles. The company currently develops and markets a wide range of software solutions for accessing and presenting information, including the market-leading Harvard Graphics, Harvard Draw, Professional Write and Professional Write PLUS, the Superbase 4 application development RDBMS, and the InfoAlliance product line.

Software Publishing Corp

3165 Kifer Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95051-0804


Artisoft LANtastic Version 4.1
Artisoft, Inc. announced that LANtastic v4.1, the latest version of its network operating system, will be shipping by the end of the month. This newest version of the award-winning LANtastic Local Area Network offers increased performance as well as additional feature enhancements to its System Manager and printing capabilities.

"LANtastic v4.1's increased performance, feature enhancements, and price to performance ratio make it an ideal networking solution for fast-growing small to medium-sized businesses," said Jack Schoof (pronounced "shoaf"), Artisoft President and CEO. "It can easily handle networks from two dozen to two hundred users.

Four important features will improve the speed and efficiency of the LANtastic Local Area Network--a faster NetBIOS, resource caching, random access caching and delayed record-locking. Other new features of LANtastic v4.1 include new System Manager features, immediate despooling, enhanced printer queue display, new NET PRINT switches, new print resources parameters, automatic login to servers, login to multiple servers with one command, hot keys to menu items, and enhanced NET HELP display.

The NetBIOS in LANtastic v4.1 transfers data between servers and workstations faster than any previous version. Because the NetBIOS operates in the background without any user interaction, users will simply notice a faster accomplishment of their networking tasks.

The new resource caching feature speeds the process of looking up and opening files by keeping user access information in a server's RAM instead of having to read it each time from the server's disk. This allows a server to rapidly read access control list information for each network resource from RAM and also reduces the frequency with which the server has to check the information before allowing or denying a user request. LANtastic v4.1's new random access caching quickens access to data on disk by allowing server computers to search through files more quickly.

Delayed record locking allows a server to hold onto a user request for a record that is already locked and in use by another user. After the record becomes unlocked, the user request is completed. Without delayed record locking, the user request for a locked record would be denied and the attempt would have to be retried until completed, degrading response time. With LANtastic v4.1, the user request is completed as soon as the record is free.

New System Manager features allow users with the System Manager privilege to accomplish a number of network tasks from their own PC, including the entire software installation of a network. They can also manage the entire network by copying accounts from one server to another with either a command line or menu interface, or set up servers by running the batch file on their shared drives. In addition, they can also log users out of a server and prevent other users from logging in to a server. This makes tasks such as backing up a server much easier because the System Manager can log all the network users out of the server, then disable logins until the backup is finished.

Immediate despooling allows LANtastic v4.1 users to print faster because it begins printing as soon as the print command is given, instead of waiting for the print job to be completely spooled onto the server's disk. The print job, however, is still stored on the user's disk, so if for some reason, the print job isn't completed, the file won't be lost. Users can also pause printing, restart the print job or print multiple copies. The improved printer queue display tells users when their jobs will print, how long it will take and when it will finish.

Four new NET PRINT switches have also been added. The /NOTIFY switch sends a print completion message to users at their workstations, which is convenient for users that are located in a different room from the printer. The /NONOTIFY switch disables this feature. The /DIRECT switch lets users with an attached shared printer print their own files faster by sending them directly to the printer without first copying them to the server's despooling area. The /DELETE switch tells the network to delete the file from disk immediately after it is printing using the /DIRECT switch.

New print resources parameters grant greater control in printing ASCII files and let users specify the number of lines (up to 255) that will be printed before a form feed. When combined with LANtastic v4.1's other print options, this allows users to format the printing of text-only files with great precision.

Automatic login to servers makes it easier and faster for users to access a server's resources. After users have logged into a server, they no longer have to enter their user names or passwords to access other servers. By allowing users to log in to multiple servers with one command, LANtastic v4.1 saves them from having to type multiple NET LOGIN commands and allows them to create shorter batch files.

Hot keys have been added as shortcuts to the LANtastic v4.1 menus. This allows users to activate an option by pressing the letter key corresponding to the highlighted letter in each command.

The NET HELP display now includes instruction regarding networking topics as well as specific commands. For example, to see a list of expandable strings for use in a macro, the user simply types NET HELP MACROS.

Other new LANtastic v4.1 features include NET PAUSE and NET FLUSH commands and Change Your Username without Logging Out.

LANtastic v4.1 is available at $99 per network (up to 300 nodes) for users purchasing Artisoft adapters. It is also available in the adapter-independent LANtastic/AI v4.1 at $99 per node.

The LANtastic v4.1 upgrade will be available to all registered endusers through Artisoft or any Authorized Artisoft Five Star Dealer. The upgrade will cost $50 per network for networks using Artisoft adapters. Users of the LANtastic/AI network, the adapter-independent version of the LANtastic network which includes software drivers for running the LANtastic network on other manufacturers' adapters, will be able to upgrade to v4.1 for $99 per network.

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Artisoft, Inc., the Tucson-based manufacturer of the LANtastic Local Area Network, announced an offer to convert users of any NetWare 2.2 network (up to 300 users) to the latest version of the LANtastic network for only $499.

"LANtastic v4.1's performance, features, and expansion capabilities are comparable to NetWare 2.2 at a fraction of the cost," commented Jack Schoof, Artisoft President and CEO.

NetWare 2.2 users should call 1-800-TINY RAM for more information about the offer and to get the name of the Artisoft Authorized Five Star Dealer nearest them. Artisoft's Five Star dealers are equipped to demonstrate LANtastic v4.1, honor the conversion price of $499 upon proof of NetWare 2.2 registration, and even install the LANtastic network software if needed. This offer may be discontinued without notice.

By taking advantage of this offer, NetWare 2.2 users will save $2000 off the regular price of $2499 for LANtastic/AI unlimited network software which works with third-party adapters and supports up to 300 users. LANtastic/AI networking software includes hardware drivers for various adapters from the following manufacturers: Western Digital, Standard Microsystems, ThomasConrad, Tandy, Xircom, 3Com, Novell and compatibles, and various other adapters with NetBIOS-compatible drivers.

Novell NetWare users with network adapters not supported by Artisoft also have the option of purchasing LANtastic for NetWare software at $499 per network. This software adds peer-to-peer features and flexibility to existing NetWare networks, allowing individuals, corporate workgroups and even large departments to share programs, data, printers, hard drives, CD-ROMs and other resources while maintaining connection to the dedicated NetWare server. LANtastic for NetWare software supports up to 300 users, runs on top of Novell's NetBIOS emulation and requires Novell's NetBIOS to operate.

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Artisoft develops and manufactures a full line of hardware and software for local area networks including the LANtastic Local Area Network. The LANtastic network is recognized as the leading DOS based peer-to-peer network and has won numerous industry awards for its cost-effective features, performance, and ease of use. It allows up to 300 users of IBM-compatible computers to connect and share information and peripheral devices such as printers, hard drives and CD-ROMs.

For more information about Artisoft or its product line, contact Artisoft, Inc. at 691 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85704. Sales 800-TINY RAM (846-9726). Corporate 602/293-4000. Fax 602/293-8065


NetWorld 92 Record Attendance
NetWorld 92 Boston affirmed its reputation as the premier networking and interoperability trade event in the computer industry, with 365 companies showcasing networking hardware, software and services to more than 30,285 attendees, during the fourth annual show at the John B. Hynes Convention Center and Sheraton Hotel, February 11-13.

In 1993, NetWorld Boston takes place January 12-14, at the Hynes Center and Sheraton Hotel. NetWorld show management announced today that 89 percent of the exhibit space for 1993 has been sold.

Scores of companies unveiled new products or announced strategic alliances, including: 3Com, Banyan Systems, Beyond Inc., Cabletron Systems, Datapoint, DaVinci Systems, Dell, Digital Equipment Corp., Emerald Systems, Futurus, GigaTrend, Hayes Microcomputer, Lotus, Novell, Proxim and Ungermann-Bass. Other exhibitors at the show included Brightwork, Chipcom, Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Madge Networks, Microsoft, National Semiconductor, Network General, Sitka, SMC and WordPerfect.

For the first time, NetWorld Boston featured two networking technology showcases enabling users to see hardware and software products from different companies working together.

ShowNet allowed NetWorld attendees to access information about exhibitors, seminars and products, and to send E-mail messages to other attendees and the outside world. The Technical Support Alliance booth showcased exhibitors breaking down competitive barriers to answer technical questions from attendees.

NetWorld 92 Boston also recorded strong attendance at the NetWorld Seminar Series, featuring 81 conference sessions, running concurrently with the exhibits. Nine NetWorld Tutorials, intensive all-day, comprehensive sessions took place on February 10.

NetWorld 92 Boston is produced by Bruno Blenheim Inc., a trade show management firm and subsidiary of Blenheim Group PLC, the world's leading independent producer of exhibitions and conferences with more than 250 events worldwide. Bruno Blenheim also produces NetWorld Dallas, PC EXPO in New York, PC EXPO in Chicago, UNIX EXPO and will launch NetWorld Europe in Frankfurt, Germany this April.

Watch for a complete press kit archive from the NetWorld show to be available in the Informational download library in this section in the next few weeks.


Sylvan Swr vs Williams & Wilkins
Williams & Wilkins of Baltimore, Maryland, announced that Sylvan Software of Irvine, California, has been permanently prohibited by Federal Court Order from selling the recently released Version 4.0 of Sylvan's medical spell checking software products.

Earlier this month, Williams & Wilkins filed a complaint with the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia against Gregory Rice and Barbara Narsesian Rice, doing business as Sylvan Software. The complaint stated that Sylvan Software's Version 4.0 medical spelling products contained misappropriated content from Williams & Wilkins' copyrighted works, STEDMAN'S MEDICAL DICTIONARY and STEDMAN'S/25 FOR WORDPERFECT.

The Court's Order, issued February 21, 1992, requires Sylvan Software to withdraw its Version 4.0 medical spelling products from the market immediately and to issue a "corrective notice" to all Sylvan customers who purchased these products or were upgraded to them.

Sylvan's written notice also will make their customers aware of significant discrepancies between the word counts advertised by Sylvan and the actual number of words contained in earlier versions of Sylvan's medical spelling products.

In addition, Sylvan Software has agreed to pay Williams & Wilkins damages of an undisclosed amount.

The Court Order specifically states that Sylvan Software is permanently prohibited from selling, marketing, licensing, or otherwise distributing the Sylvan's COMPLETE MEDICAL VERSION 4.0 product and COMPLETE MEDICAL VERSION 4.0, PHARMACEUTICAL VERSION 1.2 combination product.

Williams & Wilkins' STEDMAN'S/25 FOR WORDPERFECT, a medical spelling software product introduced in April 1991, is the cornerstone of a new software productivity line from the company's Electronic Media Division.

It was information brought to light during a routine analysis of competitive medical spelling software products which first led Williams & Wilkins to believe that its copyrights had been infringed by Sylvan's recently-released Version 4.0 products.

This competitive analysis also revealed significant discrepancies between the actual and advertised word counts of earlier versions of Sylvan's products.

Although Sylvan ads appearing as early as July 1990, listed a count of 60,000 for Sylvan's COMPLETE MEDICAL DICTIONARY VERSION 3.0 product, that product, in fact, contained only about 30,000 words.

The next version of that product, Version 3.1, contained only 36,300 words, yet advertisements in July 1991, claimed a count of 152,000.

The Court Order requires that: Sylvan send the mandatory "corrective notices" detailing these discrepancies and notifying Sylvan customers of the withdrawal of Sylvan's new Version 4.0 products, within 30 days.

"Williams & Wilkins takes its copyrights very seriously and has a history of defending them," according to Fred Fusting, Vice President and Publisher of the company's Electronic Media Division.

In 1975, after seven years of litigation which led ultimately to the Supreme Court, Williams & Wilkins prevailed in a landmark case involving unauthorized duplication of its copyrighted works.

As an active member of the American Medical Publishers Association and the Software Publishers Association, Williams & Wilkins continues to work foe and support both national and international copyright laws.

A division of Waverly, Inc., Williams & Wilkins is a worldwide publisher of medical and scientific books, journals, software, and video.

Williams & Wilkins was represented in this action by Venable, Baetjer. and Howard, a Baltimore-based law firm.

Williams & Wilkins

428 East Preston St, Baltimore, MD 21202-3993

410-528-4000


MultiX25 PAD for X.25 Data Networks
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc., a leading manufacturer of data communications equipment, headquartered in Mounds View, Minnesota, announces the MultiX25 PAD. The MultiX25 Packet Assembler/Disassembler (PAD) features cost-effective performance with user-friendly configuration. The PAD supports the X.25 DTE-to-DCE interface in addition to the "Triple X" standards (X.3 PAD parameters, X.28 asynchronous user command interface, and X.29 synchronous command interface). It will be available for shipment in March, 1992, priced at $1599.

"Our new PAD provides a common default configuration and a user-friendly interface to make its setup simple and straight forward", states Multi-Tech President, Raghu Sharma. "This product fills the niche for organizations that need basic access to the X.25 network without having to master complex X.28 and X.29 commands for configuration."

The MultiX25 PAD provides eight asynchronous channels for the connection of PCs, terminals, printers, modems, or asynchronous host channels. It can be used to provide X.25 communications links to remote resources and to create a private data network using X.25 packet-switching technology. Asynchronous devices can transfer data to the PAD at rates up to 19.2K bps with autobaud detection built into the PAD. With a synchronous modem like our MultiModemII (model MT1432), the X.25 composite link can transmit data over analog lines at 14.4K bps. Using digital lines and a Digital Service Unit like our MultiDSU56K, data rates up to 56K bps can Be achieved.

Configuration is simplified by the inclusion of default setup tables and X.3 profiles for typical applications and a user-friendly configuration menu for custom applications. The menu can be accessed locally through an RS232 command port on the PAD, or remotely, by calling the internal command modem. A special feature has also been included so that the PAD can be configured through the network using the menu, rather than using the cryptic X.29 commands.

With support for such X.25 facilities as: closed user group selection, fast select acceptance, hunt group, call barring, and reverse charging, MultiX25 is a new generation X.25 PAD that offers more than the "basics" at a competitive price.

Multi-Tech Systems

2205 Woodale Dr, Mounds View, MN 55112

612-785-3500  800-328-9717   fax: 612-785-9874


RASTEREX Graphics Solutions
Expert Graphics Inc., The U.S. Distributor of the RASTEREX line of Graphics Solutions will be exhibiting the complete range of RASTEREX products on Booth 2835 at the A/E/C Systems Show, June 9-11, 1992 in Dallas, Texas. Three new/updated products will be introduced at the show.

RASTEREX TRACER Board -- New Product

Designed for fast visualizations and 3D performance solutions, Tracer is a TMS34020 based graphics board with standard utilization of full 32-bit floating point image manipulation. Options include the ability to upgrade to very large memory capacities to accommodate complex real-time processing of 3D graphics entities.

"The RASTEREX Tracer board provides a new level of performance for fast interactive 3D graphics," says Darrell Knight, president of Expert Graphics, Inc. "Like all RASTEREX boards, Tracer will enhance the functionality of AutoCAD for dedicated users by providing overall improvement in speed, as well as maneuverability in overlay functions such as Spyglass and Bird's-Eye-View. For example, the user will be able to display a Bird's-Eye-View while panning and zooming." Tracer offers high resolution, 1280 x 1024 at 72Hz.

More importantly, Tracer, with it's on-board co-processor, has the capability of handling future 3D applications. Its way of communicating with the PC is so flexible that it will enable parallel processing, and thus access to the faster PCs of today and tomorrow. Tracer will significantly increase the speed of all Windows applications. It can be upgraded to 16MB DRAM which will allow the user to work with very large drawings. Tracer will run all RASTEREX software including AutoIcon, RxEDM and RxImage.

RxEDM -- New Version

A new version of RxEDM (Engineering Drawing Management) will be introduced, which will incorporate retrieving and redlining of documents ("A" size or FAX type, as well as engineering drawings.) Users will be able to add links to CAD or scanned drawings, enabling associated documents to be retrieved and viewed as one retrieves a drawing. For greater flexibility in developing a custom database front-end, and to add increased supervisor control, this new version will include: a new screen painter program, multiple configurable user screens for different user access to the same database, and extended DBF access.

This new development will take RxEDM from being a drawing management system to an intelligent company-wide information database.

RxVECTORY -- New Version

RxVectory is an automatic raster to vector convertor program, which allows scanned drawings to be converted automatically to CAD-compatible DXB or DXF files. Tools include raster processing for splitting merged lines; arc, line, circle, and polyline entity recognition; and the ability to assign multiple layers far easy AutoCAD integration. Most importantly, the primary capability in version 2.0 includes optical character recognition (OCR), for faster integration of text information into a CAD environment.

Expert Graphics

1908 Cliff Valley Way, Suite 2010, Atlanta, GA 30329

404-320-0800   fax/404-315-7645


Phoenix Buying GRiD Pen Computers
GRiD pen computers have been purchased by the city of Phoenix where they are speeding up the delivery of social services to the disadvantaged, saving time for city caseworkers and reducing taxpayer costs. The announcement was made at the Pen Computing 1992 conference.

The small, GRiDPAD battery-powered computers--manufactured by GRiD Systems Corp., of Fremont, CA--are being used by caseworkers in the city's Human Services Department to handle various programs including food provisions, utility payments and teenage pregnancy counseling. Data is entered on electronic forms with a pen instead of a keyboard as caseworkers compile names and addresses of clients plus income and other data used to figure eligibility for various programs.

The PC-compatible, MS-DOS based pen computers replaced paper forms that were very time consuming to fill out. Data from the paper forms later had to be entered into a computer by keypunch operators who often had a two-week backlog of work. Sometimes errors were made in transcribing the

Now, information is entered directly into the GRiDPADs and downloaded into the agency's main computers the same day.

The clients and caseworkers even sign their signatures right on the GRiDPAD screen which captures and saves the handwriting as an official record.

As a result of computerization, "the city saves money, speeds service deliveries to clients and reduces errors," said Douglas Gauthier, information management supervisor for the Human Services Department. He oversees implementation of the GRiDPAD program.

GRiD president D. Bruce Walter said, "There's a significant market for pen computers in government agencies because of the extensive paper forms processing that occurs at all levels of government. The success of this program in Phoenix shows the rest of the nation how a new computer technology can improve services while cutting taxpayers costs."

About a dozen GRiDPADs are being used at one neighborhood center where the needy apply for various programs. There are plans to expand the project to five other neighborhood centers in Phoenix staffed by 50 caseworkers.

The computers enable social workers to see more clients per day and turn fewer away at the end of the day, said Gauthier. He estimated that a caseworker with a GRiDPAD sees 10 to 12 clients a day versus eight with the old paper method.

In addition, he said, the GRiDPAD program has built-in error checks to catch conflicting information provided by clients, either inadvertently or purposefully, that would result in over payments.

With the paper forms, caseworkers and supervisors find that about 10 percent of the 40,000 to 50,000 paper forms filled out a year contain errors, said David Suess, of Gauthier's staff. Caseworkers and supervisors spend considerable time finding and correcting the mistakes.

Because of savings in worker time, keypunching, photocopying of forms, shredding of the paper and its disposal at landfills, the department could save $300,000 to $400,000 over four years after the full GRiDPAD project is implemented, Suess estimated.

As a result, he stated, GRiDPADs for 50 caseworkers at five neighborhood centers could pay for themselves from the savings in 1.4 years.

With the city's revenues declining there is an emphasis on keeping costs low. "With such a tight budget, GRiDPADs help stretch our money as far as possible," said Suess.

In addition, caseworkers can use the time they used to spend on fixing errors to see more clients, said Gauthier.

Gauthier said the department dispenses about $3 million in benefit payments a year to low income persons--about 100,000 services delivered to some 55,000 persons.

Phoenix is one of the first cities in the nation to use pen computers for social service programs.

Gauthier said caseworkers adapted quickly to the computers. Most had never used computers before and the lack of need for a keyboard speeded training and acceptability. "They took right to it," he said.

He said other city, county and state agencies are considering GRiDPAD applications because of the success of the Human Resources Department.

GRiD designs, manufactures, markets and services laptop, pen, desktop and multimedia computers, pen-based software development tools, electronic mail and networking systems. GRiD, located at 47211 Lakeview Blvd., Fremont, CA 94537, also has offices in the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Spain, Sweden, France, Belgium and Denmark. GRiD is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tandy Corporation, Fort Worth, a leading manufacturer and distributor of consumer electronics and computers.


Intecolor Industrial Workstations
Intecolor Corporation, a leading manufacturer of industrial displays and workstations, has introduced three new 12-slot versions of its popular 386SX-based industrial workstations. The new units feature greater expansion capability and other advanced ruggedization features that make them ideal for industrial applications.

Three new models were announced: two standalone workstations and a rackmount computer version known as a workrack. The fully integrated workstations--the WS3002-20P and WS3002-20R -- include a 20-inch color display and are available in rackmount and panel-mount enclosures. The WR3102-00R workrack's smaller footprint with an 18-inch depth allows it to fit into almost any console.

"We added the 12-slot design into our product offerings for our customers who require additional open slots to accommodate expansion," said Stan Jessen, systems product manager at Intecolor.

The rackmount workstation and workrack are cooled with front-mounted filtered fans that use positive air pressure to first cool the cards, then the power supply.

The new workstations also include a rugged 200 watt power supply; dual, individual card restraints that guard against shock and vibration, making the computer more secure in harsh environments; and a .093-PCB passive backplane and 16-gauge steel construction.

In addition to the industrial features, the 12-slot line simplifies maintenance and security. With only a few captive screws to provide easy access, the cover can be easily removed without danger of losing the screws. An optional diagnostic card monitors the system's status, including the cooling system and power supply, and drives a front-panel alphanumeric display that can alert the user to potential or actual problems.

A front door conceals the power and reset switches, front keyboard connector, disk drives and the workstation monitor's controls.

The base unit includes a 12-slot passive backplane, 386SX CPU, VGA board, 52M hard drive and a 1.44M floppy drive. The workstations also include a 20-inch 800 x 600 VGA monitor. Optional processor boards include high-performance 386DX and 486DX with up to 32M of RAM. Hard drives are available with capacities to over lG byte. Monitor resolutions can be provided up to 1280 x 1024 non-interlaced.

Multiple I/O is available utilizing the latest touchscreen technology, in addition to other input devices such as full environmental keyboards, function keypads, mice and trackballs.

Intecolor is a complete systems integrator that offers customized features, such as stainless steel enclosures and various consoles, for specialized industries. For explosion-proof applications, purged enclosures for NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) with heat exchangers or air conditioners are available.

The 12-slot workstations are available now, and single-piece pricing starts at $7,495, based on configuration. Pricing for the 12-slot workrack which will be available in April, starts at $4,995, also based on configuration.

Intecolor will demonstrate the new products at the International Control Engineering Exposition and Conference, Booth #3311, in Chicago beginning February 24.

Founded in 1973, Intecolor is a leading manufacturer of industrial displays and workstations to the industrial control industry. Its complete line of X-compatible products, workstations, monitors and terminals is available in a wide range of enclosures and resolutions.

For more information, contact Intecolor, 2150 Boggs Road, Duluth, GA 30136. (404) 623-9145. FAX: (404) 623-9163.


Multi-Ad Free Fonts & Font CD-ROM
Multi-Ad Services of Peoria, Illinois, and Monotype Typography Inc. of Chicago, Illinois have formed a strategic marketing alliance. This joint effort will benefit subscribers of the Multi-Ad Electronic Art Department. Customers receive a free Monotype font on each Ad-Builder or SCAN CD-ROM, as well as a Monotype FoneFont CD-ROM.

The FoneFont CD is a collection of 1,400 Type 1 PostScript fonts that can be accessed utilizing CD-ROM media. Monotype is the only type foundry that offers a CD capable of accessing the full Monotype and Adobe libraries one font at a time.

Multi-Ad Services was to begin shipping this font CD free to all their electronic customers in late February. The CD will allow customers to purchase the one font they really need, as opposed to buying an entire package of fonts. With FoneFonts, you decide which fonts you want; a simple phone call to Multi-Ad does the rest.

As an added benefit, subscribers will receive 12 free Monotype fonts on Multi-Ad's Electronic Companion CD, a categorized collection of over 3,000 EPS & TIFF graphics. Ad-Builder and SCAN electronic customers can call (800) 447-1950 for more information on how to receive this free electronic clip art and font collection.

For more information on Monotype FoneFont pricing, call (800) 447-1950.


Systran SCRAMNet Network Boards
Systran Corp. announced it has expanded the number of interface boards that connect computers to its real-time, fiber-optic, replicated shared-memory network, SCRAMNet. Now, companies requiring true real-time (150 MBit/sec.) network performance can add MULTIBUS- and Encore's SelBUS-based system nodes. MULTIBUS-based computers, from companies such as Silicon Graphics, Concurrent Computer Corp., and Intel; and SelBUS-based computers from Encore Computer Corp. (formerly Gould CSD), can now be connected for real-time applications ranging from aircraft simulation to telemetry. The new boards bring the total number of SCRAMNet-supported backplane busses to eight.

The SelBUS-based board, the SCRAMNet Model SE1000, is particularly useful for telemetry applications, where Encore computers have a large installed base and where real-time speeds are necessary for receiving and transmitting radio data for control purposes. The SCRAMNet Model Ml 100, based on MULTIBUS, allows systems integrators to connect Silicon Graphics series 2000 and 3000, Concurrent's 5000 line and Intel 310 AP or 320 systems equipped with a 386 processor to SCRAMNet networks.

Said W. Lynn Trainor, president of Systran, "SCRAMNet's forte is transferring data among different vendors' computers at the speed of light. With the introduction of the SelBUS and MULTIBUS boards, we've substantially increased the variety of networkable computers, furthering SCRAMNet's position as a standard in the realm of real-time applications, and allowing our customers to use whatever computer technology they need in their high-end data transfer applications."

SCRAMNet Designed for Simplicity, Speed

With SCRAMNet's replicated shared-memory design, all computer nodes on the network are equipped with identical computer-addressable memories. Every change to the replicated shared-memory at one node is immediately and automatically replicated in all nodes on the network in microseconds, causing all computers to appear to real-time applications as one large virtual multi-processor. Featuring fiber-optic technology, a sophisticated interrupt structure, data filtering and a programmable byte swapper, the SCRAMNet network avoids the limitations of physical shared-memory architecture and message-passing LANs to deliver true real-time speed, predictable performance, positive system control and with no software overhead.

SelBUS--An Efficient Link to SCRAMNet

The Model SE1000 provides a transparent, efficient link between the SCRAMNet network and SelBUS-based computer systems. Like all Systran boards, it features the SCRAMNet simplicity, where all data is replicated in SelBUS memory as it occurs, with no protocol conversions. Features include:

* Economical single board design that plugs into any SelBUS D.I. slot.

* Efficient memory scheme that eliminates additional memory costs while keeping SelBUS-resident caching devices current with network memory updates.

* Powerful interrupt on memory update capabilities.

* Status postings for generating error conditions and for generating externally accessible interrupt pulses per event.

* Flexible byte-swapping that uses two separate swapping matrices for network transmissions and network receptions.

* Effective data-integrity control.

MULTIBUS Board Merges Reliability, Performance

One of the most recent additions to the SCRAMNet network family, the Model M1100 features total compliance with the MULTIBUS I standard, efficient network writes, broad memory-mapping capabilities, and installation and verification software. It merges the performance provided by SCRAMNet with the proven reliability of MULTIBUS I-based systems for applications ranging from process control to aircraft simulation.

Price and Availability

Both the Model SE 1000 and the M1100 are available now, at prices per node ranging from $6,900 to $12,900, depending on configuration.

An established research and development firm headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, Systran Corp. specializes in simulation, artificial intelligence and defense-related hardware/software research and development. The company's SCRAMNet network is the leading real-time network, with hundreds of nodes in use at aerospace, corporate and U.S. military installations. For more information, contact Systran at 4126 Linden Ave., Dayton, OH 45432-3068. Telephone: 1-800 252-5601.


Microsoft C/C++ V7.0 Dev System
Microsoft Corporation introduced Microsoft C/C++ version 7.0 Development System for Windows, incorporating Highperformance Object Technology (HOT I for development of the smallest, fastest Windows-based applications possible. The product contains a comprehensive set of professional tools for Microsoft Windows 3.1, so that developers can immediately begin building applications for Windows 3.1 when that new environment begins shipping.

Microsoft HOT is a set of integrated technologies providing advanced C++ design, new compiler optimizations, and a Windows-based Applications Framework to maximize the performance of objects under Windows. HOT provides developers the benefits of object-oriented design without saddling them with the high memory overhead and slow performance associated with other C++ development products.

"Microsoft C/C++ has been crafted with one goal in mind -- to help developers build the best C/C++ applications possible for Microsoft Windows," said Bill Gates, Microsoft chairman and CEO. "The combination of a great C++ compiler and the Microsoft

Foundation Class framework gives programmers the benefits of object orientation for Windows with the production code quality they expect from Microsoft. C/C++ 7.0 extends our substantial lead in the area of code generation and Language design, improves developer throughput, and incorporates many new tools and capabilities to help developers doing C++ applications for Windows 3.1. "

C/C++ 7.0 has a complete Windows 3.0 and Windows 3.1 toolset, including the Windows debug kernel and the Windows set-up toolkit, plus a new version of CodeView for C++ debugging, a much faster Programmer's Workbench, and the Qualitas 386MAX memory manager to ease memory constraints during development, among many other components. Many of the enhancements to C/C++ 7.0 also benefit MS-DOS applications.

Summary of Key Features of C/C++  7.0

Designed to handle large, sophisticated Windows-based applications, C/C++ 7.0's HOT technology eliminates the high overhead inherent in many implementations of the C++ language and enables the creation of the smallest and fastest applications possible.

C/C++ 7.0 provides a number of new object-oriented technologies for building Windows-based applications:

Robust C++ version 2.1 code generation avoids many of the errors experienced by other C++ compilers. C/C++ 7.0, which conforms strictly to the AT&T 2.1 specification, is designed to generate correct object code from even the most complex or obscure source expressions. In many cases, coding errors missed by other compilers are caught by C/C++ 7.0 and reported to the developer.

"In our position as a high-visibility, cross-platform C++ library developer, we see a lot of C++ compilers," said Dr. Thomas Keffer, president of Rogue Wave Software, Inc. "We threw our quarter-million lines of C++ code at a beta version of C7 and came up with only two minor bugs. Those have been fixed. C7 is a solid, impressive achievement. "

Microsoft Foundation Classes provide objects for Windows, with more than 60 C++ classes that abstract the functionality of the Windows Application Programming Interface (API). The entire Windows API is supported. There are classes for the Windows graphics system, GDI; Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) and menus. The framework allows easy migration from the procedural programming methodology of C and the Windows API to the object-oriented approach of C++. Developers can add object-oriented code while retaining the ability to call any Windows API function directly at any time; a programmer can take any existing C application for Windows and add new functionality without having to rewrite the application from scratch.

In addition, the foundation classes simplify Windows message processing and other details the programmers must otherwise implement manually. The foundation classes include extensive diagnostics. They have undergone rigorous tuning and optimization to yield very fast execution speeds and minimal memory requirements. When compiled, the entire Foundation class library is only 39 KB and typically adds very little overhead to the application. Competitive C++ products generate significantly more overhead than the foundation classes in the form of dynamic link libraries (DLLs) required at runtime. C++ source code is included for all foundation classes. More than 20,000 lines of sample code are provided in 18 significant Windows-based applications to demonstrate every aspect of the foundation classes and programming for Windows, including use of OLE.

New tools speed development for Windows 3.1. The Windows debug kernel is a fundamental tool for developers of applications for Windows 3.0 and 3.1. About 60 percent of all Unrecoverable Application Errors (UAEs) are caused by invalid parameters being passed to Windows from an application. The debug kernel provides a mechanism to trap and report such errors back to developers, so they can correct the problem. The Windows set-up toolkit provides developers the tools they need to create custom, Windows-hosted installation and setup programs for their applications.

Throughput Improves Across Range of Tools

Improved developer throughput is possible because Microsoft has aggressively driven its build times down to match the performance of other professional development environments. This is achieved through a variety of new features, such as precompiled headers, which allow previously compiled versions of header files to be saved and then reused during subsequent compilations. Unlike other compilers, Microsoft C/C++ 7.0 allows precompilation of any source code. This feature leads to significantly shorter compile times for C programs, which typically contain many header files. Microsoft has also extended precompilation technology to include precompiled types. ALL symbolic information can be precompiled during the debugging cycle, which improves link time -- a critical savings when developers are intensively building and rebuilding their applications.

New versions of CodeView debugger and the Programmer's Workbench (PWB) also speed the edit/debug/build cycle and work closely with Windows to allow the programmer to operate within the graphical operating system. Both CodeView and PWB now support multiple overlapping windows.

* CodeView debugger now supports full C++ debugging in four modes, including remote debugging of an application that is running on a different system and from within Windows.

* PWB has been tuned for speed and redesigned with an enhanced project-oriented interface. In addition, a powerful C++ "class browser" helps developers visualize and productively navigate complex class hierarchies. PWB is at least twice as fast as the previous version.

* "WXServer" technology in PWB allows developers to automatically run Windows-based tools and applications from within PWB, along with MS-DOS-based tools and applications, providing a single, integrated development environment.

C/C++ 7.0 Continues Leadership in Code Generation

Additional size and speed optimizations in C/C++ 7.0 offer even better results than optimizations in C6.0, which has continued to be an industry leader in this area. In addition to the optimizations contained in C6.0, C/C++ 7.0 provides new optimization technologies for

. A major addition to the optimizations is p-code (packed code), an advanced code generation technology used to develop Microsoft's own applications, including Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Project. As an intermediate object code representation, p-code compresses code size by 30-40 percent through the use of a compiler option. Developers will use p-code selectively for parts of applications where the most sizable reductions can be made at the least cost in speed, for example in user-interface code. P-code runs more slowly than native code, but by shrinking code size it can also reduce or eliminate swapping to disk, which provides an offsetting speed gain.

* Also new are full inlining capabilities for C and C++ . Microsoft's inlining technology handles inlined functions containing control structures; other compilers are restricted to inlining functions without control structures. Microsoft's approach means larger and more complex combinations of code may be inlined, substantially improving the optimization capability. In addition to programmer controlled inlining, the auto inlining feature automatically performs intelligent inlining of an application's functions, without any work on the part of the programmer, for an immediate speed gain of up to 10 percent.

Other Product Features

386MAX by Qualitas provides advanced memory management for developers. It is included with Microsoft C/C++ 7.0 at no additional cost.

For programming in MS-DOS, C/C++ 7.0 offers a new virtual overlay manager, the Microsoft Overlay Virtual Environment (MOVE), which allows programmers to build MSDOS-based programs of almost unlimited size. By overlaying both code and data, the C/C++ 7.0 overlay manager represents a major advance ova competitive products, which overlay only code. A number of general purpose C++ classes in the foundation classes can be used by both programmers for Windows and MS-DOS.

Extensive documentation includes more than 5,000 printed pages as well as detailed online hypertext manuals. Among the manuals is a C++ tutorial and a class library "cookbook," both of which help bring programmers up to speed fast.

The suggested U.S. retail price of C/C++ 7.0 is $499. Users of previous versions of C and C++, including Microsoft C, Borland C++, Watcom C, or Zortech C++ can upgrade for only $139 in the U.S. Product and upgrades are available through normal retail outlets. C/C++ 7.0 will be shipping by April 1992.

International Availability

Microsoft C/C++ 7.0 will be simultaneously available in Eastern Europe, Munich, Paris, Stockholm, London, Amsterdam and Milan. A Kanji version of C/C++ 7.0 is also being readied for the Japanese market.

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Microsoft Corporation also announced that the Qualitas 386MAX version 6.0 package will be included in the Microsoft C/C++ version 7.0 Professional Development System for Windows. This special promotion provides programmers with advanced memory management capabilities for application development.

"We are pleased to be working with Microsoft to provide a memory management solution to the developer community," said Mary Stanley, CEO of Qualitas, Inc. H386MAX has been a very popular solution for users who have memory management needs. Through our combined efforts, users are assured a solid solution. "

Developers for both the Microsoft Windows and MS-DOS operating systems will benefit from using 386MAX because it will allow them to access the services that the MS-DOS protected mode interface (DPMI) brings. 386MAX is a self-installing memory manager and program loader for 386-based systems. It automatically relocates memory-resident software into unused regions of address space, increasing conventional memory, and allowing large, memory-intensive applications to run more efficiently.

386MAX will be included in the Microsoft C/C++ version 7.0 box and is scheduled to be widely available in retail outlets in April 1992.

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In conjunction with the announcement of Microsoft C/C++ version 7.0 Development System for Windows, 29 independent software vendors (ISVs) simultaneously announced new tools for the Microsoft C/C++ 7.0 development environment.

"We are pleased to see the diversity and abundance of development tools being announced today," said Bill Gates, Microsoft chairman and CEO. "With C/C++ version 7 and the wide variety of tools available, developers will have the means to create more and better applications for Windows than ever before." Industry-wide Support

The following are statements of support from industry tools vendors announcing their new development tools for Microsoft C/C++ version 7 today:

"In our position as a high-visibility, cross-platform C++ library developer, we see a lot of C++ compilers. We threw our quarter-million lines of C++ code at a beta version of C7 and came up with only two minor bugs. Those have been fixed. C7 is a solid, impressive achievement." Dr. Thomas Keffer, President, Rogue Wave Software, Inc.

"Microsoft C has always been an industry standard for developing on the PC. With the release of C 7.0 and the advent of C++ we are sure Microsoft is going to play a key role in the development language arena. MultiScope will provide superior debugging technology to support this industry-leading product. Our debuggers include many productivity tools (such as the Crash-Analyzer System used for finding the cause of UAEs fast) that save C 7.0 developers hours and weeks of development time." Mansour Safai, President, MultiScope, Inc.

"Microsoft continues to drive the industry forward with the release of its new C/C++ version 7 which is sure to become a standard. Nu-Mega Technologies is committed to supporting the Microsoft standard with all of our tools and future products as well." Franklin Grossman, President, Nu-Mega Technologies, Inc.

"Microsoft' s introduction of Microsoft C/C++ version 7.0 marks the beginning of an entirely new era of software development and establishes C++ as the development language of preference for future development." Eddie Currie, President, ImageSoft

"As the developer of the only distributed object-oriented database for the Windows environment, Object Design is pleased to be able to address the growing community of users of Microsoft C. Together, Windows 3.1 and ObjectStore, combined with the high performance of Microsoft C++ 7.0, will provide professional developers with a powerful object-oriented environment for developing complex applications on the PC." Tom Atwood, Founder and chairman, Object Design, Inc.

"Using Vermont Views v3.05 with your Microsoft C v7.0 compiler allows you to provide all functionality and graphic features your end users are demanding without the overhead associated with other development environments." Vince Taylor, President ,Vermont Creative Software

"Programmers who use Microsoft C/C++ 7.0 and the Microsoft Foundation Classes to build their applications for Windows will significantly reduce their development time. CASE:W for MFC will increase programmer productivity even further by generating the required MFC object code for a Windows interface automatically." Terry Flaherty, Vice president of marketing, CASEWORKS, Inc.

"The AccSys libraries, when combined with the powerful Microsoft C/C++ programming environment, provides the application programmer with unprecedented power to deliver applications in a timely manner. dBASE or Paradox file management is quick and flexible with AccSys." Steve Hersee, President, Copia International, Ltd.

"Microsoft's C 7.0 and Datalight's C-thru-ROM provide a complete stand-alone ROM development tool set for 80x86 developers. Users get startup code, ROMable library and remote debugging, allowing them to run C 7.0 code from ROM on any 80x86 platform." Roy L. Sherrill III, President, Datalight

"The object-Menu product was created with a strong emphasis on ease of use and is therefore equally well-suited to the Microsoft C/C++ 7.0 developer who is just entering the realm of C++ as well as the experienced OOP designer. Further, the use of Microsoft C/C++ 7.0 in conjunction with object-Menu will dramatically increase the productivity of the C++ programmer." Lisa Herman, Vice president, sales and marketing, Island Systems

"C++/Views combined with Microsoft's new C/C++ 7.0 enables developers to create the most highly optimized Windows applications in the shortest possible time. Together, they create an ideal object-oriented Windows development environment." Stephen M. Kuhn, Director of marketing, Liant Software Corporation

"SegMentor is an add-on utility designed to enhance the performance of applications compiled with Microsoft C 7.0. SegMentor analyzes the function calling patterns of an application, and then causes those functions which call each other most frequently to be bound together into common segments or pages. This new segmentation scheme is then transparently integrated via Microsoft's pragma directives." Chris Suver, President, MicroQuill, Inc.

"Our PANEL and PANEL Plus screen management products have supported Microsoft C since its first release, and version 7 is the best yet. We have found that the new Windows support for Windows in PANEL Plus II works excellently with the Windows development tools now available with Microsoft C/C++." Tim Frost, Managing director, Roundhill Computer Systems Limited

"I'm excited because C++ programmers can now use CodeBase 4.5 with Microsoft C++ 7.0 to produce high-quality database applications. C++ programmers can now access dBASE, FoxPro and Clipper files from either MS-DOS or Microsoft Windows." Ken Sawya, President, Sequiter Software, Inc.

New Product Information

The following are short descriptions of the new development tools introduced for the Microsoft C/C++ 7.0 development environment:

Advanced Programming Techniques, Inc.

APT Reporting 1.0 is a sophisticated SQL query and report writing application for the Microsoft Windows environment. It makes report design as simple as clicking on fields and positioning them on the screen. Chris Falsone, (617) 426-0360

Blaise Computing, Inc.

Blaise Computing Inc. offers the following library support for applications in Microsoft C/C++ Development System for Windows, version 7.0. Windows Control Palette provides collections of custom controls and a custom dialog box class that allows programmers to build sophisticated and attractive interfaces. C Tools Plus is a comprehensive, general-purpose add-on library for building MS-DOS, text-mode applications; and C Async Manager allows programmers to develop serial communications applications quickly and easily. Kathleen Calderwood, Marketing director, (510) 540-5441

Blue Sky Software Corporation

WindowsMAKER Professional for C/C++ is an object-oriented prototyping and development tool that generates source code. It is designed for use with Microsoft C/C++ 7.0. The two packages make it easy for expert developers and programmers -- even end users with little or no experience programming for Windows -- to design, test and generate graphical applications for Windows 3.x with little more than the simple point-and-click of a mouse. Steven J. Leon, President, Technopolis Communications, (310) 670-5606

Bottleworks Development Corporation

SoftCode 3. 0 is a template-based application development tool that generates source code for Microsoft C/C++ 7.0. It includes an application outliner, menu editor and screen painter. Charlie Bindert, President, (516) 596-9700

CASEWORKS, Inc.

CASE:W Corporate Edition for Microsoft Foundation Classes for (MFC) is a development tool for Windows-based applications that includes an interactive interface designer and code generator to produce expert-level C++ source code using the Microsoft Foundation class library. Terry Flaherty, Vice president of marketing, (404) 399-6236

Copia International, Ltd.

AccSys for Paradox is a multi-platform database management library interface between Microsoft C/C++, QuickBASIC or Visual Basic and Paradox files. Develop applications using DOS, DOS Extenders, Windows (DLL), OS/2. Network capabilities included.

AccSys for dBASE is a multi-platform database management library interface between Microsoft C/C++ or Visual Basic and dBASE. Develop applications using DOS, DOS Extenders, Windows (DLL), OS/2 environments. Network capabilities included. Dorothy Gaden, Vice president of marketing, (708) 682-8898

Coromandel

ObjecTrieve++ consists of a set of class libraries and a multi-access database engine for building powerful database file formats,. The database engine supports three popular file formats -- ObjecTrieve, dBASE III and Btrieve. The class library allows you to define tables, insert, update and change data in them and perform queries.

ObjecTrieve from Coromandel is an ISAM-based data management tool that allows developers to build powerful data management applications across multiple platforms such as MS-DOS, Windows and UNIX. ObjecTrieve extends the power of C and C++ by providing a data manager with performance and flexibility for developing conventional and multimedia applications. ObjecTrieve supports storage and retrieval of Binary Large Objects (BLOBS) such as scanned images, video, dialog boxes, documents, bit maps, rule sets, etc.

Integra SQL for Microsoft Windows is a powerful SQL database, implemented as a DLL, for C and C++ developers. Integra SQL supports DDE for communicating with other programs based on Windows. Applications can be built by embedding SQL into C or C++ or using a call interface that is compatible with Microsoft SQL Server. It enhances the productivity of developers for Windows by reducing programming effort and development time. Narayan Laksham, (718) 793-7963

Creative Programming Consultants, Inc.

VitaminC is a full-featured user interface toolkit. Its library of C functions includes text-mode windows, menus, fields, list boxes, push buttons, radio buttons, scroll bars and mouse support. Applications are royalty free. Jeff A. Betts, (214) 245-9139

Gimpel Software

PC-lint version 5. 0 analyzes C programs and reports bugs, glitches and inconsistencies. It looks across multiple modules and enjoys a perspective that a compiler doesn't usually have. It aids in developing reliable programs, making programs more maintainable and in porting programs to new machines, new operating systems, new compilers and new memory models. Anneliese Gimpel, (212) 584-4261

Greenleaf Software, Inc.

Greenleaf Comm++ is an object-oriented asynchronous communications library that will provide a hierarchy of classes and give the programmer simple access and control of serial communications with or without terminal emulation. The communication-related classes are designed to overcome the limitations of addressing the serial RS-232 ports through the operating system or BIOS. Comm++ runs under MS-DOS, Windows 3.0 or OS/2. Tammie Williams, (214) 248-2561

ImageSoft

CommonView provides the proven application framework of predefined C++ classes representing the common components and functions needed to develop any GUI-based application. With CommonView a developer can rapidly create a single, simplified, portable GUI program. Joshua Allen, (516) 767-2233

Island Systems

Object-Menu is a C++ class library providing a powerful, extensible, full-featured MS-DOS-based GUI. The developer can create Motif-style screens easily with elements such as overlapped windows, menus, scroll bars, dialog boxes. Included are built-in event and window management and an interactive hypertext help system. Lisa Herman, (617) 273-0421

KnowledgeGarden, Inc.

KnowledgePro Windows is a tool for rapid application development in Windows. Simple commands let users access C/C++ DLLs and call back to KPWin for its interface, expert system and hypertext capabilities. John Slade, (516) 246-5400

Liant Software Corporation

C++/Views is a C++ class library far creating platform-independent GUI applications for Windows, UNIX/Motif, and OS/2 Presentation Manager. Stephen M. Kuhn, (508) 872-8700

MAGEE Enterprises

Screen Manager Professional (SMP) aids programmers in the development of interface design including windowing, menuing, context-sensitive help functions, data entry, plus keyboard and mouse support. Unique features include: unlimited number of windows, event-driven mouse support, context-sensitive help, linkable libraries, and a complete tutorial with over 100 examples of code. Dana Jordan, (404) 446-6611

Magma Software Systems

Version 3.40 of the MEWEL Window library for Microsoft C 7.0 and Microsoft's AFX Class Libraries allow programmers using MS-DOS, OS/2, UNIX, and VAX VMS to create text and graphical applications that resemble those of Microsoft Windows and maintain source code compatibility as well. MEWEL also allows programmers to take existing code for Microsoft Windows and create text and graphic versions which run on multiple platforms. It also fully supports the Common User Access (ClJA) component of IBM's System Application Architecture (SAA) across multiple platforms. Marc Adler, (201) 912-0192

Mansfield Software Group

KEDIT 5.0 is the new version of Mansfield Software Group's XEDIT-compatible PC text editor. KEDIT 5.0 will be released in May. Kevin Kearney, (203) 429-8402

MicroQuill, Inc.

SegMentor optimizes the segmentation map so that C 7.0 applications run fast, even in tight memory conditions. It achieves this by causing those functions which call each other most frequently at run time to be bound together into common segments or pages.

Performance Tracer captures application-wide call-tree and functions timing profile data in a single pass. This data is used for tuning decisions and coverage analysis. No source modifications are required.

DeMystifier examines how Microsoft C' applications interact with the internals of Windows. DeMystifier captures information on memory management, message processing, window class and instance management, GDI display and device capabilities, and system-wide environment settings.

   Tom Marvin, (206) 525-8309

MultiScope, Inc.

MultiScope Debuggers for Windows debug 100 percent CodeView compatible Windows-based applications. Included are both Windows and character-mode user interfaces. It supports single and dual monitor debugging, remote debugging, powerful data browsing, 386/486 watches, DLL debugging, complete expression evaluation, and full Spy capabilities. MultiScope's Crash-Analyzer quickly pinpoints the cause of UAEs. MultiScope Debuggers are also available for MS-DOS and OS/2.

MultiScope Debuggers for DOS debug 100 percent CodeView-compatible MS-DOS-based applications using either a Windows or a character mode interface. It supports overlays compatible with the Microsoft standard, single and dual monitor debugging, remote debugging, 386/486 watches, and can "load high" the debugger and symbol table to free up conventional memory. MultiScope's Crash-Analyzer quickly helps you find the cause of runtime exceptions. MultiScope Debuggers are also available for Windows and OS/2.

   Susanne Gahnstedt, (415) 968-4892

Nu-Mega Technologies, Inc.

BOUNDS-CHECKER for MS-DOS runs in extended memory using the 386 virtual machine technology to provide real-time memory protection. BOUNDS-CHECKER locates and verifies memory overwrites and out-of-bounds memory accesses by popping up/highlighting the offending source code automatically.

Soft-lCE/W for Windows 3.X is a systems/applications level debugger that gives a complete view of the internals of Windows and The debugging of all code for Windows at source level. Including: applications, VxDs, MS-DoS-based applications, TSRs and MS-DOS-loadable device drivers. Soft-ICE/W uses the 386/486 chip to generate hardware-style breakpoints which can be set on memory locations and ranges, I/O port accesses and interrupts.

   Scott Gagnon, (603) 889-2386

Object Design

ObjectStore is a complete distributed object-oriented DMBS that supplements the C++ language with database capabilities. It features distribution and concurrency control for equal access from every network node; version and configuration support for individuals and groups; and support for nonprocedural queries. Lee McEnany, (617) 661-7900

Paradigm Systems

Paradigm LOCATE enables Microsoft C/C++ 7.0 users to develop ROMable applications for Intel 80x86-compatible embedded systems. Paradigm LOCATE includes ROMable start-up code, run-time library support and has full support for Paradigm DEBUG, popular in-circuit emulators and EPROM programmers. Rick Naro, (607) 748-5966

ProtoView Development Company

ProtoGen 2.1 allows C++ programmers to tap into the powerful ProtoView dynamic link libraries to access advanced data entry and validation capabilities. Masked input, date, currency, numerics and table selection controls and much more give a sophisticated look and feel with no coding effort. Dean Guida, (908) 329-8588

Rational Systems, Inc.

DOS/16M is Rational System's 16-bit DOS Extender that directly accesses up to 16 MB of extended memory on any 80286/386/486-based PC. DOS/16M supports Windows 3.x, DPMI and VCPI.

DOS/4G is Rational System's 32-bit DOS Extender that directly accesses up to 4 gigabytes of extended memory on any 80386/486-based PC. DOS/4G supports Windows 3.x, DPMI and VCPI.

BigWin brings 32-bit development power to Windows by allowing developers to build 32-bit Windows-based applications that will run on 16-bit Windows 3.x.

WinServe permits developers to move their MS-DOS-based applications to Windows 3.x quickly. WinServe provides interprocess communication between a true Windows interface and a MS-DOS-based application running in an MS-DOS box under Windows.

   Byron Bollas, (508) 653-6006

Rogue Wave Software, Inc.

Tools.h++ is a set of efficient and versatile C++ foundation classes that will make virtually any programming job easier. Includes a complete set of Collection classes, String classes, date and time classes, Regular expressions, Tokenizers classes and B-Tree disk retrieval. Classes have not been derived from a single object, making it easy to use Tools.h++ with other libraries. Can be compiled as a Windows DLL.

Math.h++ combines power and ease of use in a set of C++ classes designed to improve the performance and reliability of your numerics code. Its innovative class structure makes the manipulation of vectors and matrices as easy as built-in types like double, yet its inlined assembly BLAs makes your code faster than C or Fortran!

Matrix.h++ extends Math.h++ to new matrix types. Banded, Hermitian, Hermitian banded, Skew symmetric, Symmetric, Symmetric banded, Tridiagonal, Lower triangular and Upper triangular matrices are all fully supported. Innovative uses of static type checking ensure that symmetries in your matrix types are fully maintained without giving up runtime efficiency. Includes Math.h++ .

Linpack.h++ is a complete implementation of Linpack' s famous functionality and more in an advanced C++ class interface. LU facturization for all Matrix.h++ types. Cholesky, QR, and Singular Value decompositions. Cholesky and QR least squares classes and Incremental least square classes. Built on top of Math.h++'s inlined assembly BLAs makes Linpack.h++ fast. Includes Matrix.h++ and Math.h++.

   Dan Whitaker, (503) 754-3010

Roundhill Computer Systems Limited

PANEL Plus II is a C programming tool for user interface management, allowing applications to be made source-compatible over a vide range of operating systems, including MS-DOS, Windows, OS/2, Xenix, UNIX and VMS. Steve Hersee, (708) 690-3737

Sequiter Software, Inc.

CodeBase 4.5 is the C library for database management providing complete dBASE functionality to C/C++ developers. With CodeBase 4.5 you can build multiuser applications compatible with the data, index, and memo fields of dBASE, Clipper, and FoxPro, including the FoxPro 2.0 compound index files and dBASE IV multiple tag indexes. Using CodeWindows, a set of high-level Windows functions that is included with CodeBase 4.5, CodeBase users can quickly produce their own data browse, entry and edit windows. Kevin Shinduke, (403) 437-2410

Solution Systems

BRIEF, is an editor for PC programmers, featuring mouse support, EMS caching, redo and undo. BRIEF allows developers to program faster and more productively with multiple windows, smart indenting, total keyboard configurability, C-like macro language with source-level debugger and more. BRIEF will soon support Microsoft C/C++ 7.0.

Sourcerer's Apprentice for Microsoft Windows provides total configuration management with improved project organization, security, reporting, integration with Word for Windows, automatic journaling or network or workstation activity, compression, archiving and more.

   Karen Teven (617) 740-2510 x223

South Mountain Software

Essential B-Tree for Windows is the database management library that provides quality, completeness, speed and versatility. B-Tree is designed for fast and accurate data storage, retrieval, and updates. B-Tree's features include support for fixed and variable length records; dBASE m files; single and multiuser networks; partial and duplicate keys; and multiple indices.

TSRific, the multilingual tool for TSR development, is the toolkit developers need for building memory-efficient and reliable TSRs. This library takes care of interrupt conflicts, MS-DOS caveats and screen preservation. One function call is all it takes to run a program into a powerful TSR using C/C++, Clipper, Pascal, dBASE, Foxpro or BASIC.

   Susan Dwyer (201) 762-6965

Vermont Creative Software

Vermont Views with Designer v3.05 will provide compiler support for Microsoft C v7.0. Vermont Views provides a powerful, interactive screen designer and C library of more than 580 functions for user interface development. Mary Bushey, (802) 848-7731

Zinc Software Incorporated

Zinc Interface Library 3.0 allows Microsoft C/C++ 7.0 developers to create powerful, object-oriented, MS-DOS applications in graphics and text mode that can be transparently migrated to Windows 3.0 or vice versa. John Christiansen, (801) 785-8900


QuickForms Contracts 1992 Edition
Invisible Hand Software introduces QuickForms Contracts for the computer industry (1992 Edition). QuickForms is a $350.00 expert system that creates contracts most often needed by sellers AND buyers AND distributors of software and services (so it's not just for computer companies).

QuickForms prompts you with multiple choice questions and then automatically assembles "near custom" agreements weighted in your favor (whether you are a customer or vendor). Thousands of variations of eight types of documents are possible, each in about five minutes. All documents are portable to WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, and other word processing programs for editing.

The manual is a 200 page primer on computer law. QuickForms is backed by a 30 day limited warranty and free technical support. For IBM PCs and compatibles with a hard drive.

Let QuickForms Help You in '92

** QuickForms keeps pace with you, by delivering what you want in a document, when you want it, at an easy price.

** Documents are in your corner, whether you are the contractor or the customer.

** Fast turnaround cuts legal fees; your attorney only focuses on unique aspects of each deal.

** The program and 200 page manual educate you about important legal issues you should know.

** Helps prevent costly disputes by addressing issues that need to be decided in advance.

Who Uses QuickForms?

Not unexpectedly, many of our customers are software developers, technical consultants, value-added resellers and other direct participants in the computer industry.

However, many QuickForms users come from a wide range of other industries (banking, insurance, retail, transportation, manufacturing, etc.) that are constantly hiring computer companies to automate some aspect of their business. That's because each QuickForm is automatically weighted to your side of the transaction.

NOTE: All clauses were designed and custom drafted by a computer lawyer with "Top 100" lawfirm and in-house corporate experience.

Library of Contracts

System Acquisition Agreements -- for complex sales of computer hardware, licensing of packaged software, development and integration services.

Professional Service Agreements -- for professional consulting, software development and system integration services.

Software License Agreements -- for licensing of "off the shelf" commercial grade software having a proven track record, in circumstances too sophisticated to use standard "shrinkwrap" licenses.

Software Maintenance Agreements -- for maintaining the functionality of existing software by providing updates, error corrections and related support services.

Software Marketing Agreements -- covers a wide range of possible relationships for bringing a software product to market.

Finder's Fee Agreements -- handy agreements for paying sales commissions to a finder of customers for software and services.

Confidentiality Agreements -- where two unrelated parties want to share proprietary trade secrets; for example, as a prelude to entering into a larger transaction.

Teaming Agreements -- where two parties want to collaborate or "team up" to produce a joint proposal in response to an RFP or other contract bid solicitation.

On Disk Research Tools

** 50 state sales tax guide

** Uniform Commercial Code (1,2,2A)

** U.S. Copyright Act

** Uniform Trade Secrets Act

** State Laws on Employee Inventions

** State laws on noncompete agreements

** Magnuson Moss Warranty Act and Regs

** Glossary of Legal/Technical terms

** Publications About Computer Law

** Citations to State Criminal Law

** All tools updated regularly

Cost is $350 with $6 shipping and handling.

Invisible Hand Software

3847 Whitman Rd, Annandale, VA 22003

703-207-9353    fax: 703-207-0343


Carmen Sandiego for Sega Genesis
Electronic Arts announced that it has signed an agreement with Broderbund Software, Inc. to develop and distribute a Sega Genesis version of the award winning computer game Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego?

Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego? will be the first Sega Genesis version of the best-selling, $2 million unit Carmen Sandiego series, and is the only version that can be played in five languages. Carmen Sandiego is the first computer software character to be licensed as a T.V. game show (PBS) and children's books (Western Publishing).

Broderbund Software, founded in 1980 and based in Novato, Calif., is a personal computer software publisher of a broad range of products for the home, school and small business markets. Broderbund has released dozens of successful programs, including The Print Shop and the Carmen Sandiego series.

"With Electronic Arts' Sega Genesis product portfolio, our product line will be strengthened both domestically and abroad," said Doug Carlston, chairman and chief executive officer of Broderbund Software.

"Carmen Sandiego has been the number one 'edutainment' (educational/entertainment) series on computers. We believe it will open up a whole new videogame usage on the Sega Genesis, and sustain our leadership position in the 16-bit video game market," remarked Larry Probst, president and chief executive officer of Electronic Arts.


Chaos Demonstrations Expanded
Put a little chaos in your life. Don't forget the 3-D glasses when you do.

The award-winning CHAOS DEMONSTRATIONS software program published by Physics Academic Software has been expanded with new demonstrations of chaotic events, including 13 three-dimensional animations that allow viewers to follow the action with red-and-blue 3-D glasses.

Designed primarily for classroom lectures, museum exhibits, and as a study tool for individuals, the package provides 22 demonstrations of "chaos" found in nature, including chaotic patterns such as fractals. More than 30 parameters can be adjusted by the user, allowing thousands of chaotic variations to unfold.

New demonstrations for version 2.0 include the Duffing oscillator and the Rossler attractor. Also included are all the demonstrations from version 1.0, which won the 1990 Computers in Physics Award for best program in chaos. The driven pendulum demonstration, for example, and the Van der Pol equation are included from the original program. The first shows complicated motions when different forces are applied to a simple harmonic oscillator, such as a swinging pendulum, while the Van der Pol equation has been used to model such events as the pulsating stars called Cephids.

Other new features for CHAOS DEMONSTRATIONS version 2.0 include the following:

* Five new one-dimensional maps for sine, sine-square, cubic, tent, and shift maps;

* Eight new deterministic fractals, including devil's staircase, Von Koch island, and a fractal tree;

* Significantly improved calculation speed, accuracy, graph labels, and sound quality;

* Enhanced "museum mode" operation and additional scripting features for use as a lecture aid.

Despite their inherent beauty, such phenomena as clouds, snowflakes, or water tumbling over a waterfall seem to defy clear rules of behavior. Yet water over the dam is merely an example of chaotic behavior, and the shape of a cloud is a fractal. They follow simple mathematical rules that are examined by the program. The behavior of even simple systems soon becomes complex, often appearing to become random or chaotic.

Instructors who have used the new version respond favorably. John Mallinckrodt, California State Polytechnic University, says CHAOS DEMONSTRATIONS "seems well-targeted, offers a reasonable amount of interactivity, and has a clean, professional look." W. T. Sobol, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, claims, "This is one of the best programs I have evaluated for Physics Academic Software so far." And Joseph Harrison, University of Alabama, Birmingham, comments, "Very nice package. Every time I brought it up, I drew a crowd around my desk."

The program operates on IBM PC, XT, AT, and PS/2 personal computers with at least 348K of RAM and CGA, HGA, MCGA, EGA, or VGA graphics. A math coprocessor, mouse, and graphics-capable printer are recommended.

CHAOS DEMONSTRATIONS was created by Julien C. Sprott, professor of physics at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and by George Rowlands, reader of theoretical physics at the University of Warwick, Coventry, England. The program is part of a continuing series of educational software published by Physics Academic Software, a publishing project of the American Institute of Physics in cooperation with the American Physical Society and the American Association of Physics Teachers.

The program is licensed for use on one machine for $69.95, plus $2.75 for shipping and handling. Physics Academic Software offers a no-risk guarantee a full refund is given for packages returned within 30 days. Other software programs in chaos offered by Physics Academic Software include CHAOS SIMULATIONS and CHAOTIC DYNAMICS WORKBENCH. Orders and requests for a free catalog of all Physics Academic Software titles should be directed to The Academic Software Library, Campus Box 8202, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-8202. By telephone, call 800-955-TASL or 919-515-7447. The FAX number is 919-515-2682.


Aldus PressWise 1.0
At the Seybold Seminars '92, Aldus Corporation announced Aldus PressWise 1.0, a professional page-imposition program that will prepare multipage Aldus PageMaker 4.2 and QuarkXPress 3.1 documents to be printed, folded, and bound in the correct page sequence. Aldus also announced it intends to enter into worldwide distribution agreements for PressWise with Crosfield Electronics Ltd. of Hemel Hempstead, England, and Tegra Inc. of East Hanover, New Jersey.

With Aldus PressWise, page imposition can be performed in less time and at lower cost than with traditional methods. The product is designed for organizations that own or rely on electronic page-layout and imaging devices to create printed documents. Such businesses include commercial printers, service bureaus, in-plant printers, and color prepress providers.

The program's page-handling and page-adjustment tools enable professional film-strippers and production artists to impose virtually any PageMaker or QuarkXPress file from the desktop. Users will, for example, be able to merge the pages of multiple publications, sort them in a Page-list palette, then apply imposition templates that will automatically accommodate binding options and arrange the pages in the proper order and orientation for printing. A thumbnail view of the imposition will provide instant visual feedback.

Customers will also be able to integrate single-page EPS files into their publications and keep track of pertinent file data, such as a document's page size, fonts, and colors. In addition, PressWise will offer comprehensive gutter control capabilities, shingling (also known as creep) adjustment, and support for the OPI (open prepress interface) standard. Using these controls and others, users will be able to design their own imposition templates to add to those that come with the product.

"Aldus PressWise is another example of our commitment to provide the most advanced software solutions to the professional graphics market," said Paul Brainerd, president of Aldus. "PressWise will combine the ease and flexibility of the Macintosh with the precision and performance that's so vital to a print production environment. It will offer a faster, less expensive, and more automated alternative to traditional page imposition."

Aldus acquired exclusive worldwide marketing rights to the PressWise technology from Cleveland-based Emulation Technologies Inc. in July 1991. The product is being completed by Aldus and Emulation Technologies in coordination with the San Francisco-based Professional Prepress Alliance, a consortium of 18 of the largest prepress service bureaus in the U.S.

Distribution agreements

Crosfield Electronics Ltd. and Tegra Inc. will be the first developers of imagesetters and electronic prepress systems to distribute PressWise. Crosfield plans to include PressWise with select high-end and desktop prepress solutions that it sells to the printing and packaging market worldwide. Tegra plans to distribute the software in the United States as a standalone product in its PrePress Direct! mail order catalog. Tegra also plans to distribute the software on a worldwide basis as a component of the VariColor Publishing System and other integrated imagesetting systems sold by its Varityper Inc. subsidiary and distributors.

"We are very excited to work with distribution partners of the caliber of Crosfield and Tegra," said Michael Reiher, PressWise product marketing manager. "Both companies have established themselves as premier suppliers of integrated professional prepress solutions. They will be critical to the success of PressWise."

Pricing and availability

Aldus PressWise 1.0 will be available worldwide in the first quarter of 1992. Customers will be able to purchase it as part of an integrated prepress solution from Crosfield or Tegra, or directly from Aldus for $2,295 (U.S.) in the United States and Canada. Aldus is currently negotiating distribution agreements with other manufacturers of electronic prepress equipment; additional agreements will be announced as they are signed. To purchase PressWise or obtain more information about it, customers can call Aldus Sales & Services at (206) 628-2320. For more information on its availability through PrePress Direct!, customers can call 1-800-443-6600.

System configuration

The recommended system configuration for Aldus PressWise will be a Macintosh II series computer with System 6.0.5 or later (System 7 compatible), at least 5MB of RAM, and a hard disk. Its minimum configuration will be a Macintosh Classic with 1MB of RAM and a hard disk.

Aldus Corp, 411 First Ave South, Seattle, WA 98104-2871

206-622-5500


New Aldus Additions (3rd Parties)
At Seybold Seminars '92, Aldus Corporation announced that in a show of growing support for the new Aldus Additions technology, nine third-party developers have recently announced or shipped Additions for Aldus PageMaker 4.2 for the Macintosh. Aldus Additions enable users and third-party developers to tailor PageMaker 4.2 to meet specific publishing needs.

"The response to our Additions technology has been tremendous." said David Cloutier, third-party marketing manager. There are over 50 third-party developers who have Additions under way, and we've sent over 250 Additions Developer Toolkits to others who have expressed interest in working with the technology. This is a great testimony to the popularity of Additions."

These companies have announced or shipped Additions:

* Articulate Systems Inc.--"Voice Navigator II," an Addition that allows PageMaker customers to use spoken commands to execute any function normally performed with a keyboard or mouse. Contact: Patrick Sweeney, (617) 935-5656.

* Compumation Inc.--"BureauExpress PM," which enables users to compress PageMaker publications and automatically send them to local service bureaus that support BureauMaster, all without quitting PageMaker. Contact: Jim Betlyon, (814) 238-2120.

* EDCO Services Inc.--"PMproKit," a collection of Additions for creative professionals; the kit includes Kerning, Type Distortion, Pica Gauge, Rotation and Merge, and Set Up Columns. Contact: (800) 523-TYPE.

* Equilibnum--"Rotate This!," an Addition that rotates placed bitmap graphics to any degree; and "Import That!," which enables users to import graphics in a wide variety of non-Macintosh file formats that PageMaker doesn't normally accept. Contact: (800) 524-8651, Department EPl.

* Fast Electronic "Screen Machine," which allows PageMaker users to incorporate still-video images using QuickTime. Contact: Tom Bowen at Commercial Electronics, (604) 669-5525.

* Publishing Revenue Partner "Tableau," an Addition to manage and format classified ads within PageMaker. Contact: Reginald Braithwaite-Lee, (416) 538-8730.

* Scitex America Corporation--"Scitex Visionary/A," a set of Additions for creating color blends with up to 12 different colors, in linear or radial orientation, from within PageMaker, it also provides enhanced grid functions for precise positioning of graphic elements. Contact: Paul Thiel, (617) 275-5150.

* TRUMATCH--"TRUMATCH 4-Color Selector," an Addition that enables users to choose digitally accurate, on-press colors by TRUMATCH number within PageMaker. Contact: Jane Nichols, (212) 351-2360.

* Zephyr Design--"Zephyr Palettes for PageMaker," which features seven customizable floating palettes, including fonts, font size, and tracking palettes. Contact: Beverly or Boyd Multerer, (206) 324-0292.

These Additions are loadable modules and will be added to PageMaker's menu choices once they're copied to the proper folder on a Macintosh. Some may require additional hardware and software.

There are three kinds of Additions: user-written scripts, which use text-based commands to automate routine tasks normally carried out with the keyboard and mouse; loadable modules, which combine commands and queries written in the C programming language; and standalone applications, which can be used to make other programs such as Microsoft Excel or Claris HyperCard interact with PageMaker using Dynamic Data Exchange or interapplication communication.

PageMaker 4.2 itself is shipped with six loadable Additions: "Balance columns" to evenly distribute text among columns; "Drop cap" to embed a large character at the beginning of a paragraph; "Make booklet" for preparing simple "two-up" signatures for proper pagination after printing and folding; "Display pub info" to review the linked files, fonts, and styles used in a publication; "Run script" for executing Addition scripts users write; and "Sort pages" so users can display thumbnail images of the pages in a publication and reorder them by dragging their images.

Aldus Corp, 411 First Ave South, Seattle, WA 98104-2871

206-622-5500


Aldus Gallery Classic Windows Art
At the Seybold Seminars '92, Aldus Corporation introduced a Microsoft Windows version of Aldus Gallery Effects: Volume 1, Classic Art--a library of artistic effects that will automatically transform scanned photographs and other bitmap images into dramatic painting-like artwork. Published by Aldus subsidiary Silicon Beach Software, Gallery Effects was first introduced for the Apple Macintosh in August 1991. Within four months, it had earned the 1991 MacUser Editors' Choice award for "Best Visual Resource" and was named among How magazine's "Best Electronic Tools of 1991."

Like the Macintosh version, the Windows product will offer 16 master effects, each designed to recreate a classic art style: Charcoal, Chalk & Charcoal, Chrome, Craquelure, Dark Strokes, Dry Brush, Emboss, Film Grain, Fresco, Graphic Pen, Mosaic, Poster Edges, Ripple, Smudge Stick, Spatter, and Watercolor. The effects will provide simple controls and interactive previews to enable designers to achieve dramatic artistic results easily, reliably, and consistently. Users will be able to customize the effects for dozens of variations, then save them for future use. Any of the effects can be applied to either an entire image or a selected area.

Users will be able to apply the effects from within a standalone application that comes with the product, or use the effects as "plug-in" filters that can be integrated into graphics programs such as Aldus PhotoStyler 1.1 and Fractal Design Painter 1.0. The plug-in effects will appear as integral parts of the host program, providing users with convenient access to these unique image-enhancement capabilities.

"With Gallery Effects for Windows, graphic artists will be able to create impressive artistic images with the click of a button, without spending the hours it would take to produce the art manually," said Maurice Rizzuto, product manager for Gallery Effects. "Aldus is providing a unique image-enhancement product that extends the graphics technology available to creative professionals using Windows."

Gallery Effects will open and save files in the TIF, BMP, and TGA formats--including grayscale and 24-bit color images. Almost anyone will be able to use it to create original artwork; add artistic touches to photographs for use in magazines, brochures, annual reports, and so on; and produce architectural visual concepts from photographs or renderings created in 3-D graphics programs.

Gallery Effects files will be transferable between the Windows and Macintosh environments. Once translated to PC media, for example, a TIFF file from the Macintosh version will open directly in Gallery Effects for Windows. Files created on the Windows side can be imported into the Macintosh version after they've first been saved in the Macintosh TIFF format using another graphics program.

Pricing and availability Aldus Gallery Effects for Windows will be available in the second quarter of 1992 for a suggested retail price of $199 (U.S.) in the United States and Canada. Localized versions for European and Pacific Rim markets will be announced later.

System configuration Gallery Effects will require Microsoft Windows 3.0 (or later) and Windows 3.0-compatible hardware. The recommended system configuration will be a 386- or 486-based DOS-compatible computer, 4MB of RAM, an 80MB hard disk, a 16- or 24-bit graphics card and monitor, and a mouse or other pointing device. The minimum system configuration will be a 286-based DOS-compatible computer, 2MB of RAM, a 20MB hard disk, any Windows-compatible graphics display card and monitor, and a mouse. When the effects are used as plug-in filters within other programs, the system configuration will be determined by the host product.

Aldus Corp, 411 First Ave South, Seattle, WA 98104-2871

206-622-5500


HTBasic with National Inst I/O
National Instruments Corp. (Austin, IX) and TransEra Corp. (Provo, UT) have announced a new version of HTBasic that has an expanded set of loadable device drivers for National Instruments PC data acquisition boards. Drivels for use with HTBasic version 3.2 or later now feature A/D, D/A, digital I/O. and counter/timer capabilities for use with the AT-MIO-16F-5, AT-MIO-16, AT-DIO-32F, Lab-PC, and PC-LPM-16 data acquisition boards.

HTBasic programs access these boards using the familiar HTBasic ENTER, OUTPUT, CONTROL, STATUS, READIO, and WRITEIO commands, the same commands used to access other devices and files. The CONTROL command is used to specify parameters such as sample rate, channel sequence, gain, number of waveform repetitions, and trigger modes. The STATUS command is used to read status information from a register. The ENTER command is used to input data and the OUTPUT command is used to send data to the boards. The READIO and WRITEIO commands can be used to read and write directly to the hardware registers.

The A/D interface includes eight trigger types to start data acquisition - software, transistor-transisitor logic (TTL), above a level, below a level, between two levels, outside two levels, rising above a level, and falling below a level. Analog input data that is stored into REAL arrays is automatically scaled to represent actual voltages. With HTBasic, the user can also specify the number of pretrigger and/or posttrigger samples.

Price and Availability, and For More Information

The HTBasic drivers are available now for $75 from both companies, and include documentation and examples. For more information about HTBasic, contact TransEra at 3707 North Canyon Road, Provo, UT 84604, (801) 224-6550. Telex: 296438. Fax: (801) 224-0355. National Instruments Corporation can be reached at 6504 Bridge Point Parkway, Austin, TX 78730-5039, (512) 794-0100. Call toll-free in the U.S. and Canada at (800) 433-3488. Telex: 756737 NAT INST AUS. Fax: (512) 794-8411.

About the Companies

TransEra specializes in the development of PC-based engineering tools that provide an alternative to the more traditional and costly engineering workstation. These hardware and software products are used by engineers and scientists in instrument control and high-performance data acquisition applications.

National Instruments offers a wide selection of GPIB, data acquisition and VXlbus hardware, software, and accessories. The company's solutions for data acquisition includes plug-in boards for all popular PCs, signal conditioning accessories, cabling products, acquisition software, analysis hardware and software, and presentation software.

About the HTBasic-Compatible Data Acquisition Boards

AT-MIO-l6F-5 - The National Instruments AT-M10-16F-5 is a high-speed multifunction analog, digital, and timing I/O board for the PC AT and compatibles, with a sampling rate of up to 200k samples/sec. The sampling rate is not dependent on gain. It contains a 12-bit sampling ADC with up to 16 analog inputs, two 12-bit DACs with voltage outputs, eight lines of TTL-compatible digital I/O. and three 16-bit counter/timer

channels for timing I/O.

AT-MIO-l6 - The National Instruments AT-M10-16 is a family of multifunction analog, digital, and timing I/O boards for the PC AT and compatibles, with sampling rates up to 100 kbytes/sec. Each AT-M10-16 board contains a 12-bit sampling ADC with up to 16 analog inputs, t I/O 12-bit DACs with voltage outputs, eight lines of TTL-compatible digital I/O. and three 16-bit counter/timer channels for timing I/O.

AT-DIO-32F - The National Instruments AT-DIO-32F is a high-speed, 32-bit, parallel digital I/O interface for the IBM PC AT and compatibles. It contains three 1 6-bit counter/timers and double-buffered latches for digital pattern generation and data acquisition. The 32 lines for digital I/O are divided into four bytes, and each byte can be programmed as either an input or an output. The 32 lines can be operated as an 8-bit, 16-bit, or 32-bit ports for handshaking, pattern generation, and data acquisition.

Lab-PC - The National Instruments Lab-PC is a low-cost, multifunction analog, digital, and timing I/O board for the IBM PVXT/AT and compatibles. It has a 12-bit ADC with eight single-ended analog inputs and sample rates up to 62.5 ksamples/sec, two 12-bit DACS with voltage outputs, 24 lines of TTL-compatible digital I/O. and three user-available 16-bit counter/timer channels for timing input and output.

PC-LPM-16 - The National Instruments PC-LPM-16 is a low-power, low-cost multifunction board for the IBM-PC/XT/AT and compatibles. It uses very little power so that it can also operate in battery-powered PCs. It has a self calibrating, 12-bit ADC with 16 single-ended analog inputs and sampling rates up to 50k samples/sec, an 8-bit TTL compatible digital output port, and two user-available 16-bit counter/timer channels for timing I/O.


SPA vs Fred Meyer Inc Settlement
The Software Publishers Association (SPA) announced that discussions it has had on behalf of member companies with Fred Meyer, Inc., a diversified retailer headquartered in Portland, Oregon, have ended in an agreement. The SPA originally contacted Fred Meyer, Inc. concerning allegations that its mechanisms designed to prevent the illegal duplication of software produced by SPA members had not been followed and that a number of illegal copies of SPA member products were being utilized in Fred Meyer's operations.

In an agreement finalized by the parties, Fred Meyer, Inc. has agreed to pay legal costs incurred by SPA and an additional sum of approximately $100,000. Fred Meyer, Inc. has also agreed to purchase a sufficient number of licensed copies of member software to ensure that all software being operated by the company will be licensed and further agreed to circulate a written policy to employees highlighting the illegality of copying software.

"We are pleased that Fred Meyer, Inc. moved rapidly to investigate and rectify their software copyright problem. With approximately 1000 personal computers in use, control policies to prevent inappropriate duplication of software require consistent attention by management. The agreement with Fred Meyer, Inc. confirms that the required attention will be given to their operations on a continuing basis," said Ilene Rosenthal, SPA Director of Litigation.

Kenneth Thrasher, Senior Vice President for Finance at Fred Meyer, Inc., said, "We appreciate the opportunity provided by the SPA to investigate and strengthen our company policies against illegal software duplication. We certainly support the rights of software producers to be paid for their licensed products and believe that we now have policies and monitoring procedures in effect that will ensure future compliance with applicable copyright laws."

Since 1988, the Software Publishers Association has filed over 100 lawsuits on behalf of its members and obtained numerous search and seizure orders against businesses, computer dealers, bulletin board services, and educational institutions that have violated its members' copyrights. The SPA's anti-piracy hotline, 1-800-388-7478, accepts calls reporting software violations.

The Software Publishers Association also has distributed free of charge self-audit materials designed to help businesses, government entities, and educational institutions manage their internal software practices. To obtain a copy of the SPA Self-Audit Kit and SPAudit, a software inventory management program, companies should write to:

   SPAudit

   Software Publishers Association

   1730 M Street, NW, Suite 700

   Washington, DC 20036

The Software Publishers Association is the principal trade association of the personal computer software industry. Its 900 members represent the leading publishers in the business, consumer, and education software markets. The SPA has offices in Washington, DC, and Paris La Defense, France.


Osborne/McGraw-Hill Publications
WordPerfect for Windows Made Easy by Mella Mincberg

Osborne/McGraw-Hill announces publication of WordPerfect for Windows Made Easy, a new book written to help users get a fast start with WordPerfect for Windows 5.1.

Author Mella Mincberg, one of the most acclaimed authors in the computer book industry, packs her latest book with numerous illustrations, hands-on exercises and practical examples for easy learning. Beginning and intermediate WordPerfect users can learn everything from creating, editing, and printing a simple document to working with page layouts, text columns and tables, graphics for desktop publishing, and much more.

Experienced WordPerfect users, many of whom learned WordPerfect through earlier editions of Mincberg's award-winning book, WordPerfect Made Easy, will appreciate her ability to help them take full advantage of the special features WordPerfect for Windows offers. Mincberg explains the differences between WordPerfect for DOS and WordPerfect for Windows to help make the transition easier. Many advanced topics are included such as, working with nine documents at once, formatting text with the ruler, and much more.

With Mincberg's expert training, WordPerfect for Windows users will be working confidently with this exciting new product in no time.

$24.95              ISBN:  0-07-881742-0      720 pages

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WordPerfect for Windows: The Complete Reference

by Steve Dyson, Daniel J. Fingerman & Stephen Cobb

Osborne/McGraw-Hill announces publication of WordPerfect for Windows: The Complete Reference, a new book covering every feature, message, and menu item of version 5.1 of this outstanding new product from WordPerfect Corporation.

Designed to help users at every level, the book begins by introducing beginning users to Windows followed by coverage of all the WordPerfect basics. More experienced users can take advantage of the extensive alphabetical listing of commands, keystrokes, and features of this complex and versatile program. Each entry is described and discussed to help users quickly understand the concept.

The authors demonstrate how to work with the software's unique capabilities allowing users to learn file management for greater computing efficiency; set up printing configurations that provide professional-quality results; take advantage of the built-in desktop publishing features; create macros making document production faster and easier, and much more.

The book provides helpful appendixes in an easy-to-use format covering installation, keyboards, plus graphics and utility programs. Packed with screen illustrations, examples, and applications, this is the perfect guide for users at all skill levels.

$29.95              ISBN:  0-07-881018-3      763 pages

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Osborne/McGraw-Hill

2600 Tenth St

Berkeley, CA 94710

415-548-2805


Windows Open Competition April 6-9
Windows World 1992, April 6-9, will be the site of the first annual "Windows Open", a competition designed to recognize and reward inventive noncommercial, in-house applications built on the Windows platform. Finalists will demonstrate their applications at the "Windows Open" pavilion on the show floor, where the judges will make their final decisions. Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates will present trophies and prizes to the winners during a multimedia Awards Ceremony on the afternoon of April 7.

The contest was set in motion by Jesse Berst, Editor and Publisher of Windows Watcher Newsletter, Redmond, WA. Berst secured sponsorship from Microsoft, Computerworld Magazine, and The Interface Group, organizers of the Windows World exposition.

Why a contest just for in-house, custom applications? "Some of the true Windows pioneers are laboring in obscurity," explains Berst. "Their innovative applications never get seen outside their own companies. The 'Windows Open' will change that."

The contest is especially timely because it signals an important transformation in corporate computing. "Windows development tools are redefining the way big business creates its mission-critical applications," states Berst. "For the first time in 25 years, corporations are moving en masse away from hand-coded COBOL toward point-and-click visual programming in Windows. And they are coming up with some truly ground breaking stuff."

Windows World attendees will get to see some of these trendsetting applications in the "Windows Open" Pavilion. The competition is accepting entries from seven categories: (1) Manufacturing; (2) Finance/lnsurance/Real Estate; (3) Transportation/Communications/Utilities; (4) Services/Professions; (5) Wholesale/Retail/Distribution; (6) Government/Public Administration; and (7) Other. Qualifying non-commercial entries can be an entirely new application, a modification of an off-the-shelf package (for instance, a system built with Excel macros), or a Windows front-end to a host application. To date, the competition has garnered entries from every corner of the U.S. and from three foreign countries. Entry kits are available from the Contest Hotline at (800) 829-4143.

Windows Watcher Newsletter, based in Redmond, WA, is a monthly briefing service for computer executives and corporate technology managers. Publisher Jesse Berst, an industry veteran, has authored 13 computer books and contributes to several leading publications in the U.S. and overseas.


Central Point Anti-Virus 1.2
Central Point Software is now shipping Central Point Anti-Virus 1.2, an update which increases protection by detecting and cleaning more than 200 new viruses. Other new features include enhanced protection against stealth viruses, a customizable install option and blind operation from the command line. Among the more than 1,000 viruses that the program now finds and eliminates are Dir2, SVC V6 and Maltese Amoeba.

According to a recent report released by Dataquest, Inc., the level of virus encounters increased exponentially between 1990 and 1991. "This increased threat of infection leads naturally to an increased need for protection," said Tori Case, Central Point Anti-Virus product manager. "Central Point Anti-Virus 1.2 not only ensures safety against even the most complex stealth viruses, but with the new Custom Install option, the program can be easily implemented across an entire organization making it the best virus protection available for corporations."

Increased Protection Against Unknown Stealth Viruses

Central Point Anti-Virus 1.2 now detects both known and unknown stealth viruses in memory. Stealth viruses are especially dangerous because they conceal their presence from both users and virus detection software by hiding file size changes or failing to update the DOS date stamp. Central Point Anti-Virus uses a special low-level technology to bypass these and other stealth techniques.

New Install and Command Line Options Automate Operation

Two new features in Central Point Anti-Virus 1.2 simplify installation. The Custom Install option allows system administrators to create customized configurations of the program for automatic installation by end users, either via diskette or across a network. In addition, the Update option allows users to install a new version of Central Point Anti-Virus without reconfiguring the previous version's program options.

Central Point Anti-Virus 1.2 now gives the option of running from the DOS command line without displaying the program's user interface. This allows the program to run transparently to the end user. With this option the program can be configured to display or hide the file names as they are scanned. Additionally, a customizable text message may be displayed while the program is scanning to inform the user of the scan status.

Upgrade Information and Product Availability

Central Point Anti-Virus 1.2 has a suggested retail price of $129 and is available from major software distributors and resellers in North America. The cost of a single update is $20. An optional subscription plan provides customers four consecutive releases for $59. Customers in the U.S. and Canada can order updates or obtain more information by calling (800) 445-4208. Central Point Anti-Virus 1.2 is currently shipping.

System Requirements

Central Point Anti-Virus runs on IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2 or 100 percent compatibles with DOS 3.1 or higher and 512K of RAM. Central Point Anti-Virus supports Microsoft Mouse drivers version 6.14 or higher, Logitech/Dexxa mouse drivers version 3.4x or higher or 100 percent compatibles.

Central Point Software, Inc., headquartered in Beaverton, is the leading developer of utility software and offers a broad line of utility products for DOS, Windows and Macintosh platforms. Founded in 1981, the company has grown to annual revenues of more than $53 million, and its installed base of registered users now numbers more than one million. Central Point's products are translated into several languages and are available in more than 25 countries.

Central Point Software

15220 N. W. Greenbrier Parkway, #200

Beaverton, OR 97006

Customer Service  (503) 690-8090

Technical Support (503) 690-8080

              Fax (503) 690-8083


Telecom DSP Development System
PC-based Telecom DSP Development System

* Based on TI TMS320C25

* FCC-compliant, high-resolution telecom interface

* Dual-Port RAM for fast PC/DSP memory access

The TSP-C25 is a single-slot IBM PC bus board for developing telecom DSP systems. It is based on the Texas Instruments TMS320C25 digital signal processor. The board comes complete with 64 Kwords of 0-wait-state SRAM; 32 Kwords of EPROM with development libraries; FCC-compliant (part 68) line telephone interface with a programmable 14-bit linear line codec (TLC3204x); handset interface with codec; and 2 Kbytes of Dual-Port SRAM that allows simultaneous, unarbitrated PC/DSP memory access.

Software development support includes DSP and PC libraries and a monitor/ debugger program. The DSP library includes telecom and DSP utilities (DTMF, autoanswer, companding, buffer management, etc.) that are provided on the included EPROM and in source and object format. The PC library is a C language library allowing complete communications with multiple boards. Source and object code is included, and all libraries can be freely distributed with user applications. The monitor/debugger program is a complete PC application that includes features for: program downloading and full-speed execution; DSP/PC memory and register inspection/modification; code disassembly; and control of multiple boards, simultaneously.

$1895 for the complete TSP-C25 system

(TI development tools available).

DVP Inc, 2401 RESEARCH BLVD., SUITE 200, ROCKVILLE, MD 20850

(301 ) 670-9282         FAX: (301 ) 990-8790


Prentice Hall Prof. Business Swr
Prentice Hall Professional Software has introduced FAST! Consolidations, a new module for accounting professionals designed to create consolidating and consolidated workpapers and financial statements for an unlimited number of subsidiaries.

FAST! Consolidations is an add-on module to Prentice Hall's workpaper and trial balance package, FAST! Advantage, released in November 1991. Both systems highlight a new user interface that features look-up lists, pull-down menus, and popup windows for easy passage throughout the software.

Users can access FAST! Consolidations directly from the FAST! Advantage Main Menu. Consolidations are made simple with an on-screen list. Users can add, replace, or delete subsidiaries individually by working from this list.

The system gives accountants the flexibility to consolidate individual client data within FAST! Advantage into one reporting entity. All of the account detail from the various subsidiaries is accessible in the new consolidated client's data. All FAST! Advantage system functions are available for the consolidated entity.

"In response to requests from Prentice Hall customers, the new FAST! Consolidations system includes the ability to create eliminating journal entries at the account level," said Product Manager Suzanne Phillips.

The consolidated client can be a subsidiary in a higher-level consolidation, providing unlimited levels of consolidation. Once consolidated, users can access and analyze totals using FAST! Advantage.

FAST! Consolidations is priced at $195 and can be purchased by contacting Prentice Hall Professional Software.

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Prentice Hall Professional Software has added FASB 96 projections in the latest version (2.17) of its Depreciation system for IBM PC and compatible computers. The release also includes the ability to send detail asset information to The Prentice Hall Tax Advantage System.

The new projections option allows accounting professionals to calculate depreciation expenses for up to 40 years for FASB 96 purposes. Users can do projections for all of a client's assets, or select assets by asset number and/or date of acquisition. This option can also be used to project depreciation for financial planning purposes.

The system automatically prints a FASB 96 Annual Difference Report when users perform the option to project FASB 96. The new report shows the annual differences between book and federal depreciation, as well as ACE and AMT adjustments, in summary or for each asset.

In addition to summary totals, accountants can now send detail asset information for federal reporting purposes to Tax Advantage. Once there, Tax Advantage's depreciation option can be used to enter additional data, and then transfer the results directly to the applicable corporate, S corporation, or partnership return.

Depreciation is priced at $995 and can be purchased by contacting Prentice Hall Professional Software.

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Prentice Hall Professional Software has released the first updated version (1.02) of Practice Advantage, the company's completely new practice administration system for accountants, introduced in October 1991. Security of firm information and more flexible billing highlight the features in this update.

Security is the major new feature in Practice Advantage Version 1.02. It gives accountants complete control of their CPA firm's information by restricting access to firm information and Practice Advantage functions.

With these new security features, the accountant can assign staff passwords and access rights to selected information. A security supervisor can be designated for the firm, who can then assign access rights to each staff person.

"By restricting staff access to Practice Advantage areas, such as accounts receivable, only the authorized functions will appear on that person's Main menu, increasing productivity by reducing learning time," said Bob Wolff, Prentice Hall's product manager for Practice Advantage.

In addition, firms can turn off the ability for selected staff to: Update work-in-progress (WIP), see staff billing rates and computed WIP amounts on-screen, enter time and expense overrides, and view and print selected reports.

Furthermore, another staff member can be allowed to view and correct all time and expenses before posting them to WIP. Selected staff members can be given the ability to approve invoices as well.

Greater simplicity and flexibility mark the billing enhancements included in Practice Advantage Version 1.02.

When accountants work with manual bills or billing worksheets, Practice Advantage now provides more options for selecting the transactions they want to bill. Transactions can be selected by: Engagement, Service ID, Service group ID, and Staff ID. Users can also select to bill all transactions or just those classified as time, expense, or non-WIP.

In another new billing feature, users can now allocate a write-up, write-down, or a bill amount across selected transactions. Billing of a client's monthly WIP is reduced to two keystrokes, plus write-up or write-down amounts.

Practice Advantage is priced from $1,595, with network upgrades starting at $295.

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Prentice Hall is an industry leader in professional accounting, tax, and real estate management software, serving more than 12,000 customers. Prentice Hall Professional Software is a member of the Software and Information Services Division of Simon & Schuster's Professional Information Group. Simon & Schuster, a Paramount Communications company, is engaged in professional, consumer and educational publishing worldwide.

Prentice Hall Professional Software can be contacted at 2400 Lake Park Drive, P.O. Box 723597, Atlanta, GA 30339 or by telephone at (800) 241-3306, or in Atlanta at (404) 432-1996.


SPC Harvard Graphics for Windows
Software Publishing Corporation began shipping Harvard Graphics for Windows on December 30, 1991. The product is now available to customers on retailers' shelves. Harvard Graphics for Windows is a presentation graphics product enabling business users to create dynamic presentations that instantly adapt to changing audience and information requirements.

"Designed as a complete presentation solution, Harvard Graphics for Windows offers the user the ability to analyze data dynamically, update the appearance, and interactively deliver presentations. This new concept of presentation management simplifies the process of creating, editing and delivering presentations," said Fred Gibbons, president and CEO of Software Publishing Corporation. "The early corporate acceptance for the product shows that with Harvard Graphics for Windows we will redefine the presentation graphics category, while once again delivering a best of breed product to our customer base."

"We selected Harvard Graphics for Windows as our presentation graphics standard because it is the only product that provides our users with a truly unified package," said Mike McCurdy, information specialist, at British Petroleum. "Our users require a presentation graphics product that can easily link to the data in their spreadsheets and word processors, and we find Harvard Graphics for Windows provides the most complete and intuitive solution."

Dynamic Analysis: Breadth of Charting Capabilities

Harvard Graphics for Windows provides users with more chart types than any other Windows-based presentation graphics program. The product's breadth of charting types and wide selection of formulas for sophisticated calculations provides users with analytical capabilities not found in other presentation graphics products.

In addition to standard text, pie and XY charts, Harvard Graphics offers data-driven table charts, high/low/close charts, and organization charts. Users can mix multiple chart types on a single slide and create their own custom templates.

An integrated Chart Gallery with 88 professionally-designed slide layouts, displayed through icons, enables users to preview the design and charting options available for developing a chart.

Dynamic Appearance: Presentations Designed With Style Templates

Users are guaranteed a consistent and professional look in their presentations through the use of 54 professionally-designed Presentation Styles. Each Presentation Style consists of a collection of templates specifying the charting options, color palette, background design, and type font and size. Templates automatically position and format text, table and organization charts, as well as graphics and drawings. This enables users to change the appearance of an entire presentation dynamically with the click of a mouse button. Users can also customize styles or create their own to match corporate guidelines or personalized formats.

Dynamic Delivery: HyperShow & Application Launching

Using Harvard Graphics' advanced ScreenShow capabilities, business professionals can create dynamic presentations to impress any audience. To create an interactive on-screen presentation, presenters can incorporate the product's enhanced HyperShow feature -- enabling users to respond to audience queries with back-up graphs and information accessed by selecting user-defined "buttons" on a chart.

Users can also incorporate the new Launch Application feature, enabling them to run DOS and Windows applications from within a Harvard Graphics for Windows ScreenShow by clicking the mouse on an object on screen. Easy access to data located in other applications, such as spreadsheets and databases, provides users with the capability to manipulate data outside a ScreenShow.

Dynamic Content & Connectivity

Harvard Graphics for Windows' sophisticated Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) support allows users to create live data links to other Windows applications, such as spreadsheets and databases. These links ensure that the presentation data is updated automatically when source data is changed, even during a ScreenShow presentation.

Harvard Graphics for Windows' DDE support, combined with the Launch Application and HyperShow features, enables users to produce Executive Information System (EIS) applications that graphically display the most current business information and immediately demonstrate the impact of changes to this information.

Alternatives for Presentation Viewing

Harvard Graphics for Windows offers the user three fully-integrated views for displaying and editing a presentation: the Slide Sorter, the Outliner and the Slide Editor. Changes in one working view are automatically reflected in the other views, and users can easily move between views by clicking on an icon.

With the Slide Sorter an entire presentation is displayed using a collection of slide miniatures, enabling users to make global modifications to a presentation. The text-based Outliner helps users organize their ideas and presentations, and is ideal for quickly creating text or bullet slides. The Slide Editor provides the user with a graphical view of an individual slide for detailed drawing, editing and review of data charts.

Drawing & Presentation Enhancement Capabilities

Harvard Graphics for Windows offers an array of drawing and image editing tools specifically designed to enable business users to customize presentations. Charts can be enhanced easily with a variety of advanced drawing tools, such as zoom, rotate, drop shadow, sweep and Bezier curves.

A unique subselection feature enables users to resize or edit individual chart elements, while maintaining the data integrity within the group. Users can also draw attention to individual chart elements, such as a pie slice, by filling them with bitmap graphics or gradient color fills.

Compatibility

Harvard Graphics for Windows minimizes the need for users to re-enter data or recreate images by providing extensive connectivity to DOS and Windows word processors, spreadsheets and graphics programs. Harvard Graphics for Windows also reads Harvard Graphics 2.3 and 3.0 files, and exports charts and ScreenShows to Harvard Graphics 3.0.

Additional Features

Additional features found in Harvard Graphics for Windows include 15 Bitstream Speedo scalable fonts as well as support for Adobe Type Manager, WYSIWYG text editing, formatting options for text blocks and a spell checker. The product also supports over 150 printers, as well as Matrix and Lasergraphics film recorders. Autographix Overnight Slide Service is included for quick turnaround of 35mm slides.

Pricing and Availability

Harvard Graphics for Windows is now available for a suggested retail price of $595. Users of Harvard Graphics 2.3 and earlier releases, as well as users of other Software Publishing Windows-based products can upgrade to Harvard Graphics for Windows for $125. Users of Harvard Graphics 3.0 can participate in a limited-time cross-platform exchange for $50. In addition, users of competitive DOS and Windows-based presentation graphics products can participate in a limited-time competitive upgrade offer for $125. Harvard Graphics for Windows will be distributed through Software Publishing's nationwide network of over 4,500 resellers.

System Requirements

Designed for IBM personal computers and 100 percent compatibles, Harvard Graphics for Windows requires a 286-based system with 14 megabytes of hard disk space, 2 megabytes of RAM, EGA or above display adapter, and a mouse. The recommended configuration is a 386 or 386SX-based system, 4 megabytes of RAM, and a VGA or Super VGA display.

Software Publishing Corporation (NASDAQ:SPCO) is an international supplier of business productivity software for the IBM Personal Computer and compatibles. The company currently develops and markets a wide range of software solutions for accessing and presenting information, including the market-leading Harvard Graphics product line, Harvard Draw for Windows, Professional Write and Professional Write PLUS, Superbase 4 application development RDBMS for Windows, and the InfoAlliance product line.

Software Publishing Corp

3165 Kifer Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95051


LANtastic for Windows (Japanese)
Artisoft, Inc., the Tucson-based developer and manufacturer of the award-winning LANtastic Local Area Network, announced several new products for the Japanese market and demonstrated them at the LAN Expo 1992 Trade Show held in Tokyo, Japan recently. The new products introduced included LANtastic v4.1 and the LANtastic for Windows network utility, as well as Artisoft's AN-3 Ethernet adapter for NEC PCs. All three products are scheduled to ship in the second quarter of 1992.

"LANtastic's strong performance, efficiency, and ease-of-use as a networking solution should greatly enhance its success in the Japanese market," commented Jack Schoof, Artisoft's President and CEO.

LANtastic v4.1 increases the performance of the award-winning LANtastic network with a faster NetBIOS, resource caching, random access caching, and delayed record locking. Its new System Manager features allow users with the System Manager privilege to accomplish a number of network tasks from their own PCs, including setting up user accounts for the entire network. LANtastic v4.1 also offers increased printing performance with immediate despooling as well as a feature that notifies users when their print jobs will start, how long they will take, and when they will finish; an important feature for users printing to a printer at another location.

The LANtastic for Windows network utility allows the LANtastic network to be run totally from within Microsoft Windows 3.0 and requires LANtastic v4.0 or higher (sold separately) to operate. It offers the same features as the DOS version's NET and NET MGR programs, but within the easy, graphical user interface of Microsoft Windows' pull-down menus, icons, and online help. It also supports Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) so that Windows applications can use LANtastic e-mail to exchange messages and transfer data. For example, with DDE, a user can create an Excel spreadsheet and send it to a remote user who can then double-click on the file to open it in the application in which it was originally created.

Artisoft's AN-3 Ethernet adapter is designed for the NEC BUS and supports thin and thick coaxial cabling as well as 10BASE-T. The AN-3 Ethernet adapter has substantially increased throughput compared to its predecessor the NE-3.

Artisoft develops and manufactures a full line of hardware and software for local area networks including the LANtastic Local Area Network. The LANtastic network is recognized as the leading DOS based peer-to-peer network and has won numerous industry awards for its cost-effective features, performance, and ease of use. It allows up to 300 users of IBM compatible computers to connect and share information and peripheral devices such as printers, hard drives and CD-ROMs.

Artisoft, Inc. 691 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85704

Sales: 800/TINY RAM

Corporate: 602/293-4000   Fax 602/293-8065.


NC-Auto-Code NC/CNC Programming
Kramer Consulting, Inc., developer of NC-AUTO-CODE NC/CNC programming software for AutoCAD, has announced the formation of a consortium with two other registered AutoCAD developers located in Europe. Other members of the group include: 1) Genius GmbH, Amberg, Germany, developer of the Genius 11 mechanical engineering library, and 2) Data-M GmbH, Munich, Germany, whose primary products are COPRA computer aided roll forming software and 3D Solid sheet metal design packages. The consortium has integrated the products of each company under the AutoCAD environment to provide a wide range of AutoCAD solutions for design and manufacturing engineering in an integrated environment.

AUTO-CODE Mechanical will serve as the marketing arm of the consortium in North America thus providing a single source for training and technical support. A key feature of the consortium's product offerings is that the user can move from one application to the next without leaving AutoCAD or translating data files. Additional offerings will be announced in the near future. AUTO-CODE Mechanical was formed in January 1992 as a subsidiary company of Kramer Consulting, Inc. Kramer formed AUTO-CODE Mechanical to focus on delivery of integrated AutoCAD solutions for design and manufacturing engineers. Kramer Consulting, Inc. remains in existence as a holding company and to continue its previous consulting and programming operations. The new subsidiary is based in Dublin, Ohio in the same offices as Kramer Consulting.

Kramer Consulting Inc

6175 Shamrock Court, Suite B

Dublin, OH 43017

614-792-3900


Chem-X Inorganic Modeling
Chemical Design is pleased to announce some exciting new developments in the handling of inorganic structures by Chem-X, including enhanced molecular mechanics for organometallic structures. Significant improvements have been made to the modeling of pi-bonded systems, such as aromatic rings connected to a metal atom. Chem-X is now able to handle a wide range of coordination states and bond angles found in organometallic systems.

Chem-X's molecular mechanics force-field includes parameters for bond, angle, torsion and non-bonded interactions. In addition to parameters supplied, users may modify Chem-X molecular mechanics parameters using Chem-X commands. Enhancements to parameterization mean that correct bond angle terms are automatically included and there is provision for a given bond order to lead to more than one bond length term - e.g. for axial vs. equatorial bonds (important for modeling Jahn-Teller effects).

The pi-bonding model makes use of the concept of dummy atoms, already present within Chem-X. The dummy atom is placed at the center of the pi-bonded system, e.g. an aromatic ring, and bonded to the central metal atom. The use of the dummy-metal bond allows the pi-bonded ring to rotate about the bond axis.

Chemical Design is the leading supplier of molecular modeling systems, with over 350 installations of its Chem-X software worldwide. Chem-X is used for new product research in areas as diverse as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, petrochemicals, polymers and protein engineering. Customers include divisions of most major multinational chemical and pharmaceutical companies as well as many leading academic research centers. Chem-X is available for PC, Apple Mac, UNIX workstation and VAX computers.

Chemical Design Inc

200 Route 17 South, Suite 120, Mahwah, NJ 07430

201-529-3323


CNC Mastercam CAD/CAM Expansion
CNC Software, Inc., developers of Mastercam CAD/CAM has expanded its global sales and customer support network with the opening of two new domestic regional sales and training centers and the appointment of an International Sales Manager. The expansion is in response to the growing number of Mastercam customers worldwide.

The United States expansion consists of an East and West Coast regional sales office. The new sales offices will serve as regional demonstration centers, providing pre- and post-sales support to Mastercam dealers, as well as customer training and telephone technical support.

The East Coast office is located at 3901 Hartzdale Drive, Suite 106, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 17011. Telephone: (717) 731-566 or (717) 731-8589. The office has 2,000 sq. ft. of demonstration and training space. Kris Bair, CNC Software's National Sales Manager, will manage the East Coast office.

The West Coast office is located at 6420 SW Macadam Avenue, Suite 200, Portland, Oregon 97201. Telephone: (503) 244-5112. Fax: (503) 244-6313. This facility has 1,500 square feet of office, demonstration, and training space. The office will be managed by Tim Rowley, CNC Software's Western Regional Sales Manager.

The international sales and support network will be given a boost by Gary Hargreaves, CNC Software's new International Sales Manager. Gary brings 12 years of CAD/CAM industry experience and 9 years of machining and NC programming knowledge to CNC Software.

CNC Software, Inc. produces Mastercam, personal-computer CAD/CAM software for 2- through 5-axis milling, lathes, 2- and 4-axis wire EDM, sheet metal punching and fabrication, laser cutting and mechanical drafting. Corporate headquarters are located at 344 Merrow Road, Tolland, CT 06084 USA. Telephone: (203) 875-5006. Fax: (203) 872-1565.


Central Point Backup 7.2 Windows
Central Point Software announced Central Point Backup 7.2 for Windows, a new release of its full-featured backup program that is optimized for Windows. New features include Windows 3.1 enhancements, additional tape support and increased virus detection.

"Central Point Backup 7.2 for Windows provides optimized functionality for complete and automatic operation under Windows," said Bill Henderson, vice president and chief operating officer at Summit Memory Systems, Inc. Central Point Backup is currently bundled as standard software with Summit's tape drives. "Central Point Backup's new Windows enhancements, combined with continued ease-of-use, solidify its leadership position in the Windows backup market."

Windows 3.1 Optimization

Central Point Backup 7.2 for Windows has been developed to take full advantage of Windows 3.1. The ability to "drag and drop" has been added enabling users to select files they want to back up from the Windows File Manager. These files then can be dragged over to the Central Point Backup icon to be processed. In addition, the user interface has been modified to make file selection and viewing of the file tree even easier.

Increased Tape Support and Virus Detection

Central Point Backup is the first mainstream backup package to support tape drives. In Central Point Backup 7.2 for Windows, all QIC 40/80 compatible and Irwin drives are now supported, including drives from IBM, Compaq, Wangtek, Summit, Mountain, Colorado Memory, Archive and others. This increased tape support, combined with the Background Backup or Automated Backup options, make data protection even easier, especially for unattended backups.

Central Point Backup 7.2 for Windows recognizes an increased number of viruses. Using the same technology as the best-selling Central Point Anti-Virus, Central Point Backup 7.2 for Windows can now detect more than 1,000 viruses, up from 400 viruses in the previous version. In addition, files can be searched for viruses without actually doing a backup, even on a scheduled basis.

Upgrade Information and Product Availability

Central Point Backup 7.2 for Windows has a suggested retail price of $129 and will be available from major software distributors and resellers in North America in April. Customers in the U.S. and Canada can order updates or obtain more information by calling (800) 4454208. Site licenses are available for sites with 100 or more PCs. For information on corporate licenses, call (800) 445-0432.

System Requirements

Central Point Backup 7.2 for Windows runs on IBM AT, PS/2 or 100 percent compatibles with Windows 3.0 or Windows 3.1 in standard or enhanced mode. It requires 2MB of RAM and a hard disk.

Central Point Software

15220 N.W. Greenbrier Parkway #200, Beaverton, OR 97006

503-690-8090


Central Point Anti-Virus Windows
Central Point Software introduced Central Point Anti-Virus for Windows, a Windows version of its popular DOS anti-virus program. Central Point Anti-Virus for Windows provides maximum virus protection by detecting and cleaning more than 1,000 viruses, including Michelangelo, Jerusalem, Stoned, Dir2 and Maltese Amoeba. The program also will detect both known and new stealth viruses. Additional features include Scheduled Scanning, Automatic Updating and Delete and Wipe options for infected files.

"With their new Windows product, Central Point has made it even easier for us to implement virus protection across our entire organization," said Tom Verkon, Systems Engineering Manager at TRW's Customer Service Division, the nation's leading independent provider of microcomputer support and maintenance services. "And with features such as Scheduled Scanning and Automatic Updating, Central Point Anti-Virus for Windows allows for even more transparent use by both our own employees and the customers for which we provide computer services. The Custom Install feature and the network support make it especially appropriate for the large corporations we work with."

Protection Against Stealth Viruses

Central Point Anti-Virus for Windows detects both known and new stealth viruses. Stealth viruses are especially dangerous because they conceal their presence from both users and virus detection software by hiding file size changes and other modifications to the file. Central Point Anti-Virus for Windows uses a special low-level technology to identify these and other stealth techniques.

Scanning Options Simplify Detecting and Cleaning

Central Point Anti-Virus for Windows introduces Scheduled Scanning. The Scheduler lets users schedule the program to run unattended scans at regular intervals. When a scheduled scan occurs, Central Point Anti-Virus will analyze specified drives for viruses. Scheduled Scanning ensures a high degree of user compliance in detecting and preventing virus infection before it occurs.

Background Scanning is also available within Central Point Anti-Virus for Windows. Background Scanning allows users to minimize the program on the screen, letting it scan for viruses while the user runs other programs in Windows. When scanning has been completed, a window will appear providing the statistics of the scan.

Delete and Wipe Options Increase Security

In addition to cleaning infected files, Central Point Anti-Virus for Windows allows users to optionally delete the infected files, ensuring the prevention of further infection. Additionally, the option to wipe deleted files offers users increased security. When this option is selected, Central Point Anti-Virus for Windows deletes the file and overwrites the area of the disk where the data used to be with zeros, preventing any part of the infected file from being undeleted.

Updating the Virus List Automatically

Central Point Anti-Virus for Windows allows users to update both detection and cleaning capabilities automatically via an external file. By connecting to either the Central Point Software Bulletin Board or CompuServe, users can download a new CPAVSCAN.DLL file and its accompanying WNVIRLST.CPS file and a VIRSIGS.CPS file for the TSRs. This feature increases the speed and ease with which users can fully update their virus protection between product upgrades. Corporations with site licenses can distribute these files to their users electronically via network servers or company bulletin boards.

Upgrade Information and Product Availability

Central Point Anti-Virus for Windows has a suggested price of $129 and will be available from major software distributors and resellers in North America in March. The cost of a single update is $20 plus shipping. An optional subscription plan provides customers four consecutive releases for $59 plus shipping. Customers in the U.S. and Canada can order updates or obtain more information by calling 800-445-4208. Site licenses are available for sites with 100 or more PCs. For information on corporate licenses, call 800-445-0432.

System Requirements

Central Point Anti-Virus for Windows runs on IBM AT, PS/2 or 100% compatibles with DOS 3.1 or higher, Windows 3.0 or higher and 2MB of RAM. Central Point Anti-Virus for Windows supports Microsoft Mouse drivers version 6.14 or higher, Logitech/Dexxa mouse drivers version 3.4x or higher or 100% compatibles.

Central Point Software

15220 N.W. Greenbrier Parkway #200, Beaverton, OR 97006

503-690-8090


Mitsubishi VGA & Hires Monitors
The Information Systems Division (ISD) of Mitsubishi Electronics America, Inc. introduced a Diamond Scan and two Diamond Pro color monitors for the PC, PS/2 and Macintosh platforms. The new monitors are ideal for graphical user interface environments such as Windows and Macintosh, and graphics-based word processing, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing and CAD applications.

The new monitors have been ergonomically designed for ease of use. All feature compact enclosures, ultra-fine 0.28 mm dot pitch, high-contrast Diamond Matte antiglare coated CRTs, VGA signal cable and tilt/swivel base for simple installation. The monitors also meet international guidelines for low magnetic emissions.

Product Line Enhancement

The new monitors are the second phase of a major brand-name product introduction by Mitsubishi.

"Since October, we've introduced eight new models of our brand-name desktop, workstation and presentation monitors, N said Craig Sloss, product marketing manager for reseller products at Mitsubishi ISD. "This is a response to the increased popularity of our monitors. We are a leading monitor supplier in the U.S. market. These new monitors should put us within reach of number one. We now offer a broader size selection and greater product depth than any other monitor vendor in the United States," Sloss said.

The Diamond Pro VGA

The Diamond Pro VGA is the lowest-priced color monitor in Mitsubishi's product line. It is a fixed-frequency color monitor compatible with DOS and Windows-based PCs, and PS/2s running all modes of VGA (640 x 480 non-interlaced maximum). The Diamond Pro VGA offers users high-performance VGA display at an economical price.

"Most people buy a PC with VGA resolution," Sloss said. "They don't need a more expensive monitor for basic Windows, word processing or spreadsheet applications. Today's users simply want above-average performance, easy installation and technical support from a leading manufacturer, like Mitsubishi. The Diamond Pro VGA offers high-fidelity imagery and Mitsubishi quality and reliability at a very competitive price."

The Diamond Scan 14

The Diamond Scan 14 is designed for users migrating from 12- and 14-inch EGA and VGA fixed-frequency monitors to high-resolution autosynchronous color monitors, and those needing wider compatibility with today's various VGA, SVGA, XGA and Macintosh LC graphics standards. It is an auto-scan monitor with 30 to 38.5 kHz scanning range and displays up to 800 x 600 non-interlaced (1024 x 768 interlaced) resolutions.

The Diamond Pro 14

The Diamond Pro 14 is Mitsubishi's premier 14-inch color monitor, with the greatest compatibility range in its class. The unit has a microprocessor-based auto-scan range of 30-58 kHz and icon-based, digital display set-up controls for ease of use. It displays flicker-free resolutions from VGA (640 x 480) to high-resolution, 72 Hz high-refresh 1024 x 768 non-interlaced. The Diamond Pro 14 provides simple installation and instant compatibility with all major PC, PS/2, Macintosh and third-party graphics standards. The monitor is suited for Windows and Macintosh word processing, spreadsheet, database and graphics-intensive work such as desktop publishing and CAD applications.

"This is one of the finest 14-inch monitors on the market today," Sloss said. "It's perfect for users wanting flicker-free high performance in a small footprint monitor. "

Distribution and Pricing The Diamond Pro VGA has a suggested retail price of $638. The Diamond Scan 14 retails for $740 and the Diamond Pro 14 is $839. All three monitors are immediately available to resellers through select national and regional distributors.

The Information Systems Division of Mitsubishi Electronics America, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of color display monitors and high-resolution color printers. ISD is one of the world's leading OEM suppliers of monitors and printers. The company's brand name products are sold through an extensive network of authorized distributors and resellers that provide full service and support. The Mitsubishi product line provides leading-edge solutions for high-end graphics and imaging applications. Mitsubishi Electronics America, Inc., Information Systems Division is located at 5665 Plaza Drive, Cypress, California 90630. Telephone: (800) 843-2515.


Data Acquisition Hardware Booklet
Today PCs are being used more and more frequently for data acquisition, as they have much greater flexibility than traditional methods like chart recorders, dataloggers or paper and pencil.

A new FREE 74-page booklet "HOW TO MEASURE IN LAB AND IN INDUSTRY" is available from Dianachart. This booklet describes different types of data acquisition hardware for PCs, and explains which are best suited to different applications.

Details are given on applications in Aerospace, Process Industry, Laboratories, Quality control, Automotive testing and environmental testing.

Some of the topics included are: Types of data acquisition hardware, connecting thermocouples, RTDs, Thermistors, Strain gages, and Pressure transducers (to measure Temperature, Pressure, Position, Flow, etc.).

Systems are described for portable measurement, NEMA industrial systems, Rackmount systems, High-speed systems, and standalone data collection systems, and Data Acquisition Workstations.

Various programs for analyzing and presenting acquired data are discussed, together with the advantages and problems of each.

The booklet is free for the asking, with a helpful demonstration disk for an IBM or Macintosh system.

DIANACHART Inc, 101 Round Hill Dr, Rockaway, NJ 07866

(201) 625-2299    FAX: (201) 625-2449


BEST Faces Learning Activities
BEST Faces Software, a series of learning activities that revolve around facial features, has generated excitement and praise from users since its release in the Fall of 1990. The software, using an IBM PC or 100% compatible, a CGA color monitor, and an Echo PC speech synthesizer, uses entertaining games to teach perceptual discrimination skills in prereading-age children. Using the keyboard, BEST Switch Interface, or PowerPad, the child "plays" games with the computer ranging from simple identification to a challenging memory game.

Using the record-keeping and customizing features of the program, the teacher can create games suited to the abilities of each student that will challenge him in a fun, non-threatening fashion. The creators of the software, Boston Educational Systems and Technology, Inc., have included reinforcing, entertaining animation for correct answers while incorrect answers are only tracked in the record-keeping file.

In the "Making Faces" game, the student "creates" a face from a variety of choices and studies it for a short time. The computer erases it, and then has him reconstruct it from memory. The choices given for each feature are funny and encourage creativity in the student, giving him a chance to express his sense of humor.

The other games involve matching, cause and effect, and even a one challenging the student's listening skills much like the game "Simon Says".

The software comes with four overlays that become increasingly more challenging to the student. These overlays can be used as templates to create custom overlays with varied features.

BEST Faces for the PowerPad is currently marketed by Dunamis, Inc and currently retails for $59.95. For a limited time, it will also be included in the IBM Starter Kit for the PowerPad which sells for $279.95.

Also, Best FACES is part of an IBM Switch Starter Kit, currently marketed by Dunamis, which retails $149.95. This kit features the Best Switch Interface which is designed to allow any key or string of keys (macros) to be activated by up to three switches and works with any IBM PC or compatible.

Dunamis, 3620 Highway 317, Suwanee, GA 30174

404-932-0485


Central Point Acquires Eikon Sys
Central Point Software, Inc. announced its acquisition of Eikon Systems, Inc., a Foster City, Calif., developer of Windows-based software. The move expands Central Point's current position in the Windows utilities market. The company also said it will release version 2.2 of Eikon's Scrapbook+ software utility in March.

"The explosion of the Windows market makes the Windows platform strategically important to utilities vendors, just as the DOS and Macintosh markets have been," said Corey Smith, CEO of Central Point Software. "We have been working with the development team at Eikon to co-develop Windows utilities that we plan to introduce in 1992. In working with them, we came to appreciate Eikon's Windows expertise and recognized the value in bringing them inside Central Point."

"As a company we have been striving to build a world-class Windows development organization, and we were pleased to find a partner with so many complementary strengths," said Kevin Welch, president of Eikon Systems. "Central Point's development, marketing, sales and support organizations will accelerate our bringing to market new and innovative Windows utilities."

Central Point will maintain Eikon's former headquarters as the Central Point California Research and Development Center. Most of Eikon's 30 plus employees, including all technical staff, will remain at this facility. Manufacturing, sales and support operations will move to Central Point's world headquarters in Beaverton.

Eikon's principals have worked closely with Microsoft Corporation and other leading software vendors to develop Windows technology and products since 1984; the company was founded in 1988. Eikon worked exclusively in Windows-based software development -- licensing its technology, publishing software and providing contract research and development services.

Scrapbook+ Provides Visual Storage Management

Central Point will release the next version of Eikon's Scrapbook+, Central Point Scrapbook+ 2.2 for Windows, in March. The new version is compatible with Windows 3.1 and adds an ART File Import Filter for Microsoft Word for Windows 2.0. Scrapbook+ provides visual storage management for graphics and text, allowing users to store, locate, view and retrieve clips of pictures, text, charts and other graphics much faster than they can using applications and the Windows File Manager. The product eliminates time-consuming and cryptic file list searches by displaying thumbnail sketches of text and graphics clips. This visual feedback lets users find required files in seconds.

"The rapid growth of the Windows market means that graphics and text are now mixed in a range of applications, including Microsoft Word, Harvard Graphics and Lotus 1-2-3," said Smith. "That makes visual data management increasingly important for Windows users of all types and for publishing and presentations graphics users in particular. Central Point Scrapbook+ for Windows meets this need."

Pricing and Availability

Central Point Scrapbook+ 2.2 for Windows will be available in March for a suggested retail price of $129 from major software distributors and resellers in North America. Customers in the U.S. and Canada can call (800) 445-4208 for additional product information.

System Requirements

Central Point Scrapbook+ 2.2 for Windows runs on IBM AT, PS/2 or 100 percent compatibles with Windows 3.0 or higher. A hard disk is required and a mouse or other pointing device is recommended. The program requires less than 500K of disk space.

Central Point Software, Inc., headquartered in Beaverton, is a leading developer of utility software and offers a broad line of utility products for DOS, Windows and Macintosh platforms. Founded in 1981, the company has grown to annual revenues of more than $53 million, and its installed base of registered users now numbers more than one million. Central Point's products are translated into several languages and are available in more than 25 countries.

Central Point Software

15220 N.W. Greenbrier Parkway #200, Beaverton, OR 97006

503-690-8090


Fax-On-Demand Consumer's Guide
Culminating months of information gathering, The Consumer's Guide to Fax-On-Demand Services is available for distribution. Fax-On-Demand, or interactive fax, allows people to access information via fax machine for delivery anytime, anywhere. The first ever directory of Fax-On-Demand services, The Consumer's Guide features 130 listings in 10 consumer oriented categories. A cross-referenced index easily locates specific services available.

Consumers and businesses that use Fax-On-Demand will find The Consumer's Guide exciting. The consumer can use The Consumer's Guide to find out what information is available via fax. For businesses involved in Fax-On-Demand already, The Consumer's Guide represents a terrific marketing and sales tool.

The Consumer's Guide has something for everyone. Want to learn what Land's End or Sears have on special this week? Or the name of a moderately priced Italian restaurant in mid town Manhattan? Or, on a more serious note, the treatment for a particular kind of cancer written in a language the lay person can understand? Find these Fax-On-Demand services -- and many more -- in The Consumer's Guide to Fax- On-Demand Services.

The retail price for The Consumer's Guide is $5.95. Bulk copies with custom inserts may also be ordered at wholesale prices. Information gathering is on-going for the Fall '92 edition of The Consumer's Guide. Companies who currently offer Fax-On-Demand services can obtain a listing form by calling 708-924-3022. There is no charge to be listed.

For more information, write: 26W 286 Durfee Rd, Wheaton, IL 60187; or call: 708-665-0722


FONE Service Pricing Database Pgm
FONE(tm), Version 6.1

Telecommunications Service, Call Pricing, Data Base Program.

MAJOR UPGRADE: PC & PC Compatibles - DOS 2.1 or higher - Hard Disk Required, Initial Space 1340K. Now a two diskette set - packed, 360KB, 5 1/4 inch. Personal Data Base vastly improved, faster, more records, ADD / BROWSE-PLACE CALL / MODIFY / COPY then MODIFY. Now add/update your own TelCos rates or import rate data from our Reference Data Bases. F10 key: Does Auto-Lookup of approximate rates, plus many countries, cities, states, access codes, country codes, and area/city codes, then loads them in your Personal Data Base.

FONE(tm) is now INTERNATIONAL and can be of dollars and cents (over 130 countries). to the USA or virtually any country to any other country. PROFESSIONALS/BUSINESSES can now ADD a SURCHARGE on to their TelCo rates in their Personal Data Base to cover operating costs such as: labor, FAX hardware/materials, and operations/overhead costs of the services they provide. Each surcharge can be different for each Personal Data Base entry. SAVE MONEY-MANAGE COSTS: FONE(tm) users now can call several telcom vendors, get the point-to-point TelCo rate data for several services, add the rate data to their Personal Data Base and conduct cost comparisons to the same point of destination.

Use the CALL SCREEN-RATE PREVIEW (F7 key) to establish the best service to use, BEFORE ever having to place a call or be charged. Import approximate rate data from the FONE(tm) Reference Data Base (AT&T, MCI, etc.) and see when is the best time to FAX or transmit that data file for the least cost. STANDARD, DISCOUNT & ECONOMY time periods are available in the FONE(tm) program for over 130 countries for several major TelCos. DAY, EVENING & NIGHT time periods for the USA are also available for several major TelCo vendors in the FONE(TM) Reference Data Base. If and when the Personal Data Base is no longer current the user can update hours, rates, etc. by themselves. CALL SCREEN shows the approximate cost of a call in real time and provides includes an expanded memo pad area for call notes. Personal Data Base BROWSE-PLACE CALL screen displays "Date of Last Call" and if a "Memo is Present".

Fast CALL COST OVERVIEW screen for USA users has been updated with new rates, area codes, city codes, and country codes Residential, Business, and International). Just specify vendor and area code (Country Name OR Country Code for International calls) to get an approximate cost of a call BEFORE IT IS PLACED.

We have added a BOGUS TelCo vendor, ZZZ WIDGETTelComCo(tm), for SAMPLE rate data for LOCAL, CELLULAR, etc., and for services not available from the FONE(tm) Reference Data Base. This BOGUS data will get the user in the ball park and serves as an guide/example for the user to edit to the exact data of their telecom service of choice.

HARDCOPY - PRINT OUTS: CALL LOG REPORT: Who, When, How Long, Call Cost, and Costs To Date. PERSONAL DATA BASE ENTRY REPORT: Contact Name, Address, etc., plus a List of all Call Costs (including sum of costs to date), Call Duration, Call Date, All Conversation Memos (ea Dated/Time stamped). OVERVIEW REPORT (USA Users): Approximate cost of call before it is placed.

HELP FILE & TELCOM INFO FILE: Each file area has been greatly expanded and updated. New F1 key provides instant Help and guidance for each data entry field available to the user.

A copy should be available for downloading from the America Online libraries or to order direct -- Make Your Check Payable To: EUGENE L. WOODS, PE/EE; and Send Your Order To: Eugene L. Woods, PE/EE, Engineering Systems Specialist; P. O. Box 261267; San Diego, CA 92196 / USA.    TEL: 1-619-549-4057

* * REGISTRATION FEE: $49.95 US Dollars, plus California Sales Tax. No COD or Credit/Charge cards. All checks must be drawn on a US Bank. Allow two to four weeks for delivery. Quantities are limited.


Paperless Office & Fujitsu Scanner
Fujitsu Canada, Inc., a leading marketer of document scanners in Canada, has agreed to bundle Norick's Paperless Office software system with two of its most popular scanner models.

"With the demand for image scanning products increasing Fujitsu Canada realized the importance of providing affordable products for this market," says Brent Asbil, Fujitsu Canada's sales representative for printer and scanner products. "By bundling Norick's Paperless Office with our scanners, we will now be able to offer a total imaging solution to Canadian computer dealers, and their customers."

Norick's Paperless Office is a complete, fully-integratable software solution that virtually eliminates the need to store or send paper documents in an office or home computing environment. It combines document imaging with on-line FAX send/file/receive, an inter-office Quick Note system, on-line Memo Pad, advanced document search, viewing and manipulation capabilities, and more.

Fujitsu will bundle Norick's Paperless Office with two scanner models: M3096E+, and M3093E. Both scanners feature a 50-page automatic document feeder, and can scan 20-25 letter-size pages per minute at 200 dpi.

"We're very proud that Fujitsu Canada has chosen to include our technology as part of its scanner package," says Phil Glenn, president of Norick Software, Inc. "By replacing the old-fashioned paper-based office with an electronic system, businesses of all sizes can be run more efficiently and profitably. We want to work with Fujitsu to carry the paperless office message."

Scanners bundled with Norick's Paperless Office are available through Fujitsu Canada dealers across Canada For more information, contact Norick Software, Inc., 5400 N.W. Grand Blvd., Suite 450, Oklahoma City, OK, 73112. Telephone: (800) 521-3279. In Oklahoma: (405) 947-7560. FAX: (405) 946-7559.


GRiD 486 DX2 50MHz Systems
GRiD Systems Corp. introduced the GRiD-API/450e and GRiD MFP/450, desktop computers that incorporate the power of the Intel486 DX2 50 MHz microprocessor in expandable and cost-effective packages.

GRiD is targeting the two products at very different markets. Both are designed to leverage the Intel 50MHz microprocessor and bring customers the latest in high-performance microprocessor technology at a very competitive price. The 50MHz Intel486 DX2 combine a general purpose processor, floating point unit and 8KB of four-way set-associative cache in a single component. Both products will support advanced operating systems such as Novell NetWare, Windows, OS/2 2.0, UNIX, the Santa Cruz Operations SCO UNIX and XENIX and even future operating systems such as Microsoft's Windows NT.

"The 50MHz DX2 processor gives us the ability to deliver high-performance systems at very aggressive prices," said Kirk Cruikshank, GRiD's vice president of marketing. "Today's advanced operating systems demand tremendous processing power from both 'client' and 'server' type systems --power demands that arc more than met by the Intel 486 DX2 microprocessor. But we know we can't present customers with one system to fulfill both roles. As a result, we came up with the APT/450e and its seven Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) slots for 'server' applications and the MFP/450 and its three Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) slots for 'client' applications."

The APT/450e is the latest member of the Advanced Personal Tower series of computers, designed to blend the expandability of a "tower" system with a thoughtful ergonomic design that lets customers easily integrate the system into their office environment. The APT/450e -- like all members of the APT family -- will support multiple storage media (floppy, hard disk and optical disks) and can operate as a department file server, network hub or gateway. With five expansion bays, in a variety of configurations, the APT/450e can support up to 4GB of internal storage.

Like the recently announced GRiD APT/425se, the APT/450e's incorporation of GRiD's unique ProChip technology exploits Intel's processor upgrade strategy by allowing future pin compatible upgrades without requiring a second socket. GRiD extends this utility with its ProSlot processor slot, which allows the entire processor subsystem to be contained on one ProSlot PC card. This ensures that future feature upgrades and new technology can be added as soon as they are available.

By utilizing an EISA bus and seven EISA slots, the APT/450e maximizes the processing power of the 50MHz Intel 486 DX2 by making sure that I/O bottlenecks are eliminated, providing excellent peripheral support.

David Claypool, GRiD's manager of desktop marketing, explained why GRiD chose this design. "We wanted the APT/450e to not only have a processor with the highest performance but also have the expandability and configurability to meet the needs of a wide variety of customers without forcing any of them to make any performance tradeoffs."

Paul Otellini, vice president and general manager of Intel's microprocessor products group, said, "By incorporating the Intel 486 DX2 microprocessor into its product line, GRiD will be able to deliver its customers a high-performance system at a midrange price.

"The APT/450e and the MFP/450 are good examples of how our customers can use Intel technology to develop systems that truly provide customers with effective computing solutions."

The MicroFootprint (MFP) 450 packs the power of the 50MHz Intel 486 into a compact, space-saving footprint (H 4" x W 15" x D 15.5") that does not sacrifice system expandability.

The MFP/450 has the advanced processing power for network-based graphics, image and multimedia applications.

The MFP/450's 50MHz 486 processor is matched with three Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) expansion slots for an extremely powerful and versatile computer that offers network and standalone users outstanding processing power and configurability in a package that actually fits on a desktop.

The APT/450e comes standard with the 50MHz Intel 486 DX2 microprocessor, 4MB of RAM, seven 32-bit EISA expansion slots, five expansion bays, including one 2.88MB, 3.5-inch floppy drive, high-speed Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) hard disk interface, dual serial, parallel and mouse ports, a 16-bit VGA card with 512K video memory supporting 640 x 480 in 256 colors, or 1024 x 768 non-interlaced in 16 colors. Options include up to 64MB of RAM, a SCSI hard disk drive interface and additional video memory of up to 1MB to support 1024 x 768 in 256 colors.

In standard configuration, the API/450e is priced at $4,499.

The MFP/450 comes standard with a 50MHz Intel 486 DX2 microprocessor, 4MB of RAM, three ISA-based expansion slots, one 1.44MB 3.5-inch floppy drive, two free expansion bays, 16-bit VGA integrated on main logic board, enhanced 101-key keyboard. Options include up to 32MB of RAM and up to 1MB of video memory to support 1024 x 768 resolution in 256 colors.

In standard configuration, the MFP/450 is priced at $2,599.

Both computers will start shipping later this month. The APT/450e will support a variety of hard disk options capable of delivering up to 4GB of internal storage. The MFP/450 will support a variety of hard disk options capable of delivering up to 1GB of internal storage.


Hard Drive Specification Database
The Consulting Group, Inc., releases it's new Hard Drive Reference software. The Software enables any user to look at hard drive specifications and best CMOS type. This software is invaluable to any person looking at a hard drive for purchase or needing to look up specifications for a given drive. If the user has had a CMOS configuration failure, or is installing a new hard drive, the specifications are at their finger tips. The database references more than 1046 standard and unique drives. The software is available as of March 23, 1992 in MS-DOS format. The software operates from either hard drive or floppy disk. Retail price $29.95 with special pricing for OEM's.

The Consulting Group

N. 506 Mullan, Suite A, Spokane, WA 99216

Mailing Address: PO. Box 783, Veradale, WA 99037

(509) 928-3863       (800) 345-9719


Speak English from Japanese
HyperGlot Software Company announced the immediate release of their latest software program, Learn To Speak English from Japanese.

Learn To Speak English from Japanese is the latest product in the English-as-a-second-language (ESL) series which includes Learn To Speak English from English, from Spanish, and from French.

Learn To Speak English from Japanese consists of 1 Orientation stack and 30 HyperCard English lessons recorded by four native speakers of English reading dialogues and settings on audio CD.

The program contains close to 1000 additional words and phrases in high-quality, digitized sound included in the stacks themselves, recorded by a native speaker of English.

Learn To Speak English from Japanese includes:

* Extensive listening exercises to help the user master understanding spoken English, numerous interactive drills to help master English grammar.

* Communication drills that help the user think and speak in complete English sentences in true context rather than in isolated words. (These drills may be modified by the user.) Multiple correct answers are allowed to accommodate the many ways of expressing the same thought in a language. Drill retests on missed answers. Check answers at a click of a button.

* Extensive grammar reference materials instantly available.

* Copious cultural notes about life in today's America.

The entire course is based around real-world situations that prepare the student for visiting or living in America: arriving in the country, getting settled, dealing with emergencies, going out socially, shopping for food, going to the doctor, etc.

Translations of settings and dialogues are available at the dick of a button. HyperText Index takes the user to any grammar topic instantly. A highly effective and fun way to learn to speak and understand English with sophisticated, adult methodology.

Users who have MacRecorder, Macintosh LC, IISi, ClassicII, Quadra, or Powerbook available will be able to record their own voices directly into the stacks and be able to compare their pronunciation with that of a native speaker.

Two-CD Format (requires Macintosh compatible CD-ROM drive): the 31 stacks are shipped on one CD for ease of storage. The dialogues and settings are on another audio CD which is controlled interactively from the lessons using CD-player-like control buttons.

Sheila Dziubak, HyperGlot's Assistant Vice President of Sales and Marketing said that "pricing for Learn To Speak English from Japanese is $99.00."

HyperGlot Software Company

PO Box 10746, Knoxville, TN 37939-0746

800-726-5087   615-558-8270


HiJaak for Windows Graphics Util
Inset Systems Inc. [ISI], publishers of the HiJaak family of graphics tools, announced their newest product, HiJaak for Windows 1.0.

HiJaak for Windows is a graphics utility that lets you view, convert, capture, enhance, and print graphics images in the Windows environment coupled with conversion, enhancement, and capture capability for DOS applications.

Use of Object Linking and Embedding [OLE] technology in HiJaak for Windows paves the way for graphics users to seamlessly integrate HiJaak for Windows' capabilities into their Windows applications, greatly increasing ease of use. "By taking advantage of Object Linking and Embedding, HiJaak for Windows adds great capabilities to Windows applications, embedding virtually any kind of graphics format into their documents," said Viktor Grabner, Technical Evangelist from Microsoft Corp.

Other "ease of use" features include Common Dialog Boxes, File Manager Drag and Drop, and Clipboard support. Use of Windows' common dialog boxes increases user recognition and reduces the learning curve for first time HiJaak for Windows users. Available to Windows 3.1 users, Drag and Drop lets a user click on a file name in the File Manager, "drag" it over to the Print Manager icon, and "drop" it into the print queue.

HiJaak's longstanding strength in the DOS environment, accurate graphics file conversion for more than 60 formats, translates smoothly to the Windows environment in HiJaak for Windows: vector-to-vector and vector-to-raster conversion support for 15 distinct vector formats, including 11 custom "flavors" of CGM; support for 23 distinct raster graphics formats, including PICT 1&2, TARGA, and hundreds of flavors of TIFF; and support for 24 popular fax card devices.

"HiJaak for Windows is the sweet dream to end Windows users' graphics compatibility nightmares," said Mark Skiba, President of Inset Systems Inc.

Viewing capability in HiJaak for Windows includes Multiple Document Interface [MDI] for simultaneous viewing of multiple images. HiJaak for Windows' use of fixed and dynamically variable palettes for 256 color displays lets the user decide whether to use one palette for all images on the screen or to favor the foreground image. Either choice gives multiple graphics very high color and gray scale accuracy.

Extensive image enhancement options available in HiJaak for Windows increase user control of graphics. Image modification options include cropping, free rotation in one degree increments, color and gray scale remapping, font remapping with full TrueType font support, palette optimization, histogram equalization, sophisticated color reduction, and adjustments for contrast, brightness, and gamma.

The list price of HiJaak for Windows is $249.00. Registered owners of other HiJaak 2.X products can take advantage of a $60.00 special price. Register owners of versions prior to 2.0 should call 800-828-8088 for special pricing. Both single user and network licensing is available. ISI products are sold worldwide through a network of distributors, retailers, and value-added resellers.

Inset Systems Inc, 71 Commerce Dr, Brookfield, CT 06804

203-740-2400


HSC InterActive for Multimedia
HSC Software, of Santa Monica, Calif., and AimTech Corporation of Nashua, NH, announced exclusive publishing, distribution and marketing agreements for HSC InterActive, a new multimedia presentation and interactive authoring software product for Windows. HSC InterActive is based on IconAuthor, AimTech's industry-leading, full-featured professional authoring system for Microsoft Windows.

HSC InterActive, an icon-based visual programming tool for authoring multimedia applications, will include authoring capabilities along with three AimTech products: IconAnimate, a powerful animation editor; Graphics Editor, a paint and editing utility; and RezSolution, a complete Windows screen capture, image-sizing, and color conversion editor. Application authors will be able to create license-free, run-time modules for play back at multiple sites.

HSC InterActive will be used by retailers and trade show exhibitors to create interactive electronic merchandising demonstrations and kiosks; educators who want to enhance the learning experience by developing engaging course materials; marketers who need to storyboard a new concept; and users who want to produce an entertaining, informative, and cost-effective multimedia application.

HSC InterActive utilizes IconAuthor's visual programming environment in which icons are used to build the structure of an application. The application development process is completed when "content" is added to each icon through a series of user-friendly dialog boxes. Using this powerful and flexible programming method, end users can design creative multimedia applications without a programming or scripting language. HSC InterActive fully supports Microsoft's Multimedia MCI (Media Control Interface), allowing the use of dozens of peripherals including sound adapters, CD-ROMs, and video devices. HSC InterActive also supports virtually all leading graphics, animation, and sound formats available under Windows.

"We are pleased to join forces with HSC Software, a leader in the rapidly growing market for interactive software products. Large and small businesses, education, and government, as well as multimedia developers, will find HSC InterActive the ideal entry point for interactive multimedia development," said Usman Ismail, AimTech president and CEO. "HSC InterActive is the only software on the market that allows a vast group of 'content experts' to easily and cost effectively develop interactive multimedia applications while providing the flexibility to upgrade directly to IconAuthor to meet higher level interactive multimedia development needs."

"HSC Interactive will set the standard for presentation authoring, just as IconAuthor has for high-level multimedia application development. Our exclusive relationship with AimTech will provide a complete range of high quality multimedia solutions for all users," said John Wilczak, president and CEO of HSC Software. "It was very clear from our earliest evaluations that end users found the IconAuthor icon-based development program the easiest to learn and use. Our goal in teaming up with AimTech is to provide the entire market, from the entry-level user who is just beginning to explore multimedia's possibilities to the experienced multimedia professional with the right tools for interactive application development."

The product is available through Merisel HSC Software authorized dealers, and directly from HSC. AimTech will offer purchasers of HSC InterActive a greatly reduced price on an upgrade to AimTech's IconAuthor. Registered users should contact AimTech at 1-800-289-2884 for upgrade information. HSC InterActive will retail for $495, and is now available for a limited period of time at an introductory price of $295. One year of free technical support through HSC is included for registered users. The product is also available to certified educational and not-for-profit organizations under a special pricing program.

InterActive requires a 286 or 386 processor, 1MB of RAM for 16 colors graphics or 2MB of RAM for 256 color graphics or higher, a hard disk, a CGA, EGA, VGA, SVGA or high color SVGA graphics board, a mouse or compatible input device, MS DOS 3.1 or higher, and Microsoft Windows 3.x with multimedia extensions.

HSC Software is a privately held developer and publisher of industry leading PC and Macintosh graphics software. Based in Santa Monica, Calif., HSC's mission is to bring the highest level of PC graphics, video, audio and multimedia management capabilities to the desktop communicator. HSC provides a complete product line of easy-to-use, affordable, high performance products.

AimTech Corporation, a privately held company with offices in Nashua, NH, Los Angeles, Calif., and London, England, develops and markets multi-platform software products for creating interactive multimedia applications.


Paint Shop Pro Win Screen Capture
Windows screen capture and image manipulation made easy! From the creators of the critically acclaimed Paint Shop comes Paint Shop Pro.

With Paint Shop Pro you can capture your screen, an area of the screen or just a window. During capturing you can hide, reduce to an icon or leave Paint Shop Pro as part of the picture. After capturing your image save it to one of the many formats supported.

Support of a wide range of image formats makes Paint Shop Pro ideal for file format conversions. Paint Shop Pro supports; BMP, DIB, GIF, IMG, MAC, MSP, JAS, PCX, PIC, RAS, RLE, TGA, TIFF, and WPG.

Enjoy the multiple ways of viewing your images. You can stretch the image to fit the window. Zoom in or out to factors of 10. Leave your window and view the image using the full screen.

Paint Shop Pro's powerful image editing allows you to do image wide editing. Paint Shop Pro's editing functions include; trim, resize, resample, apply filters, adjust color components, adjust brightness and contrast, decrease and increase the color depth, gamma correct and greyscale. Paint Shop Pro comes with a standard set of filters. You can also apply, create, edit, or delete your own set of filters. Decrease the color depth using a standard palette or an optimized palette.

Orders are now being taken by PsL at (800) 242-4775 (ask for part number 10286). The price is just $49.00!

JASC Inc, 17743 Evener Way, Eden Prairie, MN 55346


Lahey F77L-EM/32 Fortran Compiler
Version 5.0 of F77L-EM/32, Lahey Computer System's Fortran Language System for 386/486 users, will begin shipping in April '92. EM/32 comes bundled with the latest version of Phar Lap's 386|DOS-Extender. This customized version of Phar Lap's operating system supports the VCPI, XMS, and DPMI memory management interfaces. The DPMI-compliant Extender enables EM/32 users to operate in a Microsoft Windows DOS box. In addition to supporting applications up to gigabytes in size, the extender provides virtual memory support for those programmers who run out of RAM. The DOS extender also includes free unlimited runtime licenses, allowing developers to distribute their applications without any royalties or additional fees.

"Fortran developers are the ones who will benefit the most from the Lahey/Phar Lap agreement," said Richard M. Smith, President of Phar Lap Software. "This combination of two industry-leading technologies will produce the highest quality Fortran development tools available."

Version 5.0 introduces a new version of Lahey's Source On-Line Debugger (SOLD). This 32-bit protected-mode debugger includes an intuitive user interface that displays information via pop-up panels. Lahey has recorded performance benchmarks that are 30 times faster than the real-mode debugger shipped with previous versions of EM/32. In addition, the new SOLD includes features enabling users to both break and trace execution at specified Fortran statement labels. This allows programmers to quickly debug sections of their code without running the entire program.

Lahey has added the following features that will benefit new customers and current users arrays can now be greater than 16MB, you can open up to 255 files per program unit, check substring bounds, and include more lines of code per program. The Phar Lap linker will compress and automatically produce bound executables for easy delivery of finished applications. Lahey has added a 486 optimization switch that will generate faster code for users with 80486 PCs.

"In this fast moving industry, Phar Lap Software has been a leader in anticipating technology shifts. We are pleased to provide our users with their DOS extender," said Tom Lahey, President of Lahey Computer Systems. "Phar Lap, our new 32-bit debugger, and new language features and optimizations make EM/32 5.0 our best product ever."

EM/32 is designed for scientists, engineers, and programmers who are porting or developing large Fortran applications on personal computers. This language system includes Phar Lap's 386|DOS-Extender, 386|Link, and 386|LIB, a debugger, editor, make utility, video graphics, and an interface to MetaWare High C. In addition to full ANSI 77 support, there is support for popular DEC VAX, IBM VS, and Fortran 90 features. EM/32 also includes compiler and runtime error messages in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Lahey provides all registered users with free technical support.

F77L-EM/32 Version 5.0 costs $1195, $195 less than Version 4.0. Current Lahey users can update to EM/32 5.0 for $250. EM/32 requires the following: a 386 or 486SX with a math coprocessor or a 486DX, DOS 3.3 or higher, and 2MB of extended memory. For further information, contact Lahey at (800)-548-4778 or (702)-831-2500/ Fax (702)-831-8123 or Phar Lap Software at (617)-661-1510/ Fax (617)-876-2972.

Company Profile

Founded in 1967, Lahey Computer Systems specializes in the design and production of Fortran language systems and development tools for professional programmers. Their award-winning PC Fortran language systems include LP77, F77L, and F77L-EM/32.

Lahey Computer Systems Inc

PO Box 6091, 865 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village, NV 89450

702-831-2500


MACLAN Connect for NetWare
Miramar Systems, Inc. is shipping a new low-cost software gateway for integrating Macintosh and PC networks. MACLAN Connect for NetWare allows Macintosh and Novell NetWare users to easily share network resources, like printers, file servers, and even CD ROM drives, regardless of their physical location on the network.

"MACLAN Connect for NetWare is a cost effective solution that stretches the user's investment in NetWare and gives network managers another option for Macintosh connectivity," says President Neal Rabin. "It's easier to install and administer than NetWare for the Macintosh, while providing a more Macintosh-friendly interface to the user."

MACLAN Connect for NetWare offers a number of unique advantages, including:

Cost efficiency - Because a single MACLAN Connect for NetWare can act as a gateway to multiple NetWare servers, it provides a low cost solution for large or small workgroups. Multiple Macintosh users can establish connections through a single NetWare session, stretching the user base of concurrent connections. For instance, 10 Macintosh users and 19 DOS users could access a server running a 20-user version of Novell NetWare.

Improved management - MACLAN Connect takes advantage of Novell's APIs to automatically detect users and groups that have been defined in NetWare, thus simplifying network setup.

Server independence - MACLAN Connect for NetWare does not require any changes or additions to the NetWare server, such as Novell's Network Loadable Module (NLM) or Value Added Process (VAP) for Macintosh. This simplifies network installation and improves reliability.

Transparent integration - Using Miramar's File Extension Mapping feature, MACLAN Connect for NetWare represents PC files as standard Macintosh icons. The Macintosh user sees PC files as if they were ordinary Macintosh files and can both run the application and open the file by simply double-clicking on the icon. Similarly, Macintosh files appear as regular DOS formatted names to the PC user.

"One of the problems for Macintosh users in traditional PC-based Novell networks has been that they weren't able to access files with the 'point and click' ease of the Macintosh," said Greg Goodman, Miramar co-founder. "We've solved that problem with the transparency of File Extension Mapping."

How It Works

The MACLAN Connect for NetWare software runs on a dedicated PC, turning it into a low-cost AppleShare file server. It provides file and printer sharing for Macintosh and PC users. Hard drives, LAN volumes, CD ROM drives, and other network resources on Novell networks appear to Macintosh users as AppleShare volumes. PC users access them through their normal NetWare interface. Both Macintosh and PC users can spool print jobs to PostScript printers attached to the Novell file server, to the MACLAN gateway, or to printers in Apple workgroups on LocalTalk.

The product includes "NetWare aware" administration software, which allows the administrator to define existing NetWare users and groups in one easy step. It also offers the flexibility of managing the Macintosh network separately from the PC LAN.

MACLAN Connect for NetWare is compatible with any 2.1X, 3.X or above version of NetWare. Because MACLAN Connect for NetWare was designed to use Novell APIs in full NetWare environments, it does not support NetWare Lite, Novell's new peer-to-peer product. However, NetWare Lite is compatible with Miramar's MacLAN Connect and MACLAN Connect Lite.

Availability

MACLAN Connect for NetWare is available now from Miramar, through distributors Merisel/MacAmerica and Service Plus Technology, and from resellers nationwide. Pricing is $695 for 40 users.

About Miramar Systems

Miramar Systems' family of MACLAN Connect products is the only available solution that integrates Macintosh computers and printers into multiple PC LAN environments, including Banyan Vines, Novell NetWare, IBM LAN Server, Microsoft LAN Manager, Ungermann-Bass Net/One and Artisoft LANtastic. Users can exchange data between PCs and Macintoshes, send e-mail between departments, and share hard disk storage and printers across the internetwork, all from their familiar PC or Macintosh user interface. The software is available in four configurations, to suit various network sizes and topologies.

Founded in 1987 and based in Santa Barbara, CA, Miramar Systems is a leading provider of Macintosh to PC LAN gateway software. The company's mission is to develop products that seamlessly integrate the Apple Macintosh family of products into PC environments. Miramar has an established reputation for providing highly reliable, cost efficient solutions for network integration.

Miramar Systems, Inc.

201 N. Salsipuedes, Suite 204, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

805.966.2432     FAX 805.965.1824


MicroSim Design Center v5.1
With version 5.1 of the Design Center, MicroSim Corporation now offers an analog and digital circuit design environment in which PSpice, our analog and digital circuit simulator, and Probe, our high resolution graphical waveform analyzer, have been rewritten as full Windows 3.0 applications, and integrated with our schematic capture system which was originally designed and written under Windows 3.0. Besides the ability to simulate and analyze circuits from within the schematic environment, version 5.1 offers the capability to display voltage, current, and digital waveforms by marking pins, wires, and devices directly on the circuit drawing.

Selected features that were previously sold as options, are now standard in the Design Center. These include analog behavioral modeling, Monte Carlo and sensitivity/worstcase statistical analyses, and digital simulation in PSpice, as well as graphical waveform analysis with Probe, and device characterization with Parts. Also standard to the Design Center are the Analog and Digital Libraries containing device model, subcircuit, and symbol definitions for the more than 4,000 analog and 1,700 digital components.

With version 5.1, the Analog Library has been enlarged by over 740 devices including European manufactured diodes and bipolar transistors, as well as domestic bipolar transistors and operational amplifiers. In addition, improved nonlinear magnetics models have been incorporated. Over 170 digital parts have been added to the Digital Library including 10 K and 100 K ECLs, PALs, and GALs.

The Design Center's PSpice circuit simulator now supports lossy transmission lines providing for the analysis of attenuation and dispersion behavior. Digital worst-case timing simulation has also been added, in which the PSpice simulation considers all possible combinations of propagation delays within the minimum and maximum range for digital devices.

With the integrated graphical waveform analyzer, simulation output can be visualized in a variety of ways including application of expressions, user-defined functions, and performance analysis. New with version 5.1 is the support of digital signal expressions using logical operators as well as bus expressions using both arithmetic and logical operators.

The Design Center under Windows 3.0 is available on the IBM-PC and compatibles for $8,200.00, and on the NEC-PC for $10,725.00. The Design Center can be purchased with these options:

* Device equations, which supplies partial source code that can be modified to tailor a device's behavior to your application ($750 on the IBMPC/Windows; $950.00 on the NEC-PC/Windows).

* Filter synthesis, for realizing active and passive filters supporting RC active, switched-capacitor, and LC ladder architectures ($900 on the IBMPC).

For more information about MicroSim Corporation's Design Center, please call us at (714) 770-3022, or toll free at (800) 245-3022.

MicroSim Corp, 20 Fairbanks, Irvine, CA 92718


Micro Express AM386DXL Notebook
Micro Express introduces the first notebook PC to use the new AM386DXL, 25-MHz low-power microprocessor. This processor allows 25-MHz 386DX performance, and includes an internal 128K RAM cache, for high-performance. With a raft of power-saving features, such as fully adjustable sleep modes, the NB2500 has an average battery life in excess of three hours.

With 4-MB of RAM, an 80-MB fast hard disk drive, a 1.44-MB 3-1/2" floppy disk drive and a built-in send/receive FAX/modem that meets CCITT Group 3 standards, this 7-pound notebook PC sells for only $2695.

The nine-inch black-on-white CCFT Supertwist backlit LCD screen offers 64 levels of gray scale with 640 x 480 pixel VGA performance. Brightness and contrast are individually adjustable. System RAM can be increased from 4 to 8 MB with the addition of a 4-MB SIMM memory upgrade module ($240).

A full-size 83-key keyboard is included, with full cursor control. There is also a port for plugging in an external keyboard, if desired. Additional ports include: one serial port; one parallel port; an external monitor port; a scanner port; and an expansion chassis port. The available expansion chassis ($499) includes two full 16-bit slots plus an additional power supply.

The scanner port supports a Marstek hand-held scanner. Two versions of the scanner are available. The first is a 400-dpi model ($149). Second is an 800-dpi model ($399) that comes with Windows-based OCR software and with Image-In image-editing and scanner-control software.

Recharging of the NB2500 can be done with the computer either on or off. Quick charge, with the computer off takes only 2-1/2 hours. This 7-pound notebook PC measures 11.6''[W x 8.7"[D] x 2.3"[H]. The NB2500 is FCC Class B approved and comes with a carrying case at no additional charge.

A 15-month warranty is included on parts and labor for this PC, with shipping for the first 4 months paid both ways by Micro Express. A 30-day moneyback guarantee is included. As with all other Micro Express computers, this machine is burned in for 72 hours before shipping to eliminate early failures. In addition, a toll-free number is provided for free unlimited technical support. When technical documents are required, Micro Express offers Automated FAX-back Service. Using this service documents can be requested through voicemail and will be FAXed directly to the customer without human intervention.

The NB2500 is available now, direct from Micro Express.

Micro Express is an award-winning manufacturer of notebook, laptop, portable and desktop microcomputers that are fully IBM compatible. Micro Express offers extremely high quality and a wide range of additional features at a very competitive price. Micro Express personal computers are regularly rated at the top of comparative reviews in computer trade magazines, having won such honors as PC Magazine Editors' Choice, PC World Best Buy, Computer Buyer's Guide Best Buy, BYTE Magazine One-To-Watch, PC Week Analyst's Choice and many others. The company also offers a selection of high-performance add-in peripheral boards.

For further sales information, contact Micro Express at 1801 Carnegie Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92705. Phone: (714) 852-1400 or (800) 989-9900.


NEC ProSpeed 486SX Mono Laptop
NEC Technologies, Inc., introduced the ProSpeed 486SX, the industry's first laptop to offer a large 10.4" thin film transistor (TFT) active matrix LCD with 800 X 600 pixel resolution.

Featuring 16 shades of grey, the ProSpeed 486SX is a high-resolution monochrome version of NEC's color laptop (the ProSpeed 486SX/C) introduced earlier this year. With its unsurpassed active matrix Super VGA display, the ProSpeed 486SX laptop allows users to see 33 percent more information on the screen than conventional laptop computers. This allows better viewing of client presentations, CAD/CAM graphics and scientific drawings, and greater utilization of multi-window environments.

Powered by Intel's 486SX 20 MHz processing chip, the ProSpeed 486SX laptop holds more power than a 386/33 MHz computer, and at 16.7 pounds, is the lightest laptop on the market with a full-size Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA) expansion slot. The built-in, 32-bit EISA expansion slot provides optimal growth and flexibility for networking, LAN data analysis and engineering applications.

"We are extremely pleased to be able to, once again, take portable computing to a new level by providing the industry's first laptop with TFT LCD and 800 X 600 resolution," said Bob Levin, director of marketing for NEC portable computer systems. "The ProSpeed 486SX is a high-performance laptop for professionals executives requiring Super VGA display quality, fast processing power and EISA expansion capabilities."

Mobile professionals will find many other performance advantages with NEC's ProSpeed 486SX laptop computer:

o   2 MB of 32-bit memory expandable to

    4, 6, 8,12 or 20 MB using SIMMs

o   Large capacity 120 MB or 240 MB hard disk drive

o   Factory-installed Windows 3.0 and MS-DOS 5.0 offered

    as standard operating environments

o   8 KB of cache memory for increased processing throughput

The ProSpeed 486SX laptop computer has a suggested retail price of $6,999 for the 120 MB hard disk drive configuration, and $7,499 for the 240 MB hard disk drive version. It is available immediately through NEC's nationwide network of authorized resellers.

NEC Technologies Inc

1414 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough, MA 01719

508-264-8000


NEC UltraLite SL/25C Color Notebook
NEC Technologies, Inc. is the first manufacturer to ship a thin film transistor (TFT) active matrix color LCD notebook computer. Shipping immediately, the UltraLite SL/25C notebook computer extends NEC's leadership in notebook computers by being the first manufacturer to provide a brilliant TFT active matrix color display in a notebook form factor which also includes a leading edge 25 megahertz i386SL processor and a high capacity 80 megabyte hard disk drive.

"NEC is excited about bringing high quality color technology to the notebook marketplace so quickly," said Bob Levin, director of marketing for NEC Portable Computer Systems. "We have designed the UltraLite SL/25C for users who don't want to compromise anything for portability--including a color display or system performance."

The UltraLite SL/25C notebook computer brings CRT-quality color notebook computing to the mainstream. As the latest and most advanced member of the UltraLite family of notebook computers, the UltraLite SL/25C gives users something they've never had before--the power of a 25 MHz i386SL microprocessor and a crisp, clear color display utilizing a palette of more than 225,000 colors.

COLOR DISPLAY

The NEC designed and manufactured TFT active matrix backlit color LCD can support multiple resolutions including 640 x 480 with 16 colors and 320 x 200 with 256 colors. Active matrix technology provides better color saturation, crisper images and higher quality color than passive matrix technology.

With a viewing area of 9.5 inches, the largest on any color notebook today, and a wide angle of vision, the UltraLite SL/25C notebook computer offers a fast screen update due to its 60 Hz refresh rate, 0.3 mm dot pitch and 256 KB of Video RAM. All this combined with simultaneous external CRT video capabilities, makes the UltraLite SL/25C notebook computer ideal for graphics intensive applications and on-the-road presentations.

"We're giving mobile Professionals the ideal presentation tool," said Levin. "The brilliance of active matrix color combined with the simultaneous video feature makes on the road presentations look brighter and better. In essence, the UltraLite SL/25C offers increased productivity through portability, performance and color."

Running at 25 MHz with 64 KB of cache memory, the small form factor 9" x 11.5" x 2.4" UltraLite SL/25C notebook computer can handle even the most demanding multitasking Windows applications. Equipped with an 80 MB hard drive, 3.5-inch internal floppy drive and 2 MB of RAM, the UltraLite SL/25C notebook provides users with the ability to increase performance with impressive results. MS-DOS 5.0 and Windows 3.0 are factory installed and user ready upon purchase.

Utilizing the i386SL microprocessor, the 7.5 pound UltraLite SL/25C offers extensive power management capabilities through four automatic power-saving modes: operation, idle, rest and stand-by. Battery life is estimated at 1.5 hours under constant operation and up to 5 hours depending on the usage environment.

EXPANSION CAPABILITIES

The UltraLite SL/25C notebook computer has many expansion capabilities including a full complement of ports, optional modems and an optional portable Docking Station unit.

Serial, Enhanced Parallel, keyboard, keypad, PS/2 mouse, Super VGA CRT and external floppy disk drive ports are all standard. Memory can be expanded up to 10 MB via 2, 4, 6 and 8 MB memory modules. The internal modem slot can accommodate NEC's Advanced Data Modem, a 2400 bps data modem with MNP 5, or the UltraLite Image Modem Plus, a 2400/9600 data/fax modem.

In addition, NEC's implementation of an Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) allows significantly improved performance in parallel communications such as local area networking and SCSI device connectivity.

An optional portable Docking Station unit gives desktop functionality to the UltraLite SL/25C notebook computer. The UltraLite SL/25C notebook computer and Docking Station unit are easily transportable as one laptop-size unit. Users can create and customize a portable multimedia platform by combining the UltraLite SL/25C and Docking Station with NEC's new multimedia upgrade kit to integrate sound, images and text into their presentations. With a suggested retail price of $999, the Docking Station unit has two 16-bit AT slots and an internal half-height 5.25" bay to accommodate system expansion.

TWO YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

As a further statement of commitment to its customers and the leading edge technology in the UltraLite SL/25C, NEC is providing the end user with a two year limited warranty. No other notebook computer manufacturer matches this warranty.

AVAILABILITY

The UltraLite SL/25C notebook computer is now available through NEC's authorized dealer network with locations throughout the United States and Canada. For more information, call 1-800-NEC-INFO.

As the preeminent supplier of TFT active matrix color notebook technology, NEC is offering end users an introductory bonus, valued at $248. From now until May 31, 1992, with the purchase of an UltraLite SL/25C, end users will receive a battery pack and an UltraLite carrying case, at no charge, by redeeming a special coupon made available through NEC and its dealers.

NEC Technologies, Inc., a leading supplier of computers, peripherals and CD-ROM software for the North American market, is a subsidiary of NEC Corporation, a $26 billion manufacturer of computer, communications, semiconductor and home entertainment products.

NEC Technology Inc

1414 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough, MA 01719


HomeCraft ORGANIZE! Databases
HomeCraft Software has announced the release of version 5 of ORGANIZE!, the leading software for collectors. Unlike previous versions, which required users to purchase a separate program for each type of collection, this new version can catalog any type of collection. Cataloging formats for ten types of collections (plus ten more available as options), including baseball cards, CDs and records, books, stamps and coins are built into the software. Collectors can use one of these built-in formats; they can modify one of the built-in formats; or they can create their own format.

HomeCraft has been the leading publisher of software for collectors since 1986. With the release of version 5 the best has become better. User definable reports allow you to print anything from labels and index cards to full page reports. A new user interface featuring drop-down menus makes using the software even easier and more convenient. Macros and three different copy functions make entering information about a collection quick and easy. The ability to import/export dBase files provides compatibility with other software.

Over 50 new features have been added to make ORGANIZE! the most flexible and most advanced software available for collectors. Whether you have a collection of baseball cards or Barbie dolls HomeCraft's ORGANIZE! software will help keep track of what you have, where it' s located and what its worth. Your insurance agent will love it! Plus you can keep wanted lists, trade lists, sell lists, and maintain a detailed catalog of whatever information you need.

Built-in Formats:

Pop, Rock & Country Music

Classical Music

Jazz Records & CDs

Sports Cards (Baseball Cards)

Video Tapes

Stamps

Coins

Home Inventory

Guns

Books & Magazines

Additional Optional Formats:

Comic Books

Art Collections

Memorabilia

Professional Books

Token Collections

Model Railroads

Wines

Fabrics & Thread

Photographs, Slides & Negatives

Business Cards

System Requirements: IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2 or compatible with 300K RAM and DOS version 3 or later. A hard disk is recommended but not required.

Available from: HomeCraft Software, P.O. Box 974, Tualatin, OR 97062 (503) 692-3732. Fax: (503) 692-3732. $79.95 plus 5.00 S&H within North America ($8.00 S&H outside North America).


ULTIMA Underworld Stygian Abyss
You-are-there reality takes a technological leap forward with the release of ULTIMA Underworld The Stygian Abyss. Developed by Blue Sky Productions of New Hampshire, ULTIMA Underworld is a first-person, continuous-motion, 3D dungeon game for the PC. Underworld takes the player deep into the tunnels of the Stygian Abyss first seen in ULTIMA IV Quest of the Avatar.

Every character and creature in the Underworld is modelled and rendered in a richly-detailed 3D process, resulting in an unparalleled gaming experience. Using a simple mouse-driven interface, players walk around bitmapped objects which look correct from any angle. Unlike other first-person dungeon games currently available, explorers in the Underworld are not forced to move in jumps. Instead, they can walk, run, leap, turn and even swim with smooth, continuous motion.

"The first-person perspective is perfect for dungeon games," says Underworld Designer Paul Neurath. "You can really capture the claustrophobic feeling. You never know what's lurking around the next corner or what might be swooping down on you from overhead." Other features of the game provide even more enhancement. With a sound board and stereo speakers, the environmental sound effects are so accurate that players can sense the direction of unseen characters or echoing footsteps. "Real-world physics come into play as well," according to Producer Warren Spector. "If you throw an object, it's going to bounce off of a wall or roll downhill. If you shoot an arrow, you'd better lead the target and allow for the arc of the arrow, too."

ULTIMA Underworld combines the best aspects of role playing and dungeon games. Ultima fans will recognize the runic language and character types. When magic rune stones are mastered, the player can cast more than forty spells as varied as fireballs, flight, earthquakes and lightning. Creatures in the Underworld are intelligent, with the ability to engage in conversation and barter with the Avatar. Some are not so friendly, however, and the real-time battles are intense as enemies stand toe-to-toe. A unique automapping feature does away with the need for meticulous note-taking. As players move deeper and deeper through 25 miles of twisting corridors and puzzling traps, they can chart their course and leave reminders right on the screen.

In ULTIMA Underworld The Stygian Abyss, the Avatar once again travels back to Britannia, where he is mistakenly accused of kidnapping Baron Almric's daughter, Arial. His sentence: to be thrown into the great Stygian Abyss, from which no man has ever returned. His quest: to fight, forage and find his way to the deepest recesses of the Abyss and return Arial safely to the surface. Only then may he prove his innocence.

System requirements for ULTIMA Underworld The Stygian Abyss are:

 Computer: IBM: 386SX, 386, 486, PS/2 50+ and

           100% compatibles

   Memory: 2MB of RAM and expanded memory manager required

 Graphics: VGA (256 color)

    Sound: Ad Lib, Roland MT-32/LAPC-1, CMS Sound Blaster

           and Sound Blaster Pro

    Other: Hard disk required

Interface: Mouse or keyboard

Recommended (for optimal performance): 386/20 MHz or faster computer, sound board and mouse

ORIGIN, 110 Wild Basin Rd, Suite 230, Austin, TX 78746

512-328-3825


P1600 SCRAMNet Interface
With the introduction of the Model P1600 interface from Systran Corp., companies requiring real-time network performance can incorporate personal computers (PCs) into their high-speed systems. The Model P1600 interface enables 386- or 486-based PCs to send and receive information from other computers at data rates of 150 Mbits/second over the SCRAMNet fiber-optic, replicated shared-memory network.

With the Model P1600, system architects can achieve the best of two worlds: the real-time performance of the SCRAMNet network and the price/performance advantages of PCs, all in one heterogeneous network. This is useful for such real-time applications as aircraft simulation, graphics generation, data acquisition, telemetry and process control. The Model P1600 joins many other interfaces in the SCRAMNet family of real-time network products, including interfaces to VME, Q-bus, MULTIBUS I, SelBUS and other backplane busses.

The Model P1600 consists of an interface card installed in the host computer's CPU and an external enclosure housing the replicated shared-memory and network boards, connected to the host with shielded cables.

W. Lynn Trainor, president of Systran, said "Organizations that need the high-end data transfer speeds offered by SCRAMNet are under increasing pressure to reduce costs. By incorporating PCs into their real-time, heterogeneous networks, they can cut costs without losing the performance for which they bought their network. Adding PCs to a SCRAMNet network increases the variety of SCRAMNet computer nodes, furthering SCRAMNet's position as a standard in the realm of real-time applications, while meeting our customers' needs for improved price/performance."

SCRAMNet Designed for Simplicity, Speed

With SCRAMNet's replicated shared-memory design, all computer nodes on the network are equipped with identical computer-addressable memories. Every change to the replicated shared-memory at one node is immediately and automatically replicated in all nodes on the network in microseconds, causing all the computers to appear in real-time applications as one large virtual multi-processor. Featuring fiber-optic technology, a sophisticated interrupt structure, data filtering and a programmable byte swapper, the SCRAMNet network avoids the limitations of physical shared-memory architecture and message-passing LANs to deliver true real-time speed, deterministic performance, and positive system control with no software overhead.

The Model P1600 -- Enabling PCs to Transfer Data at Lightning Speeds

The Model P1600 provides a transparent, efficient link between the SCRAMNet network and 386- and 486-based PCs. Like all Systran boards, it features the SCRAMNet simplicity, where all data is replicated in PC memory as it occurs, with no protocol conversions. Features include:

* Economical connection that can be installed in any 386/486 host backplane. The external enclosure can be mounted in a standard 19" rack.

* Compatible with the ISA and EISA standards.

* Powerful interrupt capabilities.

* Sophisticated memory architecture. Replicated shared-memory up to 2 Mbytes in size exists in the host PC as extended memory and is accessed via the protected mode. Efficient network writes. Any two consecutive 16-bit writes from the host PC bus can be bundled together for increased network bandwidth.

* Efficient, trouble-free hardware installation and verification through executable hardware confidence test software and source code.

* Optional library routines that install the interface, set interrupts, clear memory and activate the byte swapper.

Price and Availability

The Model P1600 is available now, at prices per node ranging from $6,900 to $9,800, depending on configuration.

An established research and development firm headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, Systran Corp. specializes in simulation, artificial intelligence and defense-related hardware/software research and development. The company's SCRAMNet network is the leading real-time network, with hundreds of nodes in use at aerospace, corporate and U.S. military installations. For more information, contact Systran headquarters at 4126 Linden Ave., Dayton, OH 45432-3068. Telephone: 1-800-252-5601. Fax: (513) 258-2729.


PERCON Laser Bar Code Reader
Using bar codes to enter data has proven to be vastly more accurate than human key-entry and Percon, Inc., has made it easier with the introduction of its PERCON Series 20 Laser. The Series 20 Laser is a hand-held bar code laser with the PERCON Series 20 bar code reader built into its handle.

Lightweight and compact, the Series 20 Laser withstands repeated five-foot drops to concrete. Non-contact scanning enables the user to easily read bar codes on flat, curved and irregular surfaces with an exceptionally accurate "first-try read rate" up to distances of two feet. The Series 20 Laser operates in normal office retail and industrial environments.

"A single cable connects the Series 20 Laser as a 'wedge' between the computer and keyboard," says Mike Coughlin, PERCON president. "IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2 computers and compatibles are just a few of the interfaces currently offered. If a specific interface is requested, we will work with that customer to meet their exact requirements."

The Series 20 Laser's precision optics and electronics maintain accuracy while scanning at a rate of 40 scans per second without exact aiming. It is also immune to direct exposure to normal office light, factory lighting or sunlight.

As with the entire line of PERCON Series 20 decoders, the Series 20 Laser provides these benefits:

Data input editing enables users to customize scanned data before it reaches their application program. This automatic data editing is completely programmable, and permits adding data, moving data, or subtracting data from each bar code or magnetic stripe as it's scanned.

Auto-Host Recognition allows the Series 20 Laser to recognize and configure itself for the computer to which it's connected.

Full keyboard support permits users to encode any key on a keyboard--including all function keys. The unit also allows auto-terminators to be any of 128 ASCII characters, and the unique "Zap Mode" disables the user-defined auto-terminator by encoding PERCON-defined characters into that bar code.

Additionally the Series 20 Lasa will auto-discriminate among 13 different bar code symbologies.

The Series 20 Laser's suggested retail price begins at $1,395.00(US, quantity one) and is scheduled for shipment beginning March 20, 1992. The Series 20 Laser is backed by a one-year warranty with an optional extended warranty available.

Founded in 1983, Percon engineers and manufacturers keyless data entry and identification equipment. Based in Eugene, Oregon, the company sells bar code hardware and software worldwide through original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), distributors and value added resellers (VARs) and offers next-day shipping, free telephone support and 24-hour turnaround repair service.

In addition to the five Series 20 decoders, PERCON's bar code and magnetic stripe readers include Series 10 bar code and magnetic stripe decoders for a wide range of computer and terminal systems. The PERCON PocketReader portable bar code reader, features PERCON Program Generator (PPG) software operating under Microsoft Windows for exceptional ease of programming. PERCON also offers WRITEBAR, bar code printing software for dot matrix and laser printers.

For more information contact Percon, Inc., 1710 Willow Creek Circle, Suite 37, Eugene, OR 97402-9153. Phone 1-800-873-7266 or (503) 344-1189. Fax (503) 344-1399


Relisys RE-1422 VGA Monitor
Relisys is now shipping the new Model RE-1422 14-inch VGA color multiscan analog monitor designed for high-resolution color applications running on IBM PC and PS/2 systems. The unit is compatible with the IBM 8514/A graphics standard, displays unlimited colors at a noninterlaced resolution of 1024x768, features a fine .28mm dot pitch, and supports graphic modes with vertical scanning from 30KHz to 50KHz.

The RE-1422 has a suggested list price of $745.00 and is available through distributors as well as to private labelers in volume. The monitor is backed by a parts and labor warranty of one-year to end users, 15 months to dealers and distributors, and a two-year warranty on the CRT.

"The RE-1422 features outstanding performance at a low price," said Janson Wu, Relisys' vice president and chief operating officer. "Plus its compact design makes it a perfect fit for users with limited desktop space."

The RE-1422 also features a sharp, non-interlaced flicker-free display, nonglare screen and an the ergonomically-designed cabinet with a base that provides 25 degree of tilt and 180 degree of swivel.

Relisys offers a full line of 14- through 20-inch color monitors designed for optimal clarity, brilliance, and lasting performance. They are a cost-effective solution for a variety of applications from word processing to ultra-high CAD/CAE/CAM graphics, with geometric distortion held to better than 1%.

Relisys Products

The company's goal is to provide the market with the best selection of high quality, competitively-priced computers and peripherals. Relisys products include monitors, terminals, notebook computers and integrated facsimile systems offered to end users through distributors, as well as to OEMs and private labelers in personal computer and information systems applications. Relisys products are designed for compatibility with the range of IBM PC and PS/2 as well as Apple Macintosh systems.

Relisys was founded in 1987 to market branded products through distribution channels as a wholly-owned subsidiary of TECO Information Systems, Inc., part of the TECO Group., a $1.5 billion 36-year old Taiwan-based electrical and electronics company. TECO has been supplying the U.S. private label, VAR/VAD and OEM markets for the past twelve years. Relisys headquarters are at 320 South Milpitas Boulevard, Milpitas, CA 95035.


Laser Printer Sharing Devices
Extended Systems introduced three new printer-sharing devices offering the performance and long-distance sharing characteristics of networks, easy installation and affordable price.

These new ShareSpool XL products are ideal for companies with centralized wiring closet. The high-speed, long-distance features of Extended Systems' ExtendedLink Technology allows both PCs and printers to be located up to 500 feet from the wiring closet and still maintain complete data integrity and performance. The wiring closet remains secure and PCs and printers are conveniently located near the users.

Additional flexibility is offered by allowing PCs to be connected to the printer via the serial or parallel port. ShareSpool XL automatically senses whether the communication is serial or ExtendedLink parallel and configures itself accordingly. In either case, the wiring remains the same, only the PC adapters change.

For high-speed parallel communications, users simply attach an ExtendedLink RJ45 adapter to the PC's parallel port. This allows users to access data rates up to 23K bytes per second, ten times faster than standard serial communications. If serial communication is required, a serial RJ45 adapter is attached to the PC.

Like other Extended Systems' printer-sharing products, these new ShareSpool XL units accept documents on all ports simultaneously without manual switching or waiting for others to finish. Once print-file transmission to the memory buffer is complete, each PC is free to move on to a new task. All users operate as if they are directly connected to the printer or printers.

The ShareSpool XL sixteen input, four output (3 parallel and 1 serial) product will be available March 20 in 2 memory options. The ESI-2492 has 2 megabytes of memory and is priced at $1,495. The ESI-2495 has 5 megabytes and is priced at $1,890.

Extended Systems is also introducing the ESI-2341 which allows up to four PCs to share three printers (two parallel and one serial) and has 1 megabyte of memory. It is priced at $795. The ESI-2381 provides 8 inputs and 3 outputs (2 parallel and 1 serial). This product is equipped with 2 megabytes of memory and is priced at $1,095. Both products are available immediately.

ExtendedLink parallel port adapters are priced at $60 each. Serial port adapters are priced at $20 each.

--------------------------------------------------------

Extended Systems announced new additions to its EtherFlex and BridgePort product families. EtherFlex enables Novell NetWare 286/386, Novell NetWare Lite and Apple EtherTalk network users to have a direct connection to an HP LaserJet Il, llD, III, IIID or IIISi printer. BridgePort allows PCs, Macintoshes and Sun workstations to share HP LaserJet IID, III, IIID and IIISi printers. BridgePort EX allows networked and non-networked users to share the same HP LaserJet IIIsi.

Supports Multiple Network Platforms Simultaneously

EtherFlex, a direct printer-to-network connectivity card, supports Novell NetWare 286/386, Novell NetWare Lite and Apple EtherTalk network operating systems concurrently over a single ethernet cabling connection to an HP LaserJet printer. EtherFlex saves network users the cost of buying a different printer for each different Ethernet platform.

PCs, Macintoshes and Workstations can share the same HP LaserJet Printer

The BridgePort, a mixed-printing environment solution, fits into the optional I/O slot of the HP LaserJet IID, III or IIID printers providing connections to PCs, Sun workstations and Macintoshes through its parallel (Centronics), ExtendedLink (serial or parallel RJ45 input) and AppleTalk ports. A single HP LaserJet printer can now support multiple computing platforms, enabling users to extend the use of their HP LaserJet printer.

Network and Non-Network Computers Share the Same Printer

The BridgePort EX, a combination network-interface card and printer-sharing device, allows non-network PCs, network PCs, Macintoshes using EtherTalk and Macintoshes using AppleTalk to share the same HP LaserJet IIISi printer. BridgePort EX fits internal to the HP LaserJet IIISi printer, allowing the widest variety of platforms to share the printer.

Automatic PCL and PostScript Language Switching Integrated into all Products

Automatic Language Switching (ALS) on the EtherFlex and BridgePort products determines whether an incoming print job is PostScript or PCL and configures the printer to the appropriate language "on the fly". ALS is completely transparent to the user and eliminates the need for special print queues, software drivers or to manually switch languages from the printers' front panel. The HP PostScript Cartridge Plus is required on HP LaserJet III and IIID printers. The HP Adobe PostScript option is required on HP LaserJet IIISi printers.

Font Management for Novell Users

Extended Systems incorporated font management technology into EtherFlex and BridgePort EX to assure Novell users the appropriate soft fonts are reloaded to the printer automatically when the printer's language switches. This ensures that the fonts are available in the printer without requiring user intervention--saving users time and lowering network traffic by eliminating the need to download soft fonts with every print job.

Diagnostics Utility for Network Administrators

To assist network administrators with managing printers on the network connected via EtherFlex or BridgePort EX, a utility accompanies these products. These tools allow the network administrator to display status information such as error messages and network statistics on any remote PC on the Novell network.

Supports the Most Widely Used Cabling Schemes

Users have the flexibility to select the most popular Ethernet connections on a single network card. EtherFlex and BridgePort EX supports twisted-wire (10BASE-T) and thin-coax (thin-wire, BNC) cabling connections in a single product. EtherFlex for support of AUI connections is a special order item.

Meeting the Needs of the Future Today

"The three most important features on a LAN printer are direct LAN connections, many resident fonts and PostScript-to-PCL language switching. Extended Systems is teaming up with HP LaserJet printers to provide network administrators with the solutions they need," according to Mark Willnerd, Extended Systems product manager for EtherFlex.

Extended Systems products are available from its national direct sales organization and major computer dealers. Extended Systems product families focus on enabling users to increase the life, functionality and capabilities of their computer resources by providing high performance, reliability and ease of use.

For more information, interested parties should contact Extended Systems at 800-235-7576 or 406-587-7575.

Extended Systems, 6123 North Meeker Ave, Boise, ID 83704


Word for Windows 2.0 Video Training
Anderson Soft-Teach announces it will ship a complete 3-volume video training package for Word for Windows 2.0 on April 30, 1992.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The Word for Windows 2.0 training package combines three videotapes, three Personal Training Guides, three Practice Disks with disk duplication licenses, and three Self-Tests. Anderson Soft-Teach will also send a Certificate of Completion to each person who successfully completes the Word for Windows training package.

A new VideoIndex system that will help people quickly locate specific skills on the videotapes has also been incorporated into the training package. Reference numbers that correspond to the skill numbers in the Personal Training Guide now appear in the lower right-hand corner of the TV screen at the beginning of each skill. This unique feature will make ii easier to use video as a visual example in classroom training situations.

The complete Word for Windows 2.0 training package will be sold for $995. Topics covered include creating, editing and printing documents, using the Toolbar, creating tables, using templates and Styles, merging documents, placing graphics, using Microsoft Graph and much more. Detailed information on all topics covered can be obtained directly from Anderson Soft-Teach.

SOFTWARE UPGRADES CREATE TRAINING CHALLENGES

Increased competitiveness in the software industry has caused many vendors, including Microsoft and Lotus, to roll-out new software upgrades every 12 to 18 months. While this may mean better software with more new features, many trainers report being "buried alive" in upgrades.

"Many corporate trainers aren't even finished getting their training programs in place for a software topic when a new version comes out," said Warren Anderson, President. "Training managers may find it difficult, if not impossible, to keep up with this avalanche of upgrades."

UPGRADE TRAINING SUPPORT

To help deal with the frequency of software upgrades, Anderson Soft-Teach has dedicated itself to producing the most extensive video training product line in the industry. "Our aggressive production schedules for Windows and DOS applications combined with the fact that we have never missed a product ship date have helped computer professionals plan for and implement smooth software upgrade transitions," concluded Anderson.

COMPANY BACKGROUND

Anderson Soft-Teach designs, produces and markets the largest library of multimedia training courses in the industry for personal computer (PC) software programs. Its products are sold both domestically and internationally. Anderson Soft-Teach's line of over 50 video-based training products include beginning and advanced courses for Windows, Word for Windows, Excel for Windows, WordPerfect for Windows, DOS, Lotus 1-2-3, WordPerfect, and dBASE. The company also offers computer literacy courses for Hardware and Software and Local Area Networks. Anderson Soft Teach's corporate headquarters are located at: 983 University Avenue, Los Gatos, CA 95030 U.S.A. Telephone - Sales: (800) 33-VIDEO / Corporate: (408) 399-0100 / Fax: (408) 399-0500.


SPA Settlements & Conference Info
The Software Publishers Association (SPA) announced the settlement of a copyright infringement case against a Southern California computer dealer accused of software copyright infringement. The defendant, Creative Computer Consulting, was charged with illegally copying the plaintiffs' software products onto their own training computers and onto the hard disks of computers sold to customers. The SPA also has sued another area dealer, Consolidated Micro Services, for the same infringement. In both instances, the dealers were accused of not compensating the software publishers for their products, nor providing customers with original diskettes and documentation. Both suits have been investigated, coordinated, and managed by the SPA, who is charged with protecting its members' software copyrights.

The suit against Creative Computer Consulting, a Southern California computer hardware and software dealer, and its president Chris Wille, was filed on behalf of SPA members Microsoft Corporation, Symantec Corporation, and Fifth Generation Systems, Inc.

In this case, in addition to a monetary settlement, the plaintiffs obtained an injunction permanently restraining the defendants from illegally copying, distributing, or loading the plaintiffs' software products.

The lawsuit against Consolidated Micro Services, a Los Angeles area dealer of computer products and services, and its owner Gary Johnson, was filed on behalf of SPA members Lotus Development Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Novell, Inc., WordPerfect Corporation, and Fifth Generation Systems, Inc.

Upon filing the Consolidated Micro Services action, the software companies obtained both a federal court order allowing a search of Consolidated Micro Services' premises and the seizure of its business records, and a restraining order preventing any further hard disk loading by the defendant. An examination of the customer records seized by the U.S. Marshal found extensive documented evidence of the loading of illegal copies of the plaintiffs' software products onto computer hard disks sold to customers. This case is still on-going.

Ilene Rosenthal, SPA Director of Litigation, said, "Hard disk loading is a widespread problem which costs software publishers and consumers millions of dollars each year. In the future we are going to bring many more lawsuits against computer dealers who attempt to get a competitive advantage by loading illegal copies of software onto the hard disks of their customers. We are hoping this crack down will motivate computer dealers to voluntarily comply with the law."

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The Software Publishers Association (SPA) announced that settlement has been reached in a software copyright infringement dispute filed against Ernest W. Hahn, Inc., by Lotus Development Corporation and WordPerfect Corporation. The suit was investigated, coordinated, and managed by the SPA, who is charged with protecting its members software copyrights. Hahn, a national real estate developer and manager, headquartered in Southern California, will contribute to the SPA Copyright Protection Fund and a copyright education fund as part of the settlement.

The suit was filed on September 6, 1991 in the United States District Court in San Diego. The SPA, speaking on behalf of the plaintiffs, cited instances of unauthorized copying of software. Hahn, the defendant in the suit, actively sought to cooperate fully with the software companies to resolve the litigation.

In addition to the contribution, Hahn will distribute throughout the company a very strong corporate policy warning employees about the importance of complying with copyright laws to prevent unauthorized copying of software. Hahn has also agreed to ensure that all unlicensed copies of computer software are eliminated from its personal computers.

In announcing the settlement, SPA's Director of Litigation, Ilene Rosenthal, stated, "Managing software inventories is a relatively new function in most organizations, and some companies are not as careful about monitoring these assets as they should be." Rosenthal added, "We are very pleased by Hahn's prompt response when confronted with allegations of infringement, and that they have instituted policies that should prevent future violations. We expect this agreement will encourage other companies to confirm that the software on their computers is properly licensed. The SPA will continue its campaign to eliminate copyright infringement until all companies have gotten the message and voluntarily comply with the copyright law."

A spokesperson for Hahn said, "The settlement reflects Hahn's position that allegations of copyright infringement need to be resolved immediately and that software publishers are entitled to payment for their software products. Ernest W. Hahn, Inc. intends to comply with the license agreements for all software products it uses."

--------------------------------------------------------

The Software Publishers Association (SPA) announced that a settlement has been reached in a software copyright infringement suit filed against Cato Corporation, a North Carolina-based company, by Lotus Development Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Symantec Corporation, and WordPerfect Corporation in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. The SPA, speaking on behalf of the manufacturers, cited instances of unauthorized copying of software.

The lawsuit was filed on Wednesday, September 25, 1991, and Cato Corporation cooperated fully with the plaintiffs in providing an inventory of all of the commercial software then in use on all of its personal computers. Cato Corporation has agreed to a monetary settlement in the amount of $50,000. Cato has also agreed to the entry of a permanent injunction that will prohibit further copying and require them to obtain software only from authorized suppliers.

In announcing the settlement, SPA Litigation Director Ilene Rosenthal said, "We are pleased with the settlement announced today. The action against Cato Corporation is yet another step in our continuing campaign against unauthorized corporate copying. We hope that this case, and others like it, will motivate companies to evaluate their computer operations and make the necessary changes if illegal activities are taking place."

Since 1988, the Software Publishers Association has filed over 100 lawsuits on behalf of its members and obtained numerous search and seizure orders against businesses, computer dealers, bulletin board services, and educational institutions that have violated its members' copyrights. The SPA's anti-piracy hotline, 1-800-388-7478, accepts calls reporting software violations.

The Software Publishers Association also has distributed free of charge self-audit materials designed to help businesses, government entities, and educational institutions manage their internal software practices. To obtain a copy of the SPA Self-Audit Kit and SPAudit, a software inventory management program, companies should write to:

     SPAudit

     Software Publishers Association

     1730 M Street, NW, Suite 700

     Washington, DC 20036

The Software Publishers Association is the principal trade association of the personal computer software industry. Its 900 members represent the leading publishers in the business, consumer, and education software markets. The SPA has offices in Washington, DC, and Paris La Defense, France.

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Following the success of its previous Annual Conferences, the Software Publishers Association (SPA) Europe will host its Third Annual Conference at the Palais des Festivals et des Congres in Cannes, France, May 31-June 3, 1992. According to Gerard Gabella, managing director of SPA Europe, "We expect our best attendance ever with over 500 software developers and publishers, hardware manufacturers, distributors and resellers, as well as vendors from Europe, North America, and elsewhere in the world."

The conference will start on Monday, June 1 with a keynote address by Stewart Alsop, editor-in-chief of InfoWorld. Other keynotes include Gordon Eubanks, president and CEO of Symantec Corporation, and Scott Oki, former vice president, sales and marketing of Microsoft Corporation.

In addition to the keynotes, there will be concurrent panel sessions divided into five tracks: Western and Eastern European country market profiles; distribution channel trends; management and marketing; technology trends; and anti-piracy activities.

Potential participants who would like more information about the event may contact Vivianne Lemonnier at the SPA Europe office via phone at 33-1-46-92-2703 or via fax at 33-1-46-92-25-31. They will receive the promotional brochure with more details about the sessions, the registration procedures and the conference rates for the hotel facilities.

The Software Publishers Association, representing over 900 members, is the principal worldwide trade association of the personal computer software industry. Its European branch, SPA Europe, represents more than 100 publishers, re-publishers, developers, computer manufacturers, and distributors of business, consumer, and education software in Europe. SPA Europe is based in the CNIT in Paris La Defense, France.


US Robotics Lowers Modem Prices
U.S. Robotics has lowered prices on its most popular WorldPort portable fax and data modems and its high-speed Sportster modems. The new price changes, which affect the WorldPort 2496 Fax/Data modem, the WorldPort 9600 modem and all Sportster 9600 modems, are effective immediately.

"We are committed to offering customers the best value in the expanding 9600 bps modem market," said Marshall Toplansky, U.S. Robotics vice president of marketing. "We are seeing 9600 bps modems and data/fax modems gain tremendous momentum as the corporate and home office standard. The price decreases make these value-added products more affordable."

Pricing:

                                      Previous       New

Product            Form Factor       List Price   List Price

--------------   -----------------   ----------   ----------

WorldPort

  2496 Fax/Data  External/Portable      $ 499       $ 379

WorldPort 9600   External/Portable      $ 699       $ 559

Sportster 9600      External            $ 649       $ 549

Sportster 9600/PC   Internal            $ 595       $ 495

Sportster 9600

   VARpack5      Internal (5 modems)    $2595       $2179

The WorldPort 2496 Fax/Data modem supports the CCITT V.42/V.42bis protocols for error control and data compression. The modem has a 9600 bps fax channel and a 2400 bps data channel, capable of a maximum theoretical throughput level of 9600 bps with compression. The WorldPort 9600 is a 9600 bps CCITT V.32 modem with MNP 5 data compression, raising the theoretical throughput level to 19,200 bps. All WorldPort modems are battery-powered, allowing advanced features such as data compression and fax capability that phone line-powered portable modems cannot provide. Although the WorldPort modems include AC adapters, they are not reliant on power from AC outlets or phone lines, and also do not draw power from laptop computers, unlike internal laptop modems.

The Sportster 9600 is fully CCITT V.32 compliant at 9600 bps. V.42/V.42bis error control and data compression allow a maximum theoretical effective throughput of 38,400 bps. The Sportster 9600 also includes MNP 2-5 and the V.25 answer sequence for overseas calls. The Sportster 9600/PC is bundled with "Communications by Crosstalk" software.

U. S. Robotics, Inc., (NASDAQ: USRX) is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of data communications hardware and software. Product lines include the Shared Access communications resource sharing products; Total Control modem management system for central data sites; BLAST software products for terminal emulation, file transfer and remote control; Courier modems for corporate users; WorldPort portable modems for traveling professionals; and Sportster modems for small business, home office and entry-level users. Both corporate headquarters and manufacturing operations are based in Skokie, Ill. U.S. Robotics owns and operates Miracom Technology Ltd., Slough, England, Communications Research Group, Baton Rouge, La., and U.S. Robotics, s.a., Lille, France. The company markets its products to business, industry, government agencies and original equipment manufacturers.

U.S. Robotics, Inc.

8100 North McCormick Blvd. Skokie, IL 60076

708/982-5010         1-800-DIALUSR.


Vert Plus Synthetic Speech
TeleSensory announces the latest advances in its Vert family of speech-based screen reading programs for the MS-DOS computing world. The Vert family including Vert Plus, Personal Vert and Soft Vert bring new and innovative features to help visually impaired computer users access off-the-shelf software. The new features include keyboard and screen-driven macros; Vert Assistant, a resident system utility; and special additions for Lotus 1-2-3 and mainframe connectivity.

With all Vert products, customizing any off-the-shelf software is simple. Over the years, Vert has acquired a collection of proven features that are now linked together using Vert's powerful macro system to define a single keystroke to represent a sequence of Vert commands or operations. With this new macro system, users can design their own screen reading commands to shorten the number of keystrokes. To further extend the usefulness of macros, an involuntary screen change can call a user-defined macro to read a portion or the entire screen automatically.

Vert Assistant produces a menu of options with a single keystroke. This makes loading, saving and modifying Vert parameters possible from within any PC application. Upon exiting Vert Assistant, the system returns to the application program. An interactive help system verbally describes the functions of each Vert command.

Soft Vert, an economical software-only version of Vert, now works with BrailleMate, a one-pound pocket computer that can serve as a speech synthesizer and braille keyboard to the PC.

TeleSensory

455 North Bernardo Ave, PO Box 7455

Mountain View, CA 94039-7455

415-960-0920, Fax: 415-969-9064


JetLAN Network LaserJet Prt Server
ASP Computer Products, Inc., the number one name in hassle-free printer sharing and printer enhancement products, announces the JetLAN, a network print server card that allows an HP LaserJet printer to be connected anywhere on a twisted-pair (10BaseT) or thin-wire (10Base2,coax) Ethernet network running NetWare.

The majority of HP LaserJet printers on LANs are connected directly to the file server. Typically, this is an inconvenient location: printers are either located away from the people who use them, or network security is compromised by placing file servers in an unsecured location. With JetLAN, it's no longer necessary for the LaserJet to be connected to the file server; the LaserJet printer can now be located near network users, and file servers can be placed in restricted-access locations to ensure network security.

JetLAN eliminates the need for an expensive print server or dedicated PC. It slides into the 'Optional I/O' (XIO) slot in the rear of an HP LaserJet II, IID, III, or IIID. The JetLAN can be connected to the existing LAN cabling anywhere on an Ethernet LAN, using standard network connections to plug into a network the same way you'd plug in an additional workstation .

The JetLAN installs quickly and easily using Novell PConsole. No additional VAP, NLM or other third-party software is required. It is NetWare-compatible, and works just like a dedicated print server, operating transparently and supporting PCL or Postscript languages. The JetLAN supports up to 40 print queues on up to 8 file servers, and is compatible with any NetWare-supported node.

ASP supplies additional utilities to provide functionality above and beyond NetWare's. ASP provides the network administrator with the ability to change the JetLAN network device name from the factory default to conform to network naming conventions. ASP also provides a reset utility that makes the JetLAN scan the network for configuration information when changes such as the addition of queues, servers or other extensions have been made. This eliminates the need to take the unit off and then back online to recognize changes to the network, as required by some competitive products on the market. In addition, ASP-supplied utilities allow the network administrator to list the status of the JetLAN and the printer to which it is attached, and list the status of all JetLANs on the network.

JetLAN Speeds Up LAN Printing

Unlike slow, software-based LAN printing solutions, the ASP JetLAN does not require resources on a user's PC. Software-based solutions degrade the host PC's performance and sometimes lock it up until printing is completed.

Instead, the JetLAN enhances LAN performance by eliminating the bottleneck caused by the one-byte-at-a-time data transfer that serial or parallel connections between the server and the printer require. Print jobs are transferred from the server to the JetLAN in large blocks, at network speeds, reducing the load on the server and the network. The internal JetLAN interface card feeds data directly into the HP LaserJet printer's controller, improving printing speed for both graphics and complex documents. And because the JetLAN plugs directly into the LaserJet and the existing network cabling, there are no individual PC-to-printer cables, external boxes or power supplies to clutter the office. System security is enhanced because there's no keyboard or monitor for access to the network.

ASP manufactures the JetLAN in two models: the JL100, which has a BNC connection and supports thin-wire (10Base2) configurations, and the JL200, with an RJ45 connection to support twisted-pair (10BaseT) configurations. Both models come with LED indicators to provide information on communication activity and connection integrity to assist with LAN diagnostic activities. The JL100 and JL200 retail for $595.

ASP Computer Products, Inc. manufactures and markets a full range of hassle-free workgroup solutions. ASP provides both network-based and network-independent printer-sharing options to enable users to choose a printer-sharing solution tailored to their needs. Other connectivity products in the ASP line include the popular ServerJet, JetWay, Port Authority and SNAP peripheral sharing devices. The company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California.

For more information on the JetLAN, contact ASP at 1-800-9LAN-ASP (1-800-952-6277), or fax ASP at 408-746-2803.


Ventana Press News (PC & Mac)
New book releases the magic of DOS 5.0

Hundreds of years after Copernicus, centuries since the end of alchemy, there's little room left in this old world to conjure up the power of magic.

That's certainly true in the world of computers, where high technology and rationality meet in the antithesis of old- time sorcery. Right? Well, not so fast . . .

Presenting, for your edification and enjoyment, Voodoo DOS: Tips & Tricks With an Attitude!, by veteran computer book author Kay Yarborough Nelson. In 320 pages, Nelson shows DOS users (through 5.0) how to put themselves at the center of the DOS universe with operating tips and shortcuts that get the lead out.

"You don't have to be a DOS expert to use this book," says Nelson, who has more than a dozen titles to her credit. "All the tricks are short and relatively easy to use. And what makes them 'magic' is that they get results quickly, without your having to dig out all the complex theory behind them."

The book shows DOS users how to:

* Get started--Upgrading and setup tips; customizing DOS, including the HELP command; and finding disk space.

* Master the secret of the Shell--Menu shortcuts; to Mouse or not to Mouse; switching from the Shell to the command line; navigating through lists; selecting files; and file attribute tricks.

* Work with programs--Running programs from the Shell; switching between programs; setting up program groups; and using keyboard shortcuts.

* Perform command-line sleight of hand--Command line basics; editing commands; the new and improved DIR command; wildcard tips and traps; special symbols and commands.

* Manage disks and hard drive--Formatting; tricks for undeleting files; disk and copying tricks; organizing disk files; using disk utilities; and hard drive rules of the road.

* Concoct formulas in DOS 5.0 alchemy--Tips, tricks and more tips for everything from getting screen dumps to deleting files; making backups; and printing from DOS.

* Organize batch files--Using the Editor; creating batch files in AUTOEXEC.BAT, in the root directory, in the Shell; and running and stopping batch files.

* Get the most from Doskey--Issuing multiple commands; using Doskey for Macros; and Macro versus batch files.

* Understand arcane commands--APPEND; the hidden file; memory commands; and DIRCMD.

* Manage DOS memory--286 and 386 memory tips; using a disk cache and RAM drive; and accessing files with FASTOPEN.

Offering more than the usual productivity hints, Voodoo DOS catalogs common DOS traps, blind alleys and pitfalls and reveals ways to avoid them. A comprehensive index gives the reader quick access to tricks on any particular topic. "We call these tricks voodoo to get your attention," Nelson says. "Some of them will help you do things you've never had time to bother with before. Others will go Poof!, opening your eyes to things you never thought possible."

Voodoo DOS is softcover, 7 3/8" x 9 1/4", 320 pages. ISBN: 0-940087-95-2. Suggested retail price, $19.95. All titles are available in bookstores and through Ventana Press, P.O. Box 2468, Chapel Hill, NC 27515. 919/942-0220; FAX, 9191942-1140.

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NEW BOOK BY PARKER INTRODUCES WORDPERFECT USERS TO THE WORLD OF WINDOWS

Ventana Press announces the January 1992 publication of Roger C. Parker's Desktop Publishing With WordPerfect--Windows Edition.

Parker, author of the highly acclaimed and bestselling Looking Good in Print and Desktop Publishing With WordPerfect (for DOS versions 5.0 and 5.1), introduces Windows users to the graphics tools that can transform standard documents into something special.

In 315 pages, he outlines principles of effective page design and shows the reader how to apply these rules when creating a range of documents with WordPerfect's new operating environment. Covered in full are:

* Creating attractive layouts.

* Working with type and graphics.

* Document organization.

* Using macros.

A tips-and-tricks section provides a host of graphics and design ideas to spice up ads, newsletters, reports and brochures.

"WordPerfect for Windows is an outstanding desktop publishing tool that allows users to inexpensively produce nearly any type of black and white document," says Parker. "With some training, WordPerfect for Windows users can save tons of money over traditional layout structure."

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HAVE ANOTHER LOOK AT A DESKTOP PUBLISHER'S BEST COMPANION

In a recent assessment of the state of desktop publishing, columnist Jim Seymour paused to consider Ventana's bestselling book, Looking Good in Print, Second Edition.

"You won't absorb everything here at the first reading," he wrote in the November edition of PC Week, "but you'll turn back to it again and again for new ideas."

In the world of computer book publishing, where most titles are obsolete in a year or less, Roger C. Parker's generic guide to desktop page design is truly unique. In fact, it's become the standard reference for hundreds of thousands of desktop users who, like Seymour, refer to it time after time for ideas, help and inspiration.

Since its release in February 1988, LGIP has established a remarkable track record:

* Within months of its initial 15,000 print run, Looking Good in Print was selected by the Book-of-the-Month Club as "pick of the paperbacks." Of the 55,000 paperbacks published that year, only 96 earned that honor and none of the other 95 was a computer book.

* LGIP has established a reputation on campus, and at last count was the graphics and desktop publishing text of choice at over 1,200 schools, colleges and training centers.

* With the release of an expanded second edition in 1990, there are now 200,000 copies of LGIP in print, and the book has been translated into six foreign languages.

We'd be pleased to send you a review copy. Just complete the yellow request card included in this press kit and we'll respond promptly.

This offer is even good for writers and reviewers who've received copies in the past. Check your bookshelf. If not well-thumbed and dogeared, your copy of Looking Good in Print has probably disappeared. LGIP has a habit of doing that; last year, as a matter of fact, pilferers in the Boston Public Library gave the book their own offbeat version of the People's Choice Award. Library officials reported Looking Good in Print the second most-ripped-off volume in the system. And out of six million books spread throughout a main office and 26 branches, second place ain't bad.

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VENTANA UPDATES 3-IN-1 BEST-SELLING OFFICE COMPANION

Ventana Press announces the February '92 release of DOS, WordPerfect & Lotus Office Companion, Second Edition, a revised and expanded version of its bestselling guide to the leading PC-based software.

Author Robert Harris's three-in-one quick reference sold more than 70,000 copies in first edition and was a featured selection of the Book-of the-Month Club, the Quality Paperback Book Club and The Small Computer Book Club. For the second edition, Harris has brought the book up to speed for the latest versions of all three software packages and added dozens of new productivity tips and timesavers not found in manufacturer's manuals.

"A lot of office workers want simply to become proficient at their computer tasks," says Harris. "They don't need a brick of a book for that, but rather a practical, one-stop reference."

Office Companion, Second Edition offers complete coverage of DOS (through versions 5.0), Lotus 1-2-3 (through 2.3) and WordPerfect (through 5.1). DOS Shell, the software's graphical user interface, is thoroughly examined, as are new commands--including UNDELETE, UNFORMAT, DOSKEY and the improved DIR command. Enhanced Lotus graphing features are addressed, and Harris provides Mouse support for all three software packages.

Designed to help the average user accomplish routine work, the book's potential audience is vast. Of the estimated 50 million users of PC-compatible machines, nearly 15 million run DOS, WordPerfect and Lotus 1-2-3, and 20 million run at least two of the packages.

DOS, WordPerfect & Lotus Office Companion is 7-3/8" x 9-1/4", softcover, 402 pages. ISBN: 0-940087-80-4. Suggested retail price: $19.95.

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7-SAVVY BESTSELLER JOINS DISK COMBO

Ventana Press announces the release of The System 7 Book/Disk Set, a package combining the most popular book on Apple's new operating software with two diskettes offering valuable 7.0.1 utilities and fonts.

Published last May, The System 7 Book by noted Mac author Craig Danuloff rose to the top of six domestic and international bestseller lists even as it impressed the critics.

Columnist Bob LeVitus read the book and remarked, ". . . it's obvious this guy knows a lot about the Mac." Peter Lewis of the New York Times judged The System 7 Book "...the best one I've seen."

Now, to supplement this bestseller, Danuloff has developed a two-disk companion set to help users become 7 savvy. The software comes on 800k floppy diskettes.

The System 7 Book/Disk Set, ISBN: 0-940087 58-8, retails for $34.95.

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All titles are available in bookstores and through Ventana Press, P.O. Box 2468, Chapel Hill, NC 27515. 919/942-0220; FAX, 9191942-1140.


Accolade & Jack Nicklaus Agreements
SAN JOSE,CA-March, 1992--Alan Miller, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Accolade, a leading worldwide developer of entertainment software, and Terry Jastrow, President of Jack Nicklaus Productions, today jointly announced that Accolade has extended its agreement with Golden Bear International and Jack Nicklaus Productions. Under the terms of the new agreement, which extends through the mid 1990's, Accolade retains its rights as the exclusive developer and publisher of entertainment golf software products featuring Jack Nicklaus.

Jack Nicklaus commented, "It is with great pleasure that I join Al and Terry in announcing the extension of our relationship with Accolade. They have performed effectively at producing and distributing our computer software and videogame products, and I have always appreciated their insistence upon excellence."

Under its original agreement with Jack Nicklaus Productions and Golden Bear International, Accolade published two best selling and award winning golf simulations - Jack Nicklaus' Greatest 18 Holes of Major Championship Golf and Jack Nicklaus' Unlimited Golf & Course Design. The original agreement also resulted in a variety of add-on course disks and a course clip-art disk.

The new agreement will comprise multiple products across a variety of systems including personal computers, videogame consoles and optical media such as CD-ROM. The first product, scheduled for release this spring, will be Jack Nicklaus Golf & Course Design: Signature Edition for IBM PC compatible computers. Described as "the true standard of golf," this new simulation features two gorgeous 256-color VGA courses, a stunning Course Designer that allows players to create their own courses in 256 blazing colors, and fully digitized male and female players, including the computerized swing of Jack Nicklaus.

"We are thrilled to extend this relationship during a period of time when many new and exciting entertainment systems are appearing on the horizon," concluded Miller. "With the assistance of the creative golf professionals at Jack Nicklaus Productions, Golden Bear International, and Jack Nicklaus himself, Accolade will continue to set new standards in golf simulations."

Accolade, 550 South Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128


Aldus Developers Conf. Apr 13-16
SEATTLE, February 24, 1992--Aldus Corporation today announced that it will host the 1992 Aldus International Developers Conference from April 13 through April 16,1992. The conference will be held at the Four Seasons Olympic Hotel in Seattle. Attendees can choose from more than 25 presentations and round-table discussions designed to help developers expand their products' connectivity with Aldus software and explore co-marketing opportunities with Aldus.

"As with last year, the Aldus International Developers Conference is a great forum to bring third parties together from around the globe," said David Cloutier, director of Aldus third-party marketing. "Developers will receive information on new technologies such as Aldus Additions, and learn about revisions to existing technologies such as TIFF (tag image file format) and OPI (open prepress interface). They will also get a chance to speak directly with Aldus engineers and executives, both to get in-depth information on the products, technologies, and specifications that Aldus develops and to learn about co-marketing opportunities."

The keynote speaker will be Paul Brainerd, president of Aldus. Luncheon speakers include representatives from Microsoft Corporation and Apple Computer Inc.

Conference discussion topics

Conference sessions fall under seven topics, or tracks, including:

* Aldus Additions Track--an overview of the Aldus Additions technology and the three different forms of Additions; tips on how to write an Addition; advanced discussion of command and query mechanisms, macros, development and debugging tools; marketing support from Aldus for third-party Additions; and an opportunity to work one-on-one with Additions engineers to resolve specific development issues.

* TIFF Track--a look at Aldus' role as administrator of this industry-standard image file format; a technical presentation on new components of TIFF 6.0, including increased support for color and the JPEG compression scheme; plus an opportunity to work one-on-one with TIFF engineers, support specialists, and other TIFF developers.

* Connectivity Track--a preview of an upcoming revision to the text import/export mechanism and support for new tokens; the new Aldus image-import mechanism; and complete information on the new interface that allows developers to work with the Aldus FreeHand file format on the Macintosh and Windows.

* Open Interfaces Track--an overview of the TWAIN image-acquisition interface, its advantages over proprietary interfaces, and its current supporters; the new revision to the OPI specification; plus tips on how to implement on OPI reader.

* International Track tips on working with Aldus in Europe and the Pacific Rim; the value of having international product compatibility; the engineering implications of localizing dialog boxes, menus, and documentation, and a discussion on the localization process at Aldus Europe.

* Marketing Track--a look at the Aldus marketing organization and its focus for 1992; plus information on creating exposure for third-party products through Aldus Magazine, Aldus Catalog of Products and Services, and co-marketing opportunities.

* Compatibility Testing Track--a look at the software quality-assurance process for Aldus applications; how Aldus ensures product compatibility with third-party software and hardware; establishing quality-assurance relationships; idea and information exchange on improving the quality assurance process.

* Other topics of special interest include Aldus printer driver extensions and OEM opportunities.

Conference fees and registration

The fee for the three-day conference is $595 (U.S.); additional registrants from the same company pay a discounted fee of $495, as do members of the Aldus Developers Association. Fees include sessions, materials, and meals. Interested parties should contact Aldus by telephone at (206) 233-7419 or by fax at (206) 343-4240. A special air fare offering attendees a discount of up to 45 percent off the regular fare has been arranged with United Airlines and Mutual Travel. Participants may contact Mutual Travel at the Aldus Travel Desk by calling (206) 386-8897.

Aldus Corporation (NASDAQ:ALDC) creates computer software solutions that help people throughout the world effectively communicate information and ideas. In addition to PageMaker--the company's flagship program--and Aldus FreeHand, the Aldus product line includes Aldus Digital Darkroom, Aldus Gallery Effects, Aldus Personal Press, Aldus Persuasion, Aldus PhotoStyler, Aldus PrePrint, Aldus SuperCard, Aldus SuperPaint, and Aldus Super 3D. The company distributes its products through an international network of more than 16,000 dealers and distributors.


LANtastic for Foreign Languages
(TUCSON, AZ--March 10, 1992)--Artisoft, Inc., announced today that it will be introducing French, German, Italian and Spanish versions of LANtastic v4. 1, the latest release of its award-winning local area network. These localized versions are scheduled to ship in the second quarter of 1992.

"With Artisoft's growing presence in the global market, we felt it was very important to support international dealers and end-users with language-specific versions of the LANtastic Local Area Network, " commented Dave Hallmen, Artisoft's Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Artisoft develops and manufactures a full line of hardware and software for local area networks including the LANtastic Local Area Network The LANtastic network is recognized as the leading DOS-based peer-to-peer network and has won numerous industry awards for its cost-effective features, performance, and ease of use. It allows up to 300 users of IBM-compatible computers to connect and share information and peripheral devices such as printers, hard drives and CD-ROMs.

For more information about Artisoft or its product line, contact Artisoft, Inc. at 691 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85704. Sales 800/TINY RAM. Corporate 602/293-4000. Fax 602/293-8065.


After Dark 2.0 for Windows
Berkeley, CA, March 10, 1992 -- Berkeley Systems, Inc. is now shipping the latest version of its top-selling screen saver, After Dark 2.0 for Windows. The new version has over forty displays. An all-new Swan Lake display with swimming swans and cygnets, a Hall of Mirrors, and clacking, bouncing Marbles join the now famous Flying Toasters and tropical fish displays. After Dark 2.0 also adds digitized sound; improved color graphics; network password support; WallZapper, which instantly turns any After Dark display into wallpaper; and MultiModule, which allows users to combine displays on the screen.

After Dark for Windows has been a consistent best-seller since its release in March of '91. It moved quickly to the top of the sales charts, becoming the number one selling Windows utility for distributors Ingram Micro and Kenfil, and the number one selling IBM PC product overall for Egghead in April '91.

Digitized Sound

Many of After Dark's displays have been enhanced with realistic digitized sound. Under a licensing agreement with MIP Technologies of Japan, Berkeley Systems has incorporated Sound Palette technology allowing After Dark's sound effects to be played directly through PC speakers without the need of additional hardware. After Dark 2.0 also supports Creative Labs, Inc.'s SoundBlaster sound card and Microsoft's Multimedia sound.

TRUE COLOR Added

The color displays have also been dramatically improved. Berkeley Systems developed its own TRUE COLOR technology which allows After Dark to create custom color palettes with VGA as well as Super VGA. By selecting the 16 colors used under VGA, After Dark's displays simulate a Super VGA appearance.

WallZapper

Also new for 2.0 is WallZapper, an instant wallpaper creator. When After Dark is running, a command key combination can be used to take a screen shot and automatically turn the After Dark display into wallpaper. Because the screen shot is saved as a BMP file, the user can further customize the wallpaper if desired.

More Flash

After Dark's tropical fish display, Aquatic Realm, has been restocked with several new species for 2.0. Added to the original cast of creatures are Damsel fish and Tangs, Copper and Turquoise Butterflies, and checkered Angelfish.

MultiModule

One of the most popular features of the Macintosh version of After Dark, The Amazing MultiModule, has now been added to After Dark 2.0 for Windows. With MultiModule, users select and position various displays on the screen either side-by-side or overlapping, and can set them to be opaque or transparent. The interactions of the displays produce interesting, entertaining and sometimes unexpected results.

Password Protection with Network Support

Berkeley Systems pioneered screen-locking password protection to offer users privacy. By setting a password, the user can prevent others from awakening the screen. After Dark's two-level system can be configured with a master password so a system administrator can override a local user's password. The 2.0 version adds network password support. After Dark can be set to automatically incorporate a Novell NetWare or Artisoft LANtastic network password for its screen locking function, eliminating confusing multiple passwords. The password function can be invoked manually or automatically, and withstands reboots.

Screen Saving

After Dark 2.0 for Windows extends the life of PC screens. When machines are left on but unattended, images can be "burned in" to the screen, causing permanent damage. After Dark prevents burn-in by automatically displaying entertaining or useful screen art.

The program contains more than 40 different color displays, many with sounds, including howling coyotes, a bubbling fish tank and screen-munching worms. A logo module allows companies to scan in their corporate logo, which drifts about the screen when the screen saver engages. With After Dark's message capabilities, users can leave messages onscreen such as "Out to lunch," "Back at 3:00 p.m.," or "I quit!"

For programmers, the After Dark manual includes an in-depth technical section, allowing them to invent their own screen saving creations.

DOS Blanking

After Dark for Windows is the first screen saver to serve Windows and DOS users with a single product. This is particularly important in the corporate environment where various computers may be running with or without Windows. Berkeley Systems designed After Dark to blank the screen even if Windows is not running or is not installed on the computer, and to handle DOS sessions under Windows in Real, Standard, and Enhanced modes. Version 2.0 adds password protection to DOS blanking.

SystemIQ

After Dark also includes SystemIQ, an intelligent system monitoring package which monitors system, communications and network activity, and maximizes performance while running After Dark. When system activity exceeds a set limit, SystemIQ causes After Dark to "throttle back' so it won't compete with other tasks such as file transfers, backups or other processing.

Upgrades

Upgrades to After Dark 2.0 for Windows are available through Berkeley Systems. Customers who purchased After Dark after December 1,1991, can receive the upgrade for a $5.00 shipping and handling charge. For customers who purchased After Dark before December 1, the upgrade price is $14.95, including shipping and handling.

After Dark 2.0 for Windows retails for a suggested list price of $49.95. The program is designed for use with machines running Microsoft Windows 3.0 or higher, is totally network compatible and supports monochrome, 16, 256 and 256+ color monitors. After Dark is available from leading computer and software retail and software outlets worldwide.

Formed in 1985, Berkeley Systems, Inc. develops and publishes mainstream software for the Macintosh and IBM PC markets and disability software for Macintosh users. Mainstream products for the Macintosh include After Dark, More After Dark and Stepping Out ll, the software big screen. Long recognized as a leader in the disability market, Berkeley Systems publishes outSPOKEN, inTOUCH, ScreenKeys, and inLARGE. Berkeley Systems won the 1990 Computerworld Smithsonian Award for outSPOKEN, the talking Macintosh interface for the blind.

Berkeley Systems Inc, 2095 Rose St, Berkeley, CA 94709

510-540-5535


Dial N Cerf USA Internet Access
San Diego, CA -- Let's go CERFing!  The California Education and  Research Federation (CERFnet) has announced the immediate  availability of DIAL N' CERF USA, a toll-free dial-up service to the  Internet.  A toll-free number, 1-800-7CERFNET, allows educators,  scientists, corporations, and individuals access to the Internet from  anywhere in the continental USA.

DIAL N' CERF USA is a cost effective dial-up service which allows a  great deal of flexibility in linking to the Internet.  All the user needs  is a password and the 800 number. Across America, users will have  access to the Internet and many of its resources and services.  DIAL  N' CERF USA subscribers will be able to log in to remote machines,  transfer files from hundreds of databases, and send and receive  electronic mail, just as if they had a dedicated connection.

DIAL N' CERF USA supports speeds up to 57 kilobits-per-second.

Susan Estrada, Executive Director of CERFnet, reported that "CERFnet  is committed to improving communications and providing  connectivity to the Internet easily and affordably. The 800 number  gives CERFnet's DIAL N'CERF customers the option of connecting  when they need to, from wherever they are.  It is a great service for  travelers who want to check their home accounts while on the road.   And, it meets the needs of users who want an affordable part-time  Internet connection."

DIAL N' CERF USA will be a popular alternative for companies with  lower startup needs.  The cost of this toll-free connection is $20 a  month with a $10 per hour usage fee and free installation.  After  April 10, there will be an installation charge of $50.  This is an  excellent opportunity to start a secondary account.  Additional dial- up services provided by CERFnet include DIAL N' CERF, DIAL N' CERF  AYC, and DIAL N' CERF Plus.  These services range from $20 to $600  a month.

CERFnet is a regional data communications network which promotes  collaboration among scientists, engineers, and educators in  commercial, government, and academic sectors.  CERFnet links over  200 of the leading research and education centers throughout  California.  Some of CERFnet's members include the San Diego  Supercomputer Center, California Institute of Technology, five of the  University of California campuses (Irvine, Los Angeles, Santa  Barbara, San Diego, and Riverside), Hughes Aircraft Company, Science  Applications International Corporation, Walt Disney Imagineering,  and Xerox Corporation.

CERFnet was launched in the spring of 1989 with a $2.8 million grant  from the National Science Foundation.  CERFnet is managed by  General Atomics, a San Diego-based high-technology research and  development company.

For more information, contact John Lancia at 1-800-876-CERF or 1- 619-534-5087 or help@cerf.net.


1992 Accounting Software Survey
Rockville, MD - March,1992 - CTS, publishers of software evaluation material, now has available the results of its 1992 ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE SURVEY to help businesses select and/or consultants recommend an appropriate system. The 104 page survey, which rates the leading PC-based integrated accounting systems for: performance, stability, flexibility, ease of use, vendor relations and support, is based on the opinions of 160 leading accounting software consultants who recommend and install accounting systems. The packages rated are:

ACCPAC BPI            Open Systems

ACCPAC PLUS           Platinum

Great Plains          RealWorld

Macola                Solomon

MAS90

Survey results are displayed graphically for each category and individual consultants comment on the "best and worst" aspects of each package. Consultants also offer their opinions on leading spreadsheet, database, and personal information manager programs.

According to Sheldon Needle, President of CTS and a leading expert on micro-based accounting software, "This is a no holds barred declaration about the quality of competing products in critical areas and helps businesses reduce the risk factor in selecting software."

The Accounting Software Survey is available for $79 plus $5.00 shipping and handling from CTS, 11708 Ibsen Drive, Rockville, MD 20852 (1-800-433-8015).


National Instr DAQ Designer
National Instruments announced a free software tool that reduces the complexity and time it takes to configure a PC-based data acquisition system and assures that system developers have the right hardware and software for their application. DAQ Designer configures data acquisition systems for PC/XT/AT/EISA and Micro Channel-based computers.

DAQ Designer, an interactive, easy-to-use package with a graphical user interface, asks the user questions about system requirements such as the type and number of analog and digital signals, the type and number of data acquisition sensors, and signal conditioning needs. DAQ Designer analyzes the user's answers and recommends specific plug-in data acquisition boards, signal conditioning products, cable assemblies, and software packages that can be used to develop the desired data acquisition system.

Once the user has identified all the system parameters and made product selections, DAQ Designer creates a summary of products. The user can save the system configuration to disk and/or print the configuration using spreadsheet or word processing software.

DAQ Designer requires a computer running DOS 3.0 or higher with a minimum 80286 processor, at least 640K of RAM, and a VGA monitor.

Price and Availability DAQ Designer is available now. For your free copy, or more information, contact National Instruments Corporation, 6504 Bridge Point Pkwy., Austin, TX 78730-5039, (512) 794-0100. Call toll-free in the U.S. and Canada at (800) 433-3488. Telex: 756737 NAT INST AUS. Fax: (512) 794-8411.


DEC Alpha Open Computing Architect
DIGITAL ANNOUNCES THE ALPHA OPEN COMPUTING ARCHITECTURE, THE WORLD'S FASTEST MICROPROCESSOR, AND NEW BUSINESS PRACTICES

  ...Lays the foundation for 21st century network computing

   with a solid bridge from the present.

HUDSON, MA -- February 25, 1992 -- Digital Equipment Corporation today announced Alpha, its program for 21st century computing.  According to Kenneth H. Olsen, President of Digital Equipment Corporation, "Alpha is a totally new, open computing architecture that will be the foundation for advanced 21st century computing.  It will give computer users a clear and consistent growth path from today's computing technology to the benefits of advanced 21st century computer technology.  The Alpha program is a major element in the new, more competitive Digital Equipment Corporation, and we believe it will significantly fuel Digital's growth in the coming years."

"This new architecture will, over time, address the needs of a broad range of computer users by providing systems that span the desktop to the supercomputer.  Alpha will offer users the flexibility to deploy current applications on popular Digital Announces the Alpha Open Computing Architecture operating environments, beginning with OSF/1 and VMS.  It will enhance and extend the capability of today's Digital products.  Customers can continue to buy today's leadership VMS and UNIX systems from Digital knowing they have a clear entry path into 21st century computing," added William Demmer, vice president of Digital's VAX VMS Systems and Servers group.  "The beauty of Alpha is that it opens the future with a solid bridge from the present," he added.

Announced today were:

o The Alpha architecture.  This advanced, full 64-bit Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) architecture is optimized for speed, engineered to support multiple perating systems, and designed to increase performance by a factor of 1000 over its anticipated 25-year life.

o The first Alpha product  -- Digital's 21064-AA RISC microprocessor.  This 150-MegaHertz microprocessor is the first in a family of full 64-bit chips with address space many thousands of times larger than 32-bit implementations from IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and Sun.  The new chip has demonstrated performance at 200 MegaHertz, and over time Digital will offer versions of this microprocessor at various speeds.

Evaluation quantities of the 21064-AA microprocessor are available now.  It is priced at $3375 each in units of 1 to 100; $1650 in units of 101 to 1,000; and $1559 for over 1,000. Quantity shipments will begin in July, 1992.

The new RISC microprocessor chips are manufactured at the company's high-volume, state-of-the-art manufacturing plants in Hudson, Massachusetts, and South Queensferry, Scotland.

o New business practices to achieve the broadest possible use of the Alpha architecture, and to make the widest range of software available on Alpha.  Digital will sell Alpha at all levels of integration  --  chip, board, and system -- to other computer companies and to OEMs.  Digital also will license its operating systems (including DEC OSF/1 and VMS), compilers, and layered software products.

To ensure a broad applications portfolio, Digital is offering a comprehensive support program to help leading software companies quickly move up to Alpha.  Thirty Alpha Upgrade Centers are being located in the US, Europe and Asian Rim, staffed by software support personnel with expertise in VMS, ULTRIX, and DEC OSF/1.  Complete documentation, seminars and training session are available now, and seed Alpha system will be available this summer.  The Alpha Upgrade Program already is underway with many leading software companies.  Major vendors supporting the Alpha platform will be highlighted at DECWORLD '92 beginning in April.

o A variety of ways for customers to enhance their VMS and UNIX computing environments with Alpha.  Customers can develop and run applications on today's leadership VAX and DECsystem products with the assurance that they easily will be able to add Alpha systems into their computing environments.  Alpha systems will provide data, image, source code, and user interface compatibility with VAX systems running open VMS and DECsystem products running DEC OSF/1.  Alpha systems will network with these products to share information and processing tasks, and will work in VAXcluster configurations.  Common buses for VAX, DECsystem, and Alpha systems means that many peripherals will be able to be used between systems.

o A complete portfolio of service programs for users and other vendors who incorporate Alpha technology into their products.  Digital will support customers with services ranging from consulting to training, systems management, and integration and upgrade services.  Digital will support vendors during product design and implementation.  Through OEMs, VARs, or direct distribution channels, Digital also will provide services for vendors' Alpha-based products.

Alpha will extend the ability of Digital's current software systems environment to address major business opportunities. Supercomputer or large mainframe applications -- seismic data analysis, econometric forecasting, molecular modeling, engineering design verification, and many others -- will be able to run on Alpha at a fraction of traditional mainframe price per unit of performance. Alpha will expand the market for networks of high performance distributed production systems and servers, replacing mainframes.  The powerful new single-chip Alpha microprocessor will open new markets for embedded OEM applications and board-level products.  Alpha will provide the power for emerging personal use applications that are beyond the capability of most of today's PCs, such as voice and video, visualization systems, imaging, and artificial intelligence.  With Digital's NAS (Network Application Support), customers will have the flexibility to integrate leading-edge, Alpha-based applications with their current applications environment.

"Alpha is based on the expertise Digital has gained from 35 years of providing systems and networking based on leadership architectural design," noted Robert B.Palmer, Digital's vice president of manufacturing.  "In addition, Digital has 15 years of experience in designing and delivering chip technology, including leading-edge CMOS technology.  We have some of the industry's most advanced fabrication technology, and most experienced chip design teams using a leading-edge suite of CAD tools, involved in delivering the world's fastest RISC microprocessor."

Digital Equipment Corporation, headquartered in Maynard, Massachusetts, is the leading worldwide supplier of networked computer systems, software, and services.  The company pioneered and leads the industry in interactive, distributed and multivendor computing. Digital and its partners deliver the power to use the best integrated solutions - from desktop to data center - in open information environments.


Monthly Electronic Art Promo
Dynamic Graphics Announces Double Bonus Offer in New Electronic Art Promo

Dynamic Graphics, Inc. has just released a new brochure jointly promoting the company's two electronic art subscription services: Electronic Clipper and Designer's Club. Available in Macintosh and IBM formats, the monthly services offer different but complementing art selections that have been specially commissioned from leading artists in America. These images are ready to scale, crop, or rotate and are typically used in ad layouts, brochures, newsletters, and mailers.

Special subscription incentives announced in the promo include a FREE $74.95 EPS art collection, containing over 40 illustrations, for each new single art service order and a 15% rate discount for subscribers to both services.

Electronic Clipper offers subscribers more than 70 ready-to-use b&w TIFF & EPS images each month in a variety of artistic styles. There is also a full-color illustration. The monthly subscription rate in the U.S. is $67.50, plus shipping & handling.

Designer's Club subscribers receive over 50 EPS illustrations monthly at a subscription rate in the U.S. of $49.50, plus shipping & handling. Subscribers can also order complete Designer's Club art libraries on CD-ROM.

Each subscription includes: image Quest, an easy-to-use interactive indexing software program * a hard copy index for quick reference * "how-to" supplements including sample layouts and creative ideas on how to use the art * and custom binders to keep the computer disks and print materials organized.

Dynamic Graphics has been a leading name in graphic arts worldwide for nearly three decades. Aside from its traditional and electronic clip art services, it publishes the award winning Step-By-Step Graphics magazine and Step-By-Step Electronic Design newsletter, and also conducts a wide range of accredited hands-on workshops and one-day seminars through its educational foundation (DGEF).

For a free copy of the Electronic Clipper /Designer's Club brochure, write to Dynamic Graphics, Inc., 6000 North Forest Park Drive, Peoria, IL 61614. CALL TOLLFREE (800) 255-8800 or FAX (309) 688-5873.


FlexeLint V5.0 C Source Analysis
March 1992 -- Computer Innovations announces the immediate availability of FlexeLint Version 5.0, a C source code analysis tool that aids programmers in developing higher quality software. FlexeLint analyzes C programs and reports on bugs, glitches, inconsistencies. Multi-module processing is extensive, and it finds problems that a compiler would miss.

FlexeLint Version 5.0 by Gimpel Software is the latest in state-of-the-art source code analysis, and is now supported by Computer Innovations for specific UNIX environments.

New features include Strong Type checking, which is a user-controllable analysis based on (/bold typedef) types, which enforces a typing discipline already maintained "by hand" by many developers. Control-flow based analysis will report on possibly uninitialized variables. The analysis takes into account all C control structures, as well as properties of system functions such as (/bold free) and (/bold exit) and user-defined equivalents.

FlexeLint is adept at processing both K&R and ANSI C source programs. In addition, UNIX programmers converting from K&R C to ANSI C will enjoy FlexeLint's automatic ANSI prototype generation facility, which aids in the conversion of old K&R C programs to the new ANSI standard format.

FlexeLint has proven itself to be an indispensable tool for C programmers, whether working in a single development environment to analyze a single program, or when applied to a series of programs that are being ported among several operating systems and hardware platforms.

Computer Innovations supplies binary distributions of FlexeLint Version 5.0 for a variety of UNIX environments, including UNIX System V386/486 (SVR3.2 and SVR4.0), QNX (QNX 2.15 and QNX 4.0), and SunOS 4.1 (Sun/Sparc). This includes support for operating systems from AT&T, ESIX, Dell, InterActive, Intel, Microport, MST, SCO, VenturCom (Venix), UHC, Quantum Software (QNX), Sun Microsystems, and many others. Call for availability on other platforms.

Computer Innovations

980 Shrewsbury Ave, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724

908-542-5920


Controller for Fuzzy Logic Eng.
HyperLogic Corporation, based in Escondido California, and Myriad Solutions Ltd. of Cambridge, England, announce a new hardware controller for fuzzy logic engineering applications. The new product, designated CubiCard, combines an AT-bus compatible circuit board with an enhanced version of HyperLogic's popular CubiCalc RTC product. With it users can incorporate fuzzy logic in their hardware control applications. The native system is a Microsoft Windows application that uses the board directly as a real-world interface. It can also generate stand-alone C code for DOS or Windows applications or solutions based on embedded microcontrollers.

The board provides many of the features needed in control system applications. Sixteen single-ended (or eight differential) analog input channels and two analog output channels are provided, each with eight-bit resolution. Eight binary inputs, eight binary outputs and three fully programmable, cascadeable timers are available. Multiple boards may be used in a single system to increase the number of channels available.

CubiCard RTC Fuzzy Logic Shell software provides the platform for designing the fuzzy control system itself. An intuitive and efficient user interface makes it easy to specify fuzzy rules and connect the control algorithm to the hardware. "It was our intent to make it just as easy to design and implement an actual fuzzy control system as it is to simulate one within CubiCalc", said Fred Watkins, HyperLogic's President.

Myriad Solutions, makers of the high-speed DASH! 860 accelerator card for AT-class personal computers, teamed with HyperLogic to create the new product. "This version of the card is only the beginning", said Dr. Simon Garth, Managing Director at Myriad. "We expect to see rapidly increasing demand in both Europe and America for efficient, economical fuzzy logic solutions and we plan to continue to work closely with HyperLogic to address this need", he said.

Although Myriad has been a distributor for HyperLogic products in Europe for some time, the CubiCard product is the first joint development between the two companies. "Working with Myriad has been a real pleasure, and we look forward to a continuing close relationship", Watkins commented.

CubiCard software includes all the features of HyperLogic's CubiCalc RTC baseline, with special procedures added to configure the board hardware and integrate it into the program's execution cycle. Shell software supports the RTC code-generation capability so that C programmers can realize higher performance by creating stand-alone DOS or Windows applications. Run-time hardware support libraries and diagnostic software are also included.

In North America, the CubiCard combined system is available exclusively through HyperLogic at a single quantity price of $1495. First customer shipments begin April 15,1992. In Europe, CubiCard will be available exclusively through Myriad Solutions.

HyperLogic Corporation supports advanced software technology in intelligent computing systems, especially fuzzy logic and neural networks. HyperLogic also markets the OWL Neural Network Library, a popular neural network software support package. Myriad Solutions Ltd. designs and markets high-performance PC accelerator products for Image and Signal Processing, 3-D graphics and Artificial Intelligence applications. Myriad is based in Cambridge, England.

HyperLogic Corp

1855 East Valley Parkway, Suite 210

Escondido, CA 92027

619-746-2765


Macworld Guide to Microsoft Word 5
San Mateo, CA--March 10, 1992--IDG Books Worldwide today announced the publication of Macworld Guide to Microsoft Word 5, a complete guide to Word 5 for beginning through advanced users. Written by Jim Heid, Macworld magazine's award winning "Getting Started" columnist, it's organized by topic, so users can quickly look up information on particular tasks without reading the book sequentially.

"Jim Heid not only shows you how to work smarter but also helps you learn more effectively with his thoughtful and concise presentation," said Adrian Mello, Executive Editor, Macworld magazine. "You'll find no better guide to Microsoft Word."

The book's topics are organized into four sections, "Word Basics," "Editing and Proofing," "Advanced Formatting," and "Streamlining Your Work." This last section shows users how to manage documents on their hard disk, create templates, exchange information with other programs, and customize Word for their needs.

Within each topic, an Overview provides a summary of the task at hand, the Step-by-Step section gives concise, step-by-step instructions for mastering specific functions, and Quick Tips provide tips and insights to help users maximize the power of Word.

The guide also includes a unique task index that helps users quickly find specific instructions for particular tasks, and a pull-out Quick Reference Card of Word 5 shortcuts and tips. The book's lay-flat binding allows users to easily refer to the book while working at their computer.

The Macworld Guide to Microsoft Word 5 is the newest addition to IDG Books' Macworld Series of books, which includes the critically acclaimed Macworld Complete Mac Handbook, also by Jim Heid, the national bestseller Macworld Guide to System 7, and Macworld Read Me First Book. Macworld Books are authorized by Macworld, the largest circulation Macintosh magazine in the world.

IDG Books publishes high quality computer books that bring extra value and skill-building instruction to the reader. The company applies the technical, market, and editorial knowledge of IDG, the leading publisher of technology periodicals, to provide timely and useful computer books that meet the needs of computer users of all levels.

Headquartered in Boston, MA, International Data Group is the world's largest publisher of computer-related information and the leading global provider of information services on information technology. International Data Group publishes over 178 computer publications in more than 55 countries, including such titles as PC World, lnfoWorld, Macworld, LOTUS & Computerworld. Thirty million people read one or more International Data Group publications each month.

Macworld Guide to Microsoft Word 5 by Jim Heid

ISBN: 1-878058-39-8

Price: $22.95 USA, $29.95 Canada,

Pub. Date: February '92

Specs: 448 pages, 7 3/8 x 9 l/4"

Text printed on recycled paper.

IDG Books are available wherever computer books are sold, or direct from the publisher at (800) 762-2974, 7a.m.-5p.m. PST. For reseller discounts and information, contact IDG Books at (415) 312-0626.


Jandel SigmaPlot 5.0
SAN RAFAEL, CA, March 12, 1992 - In response to hundreds of customer requests, Jandel Scientific has released SigmaPlot 5.0, the 3D version of its popular graphing software. Version 5.0 is a major update to version 4.1 which is currently used by over 30,000 scientists and engineers worldwide to create publication quality technical charts and graphs. Unlike business graphics packages, SigmaPlot includes a full range of scientific features such as automatic error bars, huge dataset handling, non-linear curve fitting, axis breaks, multiple axes, regression lines, confidence intervals, quality control lines, and more.

With version 5.0 users can create mesh and scatter plots in 3D using commands similar to those used in version 4.1 for 2D graph creation. Graphs can be interactively rotated using a unique sparse matrix representation method that allows the user to see the graph as it is adjusted. Researchers with x,y,z scatter data can use the "Interpolate Mesh" command to convert their data to a 3D mesh format. Other useful 3D options include hidden line removal, filled or unfilled polygons, frame lines, backplanes with color and grids as well as drop lines for scatter plots. Labels for tick marks and axes can be rotated relative to the axis and text labels can be rotated at any angle. 3D graphs can be resized, edited, moved and rescaled interactively using SigmaPlot's WYSIWYG graphics page and by simply pointing and clicking with the mouse or keyboard.

Many new enhancements have been added to version 5.0 making it easier and faster to use than ever before. The program now features hierarchical sub-menus, improved user prompts and the process for creating a graph has been streamlined into 3 easy steps. Users can select the "Current Graph Only" command to speed up page redrawing time. Alignment and position tools have been added allowing users to automatically center, left and right justify labels, graphs and objects to each other and to position graphs on the page. "Front to Back" and "Back to Front" commands have been added to the toolbox menu for "layering" text or graphic objects.

Another exciting addition to version 5.0 is a new file merging command which takes a user-compiled list of SigmaPlot graphs and merges all the contents of each file onto the page, in one quick and easy step. SigmaPlot will also resize and scale the merged graphs if requested by the user. This is a great improvement over the earlier cut and paste method.

Additional import options for Lotus (.WKS, .WK1, .WK3), Symphony, Quattro and Microsoft Excel files have been added to SigmaPlot 5.0 making it compatible with all the popular spreadsheet packages. In addition, all data files are now pasted directly to the worksheet instead of the clipboard. Other improvements to the worksheet include an edit cell and insert status line similar to spreadsheet packages. SigmaPlot will now also allow longer labels (up to 15 characters) in both upper and lower case in worksheet cells and longer default axis titles (up to 80 characters). Users can now fit multiple equations simultaneously with the curve fitter as well as fit equations to their 3D data.

Improved and expanded documentation comprising over 800 pages is now divided into three easy to use references. Getting Started includes a "Quick Start" tutorial and other basics which make learning to create 2D and 3D graphs quick and easy. The User's Manual and Transforms and Curve Fitting are comprehensive references detailing SigmaPlot's many features and functions. The on-line help screens within SigmaPlot have also been updated for easier access.

SigmaPlot 5.0 retains complete compatibility with DOS version 4.1 and 4.0 files as well as with SigmaPlot for Macintosh. Users can read all graph, transform and curve fit files created with version 4.x or SigmaPlot for Mac in their entirety.

Jandel Scientific has been providing software to the scientific and engineering communities since 1982 and has been listed as an INC 500 company for the past three years. SigmaPlot 5.0 for DOS is available for $495 and comes with a complete money-back guarantee and free unlimited technical support. It may be purchased directly from Jandel Scientific (2591 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael, CA 94901, 800-874-1888 or 415453-6700).


Logitech Digitizer in PalmPad
New York, NY; March 19, 1992 -- Logitech today announced that its Gazelle digitizing tablet and wireless pen is being used in the PalmPad, the first "wearable" PC introduced by GRiD Systems Corporation. Designed primarily for data collection applications, the PalmPAD can be used in the hand or worn on the wrist. It is also ruggedized, capable of withstanding three-foot drops. The PalmPAD takes a significant step in increasing the performance and utility of pen-based computing.

The Logitech electromagnetic digitizer is self-contained on a single circuit board, avoiding the need to fit additional circuitry onto a motherboard; Logitech is the only supplier today that can combine digitizer and motherboard functions on a multi-layer circuit board. The patented technology provides high resolution while maintaining low cost through the use of standard printed circuit board manufacturing processes, and the elimination of microprocessors and A/D converters. By using an "active" pen, power consumption is reduced since the digitizing tablet acts solely as a receiver (see features discussion below).

The PalmPAD features a 640-by-400 screen resolution along with a fluorescent, backlit display. This allows the unit to be used in a variety of lighting conditions, with plenty of room to display and work with text and graphics applications.

"We are committed to improving the user interface of computers and making them more compatible with humans," says Pierluigi Zappacosta, president and CEO of Logitech. "By also being very committed to OEM customers such as GRiD, Logitech is pleased to be able to provide an inexpensive, excellent digitizing/pen-based product that is the thinnest [<0.8mm], lightest, and least power hungry available today. The Gazelle digitizing technology has successfully overcome the crucial pen-based development challenges of power consumption, speed, and resolution. It also provides two additional critical elements: a very small border area [<20mm] to accommodate the smallest system displays, as well as the design of a comfortable, ergonomically correct cordless pen."

"With the PalmPAD," said Kirk Cruikshank, GRiD VP of marketing, "GRiD Corporation needed a robust design which could fit into a minimal package, a low-power device featuring high resolution and accuracy. These stringent demands were met by the Logitech/ Gazelle digitizer."

The PalmPAD features a number of innovative and breakthrough technologies, such as extended battery life (eight hours on one charge), solid-state SunDisk storage cards, and co-molded plastic and rubber (Dow Chemical) casing. Key features (see following technical data sheet) of the Logitech Gazelle Graphics digitizer include:

Noise immunity-- The pen and digitizer are inherently immune to electromagnetic noise from computers, LCDs, and other circuitry. The tablet emits no electromagnetic energy and requires no separate shield.

High resolution and accuracy-- Triple that of the best commercial LCDs available, with tracking speed double that required for computer-intensive applications such as handwriting recognition.

Undlerlay technology-- The digitizer is underneath the LCD and writing surface, so it is protected from dust, dirt, water, scratches, and other environmental degradation. Underlay technology is the most reliable means of providing pen input to computing systems.

Low-power consumption -- The pen powers up if either switch is pressed, and powers down if unused for more than three minutes. Because the digitizer tablet acts only as a receiver, it consumes inherently less power than other electromagnetic digitizers which transmit, as well as receive, electromagnetic energy. The digitizer's power managements system reduces power consumption by 80 percent in standby mode, but still detects pen presence.

Logitech is the leading manufacturer of pointing, input, and imaging devices worldwide for IBM PC, Macintosh, and other platforms. Its products include a diverse array of retail and OEM mice, trackballs, hand-held scanners, and digital cameras. Logitech's operational headquarters are in Fremont, California and the company is publicly held in Switzerland. It operates manufacturing facilities in Fremont; Hsinchu, Taiwan; and Cork, Ireland, and offices in major U.S., Far Eastern, and European cities.

Logitech Inc, 6505 Kaiser Dr, Fremont, CA 94555

510-795-8500


Magellan Project CD-ROMs
=====================================

         MAGELLAN CD-ROMs

          March 20, 1992

=====================================

Six more Magellan CD-ROMs (volumes 43 through 48) have been released by the Magellan project.  A total of 48 Magellan CD-ROMs has now been released. The CD-ROMs contain the radar images taken by the Magellan spacecraft during its first 8 month mapping cycle of the planet Venus.  The Magellan project is continuing to produce CD-ROMs at the rate of about 8 per month.  The full set of the Cycle 1 radar images will consist of 52 CD-ROMs, plus an additional 10 CD-ROMs for the altimeter data which will be released later in the year.

The CD-ROMs can be obtained from the National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC) at the Goddard Space Flight Center.  The "nominal" charge is $20 for the first CD-ROM, and $6 for any additional CD-ROM in an order.  However, NSSDC may waive this charge for a small amount of data requested by bona fide research users, government laboratories, etc.  School teachers who are unable to pay may be helped on a case by case basis, and/or as resources permit. Researchers funded by NASA's Solar System Exploration Division can also obtain the CD-ROMs through the Planetary Data System at JPL.

     NSSDC's address is:

        National Space Science Data Center

        Goddard Space Flight Center

        Greenbelt, Maryland 20771

        Tel: (301) 286-6695

NSSDC also provides the following software to display the images:

        o IMDISP       (IBM PC)

        o Browser      (Macintosh)

        o Pixel Pusher (Macintosh)

        o True Color   (Macintosh)


MATHPLOT Data Analysis
March 18, 1992--MATHPLOT, a new software program that helps students, scientists, and engineers analyze complicated data, is now available from Physics Academic Software.

The program, which was developed by James H. McCrary of New Mexico State University, allows up to 200 data points to be entered for calculating simple statistical parameters, fitting leastsquares polynomials, and calculating a Fourier series for a periodic function.

Among other capabilities, MATHPLOT can calculate and plot Fourier spectra and Bessel functions, as well as plot and compare a user-specified function with a data set. MATHPLOT solves up to 12 simultaneous equations and inverts matrices of order up to 12, displaying results both graphically and numerically. The menu-driven program is simple to use and includes a tutorial to familiarize users with the many applications.

Reviewer comments of MATHPLOT have been favorable and point to the program's educational value. Philip Gash, California State University, says of the PAS package, "This is the best software I have seen which is of general utility to any physics student, from the first-year mechanics student upward to the graduate level, and I do not hesitate to recommend it." This observation is seconded by K. S. Chandra, Savannah State College, who says, "MATHPLOT is an excellent program. It can be easily used by undergraduate students." Cites Bruce Huguelet, San Antonio College, "MATHPLOT is worthwhile. I believe it should be among the first programs to find their way into the physics student's and teacher's disk file."

Proving that MATHPLOT's capabilities extend beyond the classroom, W. T. Sobol, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, responds, "This is a very nice utility package. The program is intuitive and works as an extended calculator, with quick ways to check data at hand. I was especially impressed with the function parser. I am convinced that many users will like MATHPLOT."

MATHPLOT is published and distributed by Physics Academic Software, a publishing project of the American Institute of Physics in cooperation with the American Physical Society and the American Association of Physics Teachers. It is part of a continuing series of educational software published by PAS .

The program operates on IBM PC, XT, AT, and PS/2 personal computers with at least 256K of RAM and CGA, MCGA, EGA, or VGA graphics. A math coprocessor and graphics-capable printer are recommended.

MATHPLOT may be purchased for $49.95 plus $3.50 shipping and handling. Multiple-copy site licenses are available. Physics Academic Software offers a no-risk guarantee by providing a full refund for packages returned within 30 days.

Orders and requests for a free catalog of all Physics Academic Software titles should be directed to The Academic Software Library, Campus Box 8202, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-8202. By telephone, call (800) 955-TASL or (919) 515-7447; FAX (919) 515-2682.


CNC Mastercam DRAFT 3D Mech CAD
February 24, 1992 (Tolland, CT)--CNC Software, Inc. today released Mastercam DRAFT, a low cost stand alone 3D mechanical Computer-Aided Design and Drafting system for personal computers. Mastercam DRAFT, which retails for U.S. $495, is the latest addition to the Mastercam family of CAD/CAM systems for milling, lathe, wire EDM, sheet metal fabrication/punching, plasma cutting, and lasers.

Mastercam DRAFT is targeted at manufacturing personnel and design engineers who need 2D and 3D design and drafting capabilities for editing part files received from other CAD systems, re-working blueprints, or creating mechanical designs from scratch. If the part needs to be machined, Mastercam DRAFT integrates smoothly into Mastercam CAM systems, or will output to virtually any other CAD/CAM system.

The product differs from other systems in that it combines full 3D geometry creation and isometric drafting capability with built-in bi-directional data translators for a fraction of the cost of systems with similar functionality. Data translators include IGES, DXF, ASCII, CADL, NFL, VDA-FS, SPAC and UNISURF. These translators often cost $500 to $5,000 each from other CAD vendors.

Mastercam DRAFT lets you create standard geometric entities such as points, lines, arcs, fillets, chamfers, splines, ellipses, rectangles, and lettering. Advanced geometry like NURBS and parametric curves and surfaces are supported via the IGES data translator. The geometry is stored in a 3D double precision database. Finished drawings can be output to disk, printer or plotter.

Mastercam DRAFT also supports full isometric dimensioning capabilities. Geometry can be dimensioned in any plane, from any view. The system provides full editing capabilities, including labeling entities; making notes, and editing text, position and leader/witness characteristics, and is adaptable to any international standard: ANSI, ISO, DIN and JIS.

All Mastercam products are sold by a network of dealers in 32 countries. CNC Software, Inc. is a privately held corporation founded in 1984. The US-based company has provided CAD/ CAM solutions to over 8000 customers worldwide in the mold-making, automotive, aerospace and related industries.

CNC Software, 344 Merrow Rd, Tolland, CT 06084

203-875-5006


Micro Express Always Tech Support
Santa Ana, CA, February, 26,1992..Micro Express introduces "Always"..unlimited free technical support that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. "This is the ultimate in technical support," notes Art Afshar, president of Micro Express. "PCs have a way of causing problems at the most inconvenient times. Micro Express users will now be able to get free help anytime they need it. Even the phone call is a free 800 line."

This is just the latest in a long list of quality and service innovations that have helped to bring Micro Express near the top of the list of suppliers of PC-compatible computers. "Always" arrives close on the heels of "Automated FAX-back," the service that provides technical manuals and other information instantly through your FAX machine.

Add these to 72-hour burn-in to eliminate early failures, newly-developed packing materials to cut down on shipping damage, 2-year warranties on all desktop 386 and 486-based PCs, overnight board replacement, a 30-day no-questions-asked moneyback guarantee, on-site service through TRW, and all of the other policies and procedures that assure Micro Express users the best PCs available anywhere makes the reason why Micro Express has moved so quickly to the top clear.

Micro Express is an award-winning manufacturer of notebook, laptop, portable and desktop microcomputers that are fully IBM compatible. Micro Express offers extremely high quality and a wide range of additional features at a very competitive price. Micro Express personal computers are regularly rated at the top of comparative reviews in computer trade magazines, having won such honors as PC Magazine Editors' Choice, PC World Best Buy, Computer Buyer's Guide Best Buy, BYTE Magazine One-To-Watch, PC Week Analyst's Choice and many others. The company also offers a selection of high-performance add-in peripheral boards.

For further sales information, contact Micro Express at 1801 Carnegie Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92705. Phone: (714) 852-1400 or (800) 989-9900.


MultiExpressFAX Communications Swr
MOUNDS VIEW, MINNESOTA--March 6,1992--Multi-Tech Systems Inc. a leading manufacturer of data communications equipment, headquartered in Mounds View, Minnesota, announces MultiExpressFAX (Model MEFAX) DOS single-user fax communications software for Multi-Tech's internal and external fax modems. It will be available for shipment March 20,1992, priced at $195.00, and will be bundled with all Multi-Tech fax-capable modems (free of charge) as a special introductory offer.

"MultiExpressFAX can accommodate users with various levels of DOS expertise," states Raghu Sharma, President of Multi-Tech, Systems, Inc. "Novice users can immediately start sending and receiving faxes by using the pop-up menu-based system for configuration and basic fax operation. MultiExpressFAX features a WYPIWYF (What You Print Is What You Fax) preview feature that allows the sender to see the actual fax before it is sent. And there are complete help screens provided to ease the novice into more complex functions, such as broadcast and scheduled sending. In addition, a README file and Quick Reference document helps the novice to get going quickly and to rapidly learn new features. With the 'send from application' feature, even first-time users can send a fax (or print) from a file created within their favorite word processing (WP), database, graphics, spreadsheet or other application program."

Faxed files can include PC Paintbrush (PCX), Tagged Image File (TIFF), ASCII files, and Epson FX80 Print Capture files. Postscript printer support is standard, along with a Print Definition Table of 302 models of compatible dot matrix, ink jet and laser printers.

The MEFAX program consists of the background send/receive application (a TSR, or Terminate Stay Resident program), and the foreground user interface (which may be loaded as a TSR). A TSR program stays in memory and is executed as a background task (it won't show up on the display screen) after it is loaded into PC memory. Simple commands are used to load and unload the TSR program(s). When faxes are sent or received in the background, your PC disk activity LED may blink, and/or your PC's speaker may beep to indicate normal background fax activity. MEFAX is easy to use, in part because the background operation is made highly-visible. You can view all background operations and stop current activities, or halt future (scheduled) activities. MEFAX displays a text message in the corner of your application screen to keep you informed of the current fax activity status, such as sending or receiving.

MEFAX includes the following features: Broadcast Send, which lets an MEFAX user send faxes to any number of destinations; Phone Book, which stores the name, phone number, group, and comment for up to 15 groups of up to 500 recipients; and Scheduler, which lets a user set a date or time for the future transmission of faxes which can be sent whether the operator is present or not. Up to 100 faxes can be pre-defined using the Scheduler.

Multi-Tech Systems Inc. can be contacted at its headquarters: 2205 Woodale Drive, Mounds View, Minnesota 55112. Voice (612) 785-3500 or (800) 328-9717, FAX (612) 785-9874, International FAX (612) 331-3180


SPA vs Melco Industries Inc
March 11, 1992 Washington, DC - The Software Publishers Association (SPA) announced today that a settlement has been reached in a software copyright infringement suit with Melco Industries, Inc. The products involved in the suit were manufactured by WordPerfect Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Lotus Development Corporation, and AutoDesk, Inc. The SPA, speaking on behalf of the manufacturers, cited instances of unauthorized copying of software.

Based in Denver, Colorado, Melco Industries, Inc. cooperated fully with the manufacturers in providing an inventory of all of the commercial software then in use on all of its personal computers. Melco has agreed to a monetary settlement in the amount of $30,000. Melco has also agreed to stop using illegal copies, to institute formal procedures to prevent further illegal copying, and to purchase software only from authorized suppliers.

In announcing the settlement, SPA Litigation Director Ilene Rosenthal, said, "Managers have a responsibility to monitor the way software is used in the corporate environment very carefully. The settlement we reached with Melco is yet another step in our continuing campaign against unauthorized corporate copying. "

Since 1988, the Software Publishers Association has filed over 100 lawsuits on behalf of its members and obtained numerous search and seizure orders against businesses, computer dealers, bulletin board services, and educational institutions that have violated its members' copyrights. The SPA's anti-piracy hotline, 1-800-388-7478, accepts calls reporting software violations.

The Software Publishers Association also has distributed free of charge self-audit materials designed to help businesses, government entities, and educational institutions manage their internal software practices. To obtain a copy of the SPA Self-Audit Kit and SPAudit, a software inventory management program, companies should write to:

SPAudit

Software Publishers Association

1730 M Street, NW, Suite 700

Washington, DC 20036

The Software Publishers Association is the principal trade association of the personal computer software industry. Its 900 members represent the leading publishers in the business, consumer, and education software markets. The SPA has offices in Washington, DC, and Paris La Defense, France.


LAN Manager Interopability
REDMOND, Wash. -- March 9,1992 -- Eight original equipment manufacturers showed their commitment to the Microsoft LAN Manager software family by cooperating to promote "NetWorkOut," a multivendor demonstration of LAN Manager interoperability held Feb. 24-27 in Munich, Germany. The demonstration featured nine servers and more than 10 client workstations, and was the largest exhibition ever of multivendor interoperability for client-server network software. An unprecedented level of network software integration was proven between LAN Manager-based products running on a variety of server platforms, client workstations and operating systems.

"NetWorkOut was an impressive confirmation of multivendor interoperability," said Bob Kruger, group manager, LAN Manager networking at Microsoft. "Interoperability among LAN Manager implementations addresses the increasing need for corporate users to access information across client-server networks and administer those networks over a variety of hardware and operating systems."

"As developer of LAN Manager for UNIX, we found NetWorkOut to be very valuable in proving the interoperability of LAN Manager," said Bob Ritterbusch, manager, network products division, NCR Corporation. "It's important for the user community to know that a LAN Manager-based product they buy from one vendor will also work on other vendors' LAN Manager-based products. The interoperability between UNIX and OS/2 implementations in particular presents real advantages for users. We are very excited about NetWorkOut and expect to participate in more of these demonstrations in the future. "

"In support of our customers' systems integration needs, Digital has been configuring, installing and supporting products and services based on Microsoft networking technology since 1986," said Vijay Thakur, group manager of Digital's PC integration business. "Through PATHWORKS, Digital's corporate network operating system, Digital gives DOS and Windows-based clients access to multiple LAN Manager-based servers running VMS, ULTRIX and OS/2. As the largest OEM of LAN Manager, our relationship with Microsoft is the foundation for the long term in supporting LAN Manager and future Microsoft products."

"Olivetti's Open System Architecture (OSA) is aimed at offering the best support for connectivity and multivendor interoperability, thus providing truly open, enterprise-level solutions," said Claudio Adriani, marketing director, distributed computing products, Ing. C. Olivetti & C. "The NetWorkOut event is further proof of the high degree of multivendor interoperability reached by Olivetti, together with the other LAN Manager vendors."

NetWorkOut displayed interconnectivity from workstations running LAN Manager client software under the Microsoft Windows version 3.1, Windows NT and OS/2 operating systems, to LAN Manager servers running OS/2, Microsoft Windows NT, VMS and several implementations of the UNIX operating system on a variety of vendors' hardware platforms, all supported on an Ethernet network using TCP/IP protocols. (See list on accompanying page.)

NetWorkOut Showed Multivendor Interoperability

The client workstations in NetWorkOut proved to have transparent access to files and print services on all of the servers, without users having to understand the underlying networking software or know which operating system or implementation of LAN Manager was running on the servers. A LAN Manager test verification suite running from a Microsoft Windows-based client workstation in the booth tested conformance of the LAN Manager servers to the server message block (SMB) protocol, helping ensure that all the clients and servers were communicating with one another. Another test suite written with the Microsoft Visual Basic programming system checked LAN Manager application programming interfaces (APIs) on various servers, proving consistency from platform to platform. The compatibility of APIs across LAN Manager implementations help ensure that both client applications and server applications written to take advantage of LAN Manager are compatible with all vendors' server implementations, regardless of the operating system or hardware platform.

The interoperability demonstrated at NetWorkOut among LAN Manager products for UNIX, OS/2, VMS and Windows NT operating systems means users on multivendor networks can be assured of easy, transparent LAN Manager operation. Users access all servers via a common set of commands or interfaces (used by programs such as File Manager within Microsoft Windows), and can maintain concurrent connections to files, printers and applications on an OS/2, VMS or UNIX server with no software retraining, and without having to know anything about the type of server on which the files, printers or applications reside.

Open LAN Manager Council is Committed to Interoperability

NetWorkOut was produced by Microsoft and the Open LAN Manager Council, an independent organization comprised of more than 18 Microsoft LAN Manager licensees from the United States, Europe and Japan. The Open LAN Manager Council met in Venice, Italy on February 20 and 21 to finalize plans for NetWorkOut in addition to discussing joint marketing of new networking technologies.

The meeting, the Council's third in the past year, was co-sponsored by Microsoft Europe, NCR and Olivetti. Attendees included Dansk Data Elektronik, Hewlett-Packard, ICL, Microsoft, NCR, Olivetti, Research Machines, Siemens-Nixdorf, The Santa Cruz Operation, Tulip and Unisys. The Open LAN Manager Council is committed to providing superior networking technology through open, standards-based networking products that provide advanced features and application portability through common APIs, connectivity and interoperability across heterogeneous computer platforms.


MS Open Database Connectivity
SEATTLE -- March 9,1992 -- Microsoft Corporation and Information Builders, Inc. (IBI) announced a key business relationship today at the Microsoft ODBC Developers Conference whereby the two companies will jointly develop a Microsoft ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) driver for IBI's EDA/SQL (enterprise data access/structured query language) client-server software. The driver will provide applications that support ODBC -- running under Microsoft Windows operating system and other platforms -- with the ability to access the full range of heterogeneous data sources addressed by EDA/SQL application programming interface (API). ODBC-enabled applications will have access to more than 50 relational and non-relational data sources available through IBI, including data managed by IBM's Information Warehouse.

ODBC is Microsoft's open, vendor-neutral database connectivity API that allows applications to communicate easily with both relational and non-relational database management systems (DBMSs). It is based on the Call-level Interface specification developed by the SQL Access Group, the consortium of leading hardware and software database vendors dedicated to universal data access. The SQL Access Group endorsed Microsoft's implementation of the specification when ODBC was announced in November 1991. SQL Access Group members include Information Builders, Informix, Borland, Ingres, Microsoft, Oracle and others.

"Our working relationship with IBI, a leader in enterprise data access, will extend the reach of ODBC-enabeled applications to all data sources currently accessed by IBI," said Mike Maples, executive vice president of the worldwide products group at Microsoft. "This will benefit customers by providing them with a solution that spans across the widest range of platforms, bringing the industry closer to the vision of universal database interoperability."

"The power of Windows, combined with ODBC and the breadth of data sources and platform environments accessed by EDA/SQL is a combination that will be irresistible for many customers," said Gerald D. Cohen, president and founder of IBI. "Through our development relationship, Microsoft and IBI are giving Windows users enterprise-wide data access using a single standard call-level interface. We're pleased to be working together to bring universal data access to the desktop."

The ODBC driver for EDA/SQL makes it easy for developers to write applications for Windows and other platforms using ODBC to access all data sources available to EDA/SQL, without having to learn and use an additional API. The driver extends the reach of applications, enabling users to transparently access enterprise data residing in more than 50 different databases and file structures in more than 35 different operating environments, including those from Digital Equipment, Hewett-Packard, IBM and Sun Microsystems, Inc. The ODBC driver for EDA/SQL also extends the reach of ODBC-based applications to IBM's Information Warehouse, including VSAM and IMS environments and all IBM relational databases.

IBI's EDA/SQL is a family of four client-server products that work together to provide SQL-based access to relational and non-relational data on interconnected multivendor systems. IBI is an IBM International Alliance member, and EDA/SQL supports IBM's Information Warehouse architecture, giving corporate information applications access to interconnected IBM and non-IBM systems throughout the enterprise.

Microsoft ODBC provides a universal method for accessing both SQL and non-SQL data. Implementing ODBC speeds the development of applications that support multiple DBMSs, reduces application complexity and minimizes support requirements for both independent software vendors (ISVs) and DBMS vendors. ODBC is currently available as a pre-release Software Developers' Kit (SDK). The final SDK is scheduled to be available in the first half of 1992. Microsoft will also implement ODBC in a future version of the Microsoft Windows operating system.

The ODBC driver for EDA/SQL will be available from Microsoft and IBI in 1992. Microsoft and IBI will also cooperate in joint sales and marketing efforts in support of ODBC and EDA/SQL.


Microsoft Press PC & Mac Titles
The MICROSOFT C/C++ RUN-TIME LIBRARY REFERENCE, 2nd ed. is a superb one-stop resource for the more than 500 ready-to-use functions and macros in the Microsoft C/C++ runtime library--a feature that has made the Microsoft C compiler the first choice for corporate and commercial developers.

Written by the Languages Division of Microsoft Corporation to be included in the Microsoft C/C++ version 7 package and published separately by Microsoft Press, this valuable reference is an up-to-date complement to the Microsoft C and C++ online help system called the Microsoft Advisor. The core of the book details the complete run-time library--all the routines for managing input and output, allocating storage, controlling processes, displaying graphics, and calling system services. The entry for each routine gives a brief description and includes all the critical information on:

. Syntax and prototype

. Necessary include files

. Argument and return values

. Cross-references to related routines

. Notes on compatibility with current standards and

  operating systems: ANSI, UNIX, MS-DOS QuickWin, and

  Microsoft Windows

. Sample orograms

The MICROSOFT C/C++ RUN-TIME LIBRARY REFERENCE is divided into two main sections. Part 1 introduces the Microsoft C/C++ library and provides general rules for using the library. One chapter lists the library routines by category so that a programmer can quickly find a routine for a particular task without knowing the name of the appropriate function or macro. Another chapter describes global variables and standard types.

Part 2 describes the library routines in alphabetic order. Once they become familiar with the C/C++ library rules and procedures, readers will probably refer to this part most often. A comprehensive index helps Microsoft C/C++ programmers quickly find information on any topic in the book.

Other books by Microsoft Press on Microsoft C and C++ include Learn C Now, by Augie Hansen; ANSI and ISO Standard C Programmer's Reference, by P.J. Plauger and Jim Brodie; Microsoft C: Secrets, Shortcuts, and Solutions, by Kris Jamsa; and the forthcoming Microsoft Guide to C++ Programming, by Kaare Christian.

--------------------------------------------------------

Learning & Running MS-DOS 5

Microsoft Press Bundles ComputerBook Classic with Bestselling Disk-Based Interactive Tutorial

Now, two highly acclaimed computer software "how-to" guides are available in one super, low-priced package with LEARNING & RUNNING MS-DOS 5 from Microsoft Press.

This special combination training and reference tool is ideal for new and intermediate computer users working with MS-DOS. Sold separately these award-winning products have a combined suggested retail price of $74.90. Save almost $35.00!

Microsoft Learning MS-DOS is the easy-to-use disk based tutorial that helps new PC owners get up and running using the MS-DOS operating system. Guided practice sessions and concise explanations of MS-DOS commands show users the basics they'll use every day to manage files, run programs, maneuver around the graphical shell in MS-DOS 5, and automate and safeguard the system. Also included is the DOS Quick Reference--an online MS-DOS help system that offers quick access to a library of information on MS-DOS commands.

Running MS-DOS--the computer book classic by Van Wolverton now in its fifth edition--has been the MS-DOS information source for more than two million PC users. Many keep a copy next to their computer for quick answers to day-to-day MS-DOS questions. Wolverton's straightforward presentation, precise, real-world examples, thoughtful discussions, and understandable descriptions provide solid information on basic and advanced MS-DOS concepts. Readers will discover how to control their entire computer system:

. Manage their hard disk and peripherals

. Use the built-in text editor

. Customize the system

. Increase memory for applications

. Speed up the system

. Recover deleted files

LEARNING & RUNNING MS-DOS 5 includes information on versions 2.0 through 5.0. Microsoft Learning MS-DOS requires an MS-DOS or a PC-DOS operating system version 2.0 or later, 320 KB of memory, and a hard disk and a 5.25-inch double-density disk drive (360 KB) or a hard disk and a 5.25-inch high-density disk drive (1.2 MB). Two 360 KB 5.25-inch disks containing the Microsoft Learning MS-DOS tutorial are bound into the inside back cover of Running MS-DOS, 5th edition. Ordering information for 3.5-inch disks is included.

--------------------------------------------------------

The Essential Guide to MS-DOS 5 Programming

A Practical, Example-Packed Introduction for C and Basic Programmers

An MS-DOS operating system programming book for high-level language programmers? "Yes," says Peter G. Aitken, author of THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO MS-DOS 5 PROGRAMING, from Microsoft Press. "Even seasoned C and Basic programmers can gain a significant edge in application development by knowing how to access MS-DOS services directly."

Aitken's practical, example-packed guide is aimed at beginning to intermediate programmers looking for ways to enhance the power, speed, and flexibility of their programs.

"MS-DOS provides services, or software routines, that act as an interface between any application program and the computer hardware," says Aitken. "Rather than access these services indirectly through a programming language, programmers can access them directly."

THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO MS-DOS 5 PROGRAMMING begins with a brief overview of the MS-DOS operating system and the CPU. Readers then learn techniques for calling interrupts from both C and Basic. The heart of the book provides detailed information on using the MS-DOS services, organized by programming topic. To illustrate how to use these services, Aitken provides programming samples for each topic, written in Microsoft QuickC compiler version 2.5 and in Microsoft QuickBasic' programming system version 4.5. The code is compatible with most versions of C and Basic for the PC. Readers will be able to use MS-DOS services to enable their programs to:

. Use expanded memory to store data

. Communicate via the serial port

. Determine the total capacity and available space

  on a hard disk

. Read to and write from any disk file

. Determine the state of the keyboard "lock keys"

. Set the screen cursor's position and size

. Scroll a text window on the screen

. Respond to mouse movement

Reference entries for MS-DOS services are found at the end of the chapter in which they're discussed, for instant access to important information. In addition, an appendix provides a complete List of all the MS-DOS services in the book, arranged both by interrupt and function-number and by category. A comprehensive index helps Programmers quickly find information on any topic in the book.

Peter G. Aitken is the author of more than 60 articles and numerous books on C, QuickBasic, and a variety of other computer topics, including the forthcoming Microsoft Guide to Visual Basic' Programming, from Microsoft Press.

--------------------------------------------------------

Microsoft Word for the Macintosh Step by Step

The Official Microsoft Courseware

Covers version 5.0

MICROSOFT WORD FOR THE MACINTOSH STEP BY STEP--the official Microsoft Word for the Apple Macintosh training courseware and part of the highly acclaimed Step by Step series--is now available from Microsoft Press.

"This all-in-one book-and-software training package from Microsoft Press helps users get the most out of Microsoft Word for the Apple Macintosh," according to Leslie Koch, Microsoft Word Product Manager. "New users and upgrade users will all benefit.''

MICROSOFT WORD FOR THE MACINTOSH STEP BY STEP takes a modular approach to teaching Microsoft Word. Readers already familiar with previous versions of the software can turn directly to the information they need in lessons that explore new version 5.0 features. Newcomers to Microsoft Word are encouraged to start right at the beginning. All 13 lessons, which take 30 to 40 minutes per lesson to complete, are illustrated with examples and are fully integrated with the practice files on disk--ideal for professional training in the classroom or for self-paced learning.

Each lesson includes clear objectives, step-by-step instructions, real-world business examples, and skill-strengthening exercises called "One Step Further." Students can supplement and reinforce what they've learned with the shortcuts and reminders in the practice documents on the accompanying disk. A comprehensive index helps students and instructors quickly find information on any Microsoft Word topic in the book.

MICROSOFT WORD FOR THE MACINTOSH STEP BY STEP is one of several books on Microsoft Word for the Apple Macintosh version 5.0 from Microsoft Press, including Getting Started with Microsoft Word for the Apple Macintosh and The Cobb Group's Word 5 Companion.

Microsoft Press, the trade book division of Microsoft Corporation, publishes a wide range of quality books on computer programming, software and hardware, and other topics of importance to the computer industry. Microsoft Press books are widely recognized as authorized editions for the MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows operating systems, Microsoft languages, and software applications such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.  Microsoft Press books are distributed to book and software retailers worldwide. Consumers in the United States may also order directly from the publisher at 1-800 MSPRESS.


Facit N1200 Industrial Portable PC
MANCHESTER, N.H., March 11,1992 -- Facit, Inc. today entered the industrial personal computer market with a ruggedized portable PC for factory floor applications. The Facit N1200 PC is an important new product for industrial customers because it gives them a hardened and sealed alternative to the vulnerable portable PCs commonly used today on the factory floor and other harsh environments.

The N1200 is an IBM-compatible 286 PC in a rugged, lightweight and compact package. It is completely self contained, including a built-in CGA display, keyboard, 3.5-inch floppy disk drive, optional hard drive, and multiple interfaces to NC machines, printers and other peripherals.

SyntegraTech, Bow, N.H., is using the N1200 PC for local area network data collection on the factory floor. "We mount them on a wall, put a local networking card inside and share the data in real time with many other kinds of systems. This enables us to have command and control on the plant floor," said Mark Read, president, SyntegraTech, a turnkey systems integrator for shop floor and distribution center data collection. "It's good because it's very compact, extremely rugged and is totally self-contained. We have a protective case that we put an industrially strong PC and monitor in, but it's not as industrial as the Facit. The Facit PC is a totally sealed unit with an integrated CRT. It has a splash-proof keyboard and has no damaging entry points."

The N1200 can be used for a range of industrial applications, either as a standalone PC or connected to a network. The addition of an industry-standard LAN card via the 16-bit I/O slot provides easy connection to a variety of networks. Built-in communications capabilities make the unit particularly well suited for computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) systems, such as a distributed numerical control (DNC) interface between the network and machine tools for down- or up-loading parts programs. The PC can also be used for machine and shopfloor data collection, logistics, inventory control, statistics and editing numerical control (NC) programs on the factory floor with Facit NC software.

Built For Industrial Environments

The Facit N1200 includes all the features of a standard 286-based PC. But unlike standard PCs, all components are housed in a sealed steel cabinet with industrial interfaces, a fully protected keyboard, disk drive lid and shock absorbed electronics. The unit is impervious to elements found in harsh industrial environments; it resists water, dust, oil mist and rough treatment with no reduction in reliability.

The PC's five industrial interfaces provide easy connections to NC equipment, printers, plotters, modems and bar code readers, as well as an external keyboard and high resolution monitor. The backlit 640 x 200 display is adjustable for an easy-to-read angle and also has a screen-saving function to extend screen life.

The N1200 comes with 512K memory expandable to 4.0 MB and DR-DOS 5.0 installed in read-only memory. A 40-Mbyte Slimline hard disk is optional.

Pricing and Availability

The Facit N1200 is available immediately with a list price of $3,489 without hard drive and 512K memory, and $4,189 with a 40-Mbyte hard drive, 2.5 Mbyte memory and NC/DNC editing software.

Facit, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Facit AB, Sweden, is located in Manchester, NH. The privately held company manufactures industrial grade printers, including laser, dot matrix, thermal and bar code models, as well as tape punch equipment and other program storage devices for the NC/DNC industry.

Facit Inc

At University Center, 400 Commercial St, PO box 9540

Manchester, NH 03108-9540

603-647-2700


NEC UltraLite SL/25C MPC Portable
(Boxborough, Mass., March 10, 1992) -- NEC Technologies, Inc. is the first Multimedia PC (MPC) Marketing Council member to announce a business multimedia solution, specifically designed for end users who require multimedia capabilities in a portable environment.

The NEC Portable MPC Solution consists of NEC's new breakthrough color notebook with TFT active matrix color display, the UltraLite SL/25C; the portable Docking Station unit; and the Multimedia Upgrade Kit. With the Portable MPC Solution, users have the ability to run multimedia applications that until now, were confined to their desktops.

"NEC is proud to offer the Portable MPC Solution, providing our customers with even more multimedia options," said Marc Miller, general manager of NEC's Optical Media and Multimedia Products. "Now, by combining NEC's leadership in both the notebook computer and the multimedia CD-ROM arena, users don't have to sacrifice portability as they incorporate video, sound and brilliant color in portable business presentations, training and interactive marketing and sales materials."

The Portable MPC Solution provides business users with full multimedia capabilities to engage and impact their audiences in ways traditional portable presentations never have before.

The UltraLite SL/25C notebook computer with the portable Docking Station provides powerful desktop functionality and near CRT-quality color computing while maintaining laptop-sized portability. With the power of a 25 MHz i386 MSL microprocessor, 64 KB of cache memory and an active matrix screen display capable of showing over 225,000 possible colors, the SL/25C can easily run even the most demanding multimedia applications when coupled with NEC's Multimedia Upgrade Kit.

The Multimedia Upgrade Kit consists of an MPC compliant multimedia-ready Intersect M CDR-83M internal CD-ROM reader with SCSI interface, Asymetrix Multimedia ToolBook 1.5 software, an Ad Lib and Sound Blaster compatible soundboard, speakers, microphone, headphones and Microsoft Windows with Multimedia Extensions 1.0.

"As the first company to market a notebook computer and a color laptop, NEC has always sought to meet the needs of a growing workforce of mobile professionals," explained Bob Levin, director of NEC's Portable Marketing group. "The number and needs of business professionals requiring portability and now, multimedia capabilities, continue to grow and NEC is again taking a leadership role by integrating these technologies to provide a complete portable multimedia solution that can function as an alternative to a traditional desktop."

NEC Technologies, Inc., a leading supplier of computers, peripherals and CD-ROM software for the North American market, is an affiliate of NEC Corporation, a $26 billion manufacturer of computers, communications, semiconductor and home entertainment products.

NEC Technologies Inc

1414 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough, MA 01719

508-264-8000


USENET News Available on CD-ROM
Sterling Software is proud to announce a new service, NetNews/CD, which makes USENET News available on CD-ROM.  Now, with NetNews/CD, the wealth of information available via USENET is archived and readily available when you need it, not just when it arrives.  With NetNews/CD you will be able to keep years of USENET News on your shelf so that you can access and benefit from it at your convenience.

With nearly 3000 active newsgroups and more being created daily, one of the major problems with USENET News has been the massive amounts of data.  Most sites do not have the disk space to store it all on a daily basis, let alone a yearly basis.  Those that do receive a full feed are forced to use relatively short news expire times to free up disk space for incoming daily news.  Many sites have had to limit the number of groups they subscribe to due to the speeds of their modems, the costs of long distance phone calls to an upstream USENET feed or the size of the available disk space.  NetNews/CD solves these problems by making nearly 600 Megabytes of USENET news available on CD-ROM each month.

The purpose of the NetNews series is to assure that the valuable information which passes through USENET daily is not lost, as is the case in most newsgroups today.  The monthly CDs are generated on the first of each month.

Yearly subscribers receive 12 months of USENET news on CD-ROM and they also receive the yearly NetGems special issue.  The current NetGems CD-ROM contains the X Window System Version 11 Release 5 sources, the Free Software Foundation's GNU software as well as the USENET comp.sources.* archives.  It also contains alt.sources and vmsnet.sources archives.  Besides those archives, NetGems also contains an archive of the Request For Comments (RFCs) available from the NIC which are the basis for most of the existing Internet protocols.  The software and RFCs on the NetGems CD were gathered on December 29, 1991.

        X11R5   -  X Window System Release 5, Patchlevel 8

        gnu     -  GNU software

        rfcs    -  Request For Comments

        usenet  -  USENET News source archives

                   alt.sources, alt.sources.amiga,

                   alt.sources.patches, comp.archives,

                   comp.archives.admin, comp.sources.3b1,

                   comp.sources.amiga, comp.sources.apple2,

                   comp.sources.atari.st, comp.sources.bugs,

                   comp.sources.games, comp.sources.hp48,

                   comp.sources.mac, comp.sources.misc,

                   comp.sources.reviewed, comp.sources.sun,

                   comp.sources.unix, comp.sources.x,

                   news.answers, unix-pc, u3b.sources,

                   vmsnet.sources

Specifics:

Initially NetNews/CD will be distributed for Sun platforms with ISO 9660 support becoming available in March.  The January and February  CDs will be made available in ISO 9660 format at that time.  NetNews/CD is available in both a yearly subscription or monthly issue rate.

Costs:

Yearly subscription + NetGems  -  $349.95 US plus shipping.

Individual monthly issues      -   $39.95 US plus shipping.

NetGems, Best of '91           -   $49.95 US plus shipping.

Volume discounts are available.

Shipping: NetGems begins shipping the first week in February, and January's NewNews/CD begins shipping on February 15.  Subsequent monthly CDs are being shipped on the 15th of each month.

Phone inquiries concerning orders and technical support questions may be made between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM CST, Monday through Friday at 1-800-643-NEWS (or 1-800-643-6397).  The FAX number is 1-402-291-4362. There is also an Internet electronic mail address:

        cdnews@sterling.com or uunet!sparky!cdnews

The US Mail address is

        Sterling Software

        NetNews/CD

        1404 Fort Crook Road South

        Bellevue, NE  68005-2969

If you have any suggestions or comments we want to hear them. Please feel free to call, write or send email.


New NSA Division & Business Unit
LAGUNA HILLS, CA, March 13, 1992 -- Network Software Associates, Inc. (NSA), a leading supplier of connectivity software and hardware products for IBM Personal Computers (PCs), today formally announced the formation of a new division, the Commercial Products Division, and a new business unit, the Products Business Unit.

The Commercial Products Division (CPD) will be responsible for developing, marketing and supporting the company's complete line of packaged software and hardware connectivity products for the commercial marketplace. These products include the Elite and AdaptSNA software families for PC-to-PC, PC-to-mainframe and Local Area Network (LAN)-to-mainframe connectivity.

"The bulk of our current commercial business activities and departments have now been placed under the banner of the Commercial Products Division," said NSA President Zak Kong.

The new Special Products Business Unit (SPBU) will now be responsible for the company's ongoing contracted software development services and specialized connectivity solutions. NSA has been supplying custom applications services since 1980.

In addition to these two new groups, the company has been operating its Federal Systems Division (FSD) since 1988 out of Washington, DC. FSD markets NSA products and applications services to Federal Government departments and agencies.

"This new divisional structure formalizes the direction the company has been heading over the past few years," said NSA Chairman Earl D. Jacobs. "The formal structure has now been put in place to help us reach our longer range objectives and to provide clearer goals for each operating unit of the company."

Network Software Associates, Inc., founded in 1980, is a strategic business partner of both IBM and NCR/AT&T. The company is headquartered at 39 Argonaut, Laguna Hills, CA 92656. Phone: (714) 768-4013 or (800) 352-3270. Federal Systems Division: (703) 875-0444.


OPTI-NET CD-ROM Networking Swr
March, 1992 Online Computer Systems Previews its NEW OPTI-NET NLM CD-ROM Networking Software

New releases In the OPTI-NET product family Include OPTI- NET 2.0 for MS-DOS, the enhanced OPTI-NET VAP Version, and the NEW OPTI-NET NLM Version

Online Computer Systems, Inc., (Germantown, MD) is previewing the newest offering in its industry-leading OPTI-NET family of CD-ROM networking products at the 7th International Conference & Exposition on Multimedia And CD-ROM. The NEW OPTI-NET NLM Version runs as a NetWare Loadable Module (NLM) on a Novell NetWare 386 version 3.11 file server and takes full advantage of the power and flexibility provided by Novell's newest operating system. The OPTI-NET NLM increases the functionality of a Novell file server by adding the ability to manage and share CD-ROM drives. It provides complete compatibility with CD-ROM applications by emulating a standalone or non-networked CD-ROM workstation.

The OPTI-NET NLM capitalizes on the open architecture and flexibility of NetWare 386 and extends the functionality of the file server. Multiple user workstations are allowed simultaneous access to CD-ROM drives connected to the file server. The user workstation is not required to load the network shell or log in to the file server to use OPTI-NET. The OPTINET NLM includes standard features such as a full-screen console for administration and a high performance architecture. In addition, applications using one or more CD-ROMs may be logically grouped into databases for easy administration.

The OPTI-NET NLM includes removable OPTI-NET device driver(s) and a removable Microsoft MS-DOS CD-ROM Extensions TSR. Because of this, it is not necessary to reboot a user station to remove the OPTI-NET driver(s) or Microsoft Extensions TSR from RAM after a user finishes using OPTI-NET to access a CD-ROM application. This allows systems administrators to create batch files that automate the process of accessing and executing CD-ROM applications, and remove all OPTI-NET, Microsoft Extensions, and associated software from RAM when finished.

With the OPTI-NET NLM, SCSI CD-ROM drives are attached directly to the file server, allowing shared simultaneous access by up to 100 users. Multiple controllers adhering to the industry standard Advanced SCSI Interface (ASPI) or Common Access Method (CAM) standards may be installed on the server. One OPTI-NET NLM may be loaded per file server, but an unlimited number of OPTI-NET NLMs per internetwork may exist. The OPTI-NET NLM software will support up to 255 CDROM drives per file server (subject to hardware limitations).

Moving ahead with the OPTI-NET product family, Online is announcing new releases for two versions of its products: OPTI-NET 2.0 for MS-DOS and the OPTI-NET VAP version. Both versions include removable OPTI-NET device driver(s) and Microsoft CDROM Extensions TSR, SCSI bus disconnect/reconnect feature and caching for performance, and centralized LAN management. The VAP version now includes support for IBM SCSI controller cards, further expanding the compatibility of OPTI-NET in the network user community.

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March, 1992 -- OPTI-NET VAP Now Supports IBM SCSI Controller Cards

Online Computer Systems, Inc., (Germantown, MD) has added support for IBM SCSI controller cards to the VAP version of OPTI-NET. Owners of add-on IBM SCSI controller cards may now use Online's VAP version of OPTI-NET to network CD-ROM drives. The enhanced VAP version of OPTI-NET will permit add-on IBM SCSI controllers inserted into a Novell's Advanced NetWare 286 version 2.X network file server to handle up to seven CD-ROM drives per SCSI card. In addition, support for multiple add-on IBM SCSI cards has been added. OPTI-NET already supports one card per server of Western Digital's WD7000FASST SCSI card and Online's series of SCSI controller cards. Thus, the addition of IBM SCSI support increases the compatibility of OPTI-NET in the network user community.

The OPTI-NET VAP Version now also includes removable OPTI-NET device driver(s) and a removable Microsoft MS-DOS CD-ROM Extensions TSR. After a user finishes using OPTI-NET to access a CD-ROM application, it is not necessary to reboot a user station to remove the OPTI-NET driver(s) or Microsoft CD-ROM Extensions TSR from RAM. This allows systems administrators to create batch files to automate the process of accessing and executing CD-ROM applications, and remove all OPTI-NET, Microsoft Extensions, and associated software from RAM when finished.

In addition, the OPTI-NET VAP Version has been enhanced for use with the IBM Classroom LAN Administration System (ICLAS). ICLAS supports up to 2,500 user IDs and up to 400 courseware programs. ICLAS provides built-in installation aids to simplify the installation of most IBM Educational Software. With these installation aids, anyone who knows how to use a personal computer can install programs on the network. ICLAS provides administrative utilities for enrolling all users and maintaining the network, grouping of students and programs, student access to courseware programs on the network, and reviewing and printing of reports about student progress.

The OPTI-NET VAP version provides LAN access to CD-ROM drives directly connected to a Novell Advanced NetWare 286 version 2.X file server or bridge, or an Advanced NetWare 386 version 3.X router. An MS-DOS version of OPTI-NET CD-ROM networking management software is available that allows CD-ROM drives connected to a workstation on a Novell or NetBIOS compatible LAN to be accessed simultaneously by multiple user workstations on that network.

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March, 1992 -- Online Computer Systems, Inc., and IBM Cooperatively Market OPTI-NET

Online Computer Systems, Inc., (Germantown, MD) and IBM Corporation have entered into a cooperative software agreement whereby Online's OPTI-NET CD-ROM networking management software will be marketed by IBM on a non-exclusive basis. The agreement allows IBM's U.S. direct sales force to offer both the standard MS-DOS version of OPTI-NET and the newly upgraded VAP version to all IBM customers. OPTI-NET is available in an 8-user license for $795.00 and in a 100-user license for $1,495.00. A VAP version, which may be used with IBM SCSI controller cards, is also priced at $1,495.00. Education and quantity discounts are applicable.

OPTI-NET Version 2.0 for MS-DOS includes removable OPTI-NET device drivers and Microsoft CD-ROM Extensions TSRs. Also included are several other new features, including an optional SCSI bus disconnect/reconnect performance feature, a remote network management utility to monitor and control optical servers from anywhere on a network, and centralized LAN management that eliminates individual user station installations and upgrades. In addition, the upgrade includes support for 255 CD-ROM drives and an unlimited number of optical servers on a network, monitoring of up to 100 users, and features color graphics support. The enhanced VAP version of OPTI-NET will permit add-on IBM SCSI controllers inserted into a network file server to handle up to seven CD-ROM drives per SCSI card. In addition, support for multiple add-on IBM SCSI cards has been added.

Online's OPTI-NET LAN software for optical storage media is the number one selling product for network solutions. OPTI-NET LAN management software allows CD-ROM drives connected to a workstation on a Novell or NetBIOS compatible LAN to be accessed simultaneously by multiple user workstations on that network. The OPTI-NET VAP version provides LAN access to CD-ROM drives directly connected to a Novell Advanced NetWare 286 version 2.X file server or bridge, or an Advanced NetWare 386 version 3.X router.

Online is a leader in solving the problems of electronic information delivery, specializing in applications requiring complex solutions and new technologies since 1979. A member of the Reed International Telepublishing Group, Online provides electronic publishing products and information systems to its clients throughout the world. Online's software products and client services include OPTI-WARE' database build and premastering systems, retrieval systems, and custom user interfaces; scanning and digitizing services; and in-house publishing systems. Online's high performance hardware products include SCSI CD-ROM adapters, multi-drive optical storage units, and digital audio systems.

Online Computer Systems Inc

20251 Century Blvd, Germantown, MD 20874

301-428-3700; 800-922-9204; fax 301-428-2903


GRiD PalmPAD Wearable Pen Computer
NEW YORK CITY, NY, March 19,1992--GRiD Systems Corp. today introduced the PalmPAD personal computer, The First Wearable Pen Computer. The MS-DOS-based PalmPAD weighs 2.8 pounds and is a full-featured, ruggedized pen computer designed for data collection applications.

The PalmPAD was unveiled today at a high tech "fashion show" product introduction in New York City's fashion district.

The PalmPAD has a 9.5MHz NEC V.20 microprocessor, MS-DOS 5.0, 2MB of RAM, a slot for high-capacity solid state storage cards with up to 20MB of storage, nickel metal hydride or NiCad batteries for eight hours of battery life and a 6.5-inch diagonal high-resolution 640x400 pixel LCD with adjustable backlighting. PalmPAD runs GRiD's MS-DOS-based PenRight! pen computer software platform specially designed for data collection applications.

The PalmPAD can be strapped to the hand or, when not in use, can be worn on the wrist by adjusting the sturdy handstrap with its secure Velcro fastener. It can also be worn on the belt or shoulder in a durable carrying case.

The PalmPAD' s rubberized plastic hand grip provides a comfortable, tactile feel while adding shock absorption protection that allows the PalmPAD to withstand three-foot drops onto concrete. The PalmPAD's internal battery pack is also wearable. The battery can be removed from the unit and be worn in a belt-mounted pouch, bringing the PalmPAD's weight down to 2.2 pounds.

GRiD President D. Bruce Walter, said, "The PalmPAD takes pen computing to the next level of performance and utility. GRiDPAD proved to industry and government that pen computers are viable, strategic business and productivity tools. The PalmPAD blends the latest and most vital new technologies into a pen computer. These technologies demonstrate many features that will be commonplace in future pen computers."

Walter explained that this is the first time SunDisk flash memory cards with capacities up to 20MB will be used and the first time Logitech' s Gazelle Graphics digitizer scheme will be used. This is also the first pen computer with fluorescent backlighting and the first use of co-molded plastic and rubber in a PC.

"These benefits," he said, "will significantly broaden the pen computer market to include thousands of workers who need smaller and lighter computers."

PalmPAD is the ideal solution for data collection workers in industries such as health care, transportation, law enforcement, warehouse and distribution, manufacturing, automotive, consumer products, utilities, oil and gas, petrochemical, market research, hospitality and federal, state and local governments.

Input from GRiD' s 700 pen computer customers largely determined the design of the PalmPAD, said Ken Dulaney, director of marketing for GRiD' s portable computer products. GRiD found that customers who are automating their data collection tasks want a pen computer that is light and rugged, has an easy-to-read display in varying lighting conditions, will go eight hours on one battery pack, can support many communications options and is easily programmable.

PalmPAD's designers achieved those goals by using advanced technologies and adhering to concepts developed in GRiD's 10 years of designing computers for mobile professionals. The PalmPAD has a water-resistant top assembly and protective rubber flaps cover the port connectors and storage card slot. The digitizer/display, which sits beneath a clear plastic covering, allows the use of a tetherless pen and provides greater resolution.

Dulaney said, "Other pen computer vendors have products under two pounds, which we believe have gone below the 'flimsy' barrier. Those products sacrifice ruggedness and important features like backlighting and rechargeable batteries in order to shave off weight. We resolved the ruggedness issue by designing a product you could wear and be less likely to drop."

The PalmPAD features a combined power/serial port and cable. Only one cable is needed to charge the unit and upload or download data via serial communications. This cable can also be used to turn the wearer's belt into an expansion bus. The cable serves as the basis for future belt-mounted peripherals such as printers, magnetic strips readers and extra batteries, according to Kate Purmal, GRiD's group product manager for pen computers.

She said, "This is really a LAN that is worn around your belt. Additional features can be added without increasing weight in the main unit. This concept, which reduces user fatigue, has been named Belt Bus."

One of the PalmPAD's two rounded hand grips is actually an empty module that has been tooled to accommodate either a 2400 bps modem or a 902-928 MHz spread spectrum radio. GRiD expects a number of independent hardware companies to build additional capabilities into this area.

Purmal said, "Our goal was to deliver a pen computer that could compete against a variety of data collection devices and win. PalmPAD's pen interface makes training workers much easier because it is clearly the most intuitive way to enter data, as opposed to a numeric keypad. It has a 640x400 display compared with the 8- or 16-line maximum on handheld units. Because it is MS-DOS-based and runs PenRight! software, applications are easy to write and modify using industry standard development tools. There are hundreds of applications available."

PalmPAD applications can be quickly developed with a variety of MS-DOS development tool kits: PenRight! Pro is GRiD's software development toolkit for "C" programmers, Pen-Pal for highlevel language programmers, and PadBase+ for Clipper programmers. These tools allow customers to create PalmPAD applications that mirror their existing paper forms and applications. PenRight! ! was recently licensed by Poqet Corp., and other licensees will be announced shortly.

PalmPAD comes standard with a 9.5MHz NEC V/20 microprocessor, 2MB of RAM, a slot for one PCMCIA storage card or a high-capacity SunDisk storage card with up to 20MB of storage, a combination RS-232 serial and power input port, an external keyboard/keypad port, MS-DOS 5.0 in internal ROM, an internal/external autosensing power supply and an internal NiCad rechargeable/ removable battery pack. Options include a 2400 bps v.42 bis data-fax modem, an internal nickel metal hydride rechargeable/removeable battery pack and an auto charging/power adapter.

PalmPAD, in standard configuration, is priced at $2,895 and will begin shipping in April.

GRiD designs, manufactures, markets and services laptop, pen, desktop and multimedia computers, pen-based software development tools, electronic mail and networking systems. GRiD, located at 47211 Lakeview Blvd., Fremont, CA 94537, also has offices in the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Spain, Sweden, France, Belgium and Denmark. GRiD is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tandy Corporation, Fort Worth, TX, a leading manufacturer and distributor of consumer electronics and computers.


PC EXPO New York June 23-25
(Fort Lee, NJ, Mar. 18) -- Gilbert P. Williamson, chairman of the board and CEO of NCR Corporation, will provide his vision of a new way of computing on June 23, in his keynote address at the Tenth Annual PC EXPO in New York. The computer trade show takes place June 23-25, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.

Mr. Williamson will describe "The Future of the Industry -- A New Way of Computing," outlining the development in the immediate future of a worldwide, transaction-based economy linked by global computer networks with desktop systems in each corporation providing access to the technology resources of that enterprise.

NCR is developing a suite of programs integrating applications, data, networks, and other resources. Mr. Williamson sees these working together in a cooperative computing environment -- networks of unlimited size providing users with detailed information.

"Cooperative computing is the new way of computing -- a radical break with the past," said Mr. Williamson. "Cooperative computing is a key component in the growth of an electronic infrastructure enhancing global commerce and leading the information technology industry to a period of greater growth than in the past."

Since last September, Mr. Williamson has served as chairman of the board and CEO of NCR Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary and the Networked Computing Resource of AT&T. Mr. Williamson joined NCR as a systems engineer in 1962. In 1986, Mr. Williamson was appointed executive vice president, and two years later was named president and appointed to the NCR board of directors.

Mr. Williamson's address opens the PC EXPO show and conference program, the premier trade event for corporate volume buyers and resellers, featuring 70 sessions. Eight PC EXPO tutorials, all-day, information-intensive sessions, will take place on June 22.

NCR will be showcasing their products on the PC EXPO show floor, together with other companies exhibiting the latest hardware, software and services for desktop and portable computers. Other exhibitors include: Adobe, Aldus, Apple Computer, AST Research, Borland, CLARIS, Compaq, DEC, Epson, GRiD, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Lotus, Microsoft, Novell, Sharp, Symantec, Texas Instruments, Toshiba, WordPerfect, and Zenith Data Systems among others.

The Tenth Annual PC EXPO in New York is produced by Bruno Blenheim Inc., of Fort Lee, NJ, a part of Blenheim Group PLC, the world's leading independent producer of conferences and exhibitions with more than 250 events worldwide. Bruno Blenheim also produces PC EXPO in Chicago, UNIX EXPO, NetWorld Dallas, NetWorld Boston and will launch NetWorld Europe next month in Frankfurt, Germany.

Bruno Blenheim Inc

Fort Lee Executive Park

One Executive Dr, Fort Lee, NJ 07024


Prof Toolkit for Visual Basic
REDMOND, Wash. -- March 16, 1992 -- Microsoft Corporation today introduced the Professional Toolkit for Visual Basic, the company's highly successful programming system for the Microsoft Windows operating system. New programming tools and controls in the Professional Toolkit make it easier for programmers to access the newest technology in Windows -- including multimedia, handwriting recognition, and object linking and embedding. Also included are a collection of custom controls that allow programmers to quickly plug advanced features and functionality into their programs such as graphing, spreadsheet-like grids, and graphical 3-D user-interface components.

Professional Toolkit for Visual Basic Extends Feature Set

"The Professional Toolkit for Visual Basic makes incredibly powerful functionality and the latest and greatest Windows operating system features accessible to programmers at all levels," said Michael Risse, product manager, Professional Toolkit for Visual Basic, at Microsoft. "The unique custom control mechanism in Visual Basic makes these features as accessible as the click of a mouse."

Combining the Professional Toolkit with Visual Basic provides a single-source solution for a broad range of full-featured Windows-based applications. Professional programmers can use it to enhance existing applications created with Visual Basic as well as to create new ones. The new features include controls to enhance applications with the following technologies:

* Object linking and embedding technology (OLE). Microsoft's OLE technology lets developers easily create applications that can combine spreadsheet, word processing, graphics and other OLE server functionalilty into an application that's customized for specific business uses.

* Pen-based computing. Programmers can extend their current applications -- or write entirely new ones -- for Microsoft Windows for Pen Computing. The Professional Toolkit includes controls to create text boxes that can hold pen input as an ink data type or provide automatic access to the pen recognition engine.

* Multimedia. Developers now can easily write or enhance applications for Microsoft Multimedia Extensions version 1.0, including video, animation, CD-quality audio and other multimedia elements.

* Graphing. Pie and bar charts in 2-D or 3-D, in addition to nine other charting styles, can now be added to applications easily with a complete graphics package in the Professional Toolkit.

* Grids. Information can be presented in a table complete with resizeable rows, columns and scroll bars. This makes the display of tabular data a snap for programmers.

* Multiple Document Interfaces (MDI). The MDI control allows the developer working with Visual Basic to create applications with multiple child windows that are contained in a single parent form.

In addition, the Professional Toolkit gives programmers easy access to the following tools and features:

* More than 15 new controls, including 3-D interface components; animated buttons, gauges and spin buttons; and access to commonly used dialog boxes.

* The Windows Help Compiler, to create the custom, online Windows Help files that users of Windows now expect in their applications.

* The Windows API Online Reference, an accessible guide to Windows application programming interfaces (APIs) that makes it easier for programmers to maximize their use of Windows.

* A setup kit that helps developers create standard installation programs for their applications, plus sample applications, bitmaps and a business clip-art library.

* Coupon for a free copy of Rumba Tools for Visual Basic, from Wall Data, Incorporated, which uses custom controls and 3270 emulation to automatically create Windows-based front-ends to mainframe applications.

* Custom Control Development Kit. Complete documentation and sample code for creating custom controls for Visual Basic with a compiler such as Microsoft C 6.0 or later, or Microsoft Quick graphical development system for Windows.

Visual Basic Custom Controls Provide Highly Integrated Reusable Components

"The custom control mechanism in Visual Basic delivers on the concept of elegant, efficient code reusability," said Tom Button, group product manager for the applications programmability group at Microsoft. "While some development tools force programmers to grapple with hard-to-understand concepts and high training costs, Visual Basic provides reusable objects that are as intuitive as Visual Basic itself." More than 60 third-party vendors are currently supporting Visual Basic programmers by supplying custom controls and other tools that take advantage of the extensibility in Visual Basic. "We are thrilled to see the unprecedented growth and excitement in the third-party community for Visual Basic," said Button.

Background on Visual Basic

First released in May 1991, the Visual Basic programming system has quickly become one of the most popular dedicated programming tools for Windows. Using an event-driven programming model designed specifically for fast programming for Windows, Visual Basic combines graphical interface design tools with the world's most popular programming language.

The Visual Basic programming system is also one of the most cost-effective tools of its type, with run-time and royalty-free implementation that makes it less costly for developers to distribute finished applications to customers.

Designed for Broad-based Professional Use

The Professional Toolkit for Visual Basic is designed for MIS staff, corporate programmers, analysts, consultants, value-added resellers (VARs) and independent software vendors (ISVs) writing vertical market programs for business, professional or entertainment use.

"Visual Basic is very intuitive," said Walther De Petris, senior technical consultant at Marathon Systems Inc. "With the availability of the Professional Toolkit for Visual Basic, we can easily enhance the environment via the variety of custom controls provided. "

"The Professional Toolkit for Visual Basic provides me with a great set of custom controls," said Ted Young, president of The Young Software Works. "Now I can get an application up and running in record time, giving me time to make the application more powerful and easier to use."

Microsoft teamed with six independent software developers -- Crescent Software, Desaware, MicroHelp, OutRider Systems, Pinnacle Publishing and Sheridan Software Systems --to provide the new tools and controls in the Professional Toolkit. "The ability of these developers -- and more than 40 others -- to quickly create add-ons for Visual Basic demonstrates the value of the extensibility built into Visual Basic and Windows," said Risse.

Pricing and Availability

The Professional Toolkit for Visual Basic is available now for the suggested retail price of $299. Microsoft Visual Basic with Professional Toolkit is available for the suggested retail price of $495.


NEC PowerMate Image Line Expanded
(Boxborough, Mass., March 9, 1992) NEC Technologies, Inc. has expanded its PowerMate Image Series of desktop computers with the introduction today of a 486-based system. As an Image product, the new PowerMate 486/33i is equipped with NEC's local bus video and ImageSync technologies.

In addition to expanding NEC's Image Series of computers introduced in October 1991, the PowerMate 486/33i computer provides an additional upgrade option for current Image Series users. Now customers using the PowerMate SX/16i, SX/20vi, SX/20i and 386/33i can upgrade to the PowerMate 486/33i simply by swapping the motherboard.

"Easy upgradeability is only one of the innovations of the Image line," explained Denny Lane, NEC's director of Desktop Systems Marketing. "The Image Series was the first implementation of local bus video, and the PowerMate 486/33i is the first 486 system to ship with local bus video."

NEC's local bus video, Image Video, provides up to 400 percent faster video throughput than standard VGA. Most systems transfer data between the video chips and CPU over the standard I/O bus at 8MHz, causing time-consuming bottlenecks and slow video performance. NEC's dedicated video bus operates at the same speed as the processor (33 MHz on the new PowerMate 486/33i), eliminating this bottleneck.

In addition, the Image Series features 1 MB of video RAM and ImageSync technology, another exclusive NEC technology which allows any Image Series computer to sense when it is connected to one of NEC's new MultiSync FG monitors and adjust to the highest possible refresh rate of that monitor, for clearer, flicker-free images. The combined result of the Image Series graphics features is dramatically improved video performance allowing graphics intensive applications such as Windows, to run at lightning speed. The PowerMate 486/33i also offers optional expandable secondary cache in 64KB or 128KB modules which can substantially improve 486 system performance at a minimal cost.

The PowerMate 486/33i features slimline (1" high) 3.5" IDE 120MB or 240MB hard disk drives and a slimline 3.5" 1.44MB disk drive. The system ships with 4MB of RAM and is expandable to 36MB via SIMMs.

Four drive bays and four 8/16-bit ISA slots are easily accessible for expansion and connectivity. Standard serial, parallel and VGA interfaces are featured as well as an optional second serial port. The 101-key mechanical keyboard features 12 function keys and separate numeric and cursor control pads.

Users can upgrade any Image unit to a 486/33i system simply by replacing the motherboard. This design allows the microprocessor, cache, memory bus, and video subsystems to be upgraded together, maintaining a balanced system and eliminating bottlenecks. Additionally, the PowerMate 486i model includes a processor enhancement socket to support Intel's new dual-speed/clock-doubling chips.

The PowerMate 486/33i is now available through NEC's nationwide network of authorized resellers at a suggested retail price of $3,299.

NEC Technologies Inc., a leading supplier of computers, peripherals and CD-ROM software for the North American market, is an affiliate of NEC Corporation, a $26 billion manufacturer of computer, communications, semiconductor and home entertainment products.

NEC Technologies Inc

1414 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough, MA 01719

508-264-8000


Radius Precisioncolor Displays
RADIUS PRECISIONCOLOR/8X & 24/X 8-, 16-, and 24-bit Accelerated Color Display Interfaces for Macintosh II Family and Quadra Series of Computers

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The Radius PrecisionColor 8X and 24X interfaces are highly flexible, accelerated two-page display interfaces for handling up to either 8-bit color (8X) or 24-bit color (24X).  These NuBus cards are designed for the Macintosh II family of computers and will operate all Radius color displays, all Apple color monitors and a wide range of other third party displays, including NEC.  The powerful PrecisionColor interfaces will answer the professional color market's demand for higher performance and greater flexibility from their graphics hardware.

POWERFUL RADIUS TECHNOLOGY

With on-board QuickDraw acceleration, PrecisionColor 8X and 24X combine acceleration and display interface into one slot.  PrecisionColor 8x is upgradeable from 8 to 16 to 24- bits to protect users' initial investments.  Multiple resolutions ranging from 640 x 480 up to 1152 x 882 provide users the opportunity to select the monitor of their choice or use the cards with their current display.  Both interfaces are auto sensing with Radius displays so they are extremely easy to install.

And for powerful graphics performance, combine a PrecisionColor interface with the Radius Rocket; your system will become the fastest Macintosh on the market today.  Most high-end color users are limited by their CPU, not by their display infercae's ability to redraw.  The team of Rocket and PrecisionColor overcomes both problems.

SWITCHABLE DPI ON THE FLY

For color users desiring WYSIWYG capability, PrecisionColor 8X and 24X offer switchable DPI between 78 and 72 on the Radius 21" Color Display.  This choice between WYSIWYG and two full pages on the same display is selectable on the fly.  And at 1152 x 882 resolution, PrecisionColor 8X and 24X display substantially more information on-screen than the competition.

FEATURES ....BENEFITS

On-board QuickDraw acceleration Combines acceleration and display interface into one slot

Multiple resolutions ranging from 640 x 480 to 1152 x 882

Can be used with a wide variety of monitors, including Radius, Apple and others, as well as with the user's current display

1152 x 882 resolution maximum

Displays 20% - 27% more information on 19" monitors

    (when compared to 1024 x 768 resolution)

Switchable on-the-fly between 78 and 72 DPI on the Radius 21" Color Display

Offers a choice of WYSIWYG or two-full pages on one display

Auto sensing with Radius displays and designed for low power consumption

Easy to install, economical and highly reliable

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS Macintosh II family computer and a Radius Color Display, Apple Color Monitor or other third party display including RasterOps, SuperMac or NEC

HARDWARE FEATURES Radius two-page mode:

     Resolution:          1152(H) xx 882(V) pixels,

                          non-interlaced

     Horizontal scan:     64.79 KHz

     Vertical Refresh:    71 Hz

     Output signal:       RGB analog

     Bits per pixel:      1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24

     NuBus Block Transfer

     Write Disable Mode

Macintosh Interface:      One 96-pin Euro-DIN male,

                          32-bit NuBus connector

Dot Clock:                Programmable Frequency Synthesizer VRAM Configuration:        8 each 256K x 4 (8X);

                          24 each 256K x 4 (24X)

Output Connectors:        DB-15 female

Firmware:                 One 256K EPROM (socketed)

Power consumption:       +5V 1.6A Max

                         +12V  0.05A Max

                         -12V: 0.01A Max

For the Radius Authorized Reseller nearest you,

call (800) 227-2795.

Radius Inc., 1710 Fortune Drive, San Jose, CA   95131,

Tel (408) 434-1010, Fax (408) 434-0770


Relisys 20 inch Multiscan SuperVGA
Milpitas, CA - March 16,1992 --- Relisys is now shipping in volume its top-of-the-line 20-inch analog/TTL multiscan Super VGA color monitors. The RE-2058 and RE-2072 are designed for high-resolution color applications running on IBM PS/2 systems.

The RE-2072 features non-interlaced high resolutions from 640x480 to 1280x1024, a wide range of scanning frequencies from 28KHz to 72KHz and vertical frequencies from 47Hz to 104Hz.

The Model RE-2058 features 1024x768 resolution, non-interlaced, with multiple scanning frequencies from 31.5KHz to 58KHz and vertical frequencies from 50Hz to 90Hz.

In addition, both feature an external manual degaussing control which corrects color impurities, plus external vertical and horizontal size and positioning controls which enable the user to precisely position on-screen documents. An auto-switching universal power supply on the RE-2072 accommodates both 110VAC/60Hz and 220VAC/50Hz inputs.

The monitors provide a fine 0.31 mm dot pitch and a tinted, non-glare flickerfree display of unlimited colors. They also feature a screen with 90 degree of deflection and cabinets with 20 degree of tilt and 90 degree of swivel for optimum viewing position.

"Relisys' new 20-inch screen monitors are the best buy for users looking to upgrade to a larger screen with higher resolution, at a small screen price," said Janson Wu, Relisys' vice president and chief operating officer. "Our top-of-the-line monitors display the most precise engineering applications in brilliant color and provide the highest reliability of any monitor on the market."

The RE-2058 has a suggested list price of $1795.00. The RE-2072 has a suggested list price of $1995.00. Both monitors are available immediately through distributors as well as to private labelers in volume. The monitors are backed by a parts and labor warranty of one-year to end users, 15 months to dealers and distributors, and a two-year warranty on the CRT.

Relisys offers a full line of 14 to 20-inch color monitors designed for optimal clarity, brilliance and lasting performance. They are a cost-effective solution for a variety of applications from word processing to ultra-high CAD/CAE/CAM graphics.

Relisys Products

The company's goal is to provide the market with the best selection of high quality, competitively-priced computers and peripherals. Relisys products include monitors, terminals, notebook computers and integrated facsimile systems offered to end users through distributors, as well as to OEMs and private labelers in personal computer and information systems applications. Relisys products are designed for compatibility with the range of IBM PC and PS/2 as well as Apple Macintosh systems.

Relisys was founded in 1987 to market branded products through distribution channels as a wholly-owned subsidiary of TECO Information Systems, Inc., part of the TECO Group., a $1.5 billion 36-year old Taiwan-based electrical and electronics company. TECO has been supplying the U.S. private label, VAR/VAD and OEM markets for the past twelve years. Relisys headquarters are at 320 South Milpitas Boulevard, Milpitas, CA 95035; phone: 408-945-9000.


Intex Spellin! for Lotus 1-2-3
Needham. MA: Intex Solutions, Inc., the leading publisher and reseller of spreadsheet enhancements, today announced the first spelling checker designed specifically for Lotus 1-2-3 Release 3.1 and 3.1 + users. Spellin! for Release 3 will spellcheck all 256 sheets of a Release 3 spreadsheet, or any single sheet or a highlighted range. Spellin! also offers grammatical assistance, including repeated word and improper capitalization correction. The add-in provides full mouse support, and is affordably priced at only $95, plus shipping.

The new product is a companion to Intex's very popular spellchecking program for Lotus 1-2-3 Release 2 and Symphony. The two products, available separately, are designated Spellin! for Release 2 and Spellin! for Release 3.

The tremendous interest in the company's spellchecking add-ins is a direct result of the changes in the way spreadsheets are being used these days, according to Marjorie Smith, Product Manager at Intex. "Now that most spreadsheet users have Allways, Impress or WYSIWYG spreadsheet publishing tools at their disposal, they are bringing more and more text into their worksheets. More text can also mean more embarrassing typos, typos that undermine the hard work that went into creating a spreadsheet," said Ms. Smith. "Spellin! gives them a way to make sure that attention is focused on the bottom line, not on a typo."

Spellin! loads into Lotus 1-2-3 just like the WYSIWYG add-in. A familiar, Lotus-like menu makes Spellin! very easy to use. A comprehensive 90,000 word dictionary provides a list of alternative words when the program encounters a misspelled word. Spellin! then allows the user to choose from that list, accept the word as is, ignore it or edit the word.

And Spellin!, like many spelling checkers in word processing programs, lets users add words to one or more customized dictionaries, so users can continue to build the program's vocabulary.

Pricing and System Requirements

Spellin! for Release 3 runs with Lotus 1-2-3 Release 3.1 and 3.1 + and is available directly from Intex Solutions for $95, plus $5 shipping. The add-in requires 105K RAM in addition to normal 1-2-3 requirements. Registered users of Spellin! for Release 2 may "tradeup" to Release 3 for $45, with proof of purchase.

Intex Solutions Inc

35 Highland Circle, Needham, MA 02194

617-449-6222


ScreenExtender Reader's Choice
(March 18, 1992 - Charlottesville, VA) -- Kenfil Distribution, one of the world's largest independent software distributors, has signed an agreement to distribute three products from Stairway Software Inc.

As the distribution agreement was signed, WordPerfect Magazine announced that one of Stairway's products - ScreenExtender 2.0 for WordPerfect 5.0/5.1 - had won the magazine's annual Reader's Choice Award for excellence.

The Kenfil distribution agreement covers ScreenExtender 2.0, as well as ScreenExtender 1.6 for WordStar, and MergeMaster.

"We're very pleased to add Stairway's product line to Kenfil's distribution roster," says Gabriela Cesena, a Kenfil product manager. "ScreenExtender and MergeMaster are powerful, high-quality products that offer excellent value - as evidenced by the Reader's Choice Award from WordPerfect Magazine."

"This distribution agreement is a major step forward in our marketing efforts," says Stairway Software President Jim O'Connell. "With Kenfil's help, we'll be able to get our products into the hands of more users than ever before."

ScreenExtender 2.0 for WordPerfect 5.0/5.1, ScreenExtender 1.6 for WordStar alleviate the need to scroll the screen left and right while editing a proportional-spaced document. ScreenExtender provides a variety of screen widths, ranging from 80 to 144 characters, allowing the user to view the entire width of their document while editing and avoid those bothersome horizontal scrolls.

ScreenExtender also provides a variety of screen heights, ranging from 25 to 60 rows, allowing the user to edit up to a page at a time on-screen.

In addition to screen sizing, ScreenExtender for WordPerfect also displays bold, underline, italics, subscript, superscript, strikeout, double underline, SMALL CAPS, and bold underline on-screen while editing.

MergeMaster is a software utility that produces word processor merge files from dBase and Paradox databases and their compatibles. MergeMaster's menu-driven interface and context-sensitive help make it easy to produce merge files.

After a dBase or Paradox database is selected, MergeMaster displays the names and types of all fields in the database file. The user simply marks those fields which are to be translated, selects a word processor format and names the resultant merge file. MergeMaster then creates the merge file that can be used to personalize letters, billing statements, reports and other customized documents.

To order these products, contact Kenfil at (800) 365-3634.

Stairway Software

700 Harris St. Suite 204, Charlottesville, VA 22901.


StatSci Consultants Program
SEATTLE, Washington--March 15, 1992--Statistical Sciences, Inc. (StatSci), the developer of S-PLUS, announced a new Consultant's Program designed to give data analysis consultants comprehensive, yet economical, access to S-PLUS software and StatSci's technical support services. This program will benefit consultants by allowing them to serve their clients with what is often considered the most advanced and interactive data analysis environment available.

S-PLUS is an object oriented, graphical data analysis tool with over 1200 functions. It offers unparalleled flexibility in analyzing data. With the extensibility of S-PLUS, and its ability to link C and FORTRAN code, consultants can easily write custom analysis routines and entire applications, dramatically increasing client contract opportunities.

The innovative program provides consultants with S-PLUS, full Technical Support, and a wide range of extra services and incentives, all for the introductory fee of $300. This is a unique opportunity for approved program members because it provides this comprehensive data analysis tool at a 75% discount.

Significant benefits of the Consultant's Program include:

* Copy of S-PLUS with full documentation.

* Full Technical Support for one year, including free

  software upgrades and telephone support.

* Consultant/Client Referral Service

* Discounts off additional products and training.

* The right to license training materials and to teach

  S-PLUS Training Courses.

* Optional Incentive Program providing awards for

  referred business.

S-PLUS is currently the choice of thousands of academic and research professionals worldwide, including users at AT&T, Boeing, Ciba-Geigy, Hewlett Packard, Merrill Lynch, Oxford University and many other leading organizations.

Statistical Sciences, Inc., was founded in 1987 by R. Douglas Martin, Ph.D, past chairman of the University of Washington Department of Statistics, to market and support an enhanced and extended version of AT&T's S statistical language. The company also performs consulting and contractual research on next-generation interactive computing.

Statistical Sciences, Inc.

1700 Westlake Ave. N., Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98109

USA Tel: 206-283-8802 * Fax: 206-283-8691


Transparent Language
Hollis, NH - May 1, 1992 - When Transparent Language software was released for DOS in April 1991, it introduced a new direction in foreign-language learning. Now Transparent Language is available for the first time on Macintosh.

Transparent Language lets users immediately read and understand foreign-language literature in French, German, Spanish and Latin.  As they read, they also learn the language.  Transparent Language, Inc. today announced the release of their new Macintosh version of Transparent Language software.

Transparent Language breaks away from the traditional drill-and-test approach to language learning by letting the user immediately read and enjoy authentic foreign-language literature. As the user reads, he or she quickly builds proficiency in Spanish, German, French or Latin.

When the DOS version of Transparent Language was released in April of 1991 reviewers said, "Transparent Language is a remarkable foreign-language tutor...a refreshing change...the best language tutor we've seen" (Computer Shopper); "Every once in a while a product comes along that I fall in love with at first sight...I can almost guarantee you'll also fall for Transparent Language...I wholeheartedly embrace this DOS-based package that provides a learning experience akin to having a 24-hour private tutor" (Computer Curents); "Let's you immediately read and understand foreign-language literature." (Byte); "Learn a language by reading stories that are interesting and well written, rather than by drill and memorization...Does it work? Yes." (Associated Press).

Transparent Language is based on current research which suggests that language learning results from large amounts of successful language use rather than memorization or analysis.

According to company President, Michael Quinlan, the goal of Transparent Language is to allow users of any language ability level to immediately read authentic material for pleasure. This results in a large amount of successful language use. As words and structures are seen and understood by the reader over and over again in context, they become obvious and familiar, which is the basis of comprehension.

When the user chooses a story to read in Transparent Language, it comes up in a window much like a word processing document. The difference is that when the reader clicks on a word, or stops the cursor there, other windows show all the information needed to say, "Oh, I get it," and keep on reading.

The meaning of the word is shown, as is the meaning of the full sentence in which the word occurs. If the word is part of an idiomatic phrase, like "to kick the bucket," that phrase is also highlighted and its meaning is shown as well. Other windows show grammatical notes, root words and other information to help the reader quickly understand and keep reading.

Each Transparent Language Title is created by a linguist, not by on-line dictionaries or machine translations--so the information the reader sees is always correct in context. The company uses proprietary software technology to capture and record the linguist's knowledge of each word, phrase, sentence and structure in a story.  A unique interface scheme makes that information unobtrusively available to the reader during the act of reading. As the user reads, vocabulary and grammatical knowledge increase through constant use of the language.

According to the Modern Language Association and the American Council  on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, about four million students enroll  in high school language courses each year, while another one million  enroll at the college level.

Despite this effort, most Americans are unable to achieve and sustain any significant competency in a second language. This failure is not only a source of personal frustration for tens of millions of current and former students, it is a significant and growing problem for American business and government as well.

The development of Transparent Language exemplifies the quest among  leading educators and language specialists to find more enjoyable and  effective ways of acquiring and retaining a second language.

Dr. Waltraud Bartscht of the University of Dallas German Department stated, "The reader can really develop a feel for the foreign language and both understand and acquire its expressions rather painlessly. I find the process fascinating." Dr. Edward Phinney, Immediate Past President of the American Classical League wrote "I cannot think of a way more cost and time efficient than Transparent Language for a person to develop competency in several foreign languages, and in the bargain to enjoy it."

Individuals can purchase the Transparent Language software, and a number of Titles for $119 plus $4 s/h direct from Transparent Language, Inc. The included software runs all Transparent Language Titles in all four languages currently offered by the company. Audio tapes of a native speaker reading each story aloud are also included with the package for pronunciation and listening comprehension. The package also includes a comprehensive User's Guide and a catalog of additional Titles available in French, Spanish, German and Latin.

The company continually adds new Titles to its collection. Individual  Titles are priced starting at $12.95. Except for some Latin-language  Titles, all are priced under $20. A number of new languages are also  planned.

Transparent Language software runs on any Macintosh. The company is targeting travelers, business-people, students and teachers as likely users, as well as individuals who would like to acquire or re-acquire a foreign language on their own and at their own pace.

Transparent Language is sold "company direct" to individual and institutional buyers, and, comes with a thirty day money-back guarantee to allow users to verify that this new approach actually works for them.  Orders can be made by phone via the company's toll-free number (800) 752-1767, or their regular number (603) 465-2230. The company can also be reached by fax at (603) 465-2779 or on CompuServe at 70541,3626.

Transparent Language, Inc. is based in Hollis, New Hampshire. Development  of the Transparent Language system began in 1989.

The company is headquartered at 9 Ash Street, P. O. Box 575, Hollis,  NH 03049.


Reflection 4 Plus Terminal Emulator
SEATTLE, Washington, March 10, 1992 -- Walker Richer & Quinn's (WRQ) Reflection 4 Plus for the Macintosh, a new VT terminal emulator for color graphics, will begin shipping April 6.  Reflection 4 Plus gives Macintosh users complete emulation of VT330 and VT340 ReGIS and sixel graphics applications on VAX and UNIX hosts. In addition, it supplies VT320, VT220 and VT102 emulation.  It is the only product available that will print color ReGIS or sixel graphics to a locally attached Postscript color printer.

A Companion to Reflection 4 for DOS The new product is a companion to WRQ's Reflection 4 for DOS, which has won several awards recognizing its superiority in ReGIS emulation.  "Companies that have a mix of PCs and Macintosh computers can now standardize on Reflection for color graphics emulation," said Wendy S. Williams, WRQ product manager. "Mac users can have the same set of ReGIS and sixel features, the same file transfer and the same command language that their colleagues using PCs have enjoyed."  Reflection's command language is a powerful tool for automating repetitive tasks. With the command language in Reflection 4 Plus for the Macintosh, the user can also create custom dialog boxes. Any Reflection command file can be shared between PC and Macintosh users.  The proprietary file transfer included in Reflection 4 Plus links PCs and Macintosh computers to VAX/VMS and UNIX/ULTRIX host computers. Reflection also supports the KERMIT and XMODEM protocols. In WRQ's internal testing of the product against the VT340 terminal itself and a competitive terminal emulation product, Reflection 4 Plus outperformed both in the speed with which it painted a combination ReGIS and sixel image. The VT340 terminal took 41 seconds to complete the graphic, and the other emulator took 93 seconds. Reflection 4 Plus fully displayed the complex image after only 27 seconds.  Beta testers have confirmed the superior speed of Reflection 4 Plus. "The graphics are much faster and crisper than [the competition's]," said Ted Smith, a scientific analyst for Smith, Kline, Beecham, a pharmaceutical firm in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

A Variety of Ways to Connect Reflection 4 Plus for the Macintosh works over a variety of connections, both serial and network. It supports the Macintosh Communications Toolbox Connection Manager, supplying the Serial Tool, the AppleTalk ADSP (Apple Talk Data Stream Protocol) Tool, the Apple Modem Tool and the LAT Tool, plus the MacTCP driver for connecting to hosts via the TCP/IP protocol. With the Telnet Connection, also from WRQ, Reflection 4 Plus gives Macintosh computers FTP file transfer and Telnet access to VAX and UNIX hosts.  Reflection 4 Plus will match the VT terminal pixel for pixel in resolution, displaying the image at 800 x 480 pixel resolution on larger monitors. It will display applications in 80- or 132-column mode. Color support in Reflection 4 Plus gives the user the option of customizing the colors of the terminal window and the text attributes.  Reflection 4 Plus is a full Macintosh application, using pull-down menus for terminal functions, three-dimensional keypad menus and easy-to-use dialog boxes for configuring terminal settings. It supports copy and paste, for exchanging information between applications.  Any Macintosh that supports a color monitor can run Reflection 4 Plus. The product is System 7.0-compatible.  Reflection 4 Plus for the Macintosh has a list price of $369. Current users of Reflection 2 for the Macintosh or users of any other ReGIS emulator fo the Macintosh may trade up to Reflection 4 Plus for $99.  For more information, contact WRQ, 2815 Eastlake Avenue East, Seattle, WA, 98102, (206) 324-0407.


Supercharged C++ Graphics
Supercharged C++ Graphics by LEE ADAMS

This practical, hands-on guide features full-length programs that demonstrate today's most sophisticated graphics programming techniques. Programmers who want to broaden their skills and take full advantage of the strong new trend towards personal computer graphics will find this book indispensable.

PC graphics expert Lee Adams describes all of the fundamentals of C++ graphics programming, such as keyboard routines, mouse routines, image disk file I/O, graphics hardware autodetect, and much more. Adams' C++ demo programs include:

* Desktop publishing

* 2D illustration/drafting

* Display animation

* 3D CAD modeling and shading

* 2D paint/draw

* Cel animation

* 3D flying logos

* 3D flight simulation

The program listings are line numbered for easy reference, and icons are used throughout the book to ease the reader's search for specific information. Each demo program supports all popular graphics hardware--VGA, EGA, MCGA, CGA, and Hercules. In addition to a complete glossary of computer and graphics programming terms, programmers will find nearly one megabyte of valuable source code they can use to get their own C++ programs up and running.

About the Author:

Lee Adams is a full-time writer and computer graphics consultant. He is the author of many bestselling books by Windcrest, including High-Performance Graphics in C: Animation and Simulation, High-Performance CAD Graphics in C, Supercharged C Graphics: A Programmer's Source Code Toolbox, and Lee Adams' Visualization Graphics in C.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill * Supercharged C++ Graphics * Order No. 3489 * Now Available 512 pp., 89 illus. * Papa $24.95 ISBN 0-8306-3489-4, Hard $34.95 ISBN 0-8306-6489 TAB Books * Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850 * 1-800-233-1128/FAX 717-794-2103