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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PC Industry Database


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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PC Industry Database


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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.

All correspondence, including news submissions for FREE distribution  or orders for the monthly news archives, should be addressed to:

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Free Distribution
FREE News Distribution...

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:

EMS Professional Software

4505 Buckhurst Cr.	(301) 924-3594   Voice

Olney, MD 20832 USA	(301) 963-2708   Fax


Business & Productivity Software
Business & Productivity Software News:

Corporate Cash Mgmt System

Free Data Analysis Video

Fractal Transform Compression News

Aldus Gallery Effects Windows Art

ISYS Text Retrieval Ver. 3.0

ARGUS & Timberline Property Mgmt

Clientele Support Automation

Impulse! Prof. V2.6 Contact Mgmt

Graphics Clipper Promo 15% Discount

Aldus PhotoStyler 1.1a for Windows

MailMiser Ver 1.35 Enhancements

RecoveryPAC Data Collection Util

Enhanced Defined Contribution Sys

Precision Primavera Integrator

Fox Software Developer Directory

Bestinfo Layout & Composition News

HEAT HelpDesk Software

FoxPro 2.0 & Enhanced App. Gen.

Pioneer Licenses Database Tech.

GIFdb Image Cataloging System

OMNI-BUS Accounting Swr v3.04

How to Write a Business Plan


Professional/Engineering Software
Professional/Engineering Software News:

Concrete Design Reference CADalog

Standards Drugs File (Database)

CADPIPE & CAD Plant Design

COSMIC - NASA Software Packages

CAD/Chem Custom Formulation System

Microsim Design Center

NC-Auto-Code NC/CNC Programming

Genius 11 Mechanical Eng Library

Unabridged MEDLINE on CD-ROM

MicroStation Review & Redlining

MATLAB Neural Network Toolbox

ParICs Physical IC Modeler V2.8

Maxwell 3D Field Simulator V1.2

Knowledge Server Medical Ref.

New Moldflow Releases

IBIS Medical Diagnostic/Treatment

Network Mgmt for AutoCAD

New ASCI CAD Networking Trade-In

Network Plotting for AutoCAD


Personal & Educational Software
Personal & Educational Software News:

Comics! for Windows (Database)

Science Adventure by Isaac Asimov

Mutanoid Math Challenge

PowerPad Toolkit 4 Swr Package

Dr. T's Boom Box Music Swr


Games & Entertainment Software
Games & Entertainment Software News:

Sir-Tech & US Gold Dist. Agreement

Frederik Polh's GATEWAY

LINKS Troon North Course Disk

Dark Sun, M & Great Navel Battles


System Software & Utilities
System Software & Utilities News:

IBM OS/2 Version 2.0 Shipping

New Version AGE X-Server Software

V-LAN Compatible Video Editing Sys

AdaptSNA LAN Gateway Testers Choice

Sunselect PC-NFS 4.0

Windows EPIC/Optical Fiche System

GNU C Compiler Support Packages

X Windows System Server Software

CursorPower for Windows

Windows Printer Selection Utility

Sybase SQL Server for Netware

TCP/IP with XoftWare Server

New REDI Presentation Layer Tech.

Popup Help, Point & Shoot Backup

Shiva NetModem/E Dial-In Server

FAXserve for Novell Networks

Cheyenne Extends ARCserve

Microsoft Mail Gateways

Panacea AutoCAD Display List Driver

VI-Spy Prof. Edition V9.0


Macintosh Specific Software
Macintosh Specific Software News:

Real Estate Connections

Auto-PICT Animation Software

netOctopus 1.1 Upgrade

Macintosh Blackjack Tutor

ARCserve 4.0 Backup/Restore

Chem-X Molecular Modeling


Miscellaneous Software
Miscellaneous Software News:

CD-ROM Software Collections

Copia Multi-Line FaxFacts

Women, Water & Sanitation Ref CDROM

Consumers Reference CDROM

Ceramic Abstracts on CD-ROM

Consumer Reports on CD-ROM

GeoArchive on CD-ROM

SofTech a77 DSP Support Tools


System Hardware
System Hardware News:

Micro Controls Windows Workstations

AST Debuts Premium Desktop Line

GRiDPAD Pens at Detroit Edison

COSTCO Joins AST Advantage Club

Micro Express ME 386-SX/33

NEC PowerMate Image Series


Expansion Hardware
Expansion Hardware News:

Animax Animation Controller Board

Matrox Studio with V-LAN

RangeLAN Wireless Network Cards

USENET Serial Board II (4 ports)

Trantor T348 MiniSCSI Plus

SprintGXU Accelerated UNIX Graphics

Genoa Including AutoCAD Accel.

Datel PC-411/412 AID-DIA Boards


Peripheral Hardware
Peripheral Hardware News:

V-LAN CX Consumer Deck Protocol

Mitsubishi Diamond Scan 16 Monitor

Handykey TWIDDLER Controller

MultiModemII V.32bis Modem

Facit P5160-Turbo PS Laser Printer

NEC Lowers ColorMate PS Model 40

Kodak Prof RFS 2035 Film Scanner

ServerJet Si Network Prtr Sharing


Macintosh Specific Hardware
Macintosh Specific Hardware News:

LanRover/L PowerBook Remote Server


Miscellaneous Hardware
Miscellaneous Hardware News:

Rack-Mount FastPath Network Router

Pocket Print Servers

Relisys TR-170 Color Text Term.


Books & Publications
Books & Publications:

Primer Plus Tricks for Windows 3.1

Running Windows 3.1 Complete Guide

Windows 3.1 Secrets from IDG

Visual Basic Windows Inside/Out

Easy PC Maintenance & Repair

Turbo C++ for Windows Inside/Out

Microsoft Money Management

Quattro Pro 4 Pocket Reference

Quattro Pro 4 Inside & Out

Excel 4 for Windows Made Easy

Lotus 1-2-3 for Mac Simplified

Mastering Harvard Graphics 3.0

Visual Basic Power Programming

Bantam Books Win Honors

Memory Mgmt & Multitasking

Clipper Interface Handbook

Online Information Hunting

Complete Book of PC & LAN Security

Peachpit Visual QuickStart Guides

Linking LANS, Micro Manager Guide

Optimizing Microsoft C Libraries

Build Your Own IBM Compatible

80486 Programming Guide

Macintosh Hard Disk Mgmt

Desktop Typography with QuarkXPress

Authorized Insider's Guide to ACT!

Troubleshoot & Repair Printers

Learn DOS Guaranteed, 2nd Ed.

High Performance Win. C Graphics

FoxPro Programming, 2nd Edition

Windows Watcher is Best Newsletter


Miscellaneous News
Miscellaneous News:

Desktop Video Editing & Animation

UNIX EXPO Open Systems Event

1992 After Dark Contest Results

SunPC - PC Swr on SUN Workstations

Keithly Improving Product Eng.

SPA Swr Buying Influences Study

NuMedia Multimedia Agreements

Heath is Alive & Well

Computers Warn CA Earthquake Zones

Artisoft & Perf. Tech. Merger Off

AST Helps Los Angeles Relief Effort

Artisoft Tops Business Week List


Sir-Tech & US Gold Dist. Agreement
April 12, 1992 - London, England - At the European Computer Trade Show today, Robert Sirotek, Sirtech's vice president, was clearly pleased to announce that Sir-tech has signed a distribution agreement with US Gold of Birmingham, England for several different software products. The pact calls for exclusive United Kingdom distribution of software published in the US by Sir-tech, most notably the English version of Wizardry - Bane of the Cosmic Forge, available now for MS-DOS and Amiga computers, and the upcoming Wizardry - Crusaders of the Dark Savant, available in the third or fourth quarter of 1992 for MS-DOS and Amiga computers.

The Wizardary series has been the leader in computer role-playing simulation games for years. The famous American-conceived program is at the top of sales charts in North America and Japan, but has never made it to distribution in the United Kingdom, apart from the occasional offering made by small hobby importers. Sirotek, together with Geoff Brown, Chairman of US Gold, says all this will change. An announcement this summer will pinpoint a shipping date for licensed products.

Wizardry - Bane of the Cosmic Forge is enjoying immense popularity since its release. Its top award was given by Strategy Plus, a UK-based magazine. Announced in their March 1992 issue, Strategy Plus' readers voted Bane of the Cosmic Forge the "Best Computer Game of 1991" and "Best Fantasy Role Playing Game" for the same period. Among others, Bane has also received the German "Power Play Award" by Markt & Technik in 1990 and is coveted by the distinguished "top 10 especially recommended games for 1990." Additionally, during January, February and March of this year, the Japanese edition of Bane was ranked the second best-selling computer program in Japan.

Crusaders of the Dark Savant, the sequel to Bane of the Cosmic Forge, is expected to surpass the success of its predecessor. According to Brenda Garno, product development manager for Sir-tech, "Dark Savant is a milestone in the Wizardry series and for computer gaming as a whole. It features 256 VGA graphics, a soundtrack and a world that, by early estimates, will require 200 hours to play. Certainly, it's the most dramatic Wizardry ever." Even before its release, Dark Savant has garnered the attention of gaming critics throughout the US and the UK. Featured on the cover of the February 1992 Computer Gaming World, and previewed in dozens more magazines, Dark Savant is expected to draw dozens of awards in the years to come. "Sir-tech chose to take the high road and push the limits of their most ambitious game to date," said Computer Gaming World.

Classic Wizardry, the early scenarios available previously only in America, will now become steadily available in the United Kingdom through US Gold. Classic Wizardry includes five scenarios: 1) Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord, 2) Knight of Diamonds, 3) Legacy of Llylgamyn, 4) Return of Werdna and 5) Heart of the Maelstrom. These early Wizardry scenarios began the computer fantasy role-playing craze back in 1981 and have certainly earned their place as classic software in any serious collector's library. Over 25 international awards have been given to Classic Wizardry with more than 3.5 million copies sold to date. English versions will begin shipping from US Gold in approximately four weeks.

"US Gold is clearly a key player for us and we are pleased to be associated with such a fine company," said Sir-tech president, Norman Sirotek. "We look forward to working with US Gold and to bringing high quality English software to the United Kingdom."

Geoff Brown of US Gold commented, "We see Sir-tech as a leader in the field of role-playing simulation products, and they represent a very exciting addition to our range. We're very much looking forward to working with Sir-tech and bringing them to the forefront of the UK entertainment software industry." Through the agreement, US Gold will handle all aspects of marketing, sales and distribution of Sir-tech's products in the UK.

Sir-tech's agreement with US Gold helps to solidify an international distribution plan that includes an agreement with Rushware GmbH of Dusseldorf, Germany. Rushware, which handles the German versions of Sir-tech products in Eastern and Western Europe and English versions in Germany and Austria, recently released the German MS-DOS version of Bane of the Cosmic Forge . The Amiga version is expected to ship in two weeks. The English version of Crusaders of the Dark Savant will be shipped to Germany and Austria in parallel with US Gold's ship dates. Translation of Crusaders of the Dark Savant is in the works, and a German release is expected in late 1992 or early 1993.

"Sir-tech will be making announcements on distribution agreements for the rest of Europe shortly," said Robert Sirotek.

Sir-Tech Software Inc

PO Box 245, Ogdensburg, NY 13669

315-393-6451


IBM OS/2 Version 2.0 Shipping
[United States release; policy in other countries may differ.]

March 31, 1992

IBM today began shipping OS/2* Version 2.0 to customers.  The operating system delivers three operating environments -- DOS, Windows and OS/2 -- in a single package, offering unique value and flexibility.  Special introductory prices, including a $49 offer for Windows** users and a $99 upgrade price for any DOS user, are part of IBM's plan to firmly establish OS/2 2.0 as the PC operating system of the '90s.

OS/2 2.0 also introduces the Workplace Shell*, a graphical user interface (GUI) that brings to the IBM-compatible PC a superior look and feel.  In addition to native OS/2 programs, OS/2 allows users to run familiar PC applications for DOS and Windows in a far more stable environment.

Capable of exploiting today's advanced hardware, 32-bit OS/2 2.0 offers true multitasking, allowing concurrent execution of multiple software programs.  OS/2 2.0 ships with over 25 utility, entertainment and personal productivity mini-applications ("Applets") such as a Calendar, NotePad, Calculator and To-Do List.  Adobe Type Manager** for both Windows and OS/2 environments is also included.

OS/2 2.0 is an ideal platform for a client and server networking environment, providing superior function, performance and reliability. OS/2 networking offerings include LAN Server, NetWare** from IBM and Extended Services.  OS/2 LAN Server 2.0 and Extended Services will be availabile on April 10, 1992.  Extended Services consists of Database Manager and Communications Manager.

Currently, there are more than 17,000 DOS, 4,900 Windows and 2,500 16-bit OS/2 applications available.  With tens of thousands of applications to choose from, OS/2 2.0 users have access to a tremendously broad range of software programs.

In addition, more than 1,000 software vendors are developing 32-bit applications for delivery in 1992, including Lotus, Borland, WordPerfect and Novell.  There are also more than 250 development tool products available for OS/2.

To ensure that OS/2 2.0 will run on IBM-compatible PC platforms, IBM has established a major original equipment manufacturer (OEM) test laboratory in Boca Raton, Fla., in addition to its OEM test lab in Basingstoke, England.  At this moment, over 100 OEM models have passed OS/2 2.0 compatibility tests, including models from Compaq, Dell, CompuAdd, AST and Tandy.

As part of IBM's intention to support OEM 386- and 486-based platforms, the company will work with all users who may experience compatibility issues in the first 90 days of use, and, if a resolution is not possible, the customer will be reimbursed.

OS/2 2.0 will be distributed as a single shrink-wrapped package which will include IBM service and support for IBM and OEM equipment.  All users of OS/2 2.0 will receive:

     o    Free 60-day support via a toll-free number; and

     o    Technical information and message exchange through

          commercial bulletin board services, including

          Compuserve and IBMLINK electronic support.

This service can be extended for a nominal fee.  In addition, OS/2 2.0 will be supported by IBM's HelpWare*, 1-800-PS2-2227.  Users can order OS/2 2.0 via a toll-free number, 1-800-3-IBM-OS2.  These are end-user customer telephone numbers, and employees should refrain from using them in their own behalf.

IBM today also announced several introductory promotions.  Through the OS/2 direct order toll-free number, the following promotional prices will be available until July 31, 1992: Current Windows users can purchase OS/2 2.0 for $49, any DOS user can upgrade to OS/2 2.0 for $99 and new users can purchase OS/2 2.0 for $139.  These promotional prices do not include shipping and handling.

As part of a previous promotion, any IBM OS/2 user can receive a free upgrade to 2.0 until July 31, 1992.  A manufacturer's rebate will be available to Windows users who purchase OS/2 2.0 through IBM authorized remarketers.

IBM will introduce OS/2 2.0 to the public through over 120 customer meetings worldwide, followed by the "OS/2 To You" demonstration tour, a travelling roadshow that will take place at customer facilities in a "Big Tent" style.  The tour begins today and will continue throughout the year.

IBM will make OS/2 2.0 as widely available as DOS through an extensive distribution network that provides convenient sales locations and quality support.

A key component of IBM's broad-based distribution strategy will be active support by IBM's aggregators, distributors and national dealer chains, such as Computerland, Corporate Software, Egghead, Ingram Micro D, Merisel, Intelligent Electronics, Microage Computer Stores and Sears.

*    Trademark or registered trademark of the International

     Business Machines Corporation.

**   Trademark of either Microsoft Corporation, Adobe, or Novell.


Corporate Cash Mgmt System
May 4, 1992 -- INTRYSS Inc. has just released Version 3.0 of its Corporate Cash Management System. Enhanced with mouse support, faster file access, and a more flexible report parser, the system provides fast, up-to-date, 386/486 processor technology to the Treasury organization in an easy to use, new corporate cash management tool.

The INTRYSS Cash Management System is a mature product designed for large corporate cash management needs. It supports the daily movement of cash, bank balance reporting, target analysis, portfolio management, bank directory, and cash forecasting functions through the use of a versatile, table-driven entry system. Numerous reports provide a flexible and expandable information source for modern cash managers. Embedded security, audit date/time stamps, and full audit trail reporting make the INTRYSS system the only completely self-contained management tool available today for contemporary treasury management.

The system is currently in use at major corporations like Cincinnati Milacron in Cincinnati, Ohio where it has been in daily use since 1988. The system's ability to handle hundreds of bank accounts and daily cash transactions in a double-entry accounting system has enabled current users to reduce their cash management activities from several hours per day to minutes. And, by using the system's flexible parsing program, daily bank transactions and balances can be telecommunicated directly into the system, eliminating most of the data entry time. A new "copy/include" function allows parsing routines to be changed rapidly as you add or remove bank accounts. Through the use of the automated general ledger interface, transactions entered through the INTRYSS system are automatically posted to your corporate general ledger system.

Version 3.0 of the system is currently available for IBM DOS 5.0 or Windows compatible 286, 386, or 486 machines. A hard disk configuration of at least 120 megabytes is recommended. Multiple printers are simultaneously supported and configured through the use of setup strings. If the multi-user, network version of the system is selected, a NETBIOS compatible local area network configuration is required. Prices for the system begin at $17,500 for the single-user version. The report parsing module is available separately with interfaces to popular spreadsheet and data base packages.

INTRYSS Inc. - P.O. Box 1169 - Middletown, Ohio 45042

513-425-8004


Concrete Design Reference CADalog
SOFTWARE FOR INTERLOCKING CONCRETE AND GRID PAVERS NOW AVAILABLE TO DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS

Vertex Design Systems and the Concrete Paver Institute announce the release of the Interlocking Concrete and Grid Pavements Reference CADalog. Available on diskette for DOS systems, the Vertex CADalog provides valuable reference material, detail drawings and specifications on concrete pavers for use in construction documents.

The Paver CADalog's 50 drawings and specifications include a variety of paving applications including pedestrian, vehicular, erosion control, streets, ports and airfields. The program saves hours in drafting and specification writing, and is available in a United States version, with ASTM references, as well as a Canadian version, that includes Canadian Standards Association (CSA) references.

Requiring no special setup or training, users view and output both text and graphic information from the paver CADalog. Text is output in ASCII format and can be imported into virtually any word processing software while drawings are output in .DXF format for use in CAD programs. Drawings can be printed directly from the screen without the use of a CAD system.

The Concrete Paver Institute (CPI) is the technical resource for interlocking concrete and grid pavements for design and construction professionals. CPI members represent much of the paver producers in North America.

The CADalog program costs $31.00 (shipping included), and is available in 5.25 size disks. To order, contact the Concrete Paver Institute at 2302 Horse Pen Road, Herndon, VA 22071 USA (703) 713-1900, FAX (703) 713-1910, or in Canada write P.O. Box 326, Milton, Ontario L9T 4Y9.


Standards Drugs File (Database)
CHEMICAL DESIGN INCREASES DATABASE MARKETING

Chemical Design has recently reached an agreement with Derwent to market the Standard Drugs File (SDF) containing information and coordinates for approximately 30,000 3-D structures. This new addition to 3-D databases available from Chemical Design complements the existing Chapman & Hall 3-D databases currently marketed by Chemical Design.

The SDF database contains a number of text fields including references, CAS number, keywords, and activity-related descriptions, in addition to 3-D coordinates. The data contained are essential for drug identification and design, structure/activity investigations, monitoring, etc. Searching the database is easy using Chemical Design's ChemDBS-3D module to generate search queries and provide fast 3-D searching. Integration with Chem-X provides the means for direct detailed modelling studies on search results.

The Derwent Standard Drug file is also available for use with other database software, including MACCS-3D. It may be obtained from Chemical Design on a yearly subscription basis.

Chemical Design is a leading supplier of molecular modelling and 3-D database 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. It provides for structure visualization, computation and databases. 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's, Apple Mac II's, UNIX workstations and VAX computers.

Chemical Design Inc

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

201-529-3323


New Version AGE X-Server Software
San Diego, CA. May 1, 1992 - AGE announced a new release of its X server software for Microsoft Windows - XoftWare for Windows, Version 1.5. In addition to performance level improvements averaging over 200 percent, XoftWare for Windows is now compatible with Microsoft Windows 3.1. Shipments will begin in May, 1992.

The new XoftWare for Windows 1.5 provides performance increases in excess of 200 percent based upon x11perf, the industry's standard benchmark routines. According to Craig A. Schmidt, vice president of marketing for AGE, "Performance increased in 208 of the 220 x11perf tests. Over 40 of the x11perf test routines showed performance increases far exceeding the 200 percent level." X11perf is the industry's acknowledged set of performance-oriented test routines, commonly called perftest, that are used to measure X software performance.

In addition to increased perftest performance, XoftWare for Windows 1.5 also provides significant improvements in user responsiveness. Areas of improvement include XoftWare's ability to redraw full screen images, start applications, display images, and provide faster server startup.

"Product quality and customer support have long been the standards by which we want to be measured." said Peter J. Shaw, president and CEO of AGE Logic, Inc. "With XoftWare for Windows 1.5, AGE will now deliver an optimized Microsoft Windows based X server that provides the high level of performance for which AGE is also known."

XoftWare for Windows 1.5 is compatible with the recently released Microsoft Windows 3.1. In addition, XoftWare for Windows continues to provide backward compatibility with Microsoft Windows 3.0.

XoftWare for Windows is AGE's enhanced X server software that tightly integrates X and Microsoft Windows on 286, 386 and 486 PCs. X applications can be displayed using Microsoft's local window manager or any of the other popular window managers such as mwm (Motif), olwm (OPEN LOOK), or dxwm (DECWindows). North American end user list price is $495. Distributor, reseller, educational, and OEM pricing is also available. Interested parties should contact AGE 's sales department at (619) 455-8600. Current XoftWare for Windows users should also contact AGE's sales department for upgrade pricing.

AGE, a privately owned corporation founded in 1984, is a supplier of X Window System software which enables PCs and X terminals to access X applications residing on UNIX and DEC/VMS host machines. Marketed under the XoftWare brand name, AGE offers customized embedded products for the world's leading terminal, computer and systems companies, as well as standard PC packages for OEMS, systems integrators, resellers, and major end users. These XoftWare packaged products support industry standards such as Microsoft Windows, DOS, TIGA, 8514, SCO Open Desktop, and INTERACTIVE Unix. AGE also has alliances with major silicon, terminal, and workstation companies to develop highly optimized, hardware specific X servers tailored to their specifications.

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

San Diego, CA. May 1, 1992 - AGE announced that its XoftWare line of X Window System Servers for Microsoft Windows and DOS environments now supports DEC PATHWORKS TCP/IP Version 1.1 or higher. The XoftWare family of PC-based X servers which support DEC PATHWORKS networking software are XoftWaren' for Windows 1.5, XoftWare for DOS 1.02, and XoftWare for TIGA/DOS 2.1.1.

According to Craig A. Schmidt, vice president of marketing, "AGE is committed to the DEC marketplace and to its customers. We are pleased to add DEC PATHWORKS to the extensive list of networking packages that we currently support."

XoftWare for Windows is AGE's enhanced X server software which tightly integrates X and Microsoft Windows on 286, 386 and 486 PCs. XoftWare for DOS adds X terminal capabilities to 286, 386 and 486 DOS PCs. XoftWare for TIGA/DOS adds the high-resolution, high-performance capabilities of an X terminal to any 286/386/486 DOS PCs with TIGA-based graphics accelerators.

AGE, a privately owned corporation founded in 1984, is a supplier of X Window System software which enables PCs and X terminals to access X applications residing on UNIX and DEC/VMS host machines. Marketed under the XoftWare brand name, AGE offers customized embedded products for the world's leading terminal, computer and systems companies, as well as standard PC packages for OEMS, systems integrators, resellers, and major end users. These XoftWare packaged products support industry standards such as Microsoft Windows, DOS, TIGA, 8514, SCO Open Desktop, and INTERACTIVE Unix. AGE also has alliances with major silicon, terminal, and workstation companies to develop highly optimized, hardware-specific X servers tailored to their specifications.

AGE, 9985 Pacific Heights Blvd, San Diego, CA 92121

619-455-8600


Real Estate Connections
April 27, 1991 -- RealData announced today that it has begun shipping its seventh real estate application for the Apple Macintosh, Real Estate Connections.

The package combines Danny Goodman's Connections, a personal information manager from Concentrix Technology, with special RealData features and databases designed specifically to benefit professional real estate salespeople.

According to RealData's president, Frank Gallinelli, "Danny Goodman's personal information manager, Connections, provides us with an ideal platform on which to build this powerful vertical-market application. Connections delivers outstanding facilities for managing appointments and reminders, as well as for contact management and data import. From there, we have added a series of real estate databases, form letter functions and other features to build an integrated system that gives the salesperson a real competitive advantage."

Gallinelli added that an early user of the program defined its benefit best when he observed, "Information is vital, but all the data in the world does a salesperson no good at all if he doesn't act on it. Real Estate Connections is so valuable because it makes the link between information and action."

Real Estate Connections users can keep track of extensive information on prospects, farm territories, properties, listings and mortgages as well as phone calls, appointments and reminders all in one easy-to-use package. Pop-up dialogs make it simple to set criteria for retrieving information. A salesperson can then use selected data records to produce reports, mailing labels or even personalized form letters. A mortgage file allows the user to store data about available loans and helps him or her pre-qualify prospects for those loans.

The Real Estate Connections user can track the progress of a personal listing or plan out the events that will lead from a binder to a closing just by entering the data on the listing or closing progress screen. The information manager helps the salesperson keep track of important dates, and can send annotated follow-up reminders from the databases to the salesperson's calendar.

The customizeable telephone directory enables users to dial calls with just the click of a mouse and keep a detailed history of every telephone contact.

Real Estate Connections is priced at $395 and includes Danny Goodman's Connections. The program runs on the Macintosh Classic II, LC and LC-II, PowerBook 140 or 170, II-series and Quadra. A commercial real estate version of the product is expected to ship this summer.

Founded in 1981, RealData has provided Macintosh software for the real estate industry since 1984. The company is best known for its Real Estate Investment Analysis, Version 7.0 and for Property Management Ill.

More information about RealData and its products may be obtained by the company at 78 North Main Street, South Norwalk, CT 06854, (203) 838-2670.


Auto-PICT Animation Software
SAN JOSE, California (13 April 1992) -- Videomedia, Inc. announces the new QuickTime compatible version of their Auto-PICT animation software. This new QuickTime update begins shipping in mid-February as Auto-PICT QT. Auto-PICT QT now puts QuickTime movies out to videotape or videodisc and makes QuickTime movies from videotape or videodisc. This new version also retrieves and stores Auto-PICT QT record and capture lists to and from the Macintosh hard disk. An Auto-PICt QT list can contain combinations of .PICT, .PICS or QuickTime movie files.

Using the standard V-LAN Universal Control Network and a Truevision Nu Vista+ board, Auto-PICT QT puts .PICS/.PICT files and movies out to videotape or videodisc frame accurately and digitizes frames of videotape to save as .PICS/.PICT files or movies. A digitizing sequence PREVIEW is included allowing you to preview the frames to be grabbed before doing the actual digitizing. Operating on any Macintosh II series computer, AutoPICT QT will display an individual .PICT file as well as a series of frames saved as a .PICS file. Both .PICS/.PICT files and movies can be mixed in an edit list type format. With AutoPICT QT, you can put an unlimited number of .PICS/.PICT files and movies out to videotape using a V-LAN compatible animation controller, such as the Videomedia PACE or Animation+ system. Because Auto-PICT works exclusively with V-LAN compatible controllers, TANDEM RECORD mode is supported. Tandem Record simply refers to the ability to frame accurately control more than one video transport at the same time.

Auto-PICT QT works with all major Macintosh 3D and Animation software. Compatible software includes: Swivel 3D, MacroMind 3D, Strata 3D, Dimensions, Gimeor, FilmMaker, MacroMind Director, Infini-D, DynaPerspective, Animation Stand, MacTOPAS and Adobe Auto-PICT QT will be available through Videomedia dealers worldwide.

Videomedia is a leading supplier of software and hardware for frame accurate control of video recorders by desktop computers and workstations, and is the developer of the industry standard V-LAN Universal Control Network. Videomedia has been manufacturing professional machine controllers and editing systems for industrial and professional broadcast applications for more than 15 years.

Videomedia, Auto-PICT QT, V-LAN, PACE and Animation+ are registered trademarks of Videomedia, Inc. QuickTime is a registered trademark of Apple Computer. Truevision and NuVista+ are registered trademarks of Truevision, Inc. All other product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective manufacturers.

Videomedia, 175 Lewis Rd, San Jose, CA 95111

408-227-9977


Free Data Analysis Video
SEATTLE, Washington--April 15, 1992--Statistical Sciences, Inc. (StatSci), developer of the successful software system S-PLUS, has released 'An Introduction to Intelligent Data Analysis'. This instructional video demonstrates the importance of modern, advanced analysis methods crucial to anyone examining and building conclusions from complex data sets.

The video illustrates, step-by-step, how to perform an interactive analysis of data using an object-oriented data analysis language in conjunction with graphical displays. Starting with a classic linear regression example, it goes on to show how you can draw better conclusions by visually examining your data and considering newer methodologies.

Also highlighted is dynamic, 3-dimensional data visualization showing how relationships in data sets may remain hidden if not examined using this technique. Several examples of robust methods, such as survival analysis and tree-based models, are shown as well.

Anyone wishing to receive their complimentary copy of 'An Introduction to Intelligent Data Analysis', may contact StatSci, Inc., 1700 Westlake Avenue N., Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98109, Telephone: (206) 283-8802, FAX: (206) 283-8691, or Internet email: mktg@statsci.com.


Desktop Video Editing & Animation
SAN JOSE, California (13 April 1992)--The V-LAN FM Pavilion, sponsored by Videomedia and 10 leading suppliers of computer editing and computer graphics systems, will bring together a wide variety of computer-based video "solutions." The V-LAN Pavilion will be located at Booth #16354 at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show in Las Vegas this week. Applications range from desktop character generation and animation to desktop A/B Roll editing. All solutions will be integrated with frame accurate V-LAN compatible videotape recorder controllers. Systems will be shown on Silicon Graphics, Apple Macintosh, Amiga and IBM compatible computers. The following new products will be shown, many of them for the first time, at the V-LAN Pavilion:

Tektronix will show the Avanzar Video System. Avanzar offers studio quality video output in an extensive array of digital and analog formats. Operating on a Silicon Graphics (SGI) workstation, Avanzar productivity is enhanced through Video Desktop, a set of integrated software tools and utilities. Avanzar is compatible with the leading animation software applications.

XAOS Tools brings character generation and animation to the Silicon Graphics workstation environment with nTITLE software. nTITLE offers device control scripts for video output using the V-LAN controllers and the SGI VideoFramer.

Discreet Logic will show EDDIE, the interactive effects and composition program running on the whole range of Silicon Graphics workstations. EDDIE provides a comprehensive suite of image processing tools that can be used to combine and enhance sequences sourced from various mediums such as video, paint and film.

Photron Ltd. offers the FSC-3200VZ and FSC-64000VZ Frame Scan Converters. Both converters have built-in V-LAN Transmitters. The products will be operating with a Macintosh and Macromind THREE-D to show real-time conversion of computer graphics output into standard NTSC or PAL signals for videotape recording.

The Grass Valley Group (ComputerGraphics Division, formerly Dubner) will show the Video Desktop Designer and The Integrator. Video Desktop Designer is a PC-based video paint system. It can be used to capture video from any NTSC or D-2 source. The Integrator, a PC-based front end running in a Windows environment, is used to control various Grass Valley video equipment.

AT&T Graphics Software Labs will demonstrate two of their PC-based modeling and animation packages. TOPAS is a 3D modeling, rendering and animation software program. RIO Animator is a 2D keyframe animation program.

Autodesk, Inc. will show the new 3D Studio Release 2.0. 3D Studio is a complete 3D modeling and rendering animation software solution for 386/486-based computers. The 3D Studio Release 2 offers broadcast quality and is production ready.

RGB Computer & Video will demonstrate Ami-Link, a computer-based desktop video system. Ami-Link, operating on Amiga and Windows-based computers, provides an integrated switcher, DVE, character generator, paint and 3D animation. Ami-Link will be shown with the Video Toaster.

Matrox Electronic Systems, Ltd. will demonstrate Matrox-STUDIO, the complete A/B/C roll video production studio on the desktop. This all-digital processing system unites all the standard features of a professional post-production studio into a low cost PC platform.

Adobe Systems, Inc. will show the new Adobe Premiere software. Adobe Premiere enables users to easily combine video footage, audio recordings, animation, still images and graphics to create high-quality digital movies right on the Macintosh. This powerful editing program takes full advantage of Apple's QuickTime media-integration technology.

Also featured at the V-LAN Pavilion will be new V-LAN-compatible products from Videomedia. Videomedia introduces Auto-PICT QT, the new QuickTime compatible animation and digitizing software for the Macintosh.

Using a Truevision NuVista+ board and a V-LAN-compatible controller, Auto-PICT QT now incorporates QuickTime movies into its edit lists for both input and output to videotape. Videomedia will introduce new editing systems and new low-cost V-LAN compatible controller board products for the PC and Amiga platforms: OZ is the new Microsoft Windows-based video editing solution. OZ utilizes the industry V-LAN Universal Control Network to provide a frame accurate cuts editing system. OZ includes a single IBM-compatible ISA slot card that contains a V-LAN-compatible transmitter and two V-LAN-compatible serial receiver modules. Animax is a V-LAN compatible animation controller on single ISA board. Animax provides control for a single serial remote transport that utilizes SMPIE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) or EBU (European Broadcasting Union) time code. PC-T is a V-LAN transmitter on a single ISA board that occupies one slot in the computer. PC-T can also be configured by the user to serve as a standard V-LAN-compatible receiver for serial control type transports. In this mode, it can be controlled from an external V-LAN compatible transmitter unit. These three new board products from Videomedia will control frame accurately up to 31 video devices, regardless of manufacturer. Also on exhibit by Videomedia will be their complete line of V-LAN compatible animation and editing systems.

Videomedia is a leading supplier of software and hardware for frame accurate control of video recorders by desktop computers and workstations, and is the developer of the industry standard V-LAN Universal Control Network. Videomedia has been manufacturing professional machine controllers and editing systems for industrial and professional broadcast applications for more than 15 years.

For more information on V-LAN compatible products and desktop solutions, contact Videomedia, Inc. at 175 Lewis Road, San Jose, CA 95111, Phone: (408) 227-9977, Fax: (408) 227-6707.


V-LAN Compatible Video Editing Sys
SAN JOSE, California (13 April 1992)--Videomedia, Inc. today announced OZ, the new Microsoft Windows based video editing solution. OZ is a software and hardware combination that makes professional-level video editing on the PC desktop accessible and affordable. The system features 100% V-LAN compatibility for frame accurate editing, animation control and the ability to display video from source or record decks on the PC screen.

OZ incorporates the time proven Videomedia philosophical approach to professional editing: "computers need numbers; people don't!" said Don Bennett, president of Videomedia. OZ expands on that belief by allowing the operator to devote all creative efforts into editing the basic elements--pictures and sound.

Frame Accurate Editing with V-LAN Technology

OZ provides a frame accurate cuts editing system with edit list storage/retrieval and event commenting. OZ utilizes the industry standard V-LAN editing and machine control engine to ensure growth, reliability and complete frame accuracy using SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) or EBU (European Broadcasting Union) time code.

Animation Control

OZ includes a single IBM-compatible ISA slot card that contains a V-LAN compatible transmitter and two V-LAN compatible serial receiver modules. Since OZ complies 100% with the V-LAN Version 3.0 protocol, there is a very distinct advantage in that the user has (at no additional charge) a full featured animation controller. OZ will operate as an animation controller from within any graphics or animation software that includes a V-LAN driver.

The user does not have to purchase different versions for different types of display boards. OZ can automatically detect the presence of a "video-in-a-window" display board, such as the Truevision Bravado board, and starts up in "enhanced view" mode. In this mode, all video (source and record) is switched automatically and displayed on the PC screen. If a standard VGA board is detected, OZ loads in the "no view" mode that preserves all editing functions but requires the use of a standard NTSC or PAL monitor for displaying the actual video.

"Microsoft Windows 3.1 and our new V-LAN machine control boards have enabled this price point so that millions of PC owners can get into desktop video editing," said Don Bennett, president of Videomedia. "OZ provides that multitude with truly professional level video editing capabilities at a fraction of the traditional cost."

OZ will be available as of June 1992 through Videomedia dealers worldwide and carries a suggested retail price of $2495 . The OZ system requires: IBM-compatible 386 or 486 computer, MS-DOS Version 5.0, Windows 3.1, 2 meg of RAM minimum, VGA monitor, mouse and optional video-in-a-window display board.

Videomedia is a leading supplier of software and hardware for frame accurate control of video recorders by desktop computers and workstations, and is the developer of the industry standard V-LAN Universal Control Network. Videomedia has been manufacturing professional machine controllers and editing systems for industrial and professional broadcast applications for more than 15 years.

For more information on V-LAN compatible products and desktop solutions, contact Videomedia, Inc. at 175 Lewis Road, San Jose, CA 95111, Phone: (408) 227-9977, Fax: (408) 227-6707.


Fractal Transform Compression News
CHICAGO, Illinois (April 6, 1992) -- Iterated Systems, Inc. today announced Images Incorporated, an image compression, enhancement and conversion tool containing a clip art library of 250 full color images. Targeted at the desktop publishing market, the Windows-based application retails for $299 and is available now from Iterated Systems and its distributors.

"Images Incorporated marks two important milestones," said Dr. Michael Barnsley, Iterated chairman, "First, the debut of software-based fractal compression, which will extend the benefit of fractal compression to a much broader audience. Second, the premier of 'Fractal Transform Resolution Enhancement,' a unique lossless image enhancement technology."

Software-Based Compression

Traditionally, Iterated Systems focused its development on the needs of developers, VARs and OEMs, using custom ASICs to build powerful hardware compressors. The software-based compressor is targeted towards end users, especially in the desktop publishing arena.

Like Iterated's hardware products, Image Incorporated's software compressor is based on the revolutionary Fractal Transform discovered by Dr. Barnsley in 1988. Though slower, Images Incorporated's software-based compression comes close to matching the ultra-high compression ratios and outstanding image quality produced by Iterated Systems' hardware-based compression. The compressed images also share the unique fractal advantages of resolution independence and software only, real time decompression.

Tom Gilkey, of Pegasus Imaging Corporation, who has developed a fractal image database, finds Images Incorporated's price performance characteristics extremely compelling. "Everyone familiar with compression knows that fractals are the best technology", Gilkey said. "Many customers just couldn't afford the hardware solution. Images Incorporated lets a much broader range of customers access fractal technology, which should increase Iterated's market share. It's a great product;"

"As fractal-based applications proliferate, inexpensive compression becomes key," added Dwight Jones, president CARDZ, developer of FracTerm, a fractal-based terminal graphics program. "Images Incorporated fits the bill perfectly."

Fractal Transform Resolution Enhancement

Michael Barnsley explained. "Our new Fractal Transform  Resolution Enhancement provides truly lossless increased resolution. Additional detail and image quality is generated by the fractal process while the original image data is accurately preserved. The result is unparalleled resolution enhancement."

Alice Peters, from Jones and Bartlett Publishers, an Iterated Systems OEM and reseller, agrees. "The constant challenge in publishing is to match image resolution to output device, which typically requires 'stretching' images to match output resolutions. This invariably introduces pixelation or other distortion. By contrast, Fractal Transform Resolution Enhancement produces remarkably clear images even at high magnification levels."

Other Features

Images Incorporated can convert images to and from Targa, Tiff, PCX, Raster and BMP images of various color depths. The product also features editing functions such as cut and paste, vertical and horizontal flip and image re-sizing. These provide critical standalone functionality and greatly increase access to Images Incorporated's compression and zooming capabilities.

For example, users can "cut" an image segment, and perform resolution enhancement with one simple command. The segment is enhanced and automatically restored to the original format. Similarly, users can compress images or image segments in any supported format without the pre-conversion required by most other compression products. This integrated design enables the synergistic use of Images Incorporated's features and greatly increases its utility and overall usability.

A "clip-art library" of 250 high quality (640x400x24 bit) compressed color images produced by Iterated Systems is also included. These images represent 192 MB of uncompressed high-resolution color image data on just three floppy disks. These images can be decompressed into any supported format and included in desktop publishing or desktop presentation applications.

System Requirements

Images Incorporated requires an 80386SX or higher processor with 4MB or RAM. The PC should be equipped DOS 4.01 or higher and Windows 3.X, with VGA (SuperVGA strongly recommended) or any Windows supported higher resolution card. The product requires approximately 4 MB of fixed storage for the program and clip art, and 5 MB free hard disk space for a Windows permanent swap file.

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Chicago, Illinois (April 6, 1992) -- Iterated Systems today announced two new developer systems, P.OEM Fractal Transform Compressor Developer's Kit and P.OEM Fractal Transform Resolution Enhancement Developer's Kit.

P.OEM Fractal Transform Compressor

Dr. Michael Barnsley, Chairman of Iterated, who made the announcement. stated "developers have included fractal decompression in their applications for several years. but compression was always expensive. Now developers can offer compression and decompression in one affordable package, which will dramatically increase the penetration of fractal compression in imaging applications."

The P.OEM Fractal Transform Compressor Developer's Kit contains OBJ and DLL modules for the integration of software-based fractal compression into DOS and Windows application programs. The kit is targeted at developers of imaging applications such as desktop publishing, image data base and multimedia.

Like Iterated's hardware products, the new software compressor is based on the revolutionary Fractal Transform discovered by Michael Barnsley in 1988. Though slower, the software-based compression comes close to matching the ultra-high compression ratios and outstanding image quality produced by Iterated Systems' hardware-based compression. The compressed images also share the unique fractal advantages of resolution independence and software only, real time decompression.

Tom Gilkey, of Pegasus Imaging Corporation, developer of a fractal image database, agrees that inexpensive fractal compression will greatly expand Iterated's market reach. "Everyone familiar with compression knows that fractals are the best technology", Gilkey said. "But many customers couldn't afford the hardware solution. Now fractal compression can be incorporated into virtually any imaging application, providing greater access to a broader range of customers. This will definitely increase the use of fractal compression."

P.OEM Fractal Transform Resolution Enhancement

Michael Barnsley described the new technology. "Fractal Transform Resolution Enhancement provides truly lossless increased resolution. Additional detail and image quality is generated by the fractal process while the original image data is accurately preserved. The result is unparalleled resolution enhancement, making this technology a natural for all applications that edit, manage or manipulate images." (see enclosed photograph).

Alice Peters, from Jones and Bartlett Publishers, an Iterated Systems OEM and reseller, agrees. "The constant challenge in publishing is to match image resolution to output device, which typically requires 'stretching' images to match Output resolutions. This invariably introduces pixelation or other distortion. By contrast, Fractal Transform Resolution Enhancement produces remarkably clear images even at high magnification levels.

The P.OEM Fractal Transform Resolution Enhancement Developer's Kit contains OBJ and DLL modules for the integration of resolution enhancement into DOS and Windows application programs. The kit is targeted at developers of applications for the desktop publishing, color printing and high resolution display market.

Both developer's kits will be available from Iterated Systems on April 30. Pricing and royalty schedules were not established at the time of this printing.

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Chicago, Illinois, (April 6, 1992) -- Iterated Systems, Inc. today announced a major new application for its breakthrough Fractal Transform technology, lossless resolution enhancement.

"Lossless resolution enhancement of images will be key as images are increasingly used in digital format," said Dr. Michael Barnsley, Chairman of Iterated Systems and discoverer of the Fractal Transform. The Fractal Transform offers image users the same resolution independent approach to storage, display and printing as Adobe's Postscript has offered to text and comparatively simple graphics."

The technique builds losslessly from the original image maintaining texture and crisp edges through fractal prediction. The result is unparalleled resolution enhancement.

"Fractal Transform Resolution Enhancement is like the Hippocratic oath of imaging - we promise only to help, not to harm", quipped Barnsley, referring to the fact that the original image data is fully preserved.

Alice Peters, from Jones & Bartlett Publishers commented "The constant challenge in publishing is to match image resolution to output device, which typically requires 'stretching' images to match output resolutions. This invariably introduces pixelation or other distortion. By contrast, the Fractal Transform Resolution Enhancement technique produces remarkably clear images even at high magnification levels".

This unique technology is available immediately to end users within Images Incorporated, an image management system for the desktop publishing market. A Fractal Transform Resolution Enhancement developer's kit is also available. Both products are available from Iterated Systems. Iterated Systems is also in negotiation with a number of hardware OEM's to license this breakthrough.

Iterated Systems, Inc. a privately held company headquartered in Norcross, GA, provides revolutionary fractal image compression products that enable computers to handle pictures in a resolution independent manner at ultra-high compression ratios. The company is committed to fundamental mathematical research to establish and advance the Fractal Image Format.

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Stop Press -- Tuesday April 21,1992 11:00 a.m.

U.S. Government invests $2,000,000 in Fractal Chip

The U.S. Commerce Department announced today that it plans to invest $2,000,000 in Iterated Systems, Inc., for the development of a Fractal Image Decompression Chip. The funding comes from the Advanced Technology Program, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce Technology Administration, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. The name of the funded project is Eligh Fidelity Digital Image Compression. The description of the project is as follows:

In communication, a picture can be worth far more than a thousand words, but to represent a detailed image in a digital format requires huge amounts of data storage. One full-color television-screen, for example, requires nearly a million bytes of storage. At normal display rates, a 150 megabyte disk could hold only about 5 seconds worth of video. Highly detailed images such as might be used in medicine could require as much as 4 megabytes each. Fast, efficient, and cheap methods of compressing and decompressing digital images are essential to the communication technologies of the near future high definition TV, multimedia computer systems, receiving still and video images by telephone, and the like. Iterated Systems, Inc. proposes to develop a prototype of a low-cost computer chip to decompress digital images fast enough to keep up with the frame rate of television - an important feature for inexpensive video applications. The planned chip will use a fractal image compression technology pioneered by Iterated Systems. Unlike most image compression schemes, fractal transform compression gives high compression ratios with little loss of detail, yet allows the image to be decompressed to any resolution without additional processing.

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March 31, 1992 -- Norcross, Georgia. Iterated Systems today announced that it has licensed its fractal compression technology to Amaze, Inc. Under the non-exclusive agreement, Amaze will utilize Iterated's technology in the PC, Windows and Macintosh versions of their best selling product, The Far Side Computer Calendar.

Iterated President Michael Barnsley, who announced the agreement, quipped "We hoped for significant penetration in 1992, but never thought fractals would reach the "Far Side" of the market. In all seriousness, we're delighted to work with Amaze, and to become associated with their market leading product."

Introduced in October, 1991, the Far Side Computer Calendar combines a fully functional appointment calendar and the Gary Larson's unique menagerie of intellectual carnivores, philosophical insects, bespectacled scientists and nerd kids. Leveraging the phenomenal success of Larson's cartoon's and desk calendars, the Far Side Computer Calendar quickly became a best seller.

Available in Windows, DOS and Macintosh versions, the Far Side Computer Calendar is engineered in two modules, a perpetual calendar engine and one year supply of Far Side cartoons. This allows owners to update their calendars with "graphical refills," and preserve the underlying appointment and contact data.

According to Dan Elenbaas, president and co-founder of Amaze, "A one year supply of Far Side cartoons is a lot of images, making compression a natural. After reviewing our options, we found that fractal technology provides the highest usable compression on the market and that its unique scalability produces great looking high resolution images. Overall, fractal compression helps us deliver a better product to our customers."

In a related story, Iterated also announced QuickTime compatible still image fractal decompression for the Macintosh, scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 1992. "We promised our developers Macintosh technology by mid-1992, and we're delivering," Barnsley continued. "It's an obvious move, given the Mac's strategic importance in desktop publishing and multimedia, two key target markets, and imaging applications in general."

Bill Caffery, Gartner Group Vice President, agreed. "Additional application support for fractal technology is important," Caffery commented. "But what's really significant about this announcement is the Macintosh support. Iterated is obviously committed to the development work necessary to dominate the image compression market. This agreement, in conjunction with the recent Microsoft agreement. signals to us the beginning of the commercial acceptance of fractal compression approach."

Caffery was referring to the January agreement between Iterated and the Microsoft Multimedia Publishing Group, where the CD-ROM publishing division of Microsoft licensed Iterated's fractal compression for use in upcoming CD-ROM titles. The Microsoft agreement has been touted by industry analysts as a milestone technical validation of the fractal approach.

Iterated Systems, a privately held company headquartered in Norcross, Ga., provides revolutionary fractal image compression products that enable computers to handle pictures in a resolution independent manner at ultra-high compression ratios. The company is committed to fundamental mathematical research to establish and advance fractal image technology for implementation in a wide variety of applications. The company's products are based on the "Fractal Transform" discovered by co-founder and co-president Dr. Michael Barnsley.

Amaze, Inc, is located in Kirkland, Washington and is a leading developer in content software publishing. In September 1991, Amaze released the Far Side Computer Calendar, a multi-functional calendar the combines functionality with the magically animated cartoons of Gary Larson. By December 1991, the Far Side Calendar had become the first fully-functional daily planner available on the DOS, Macintosh and Windows operating systems; and the best-selling software in the business application category. In March 1992, Amaze announced the Random House Word-A-Day Daily Planner, a computerized personal organizer that makes a daily test out of vocabulary expertise. In developing its software, Amaze focuses on fun and functionality, and will continue this focus as it expands its line of theme-based computer calendars.

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Jan 30, 1992 -- Norcross, Georgia. Iterated Systems today announced that it has licensed its fractal compression technology to Microsoft's Multimedia Publishing Group. Under the non-exclusive agreement, Microsoft's Multimedia Publishing Group will utilize Iterated's still image fractal compression in their multimedia products.

Iterated Co-President Michael Barnsley, who announced the agreement, commented "The multimedia market is one of the key targets for our still image technology. We're delighted to have Microsoft as our first major partner."

Greg Riker, Microsoft Multimedia Publishing Group Director of Product Development, stated "The image content of several planned titles made compression a requirement. Obviously, software-only decompression was key. After reviewing all of our compression options, we selected fractal technology as the best overall mix of compression, image quality and speed."

"Fractal technology offers the highest usable compression on the market," he continued. "We can include more images and deliver a better product. Fractal images decompress very quickly, without the decompression lag noticeable with other technologies. Finally, fractal images just look better than images compressed with other methods. They're softer and more pleasing to the eye."

Under development since 1987, fractal technology only recently surfaced as a bona fide player in image compression. The Microsoft agreement is the first announced multimedia implementation of fractal compression, and could catapult Iterated from "dark horse" into a leadership role in the nascent multimedia market.

Bill Caffery, Vice President of Advanced Technologies at consultant Gartner Group, clearly thinks so. Caffery commented "This is a breakthrough agreement in the commercial acceptance of fractal technology, potentially ushering in the multimedia era at a increasing rate. Multimedia is unquestionably an arena where the unrivaled superiority of fractal decompression is a boon to end users or consumers, and therefore developers and publishers. This deal is a net win for everyone, vendors, end users. developers, publishers and of course, Iterated Systems."

Iterated Systems, a privately held company headquartered in Norcross, Ga., provides revolutionary fractal image compression products that enable computers to handle pictures in a resolution independent manner at ultra-high compression ratios. The company is committed to fundamental mathematical research to establish and advance fractal image technology for implementation in a wide variety of applications. The company's products are based on the "Fractal Transform" discovered by Dr. Michael Barnsley.

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Iterated Systems, Inc.

5550-A Peachtree Parkway

Norcross GA 30092

(404) 840-0310 FAX (404) 840-0806


V-LAN CX Consumer Deck Protocol
SAN JOSE, California (13 April 1992) -- Videomedia, Inc. and FutureVideo have announced a "CX" command protocol, derived from the Industry Standard V-LAN protocol for video machine control. This collaborative effort enables software developers to write one driver to interface to hundreds of "computer controllable" video tape recorders; from consumer, to prosumer, to industrial/professional decks and discs.

FutureVideo will offer the V-LAN CX compatible controller, within their new EditLink 3000 series edit controller line (two and three machine models), along with their PC based EDL-2000 series software. The PC based software also supports the V-LAN protocol for industrial/professional decks, such that an end user can use any V-LAN compatible hardware on the V-LAN Universal Control Network.

Previously, the software developer had to write several drivers in several different protocols. Now "one" driver does it all ! This development is especially important for the new breed of "nonlinear" editors that employ digital video and compression. In these digital video editors, a computer controllable consumer VTR or camcorder is often the "source" of the video to be digitized, whereas the industrial decks would be used for a "final" automatic tape edit session.

FutureVideo's edit controllers are already the industry standard choice for consumer deck controllers and Videomedia's V-LAN the industry standard for industrial/professional devices. Each company has over 100 dealers worldwide promoting their products.

V-LAN CX protocol will be available for FutureVideo products as of June 1992 through Videomedia and FutureVideo dealers worldwide.

Videomedia is a leading supplier of software and hardware for frame accurate control of video recorders by desktop computers and workstations, and is the developer of the industry standard V-LAN Universal Control Network. Videomedia has been manufacturing professional machine controllers and editing systems for industrial and professional broadcast applications for more than 15 years.

Videomedia, 175 Lewis Rd, San Jose, CA 95111

408-227-9977


Animax Animation Controller Board
SAN JOSE, California (13 April 1992)--Videomedia, Inc. today announced Animax, the new V-LAN compatible animation control solution. Animax is a software and hardware combination that makes professional-level animation control on the PC desktop accessible and affordable.

Utilizing the industry standard V-LAN protocol, Animax provides frame accurate control for a single serial remote video device using SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) or EBU (European Broadcasting Union) time code. Animax includes a single ISA slot card that plugs into any available slot in an IBM-compatible or Amiga computer and software downloadable device drivers for all video devices available on the V-LAN network. Animax will operate as an animation controller from within any graphics or animation software that includes a V-LAN driver.

Animax provides the user with the option to expand to a full-featured multi-device control network simply by adding V-LAN compatible receiver modules. Animax can control up to 31 video devices on the V-LAN network with frame accuracy.

"This new V-LAN board-level product established a new price point for those millions of PC owners who are moving into multimedia and desktop video," said Don Bennett, president of Videomedia. "Now it's easy and affordable for anyone to create a professional video animation."

Animax will be available as of June 1992 through Videomedia dealers worldwide and carries a suggested retail price of $1250. Animax works with any IBM-compatible 286, 386 or 486 computer or Amiga computer.

Videomedia is a leading supplier of software and hardware for frame accurate control of video recorders by desktop computers and workstations, and is the developer of the industry standard V-LAN Universal Control Network. Videomedia has been manufacturing professional machine controllers and editing systems for industrial and professional broadcast applications for more than 15 years.

For more information on V-LAN compatible products and desktop solutions, contact Videomedia, Inc. at 175 Lewis Road, San Jose, CA 95111, Phone: (408) 227-9977, Fax: (408) 227-6707.


UNIX EXPO Open Systems Event
(Fort Lee, NJ, April 30) -- An independent survey of UNIX EXPO attendees revealed the show to be the premier trade event for corporate buyers and trade resellers to see the latest UNIX and Open Systems products. More than 71 percent of UNIX EXPO attendees are from companies that use or sell Open Systems products.

Survey respondents forecast that their 1992 purchasing of these products will be high, according to the survey prepared by Exposition Research of Rye, NY. Attendees at the 1991 show, which took place Oct. 30 Nov. I at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, are from companies spending more than $8.5 billion in information technology expenditures. In 1992, these companies will spend more than $10 billion according to the report.

The majority of the 400 respondents said they attended UNIX EXPO to see new products. research possible purchases, and learn about open systems technology. Attendees surveyed said that purchases of UNIX and Open Systems products will increase for companies spending over $100,000 annually.

"UNIX EXPO is a unique purchasing opportunity for attendees and an excellent selling opportunity for exhibitors," said Jacqueline Labatt-Simon, president of Exposition Research Inc. "The research indicates that exhibitors can showcase a large number of UNIX and Open Systems products and reach the volume buyers who make the purchasing decisions."

More than 90 percent of UNIX EXPO attendees are directly responsible for recommending software purchases, and 92.5 percent recommend hardware. Survey respondents also indicated that 1992 purchasing of these products will be high.

UNIX EXPO has a loyal attendee audience. with a majority of the respondents attending only UNIX EXPO, according to the research report. Survey results indicated that attendees at an Open Systems event look for the inclusion of networking and software development issues, a focus on the UNIX environment and the migration to open systems. and discussion of standardization issues. Attendees consistently named UNIX EXPO as the computer trade event most associated with each of these attributes.

"UNIX EXPO examines these subjects thoroughly, providing attendees with the full spectrum of products and information for UNIX and Open Systems," said Mr. Berey, show manager for UNIX EXPO. "The survey noted, 'the show has no weaknesses and meets the needs and desires of its current attendees,' but UNIX EXPO will continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of the industry."

UNIX EXPO was not identified as sponsor or the subject of the survey. said Ms. Labatt-Simon. This year, UNIX EXPO is scheduled for September 22-24, 1992, at the Javits Convention Center in New York.

UNIX EXPO is produced by Bruno Blenheim Inc., a trade show management firm based in Fort Lee, NJ. Bruno Blenheim is part of Blenheim Group PLC, the leading independent producer of conferences and exhibitions with more than 250 events worldwide. Bruno Blenheim also produces PC EXPO in New York, PC EXPO in Chicago, NetWorld Boston, NetWorld Dallas, and will launch NetWorld 92 Europe, April 28-30, in Frankfurt, Germany.

Bruno Blenheim Inc

Fort Lee Executive Park

One Executive Dr, Fort Lee, NJ 07024

800-829-3976    201-346-1400


Matrox Studio with V-LAN
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, April 12, 1992 - Matrox Video Products Group and Videomedia today announced that Videomedia's V-LAN Universal Control Network is now available for Matrox Studio. Matrox Studio with V-LAN is being demonstrated at NAB '92, Las Vegas Convention Center, in Videomedia's booth 16354. Matrox is in booth 10252.

V-LAN supports over 100 professional/industrial frame accurate video devices, PAL and NTSC, from VTR models produced before 1980 to the latest 1992 models. Many of these include "parallel" control protocols, such as the new Panasonic AG-7350/7150 or the old standard Sony VO-5850 UMatics.

Matrox Studio is a powerful new desktop video suite on five boards which fit into an EISA PC. Starting at under $10,000, Matrox Studio provides all of the capabilities of traditional video production studios costing 10-15 times more. The heart of Matrox Studio is an eight input switcher which provides A/B/C roll and allows users to--program complex, multilevel mix effects and transitions on up to five layers of video and graphics simultaneously. All video and graphic processing is done in the digital domain using the 4:2:2 D1 standard to ensure consistent high video image quality even during special effects and transitions. Matrox Studio also includes three 2D DVE channels, luminance and chroma keyers, 32-bit graphics with alpha channel, character generator, soft graphics and title keyers, three time base correctors and RS-422/232 VTR machine control. A full function six channel stereo audio mixer and powerful 32-bit, DSP-based, digital audio production environment is also part of Matrox Studio. All this powerful hardware is completely integrated and easily accessible to the user through Personal Producer, the intuitive Multimedia Windows software application.

"With the addition of V-LAN support for Matrox Studio, users will not be limited to using only the RS-422/232 video input and output devices that we support directly," said Marc Nadeau, Product Line Manager of the Matrox Video Products Group. "Video producers can benefit from the power of Matrox Studio, yet still maintain their investment in non-RS-422/232 decks."

Videomedia, based in San Jose, California has been the leading producer of machine controllers for professional- and industrial VTRs, switchers and discs since 1975.

Matrox Electronic Systems, Ltd., a privately held company based in Dorval, Quebec, is a leading supplier of high performance add-in computer video boards for videographics, multimedia, imaging and desktop publishing. The recently formed Video Products Group develops and markets innovative desktop video production products --hardware that incorporates the latest digital processing technology; software that provides an easy-to-use, picture based user environment; and completely integrated systems that combine the two.

Matrox Video Products Group

1055 St. Regis Blvd, Dorval, Que. Canada H9P 2T4

514-685-2630


Aldus Gallery Effects Windows Art
CHICAGO, April 6, 1992--At the Windows World trade show today, Aldus Corporation announced shipment in the U.S. and Canada of Aldus Gallery Effects: Volume l, Classic Art for Microsoft Windows. Gallery Effects is a library of artistic effects that automatically transform scanned photographs and other bitmap images into dramatic painting-like artwork. It is published by Aldus' San Diego subsidiary, Silicon Beach Software.

Like the Macintosh version introduced in August 1991, Gallery Effects for Windows offers 16 master effects. Each effect is designed to recreate a classic art style, such as charcoal, dark strokes, dry brush, fresco, graphic pen, mosaic, poster edges, or watercolor. Users can customize the effects and save the settings for future use. Any effect can be applied to either an entire image or a selected area.

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

Gallery Effects opens and saves files in TIF, BMP, and TGA format--including grayscale and 24-bit color images. Gallery Effects files are transferable between Windows and Macintosh environments.

Pricing and availability

Aldus Gallery Effects for Windows is available in the U.S. and Canada from Aldus resellers for a suggested retail price of $199 (U.S.). Localized versions for European and Pacific Rim markets will be announced later.

System configuration

Aldus Gallery Effects requires Microsoft Windows 3.0 (or later) and Windows 3.0-compatible hardware. The recommended system configuration is a 386- or 486-based WS-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 configuration is 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 with other programs, system requirements are determined by the host product.

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

206-622-5500


CD-ROM Software Collections
Currently available discs from Walnut Creek CDROM include:

Simtel20 MSDOS CDROM

The entire internet Simtel20 MSDOS Archive, this disc contains about 420 megabytes (6000+ files) of technical documentation (including the latest 1 meg internet interrupt list), utilities and programming tools, many with source code, usually in C. Included are tools for apl, ada, basic, assembly, C, C++, clipper, cobol, dbase, forth, fortran, lotus 123, modula-2, pascal, perl, prolog, smalltalk, xlisp, etc. There are several complete bbs programs, and doors, fossils, and utilities for bbs's. Communications utilities include CMU's pcip, kermit, uucp, and zmodem, along with several full featured comm packages. Many versions of compression and library programs are included, from most ancient to most modern. An assortment of utilities for controlling postscript, laser and other printers is included. There are several programmer's editors, and utilities for substitute dos shells. Also included is a wide range of dos utilities, too varied to list. The source code on this disk is a great reference; the utilities will speed development time. Index files in each directory and a master index file in the top directory describe each file. This disc was made in January 1992. Cost is $24.95

CICA MicroSoft Windows CDROM

This disc contains 80 megabytes of MicroSoft Windows programs. Included are hundreds of utilities, games, fonts, bitmaps, etc. All are written especially for Windows. The disc contains the entire CICA Windows collection from Indiana University. This disc was made in March, 1992. Cost is $24.95

Source Code CDROM

This disc contains the Usenet source archives, the Simtel20 Unix-C Archive, and a large collection of MSDOS source code. There is a total of about 600 megabytes of source code. It is mostly C, but also has some Pascal, Lisp, C++, Modula-2, Fortran, assembly, etc. This disc was made in March 1992. Cost is $39.95

XllR5 and GNU CDROM

This disc contains all the XllR5 Window System sources (patchlevel 9), including all contributed software, all the GNU source code, the Usenet comp.sources.x archives, and SPARC binaries and libraries for the GNU programs and the XllR5 server and clients. This disc was made in February 1992. Cost is $39.95

All these discs are in ISO-9660 format, so they will work with almost any system. You can order these discs with the order form provided, or you can order with Visa/MC by fax or phone. Full money back guarantee. Shipping and handling is $5 US/CAN, $10 Overseas (per order). Calif. orders include 7.5% sales tax.

Walnut Creek CDROM

1547 Palos Verdes Mall, Suite 260

Walnut Creek, CA 94596

+1 800 786-9907

+1 510 947-5996

+1 510 947-1644 FAX


Micro Controls Windows Workstations
Micro Controls International has added two new software products and a line of workstations to their Windows platform offerings :

dMACS - SCADA Driver for Microsoft Windows -- $249

Description:      dMACS is a Windows data acquisition driver supporting the industry standard Optomux network protocol. It significantly reduce the time required to develop a SCADA application by relieving all network communications effort required for interfacing to the remote devices. dMACS feature DDE Interface. Development support is available.

gMACS - SCADA for Microsoft Windows -- $495

Description:      gMACS is a cost-effective Windows graphical monitoring and control software supporting the industry standard Optomux network protocol. A user friendly application, gMACS feature simple operation, configuration, alarms, reports, graphs, and data logging. gMACS is applicable to Environmental/Power Monitoring, Process Control, and Security applications. Consulting and Support Services is available.

PNG/325 - Plug 'N Go Windows Workstation -- $1,795

Description:      Model PNG/325 features a 25 Mhz 386SX processor, 2MB Ram, 120MB IDE hard disk, 1.44MB 3.5 inch and 1.2MB 5.25-inch floppy drives, 2 serial ports, 1 parallel port, and a 0.28mm dot pitch 1,024X768 resolution non-interlaced SVGA monitor with lMB Ram supporting 8514/A mode. PNG/325 is preconfigured with MSDOS 5.0, Microsoft Windows, and a serial mouse. Optional NIC (ethernet or arcnet), multimedia sound board, digital speakers, and microphone are available.

PNG/333 - Plug 'N GO Windows Workstation -- $2,395

Description:      Offers all the features of Model PNG/325 except with 33 Mhz 386 processor, 4MB Ram, 210MB IDE hard disk, and 64K disk cache.

PNG/433 -  Plug 'N Go Windows Workstation -- $2,695

Description:      Offers all the features of Model PNG/325 except with 33 Mhz 486 processor, 4MB Ram, 210MB IDE hard disk, and 128K disk cache.

Micro Controls International

10078A Arrow Route, Suite 158

Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Phone: (714) 945-5273

Fax:   (714) 466-7866


CADPIPE & CAD Plant Design
CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA, May 1, 1992 - The company that develops and markets CADPIPE is proud to preview its latest series of software programs and enhancements. International Software Systems Inc.'s new offerings promise to take designers into a whole new dimension of speed and productivity.

CADPIPE INTERact

The next generation of information management systems, CADPIPE INTERact, has been jointly developed by International Software Systems Inc. and Generation 5 Technology Ltd. of Edmonton, Canada. This database-driven product will, in its first introduction, interact graphically with the popular CADPIPE P&ID software. CADPIPE INTERact couples the full functionality of CADPIPE P&ID with the power of GIS (Graphical Information Systems). Some of the features this program will provide include enhanced decision support through a host of powerful data query utilities, advanced facilities management capabilities, interaction with a variety of external databases, generation of equipment sheets, instrument data sheets, line lists and instrument indexes. CADPIPE INTERact facilitates bi-directional updating between drawing and database.

AUTO-SECTIONNING

One of the new CADPIPE features that promises to draw a crowd at upcoming tradeshows is ORTHO 2.21's AUTO-SECTIONING command. With this command, you can draw in plan view, and then have the program automatically draw the section for you. Then, when you add items to the section view, you can automatically update the plan view to include those items. Another productivity detail permits vertical legs with flanged fittings to be trimmed out automatically when transposed to the plan. The system will do this with no duplication of items on the Bill of Materials, so the section view can remain on the drawing or be erased entirely--or even moved to another drawing.

FLANGED FITTINGS

A flanged fittings database has been developed which will allow the user to define flanged piping systems, lined or unlined. This database will contain flanged pipe fittings in accordance with ANSI B16.1, B16.5 and B16.42. Additional items such as spacers (reducing and tapered), instrument tees and reducing filler flanges, commonly used with plastic lined systems, will be included. The user will be able to specify flanged lengths of pipe as well as lining thickness. When a lining extends over the flange face, the system will calculate the correct bolt length based on the lining thickness. This addition will be fully supported by other CADPIPE PLUS programs such SPEC GENERATOR and AUTOISO.

International Software Systems Inc.

Suite 650, 202 - 6th Avenue S.W

Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 2R9

(403) 233-2520 Fax (403) 234-8583


ISYS Text Retrieval Ver. 3.0
Denver, 30 April 1992

Odyssey Development has announced Version 3.0 of its popular PC- and LAN-based text retrieval product, ISYS.

Steve Smith, Vice President of Odyssey Development, said "ISYS 3.0 is a significant upgrade. It contains many improvements and new features for which users have been asking. "

The performance of ISYS has been boosted in several ways. Together with faster searching, the indexing speed has been improved four-fold on larger runs, indexes are 25% smaller, and RAM usage in TSR mode has been reduced to just 10K.

One of the major new features in Version 3.0 is the ability to attach images to text files. This allows a user to retrieve a text file in the normal way and then view the image associated with the text. Multiple images per document can be linked to various portions of text and viewed at will.

Other enhancements include the ability to index spreadsheets, perform numeric range searches, and attach notes to documents. Additionally, PKZIP compressed documents may be indexed and searched directly, significantly reducing disk space overhead. ISYS also now incorporates Automatic File Format Detection, simplifying the database configuration and creation process.

Odyssey has also included an Auditor feature which can optionally monitor and record all ISYS usage on a network. For organizations which operate on a 'user pays' basis, Auditor greatly simplifies the billing process as detailed usage information can be output to a spreadsheet or database.

WordPerfect users have been particularly well catered for in this release, as ISYS now indexes headers, footers, footnotes, endnotes, comments and equations in WordPerfect documents. Also, ISYS now displays page numbers during browsing, which is of particular importance to the legal profession who are major users of ISYS.

Query by Concept is an important new feature in 3.0 that allows a database manager to create a tree-like structure of pre-defined queries for users to follow. Each branch on the tree displays different subjects of interest to the user who can follow the train of thought down the branch until they reach the point of interest, and by pressing the Enter key a set of documents relevant to his/her needs is automatically retrieved. This feature recognizes the growing interest in conceptual rather than literal access to knowledge bases and expert systems.

According to Mr Smith, "ISYS 3.0 has been in beta test since January and has met with rave reports from our corporate test sites. ISYS has once again firmly stamped itself as the most advanced, yet easiest to use, PC text retrieval system on the market."

Odyssey Development Inc

650 S. Cherry St, #220, Denver CO 80222

(303) 394 0091 Fax: (303) 394 0096


ARGUS & Timberline Property Mgmt
BEAVERTON, Ore., May 5, 1992 -- Timberline Software today announced the release of the firm's new Investment Analysis Interface. The new product links Timberline's Property Management Gold (PM Gold) accounting and business management software program with ARGUS Financial Software's real estate investment analysis package.

Investment Analysis Interface allows property managers to send property, unit and tenant accounting/management information from PM Gold directly to ARGUS for detailed lease and investment analysis, without re-entering the information. Property/asset managers can then use ARGUS to produce detailed income and expense projections.

The Interface retails for $990 (single-user) and $1,490 (multi-user). The software runs on IBM and IBM-compatible hardware.

ARGUS Financial Software develops lease by lease and discounted cash flow analysis software for valuations, budgeting, asset management and underwriting of office, retail, industrial, hotel, apartment and residential properties and portfolios. The company is located in Houston, Texas.

Founded in 1971, Timberline (NASDAQ:TMBS) is a leading international supplier of software for the construction, property management and architecture/engineering industries. Its microcomputer lines include the Precision Collection (estimating software) and the Medallion Collection (accounting and management software). The company has more than 15,000 installations worldwide.

Timberline Software Corp.

P.O. Box 728, Beaverton, Oregon 97075

(503) 644-8155


RangeLAN Wireless Network Cards
Chicago, Il. COMDEX, April 6, 1992 - Proxim Inc., a leading supplier of wireless networking products, today announced RangeLAN/LT, a local area network (LAN) adapter card designed for Compaq Computer Corporation's COMPAQ LTE Lite and LTE 386S/20 series of notebook computers. Compaq and Proxim have worked together to bring the industry's first wireless LAN capability to the notebook computer market.

RangeLAN/LT is a network adapter card about the size of a credit card that users integrate into the fax/modem slot of their COMPAQ LTE portable computers.

RangeLAN/LT will operate with Novell NetWare 2.X, 3.11. Lite, Artisoft's LANtastic, and the NDIS driver standard, which supports LAN Manager, Banyan Vines and most implementations of TCP/IP.

"This product represents a significant innovation and marks the beginning of a new generation of integrated portable communications capabilities," said Cynthia Schrock, director of portable product marketing, PC Division at Compaq Computer Corp. "Compaq's work with Proxim reflects our commitment to work with technical innovators in bringing the best technical solutions to the market."

"Today people use wires because they have to, not because they want to," said Raymond Chin, Chairman of Proxim. "The availability of a wireless capability on the COMPAQ LTE 386S/20 and LTE Lite notebook computers will give users new flexibility and freedom. This capability will give rise to new applications such as automatic backup to protect important corporate information or give users immediate network access as they move to different locations," said Chin.

The new product represents the second member of Proxim's RangeLAN family of wireless LAN adapters for both desktop and portable PC users. RangeLAN/ISA, an ISA interface card that fits into a full-length PC slot, was announced in February of this year. All products in the RangeLAN family are based upon the same architecture and protocols, allowing complete interoperability across the entire product line.

The new RangeLAN/LT adapter card uses spread spectrum radio frequency technology that, unlike conventional radio frequencies, does not require Federal Communication Commission (FCC) licensing.

RangeLAN features a range of up to 800 feet and high interference immunity made possible by Proxim's spread spectrum technology. RangeLAN operates at a data rate of 242 Kbps and provides users with three full channels that effectively triple the available bandwidth, enabling users to have three independent wireless LANs in the same physical space. By using the spread spectrum technology, RangeLAN also features a highly reliable signal reception that provides a consistent data rate over the entire range.

"COMPAQ LTE users in the office who move around during the day, and traveling professionals who do in-office file transfers before and after trips can benefit tremendously from a wireless LAN solution such as RangeLAN/LT," said Paul Smith, vice president of marketing at Proxim, Inc.

Proxim's sophisticated wireless network protocols used in all RangeLAN products, support both server-based and peer-to-peer networking. In a client server environment, where portable to desktop communications or portable to server communications is required, the COMPAQ LTE user with RangeLAN/LT can communicate with any desktop or server that has Proxim's RangeLAN/ISA full-size adapter card. This enables existing LANs to extend into the world of portable networking and communications.

In a peer-to-peer networking environment, stand-alone wireless networks can be established instantly among portable users and between portable users and desktop users.

The RangeLAN family of wireless LAN adapters are designed for desktop and portable applications in situations where wiring of LANs is difficult or impractical, such as older buildings and factory floors, work groups which move frequently, new LAN nodes which will ultimately be wired but need to be connected immediately and in situations where high labor and material costs make cable installation prohibitively expensive.

RangeLAN/LT will be sold by Proxim through national distributors and value added resellers. Priced at $595 per unit, production quantities of RangeLAN will be available through distributors in May.

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MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., February 3, 1992 -- Proxim Inc., a leading supplier of wireless networking products, today announced RangeLAN, the first family of wireless LAN adapters for both desktop and portable PC users. All products in the RangeLAN family are based upon the same architecture and protocols, allowing complete interoperability across the entire product line.

The first product offering available in the RangeLAN family, called RangeLAN/ISA, is a full-size ISA interface card that fits into a full-length slot and includes a small antenna that extends from the backplane of the PC. RangeLAN/ISA provides driver support for NetWare 2X, NetBIOS and Artisoft's LANtastic networks.

The new LAN adapter card uses spread spectrum radio frequency technology that, unlike conventional radio frequencies, does not require Federal Communication Commission (FCC) licensing.

"RangeLAN is a cost-effective extension to existing LANs," said Paul Smith, vice president of marketing for Proxim. "It's a complement to existing LANs, extending them without the need for cabling - a distance of almost three football fields. It's analogous to portable phones which complement the conventional wired telephone network."

"RangeLAN addresses the needs of frequently changing office environments while simultaneously serving the needs of portable users," said Smith.

RangeLAN is designed for desktop applications in situations where wiring of LANs is difficult or impractical, such as older buildings and factory floors, work groups which move frequently, new LAN nodes which will ultimately be wired but need to be connected immediately and in situations where high labor and material costs make cable installation prohibitively expensive. In addition, portable computer users in the office who move around during the day, and traveling professionals who do in-office file transfers before and after trips can also benefit from a wireless LAN solution such as RangeLAN.

The market for wireless LANs has been growing significantly since 1990, when worldwide sales were $3 million. The Yankee Group, a Boston-based research firm, forecasts the worldwide market for wireless LANs to be $300 million by 1993.

RangeLAN features a range of up to 800 feet and high interference immunity made possible by Proxim's patented spread spectrum technology. RangeLAN operates at a data rate of 242 Kbps and provides users with three full channels that effectively triple the available bandwidth, enabling users to have three independent wireless LANs in the same physical space. By using the spread spectrum technology, RangeLAN also features a highly reliable signal reception that provides a consistent data rate over the entire range.

"Because RangeLAN is designed to extend the LAN to both desktop and portable systems, users can take advantage of a single wireless protocol for all systems within their enterprise," said Smith. "We have leveraged our experience in developing leading-edge spread spectrum products for OEMs and have advanced the technology for the end user," said Smith.

RangeLAN will be sold through national and international distributors and national retail outlets. Priced at $495 per unit, production quantities of RangeLAN will be available through distributors in March. RangeLAN for portable systems will be announced in Q2 1992.

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Proxim Inc., headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., is the leading supplier of spread spectrum communications products for OEMs and end users. The company's family of wireless networking products allows Proxim customers to achieve efficient, flexible connectivity while eliminating the expense and difficulty of installing hardwired networks.

Proxim, Inc., 295 N. Bernardo Ave, Mountain View, CA 94043

415-960-1630    Fax: 415-964-5181


Comics! for Windows (Database)
May 1, 1992 -- Comics! For Windows, a database system specifically designed for comic book collectors, is now available. It takes advantage of the Windows environment and relational database technology, making for ease of data entry, but still providing sophisticated features and reports. Following this introduction are two data sheets concerning the features of the system.

Comics! is available from NewLine Enterprises, 1373 Cave Springs Estates Dr, St. Peters, MO 63376. Credit card orders or inquiries can be made at 314-928-4380 from 3:00 to 6:00 PM Central Time, Monday through Saturday, or FAXed to the same number outside of those hours. The price is $34.95 until June 1, 1992 and $39.95 after that date, which includes first class USPS shipping. There is a 14-day no questions asked return policy.

A restricted version was uploaded to the America Online software libraries, that is fully functional but limited to 25 comic books on the database. The retail version also includes a graphing module and over 1800 pre-loaded titles, as well as online help and complete documentation, which are not included in the demonstration version.

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Comics! is the new comic book collection management system. Designed for ease of use while providing in-depth reporting flexibility, Comics! takes advantage of the Windows environment to provide familiar windowing and keystrokes in the data entry process. Extensive use of pre-loaded lists provide for point and click entries in many fields. Comic information can be entered quickly and easily!

Graphing options let you see at a glance the relative value, cost, or number of comics in your collection from different publishers, sources, or in different grades. Print graphs with a click of the mouse.

Less repetitive data entry. Once a title, artist, publisher, etc., is entered, it takes only a few keystrokes or a click of the mouse to use that entry again!

Add as many creators (artists, authors, etc.) and characters as you like for any comic! Add new artists and characters at any time. Flexible creator types mean you decide what information you want to keep and how!

Use any grading scheme, or none at all. Flexible grading allows for precise valuation of the comic collection.

Use nearly any font and size to print reports. You can control the size of headings, totals, and the report body. Works with Windows True Type fonts for versatility in report printing.

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Detailed feature list:

* Three dimensional bar graphs and pie charts show you visually the condition, sources, or publishers of your collection. Print the graph with a click of the mouse.

* Set up your own grading scheme, or use the pre-loaded default.

* Store as many creators (artists, writers, even editors) as you like with each comic.

* Enter guide values for ranges of comics and update the comics values automatically.

* Add a run of comics with one operation.

* Complete on-line help.

* Automatic calculation of discounts, tax, and current value.

* Store as many as three notes with each comic. Each can be as many as 255 characters long.

* The icon screen lets you change the icon for each component of the Comics! system. Not only does this change the icon displayed on Windows groups. but also changes the icon when the program is minimized.

* Reports can be called from the main window, or printed separately to save time.

* Twenty different reports currently available.

* You choose the fonts and styles for the reports you print. Any font and size which is available to Windows can be used.

* Over 1800 titles, 200 publishers names, and 50 creators names pre-loaded, so you can use them with a click of the mouse (or three or four keystrokes).

* Enter a title, publisher, etc., once, and it is always available with a mouse click or a few keystrokes.

* Do you want to keep track of every character who appears in a comic? You can do it with Comics!, which has no limit on the number of characters for each comic.

* Windows 3.1 and TrueType Fonts compatible.


Clientele Support Automation
COMDEX/Spring, Chicago -- April 6, 1992 -- AnswerSet Corporation announced several enhancements to Version 2 of Clientele, the company's top-selling support automation system designed specifically for managing customer support departments and internal help desks. This enhanced version includes a variety of new reports, the assignment of default values to fields, copying of custom field information, and the archival or deletion of volume events including calls, shipments and feedback. Additionally, the audit function for calls is improved.

In addition to tracking call data, Clientele includes a powerful, integrated AnswerBook. This function captures call data and assigns it any number of keywords, making critical information instantly available to all support representatives. Customers are guaranteed quick, consistent, and accurate responses. Support managers are guaranteed improved performance of their departments.

Clientele is a multi-user application that runs on networked IBM-compatible personal computers. It uses the latest database technology to maintain and track basic customer information, call records, computer configurations, service agreements and follow-ups. Using this software, support personnel create a central database of common customer data that can be shared with other departments, such as sales and marketing.

Clientele's installed base includes companies that provide a high level of support to customers and employees. The product is used with equal success in Fortune 500 firms and young, emerging companies. Major customers include Digital Equipment Corporation, EDS (a division of General Motors), cc:Mail (a division of Lotus); ExperVision; Interlinq; MECA Software; and Walt Disney Imagineering.

Clientele captures customer feedback

ExperVision, a leading developer of optical character recognition software, uses Clientele to manage technical questions and customer feedback. Bob Gibson, Manager of Technical Support, states: "Most of the support products we evaluated had cluttered user interfaces. However, Clientele has a very clean user interface. This allows our support representatives to get into and out of the database very efficiently. They spend less time handling the data entry and more time handling additional customers.

Customer opinion is very important to us. Using Clientele, our support staff captures technical questions and critical feedback from our customers. This feedback communicates to development, marketing, and sales actual customer commentary and gives us the input required for further strategic direction of our company. Without Clientele, we could not respond as quickly to the competitive marketplace we serve."

Powerful reporting capability

Interlinq Software, a developer of mortgage banking software, uses Clientele to support its national customer base. Sue Ellingson, Vice President of Major Accounts, states "I decided to buy Clientele primarily because of its statistical reporting. Using customized fields and the built-in report writer, I can easily generate statistics on reported problems with different versions of our software. In addition, Clientele was painless for our 20 support people to learn."

Built-in flexibility and ease of use

Managers can customize Clientele's input screens and field names to meet their department's specific needs. The product includes many modifiable standard reports and a sophisticated, easy-to-use report writer for generating custom reports.

Clientele's unique design provides intuitive access to any screen with minimal keystrokes. Pull-down menus and context-sensitive help make the program easy to learn and use.

Availability and support

Clientele's pricing ranges from $5,995 for a five-user system to $16,995 for 25 users. This pricing includes maintenance for the first year. The maintenance plan guarantees receipt of future product enhancements and priority telephone support. Training and consulting services are also available.

Company Background

AnswerSet is a leading developer and marketer of high-performance, LAN-based departmental support automation systems. The company's management has extensive experience in software support, development, marketing and sales. AnswerSet is located in Cupertino, California, and sells its products in North America through an experienced staff of inside sales representatives.

AnswerSet Corp

21771 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA 95014

408-996-8683     Fax 408-996-1852


Impulse! Prof. V2.6 Contact Mgmt
Canton, MA, May 1, 1992 -- International Solutions, Inc. announced the latest release of Impulse! Professional V2.6, a powerful contact management software package. The product is used by the sales & marketing professional to track information that is vital to their business. This information includes client profiles, comments, activity logbooks, schedules and expenses. Impulse! is used in all phases of lead generation, marketing, customer support and information management.

A number of new features have been added to the latest release and previous features have been significantly enhanced. As a result Impulse! Professional V2.6 is easier to use and more powerful than ever before. One of the biggest enhancements that has been made to the program is the pull down menu system. This new user interface makes it easier for first time users to learn about the program, its many features and the keystrokes necessary to access them.

Experienced users will like the fact that most of the day-to-day feature have 'hot-key' options which allow information to be accessed through a single key-stroke. As a result, this design will enable these users to rapidly use these features without being limited or slowed down by traditional pull-down menu overhead.

Another feature that has been enhanced is the logbook-scheduler option which tracks communications with a client by showing the date, purpose and results of a call, letter or meeting. This feature is used for maintaining reliable and consistent communications with the client through historical information and follow-up reminders.

The memory resident/swap out option is one of the most exciting features available in the package. It provides the user with the ability to swap between other software applications and Impulse! with the touch of a key. This feature enables the user to access client information without having to first exit a word processor, spreadsheet or accounting package and then load Impulse!. While in memory resident mode, the program now takes up only 15-20 K of RAM (it used to require 20-30K).

Another feature that has been enhanced is the statistics option which helps management better understand the demographics of their contact database. This demographic/statistical feature totals the number of records which meet a set criteria. For instance, the user may want a breakdown of the number of contacts per city and state. Impulse! will tally up all the records and then print a summary showing how many people are in each city and state.

To help the user maintain information vital to his organization, Impulse! is highly customizeable through its 1000 user-definable fields. For instance, a real estate agent would want to keep track of the selling price of a property, the number of bedrooms, baths, etc. While an insurance agent would want to track policy number, coverage and expiration date.

Another powerful feature of the program allows the user to target a specific subgroup of contacts for telemarketing, direct mail programs or reminders. Impulse! also allows the user to create, customize and design their own labels, reports and letters. The program comes with over 30 predesigned formats which can be used as-is or edited to the user's needs. The user can use the letter generator to create a 'custom' looking letter and envelope to send to the client.

Impulse! is also equipped with a built-in word processor and spell checker, pop-up calculator, multiple client databases, expense organizer, country calling codes, statistics, time zones, currency chart and a telephone dialer. There is even a conversion utility for those users who want to convert their current information to Impulse! from ASCII or dBASE formats. These options and many others make Impulse! the "information manager."

The Impulse! Professional is available through local computer resellers or directly from International Solutions, Inc. and is competitively priced at $295 for the network ready package which allows up to one user. Each additional user is $99. Inventory, sales entry, survey research and help desk add-ons are available. The system operates under MS-DOS version 3.3 or higher, requires a minimum of 640k and a hard disk drive. For more information call (617) 575-0290. Or write to International Solutions, Inc. at 52 Tolman St., Canton, MA 02021.


Science Adventure by Isaac Asimov
LA CRESCENTA, CA, May 4, 1992 -- Knowledge Adventure, Inc., today began shipping Science Adventure, authored by the late dean of science writers, Isaac Asimov. The product combines Mr. Asimov's text with stunning, photographic-quality images and digitized sound in a unique format that can be used on the average home or school PC.

Science Adventure, which is designed for IBM and compatible personal computers, will carry a suggested retail price of $79.95. The product will be available to consumers through major computer software dealers, mass merchants and a variety of direct marketing and software catalog companies.

"We were extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to join forces with Isaac Asimov last year to create Science Adventure," said Bill Gross, president and CEO of Knowledge Adventure, Inc. "By combining his words and our software technology, students will now have access to his thoughtful insights and visionary ideas in ways never before possible. We think Science Adventure is a fitting tribute to his lifelong efforts to further interest in and understanding of science."

Science Adventure, like all of Knowledge Adventure's Interactive Books, are designed to bridge the gap between traditional reference products, with their dry presentation of facts; and games, with their minimal educational content. Designed for children ages 7 and older -- as well as adults -- the product provides a powerful, interactive vehicle for customers to chart their own course of exploration through the history of science.

Science Adventure combines a unique and highly sophisticated compression technology with its own, customized "hyperlink" system that provides the user of an average PC with quick, random access to a quantity of information that was previously not possible without very large hard drives or a CD-ROM. The product contains a database of hundreds of high-resolution, photographic-quality 256-color VGA images and associated text and sound files covering significant events in the history of the science. Access to the information is provided by the Science Adventure "engine," which allows the user to explore any aspect of a given slide -- such as an element in a picture, or a word in the text -- simply by clicking on it. In addition, the geographic location of the image is indicated on a globe, and the time that the event took place is indicated on a time line. Both the globe and the time line provide additional ways to access information; the user can simply rotate the globe and zoom in on a particular spot of interest or drag the time line marker to any year, and Science Adventure will display information on the nearest event. Mr. Asimov covers mathematics, physics, chemistry, technology, ecology and life sciences in the product.

"What educators particularly appreciate about our Interactive Books is their ability to let students chart their own course of discovery through material that might otherwise pass them by," said Steve Chadima, Vice President, Marketing. "We hear every day from teachers and parents about situations in which kids are engrossed for hours exploring new topics that they had previously ignored."

"We are pleased with the broad acceptance of Knowledge Adventure's growing library of products among consumers and educators," said William Lohse, President of Software Venture Partners and lead investor in Knowledge Adventure, Inc. "We look forward to working with other companies and independent developers to expand the offerings available to students and parents."

Science Adventure runs on IBM, Tandy and compatible PCs. A hard disk and a VGA color monitor are required. A mouse is recommended. Popular sound devices, such as SoundBlaster, Thunderboard, Covox Speech Thing, and the Disney Sound Source, are supported, though Science Adventure's sounds will play through the PC's speaker as well.

Knowledge Adventure, Inc., headquartered in La Crescenta, California, develops and markets multimedia educational software products.

Knowledge Adventure, 4502 Dyer St, La Crescenta, CA 91214

818-542-4200


Mutanoid Math Challenge
Los Angeles, CA, November 15, 1991 - Dr. Ariella Lehrer, President of Legacy Software, today announced the publication of the Mutanoid Math Challenge, an educational software program for ages 7 - 14.

Children create intersecting equations on a Scrabble-like gameboard while playing against alien opponents. They practice math facts at three levels of difficulty (+, -, x, . ) and solve challenging word problems. Not a "fill in the blank" approach to math education, children generate many different solutions to problems. While constructing correct equations, they learn to manipulate numbers and operands, reason deductively, and practice mental estimation skills.

"Our software challenges kids to think about number relationships in new and flexible ways," says Dr. Lehrer, a cognitive psychologist. "All of Legacy's products reflect our commitment to 'active learning' by providing children the tools to construct their own understanding of important concepts."

The software introduces some of the wackiest characters yet to hit the software scene. Part alien-part appliance, the fifteen Mutanoids are out for revenge. The Earth has dumped old vacuum cleaners, washing machines, and more in their galaxy. The hermit crab-like creatures squeeze their shapeless bodies into the old junk But nothing works anymore. Even the warranties have expired!

The Mutanoids challenge Earth to a math contest. Win promotions, trophies, tournaments and save the Earth! Or lose and get glopped. The Mutanoids wisecrack their way through the games. As Barbie Q., the part barbecue and hair dryer alien says, "When a victory in the Challenge is at 'steak,' my math is 'well done'." The gameboard and math equations are different every time the game is played.

Other features include. arcade action, more than 60 animations, dropping glop, wise cracking aliens, 3 levels of difficulty that are customizable, an unforgettable tournament award ceremony, five ranks (your character changes in appearance with each rank), hints, helpful game playing comments from Monitron droids, and more.

Mutanoid Math Challenge shipped October 9, 1991 for IBM, Tandy, and compatibles. The program supports CGA, 16 color EGA, and VGA monitors. The suggested retail price is $49.95. Both 5.25 and 3.5 inch disks are included in the package. The school and lab pack versions cost $69.95 and $149.95, respectively. A Macintosh version will ship in July, 1992.

Legacy Software, an educational software publisher located in Los Angeles, was founded in 1986. Legacy developed the Apple II version of Children's Writing and Publishing Center (published by The Learning Company) and the Apple II and IBM versions of Mickey's Crossword Puzzle Maker (published by Walt Disney).

Legacy Software

9338 Reseda Blvd, 2nd Floor, Northridge, CA 91324

818-885-5773


1992 After Dark Contest Results
BERKELEY, Calif., April 20, 1992 -- Berkeley Systems has announced the official results of the 1992 After Dark Display Contest. A blue ribbon panel of judges awarded a $10,000 Grand Prize, along with first, second and third prizes in the Macintosh Programmer, Windows Programmer and Computer Artist categories. Entries were judged on originality, functionality and appearance. Programmers and artists submitted over 150 entries for the contest.

And The Winners Are ...

The $10,000 Grand Prize winner is Ed Hall of San Jose, CA for his After Dark display "DOS Shell," which simulates a DOS screen on a Macintosh, complete with sights and sounds of booting up ... even a C prompt! It then types and executes actual DOS commands that access and display the hard disk's file and folder names. As author Hall said, "It's a Macintosh user's worst nightmare come true!"

In the Windows Programmer Category, Jeff Falkner of Los Angeles took first prize honors with "Logrus," a module that maps chaos through a dynamically intricate display of line and color patterns. Second prize went to Wes Cherry of Bellevue, WA for "Guts," which spins desktop icons, 'splorches' and other geometric shapes around a common magnetic center, leaving colorful overlapping trails in their path. Third prize was awarded to John Hunt of Austin, TX tor his display "Papillon" which sends beautiful butterflies fluttering across the screen.

The Macintosh Programmer Category was topped by complex displays, including First place winner "The Artist" from Jeff Kowalski and Bob Covey of Alameda, CA. "The Artist" displays a PICT graphic, analyzes it, and redraws it using simulated painting tools such as 'fine brush,' 'felt pen,' and 'charcoal.' Second place was captured by Jean Tantra of Berkeley, CA for his display "Patchwork," which creates spectacular patchwork patterns. Third prize went to "Renoir," from Wade Riddick of Austin, TX. "Renoir" allows a user to create a wide variety of graphical displays using Riddick's own mathematical interface.

The Computer Artist category, new this year, brought in a multitude of imaginative entries. First prize went to an Autodesk Animator for Windows loop called "Berk," by Frank Huyett and Mario Margherio of St. Louis, MO. "Berk" is a character created when a Windows desktop gradually wraps and contorts to become the shape of a human head. "Berk" then asks "are you out there?" Second place went to "CirQoQuirko," a surrealistic circus scene from Steve Lyons of Fairfax, CA. Lyons used Macromind Director to bring his art to life. Third place honors went to Randy Bowman and Ellen von Reiser of Jefferson City, TN for their Macromind Director loop entitled "Revenge of the Penguins," featuring penguins frolicing on Antarctic ice floes, with one curious penguin approaching the screen to knock on the glass.

More Prizes

Along with Flying Toaster Trophies, winners will receive prizes including three $2,500 shopping sprees from MacConnection and PC Connection, an NEC 5FG 17" monitor, an ATI Graphics ULTRA Windows Accelerator Card, an Infinity 88 Turbo Removable Cartridge Drive from PLI, a Prometheus Pro Modem Ultima 14,400 bps modem, a Hewlett-Packard DeskWriter C or DeskJet 500 C color printer, and the Porta CD-ROM drive and two CDs from CD Technology.

Screen Saving

The screen saving displays in After Dark extend the life of monitors. When machines are left on but unattended, images can "burn in" to the screen, causing permanent damage. After Dark prevents bum-in by automatically displaying entertaining or useful screen art.

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 II, 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


netOctopus 1.1 Upgrade
An upcoming upgrade of netOctopus, network management software for the Macintosh was announced April 30, 1992 by MacVONK-USA. The upgrade is free of charge to all registered users and is expected to ship before the end of May.

NetOctopus 1.1 is the most powerful network management application for the Macintosh. It provides an extensive array of functions for the internal end-user support (Help Desk), Software Licensing/Auditing and Inventory departments.

The following sheet outlines most of the feature additions for netOctopus 1.1. The most important areas are:

* Apple Installer Scripts - NetOctopus now supports virtually all installer scripts. This means that you can install or update complex applications and System software across the network. Some of the scripts include QuickMail, System 7 Tune Up, AppleShare 3.0, AppleTalk Remote Access, etc.

* Software Audit Report - Simply specify how many copies you legitimately own of each application, driver, desk accessory, etc. and netOctopus checks it against what is actually installed on the network.

* Apple Events - A large quantity of standard and custom Apple Events have been implemented. This means that you may use scripting tools such as Frontier to write customized and routine operations. For instance, perform an automated weekly network audit or detect users as they dial into a network, etc.

* AppleTalk Remote Access - AppleTalk Remote Access is built-in. Service providers, consultants and others can now remotely administer a network by opening an ARA connection file from within netOctopus.

* Delays and Queues - The new version of netOctopus allows administrators to perform multiple tasks unattended. When commands are scheduled in the future, they are automatically entered into the command queue. This means that administrators may schedule a System 7 Tune Up starting at 8:00 p.m. and automatically Shut Down users' Macintoshes a few hours later.

The list of additions is quite extensive. If you would like to receive additional information, please contact the company directly at:

MKVONK USA

313 Iona Ave, Narberth, PA 19072

(215) 660 0606 Facsimile (215) 668-4360

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

Software Additions for netOctopus 1.1

1. User Software (InfoReporter)

Asset Management - Ten fields that can contain up to 40+ characters each to retain information such as equipment serial numbers, phone extensions. cost center codes, etc.

Multiple Volume Support - NetOctopus now scans all mounted SCSI volumes.

User Privacy - Users may designate up to twenty 'private' folders. These folders are off-limits to the administrators.

2. Administrator Software (netOctopus)

Apple Installer Scrip - In addition to regular file installations, netOctopus can now read Installer Scripts to perform more complex updates or installations. Scripts include System 7 Tune-Up, QuickMail, AppleShare 3.0, Timbuktu, etc.

Software Audit Report - Verifies installed software against licensed quantities. Simply enter the number of licensed copies of each application and netOctopus will check it against what is actually present on the network.

Apple Events - Use scripting tools such as Frontier to write customized scripts. For instance, take inventory on a weekly basis, synchronize server clocks regularly, detect Macintoshes when they dial into a network, etc.

AppleTalk Remote Access - The Connect to Network command allows you to connect to any network using your modem. Open a connection file, enter your password and administer Macs remotely.

Delays - Schedule future events for unattended operation. For instance, install the Tune Up starting at 7:00 p.m., Shut workstations down at 1:00 a.m. and send a descriptive message to networked users at 10:00 a.m. the next day.

Serialization Scheme - No more serialized InfoReporters. The serialization is controlled from within netOctopus. All the security is still in place but the serial numbers are assigned by netOctopus rather than 'burnt' in to the InfoReporter.

File Info - Standard Get Info (Finder) dialog is displayed for networked files. This means that you can remotely define allocated application memory and review the file size, creation and modification dates, version numbers, etc.

Finder Restart/Shut Down - The user is asked if he/she wants to save changes before shutting down or restarting just like the Finder).

Parameter RAM - Specify almost all PRAM settings such as sound, mouse scaling, default boot volume, etc.

Chooser Name - Remotely define user's User/Owner and Macintosh names. Rename Files - Any file may be renamed remotely. AppleTalk Parameters - User definable time-out settings.

Additional Information Items - Active EtherNet Address, Network Connection Type, Disk Drive Type, Selected Printer Type, Selected Printer Name, Background Printing, File Sharing (System 7 only), Macintosh Name (System 7 only).

Delete Multiple Files - Multiple files may be deleted at the same time.


Graphics Clipper Promo 15% Discount
May 1992 -- Newly Released Dynamic Graphics Clipper Promo Offers 15% Discount

Dynamic Graphics, Inc., the world's leading clip art service, has just released a new 4-color, 9-fold brochure promoting Clipper Creative Art Service and its digital offspring, Electronic Clipper. As a special offer, Dynamic Graphics will deduct 15% for subscribing to both Clipper services, or Clipper and one of the company's other monthly art services such as Print Media Service (paper) or Designer's Club (disk).

Clipper is the clip art industry leader, providing high quality camera-ready/output-ready illustrations and designs commissioned from leading artists throughout America. Subscribers include ad agencies, design houses, art departments, institutions and individuals worldwide.

* Traditional Clipper, printed on large format pages, is also a complete art service offering support materials such as the 16-page Clip Bits which provides a sundry of creative ideas, showing sample layouts each month using art and copy. Subscribers also have access to a vast Dynamic Graphics library of over 5,000 Clipper illustrations for low-cost special orders.

* Electronic Clipper, formatted for either the Mac or PC, offers similar monthly creative supplements, such as the 12-page Options which is tailored to computer designers. It also includes image QUEST, a unique electronic interactive indexing system that greatly simplifies art storage and retrieval.

The brochure explains some of Dynamic Graphics' electronic art advantages such as layering, which effectively separates select EPS illustrations into several freestanding elements. Each layered illustration may be used as is, rearranged, or separated into individual, ready-to-use images.

Established in 1964, Dynamic Graphics also publishes the award-winning Step-By-Step GraphicsX magazine and Step-By-Step Electronic Design newsletter. DGEF, its educational foundation, conducts accredited workshops and seminars nationwide for communications professionals.

Dynamic Graphics, Inc.

6000 North Forest Park Drive, Peoria, IL 61614-3592

800/255-8800.


Aldus PhotoStyler 1.1a for Windows
Seattle, April 1, 1992--Aldus Corporation today announced shipment in the U.S. and Canada of Aldus PhotoStyler 1.1a, an update to its full-color image-processing program for Microsoft Windows. PhotoStyler enables users to scan, enhance, compose, retouch, and print 24-bit color, grayscale, and black-and-white images.

New capabilities in PhotoStyler 1.1a include support for raw-image data formats and for the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) standard for image-file compression and expansion. It also offers numerous interface and performance improvements, including optimized memory management and faster image handling, TIFF LZW compression and decompression, and clipboard operations.

"This update increases PhotoStyler's effectiveness in handling digital images of 20MB or more," said Rod Bauer, product marketing manager for PhotoStyler. "The program's optimizations, combined with those of Windows 3.1, make PhotoStyler faster, more flexible, and easier to use. Depending on the function, users will find version 1.1a to be 10% to 1000% faster than version 1.1."

JPEG support enables PhotoStyler users to compress files to a fraction of their normal size for efficient storage and data transmission. PhotoStyler is the first Windows image-processing application to support the JPEG standard.

Other enhancements speed up common tasks. For instance, users can now select more than one file to open simultaneously. They can also preview images as they're being opened, allowing them to quickly cancel the opening of an unwanted file. A number of new keyboard shortcuts expedite closing files and exiting the program.

Pricing and availability

Registered owners of Aldus PhotoStyler 1.1 will receive a free 1.1a update automatically from Aldus. Customers who obtained PhotoStyler 1.0 as part of a scanner purchase from Microtek or Nikon can update to 1.1a for $95 plus freight and tax by calling Aldus Customer Services at (206) 628-2320.

System configuration

The recommended system configuration for Aldus PhotoStyler 1.1a is a 386-based WS-compatible computer, Microsoft Windows 3.1, 4MB of RAM, an 80MB hard drive, a color monitor, a high-resolution graphics adapter card (a 24-bit color display system is recommended for professional-quality image enhancement), and a mouse.

The minimum system configuration is a 286-based WS-compatible computer, Microsoft Windows 3.0, 2MB of RAM, a hard drive, an Super VGA card, and a mouse or other pointing device.

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

206-622-5500


PowerPad Toolkit 4 Swr Package
PowerPad Toolkit 4 - New power for your PowerPad

Teachers and parents who use PowerPads around the country are excited about the Toolkit 4 software package from Dunamis. The program allows teachers to create learning activities for their PowerPads and integrate the computer into curriculum. Their ideas and needs can be quickly "transformed" into PowerPad activities with no programming ability required.

"Toolkit 4 has empowered teachers to create software that is designed to achieve the individualized educational objectives of each student," Dunamis President Ben Satterfield said.

Now, PowerPad teachers can integrate animation, music, singing, printed text, speech and graphics in their computer activities. PowerPad users can create exciting activities that meet their specific needs and actually rival commercial PowerPad programs. Graphics can be imported from a variety of sources as well as pulling from a growing commercially available library. Several communication symbols libraries in Toolkit formats are due out this summer.

"We believe this program places the computer at the teacher's disposal, as another teaching tool. The computer can now be an extension of the teacher's personality and creativity," Satterfield said.

Toolkit 4 software includes three "quick start" programs, Set The Table, Knock-Knock Jokes, and BearJam Body Parts, that are ready for the teacher to use. These exciting programs allow for the individuality and sense of humor of the student to be expressed and are also part of a growing library of software created by Toolkit 4 that is available separately.

PowerPad Toolkit 4.0 sells for $99.95 with upgrades from Toolkit version 2.2 being offered to end users directly for $30.00 plus shipping and handling. In June 1992, Dunamis will be offering a Developer's Package for retail sale that will allow teachers to create "self-booting" Toolkit 4 software for their students.

Dunamis, 3620 Highway 317, Suwanee, GA 30174

404-932-0485


Mitsubishi Diamond Scan 16 Monitor
CYPRESS, Calif., April 27, 1992 -- The Information Systems Division (ISD) of Mitsubishi Electronics America, Inc. today announced the new Diamond Scan 16 with more features, but a lower suggested retail price.

The new Diamond Scan 16 features a compact enclosure, on-screen color calibration and faster autoscanning mode changes.

The new monitor is designed to take full advantage of graphical user interfaces like Windows and the Macintosh operating system. The display is large enough to show documents full-size and have enough remaining screen space to show other application windows in the background.

The Diamond Scan 16 has a 0.28 mm dot pitch 16-inch (diagonal) CRT. The monitor's enclosure has a footprint that is similar in size to traditional 14-inch monitors, but offers 42 percent more display area.

The monitor features the Diamond Match Color Calibration System, which permits the custom control of on-screen colors to match hardcopy, Pantone colors, or other user-defined standards.

The Diamond Scan 16 has a wide autoscan range, with 30 to 64 kilohertz (kHz) horizontal and 50 to 130 Hz vertical frequency range. It runs all resolutions between 640 x 480 (Mac II and VGA) through 1280 x 1024 at 60 Hz non-interlaced, making it compatible with all PC, Apple Macintosh II and Quadra standards, and most third-party graphics board standards.

All controls are microprocessor-driven, icon-based buttons on the front panel. The monitor's low magnetic emission design complies with all North American and most international standards. The monitor comes with an integrated tilt/swivel base and includes a VGA-compatible signal cable.

Suggested retail price for the monitor is $1,299, down $200 from the previous version of the Diamond Scan 16. The monitor is available immediately. A variety of cable adapters are available for the Apple Macintosh II, LC and Quadra for under $10 each.

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, Calif. 90630. Telephone: (800) 843-2515


Copia Multi-Line FaxFacts
May 1, 1992 -- WHEATON, IL-- FaxFacts, the 24-hour interactive Fax-On-Demand system from Copia International, has been enhanced to provide all new outbound fax capabilities to the application programmer. Taking advantage of proven expertise, the FaxFacts software now can send fax images to a remote fax printer or to a broadcast list.

The FaxFacts fax engine can drive 1 - 6 fax boards per workstation with no limit to the number of workstations. This ability makes the system greatly expandable. Many Fax-On-Demand systems that drive more than one fax board require assembly or C programming to drive OS/2 or UNIX systems. Copia's FaxFacts system is LAN workstation-based under DOS and is easily driven by BASIC, dBASE, Clipper, Foxbase, COBOL or any programming environment that allows a simple ASCII file to be written. In addition, the FaxFacts system has a user interface that is easy for anyone to use. For the more experienced programmer, FaxFacts' open design allows for customization of the system.

"FaxFacts has taken a giant step into a new era with its multi-line fax engine capabilities" said Steve Hersee, Copia President. "Outbound correspondence that took hours or days to complete can now be set up to be sent and left to run itself. Dollar for dollar, capability for capability, the FaxFacts system is the frontrunner in Fax-On-Demand applications."

By supplying a simple Control File, FaxFacts can utilize variable templates, allow preprocess and postprocess conversion operations, delay send time, and issue a full report on all "fax send" attempts. Optional Control File commands can record the caller's ID, the caller's voice phone number as well as allow for the use of a non-standard fax header.

For more information about FaxFacts, via the FaxFacts Fax-On-Demand system, call 1-708-924-3030 and request document number 8892.


MailMiser Ver 1.35 Enhancements
Carol Stream, IL -- April 30, 1992 -- Kestrel Enterprises today announced MailMiser Ver. 1.35. The new release determines applicable rates and postage costs for reporting on First and Third Class Mailing Statements. Mailing qualification statements 2150 have been enhanced, providing more detailed information for submission with USPS Statements of Mailing.

The features were added, according to Kestrel, to simplify the paperwork process involved with mailings. They also help assure that small to medium sized mailers can properly prepare mailings, without the need for in-house experts.

A number of other enhancements to the MailMiser products are included in this release. Filters for selective mailings are expanded to include all mailing record fields and more operations for inclusion or exclusion of records. Printer support is expanded, focused on a number of printers that have POSTNET font support. The company also announced its recent USPS POSTNET Bar-code certification for MailMiser products.

Version 1.35 releases of MailMiser and MailMiser Plus are priced at $145 and $195 respectively. Upgrades for users of previous releases are available for $39 including software and a new manual. Shipments will commence in early May.

Kestrel Enterprises

PO Box 88663, Carol Stream, IL 60188-0663

(708) 293-1910


RecoveryPAC Data Collection Util
April 29, 1992 -- CSCI Releases RecoveryPAC Data Collection Utility

Computer Security Consultants, Inc. (CSCI) announces the release of the RecoveryPAC Data Collection Utility, a relational database software product for IBM PCs and compatibles. The RecoveryPAC Data Collection Utility allows users of the RecoveryPAC and RecoveryPAC II business recovery planning products to automate remote data collection for use in business recovery plans.

The RecoveryPAC Data Collection utility features hierarchical menus and professionally designed data entry screens. Since it is fully relational, system administrators can develop and distribute standard data for frequently referenced data items (e.g., facility names, personnel skills). This ensures consistency when many people are using the RecoveryPAC Data Collection utility to supply information to a central planning site. End-users enter only the data that is unique to their site. Data can be imported into the RecoveryPAC Data Collection utility as well as exported. The RecoveryPAC Data Collection utility includes a complete security system and context sensitive, hypertext on-line help.

Computer Security Consultants Inc,

590 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield, CT

203-431-8720


AST Debuts Premium Desktop Line
IRVINE, Calif., May 4, 1992 -- AST Research Inc. today launched the Power Premium upgradeable desktop computer line designed with advanced graphics technology that significantly accelerates system performance in Windows environments.

The EISA-based systems also feature AST's Cupid-32 upgrade design, AST FlashBIOS and the latest microprocessor technology to meet the increased demands of today's computing environments as well as tomorrow's computing needs. The series includes the Power Premium 4/50d, 4/33 and 3/33 configurations.

An advanced integrated Premium VGA subsystem built around the Western Digital WD9OC31 graphics chip with BitBLT (Bit Block Transfer) and Hardware Cursor provides the accelerated performance.

According to tests performed using PC Magazine Labs Windows Benchmark, Graphics WINMARK Version 2.50, AST's Power Premium 4/33, an i486-based, 33MHz system, performs four and one-half times faster than Dell, three and one-half times faster than Compaq and twice as fast as IBM and NEC systems with the same base configuration. WINMARK is the weighted geometric mean of twelve Windows graphics operations that are most frequently used by major Windows applications.

Test results, based on 33-MHz 486DX systems in 640 by 480 resolution with 256 colors, showed the following:

-- AST Power Premium at 6.678 million WINMARKS;

-- NEC PowerMate 486/33i (local bus)

        at 3.257 million WINMARKS;

-- IBM PS/2 Model 95 XP 486 8595-OKD (XGA)

        at 2.865 million WINMARKS;

-- Compaq Deskpro 486/33M at 1.830 million WINMARKS, and

-- Dell Powerline 433DE at 1.438 million WINMARKS.

"These benchmarks clearly show AST's Power Premium to be the fastest Windows machine on the market with integrated high-performance video," said Larry Fortmuller, director of high performance systems. "End users can see an immediate gain in productivity from this level of performance."

Locating video right on the system board yields a more reliable design as well as higher performance and lower cost to the end user.

"Some manufacturers charge extra for video of this quality, but with AST this is a standard feature on all our Power Premium products, " said Fortmuller. "Compaq, for example, charges an additional fee of almost $600 for its QVision controller video option."

For Windows or Graphical User Interface (GUI) users, the Premium VGA graphics subsystem also provides higher resolution, photo-realistic colors, faster refresh rates and ergonomic appeal.

And, to protect a user's investment as computing needs grow, AST has expanded its upgradeability features in the Power Premium design. Users can increase processor speed and system memory through AST's award-winning Cupid-32 upgradeable architecture; advance to EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture) peripherals while maintaining compatibility with current ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) peripherals through the EISA bus; and update the system's BIOS (Basic Input Output System) through AST FlashBIOS, a simplified, software-based BIOS upgrade.

The new AST systems are housed in a small-footprint chassis measuring 15.5 inches wide by 6.25 inches high by 16.5 inches deep to accommodate today's smaller desktop space. The Power Premium series is immediately available through the company's nationwide network of computer resellers. Suggested list prices begin at $2,595. AST's Premium II ISA-based desktop line also will continue to be offered through the reseller channel.

Premium VGA Graphics Enhancements

The integrated video circuitry housed on the Power Premium system board greatly enhances overall video performance and reliability. BitBLT (Bit Block Transfer), an on-chip hardware function, significantly accelerates graphics performance by copying linear or rectangular blocks of pixels between two regions of video memory without CPU intervention. This especially benefits Microsoft Windows users because all "windows" are essentially rectangles that frequently get opened or moved on the screen.

The Hardware Cursor enhances graphics performance and eliminates cursor flicker by offloading all cursor manipulation functions from the host CPU. The Power Premium's Hardware Cursor provides the 32 by 32 pixel pattern that Microsoft requires for Windows and can also function in the 64 by 64 pixel mode for UNIX.

The Power Premium series complies with the strictest ergonomic standards, including those set forth by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA). The systems feature higher resolution video modes and fast refresh rates (72Hz) to enhance display crispness and eliminate display flickering, significantly reducing eye strain.

The Power Premium can display more than 32,000 colors simultaneously for photographic quality graphics. Video modes supported include 1024 by 768 and 800 by 600 with 256 colors; 1280 by 1024 with 16 colors. The systems come equipped with 512KB of video RAM on the system board and can be upgraded to lMB of video memory for more flexibility and pleasing graphics.

Cupid-32 Upgrade Technology

AST's Cupid-32 upgrade design, built into all Power Premium models, separates the processor/memory bus and related components from the EISA I/O bus, providing a fast, complete "one-board" upgrade solution that optimizes performance of all vital system components. Other upgrade designs which include more connectors and components, such as Compaq's M series, potentially decrease the level of performance and reliability.

Cupid-32 provides one of the most comprehensive upgrade paths on the market, offering upgrades from 386SX or DX technology to 486DX2 with the simple insertion of an AST FASTboard. Some manufacturers begin upgrade offerings above the 386SX level, locking customers out at the low end.

EISA I/O Bus

AST's Power Premium PCs feature EISA 32-bit bus design that accelerates performance of I/O devices, such as network cards and disk controllers. The EISA design, which incorporates the Intel chip set, also maintains full compatibility with the ISA 16-bit standard. This allows continued use of ISA peripheral boards, such as modems, and support of newer EISA boards as performance needs grow.

EISA supports multiple bus master peripheral cards that can take independent control of the I/O bus when it is not in use by the main microprocessor, freeing the CPU to complete other tasks. The EISA specification also defines a high burst-mode data rate, and, when supported by EISA bus mastering boards, can operate at advanced speeds -- up to 33MB per second compared to 2MB per second on ISA systems.

AST FlashBIOS

AST FlashBIOS simplifies upgrading the Power Premium's BIOS when changes in system software occur. A user merely has to load new programming from a diskette to the existing chip rather than replacing it. The upgrade also can be downloaded from AST's Worldwide On-Line! Bulletin Board System for immediate updating.

To prevent unauthorized AST FlashBIOS reprogramming, the update diskette is protected by an embedded signature and verification procedure. This also provides an increased level of virus protection.

High-Performance Processing

The Power Premium 4/50d represents the best price/performance value in the AST Power Premium series. The system utilizes Intel's new 486DX2 technology. The chip processes information internally at 50MHz, twice as fast _ 25MHz external operation. This provides fast performance in processor-intensive applications, while maintaining compatibility with the CPU board's existing circuitry.

At the heart of the Power Premium 4/33 is an Intel 33-MHz, 486DX microprocessor. Advanced on-chip features include 8KB of cache memory, an integrated 80387-compatible numeric coprocessor and support for an optional Weitek 4167 math chip.

The Power Premium 3/33 combines 33-MHz, 386DX microprocessing with four-way, set-associative 386DX caching technology. The system features 16KB of cache memory and support for an Intel 387DX or Weitek 3167 coprocessor.

Standard Features

The Power Premium 4/50d, 4/33 and 3/33 all come standard with 4MB of RAM expandable to 80MB system total, with up to 16MB on the processor board. All systems include the Cupid-32 board populated by the-processor, first complement of memory and cache memory. AST's optional FASTboard upgrade kits allow users to upgrade from the 3/33 to the 4/33 or 4/50d.

The Power Premium's small-footprint ergonomic chassis has the power switch, reset button and chassis lock mounted on the front for easy access.

Support for three floppy-type devices, two serial, one parallel and one PS/2 compatible mouse port and an IDE hard drive interface are integrated on the Power Premium motherboard. This high level of integration saves valuable expansion slots.

The systems feature five drive bays and six expansion slots. One slot is used by the processor board; the remaining five are EISA/ISA compatible.

Disk caching software, diagnostics and complete system and software utilities documentation are included with each Power Premium.

Mass Storage Options, Models and Pricing

All base systems, called Model 3V, are equipped with a 3.5inch, 1.44-MB floppy drive. Model 83V includes an 80-MB IDE hard drive; Model 213V, a 210-MB IDE hard drive.

The Power Premium 4/50d, Model 3V sells for a suggested list price of $3,295; Model 83V, for $3,695; and Model 213V, for $4,095.

The Power Premium 4/33, Model 3V's suggested list is $2,995; Model 83V, is $3,395; and Model 213V is $3,795.

The Power Premium 3/33, Model 3V is priced at $2,595; Model 83V, at $2,995; and Model 213V, at $3,395.

Optional High Resolution Monitors

As a complement to the Power Premium graphics capabilities, AST is offering a new line of high resolution, high refresh rate SVGA color monitors to match the characteristics of the video subsystem. These monitors meet Swedish low-radiation standards and feature anti-glare, anti-static screens. The SVGA-LR option is available in 14 or 17-inch models, priced at $545 and $1,295, respectively. The 14-inch model is currently available. The 17-inch is scheduled for availability this summer.

Service and Support

All systems include a one-year parts and labor warranty. AST has 8,000 trained service technicians in more than 1,200 Authorized Service Centers nationwide. On-site maintenance is available anywhere within a 50-mile radius of more than 250 of the authorized AST on-site service locations.

Additionally, AST provides technical assistance through a toll-free hotline. AST On-Line!, the worldwide electronic bulletin board service, provides a 24-hour electronic reference library. Also, AST Info-FAX provides up-to-date technical information sent directly to fax machines through an automated 24-hour service.

Corporate Background

AST Research Inc. recently made the Fortune 500 list of the nation's largest industrial companies designated by Fortune magazine and is one of the first PC manufacturers to be named to the list since 1986. The company reported record sales of $688.5 million for the 1991 fiscal year ended June 28, 1991. This compares to sales of $533.8 million for fiscal year 1990.

AST is a leading market share holder of desktop, file server and notebook computers. Product lines include the Premium, Bravo, Advantage! and Premium Exec families.

The company is represented in more than 100 countries and operates 39 subsidiaries and sales offices worldwide. AST Research corporate headquarters is located at 16215 Alton Parkway, P.O. Box 19658, Irvine, Calif. 92713-9658. Telephone: (714) 727-4141 or (800) 876-4278. Fax: (714) 727-9355.


AdaptSNA LAN Gateway Testers Choice
LAGUNA HILLS, CA, April 27, 1992 -- The AdaptSNA LAN Gateway from Network Software Associates, Inc. (NSA) was awarded the Tester's Choice Award by the editors of Data Communications Magazine in their exhaustive March 21 st benchmark testing of nine competitive SNA LAN-to-host connectivity gateways.

"This award is a significant endorsement," said Data Communications Publisher Laurence Altman. "Our readers respect the Tester's Choice logo and use the award to help them decide which networking products to buy."

The AdaptSNA LAN Gateway is used on Ethernet, Arcnet and Token-Ring LANs running NetBIOS or NetWare IPX/SPX. It gives PC clients access to mainframe resources using the 3270, LU6.2/APPC, 3770/RJE and LU0 protocols. The gateway includes the NSA Network Manager which allows NetWare file services to be monitored and controlled remotely via IBM's NetView network management system.

In presenting the Tester's Choice Award, Data Communications editors stated that "NSA alone, among the vendors tested, supports NetView remote operators...The NetView operator can both shut down and reboot the gateway, as well as run diagnostic routines to debug network problems. Further, NSA's Network Manager makes it possible to monitor up to 100 NetWare file servers."

The editors also wrote that "SNA connectivity pioneer NSA...has consistently offered the most diverse and flexible line of SNA emulators."

"We are honored to receive this prestigious endorsement, said NSA Director of Product Marketing Russ Hertzberg. "We feel it validates what our customers have been saying about our powerful and flexible gateway solutions."

The testing was conducted at Virtual System's Interlab, which supplies product testing to the networking industry.

Founded in 1980, Network Software Associates develops, markets and supports a wide range of PC connectivity products for IBM networking environments. 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


Macintosh Blackjack Tutor
The Blackjack Tutor by InSite Systems

InSite Systems developed the Blackjack Tutor (BJT) to help all Blackjack players, from beginner to expert, improve their level of play.  The comprehensive learning, training, and practice facilities of the BJT, along with its powerful simulation capabilities, make it easy for you to sharpen your Blackjack skills before you place your next wager.

The Blackjack Tutor User's Guide and Tutorial  states: "In order to play Blackjack successfully, you must have a proper understanding of the game.  You must work within the limits of the game to maximize your advantage.  You already possess the most powerful tool for successful play; its between your ears.  The task at hand is to sharpen that tool."

Requires Apple Mac running System Software 6 or 7 with 2 MB of RAM.

The Blackjack Tutor product includes: The Blackjack Tutor User's Guide and Tutorial  which takes a scenario of an upcoming trip to Atlantic City and guides you through the features of the BJT.

Also includes:

- A 9-step lesson plan designed to help you on the journey from beginner to card-counting expert using the BJT.

- Generous graphics that illustrate the interface and functions of the BJT.

- The BJT software includes features, graphics, and animation that faithfully reproduce the casino Blackjack environment for both color and black-and-white monitors of any size.

- Graphics animation of card dealing and wagering for all seven players and the dealer.

- Animation speed controlled by the user; can be suppressed for high-speed simulations.

- Flexible game setup includes rules, shoe/deck, and player parameters.

- Supports the creation, modification, and hard-copy output of play, wager, and count strategy files.

- Learn and practice play, wager, and count strategies by automatically comparing your strategy decisions against those of the strategy files.

- Measure and compare the performance of different play, wager, and count strategies by running multi-million hand simulations.

- Extensive result reporting facilities maintain detailed statistics on player performance; result output directly to most spreadsheet programs.

- Card Count Practice Session software simplifies learning and practicing card-counting skills with a "flash-card" like interface.  Work to reduce your time through the shoe.

- Displays groups of 1 to 14 cards at a time automatically or by mouse-click from a shoe of 1 to 10 decks.

- Uses BJT count strategy files to keep the count of the shoe.

- Keeps a list of your top 10 times through the shoe.

The Blackjack Tutor retails for $99 either direct from InSite Systems or at the Computer Ark in Northfield, New Jersey (just outside Atlantic City).  You can contact InSite Systems at:

InSite Systems, PO Box 17791, Raleigh, NC 27619-7791

(919) 554 - 4736

AOL = DavisW


Sunselect PC-NFS 4.0
SUNSELECT INTRODUCES PC-NFS 4.0

First Networking Product to Support

MS-Windows 3.1 as well as MS-DOS 5.0

Enhanced Version of PC-NFS Programmer's Toolkit Released

BILLERICA, Mass. -- April 13, 1992 -- SunSelect(TM), a Sun Microsystems, Inc.  business, today introduced version 4.0 of its popular PC-NFS(R) software and a new enhanced version of the PC-NFS Programmer's Toolkit, the companion developer's product for writing client-server PC-NFS applications.

PC-NFS software integrates personal computers into open, UNIX(R) -based client-server environments, allowing personal computer users to access files and resources on all workstations and servers, minicomputers, mainframes or other systems that support ONC(TM)/NFS(R). Users operate within their familiar MS-DOS(R) and MS-Windows(R) environments, but have access to distributed network resources such as powerful fileservers, high-performance printers and worldwide electronic mail systems through the use of open standards such as TCP/IP and NFS. In effect, PC-NFS software lets personal computers become full participants in local- and wide-area networks, providing a platform for running distributed, client-server applications.

PC-NFS software was the first product on the market to integrate UNIX resources with the MS-DOS platform. Previous versions of the PC-NFS product are now installed in more than 700,000 personal computers worldwide.

What's New In Version 4.0

- Full MS-Windows 3.1 integration - Full support of MS-DOS 5.0 - 80% faster terminal emulation - 4/16 Mbps Token Ring driver support - Easier administration and enhanced integration with SunNet Manager and other network management hosts - Added ease-of-use features: network browsing, icons and on-line help - Improved PC print services and performance - MS-Windows console messaging for easy network-wide communication between MS-Windows, MS-DOS adn UNIX

The new version of PC-NFS software is the first to support MS-Windows 3.1 as well as MS-DOS 5.0. Using standard MS-Windows pull-down menus, PC-NFS 4.0 software users can connect to and browse remote and local network resources such as printers, servers and filesystems. Users can run multiple MS-Windows, MS-DOS and PC-NFS applications simultaneously. The new version also includes a built-in console messaging application that allows MS-Windows, MS-DOS and UNIX users and administrators to communicate quickly and easily across the network.

Through enhanced Network Driver Interface Specification (NDIS) support, the PC-NFS 4.0 product now provides 4-Mbps and switchable 4/16-Mbps Token Ring drivers for integration into Token Ring environments, and continues to support Ethernet networks as well. PC-NFS users can access more than one server operating system, such as Novell's NetWare(R) and Banyan VINES(TM), simultaneously. Installation of the NDIS facilities is now automated.

PC-NFS 4.0 software includes new ease-of-use features for both users and system administrators. Extensive on-line help is available for PC-NFS software under MS-Windows; PC-NFS utilities are available through MS-Windows icons; and installation of primary functions, upgrades and the NDIS drivers has been simplified. For system administrators, server-based upgrades are offered, and enhanced SNMP MIB-II provides improved integration with the SunNet(TM) Manager network management platform and other network management hosts. The new version of PC-NFS software also enhances the PC print server capability by offering a dedicated mode option in addition to the proven background mode. Performance and functionality is improved in both modes.

"We found the MS-Windows support very impressive, especially the new console messaging feature, which will allow our system managers to warn users of potential problems or service notifications," said Jean-Pascal Lange, systems administrator for Eurostat, the statistical bureau of the European Community (EC).

Additional PC-NFS Products

PC-NFS 4.0 software is the cornerstone of the PC-NFS product family. Three additional PC-NFS products are also marketed by SunSelect.

PC-NFS LifeLine(TM) Mail and Backup delivers fully-integrated electronic mail and enables users to backup files across heterogeneous networks.

PC-NFS Advanced Telnet extends the telnet terminal emulation capabilities of PC-NFS software, enabling PCs to take advantage of powerful environments by emulating a variety of popular mainframe and other host terminals.

PC-NFS Programmer's Toolkit provides development tools and industry-standard protocols to create client-server applications in which various parts of the applications are performed by different systems on the network.

PC-NFS Programmer's Toolkit 4.0

The new release of the PC-NFS Programmer's Toolkit, Version 4.0, is the first to enable developers to write TCP/IP network-based distributed MS-Windows applications in addition to MS-DOS applications. The enhanced product is also the first to join industry standard APIs (XTI and TIRPC) with TCP/IP on the MS-DOS 5.0/MS-Windows 3.1 platform.

To facilitate fast and easy programming, the Toolkit now supports the industry's most commonly used compiler products:  the Microsoft C 6.0 compiler and the Turbo C++ 2.0 and 3.0 compilers from Borland. The PC-NFS Programmer's Toolkit also provides all transport-independent and transport-specific RPC client calls (TIRPC); X/Open Transport Interface Routines (XTI); XDR, Sun's standard for data interchange between dissimilar machines; the NIS network naming service; and BSD sockets.

The Toolkit has been used to create a wide variety of software products, including X Window System applications, terminal emulators, and database, CAD/CAM and document control packages.  In fact, the Toolkit was used to develop PC-NFS Advanced Telnet and PC-NFS LifeLine Mail and Backup.

Availability and Pricing

Version 4.0 of SunSelect's PC-NFS software is currently available. The U.S. suggested list price is $345 for one user ($415 with documentation); a special upgrade price of $89 for one user is offered through July 1, 1992. Volume pricing and limited site licenses are available. Version 4.0 of the PC-NFS Programmer's Toolkit will be available May 27, 1992. The single-user U.S. suggested list price is $595; a site license is also offered. A special introductory site license toolkit upgrade will be available until August 1, 1992 at a price of $150. Both products are sold through local Sun Microsystems Computer Corp. (SMCC(TM)) sales offices, SunExpress(TM), and authorized SunSelect resellers and other distribution channels.

SunSelect was formed on April 13, 1992 as a business unit of Sun Microsystems, Inc. to develop and market products that integrate personal computing resources with open, client-server environments. Sun Microsystems, Inc., headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., is a leading worldwide supplier of network-based distributed computing solutions, including professional workstations, servers and UNIX operating system and productivity software.


USENET Serial Board II (4 ports)
South Coast Computing Services, Inc. is proud to announce the availability of the USENET Serial Board II, a four-port RS232 card for the IBM PC/AT bus.  This board was designed specifically for the budget-conscious 386/486 Unix user and provides maximum performance at minimum price.  It is offered assembled and tested with a one year warranty or in kit form for those who prefer to save a little money.

Designed from the ground up for use with Uwe Doering's FAS driver, the board offers compatibility with DOS COM ports, an extended I/O addressing range, access to high-order IRQ lines, NS16550AFN uart chips, and a status port.  It comes with complete documentation including data sheets, schematics, and machine-readable PAL equations. The ports use RJ45 jacks with an intelligently designed pinout.  Cables and adapter hoods are available from South Coast and other vendors.

Quantity 1 pricing is $235 assembled, $170 kit plus shipping and any sales tax.  Cables sold separately.  Available immediately. Please call or write for more information.

South Coast Computing Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 270249, Houston, TX 77277

713 661 3301      713 661 0633 FAX


Windows EPIC/Optical Fiche System
WINDOWS INTERFACE FOR EPIC/OPTICAL FICHE SYSTEM!

COST JUSTIFICATION FOR WANG INTEGRATED IMAGING SYSTEM

EPIC/OFS, Computron's popular VS and PC-Lan based Computer-Output Microfiche (COM) replacement software package, is now available with an interface for Microsoft Windows.

EPIC/OFS enables VS and PC LAN users to take on-line data, in report formats -- with no changes to their existing applications -- and write it in compressed format directly to optical disks, rather than to microfiche.  The data is automatically indexed according to the user's criteria, and is stored separately from the layouts of the standard "forms" on which they are usually printed.  This "Forms Overlay" capability allows greater data compression, and the forms and data can be automatically combined for viewing and printing on laser printers.

The usual driving force behind the installation of EPIC/OFS is its very favorable return-on-investment ratio when compared to microfiche. In pure costs, optical disk-based archival is 90% less expensive than microfiche due to less expensive media, small physical space requirements, and the elimination of processing costs and the manual labor overhead of searching and locating single exposures among thousands of aperture cards.

The EPIC/OFS Windows version also increased the number of users that can capitalize on the data.  Virtually any user with a PC on a network -- specifically those with limited computing skills -- can use the unintimidating and intuitive Windows-environments to query for previously inaccessible information, and incorporate it into their work.

The multitasking Windows environment allows the users to search, retrieve, and instantly display data on their desktop systems in one window -- and then directly incorporate it into applications running in other windows (i.e. word processing, spreadsheets, E-mail, or data base programs).  The data is cut-and-pasted using the Windows data exchange environments, adding convenience and driving the acceptance of on-line archives by non-traditional users.

COMPUTRON, 301 Route 17 North, Rutherford, NJ 07070

800-828-7660


SunPC - PC Swr on SUN Workstations
SUNSELECT UNVEILS SUNPC PRODUCT LINE

Lets Users Run MS-DOS, MS-Windows

and UNIX Applications on One System

BILLERICA, Mass. -- April 13, 1992 -- SunSelect(TM) a Sun Microsystems, Inc.  business, today introduced the SunPC(TM) product line, a new family of personal computer (PC) emulation products that let SPARC(R) workstation users run personal computer applications. The first products in the new family include SunPC software, a high-performance emulation product that allows workstation users to run thousands of MS-DOS(R) and MS-Windows(R) applications; the SunPC Accelerator SX card for higher MS-DOS and MS-Windows performance; and the SunPC Accelerator DX card for even greater performance for the most demanding floating-point and graphics-intensive applications.

The new SunPC products are the direct result of Sun's many years of experience in the personal computer emulation marketplace. Prior to the formation of SunSelect, Sun developed and marketed DOS Windows(TM), a software emulation product, and SunIPC(TM), a hardware-based emulation solution. The current SunPC line is a replacement for Sun's previous emulation products. SunSelect will continue to invest in the expansion and enhancement of the SunPC family in future years.

SunPC Software: MS-DOS, MS-Windows and Solaris on One Desktop

SunPC software brings MS-DOS and MS-Windows applications into Solaris(R) environments by emulating a complete personal computer, including VGA and SuperVGA graphics. Because SunPC software is integrated with the Solaris environment, SPARC workstation users can copy and paste text between PC and UNIX(R) windows, access network printers, files, and CD drives from the SunPC window, and share the UNIX filesystem. These features provide easy interoperation between personal computers and UNIX workstations. In effect, SunPC software puts PC functionality inside a desktop SPARC workstation. The software product provides the capabilities and power of a PC equipped with an Intel(R) 80286 processor, making it an excellent solution for workstation users who need occasional access to MS-DOS and MS-Windows applications.

SunSelect co-developed SunPC software with Insignia Solutions, Ltd., the leading PC emulation software vendor, based in High Wycombe, U.K.  SunPC is based on Insignia's SoftPC(R) 3.0 technology.

SunPC Accelerator SX: High-Performance Emulation at a Low Price

For customers who need higher-performance emulation capabilities, SunSelect provides a low-cost acceleration option with SunPC Accelerator SX, an SBus card with a 16-MHz Intel 486SX processor and a custom ASIC developed by SunSelect. With the SunPC Accelerator SX, users can achieve 386-or-better performance and take advantage of high-speed SuperVGA graphics. The product is intended for users who have recently begun using workstations as a replacement for PCs on the job, but who still need high-performance access to certain MS-DOS and MS-Windows applications.

SunPC Accelerator DX: The Best PC Application Performance

The SunPC Accelerator DX, also available for SunPC software, is an even more powerful 486 SBus-based accelerator available for SunPC software.  With a 25-MHz Intel 486DX processor, the SunPC Accelerator DX brings overall MS-DOS and MS-Windows application performance on SPARC workstations to a par with PCs equipped with 486 processors. The product delivers all the benefits of the SunPC Accelerator SX, but at a higher speed and with the added advantage of integrated high-speed floating point hardware support. The product is an attractive alternative for high-performance graphics and floating-point applications.

Availability and Pricing

All of the SunPC products are available beginning April 24, 1992. The suggested U.S. list prices are $695 for the SunPC software-only product, $1495 for the SunPC Accelerator SX card, and $1995 for the SunPC Accelerator DX card. Both card products include SunPC software.  Customers can upgrade from any previous version of SoftPC or DOS Windows software for $249.

Each of the SunPC products is available from SunSelect and authorized resellers. The product line is also distributed through local Sun Microsystems Computer Corp. (SMCC(TM)) sales offices and SunExpress(TM).

SunSelect was formed on April 13, 1992 to develop and market products that integrate personal computing resources into open, client-server environments. Sun Microsystems, Inc., headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., is a leading worldwide supplier of network-based distributed computing solutions, including professional workstations, servers and UNIX operating system and productivity software.


GNU C Compiler Support Packages
HUNDRED ACRE CONSULTING ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF GNU C COMPILER SUPPORT PACKAGES.

April 20, 1992.  Hundred Acre Consulting announces the availability of the GNU C compiler, provided in a ready to run, easy to install package, and including telephone and Email support.  The package includes the following items:

* The language dialects GNU CC, GNU C++ and GNU Objective C.

The GNU debugger, GDB, is also included.

* Two configurations - native and cross code generation.

* Complete ANSI C library, suitable for use in embedded systems, with hooks for supplying host OS functions.

* Complete source code.

* A printed copy of the documentation for GCC and GDB.  The package also includes the documentation in Postscript form, and in GNU Info form.  A selection of viewers for the online forms of the manuals is also provided.

The support agreement provides one year of Email and telephone support, including patches to fix bugs.  Also available is access to new releases of the package electronically via UUCP, or on magnetic media for a duplication fee.

The compiler package is available on a number of host platforms, and including native and cross compiler configurations.  Here is a list of the platforms currently supported:

            Hardware         Operating System

        =====================================

        386 PC/AT               MSDOS 3.3

        386 PC/AT               Interactive UNIX v2.2

        386 PC/AT               SCO Unix

        Sun 3                   SunOS 4.1

        Sun 4                   SunOs 4.1.1

Cross compiler configurations for the following processors are currently supported:

        All Motorola 680x0 processors, including 68340.

        Intel 386/486.

Packages for several additional targets are currently under development; call for details.

The GNU C support package is priced at $495 on all host platforms. Through May 15 1992, the package is being offered for an introductory price of $395.

Hundred Acre Consulting honors the terms of the GNU General Public License, Version 2.  Selling GNU software in the manner of traditional commercial software is the method we use to charge fees for our support services.  You are, of course, free to redistribute the contents of the media we provide, under the terms of the GNU General Public License.  A portion of all proceeds (5% of sale price) is donated to the Free Software Foundation.

Hundred Acre Consulting

1280 Terminal Way, Suite 26, Reno NV 89502-3243

702-329-9333


X Windows System Server Software
NCD PC-X DIVISION ANNOUNCES PC X SERVER FOR WINDOWS 3.1; SUPPORTS DECNET AND XREMOTE COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS

BEAVERTON, Oregon, April 20, 1992 -- Network Computing Devices' PC-X Division has announced X Window System server software that lets personal computers running Windows 3.1, the latest version of Microsoft's popular operating environment, mix multiple X and Windows 3.1 applications on the display screen.

PC-Xview for Windows version 3.1, which begins shipping June 15, will feature two to three times the performance of the company's earlier version, which ran only under Windows 3.0. It also will offer several new capabilities, including graphics cut-and-paste between X and Windows applications, "virtual" screen panning, and support for DECnet and high-speed remote serial connections.

Available immediately is an interim version of the product, PC-Xview for Windows version 3.01, which includes changes needed to operate in the Windows 3.1 environment but not the enhanced performance and features. Users buying this version will receive a free upgrade to version 3.1 in June.

Support for Both DECnet and XRemote Communications

The new version of PC-Xview adds two key communication protocols, DECnet and XRemote. The DECnet LAN protocol, supported concurrently with TCP/IP, gives PC-Xview users greater access to the VMS operating environment where X has gained considerable ground. XRemote, a data-compression algorithm developed by NCD for optimized X communication across serial lines at up to 10 times the speed of the widely-used SLIP, will enhance the productivity of users working off-site.

PC-Xview for Windows version 3.1 provides up to triple the performance of earlier products as measured by X11perf benchmarks. Improvements in both text and graphics performance boost user productivity in such applications as terminal emulations, Frame Technology's Framemaker, and Island Graphic's Paint.

Graphics Cut-and-Paste

PC-Xview for Windows version 3.1 allows cut-and-paste of graphics as well as text between X and Windows applications; all published mechanisms of the ICCCM standard for graphics cut-and-paste are supported. In addition, a "virtual screen" feature lets users pan across lower-resolution screens to view entire images even if they are larger than the physical display.

PC-Xview for Windows version 3.1 runs as an application on Microsoft Windows, allowing users to switch easily between the Windows and X environments. Users can run all X applications in a single window, using a host-based window manager such as Motif or OpenLook, or have each X client occupy its own window, locally managed by standard Microsoft Windows functions.

The PC-X Division staff worked closely with Microsoft in developing both the Windows 3.1 version of PC-Xview and a recently announced Windows NT version. Stephen Auditore, president of the market research firm X Business Group, recently noted that the firm's "close relationship with Microsoft. . . could provide a competitive edge in the hotly contested battle for market leadership in the PC X server market."

Pricing/Availability

PC-Xview for Windows version 3.1 and 3.01 are priced at $445 each (U.S.  list). Users of version 3.0 can upgrade free of charge to version 3.01 now, and to version 3.1 in June. The XRemote option is priced at $80 if purchased with PC-Xview, or $160 separately.

NCD's PC-X Division, founded as Graphic Software Systems in 1981, pioneered hardware and software for graphics applications in the DOS, OS/2, Windows and UNIX environments. It entered the X Window System market in 1987, developing the first PC X server software for personal computers, and has followed with versions for DOS and Microsoft Windows.  NCD acquired the division from Spectragraphics Corp. in April 1992.

Network Computing Devices, Inc., formed in February 1988, is the leading supplier of X terminals, which provide users simultaneous access to multi-vendor computers on a network via the industry-standard X Window System. NCD's broad family of color and monochrome X terminals offers workstation-style graphical multi-window interfaces for users in UNIX, VMS and ULTRIX operating system environments.


Handykey TWIDDLER Controller
Mt. Sinai, NY - April 27, 1992 - Handykey Corp announced today it is shipping the Twiddler, a mouse pointer plus easy-to-learn, full-function keyboard in a single unit. The 4-ounce Twiddler, about the size of an electric shaver, works with either left or right hand and is compatible with DOS and Windows.

"The Twiddler overcomes the tyranny of the desktop." declared Chris George, Handykey's founder. "It combines high performance, convenience, and reliability in a unit that fits comfortably in the palm of you hand."

Performance

The Twiddler's pointer has the mobility to get from any point on the screen to any other point in a single, swift movement of the hand. When familiar with the Twiddler, you have the control even to write on the screen in cursive script (a notoriously difficult task for point devices). For Desktop Publishing and CAD, it has the precision needed for single pixel adjustments.

Convenience

Reach out and take the Twiddler from the side of you monitor, where it parks out of the way against a Velcro patch. Lean back in your chair or even stand up while using the Twiddler. Point, click, and type in a position convenient for you.

Reliability

The Twiddler's pointer has no rolling ball or wheel, but is based on a sensor sealed inside the unit immune to the dust and dirt that can shorten the lives of ordinary mice and trackballs. The Twiddler has a 3 year warranty.

Easy Learning

According to Byte Magazine's Carol Swartz: "The people at Handykey promise that most of us can learn the alphabet on the Twiddler in about 3 minutes and will master the device in about 10 days. I was doubtful that I would be able to claim such victories. But sure enough, when I started to use the device, I quickly found myself remembering not only the alphabet, but also the preprogrammed macros."

Presentations, Desktop Publishing, and CAD

For presentations and trainings, the Twiddler is a natural. It allows a presenter to stand in front of a group, maintain eye-contact with the audience and keep full control of the computer in the palm of the hand. With desktop publishing and CAD, the Twiddler avoids entirely the tedious switching back and forth between keyboard and mouse.

Slate-PC's

When used with slate-PC's, the Twiddler provides greater portability then pen-based input -- and, the Twiddler brings the accuracy inherent in a keyboard. Although it is only a single-handed device, the Twiddler is faster and more convenient than handwriting (and much faster than printing block letters!). Further, it needs no touchscreen, special operating system, or complex handwriting recognition software. With the Twiddler, slate-PC's can really fulfill their promise as the next wave of personal computing!

General use

Although there are many special applications for the Twiddler, it is a sensible, general-purpose input device which all computer users can appreciate. "With the Twiddler, I can rock back in my chair and point and type for hours in a position comfortable for me," says Chris George. "When you think of the amount of time we all spend with our computers, those hours add up to a major advantage in using the Twiddler."

Supplied with both DOS and Windows 3.0 drivers, the Twiddler plugs into serial and keyboard ports of IBM compatibles and runs existing DOS or Windows applications without modification. A "Y" connector on the supplied, six-foot cable allows the Twiddler to operate concurrently with an existing keyboard.

The company sells the Twiddler direct to users and through selected resellers, priced at $199. Handykey's toll-free number for orders and information is 1-800-638-2352. Availability is now.

Handikey Corp

141 Mount Sinai Ave, Mount Sinai, NY 11766

516-474-4405


CursorPower for Windows
CursorPower

Can't find that darn Windows cursor?

You can with CursorPower's library of cursor designs.

Change the Windows Cursor, Hourglass, I-Bean, and Resize cursors.

   *  Unlimited designs

   *  Customize your own design

   *  Add new designs to the library

   *  Exchange your favorite designs with friends

   *  Designs adapt to colors on the screen

Requires Microsoft Windows 3.x; EGA, VGA or higher display; plus mouse. Regular retail price is $89.95 while a special introductory offer is $49.95

North Shore Systems Inc

PO Box 8687, Incline Village, NV 89452-8687

702-831-1108


Frederik Polh's GATEWAY
San Jose, CA - March 16, 1992 - Accolade today announced a June ship date for Legend Entertainment Company's newest computer game, Frederik Polh's Gateway, based on the popular series of science fiction novels from noted author Frederik Polh. Accolade distributes Legend Entertainment Company's computer products in the United States and Europe.

Suggested retail price is $59.95 and requires 640K RAM for VGA or SVGA, 512K RAM with EGA or CGA; hard disk is also required. Sound support includes Roland MT-32 with MPU-401 compatible interface, Sound Blaster, AdLib and Realsound.

Legend Entertainment Company has licensed Frederik Polh's Hugo and Nebula award-winning series to create another episode of the best-selling Heeche saga. Gateway combines 256 color VGA graphics, cinematic animated effects, a superb original musical score synchronized with the player's actions, and digitized sound effects to deliver a unique entertainment experience.

The year is 2102. The earth is dying, as overpopulation, pollution and exhausted natural resources threaten to choke off life on the planet. As world leaders despair, the discovery of a huge alien space station brings new hope. The space station was abandoned 500,000 years ago by an alien race called the Heechee. This legacy of the Heechee, now called Gateway, opens up unlimited opportunities for brave adventurers to explore the universe and return with untold riches.

Traveling in the footsteps of the Heechee you explore dangerous new worlds on missions as you try to activate the far-flung components of the defense system. Battle unimaginable predators refined by a million years of radiation-induced mutation on a tropical planet bound by a seething jungle. Tame a horrible beast with the help of a tiny water-borne race of dream-invading bacteria on the beautiful planet Dorma. Discover a missing Gateway prospector living as a recluse on a primitive desert planet, and enlist his unwilling help in re-assembling a critical Heechee device. Gateway will provide many more exciting adventures that will challenge and intrigue players for many hours.

Gateway will be available at local software retailers or can be purchased directly from Accolade by calling 1-800-245-7744.

Accolade

550 South Winchester Blvd, San Jose, CA 95128


Enhanced Defined Contribution Sys
May 13, 1992 -- Methuen, Massachusetts -- GENESYS Software Systems, Inc., the leader in providing organizations with complete human resource system solutions, today announced the availability of a new Defined Contribution System. The enhanced system, Defined Contribution Plus, is a complete, on-line record keeping and reporting system that will allow you to value your plan on your schedule; daily, monthly or quarterly. Some of the unique system features include fully automated enrollment processing, complete communications capabilities including letters, benefits statements, voice response, touch screen capabilities, and imaging support. Other features include full QDRO processing, loan processing, withdrawals, 401(k) deferral counseling, and lump sum and minimum distribution payments.

According to Ruth Ladner, GENESYS Senior Vice President, "GENESYS Software Systems is very proud of its next generation Defined Contribution System. This newest version combines innovation with technology to provide organizations with all the flexibility required to meet complex plan requirements. Our seasoned application developers have captured and developed a look and feel to this product that has set the standard for future defined contribution systems."

The unique flexibility of the enhanced Defined Contribution System provides organizations with complete control over their data, helping to reduce long-term record keeping costs. In addition, the enhanced Defined Contribution System will enable customers to take full advantage of the latest technology to improve work flow and efficiency. Some of these technologies include: imaging, voice response and touch screen.

The platform-independent Defined Contribution Plus is easily adaptable in a client/server environment. This gives customers the flexibility to use whichever hardware platform makes the most sense for their organization, from processing locally on a PC, a local area network (LAN), or at a host mainframe.

Defined Contribution Plus is available through a direct sales force in the US and Canada.

GENESYS Software Systems is at the forefront of the industry in benefits administration, as well as complete HRMS solutions. GENESYS products operate on a full range of hardware configurations from stand-alone workstations to mainframe computers. And they are backed up with consulting services, education and worldwide support. GENESYS Software Systems is an IBM Business Partner.

Genesys Software Systems Inc

5 Branch St, Methuen, MA 01844

508-685-5400


Primer Plus Tricks for Windows 3.1
May 7, 1992 -- With Windows 3.1 now sweeping the personal computer market, Peachpit Press has announced the timely release of two books, The Little Windows Book, 3.1 Edition and 101 Windows Tips & Tricks. Both books are designed to help the millions of Windows users access the highly acclaimed power and flexibility of Windows 3.1.

In eight concise chapters, The Little Windows Book, 3.1 Edition lays out all essentials of using Windows easily and efficiently. The book starts off on a guided tour of the Windows interface, showing the basic steps for opening, closing, moving, and resizing windows. Short, fully illustrated chapters then explore the Program Manager, the File Manager, and several special topics including printing and troubleshooting. This new edition details the subtle and not-so-subtle changes in Windows 3.1, giving hot new tips for mastering the new version.

Picking up where The Little Windows Book leaves off, 101 Windows Tips and Tricks offers expert techniques and shortcuts that make Windows faster, easier, and more fun to use. It includes advice in six areas.

** Launching, managing, and closing Windows applications

** Achieving maximum cooperation from DOS 5 and

   non-Windows applications

** Speeding up printing and simplifying font handling

** Maximizing memory and disk space

** Customizing icons, colors, etc.

** Utilities, games and hardware enhancements

Kay Nelson, author of The Little Windows Book, 3.1 Edition, has written or coauthored over 20 books on PC software. 101 Windows Tips and Tricks has three coauthors: Jesse Berst, publisher of the Windows Watcher newsletter; Scott Dunn, Windows columnist for PC World; and Charles Bermant, Windows columnist for Computer Currents.

Access

Both books are available through bookstores or directly from Peachpit Press, 2414 Sixth St, Berkeley, CA 94710.


Windows Printer Selection Utility
May 18, 1992 -- Aleph Systems has released version 2.0 of LANPrint, a universal network printer selection utility for Windows, described by the company as "the printer utility that every network vendor should have included with their product. " The utility, which works with any Windows-compatible network, provides "elegant simplicity" to network users, enabling them to connect and disconnect network printers by selecting from a list of plain English descriptions such as "The LaserJet III in Paul Edmond's office," rather than cryptic network queue names.

Although LANPrint is extremely simple for the user, it does complex work behind the scenes. When a user attaches a printer, LANPrint verifies that the printer type is entered in his Windows configuration, warning him if it is not. If the printer is found in the configuration, LANPrint verifies that it is configured on the port it is being attached to, automatically configuring it for that port if necessary. Finally, LANPrint automatically sets the attached printer as the Windows default printer, so that the next print command will automatically route the output to the newly attached printer.

LANPrint also provides single-key access to the setup screen for the default printer, and it provides a method of changing the Windows default printer that is faster, simpler and less confusing than the Windows Control Panel.

LANPrint is priced at $149 per file server (unlimited users) and is available direct from Aleph Systems at 7319 Willow Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912. The company can be reached by telephone at (301) 270-4458 and on CompuServe at 71371,635.


Precision Primavera Integrator
BEAVERTON, Ore., May 14, 1992 -- Timberline Software today released an updated version of its Precision Primavera Integrator that is compatible with Primavera Systems' new version 5.0 of Primavera Project Planner (P3).

The new version of Primavera Integrator is also compatible with Primavera's Finest Hour software. In addition, the software now has the capability to preassign scheduling according to user-defined work breakdown structure codes.

Primavera Integrator links the estimating and scheduling phases of the building cycle for more realistic budgets and schedules. It allows construction estimators to turn detailed estimates into full blown schedules, complete with resource and cost loading. The software was jointly developed by Primavera and Timberline and first released in 1989.

Founded in 1971, Timberline is a leading international supplier of software for the construction, property management and architecture/engineering industries. Its microcomputer lines include the Precision Collection (estimating software) and the Medallion Collection (accounting and management software). The company has more than 15,000 installations worldwide.

Timberline Software

P.O. Box 728, Beaverton, OR 97075

(503) 644-8155


ARCserve 4.0 Backup/Restore
ROSLYN, NEW YORK, April 8,1992 - - - Cheyenne Software, Inc. (AMEX:CYE) announced today that ARCserve for NetWare 3.1x has expanded its capabilities to include backup and restoration of SCO UNIX System V/386 Release 3.2 and Macintosh workstations on the network.

As of April 30, 1992, Cheyenne will offer Agent Options for UNIX and Macintosh workstations to ARCserve users, rounding out ARCserve's support for all major operating systems available in the PC marketplace. ARCserve also currently supports DOS, OS/2 and Windows client workstations.

In making the announcement, ReiJane Huai, Vice President, Engineering stated, "The increasing attach rate of UNIX and Macintosh workstations to Novell networks has prompted Cheyenne to offer backup and restore services to those environments, from a centralized location, the file server. Using the optional Agents for UNIX and Macintosh workstations with ARCserve enables a LAN administrator to perform backup and restore in a heterogeneous environment."

Cheyenne announced that the ARCserve MACAGENTs and UNIXAGENTs will be available as separate optional packages at a U.S. list cost of $495.0() each per server.

Cheyenne Software, Inc. is a leading developer of sophisticated LAN software products. Cheyenne's Network Products Group develops and markets Monitrix, a complete NetWare management and monitoring solution; ARCserve, the first totally automated backup and restore solution for NetWare networks; ARCserve/Solo, a DOS based backup and restore solution; InocuLAN, a comprehensive network anti-virus program; FAXserve, a high performance, server-based solution for network facsimile services; and Cheyenne Utilities for NetWare (including NetBack), a set of integrated network administration utilities.

Cheyenne Software Inc, 55 Bryant Ave, Roslyn, NY 11576

516-484-5110


COSMIC - NASA Software Packages
NEW COMPUTER PROGRAM FROM NASA -- TURBINE DESIGN

A computer program from NASA Lewis Research Center was developed for the preliminary design analysis of axial-flow turbines. The computations are based on mean-diameter flow properties and do not consider any radial gradients. Specific heat ratio is assumed constant throughout the turbine. For any given turbine, all stages, except the first, are specified to have the same shape velocity diagram. The first stage differs only in that the inlet flow is axial. The velocity diagram shape depends upon the speed-work parameter value and the specified type of velocity diagram. Any of three types of velocity diagrams can be specified: symmetrical, zero exit swirl, or impulse. Exit turning vanes can be included in the design.

This program, inventory number LEW-11815, is written in FORTRAN 77 and can be ported to any computer with a standard FORTRAN compiler which supports NAMELIST. It was originally developed in 1972 on an IBM 7000 series computer running VM and is now available for IBM PC computers and compatibles running MS-DOS under Lahey FORTRAN, and DEC VAX series computers running VMS. Format statements in the code may need to be rewritten depending on your FORTRAN compiler. The source code and sample data are available on a 5.25 inch 360K MS-DOS format diskette. Program $500, documentation $15.

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NEW COMPUTER PROGRAM FROM NASA -- METALLURGY

An iron-, nickel-, or cobalt-based alloy composition can cause the alloy to form sigma phase when treated at high temperatures. Any sigma phase formation is undesirable when working with these materials, because it weakens the alloy. The PHACOMP algorithm was developed from the need to screen any hypothetical or developmental alloy for either sigma phase formation or the propensity for such formation. Based only on the alloy composition the algorithm is able to predict sigma phase formation. SUPER PHACOMP was developed at NASA Marshall Space Center after research into the many variations of the PHACOMP algorithm. The resulting program implements three of these versions, permitting comparison of results to give greater reliability to the predictions. Since certain calculations are common to each, the three versions were woven together for efficiency. While sigma phase prediction is its primary function, SUPER PHACOMP also performs other calculations of alloy properties. This program could benefit anyone working with alloy design.

SUPER PHACOMP, MFS-26164, is written in BASIC for IBM PC series or compatible computers running MS-DOS v3.30 or later. No executables are included with the distribution. The source code should be compatible with any DOS-based BASIC language interpreter. SUPER PHACOMP requires 640K RAM for execution. This package is available on a 5.25 inch 360K MS-DOS format diskette. Program $100; documentation $11.

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NEW COMPUTER PROGRAM FROM NASA -- SOFTWARE COSTING

The cost of developing computer software consumes an increasing portion of many organizations' budgets. As this trend continues, the capability to estimate the effort and schedule required to develop a candidate software product becomes increasingly important. COSTMODL, from NASA Johnson Space Center, is an automated software development estimation tool which fulfills this need. COSTMODL accepts a description of a software product to be developed and computes estimates of the effort required to produce it, the calendar schedule required, and the distribution of effort and staffing as a function of the defined set of development lifecycle phases. This is accomplished by the five cost estimation algorithms incorporated into COSTMODL: the NASA-developed KISS model; the Basic, Intermediate, and Ada COCOMO models; and the Incremental Development model. This choice affords the user the ability to handle project complexities ranging from small, relatively simple projects to very large projects.

COSTMODL, inventory number MSC-22010, was written for IBM PC compatibles, and it requires Turbo Pascal 5.0 or later and Turbo Professional 5.0 for recompilation. An executable is provided on the distribution diskettes. COSTMODL requires 512K RAM. The standard distribution medium for COSTMODL is three 5.25 inch 360K MS-DOS format diskettes. The contents of the diskettes are compressed using the PKWARE archiving tools. The utility to unarchive the files, PKUNZIP.EXE, is included. Program $600; documentation $29.

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NEW COMPUTER PROGRAM FROM NASA -- NEURAL NETS

The primary purpose of NNETS (Neural Network Environment on a Transputer System, NASA Johnson Space Center) is to provide users a high degree of flexibility in creating and manipulating a wide variety of neural network topologies at processing speeds not found in conventional computing environments. To accomplish this purpose, NNETS supports back propagation and back propagation related algorithms. The back propagation algorithm used is an implementation of Rumelhart's Generalized Delta Rule. NNETS was developed on the INMOS Transputer. NNETS predefines a Back Propagation Network, a Jordan Network, and a Reinforcement Network to assist users in learning and defining their own networks. The program also allows users to configure other neural network paradigms from the NNETS basic architecture.

NNETS, inventory number MSC-21485, was written for the INMOS C compiler D711B version 1.3 or later (MS-DOS version). A small portion of the software was written in the OCCAM language to perform the communications routing between processors. NNETS is configured to operate on a 4 X 10 array of Transputers in sequence with a Transputer based graphics processor controlled by a master IBM PC 286 (or better) Transputer. A RGB monitor is required which must be capable of 512 X 512 resolution. It must be able to receive red, green, and blue signals via BNC connectors. NNETS is meant for experienced Transputer users only. The program is distributed on 5.25 inch 1.2Mb MS-DOS format diskettes. Program $500; documentation $29.

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NEW COMPUTER PROGRAM FROM NASA -- ANTENNAS

Accurate computer modeling of passive circular waveguide components is often required during the design phase for optimizing frequency response and/or determining the tolerance required on components in order to meet radio frequency specifications. Many circular waveguide devices can be represented either exactly or approximately as a series of circular waveguide sections which have a common center. In addition, smooth tapers and horns of arbitrary profile may be approximated by a series of small steps. The Scattering Matrix Program for Circular Waveguide Junctions, CWGSCAT, computes the scattering matrix for a series of circular waveguide sections. These sections must possess the same center, but the radius and length of each section is completely arbitrary.

CWGSCAT, inventory number NPO-18708, is written in FORTRAN to run on IBM PC series computers and compatibles running MS-DOS. It requires 355K of RAM. The standard distribution medium is a 5.25 inch 360K MS-DOS format diskette. This program is a copyrighted work with all copyright vested in NASA. Program $500; documentation $16.

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NEW COMPUTER PROGRAM FROM NASA -- IMAGE PROCESSING

PC-SEAPAK from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is a user-interactive satellite data analysis software package specifically developed for oceanographic research. The program is used to process and interpret data obtained from the Nimbus-7/Coastal Zone Color Scanner (CZCS), and the NOAA Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR). PC-SEAPAK is a set of independent microcomputer-based image analysis programs that provide the user with a flexible, user-friendly, standardized interface, and facilitates relatively low-cost analysis of oceanographic satellite data. Version 4.0 includes 114 programs.

The CZCS scanning radiometer aboard the NIMBUS-7 satellite was designed to measure the concentration of photosynthetic pigments and their degradation products in the ocean. AVHRR data is used to compute sea surface temperatures and is supported for the NOAA 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 satellites.   The CZCS operated from November 1978 to June 1986. CZCS data may be obtained free of charge from the CZCS archive at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center. AVHRR data may be purchased through NOAA's Satellite Data Service Division. Ordering information is included in the PC-SEAPAK documentation.

PC-SEAPAK, inventory number GSC-13320, has been under development since 1988. Version 4.0 was released in 1992, and is distributed without source code. It is available only as a set of 32 1.2Mb 5.25 inch IBM MS-DOS format diskettes. PC-SEAPAK is a copyrighted product with all copyright vested in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Phar Lap's DOS Extender run-time version is integrated into several of the programs; therefore, the PC-SEAPAK programs may not be duplicated. Three of the distribution diskettes contain DOS Extender files. One of the distribution diskettes contains Media Cybernetics' HALO88 font files, also licensed by NASA for dissemination but not duplication. Program $450; documentation $50.

COSMIC

The University of Georgia

382 East Broad St, Athens, GA 30602

404-542-3265


Running Windows 3.1 Complete Guide
Running Windows 3.1

The Complete Guide to Microsoft Windows Version 3.1

From the publishing division of the company that changed the face of personal computing comes RUNNING WINDOWS 3.1--the newest edition of the critically acclaimed best-seller from Microsoft Press.

This completely revised and updated Microsoft-authorized guide is a hands-on tutorial for novice Windows users and an in-depth reference for users familiar with earlier versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system. It's the ultimate resource for Microsoft Windows version 3.1 !

Author Craig Stinson covers all the exciting new features of version 3.1. The book's no-nonsense approach builds confidence and enhances productivity with dozens of real-world examples and page after page of helpful screen illustrations.

New users and users making the switch from a character-based computing environment learn how to maneuver through the graphical environment using icons, buttons, and dialog boxes. The book covers basics of entering and editing text and graphics as well as the procedure for moving information from one place to another with the Windows Clipboard. New users also learn about the operating system's built-in applications and the Windows online Help facility.

RUNNING WINDOWS 3.1 will help users upgrading from earlier version of Microsoft Windows investigate and quickly master the enhancements to version 3.1 that make the operating system faster, more robust, and more versatile than before. These new features include:

* The new, faster File Manager, featuring a split window that simultaneously displays a directory tree and a listing of directory contents.

* TrueType fonts, which eliminate the need for third-party font programs. The user can scale a variety of fonts to any size, view the result on screen, and produce sharper printed copies.

* The improved Program Manager, with its handy new StartUp program group that will run programs or load files automatically when the Windows program is started.

* Object Packager, which lets the user paste data or graphics from another application into the current document, maintaining "hot links" with the other application for easy updating.

* The faster Print Manager.

* Automatic network connections that reestablish previous network connections every time the Windows program is started.

* The new "drag and drop" feature, which allows the user to drag and drop a file icon onto an application icon to start the application and open the file or onto the Print Manager icon to print the file.

* Support for multimedia, the hottest new area of personal computing.

Plus, RUNNING WINDOWS 3.1 goes beyond the basics and shows users how to use Program Information Files (PIFs) in order to work with applications that are not Windows-based. Using the PIF Editor, the user can set up almost any application to run under version 3.1 of the Windows operating system.

Appendixes provide information on the Windows version 3.1 Setup program and a brief description of the three kinds of personal computer memory and how to use them. A handy glossary defines key Windows concepts and terms, and a comprehensive index leads readers quickly to information on any topic in the book.

Craig Stinson edits the "Spreadsheets" column for PC Magazine and writes the "Windows Help" column for PC/Computing. An industry journalist since 1981, Stinson was formerly editor of Softalk for the IBM Personal Computer. He is the coathor of Running Microsoft Excel 4, Third Edition, and Microsoft Excel 4 Companion, both published by Microsoft Press.

Microsoft Press is the trade book division of Microsoft Corporation and the leading publisher of quality user guides, training materials, and programming reference books covering the Microsoft Windows and the MS-DOS operating systems, Microsoft languages, and software applications. 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.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft corporation (NASDAQ "MSFT") has become the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.

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

206-882-8080


Fox Software Developer Directory
PERRYSBURG, Ohio--May 4, 1992--A comprehensive directory of developers working in FoxPro, FoxBASE+/ Mac, and FoxBASE+, vertical market applications written in Fox Languages, training, and third-party products which enhance the Fox product line has been published by Fox Software.

"The 1992 Fox Software Developers Directory is a direct result of the success of the 1991 directory," noted Gloria Pfeif, Fox Software's Director of Developer Services and Training. "We're extremely pleased with the enthusiastic response this effort received from developers using Fox products. We believe the Directory will continue to help users find the products and services they need as Fox DBMS products increase in popularity."

The developer section of the Directory includes concise abstracts of the products and/or services offered by each developer. Arranged geographically, this allows end users to locate firms which can assist in development of custom applications or other consulting functions.

Organized by category, these listings encompass database applications that address the needs of specific markets, providing software solutions for distinct categories of users.

In addition, coverage of third-party training, programming tools, and utility software which works with and enhances the operation of Fox products is included.

The Developers Directory will be distributed through computer bookstores nationwide as well as directly from Fox Software.

The 1992 Fox Software Developers Directory retails for $19.95 and is available now.

Fox Software, founded in 1983, is a privately-held corporation headquartered in Perrysburg, Ohio. It develops and markets a broad line of ultra-high-performance and easy-to-use single-user and networked relational database management system products for IBM PCs and compatibles, Macintoshes and UNIX computers that are compatible with Borland's dBASE DBMS. Under development today are fully application- and file-compatible versions of FoxPro under DOS, Windows, Macintosh and UNIX platforms, plus connectivity products to industry-standard database servers.

FoxPro 2.0, the company's premier high-performance relational database manager, has gained industry-wide recognition in the first several months since its release, winning such awards as PC Magazine--Technical Excellence Award, InfoWorld--Product of the Year, BYTE --Award of Excellence, DBMS--Reader's Choice, Data Based Advisor--Best DBMS, and Computer Language-- Productivity Award.

Fox has nine regional offices throughout the United States. Worldwide operations are supported by international offices in the United Kingdom, France and Germany, with local distribution in the rest of Europe, Africa, Latin and South America, and the Pacific Rim.

Fox Software, 134 W. SOUTH BOUNDARY, PERRYSBURG, OH 43551

(419) 874-0162  FAX: (419) 874-8678


Windows 3.1 Secrets from IDG
San Mateo, CA--April 23, 1992--IDG Books Worldwide today announced the publication of Windows 3.1 Secrets, a complete guide to customizing Microsoft' Windows 3.0 and Windows 3.1 for maximum performance, with over 40 shareware programs included on three disks. Written by Brian Livingston, InfoWorld's Windows columnist, it's an ideal resource for all users who need to install, optimize, and maintain Windows and Windows applications.

"I don't care how many Windows books you already have; get this one. If you have this one, it's not likely you'll need another," wrote Jerry Pournelle, in the April 1992 issue of Byte Magazine, in reference to the original edition. "Windows 3 Secrets hands down wins the User's Choice Award for the Best Windows Book of 1991."

The book/disk package details many undocumented features and functions, workarounds, and bug alerts that help users master their Windows environment quickly and easily. Livingston shows users how to utilize the new TrueType fonts and Multiple Masters, and provides applications information new to Windows 3.1. A special section on setting up company-wide Windows-based networks is also included.

Windows 3.1 Secrets features complete coverage on optimizing DOS 5 and QEMM under Windows, mastering Windows systems files WIN.INI and SYSTEM.INI, and configuring hardware and peripherals to work with the graphical operating environment.

The three disks included with the book contain over 40 useful shareware programs, a total of 6 mega-bytes of software, which have been selected by the author to represent "The Best in Windows Shareware." Programs include file and program management, text editing and searching, Visual Basic programs, communications, utilities, graphics, and games.

In addition to writing the "Window Manager" column for InfoWorld, Brian Livingston is the president of Windows Consulting in the Seattle, Washington area, where he specializes in Windows installations, applications, and networking. He is also a board member of the Microcomputer Managers Association.

Windows 3.1 Secrets is the completely revised and expanded edition of the international bestseller, Windows 3 Secrets, which has continuously appeared on bestseller lists since its release last year. Windows 3.1 Secrets is the latest offering of IDG Books' InfoWorld Technical Series. Drawing upon the recognized expertise of InfoWorld, the weekly newspaper for corporate computer buyers, these books provide hands-on, solution-oriented guides for more advanced users and programmers. The next book in the series, PC Systems Secrets, will be published in June.

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, InfoWorld, Macworld, LOTUS & Computerworld. Thirty million people read one or more International Data Group publications each month.

Windows 3.1 Secrets by Brian Livingston

ISBN: 1-878058-43-6

Price: $39.95 USA, $52.95 Canada

Pub. Date: April '92

Specs: 980 pages, 7 3/8 x 91/4" with three 51/4" disks

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.


Rack-Mount FastPath Network Router
CAMBRIDGE, MA, May 18, 1992 -- Shiva today announced it will ship rack-mounted versions of the FastPath 5, the leading AppleTalk-to-Ethernet gateway. Available in single or dual unit configurations, the new FastPath SR can be installed in 19-inch racks in the corporate wiring closet. The rack-mount configuration makes it easier for network managers to install and monitor routers in a central location. FastPath SR will be demonstrated at Shiva's Interop booth #222 in the Washington D.C Convention Center.

Targeted to network managers of large corporations, the FastPath 5R is one of several new product and service enhancements announced by Shiva to help users maximize their investment in the FastPath router line. For users of the FastPath, Shiva offers a number of trade-in options that let network managers upgrade smoothly and easily.

Shiva also introduced a new service offering for all North American FastPath users, the FastPath On-Site Service Program. Users who purchase this optional program receive on-site consultation and training.

With an estimated 50,000 installations worldwide, the FastPath router, with its AppleTalk-to-Ethernet routing capability, is viewed as a mission-critical part of enterprise networks. The growth of AppleTalk networks has driven the need for central control of FastPaths, along with other network devices, and increased ownership by MIS professionals.

"Multi-unit, rack mountable solutions are an important part of Shiva's strategy as internetworks continue to grow in size and complexity," said Paul Gustafson, Shiva senior product manager.

"We're also offering a complete suite of services and tools that help FastPath users manage their internetworks easily and quickly."

FastPath 5R: Rack-Mount Capability

FastPath SR rack mounts one or two FastPath 5's in a single enclosure that can be mounted in a standard 19-inch rack, on the wall, or stacked on a table. The unit can be mounted with either the status lights or the cabling in front.

In addition to the rack-mount feature, FastPath 5R's slim design--the unit is only 1.72 inches tall--enables four FastPaths to fit into the space of one competitive gateway. When purchased in the two-unit configuration, FastPath SR is less expensive than other leading AppleTalk-to-Ethernet routers.

The enclosure provides very cool operation for one or two FastPath 5s. The FastPath 5's CMOS logic and surface-mount technology make it the most advanced and reliable AppleTalk router available. Battery backed up SRAM remembers configuration information if the power goes out.

Shiva's FastPath 5 is the standard for LocalTalk-Ethernet networking. It is the fastest, most reliable LocalTalk-Ethernet gateway, and routes multiple protocols, including TCP/IP, DECnet AppleTalk Phase 1 and 2, and IPTalk. It includes Shiva Net Manager, network management software that lets users easily configure and centrally manage the FastPath 5, FastPath SR, NetModem/E and LanRover/L.

Investment Protection

Current FastPath users in the U.S. and Canada can choose from several upgrade options that help protect the investment they have already made. Since FastPath SR supports the standard FastPath 5 product, it can be easily upgraded in the field or by returning the product to Shiva. No additional training is required to configure and manage a FastPath SR. For users of the FastPath 4, trade-ins are available directly from Shiva.

FastPath 4 upgrade: Users can trade in their FastPath 4 for a substantial discount on either a one- or two-unit FastPath SR. The U.S. retail price for the trade-in is $999 for a one-unit FastPath SR and $1999 for a two-unit FastPath 5R.

FastPath 5 field upgrade kit: Users can purchase a field upgrade kit that allows them to take their current FastPath 5 unit and simply install the motherboard into the FastPath SR form factor. A FastPath 5 upgrade kit includes the enclosure, a 2-unit power supply and installation documentation. Installation into the rack mount is quite simple. The U.S. retail price for the upgrade kit is $599 per unit.

FastPath 5 factory upgrade: Users who do not want to perform field upgrades themselves may send their FastPath 5s back to Shiva for upgrading. The U.S. retail price for the upgrade is $799 per unit which can hold two FastPath 5's.

Pricing and Availability

FastPath SR may be purchased with one or two FastPath units in the rack-mount enclosure. The FastPath SR will be available in June 1992 at a suggested U.S. retail price of $2799 for the one unit configuration and $5399 for the two-unit configuration. The product will be sold by dealers and distributors.

New Service Program

In addition to addressing the need for centralized management with FastPath SR, Shiva also introduced today expanded service programs for FastPath 5 users in North America. The new FastPath On-Site Service Program gives customers hands-on product training, network consulting and installation of Shiva products--all at the customer site. Additional consulting services will include customized software tools and scripts that allow users to configure and maintain large numbers of FastPaths. Targeted to Shiva's Fortune 500 customers, universities and government installations, the program is driven by customer requests for on-site training and support. It is chartered to begin in June 1992. Contact Shiva Corporation at 617/252-6500 or 800/458-3550 for details.

Shiva Corporation

Founded in 1985, Shiva Corporation is a leading supplier of dial-in communications servers and internetworking products. Shiva Corporation is located at One Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142; telephone 617/252-6300; 800/458-3550


Visual Basic Windows Inside/Out
Visual Basic for Windows Inside & Out by Gary Cornell

Osborne/McGraw-Hill announces publication of a new book that can quickly guide readers from fundamentals to advanced concepts in writing Windows-based programs. In Visual Basic Windows Inside & Out, author Gary Cornell has written an all-around user guide to Visual Basic, including coverage of the Visual Basic Professional Tool Kit.

Cornell provides detailed instructions for Windows users, developers, and BASIC programmers who wish to write programs featuring pull-down menus and command buttons. For programming novices, Cornell begins by covering the Visual Basic programming environment, using the Help system, manipulating the Visual Basic Windows, and developing applications while learning about the tools Visual Basic has to offer.

The book then provides comprehensive coverage of structured BASIC programming, while teaching readers to master the finer points of Visual Basic for Windows. Experienced programmers can get to the heart of Visual Basic with Cornell's discussion of manipulating properties at design time instead of run time; command buttons, text and message boxes, and using the clipboard; control structures, SUB and function procedures, and debugging; and much more.

With this new book, programmers will be writing sophisticated Windows applications that would once have taken weeks to create.

$27.95               ISBN:  0-07-881764-1      600 pages

Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 2600 Tenth St, Berkeley, CA 94710

510-549-6600


MultiModemII V.32bis Modem
MOUNDS VIEW, MINNESOTA - April 27, 1992 -- Multi-Tech Systems Inc., a leading manufacturer of data communications equipment headquartered in Mounds View, Minnesota, announces the MultiModemII (model MT1432BL) for sync/async operation over 2- or 4-wire leased lines with dial back-up and leased line restoration. Implementing the CCITT V.32bis standard, the MT1432BL can transmit synchronous streams of data at speeds up to 14.4K bps. When used in async mode, the MT1432BL provides V.42 error correction for 100% error-free data and V.42bis data compression for effective throughputs up to 57.6K bps. For async operation over the dial-up line, the MT1432BL also includes a Group 3 fax modem (for 9600 bps fax transmissions), MultiExpress data communications software (for dial-in, dial-out and remote-control operations), and MultiExpressFax software (based on industry standard EIA Class 2 fax modem commands). The MT1432BL includes all of the features and speed of the other MultiModemII products, with the added support for 4-wire leased line operation. It will be available for shipment in May 1992, priced at $999.00.

"For maximum efficiency dedicated line data communications require the highest standard speed modems available, like our MT1432BL," states Multi-Tech President, Raghu Sharma. "Applications using statistical multiplexers, X.25 PADs and other synchronous protocols that run over analog telephone lines need the speed of a V.32bis modem. And with its dial back-up feature, the MT1432BL can continue data communications even if the leased line fails. When the leased line is returned to operation, it automatically restores the current datacomm session to leased line operation. The MT1432BL will be important for certain international markets because a single approved modem can accommodate so many types of communications (e.g., fax, sync/async, leased/dial-up, etc.)."

The MT1432BL provides V.32bis synchronous or asynchronous operation over dedicated or dial-up networks. It is also downward compatible with other modems that operate at 9600 (V.32), 2400 (V.22bis), 1200 (V.22/Bell 212A), and 300 bps (V.21/Bell 103). In asynchronous mode, it provides V.42 error correction for 100% error free transmissions, and V.42bis data compression yielding "4-to-1" compression throughputs up to 57.6K bps (depending on file content). UUCP spoofing using MultiTech's own adaptive protocol enhancing speeds up batch file transfers within UNIX environments using the g protocol. For asynchronous operation over its dial-up line, the MT1432BL comes bundled with MultiExpress communications software and MultiExpressFax software. Fax transmissions are at 9600/ 4800 bps and allow the MT1432BL to send or receive faxes with any Group 3 or Group 2 fax machine, fax card or fax/data modem in the world. The MT1432BL uses industry standard "AT" commands for modem configuration and dialing, supports V.25bis for synchronous dialing applications, and has a built-in dialing directory for storing up to 10 phone numbers.

The MT1432BL has three RJ11 or modular phone jacks (for dial-up line, leased line and telephone) on the rear panel, in addition to an RS232 serial port for connection to sync or async devices. A complete set of LEDs provide easy visual monitoring of the modem's operation. The special Error (ERR) LED lights when the leased line is disconnected and the unit has gone to dial back-up (the back-up phone number or numbers are preset in the modem's non-volatile memory).

Multi-Tech Systems was founded in 1970 to manufacture data communications equipment and systems for a global market of network products users. The Minnesota-based company is a well-known leader in dial-up modem technology. The family of Multi-Tech products includes a complete line of 1200, 2400, 4800 9600, and 14.4K bps modems, statistical multiplexers, DSU/CSUs, 5250, 3780 and 3270 emulation systems, X.25 PADs, computer fax equipment, communications software, and LAN products. These products are sold in over 50 countries, through a worldwide network of distributors, manufacturer's representatives, system integrators, value-added resellers (VARs) and retailers. 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, Telex 4998372MLTTC.


CAD/Chem Custom Formulation System
Cleveland, OH. May 14, 1992. AI WARE has introduced a major upgrade to its CAD/Chem Custom Formulation System for the process industries. Version 3.0 will be available to users on May 20, 1992, and will provide significant improvements in capabilities and ease of use.

CAD/Chem is a powerful design tool for chemists and product designers. It is the first and only formulation modeling and optimization system that integrates Artificial Intelligence and Optimization algorithms with statistical techniques and 3-D data visualization, providing a total integrated solution for product development. The system automatically models the relationships between formulation ingredients, process conditions, and product properties. From this model, CAD/Chem discovers the optimum formulation to achieve desired product properties.

The software runs on many popular workstation platforms, including those from Sun Microsystems, Digital Equipment Corporation (under both VMS and ULTR), IBM, and Hewlett-Packard. Current CAD/Chem users are in process industries such as consumer goods, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, petroleum, metals. coatings, rubber, glass, plastics, and textiles.

"CAD/Chem's upgrade allows users to more quickly develop and commercialize new or improved products," explains Dr. Yoh-Han Pao, president and founder of AI WARE. "In markets where product life cycles are shrinking and time-to-market is often critical, those who can respond quickly will enjoy a major competitive advantage."

CAD/Chem Version 3.0 adds the following capabilities:

** on-Line Help Screens

On-Line Help is now available at any time right on the screen. Cross-referencing and quick search by keyword are included features.

** Enhanced Analysis of Input Data

CAD/Chem automatically develops models of product formulations on the basis of "cause and effect" data provided by the user. Version 3.0 enhances the robustness of the model by identifying and eliminating:

    -- conflicting data

    -- ingredients with constant values

    -- linearly dependent ingredient variables

A Correlation Matrix determines the degree of correlation between "cause and effect" parameters. This facility improves sensitivity analysis and eliminates extraneous parameters.

** Enhanced Analysis of Output Data

The new upgrade now provides a Confidence Interval for each consulting result by showing the user the allowable variability which may be found on each forecasted value, by identifying +/- 3 Sigma limits for each parameter.

** External Modeling Support Capabilities

Users can now incorporate their own model from another software package or C program, and still enjoy the same CAD/Chem user interface. This feature permits toggling back and forth between an external model and the CAD/Chem-generated neural net model.

** Enhanced Neural Net Structure

Version 3.0 implements a more sophisticated and accurate approach to data-based modeling, without demanding any further steps and/or decisions from the user. The result of this enhancement is faster and more precise modeling of the formulation process.

AI WARE, a privately held company headquartered in Cleveland, was founded in 1985 to develop and apply advanced computer technologies to the manufacturing industry. Originally a spinoff from Case Western Reserve University, the company maintains close ties to CWRU's research staff and programs. AI WARE's focus includes technology commercialization and product development, as well as development of custom manufacturing and design software systems. Its client roster includes the U.S. Air Force, NASA, and Fortune 500 companies.

AI WARE, 11000 Cedar Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106

(216) 421-2380; FAX (216) 421-2383.


Easy PC Maintenance & Repair
Easy PC Maintenance and Repair by PHIL LAPLANTE

A beginner's guide covering all IBM PC-XT, 286, 386, and 486 compatible computers

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--No technical experience is necessary to benefit from this time- and money-saving guide. Phil Laplante demystifies the inner workings of today's PCs and presents simple maintenance, repair, and upgrade strategies that all PC owners can use to protect their investments and avoid expensive service fees.

Laplante provides readers with easy, step-by-step instructions for servicing all PC components, as well as for improving systems with a wide variety of accessories and peripherals. Easy PC Maintenance and Repair:

** Introduces PC terminology and concepts

** Explains how to perform the most

   frequently-needed repairs

** Describes how to prevent common hardware

   failures with routine maintenance

** Reviews vital software tools that optimize

   computer performance

Illustrated with many helpful photographs, drawings, and tables, Easy PC Maintenance and Repair contains diagnostic advice in a language that anyone with a basic knowledge of computers can understand, and at a price far lower than most PC repair manuals.

About the Author:

Phil Laplante holds Ph.Ds in electrical engineering and computer science and is currently a professor of computer science at Fairleigh Dickinson University. He has been involved with computers as a programmer and consultant for more than 10 years.

Features lay-flat binding! Windcrest/McGraw-Hill - Easy PC Maintenance and Repair Order No. 4143 - Available: April 1992 - 144 pp., 68 illus., 7" x 10", with Otabind Paper $14.95 ISBN 0-8306-3953-5, Hard $22.95 ISBN 0-8306-3952-7

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128  --  Fax  717-794-2103


Sybase SQL Server for Netware
EMERYVILLE, CA, May 18,1992 -- Sybase, Inc. today announced the SYBASE SQL Server product, Release 4.2, as a NetWare Loadable Module (NLM) for Novell's NetWare v3.11, the leading network operating system designed for enterprise-wide network computing. The database product will be available later this month as a "Novell Labs Tested and Approved" NLM.

The SYBASE SQL Server product is a leading high performance, client/server-based relational database management system (RDBMS) for on-line, enterprise-wide applications. It features a multi-threaded and programmable server architecture that delivers scalable high performance and server-enforced integrity on a wide variety of platforms, ranging from NetWare- and OS/2-based computers to UNIX and VAX systems. The SYBASE SQL Server database also features industry-leading open interoperability capabilities that allow the integration of heterogeneous data and applications. Together, these capabilities allow the SYBASE SQL Server for NetWare product to enable a new generation of on-line, client/server applications for NetWare-based networks -- transaction-oriented and real-time decision support applications that can be integrated into heterogeneous computing environments.

"We've brought the power of the SYBASE SQL Server product to the NetWare platform to address two key trends that are occurring in the NetWare market," commented Stewart Schuster, vice president of marketing at Sybase. "First, NetWare users want to start using their networks for more business critical, on-line applications. Second, they want to integrate their networks with other systems that are running in their organizations. Our SQL Server product will enable NetWare users to develop a new generation of on-line, client/server applications that address both of these trends."

"The introduction of the SYBASE SQL Server for NetWare product brings an industry-leading client/server database solution to the NetWare v3.11 platform," said Jan Newman, executive vice president and general manager of Novell's NetWare Systems Group. "This product broadens NetWare's ability to integrate mission critical applications into enterprise-wide computing environments, and provides our customers with direct access to data and applications that are compatible with the SQL Server database engine."

Sybase SQL Server For Netware

The SYBASE SQL Server product was designed explicitly for high performance applications in distributed, client/server computing environments. This design emphasis allows the SYBASE SQL Server for NetWare product to enable a new generation of on-line, client/server applications for NetWare-based environments transaction-oriented and real-time decision support applications that access information from any data source, including legacy applications running on mainframes and other RDBMSs.

"Sybase has delivered on the promise of client/server computing," said Michael Blackman, assistant vice president, rapid systems development/data resource management, at Maryland National Bank. "With its unique implementation of client/server architecture, the SYBASE SQL Server for NetWare product will enable us to support large numbers of users in a standard Novell environment without adding another operating system. In addition, SQL Server's performance exceeds that of all major competitors, while remaining resource-considerate."

Key features of the new SYBASE SQL Server for NetWare product include: high performance, server-enforced integrity, and open interoperability capabilities.

High Performance -- The SYBASE SQL Server product was explicitly designed to handle the demanding performance requirements of on-line, transaction processing applications through a unique multi-threaded architecture in which the database, rather than the operating system, schedules and controls database tasks for maximum efficiency. The multi-threaded architecture results in low operating system overhead and optimal memory utilization that allows the SYBASE SQL Server database to maintain high throughput and low response times as large numbers of users are added to the system. The performance of the SYBASE SQL Server product has been proven in a number of audited benchmark tests.

Server-Enforced Integrity -- The SYBASE SQL Server for NetWare product also features the NetWare market's first intelligent and programmable database server. In client/server environments, where the database could be running on a system that is separate from the rest of the application, the database must have the ability to protect the integrity and security of the data. Unlike other database servers available on NetWare that behave simply as data repositories, the SYBASE SQL Server for NetWare product-- using its programmable server capabilities -- allows organizations to program business rules and transactions with the data in the database server itself. This ensures that the data is protected from invalid business transaction requests that are being made by different applications.

Open Interoperability Capabilities -- The SYBASE SQL Server for NetWare product features industry-leading open interoperability capabilities that allow the database server to communicate with other SYBASE servers on other hardware platforms, as well as with other data sources and applications. The SYBASE SQL Server for NetWare product can communicate with other SYBASE servers through the product's server-to-server communication feature. Also, it can communicate with other data sources and applications through the SYBASE Open Server product. The SYBASE Open Server product is a unique application programming interface that allows foreign data sources and applications -- including those running under CICS on an IBM mainframe -- to look like a SYBASE SQL Server database from the perspective of another application. Sybase has used the Open Server interface to develop a series of gateways to other relational databases, like DB2, Informix, Ingres, Oracle, and Rdb.

In addition, the SYBASE SQL Server for NetWare product supports both SPX/IPX and TCP/IP to provide broad coverage of the different network protocols used within an organization. In total, these interoperability capabilities uniquely enable the SYBASE SQL Server for NetWare product to be the platform that allows NetWare networks to be integrated with other hardware and software systems within an organization's computing environment.

Novell Labs Tested And Approved

The SYBASE SQL Server for NetWare product will have completed Novell's Client/Server-based Application Testing Program when the product is available later this month. Novell's testing process includes strenuous execution of the SYBASE product with other NLM applications from different product categories to reproduce a customer environment. Products which pass the testing are approved and authorized to carry the "Novell Labs Tested and Approved" mark. This mark symbolizes customer assurance that the SYBASE SQL Server for NetWare will operate efficiently in a NetWare installation without compromise of performance or integrity.

Extensive Third Party Support

Sybase brings its extensive support by third party PC client tools to the NetWare environment, providing users the autonomy to choose the tools and applications they want to use. Over 100 PC-based tools and applications are available immediately for use with SYBASE SQL Server for NetWare, including Excel, Paradox, and SQLWindows.

Availability/Pricing

The SYBASE SQL Server for NetWare, Release 4.2, will be available later this month, and can interoperate with all SYBASE-supported platforms, including: Digital's VAX/VMS and RISC/ULTRIX systems; the UNIX-based HP 9000 workstations and business servers; the IBM RS/6000; the NCR System 3000 family; Sun workstations and servers; the Apple Macintosh; and PCs running DOS, Windows, and UNIX.

Sybase has introduced a new pricing schedule for the SYBASE SQL Server for NetWare product to provide low entry points for customers. Pricing is as follows: single user -- $1,995; 2-8 users -- $4,995; 9-16 users -- $8,995;17-32 users -- $15,995; and, unlimited users-- $29,995.

In addition, Sybase is promoting the SYBASE SQL Server for NetWare product with a 90-day Introductory Announcement Offer. For $2,495, customers can purchase a single user development license, full documentation, three months of technical support, and coupons to save up to 70% on SQL-compatible DOS and Windows tools, including: Advanced Revelation, DataEase, Desktop DBA, Forest and Trees, Lotus 1-23 for Windows, Objectview, PowerBuilder, QBE-Vision, and SQL Softlink. For more information, customers can call 1-800-8-SYBASE.

Netware

NetWare v3.11 is a full-fledged, 32-bit network operating system that supports all key desktop operating systems -- DOS, Windows, OS/2, UNIX and Macintosh -- as well as IBM SAA environments. NetWare v3.11 provides a high-performance integration platform for businesses requiring a sophisticated enterprise-wide network computing solution in a multivendor environment. NetWare v3.11 offers centralized network management and is available in various user configurations, allowing organizations to standardize on a high-performance networking solution regardless of size.

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

EMERYVILLE, CA, May 18, 1992 -- Sybase, Inc. today announced new pricing and support programs in conjunction with the introduction of the SYBASE SQL Server product for Novell's NetWare v3.11 network operating system. In addition, the company announced enhancements to its existing distribution channels to meet the needs of the NetWare market. These changes have been made to provide Sybase's traditional Fortune 1000 customers with an easy entry-point for using the SYBASE SQL Server database on NetWare networks, while delivering a solution that is typical of the NetWare marketplace.

Sybase has developed a pricing schedule for the SYBASE SQL Server for NetWare product to provide low entry points for customers. In addition, to effectively support and train their customers, the company is working closely with Novell to train members of Sybase's technical staff on NetWare, and is implementing PC-based training facilities. Sybase is also augmenting its distribution channels in North America to address the needs of departmental groups that implement NetWare networks by expanding its telesales force and its relationships with heterogeneous systems integrators.

"The programs and enhancements we are announcing today will allow us to effectively address the distribution and support needs of the NetWare marketplace," said Stewart Schuster, vice president of marketing at Sybase. "We are very excited about the opportunities in the NetWare market since we believe that the SYBASE SQL Server for NetWare product will bring a new generation of on-line, client/server applications to NetWare-based environments."

Sybase's PC LAN Strategy

Sybase's PC LAN strategy is designed to deliver its proven, high-performance relational database management system to PC LAN-based, client/server applications. In addition, the SYBASE SQL Server product's open architecture facilitates the integration of heterogeneous systems -- from desktop systems to mainframes -- into a cohesive computing environment.

To date, Sybase's PC LAN efforts have been in partnership with Microsoft Corporation. The two companies have been working together for over five years to jointly develop and market the SYBASE SQL Server database as the Microsoft SQL Server on OS/2 platforms. Sybase will continue to work with Microsoft to deliver SQL Server solutions on OS/2 and on Windows NT, Microsoft's new 32-bit version of the Windows operating system scheduled for availability later this year.

"Up until now, customers have been able to build distributed Windows-based client/server applications across OS/2, UNIX and VMS server platforms," said Dwayne Walker, director of Windows NT and network product marketing for Microsoft Corporation. "Today's announcement by Sybase extends these applications to NetWare servers as well, giving Windows users even more flexibility in building and deploying their client/server solutions."

Schuster added, "Microsoft has been extremely successful in supporting SQL Server technology for OS/2, and in developing relationships with PC resellers and Windows tools vendors. We continue to work closely with Microsoft to deliver complementary and leading-edge solutions for the client/server market."

The SYBASE SQL Server for NetWare product is an additional step in Sybase's commitment to address the PC LAN market. Sybase recognizes NetWare as a full fledged, 32-bit operating system that supports all key desktop operating systems -- DOS, Windows, OS/2, UNIX and Macintosh -- as well as a variety of host environments. It provides a rich environment for the SYBASE SQL Server product to deliver high performance. In addition, SYBASE SQL Server's open interoperability capabilities allow organizations to use NetWare as a platform to integrate PCs with other systems, such as UNIX workstations and mainframes. Sybase is targeting large corporations that are looking to take advantage of NetWare networks to run transaction-oriented and real-time decision support applications that need interoperability with heterogeneous systems.

Sybase Programs For The Netware Market

Sybase has established new pricing and support programs, and has enhanced its distribution channels to meet the needs of the NetWare market.

Pricing

Sybase has introduced a new pricing schedule for the SYBASE SQL Server for NetWare product that is designed to provide low entry points for customers. Pricing is as follows: single user -- $1,995; 2-8 users -- $4,995; 9-16 users -- $8,995;17-32 users $15,995; unlimited users -- $29,995.

In addition, Sybase is promoting the SYBASE SQL Server for NetWare product with a 90-day Introductory Announcement Offer. For $2,495, a customer receives a single user development license, full documentation, three months of technical support, and coupons to save up to 70% on SQL-compatible DOS and Windows tools, including Advanced Revelation, DataEase, Desktop DBA, Forest and Trees, Lotus 1-2-3 for Windows, Objectview, PowerBuilder, QBE-Vision, and SQL Softlink. For more information, customers can call 1-800-8-SYBASE.

Technical Support and Education

Sybase has always provided fully-staffed 24-hour Technical Support Services. In support of the SYBASE SQL Server for NetWare product, Sybase is joining Novell's Technical Support Alliance Program. In this program, Novell support engineers share information, education, and expertise with an elite group of vendors to ensure a more comprehensive response to multivendor network problems. In addition, Sybase is training members of its technical support staff and field systems consultants to be Certified NetWare Engineers (CNEs). CNEs receive extensive training in NetWare network support and must pass a series of proficiency tests to meet Novell's strict certification requirements.

Sybase's Educational Services provide a multitude of training courses designed to help SYBASE users become productive in developing and maintaining client/server applications. Sybase is expanding its courses and facilities to incorporate PC-based training. In addition, Sybase will be implementing a Certification Program that certifies users for proficiency in the SYBASE products upon completion of a number of courses.

Distribution Channels

Sybase has traditionally licensed its products to management information systems (MIS) organizations through a world-wide direct sales force, backed by telesales and a network of heterogeneous systems integrators. Sybase classifies "heterogeneous systems integrators" as those systems integrators that provide added value through their expertise in integrating heterogeneous systems -- from PCs to workstations to mainframes. Sybase will market the SYBASE SQL Server for NetWare product to MIS organizations through these existing channels.

Sybase also expects departmental information systems groups, where a large number of NetWare networks are implemented, to be interested in SYBASE SQL Server for NetWare. To address these departmental groups, in North America, Sybase is expanding its telesales group and its relationships with heterogeneous systems integrators.

The SYBASE System

The SYBASE system is a leading client/server-based relational database management systems (RDBMS) for the on-line enterprise. It consists of proven online RDBMS technology, complete SQL lifecycle tools, and open interoperability products. The SYBASE SQL Server product features scalable high performance, server enforced integrity, high application availability, and on-line distributed DBMS capabilities. The SYBASE SQL Lifecycle tools provide graphical tools for the complete SQL development lifecycle, including design, application development, and operational control.

The SYBASE Open Client/Server Interface products provide a distributed architecture for interoperability between heterogeneous tools, applications, databases, data sources, and network services.

Sybase, Inc

Sybase, Inc. (NASDAQ: SYBS) develops and markets the SYBASE system, a leading client/server-based RDBMS product family for on-line, enterprise-wide applications. The company offers proven technology, combined with services and alliances, to provide customers with complete desktop to mainframe solutions. Headquartered in Emeryville, CA, Sybase markets its products worldwide through its direct sales force, its telesales force, distributors, OEMs, VARs, and systems integrators.

Sybase Inc, 6475 Christie Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608

510-596-3500


Turbo C++ for Windows Inside/Out
Turbo C++ for Windows Inside & Out by Herbert Schildt

Osborne/McGraw-Hill announces publication of Turbo C++ for Windows Inside & Out, a fast-start guide to Borland's new Turbo C++ for Windows by internationally renowned programmer, Herb Schildt.

Written for C and C++ programmers, this new Inside & Out book assumes readers have a solid background in C programming. Schildt begins the book with a thorough overview of the C++ language, covering C++ classes, references and pointers, overloading, inheritance and much more. These topics are thoroughly described with easy-to-follow examples and practical applications.

After mastering C++ programming principles, readers can then explore the complex world of the Windows programming environment and creating Windows applications. The book provides programmers with a solid, thorough introduction to the ObjectWindows class library, Borland's new high-powered Windows programming tool. Schildt covers working with the ObjectWindows skeleton; responding to messages using ObjectWindows; programming menus; using ObjectWindows dialog boxes; creating custom bitmaps, icons, and cursors; and much more.

With Schildt's expert help, programmers are sure to expand their skills and get professional results in creating Windows applications with this outstanding new book.

$27.95              ISBN:  0-07-881778-1      334 pages

Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 2600 Tenth St, Berkeley, CA 94710

510-549-6600


Women, Water & Sanitation Ref CDROM
Baltimore - National Information Services Corporation (NISC), and CD-Resources, Inc. of New York are pleased to announce their agreement to publish a series of full-text databases on CD-ROM. The databases, which are composed of collections of complete documents drawn from international sources, form important, core reference works on crucial, contemporary topics.

PURCHASE INFORMATION:

Title: WOMEN, WATER AND SANITATION - Impacts on Health, Agriculture and Environment.

Coverage: 1979- 1989

Price: One-time purchase: $320.00 USD. FREE LAN USE.

Features: Full-Text Search and Retrieval software uniquely suited for the sophisticated search access and manipulation of full-text databases. Excellent means of browsing documents, using tables of contents, outlines, and the natural structures of documents to pinpoint essential information.

System: IBM PC/XT/AT, PS/2 or compatible; 512k RAM available, any CD-ROM drive with MS-DOS CD-ROM Extensions, Monochrome or Color Monitor

This disc can lead you quickly and efficiently to current and reliable sources. Our international editorial board views this collection as a ground-breaking effort to provide a timesaving, cost-effective, qualitative information resource tool that will greatly enhance communication between practitioners and researchers.

Subject coverage ranges from agriculture and health practices to education and training of health workers. Small and large-scale case studies of community-based development projects are included. Women. Water and Sanitation addresses the major policy implications for issues on community water supply and sanitation systems as well as public health concerns. An excellent resource base and networking tool for researchers, educators and practitioners involved with women, water and sanitation issues.

An interdisciplinary and multisectoral collection of documents from international development agencies (United States Agency for International Development (USAID), CARE, United Nations Development Programme/PROWWESS, UNICEF, World Health Organization, International Reference Centre for Community Water Supply and Sanitation, United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW), International Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade (IDWSSD), World Bank, United Nations Interagency Task Force on Women, NGO Committee on UNICEF/Kenya.

National Information Services Corp (NISC)

Suite 6, Wyman Towers, 3100 St. Paul St, Baltimore, MD 21218

(410) 243-0797 Fax: (410) 243 0982


Microsoft Money Management
Microsoft Money Management by JEAN E. GUTMANN

Mastering small business financial management with Microsoft Money--the new money manager for Windows

Microsoft Money is the perfect PC financial manager for individuals and small businesses that don't need a full-fledged, double-entry accounting package, but rather an easy-to-use program that can keep track of check payments, cash and credit accounts, investments, budgets, payrolls, and other basic business records. Written especially for first-time Windows users, this outstanding book is a complete guide to effective financial record-keeping with Microsoft Money.

Jean Gutmann takes a step-by-step tutorial approach--including one session for ambitious users called "Mastering Microsoft Money in 50 Minutes"--and supports her coverage with many practical examples and illustrations to help readers familiarize themselves with the Windows interface. Readers will learn how to develop and maintain:

** Automated check writing

** Expenditure summaries

** Home asset records

** Business financial statements

** Journals of transactions

** Payroll records

** Automatic future payments

** Customized reports

** Loan payment records

. . . and much more. Gutmann also demonstrates how to use Microsoft Money to balance checkbooks, organize tax return data, and manage credit cards. Small businesses looking to computerize their accounting systems without a lot of expensive training will appreciate Gutmann's focus on Microsoft Money as a small business tool, something the software manual fails to do.

With the simple recordkeeping techniques described in Microsoft Money Management, readers can quickly gain complete control of their personal and business finances without resorting to a full-fledged accounting system.

Jean Gutmann is a professor of accounting and business computing at the University of Southern Maine. She is a consultant to small business, a freelance technical writer, and author of Windcrest's SMART Simplified.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill - Microsoft Money Management - Order No. 4172 Available: March - 272 pp., 100 illus. - Paper $17.95 ISBN 0-8306-4017-7

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128  --  Fax  717-794-2103


TCP/IP with XoftWare Server
San Diego, CA. June 1, 1992 - AGE Logic, Inc. announced an agreement with Novell, Inc. to bundle Novell's TCP/IP PC-to-Unix connectivity software with its XoftWare family of Microsoft Windows, DOS and TIGA/DOS X Window server software. AGE will offer Novell's TCP/IP stack in XoftWare for Windows, XoftWare for DOS and XoftWare for TIGA/DOS. Bundling Novell's TCP/IP stack with the XoftWare X server products will simplify the installation issues normally associated with integrating X and networking software. The XoftWare family of X server software enables PC users to quickly access network-based applications residing on Unix and DECNMS host systems. XoftWare shipments with Novell's TCP/IP bundled will begin in June 1992.

Through this agreement, AGE will now be able to provide XoftWare users a single purchasing and support point for PC-to-Unix connectivity software. Users will benefit from fully integrated XoftWare installation routines simplifying TCP/IP network and X server software set-up. According to Craig A. Schmidt, vice president of marketing for AGE, "One of the largest hurdles facing customers that want to run network-based X client applications, has been integrating the X-server with the networking software. This bundling arrangement with Novell simplifies the installation process and thus makes it much easier for our customers to get started."

The agreement between AGE and Novell allows AGE to bundle Novell's TCP/IP software with all XoftWare X server products. "We are pleased that AGE Logic will be offering their XoftWare X server customers our TCP/IP networking stack," said Bob Davis, director of marketing for Novell's connectivity products. "Novell is committed to growing the industry and this agreement with AGE simplifies the purchase of quality software solutions for the PC-to-Unix marketplace," he said.

According the Peter J. Shaw, president and CEO of AGE Logic, "This agreement with Novell shows AGE's commitment to work with industry leading companies to offer integrated solutions built around standard, high quality platforms. We are very pleased with the relationship that has developed with Novell."

The new XoftWare TCP/IP offering includes Novell's Transmission Control Protocol/lnternet Protocol (TCP/IP) files, the Open Datalink Interface (ODI) driver set, and the Internetwork Packet Exchange (IPX) file for ODI. Through AGE's integration of Novell's ODI drivers, Token Ring and ARCnet are now supported in addition to XoftWare's standard support for Ethernet.

XoftWare for Windows is AGE's enhanced X server software that enables users to simultaneously run MS Windows and network-based Unix and DECNMS applications on the same PC. XoftWare for Windows with Novell's TCP/IP bundled will list for $595 ($US) and for $495 without TCP/IP. XoftWare for DOS cost effectively adds X terminal capabilities to 286, 386 and 486 DOS-based PCs. XoftWare for DOS with Novell's TCP/IP bundled will list for $495 ($US) and for $395 without TCP/IP. XoftWare for TIGA/DOS turns 286, 386 and 486 DOS PCs with TlGA-based graphic accelerators into high-performance, high-resolution X terminals. XoftWare for TIGA/DOS with Novell's TCP/IP bundled will list for $595 ($US) and for $495 without TCP/IP. All XoftWare products currently support industry leading networking software, including Novell's LAN WorkPlace. AGE will be demonstrating all of the XoftWare products at Xhibition 92, booth #927.

AGE Logic, Inc., a privately owned corporation founded in 1984, is a supplier of X Window System software which enables PCs and X terminals to access X applications residing on Unix and DECNMS host machines. Marketed under the XoftWare brand name, AGE offers customized embedded products for the world's leading terminal, computer systems companies, as well as standard PC packages for OEMS, systems integrators, resellers, and major end users. These XoftWare packaged products support industry standards such as Microsoft Windows, DOS, TIGA, 8514, SCO Open Desktop, and INTERACTIVE Unix. AGE also has alliances with major microprocessor, terminal, and workstation companies to develop highly optimized, hardware-specific X servers tailored to their specifications.

AGE Logic, 9985 Pacific Heights Blvd, San Diego, CA 92121

619-455-8600


Consumers Reference CDROM
Baltimore - National Information Services Corporation (NISC), a CD-ROM/CD-I full-text and database publisher, announced today an agreement with Pierian Press of Ann Arbor, Michigan to publish Consumers Index on CD-ROM. Under a separate agreement with Oryx Press, the Consumers Reference Disc will also feature the Consumer Health & Nutrition Index from Oryx Press. An of the volumes (since 1985) of both of these critically acclaimed publications will be together on one disc at one subscription rate. Each query searches throughout both publications for all relevant answers on any consumer topic.

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION:

Title: Consumers Reference Disc

Coverage: January, 1985 - Present

       (approx. 150,000 abstracts & bibliographic citations)

Price: $695.00 USD, annual subscription, Semi-annual Updates

LAN Info: 2-10 stations: base price + 50%

         11-20 stations: base + 100%

         21-35 stations: base + 150%

Features: Standard NISC DISC User Interface and context sensitive help, Novice and Expert Search Modes for bibliographic retrieval, powerful search software with full proximity and field specific retrieval capabilities. Unparalleled search speed, field specific index browsing, and record display. This product is intended for the new or experienced CD-ROM user who needs basic or sophisticated search access, powerful queries, and extensive database analysis.

System: IBM PC/XT/AT, PS/2 or compatible; 512k RAM available, any CD-ROM drive with MS-DOS CD-ROM Extensions, Monochrome or Color Monitor

These two leading indexes to consumer interests are sure to make this disc one of the most used and valuable CD-ROMs in your collection. Each year, the Consumers Index from Pierian Press abstracts and indexes over 25,000 product evaluations, recalls, alerts, and warnings as well as 8,000 leading articles on travel & transportation, finances, jobs, computers, food, health, and hundreds of other subjects from potato chips to microchips.

The Consumer Health & Nutrition Index from Oryx Press is a wealth of references to health issues. Each year, over 6,000 articles on important and popular topics are indexed under 4,000 medical and other subject headings from more than 80 core consumer magazines, medical center publications, and newsletters, such as: Harvard Medical School Letter, Nutrition Today, American Baby, Men's Health, Ladies Home Journal, and Paraplegia News. (The indexed entries of Consumer Health & Nutrition Index are supplemented by more than 1000 abstracts on health and nutrition annually included in Consumers Index.)

"Together with the full-text of Consumer Reports (1982-present), which NISC also publishes on CD-ROM, our customers can make a thorough search of all essential, consumer based information," said Fred Durr, Publisher, NISC.

National Information Services Corp (NISC)

Suite 6, Wyman Towers, 3100 St. Paul St, Baltimore, MD 21218

(410) 243-0797 Fax: (410) 243 0982


Ceramic Abstracts on CD-ROM
Baltimore - National Information Services Corporation (NISC), and The American Ceramic Society, Inc. are pleased to announce an agreement to publish Ceramic Abstracts on CD-ROM. Over 17 volumes of primary reference resources for bibliographic information on ceramic literature, consisting of more than 135,000 citations and abstracts, are contained on this CD-ROM.

The Ceramic Abstracts CD-ROM is compiled from all the world's scientific, engineering, and commercial literature pertaining to the processing and manufacture of ceramics and related materials. This collection of more than 135,000 citations and abstracts encompasses numerous scientific and technical journals, books, conference proceedings, monographs, trade magazines, market studies, patents, and reports. Over 15,000 bibliographic citations and abstracts from approximately 350 sources all over the world are added each year. Subjects include abrasives, art, design, archeology, cements, plasters, glass, clay, dielectrics, semiconductors, superconductors, ferroelectrics, magnetic materials, nuclear materials, production processes and equipment, engineering materials, chemistry, physics, and more.

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION:

Title: Ceramic Abstracts

Coverage: 1976 - Present, Semi-annual Updates

Price: $695.00 USD, annual subscription

LAN Info:  2-10 stations: base price + 50%

          11-20: base + 100%

          21-35: base + 150%

Features: Standard NISC DISC User Interface and context sensitive help, Novice and Expert Search Modes for bibliographic retrieval, powerful search software with full proximity and field specific retrieval capabilities. Unparalleled search speed, field specific index browsing, and record display. This product is intended for the new or experienced CD-ROM user who needs basic or sophisticated search access, the ability to compose powerful queries, and perform extensive database analysis.

Availability: Now

System: IBM PC/XT/AT, PS/2 or compatible; 512k RAM available, any CD-ROM drive with MS-DOS CD-ROM Extensions, Monochrome or Color Monitor

National Information Services Corp (NISC)

Suite 6, Wyman Towers, 3100 St. Paul St, Baltimore, MD 21218

(410) 243-0797 Fax: (410) 243 0982


Bestinfo Layout & Composition News
SEATTLE, Wash. -- Eddie Bauer, Inc. has installed a catalog and print advertising production system from Bestinfo, Inc. of Radnor, Pa. The clothing retailer and cataloger, which has 230 stores in the U.S. and Canada, will use the system to produce catalogs, retail mailers, and in-store signs.

The OS/2-based Bestinfo system is comprised of production workstations with PageWright/2 layout and composition software, and WordWright Plus writing and editing software.

Eddie Bauer produces between 4,000 - 5,000 pages of catalog advertising per year -- approximately 30 catalog offerings. Before the Bestinfo system was installed, the company created its advertising with manual paste-up and conventional typesetting methods. "In selecting the Bestinfo system, we aimed to automate our whole production process," said Marsha Savery, vice president, advertising. "We were impressed with the power and total integration of the system, which is superior to the Mac-based systems that we considered, and its capabilities as a strong data manager." The company anticipates significant cost and time savings with the new system.

Savery cites extraordinary service as another benefit in choosing Bestinfo. "The Bestinfo support department has been exceptionally cooperative and responsive to our needs, helping us to achieve maximum productivity."

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

FORT WAYNE, Ind. - Hardware Wholesalers, Inc. (HWI) hag installed a merchandise advertising production system from Bestinfo, Inc. of Radnor, Pa. A $1.3 billion distributor supporting over 3,100 Hardware, building centers, and Do-It Center stores, HWI will use the Bestinfo system for the production of direct mail sales circulars, newspaper ads, package design, and in-store point-of-purchase materials.

The OS/2-based Bestinfo system consists of 12 workstations with PageWright/2 layout and composition software; TableMaster software for electronic table creation; Database Hooks for automatic price and text updates during production; the Picbase image database archiving program; and ImageWright image manipulation software.

HWI produces hundreds of pages of advertising per year, including full color, 12-page sales circulars, full color and two-color 4-page inserts, newspaper ads with black-and-white line art, and P.O.P. materials, such as two-color and three-color price carts and display banners. The advertising department also creates customized version of ads with specific merchandise and prices for particular dealers and stores. Eighty percent of HWI's stores select these optional inserts to include in their main advertising circulars.

Before the installation of the Bestinfo system, the production process at HWI was completely manual, utilizing conventional and costly cut-and-paste methods. "Our new system has enabled us to completely automate the production process," said Larry Pensinger, marketing manager. "It offers our stores much greater flexibility with item selection and pricing in their advertising materials. These customized versions were cost-prohibitive before we hat the Bestinfo system." Through Database Hooks, stores can now select and easily revise their own pricing on the covers of the sales circulars.

The system's high compatibility with HWI's IBM mainframe computer was another key advantage. "Stores can now transmit price changes electronically into our mainframe. Our goal is to download these new prices into our system through the Database Hooks software links. And because the system allows w to easily retrieve copy from previous sales circulars for reuse, we save time and labor costs by eliminating manual recreation of text."

Bestinfo specializes in so-called Merchandise Advertising Technology (MAT) systems, which are designed for rapid production of multi-page print advertising, such as catalogs, supplements, and ROP ads.

Bestinfo

100 Matsonford Road, Building Five, Radnor, Pa. 19087

(800) 346-7920


HEAT HelpDesk Software
May 18, 1992, Colorado Springs, Colorado. HelpDesk software developer Bendata Management Systems has solidified it's dominance of the PC/LAN HelpDesk automation market with the announcement of a dynamic new version of HEAT; the HelpDesk Expert Automation Tool. Shipment of HEAT version 2.0, is scheduled to begin June 1.

This new version expands on HEAT's already impressive list of HelpDesk automation features and capabilities, and has been lauded by current users at a preview demonstration at the annual User's Meeting in New Orleans, as the best HelpDesk automation tool on the market.

"Our customers are the driving force behind the continued development of HEAT" stated Jim Parker, VP of Bendata Management Systems. "They asked for certain changes and improvements in the system, and we implemented them. Judging from the overwhelming response from our Users, it's safe to say that we have the cadillac of HelpDesk automation softwares."

One example of the improvements in version 2.0 is in the reporting function within HEAT. The reporting was completely rewritten to enable users to capture more information quicker and easier. Nintendo of America's Kathy Rigney, an original HEAT user, sums it up.." We asked them to redesign the report writer and they did. They also redesigned the screens to make them easier to read." Nintendo has improved productivity in the support department 95% by automating their HelpDesk with HEAT.

In addition to the phenomenal success of the new report writer, other new features include streamlined call logging processes, allowing users to access information up to 75% faster, with crucial call history data available on the same screen. A rolodex card file interface allows the operator to see which of the screen elements contain helpful information regarding the caller. Call Types can be added from the Call Log screen "on the fly" and the system has no limits on the number of Customer Types.

A "Quick Close" option enables the user to close a call at any stage. Boolean logic has been implemented in the call logging and reporting areas and allows enhanced search and retrieve capabilities. And enhanced navigation of the knowledge base makes it even easier to reach the knowledge and solutions in HEAT's "ExpertAssist".

Even HEAT's standard features are head and shoulders above the rest. HEAT is still the only PC/LAN HelpDesk automation software with mainframe interface capabilities. HEAT is also the only HelpDesk software that is almost completely user-definable and can be customized to each individual HelpDesk's specifications.

Quality, service, efficiency, do more with less, do it better and faster than before. These concepts are the buzzwords that can make or break a company competing in the increasingly service oriented marketplace today. HEAT increases the productivity of HelpDesk personnel by speeding problem determination, reducing paperwork and down time, as well as improving response time. HEAT streamlines internal efficiency, while at the same time improving external customer service operations by automating the HelpDesk and providing expert assistance to all HelpDesk staffers. And improving efficiency and service are key ingredients to improving a company's bottom line.

HEAT was developed by Bendata and the input, efforts and financial interest of 28 major North American corporations in 1989-90. This original consortium of companies contributed HelpDesk-specific goals and objectives toward the original design of the software. As a result, HEAT is the only HelpDesk software designed by HelpDesk professionals for HelpDesk professionals.

Bendata Management Systems, Inc. is a developer and marketer of products for HelpDesk Customer Support Centers. For more information on HEAT; the HelpDesk Expert Automation Tool, contact Bendata Management Systems, Inc., 1755 Telstar Dr.   Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO. 80920. (719) 531-5007.


Quattro Pro 4 Pocket Reference
Quattro Pro 4: The Pocket Reference by James Keogh

Osborne/McGraw-Hill announces publication of Quattro Pro 4: The Pocket Reference, a handy new guide to all the essential commands and features of versions 2, 3, and 4 of Quattro Pro.

This indispensable book provides a quick, alphabetical reference to the most frequently used commands, tasks and @functions. Author James Keogh includes a helpful reference section to Quattro Pro macros. Descriptions are succint and helpful, providing readers with answers quickly and efficiently.

As an added bonus, the Pocket Reference features a special lay-flat binding that keeps the book open to any page, while Quattro Pro users continue working at their keyboards.

Anyone working with Quattro Pro, won't want to miss this handy resource.

$9.95               ISBN:  0-07-881795-1      200 pages

Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 2600 Tenth St, Berkeley, CA 94710

510-549-6600


FoxPro 2.0 & Enhanced App. Gen.
PERRYSBURG, Ohio--May 4, 1992--Fox Software, Inc., today announced a free update that makes the database management power of FoxPro instantly and easily available to information users at all levels of expertise. A new RUN option has been added to the main menu to make the high performance of FoxPro available to even novice DBMS users.

With the new RUN menu, interactive users can quickly and easily get answers to their queries, produce reports, and even run or create applications just by pulling down a menu and clicking twice. This makes FoxPro ideal for corporations that require power for mission-critical applications, yet need easy, interactive access to information hr end-user departments.

"Information users in business aren't looking for a DBMS. They're looking for results," said Hal Pawluk, Fox VP of Marketing. " We're providing them the vehicle to get these results through 'information objects' - Queries, Reports, Forms, Labels and Applications. Our new RUN menu simply makes these information objects available with pst a couple of clicks or keystrokes."

When users click on one of these information objects, they are presented with two options: To run the object or create a new one. To run a report, for example, the user selects "Reports" from the RUN menu, then the name of the report to run and FoxPro does the rest. Queries, forms, labels and applications are just as quick and easy to run.

To create new reports, forms, labels and applications, users simply click on the menu button in the dialog box. This takes them directly to the screen builder or application generator, etc. Then, using the program's simple tools, they can build forms containing buttons, lists, check boxes, text regions, data fields, reports with headers, footers and subtotals and even complete applications.

The RUN menu also includes RQBE (Relational Query By Example), a simple interface for getting and manipulating data quickly and easily. Unlike other query systems, RQBE lets users browse the information or create instant databases, reports, labels or business graphs (with optional Foxgraph or other graphics programs).

"We added the RUN menu to ensure FoxPro 2.0 covers the entire range of database user needs, from the very technical developer/programmer to the interactive information user, or nonprogrammer said Mickey Friedman, Director of Marketing. "Now FoxPro is the only DBMS that's easy enough for interactive users, has command-mode capability for more sophisticated users, yet still has the power developers crave. It satisfies all user needs."

Upgrades are available now on CompuServe or by calling Fox at 1800 837-FOX2. In order to give all FoxPro owners superior usability, Fox is making this upgrade available free of charge to all registered users.

Fox will also include a RUN Users Manual in FoxPro 2.0 packages for new FoxPro users. This guide will help novice FoxPro users and those with limited database management experience become productive immediately.

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

PERRYSBURG, Ohio - May 4, 1992 - Fox Software, Inc., today announced a significant enhancement to the FoxPro 2.0 application generator that will dramatically increase the productivity of interactive users and experienced programmers alike. This upgrade, which also includes the new RUN menu option, is available free of charge to current FoxPro 2.0 users.

Interactive information users will now be able to create sophisticated, multi-file applications without doing any programming. They only need to know what they want to do and FoxPro does the work.

"Previously, users could only create an application needing just a single file," said Janet Walker, Fox Product Manager. "Now, users can develop interactive applications that require multiple files with relationships between files."

The new capabilities of the application generator will also increase the productivity of developers. It's ideal for quickly creating relatively sophisticated applications to satisfy an immediate need or for prototyping a large application.

The enhanced application generator creates FoxPro menus that are automatically CUA (Common User Access) standard, enabling users to develop applications that have all the ease-of-use features and windowing capabilities of the main product. The result: FoxPro's application generator is more powerful and easier to use than competitive databases, and applications created with the product also are easier to use.

The FoxPro 2.0 application generator also boosts productivity and ease of use by simplifying fundamental database tasks:

** Prompting users through creating a database.

** Creating input screens and generating reports automatically.

** Enabling users to look at and edit specific data.

** Pulling together all parts of an application--the databases, input screens, reports and browse capabilities--under the umbrella of an application.

Upgrades are available now through CompuServe or by calling Fox at 1-800-837-FOX2. In order to give all FoxPro owners superior usability, Fox is making this upgrade available free of charge to all registered users.

Fox Software, founded in 1983, is a privately-held corporation headquartered in Perrysburg, Ohio. It develops and markets a broad line of ultra-high performance and easy-to-use single-user and networked relational database management system products of IBM PCs and compatibles, Macintoshes and UNIX computers that are compatible with Borland's dBASE DBMS. Under development today are fully application- and file-compatible versions of FoxPro under the DOS, Windows, Macintosh and UNIX platforms, plus connectivity products to industry-standard database servers.

FoxPro 2.0 the company's premier high-performance relational database manager, has gained industry-wide recognition in the first several months since its release, winning such awards as PC Magazine -Technical Excellence, InfoWorld--Product of the Year, PC /Computing--MVP (Most Valuable Product), BYTE--Award of Excellence, DBMS - Readers' Choice, Data Based Advisor--Best DBMS, and Computer Language--Productivity Award.

Fox has nine regional offices throughout the United States. Worldwide operations are supported by international offices in the United Kingdom, France and Germany, with local distribution in the rest of Europe, Africa, Latin and South America, and the Pacific Rim.

Fox Software, 134 W. SOUTH BOUNDARY, PERRYSBURG, OH 43551

(419) 874-0162  FAX: (419) 874-8678


Pioneer Licenses Database Tech.
RALEIGH -- April 22, 1992 -- Pioneer Software and Delrina Technology Inc. announced today that Delrina will incorporate Pioneer Software's database technology in future releases of PerForm PRO. Pioneer's technology will allow PerForm PRO to provide direct database access to fourteen databases including: DB2, Ingres, Oracle, SQL Server, Sybase, Netware SQL, XDB, EE DBM, SQL Base, Btrieve, and Excel files.

"Electronic forms processing as an enterprise solution requires comprehensive integration with corporate databases" said Stephanie Feraday, Delrina's Director of Marketing. "Pioneer's database technology will allow PerForm PRO to offer significant advances in many aspects of data management, handling, storage, and query.

"Pioneer Software has successfully provided its customers with multi-database technology tools in the Windows and OS/2 environments for the past three years," said George Woltman, President, Pioneer Software. "So it is natural for software vendors in complementary markets to license our technology for database access and use their development resources for other product enhancements."

Pioneer Software's multi-database access is available to corporate customers in its retail package Q+E Database Library (QELIB). Q+E Database Library provides Windows developers with programmatic access to a variety of database management systems. Q+E Database Library is a collection of Dynamic Link Libraries (DLL) that provide a common call level interface for database access from any application or tool capable of calling a DLL. Q+E Database Library can be called from the macro, script, or programming languages of any Windows product. Products such as spreadsheets, word processors, hypercard development systems, 4GL development tools, object-oriented languages, and traditional programming languages can all use Q+E Database Library to directly retrieve and manipulate database information.

Q+E Database Library uses the SQL database language to access data stored in local, server, and remote databases. This data can be stored on a PC, LAN, mini computer, or mainframe. Since Q+E Database Library uses the same SQL language for all database systems, developers don't have to learn a different interface for each database system. A single application can be written to simultaneously access multiple databases or an application can be developed using one database system and then run on other database systems. This is a tremendous benefit to the application developer faced with building an application that works on multiple database systems.

Delrina Technology Inc., a developer and publisher of forms and fax software, is the wholly-owned subsidiary of Delrina Corp., a public company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE:DC).

Pioneer Software, the multi-database technology company, has shipped over 2,000,000 copies of Windows and OS/2 database access products for end-users and developers. Pioneer Software was recently cited as the fourth fastest growing application publisher in the 1992 Software Industry Factbook, published by the Digital Information Group. Pioneer Software, founded 1986, is a privately held company based in Raleigh, North Carolina and has a European office in Rotterdam, Holland.

Pioneer Software

5540 Centerview Dr, Suite 324, Raleigh, NC 27606

919-859-2220


Consumer Reports on CD-ROM
Baltimore - National Information Services Corporation (NISC), a CD-ROM/CD-I full-text and database publisher, is pleased to publish on CD-ROM the full-text of Consumer Reports - the nation's preeminent consumer products testing and advisory magazine from the Consumers Union of the United States.

Imagine never again having to search for missing issues of Consumer Reports magazine or finding that pages have been tom out from the most popular articles! Now, it's all right there on one CD-ROM, for access and printout by you or your library patrons, with a search interface that satisfies any level of sophistication. No more need to run the meter for online access. Relax, as you search, browse, and read. Full-text search access and expert indexing help you pinpoint those nuggets of valuable advice on a wide array of products and consumer topics covered in depth and updated by CU through the years. You won't miss a single Consumer Reports recommendation. What wasn't covered this year may have been featured last year. you'll find it with a comprehensive search of every issue of every year since 1982 and retrieve all articles relevant to your search topic.

The CD-ROM contains the complete text of the eleven regular monthly issues of the printed Consumer Reports. "Consumer Reports on CD-ROM" is available on an annual subscription basis only, with the requirement that each disc be returned upon the receipt of the most recent update issue.

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION:

Title:        Consumer Reports on CD-ROM

Coverage:     January, 1982 - Present

Price:        $695.00 annual subscription, Semi-annual Updates

LAN Info:     2-10 stations: base price + 50%

              11-20: base + 100%

              21-35: base + 150%

Features:     Standard NISC DISC User Interface and context sensitive help, Novice and Expert Searches, powerful search software with full proximity and field specific retrieval capabilities. Unparalleled search speed, field specific index browsing, and text display. This product is intended for sophisticated search access, powerful queries, extensive database analysis, and intensive use by the casual or experienced CD-ROM user.

Available:    June, 1990 - NOW SHIPPING

System: IBM PC/XT/AT, PS/2 or compatible; 512k RAM, any CD-ROM drive with MS-DOS CD-ROM Extensions, Monochrome or Color Monitor

License Info: The Consumer Reports on CD-ROM is available on an annual subscription basis only, and each disc must be returned either on receipt of an update or on the cancellation of a subscription. NISC DISCs are for use through a License agreement, they are not for sale.

OTHER RELATED CD-ROM PRODUCTS

Consumers Reference Disc - 1985-Present. Consumer Health & Nutrition Index from Oryx Press and Consumers Index from Pierian Press, together on one CD-ROM, are sure to make this disc one of The most used CD ROMs in your collection. From potato chips to microchips, 150,000 abstracts and bibliographic citations Keep you informed about popular consumer interests, product evaluations, warnings, recalls, alerts and important health issues. Semi-annual updates, $695.00/yr. subscription.

National Information Services Corp (NISC)

Suite 6, Wyman Towers, 3100 St. Paul St, Baltimore, MD 21218

(410) 243-0797 Fax: (410) 243 0982


Microsim Design Center
(Irvine, CA -- May 15, 1992) MicroSim Corporation continues to strengthen and enhance the Design Center by introducing support for hierarchical designs and lossy transmission lines. Also, the device and symbol libraries have been increased to contain over 6,400 analog and digital parts. The Design Center provides a fully integrated environment to capture, simulate, and analyze analog-only, mixed analog/digital, and digital-only circuit designs. The design engineer's job is significantly simplified by allowing circuit simulation and analysis activities to be performed within the circuit drawing environment.

Now, hierarchical circuit drawings are easily created and modified utilizing all of the advanced features of the schematic editor including: powerful attribute handling, auto-incrementing of names and labels, auto-repeat with stepping, rubberbanding of wires and buses, etc. Hierarchy provides support for top-down design, allowing the user to concentrate on the high level aspects of their design without getting bogged down in implementation details. An integrated symbol editor provides full editing capability allowing new symbols to be created and new part attributes to be defined while working on a schematic.

In addition to the standard SPICE semiconductor devices (diodes, bipolar transistors, JFETs, and MOSFETs), MicroSim has also implemented models in PSpice for Lossy transmission lines, GaAs MESFETs, transformers and power inductors, ideal switches, BSIM MOSFETs, resistors, capacitors, and inductors. Due to the increasing frequency requirements in today's circuit designs, the implementation of the lossy transmission lines gives PSpice a significant advantage. Using the distributed model approach rather than the traditional lumped model, lossy transmission lines can be simulated in a fraction of the time without the spurious oscillations intrinsic to lumped models. All of the transmission line parameters from either the ideal or lossy parameter sets can be expressions. In addition, the user can make the resistance and conductance parameters general Laplace expressions, allowing frequency dependent effects such as skin effect and dielectric loss.

Using the Design Center, circuit drawings are easily created and edited, selecting from over 6,400 analog and digital components available in our device and symbol libraries. Or customized devices and symbols can be defined to suit individual applications. The library has been enlarged by over 700 devices including European manufactured diodes and bipolar transistors, as well as domestic bipolar transistors and operational amplifiers. Macromodels for operational amplifiers, comparators, etc., from Texas Instruments, National Semiconductor, Advanced Linear Devices, and Elantec have also been incorporated into the device library and symbol library.

The Design Center continues to be unique in the CAD/CAE industry for its "native" support of both analog and digital circuits at all levels of the design process, including simulation with PSpice. The analog and digital algorithms are tightly coupled within the same program. Hence, only one circuit need be defined, only one simulation need be run, and only one graphical interface is needed to analyze the results of a mixed analog and digital circuit.

There are three Design Center configurations from which to choose. Our full-featured configuration with schematic capture is available on Microsoft Windows and Sun OpenWindows ranging from $8,200 to $15,900 depending upon platform. Two reduced configurations are available without schematic capture. On DOS (the only platform limited to analog design) and DOS/ 16M platforms, the Design Center is available with a shell manager that coordinates circuit file editing, PSpice simulations, graphical waveform analysis, and stimulus generation. This configuration ranges from $2,450 to $6,750 depending upon platform. Our final configuration allows for direct management of the Design Center programs, with prices ranging from $4,950 to $11,900 depending upon platform.

Any Design Center configuration 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 ($350 to $2,600 depending upon platform).

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

For more information about MicroSim Corporation's Design Center, please call us at (714) 7703022, or toll free at (800) 245-3022.

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

(Irvine, CA) MicroSim Corporation's schematic capture program now includes the capability to have hierarchical views. Views are a method for a block or hierarchical part to have more than one underlying representation. For example, a part can be defined with a schematic for one view and a behavioral model for another. There are no limits as to how many views a component can have or any restrictions on what the views can be.

Views may be used to modify how PSpice performs a simulation. For example, there may be a schematic at the transistor level of a symbol of an adder to verify its basic operation. Suppose that there is also a schematic of the adder at the gate level, for simulation speed. These two schematics can be assigned to the adder symbol, with each assigned to a different view. The default view can then point to either of these schematics. Views can be quickly selected for either individual parts or globally for an entire schematic.

There are three Design Center configurations from which to choose. Our full-featured configuration with schematic capture is available on Microsoft Windows and Sun OpenWindows ranging from $8,200 to $15,900 depending upon platform. Two reduced configurations are available without schematic capture. On DOS (the only platform limited to analog design) and DOS/16M platforms, the Design Center is available with a shell manager that coordinates circuit file editing, PSpice simulations, graphical waveform analysis, and stimulus generation. This configuration ranges from $2,450 to $6,750 depending upon platform. Our final configuration allows for direct management of the Design Center programs, with prices ranging from $4,950 to $11,900 depending upon platform.

Any Design Center configuration 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 ($350 to $2,600 depending upon platform).

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

For more information about MicroSim Corporation's Design Center, please call us at (714) 7703022, or toll free at (800) 245-3022.

MicroSim Corp, 20 Fairbanks, Irvine, CA 92718


GeoArchive on CD-ROM
National Information Services Corporation (NISC), and Geosystems of the United Kingdom are pleased to announce their agreement to produce the GeoArchive database as a NISC DISC publication. The CD-ROM will be updated semi-annually not only with current data from GeoArchive but also with other relevant materials that complement this important research tool thereby expanding coverage well beyond the online version of the file. The first CD-ROM issue features over 675,000 records, which occupy some seven feet of shelf space in print format. The disc will be available for distribution in January, 1992.

GeoArchive is a worldwide geoscience and hydroscience database which is used to reference thousands of published sources including maps, serials, books, conference proceedings, doctoral dissertations, and technical reports. Over 60,000 bibliographic citations are added each year from thousands of sources and publishers of monographic materials worldwide. Comprehensive in scope, this database provides coverage of the entire field of geology with a special emphasis on economic geology, mining, mineral and petroleum production and resources, the environment, energy sources, fossil fuels, paleontology, hydrology, hydrogeology, engineering geology, mathematical geology, geophysics, geochemistry, oceanology, and the names of new minerals, taxa, and new stratigraphic names.

GeoArchive contains the complete text of all the issues of the printed publications: Geotides. Bibliography of Economic Geology, Geoscience Documentation, and Hydrotitles. The GeoArchive thesaurus Geosaurus is also included on the disc. In addition to the ease of searching the CD-ROM medium with the powerful NISC software, copies of many source documents cited can be obtained at cost from Geosystems.

Title: GeoArchive

Coverage: 1974 - present; semi-annual updates. The breadth of topics indexed by GeoArchive makes this CD-ROM an essential tool for serious research on all topics of geology and related disciplines. The coverage of East European and Russian materials is without peer. A strictly controlled indexing system provides an excellent facility for searching by classification codes representing concepts, or by natural language, or by a combination of both.

Features: Standard NISC DISC User Interface and context sensitive help, Novice (global search of record) and Expert (field specific) search modes. Powerful search software with full proximity retrieval capabilities. Unparalleled search speed, field specific index browsing, and record display. Intended for either the new or experienced CD-ROM user, the software can comply with basic, simple queries or with sophisticated searching, memory-efficient manipulation, and complex analyzing of the database.

Available: January, 1992

System: IBM PC/XT/AT, PS/2 or compatible; 512k RAM available, any CD-ROM drive with MS-DOS CDROM Extensions, Monochrome or Color Monitor

Price:

$1395.00 USD per year for subscribers to Geotitles

$1995.00 USD for subscribers to the CD-ROM only

LAN Info:  2-10 station: base price + 50%

          11-20: base + 100%

          21-35: base + 150%

Restrictions: GeoArchive is only available on a semi-annual, licensed subscription basis. Each disc must be returned either on receipt of an update or upon cancellation of a subscription. NISC DISCs are for use through a license agreement; they are not for sale.

Other NISC DISCs:

Water Resources Abstracts; Wildlife & Fish Worldwide; Natural Resources; Environmental Bibliography; Earth Science Resources

National Information Services Corp (NISC)

Suite 6, Wyman Towers, 3100 St. Paul St, Baltimore, MD 21218

(410) 243-0797 Fax: (410) 243 0982


NC-Auto-Code NC/CNC Programming
(Dublin, Ohio -- May 18, 1992) AUTO-CODE Mechanical has announced the addition of 4-axis wire EDM (electric discharge machining) capability to its NC-AUTO-CODE NC/CNC programming system. Previously, only 2-axis wire EDM was supported by the program. Synchronization of the two wire guides is provided through a graphic interface under operator control which provides immediate visual verification of the wire program as well as collision detection. The program supports all standard wire controls and offers bidirectional skimcuts. It will be incorporated into Version 2 of NC-AUTO-CODE which will be provided without charge to all users of the program with a current maintenance agreement. The NC-AUTO-CODE package costs $3495 and also supports lathes, milling machines, turning centers, lasers, flame cutters and punch presses.

NC-AUTO-CODE uses the new AutoCAD Version 11 ADS compiler-based programming interface to achieve significantly higher levels of performance than traditional integrated CNC packages. The act of compiling (translating source language into machine instructions before the program is run) greatly increases the speed of execution and also makes it possible for the program to control the computer more completely. The new interface makes it possible for NC-AUTO-CODE to offer all of the capabilities of stand-alone systems, such as real time animation of the programming path, while remaining tightly integrated within the AutoCAD environment. NC-AUTO-CODE runs on 386- and 486-based personal computers and Sun Sparcstations in conjunction with AutoCAD Release 11.

AUTO-CODE Mechanical

6175 Shamrock Court, Ste. B, Dublin, OH 43017

614-792-3900


Quattro Pro 4 Inside & Out
Quattro Pro 4 Inside & Out by Stephen Cobb

Osborne/McGraw-Hill announces publication of Quattro Pro 4 Inside & Out, a new book by bestselling author Stephen Cobb, providing comprehensive coverage of all the new and exciting features of Quattro Pro, version 4.0.

Readers will discover how to work with the Optimizer analysis tool that looks for the best solution to complex numerical problems, the Audit analysis tool that quickly shows dependencies between cells, and the Speedbar which provides improved mouse support, allowing users to insert, sum, and copy blocks of data. Cobb also demonstrates customization features for creating special formatting with styles and numeric displays.

Experienced users who wish to build their skills can take advantage of the book's wealth of information to help master features such as 3-D bar graphs and bubble charts, improved annotator and slide show capabilities, expanded network support and more.

For beginners who have never worked with spreadsheets or Quattro Pro before, Cobb provides plenty of help in early chapters with spreadsheet fundamentals through examples and illustrations.

For a fast-paced guide to getting productive results in just a few chapters, Quattro Pro 4 Inside & Out is guaranteed to do the job.

$27.95                   ISBN:  0-07-881797-8

Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 2600 Tenth St, Berkeley, CA 94710

510-549-6600


Excel 4 for Windows Made Easy
Excel 4 for Windows Made Easy by Martin S. Matthews

Osborne/McGraw-Hill announces publication of Excel 4 for Windows Made Easy, a new book that provides the fastest, easiest way to learn Microsoft's newest release of Excel for Windows. By following the simple hands-on lessons, even beginners who have never worked with Excel, spreadsheets, or Windows, can get up and running quickly.

Matthews begins with an overview of how Excel works in the Windows environment, along with the features and functions of Windows. Readers next learn to work with Excel's three major program components -- worksheets, databases and charts. Matthews explains how to take advantage of the toolbar, new tear-off tool bars, and the new drag and drop technique.

After learning the basics, Excel users will discover the newest features of the Windows-based release 4.0, including the new or enhanced analysis tools -- Goal Seek, Solver, Scenario Manager, and the What If macro. Matthews also covers linking, combining, and transferring information between worksheets; using Excel 4's functions and how to create timesaving macros; automating a worksheet by using the full power of Excel 4, and much more.

Bestselling author Martin Matthews offers clearly written, detailed instructions that will help Excel users to get the most from Excel 4 for Windows.

$19.95              ISBN:  0-07-881807-9      502 pages

Osborne/McGraw-Hill, 2600 Tenth St, Berkeley, CA 94710

510-549-6600


Genius 11 Mechanical Eng Library
Dublin, Ohio -- May 18, 1992) AUTO-CODE Mechanical has announced the introduction of the Genius 11 Mechanical Engineering Library for AutoCAD Version 11 which can significantly reduce the time required to design virtually any mechanical component or system. Genius 11 provides a huge intelligent standards library with a wide variety of useful features such as parametric construction, bill of materials and parts generation, parts integrator, engineering calculations, enhanced automatic dimensioning, mechanical enhancement functions, graphical library block manager, automatic layer groups, drawing construction aids, intelligent auto-hatching, 2-D hidden line viewing, block enhancements and editor, bird's eye view management symbols for weld and surface texture and geometric tolerances and mechanical symbols.

All standard elements in the Genius 11 library are drawn using parametric construction methods and can be inserted interactively without ever having to go to the DOS shell. The elements are drawn in different layers in order to simplify drawing details. The database of standard elements can be modified using an external editor. Macros are provided to combine parts such as screw, nut, counterbore, countersink and thread in a single command. The library includes standard parts, symbols, dimensions, and drawing standards in ANSI, DIN and ISO. Genius 11 was developed by Genius GmbH, Amberg, Germany and runs on 386 and 486 personal computers in conjunction with AutoCAD Version 11. AUTO-CODE Mechanical will exclusively distribute the product in North America and provide technical support and training.

AUTO-CODE Mechanical

6175 Shamrock Court, Ste. B, Dublin, OH 43017

614-792-3900


Lotus 1-2-3 for Mac Simplified
Lotus 1-2-3 for Macintosh Simplified

By David Bolocan and Sandra Johnson Bottomley

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--This is the perfect low-cost tutorial for beginning Macintosh spreadsheet users just starting out with Lotus 1-2-3, as well as Excel users switching to the Lotus environment for the Mac. More comprehensive than any other introductory Lotus 1-2-3 manual, this outstanding guide walks users through all the basics of spreadsheet operation on the Mac, from installation and use to developing applications. Bolocan and Bottomley show readers how to:

** Create and store worksheets

** Perform calculations

** Manipulate data sets

** Make graphs and charts

** Enter and edit data

** Use cells and tables

** Generate and print

** Work with matrices and linear regression

...and perform many other spreadsheet functions. Lotus 1-2-3 for Macintosh Simplified also covers advanced topics like memory management, macro programming, networking, and converting files to and from DOS formats. And special attention is given to the exciting new desktop publishing and presentation graphics features available for the Macintosh, making it easy for users to enhance their reports with professional layouts and high quality artwork.

David Bolocan is a management consultant specializing in solving problems with Lotus applications. He holds a degree in computer science from Harvard University and an MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management. He has written more than 20 books for Windcrest, including Lotus 1-2-3 Simplified, Release 2.3 and Lotus 1-2-3 Simplified, Release 3.1. Sandra Johnson Bottomley is a technical writer and editor.

Order No. 4150, Available: April 1992, 352 pp., 302 illus., 7" x 10" paper, $18.95 ISBN 0-8306-3964-0

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128  --  Fax  717-794-2103


Trantor T348 MiniSCSI Plus
Fremont, CA, May 18, 1992 -- Trantor Systems today announced its new parallel-to-SCSI host adapter, the T348 MiniSCSI Plus. The product provides simple, quick connection of many different types of SCSI devices through a computer's parallel printer port without losing use of the printer.

Trantor has been successfully selling the original MiniSCSI product for the past two years. The new MiniSCSI Plus offers improved overall performance and enhanced design features. Among these new features are an integral three-foot cable, built-in SCSI termination and a physical design which is more functional, since the portion of the product containing the active circuitry has been moved adjacent to the SCSI device. This new design makes the connection to the computer port much smaller than the original MiniSCSI and eliminates the need for a separate SCSI cable.

While the original MiniSCSI was designed with unidirectional capability only, the new MiniSCSI Plus is fully compatible with both unidirectional and bidirectional parallel ports. This offers the capability to move full 8-bit data blocks in both directions between the host computer and the device(s) connected to the parallel port, at similar speeds in either direction. CD-ROMs in particular perform substantially better on systems when used with the MiniSCSI Plus, an important consideration for multimedia applications.

The MiniSCSI Plus is the first product architecture designed around Trantor's P3C, "Parallel Port Peripheral Controller" custom-designed ASIC chip. The P3C features many of the capabilities previously requiring discrete logic, including transparent printer pass-through, automatic adaption to both unidirectional and bidirectional parallel ports and improved I/O performance.

The MiniSCSI Plus is retail priced at $229.00 and is scheduled to begin shipping in June 1992. The original MiniSCSI version of the product will continue to be sold at a reduced list price of $159.00.

Trantor is the premier supplier of SCSI interface products for the CD-ROM industry and a leader in the all-purpose SCSI interface market, supplying products to the IBM-compatible, laptop and Apple Macintosh markets. Founded in 1982, Trantor's products are sold through distributors and dealers internationally under a variety of private labels as well with the Trantor name. The company is located in Fremont, California.

Trantor Systems, Ltd.

5415 Randall Place, Fremont, CA 94538-3151

Tel 510-770-1400  --  Fax 510-770-9910


Mastering Harvard Graphics 3.0
Mastering Harvard Graphics 3.0 by DONALD RICHARD READ

How to produce first-class reports and successful presentations with the #1 graphics package for IBM PCs and compatibles

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--This completely revised edition of Windcrest's definitive guide, Harvard Graphics Made Easy, serves as an excellent introductory tutorial for beginners and an effective productivity tool for users ready to move on to more sophisticated applications. Donald Richard Read incorporates all the enhancements offered by release 3.0, including pull-down menus, improved mouse capabilities, and changes to the Draw Entity function. Readers will also find updated material on Harvard Graphic's macro, template, and import/export features.

For those just getting started, Read describes the installation process and shows how to boot up the program, perform basic maneuvers using the keyboard and mouse, and manipulate Harvard Graphics' charts and graphs. Once users have mastered all the fundamentals, working example applications demonstrate such advanced techniques as:

** Creating and displaying multiple charts

** Drawing special figures, editing drawings,

   and using the Harvard Graphics symbol library

** Importing data and graphs from other programs

   such as Lotus 1-2-3, DataPerfect, and dBASE IV

** Creating and using predefined charts and templates

** Putting together presentation quality slide shows

** Producing printouts, plotting graphs, and recording,

   charts on 35mm slides

About the Author:

Donald Richard Read is the principal partner for a New York-based consulting firm specializing in corporate communications and marketing. An adjunct faculty member at the City University of New York, Read frequently conducts seminars on communications, presentation skills, and software applications.

Windcrest - Mastering Harvard Graphics 3.0; Order No. 3602 Available: March 1992 - 320 pp., 350 illus. - Paper $18.95 ISBN 0-8306-3602-1

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128  --  Fax  717-794-2103


Visual Basic Power Programming
Visual Basic Power Programming by NAMIR C. SHAMMAS

Advanced programming techniques for the world's most popular Windows development language

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--The ideal complement to Namir Shammas' bestselling introductory guide Visual Basic: Easy Windows Programming, this combination book/disk package goes beyond the fundamentals to show programmers how to put Visual Basic to work creating professional Windows applications.

Packed with authentic screen shots and hundreds of helpful tips, tricks, and warnings, Visual Basic Power Programming gives readers a programmer's toolkit that enables them to:

** Build data structures for fast data storage

** Create three types of on-screen calculators

** Select and process files quickly and easily

** Implement memory-saving arrays and matrices

** Use fast multi-file text browsers and editors

** Obtain a cross-referenced list in minutes

. . . and much more. Presented in an easy-to-follow workbook format, each chapter is designed to teach a specific task. Source code is included on the accompanying disk for easy use, and Shammas provides example figures that will help readers envision data structures, as well as show what the actual code creates on the screen.

Namir C. Shammas is a professional programmer and writer specializing in object-oriented programming. The author/coauthor of 20 books, including Windcrest/McGrawHill's Visual Basic: Easy Windows Programming, his articles regularly appear in Computer Language and BYTE.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill - Visual Basic Power Programming Order No. 4149 - Available: April 1992 - 400 pp., 160 illus., 7" x 10" Paper $29.95 ISBN 0-8306-3963-2, Hard $39.95 ISBN 0-8306-3962

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128  --  Fax  717-794-2103


New REDI Presentation Layer Tech.
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- May 18, 1992 -- A presentation-layer data management protocol has been developed by FortuNet, Inc. that allows distributed applications to run seamlessly on a network regardless of the operating system (OS), transport protocol or hardware. Called the Real Electronic Data Interchange, or REDI, the technology provides a unified solution for heterogeneous network data management and application development.

REDI combines the flexibility of peer-to-peer management with the control features of focal-point management by distributing Source, Target and Management functions. This three-component "Triad" architecture enables each component to exchange data independently in different environments. These components can also be combined in different variations to optimize or meet the specific requirements of an application or system.

"Multi-vendor networks have become prevalent in large organizations because different functional tasks require different types of computing power," said Richard Watson, president of FortuNet. "The management of such diverse assets today is both costly and ineffective because each computing platform has its own data management requirements. We are providing a solution that addresses the needs of a heterogeneous environment, yet puts control of corporate information assets back in the hands of a central information manager. Users get access to information and resources, regardless of where they are on the network and MIS gains more control of the enterprise system."

REDI Features

REDI is based on the session/transport services provided by standard protocols such as NetBIOS, SPX, TCP/IP, X.25, ADSP and LU 6.2. This architecture supports both a physical LAN connection and remote WAN connections, thus providing true distributed control of LAN-based data.

REDI operates independently of the operating system and target device. Because REDI does not rely on the native network operating system services, except transport protocol services, different operating system nodes can operate on a peer-to-peer basis. (For example, a NetWare workstation can backup a LAN Manager service using TCP/lP services.) And because any protocol interaction with a target is device is at a READ/WRITE level, no special knowledge is required of the target device, in most cases.

Enhanced network data security is implemented via two levels of node access controls, target device passwording and data encryption. At the node level, passwords are assigned for read and write operations to restrict unauthorized access to files. The target device has provisions for assigning passwords and retention dates to restrict access and prevent overwriting. To further protect data, REDI encrypts data to and from the source which ensures that data is never on the LAN media or target device in un-encrypted form.

REDI allows users to select objects for either reading or writing. The protocol syntax can accommodate differing device designations, and carry the system unique attributes such as access-attributes, owner ID, and trustee information. Objects may also be selected by specifying wild card file name formats, attribute state conditions and date ranges.

The Triad Data Management Model

REDI partitions the necessary functions for heterogeneous data exchange into three basic functional components: A Management Station, a Target Station and a Source Station. These three entities have a protocol relationship that allows them to execute independently in different environments. REDI utilizes the services of Remote Procedure Calls (RPCs) to implement applications and is compatible with the RPC products commercially available or RPCs developed by FortuNet.

The Management Station establishes a transparent connection between selected Source and Target Nodes. Where supported by the OS, a virtual connection may be established by a service protocol gateway between REDI and a native service protocol inherent in an OS. Depending on the OS, this module can be single tasking or multi-tasking. In a multitasking environment, the Management Station can have multiple sessions running at the same time over a number of different protocols.

The Source Station establishes virtual connections with selected Target Stations to interchange data. It allows the system administrator to establish function selection and scheduling criteria, and can operate transparently (if supported by the OS).

The Target Station supports virtual circuit I/O requests to the selected Target device. Like the other major functions, this module is independent of the operating system and native filing system of the Target Station nodes. It can also operate transparently, if supported by the OS.

Pricing and Availability

The REDI engine will be available late third quarter to third-party developers. For developer information and pricing, contact Mark Weisenberger at (801) 467-6887.

About FortuNet

FortuNet, Inc., founded in 1990, develops and markets data management network applications. The company is headquartered at 2180 South 1300 East, Suite 435, Salt Lake City, UT 84106. Telephone: (801) 467-6887. FAX: (801) 467-7090.


Bantam Books Win Honors
New York, NY. May 1, 1992- Bantam Electronic Publishing is proud to announce that Real World Pagemaker 4: Industrial Strength Techniques,  Windows Edition won "Best Advanced How To Book Software" at the seventh annual Computer Press awards which was held on April 21st in New York City. There were 1000 entries submitted in the competition's twenty one categories, and they were reviewed by thirty-three judges. The Judges chose one winner and two runners-up for each category, based on creativity, presentation, clarity, accuracy, and significance to the respective audience.

Real World PageMaker 4: Industrial Strength Techniques, Windows Edition by Jesse Berst, Stephen Roth, Olav Martin Kvern and Scott Dunn took the top honor in the Best Advanced How-to-Book Software category. Judge Fred Langa, Editorial Director of Windows Magazine commented, "This is a book clearly written from experience. It contains hundreds of tips, tricks and techniques with numerous before and after illustrations so you can see exactly what the effect of each tip is . If you're using PageMaker this book belongs on your desk." The Official Adobe PhotoShop Handbook, by David Biedny and Bert Monroy, was a runner-up in the same category. "The author avoided an all too common mistake - they did not try to skimp on the visuals in covering a highly visual subject," stated Judge Langa. "The result is a marvel of clarity that helps explain the use and mastery of a very complex tool."

Roger Black's Desktop Design Power, by Roger Black, was runner up in the Best Non Fiction Computer Book category. Commented Judge Carl Marbach, Publisher of DEC Professional, "(the book is) a clear, organized entry into pre-art of electronic publishing...a clear winner in desktop publishing." Peter Norton's Guide to the Norton Utilities 6.0, by Peter Norton, Judi N. Fernandez, and Ruth Ashley, was runner-up in the Best Introductory How-to-Book Software category. Judge Tracy Mayor, Reviews Editor of Lotus Magazine, commented, "It (the book) functions as two books in one: a keystroke-by-keystroke guide to features in the Norton Utilities, and a general primer on the darker recesses of DOS, hard disks, boot sectors and so on. The book pulls off its two-in-own feat with good organization of chapters and topic matters."

The sponsors, Citizen America Corporation and The Computer Press Association, launched the Computer Press Awards in 1985 to recognize outstanding work by journalists, authors and other computer professionals covering the high technology industry.

About The Winners

Jesse Berst is Editor-in-Chief of Windows Watcher, an industry newsletter which also won first prize in its category. He has written hundreds of articles for national magazines and has authored or co-authored more than a dozen computer books, including best-sellers such as Inside Xerox Ventura Publisher and Publishing Power with Ventura. He formerly was editorial director of New Riders Publishing. Stephen Roth and Olav Martin Kvern are authors of Bantam's bestselling Real World PageMaker 4: Macintosh Edition. Roth is a contributing editor for Macworld magazine, former editor of Personal Publishing, and author of Real World PostScript. Kvern is senior documentation designer and graphics production lead at Aldus. He is one of the world's most knowledgeable and experienced PageMaker users, having received more than a dozen publication design awards. Scott Dunn is a professional writer and PageMaker expert.

Bantam Electronic Publishing

Bantam Computer Books are published by Bantam Electronic Publishing, a division of the Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group Inc. Bantam Electronic Publishing is one of the fastest growing computer book publishers to emerge in recent years. Founded in November 1983, Bantam Electronic Publishing is committed to the introduction of timely, authoritative computer books authored by well-respected industry experts in cooperation with leading hardware and software companies. When appropriate, the books include software packages related to the content of the book. Bantam Computer Books are available through major book and software chains, Independent book stores, and book and software distributors. Or call 1-800-223-6834, extension 9479 (outside of New York) 212-492-9479 to order.

Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Ave, New York, NY 10103


Memory Mgmt & Multitasking
Memory Management and Multitasking Beyond 64OK

by LENNY BAILES and JOHN MUELLER

A user's guide to extended and expanded memory options for IBM PC, 286, 386, and 486 compatible computers Memory management with Windows, DESQview, DOS 5, and DR DOS 6

At first, the problem of "RAM cram," or insufficient PC memory, applied only to files and spreadsheets that were too large to work with using standard 640K systems. Various stop-gap measures were introduced to help users overcome this dilemma. Soon after, however, control programs such as Windows and DESQview allowed for multitasking and encouraged the development of larger programs, which seemed to put much of the newest software technology out of reach of 640K users. But how much of it is really "out of reach?"

In this welcome guide, Lenny Bailes and John Mueller show how the 640K barrier can be broken, even by those users who can't afford expensive memory expansions. Memory Management and Multitasking Beyond 640K answers many important questions being asked by PC users today, describing how to maximize conventional RAM using DOS extenders, TSR programs, and various network and device drivers that increase standard memory capabilities.

Bailes and Mueller help readers sort through the labyrinth of memory enhancement options:

** Memory boards and chips

** EEMS

** LIM hardware and software

** QEMM

** Microsoft XMS

** EMM386

** SmartDrive

** HIMEM.SYS

. . . and many more. Owners of older PCs will discover several techniques that allow them to multitask, access larger files, and run more powerful applications. Finally, the book shows readers how to get their money's worth out of Windows and DESQview, with many practical tips on how to improve the performance of popular applications in networked and multitasking environments.

Lenny Bailes is a writer and columnist for MicroTimes, PC Magazine, and Windows Shopper, and a networked consultant for Consumer Reports Travel Letter. John Mueller is a professional systems programmer, technical editor for Data Based Advisor, and the coauthor of The Ultimate DOS Programmer's Manual.

Memory Management and Multitasking Beyond 64OK Order No. 4069 - APRIL - WINDCREST - 304 pp..100 illus., 7 x 10 - PAPER $29.95 (FPT) ISBN 0-8306-3456-8 HARD $39.95 ISBN 0-8306 3476-2 ($39.95 Paper. $52.95 Hard--CANADIAN)

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128  --  Fax  717-794-2103


Unabridged MEDLINE on CD-ROM
Andover, Massachusetts -- May 18, 1992. At the annual conference of the Medical Library Association in Washington, D.C., Aries Systems Corporation today introduced new CD-ROM data compression technology. This powerful text compression software allows Aries Systems to offer the National Library of Medicine's complete Unabridged MEDLINE database on just 7 (seven) CD-ROM discs.

Both source text and index structures are compressed, allowing the equivalent of up to 1.4 gigabytes of source text to be placed on a single CD-ROM, along with all of the corresponding index and access files. The full Unabridged MEDLINE database, containing more than 7 million citations and abstracts collected from 1966 through the present, now occupies about 3.5 billion bytes of CD-ROM or magnetic storage.

Aries Systems has developed the innovative Knowledge Finder retrieval software to search MEDLINE and other medical reference text databases published by Aries.

Knowledge Finder uses probabilistic retrieval (also known as fuzzy logic) techniques. This lets users create English-style search queries, and presents search results in order of their likely relevance to the query. Designed for use by novice and experienced searchers, Knowledge Finder's powerful retrieval techniques simplify the searching process, and often finds materials that traditional Boolean searching misses.

The compressed databases allow larger segments of MEDLINE (up to seven years) to be searched at one time. Additional segments can be searched with just two mouse-clicks in Knowledge Finder's intuitive graphic user interface (available for both IBM PC and Apple Macintosh computers). Index structure optimization minimizes the amount of data required to evaluate a search query. Document retrieval takes no longer than with uncompressed databases, since less data are physically accessed from the CD-ROM. And because each disc is completely self-contained, the entire database can be searched using a single CD-ROM player, thereby reducing computer equipment costs.

Lyndon Holmes, president of Aries Systems, noted, "We view our high-performance compression as a core, strategic technology for the 1990s. As reference databases move into distributed network environments, the need to reduce the amount of data moving across the network becomes critical. With our new compression developments, Aries has effectively doubled to tripled the network traffic capacity of a given installation. This means that 2 to 3 times the number of simultaneous users can be supported without requiring a corresponding increase in network resources."

In addition to offering the entire MEDLINE time span, Aries will be offering the compressed Unabridged MEDLINE CD-ROMs in segments spanning 3, 5,11 and 15 years. Updates are available on a quarterly or monthly basis, and subscriptions are available for personal, institutional and network use. Personal subscriptions to the Unabridged MEDLINE start at $995, while Institutional and Network subscriptions start at $1,495 and $3,195, respectively.

The compressed Unabridged MEDLlNE databases are presently in beta testing, and production shipments are expected during the summer of 1992. Existing subscribers to Aries' Unabridged MEDLINE databases will receive appropriate upgrades to the compressed CD-ROMs at no charge.

Aries Systems Corporation was founded in 1986, to develop innovative information retrieval and dissemination products, with special emphases in the fields of biomedicine and science. Aries Systems works cooperatively with other organizations in the information and health care industries, to identify and deliver improved knowledge access and delivery tools.

Aries System Corp, One Dundee Park, Andover, MA 01810

508-475-7200


Popup Help, Point & Shoot Backup
AMST announces the new/improved products described below. Please contact us if you would like a free copy of either product for review.

POPUP HELP & DATA (Ph.D) V1.0 (NEW)

Registration Fee:     $35

Printer required:     No

Minimum DOS:          3.x

Hard drive required:  No

Minimum RAM:          512K

Mouse supported:      Yes

Popup Help & Data (Ph.D.) is a unique new program that allows you to create cross-referenced help files that are available at the touch of a key. Add help to programs with inadequate or non-existent built-in help, create customized help systems for office environments, document macros written for other software, create cross-referenced data lists and more! Ph.D. uses advanced memory swapping to require only 8K of your valuable memory. Pull-down menus, custom colors, full mouse support and on-line help for Ph.D. included. AMST - Member Association of Shareware Professionals.

POINT & SHOOT BACKUP/RESTORE V2.2 (UPDATE)

Registration Fee:     $35

Minimum DOS:          3.x

Printer required:     No

Hard drive required:  Yes

Minimum RAM:          384K

Mouse supported:      No

Point & Shoot Backup/Restore is considered to be the fastest (up to lMB per minute), full-featured backup program available in the shareware market. Point & Shoot Backup/Restore provides safe, quick backups of hard disk files to floppy disks, and efficient restoration of backup disks to hard disk. Features include automatic disk formatting, extensive error checking, up to 10 user-defined backup configurations, multiple subdirectory definitions with or without trailing directories, restoration to different drives and/or directories, modified file, pattern matched file selection, and file compression. Version 2.2 is up to 30% faster than version 2.1 when using compression. AMST - Member Association of Shareware Professionals.

Applied Micro Systems Technology

PO Box 1784, Stillwater, OK 74076

405-377-0444


Clipper Interface Handbook
The Clipper Interface Handbook by JOHN MUELLER

Covers Clipper 5 interfaces to C, assembly, DOS and PC-MOS

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--Programmers who use Nantucket's Clipper are using the best database development language available, according to a Data Based Advisor reader survey. But chances are good that they're only scratching the surface. This book provides the how-to-do-it information--much of it unavailable anywhere else that Clipper programmers need to realize the full power and flexibility of the Clipper 5 development environment.

As end users demand more sophisticated database applications, Clipper programmers find it necessary to extend and expand upon the functions supplied by Clipper. Here, John Mueller describes through easy-to-follow examples how to use Clipper's low-level "hooks" to interface with:

** Popular software packages

** C and assembly language routines

** Network programs

** Graphics displays

. . . and more. Mueller also describes special high-level interfacing techniques for maximizing user menus, mouse support, and graphics.

John Mueller is a professional systems programmer who works extensively with Clipper. He is the author of Windcrest's The Ultimate DOS Programmer's Manual--2nd Edition.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill - The Clipper Interface Handbook - Order No. 3532 Now Available - 720 pp., 124 illus. - Paper $27.95 ISBN 0-8306-3532-7

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128  --  Fax  717-794-2103


Online Information Hunting
Online Information Hunting by NAHUM GOLDMANN

forewords by Dr. Alex Meystel, Drexel University and

Dr. A. Roger Kaye, Carleton University

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--The first book on the subject written especially for end-users (such as professionals, executives, and scientists) who are not familiar or comfortable with the modern electronic methods of online information gathering, this volume describes how to assure a competitive professional advantage in the computer age by using external information sources.

Nahum Goldmann provides a set of simple, easy-to-follow rules that readers can use to access information from any online service with a modem and a PC. Called the "Subject Expert Searching Technique," it's a method of sorting through literally thousands of volumes of material on a specific topic to find information. Readers will learn how to:

** Customize Goldmann's proven research strategy to

   fit their own special research needs

** Obtain printed copies of records accessed from

   online sources

** Adapt a search to different online services

** Keep research costs to an affordable minimum

** Choose between various available online systems

** and much more

Other topics include pitfalls to avoid when conducting online research, the latest types of online services available, and communicating through academic E-mail systems. Throughout, readers will find dozens of helpful hints, as well as sample subject searches to guide them in their own research efforts.

About the Author:

For a number of years Nahum Goldmann has been employed as a manager, scientist, lecturer, and consulting engineer in the leading R&D, university, and industrial high-tech organizations. He resides in Ottawa, Canada.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill - Online Information Hunting Order No. 3943 - Now Available - 256 pp., 147 illus., 7" x 10" Paper $17.95 ISBN 0-8306-3944-6, Hard $29 95 ISBN 0-8306-3945-4

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128  --  Fax  717-794-2103


Complete Book of PC & LAN Security
The Stephen Cobb Complete Book of PC and LAN Security

by Stephen Cobb

Everything microcomputer users need to know to protect their hardware, software, and data

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA -- Computer viruses and security leaks make the news almost every month. Local area networks are particularly vulnerable--in less than one second, a virus can erase megabytes of data and wipe out weeks of work performed by dozens of people. To help personal computer and local Area Network users protect their data and systems from today's most common threats, computer expert Stephen Cobb has compiled this complete guide to PC and LAN security. Cobb takes a realistic approach to this growing problem, explaining the most cost-effective methods for guarding against:

** Hackers and other interlopers

** Viruses, worms, and logic bombs

** Vandals and thieves

** Competitors and industrial spies

** Power failures

** Fires and other catastrophes

Throughout, the emphasis is on how to create effective security through careful planning, simple precautions, and user-training as an alternative to purchasing expensive equipment. For PC users and network administrators, this is the best comprehensive book available for improving data security without spending, a fortune.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill - The Stephen Cobb Complete Book of PC and LAN Security Order No. 3280 - Now Available - 576 pp, 206 illus. - Paper $24.95 ISBN 0-8306-3280-8, Hard $36.95 ISBN 0-8306-9280-0

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128  --  Fax  717-794-2103


Peachpit Visual QuickStart Guides
May 1, 1992--Peachpit Press has just announced a new approach to computer learning: a series of visually-oriented reference books (Visual QuickStart Guides) bundled together with interactive training software (Walkabout Tutorial Disks). Currently, the series covers CorelDRAW and WordPerfect for Windows. Future releases will cover DOS 5, Excel 4 for Windows, Windows 3.1, Works for Windows, and other Windows applications.

Using pictures rather than lengthy explanations, the Visual QuickStart Guides are designed to be used as quick reference books. Each book is 150 to 300 pages long, with a dual-column layout that provides more room for illustrations than for text.

Each Walkabout Tutorial Disk consists of over 20 guided activities, which vary in length from 5 to 20 minutes. The activities can be undertaken in any sequence and can be repeated as many times as desired. Each is followed by an optional quiz. Much like a flight simulator, the Walkabout software gives users the realism of hands-on use within a guided sequence. Typically, such interactive software costs $50 to $125 when purchased separately. Despite its lower price, Peachpit's Walkabout software is not scaled down in any way from other, more expensive packages. For example, the WordPerfect for Windows Walkabout provides 5.5 hours of activities, and the CorelDRAW Walkabout provides 3.5 hours of activities.

The Walkabout Tutorial Disks can be used as stand-alone packages: Users do not need to have CorelDRAW or WordPerfect for Windows installed on their computers. On the other hand, users who do have CorelDRAW or WordPerfect for Windows can use the task switching capabilities of Windows to jump into the Walkabout software whenever they encounter a new feature they wish to learn.

Webster & Associates, the creators of Visual QuickStart Guides and the Walkabout Tutorial Disks, have logged thousands of hours of classroom computer training, and have written a variety of desktop publishing materials, including books on Ventura Publisher, Aldus PageMaker, and CorelDRAW.

Access

The book/disk combos are available through bookstores or directly from Peachpit Press, 2414 Sixth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710


Facit P5160-Turbo PS Laser Printer
MANCHESTER, N.H., May 11,1992 -- Facit, Inc. today introduced a turbo version of its P5160 PostScript laser printer. The new P5160-Turbo adds fast RISC processing speed, automatic emulation switching and Adobe PostScript Level 2 to the standard 16-ppm laser printer.

Compared to Facit's standard P5160 PostScript printer, the new turbo model processes graphics and data three times faster with an embedded RISC microprocessor. Automatic emulation switching selects the emulation needed to print the job automatically, whether it be PostScript or HP Laserjet. PostScript Level 2 provides more effective commands for faster PostScript printing.

Another benefit the P5160-Turbo provides is concurrent hot port switching. This enables the printer to automatically determine which interface is receiving data when more than one interface is connected at the same time.

Like other versions of the P5160, the turbo model can be programmed to remember a variety of personal printer set-ups which is particularly useful in the HP Laserjet Mode. Users can select and store up to four different printer configurations including items such as font and font size, paper drawer and page length via the printer's control panel. For example, if "Personal Printer 1" is selected, all items stored under that set-up are recalled. If "Personal Printer 2" is selected, all those set-ups are recalled, and so forth.

The P5160-Turbo also has multiple paper handling options. Users can feed paper, laser labels and overhead transparencies either manually or via the 250 sheet drawer located under the printer. Additional drawers are available for quick switching from one letterhead or paper to another. Other options include a 500 sheet feeder which fits under the unit to maintain the P5160-Turbo's small footprint, and envelope feeder.

The P5160-Turbo comes standard with 2.5 MB of memory, 1 MB more than the standard PostScript model. Memory is expandable in 1 MB increments, up to 4.5 MB. AppleTalk, RS-422 and RS-232 interfaces are also available. Adding memory and interfaces is easy.

The user simply loosens the thumb screws on the printer's back panel, slides out the controller board and pops the appropriate circuit boards into the indicated slots.

Suggested list price for the P5160-Turbo is $4,439. With AppleTalk, the printer is priced at $4,639. Both models will be available in 30 days.

Facit, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Facit AB, Sweden, is located in Manchester, NH. The privately held company manufactures a variety of computer peripheral products including dot matrix, thermal, bar code and laser printers, ruggedized portable PC's and video display terminals; as well as a family of tape punches, readers and magnetic storage devices for the numerical control industry.

Facit Inc

400 Commercial St, Manchester, NH 03101-1107

603-647-2700


Linking LANS, Micro Manager Guide
Windcrest Releases New Book to Link LANs Effortlessly

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--Part of Windcrest's Applied Networking Series, this book gives LAN designers, specifiers installers, and managers a practical introduction to available LAN topologies, architectures, and operating environments, as well as the techniques required to make diverse systems function together effectively. In Linking LANs: A Micro Manager's Guide, Stan Schatt describes step-by-step how to install and interconnect dozens of networking packages, including:

  * UNIX

  * AppleTalk

  * NetWare

  * DEC

  * Token-Ring

  * Banyan VINES

Readers are also given system-specific solutions to incompatibility, addressing, and bridging/routing problems, as well as informative discussions on security, vendor responsibility, and other wide-area networking (WAN) issues.

About the Series:

The Applied Networking Series bridges the gap between theory and real-world applications in computer networking. Emphasizing a hands-on approach throughout, each title covers topics ranging from choosing the right hardware and software to data security, groupware, and micro-to-mainframe links. Other books in the series include: Networking with Banyan VINES--2nd Edition, Novell Netware: Troubleshooting the Network and Maximizing Performance, Networking with Novell Netware, and Netware: The Macintosh Connection.

About the Author:

Stan Schatt is president of a large southern California networking and telecommunications firm and an instructor at National and Golden Gate Universities. He is the former chairman of the Telecommunications Management Department at Devry Institute of Technology.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill - Linking LANs: A Micro Manager's Guide Order No. 3755 - Now Available - 320 pp., 141 illus., 7" x 10" Paper $22.95 ISBN 0-8306-3755-9, Hard $34.95 ISBN 0-8306-8755-6

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128  --  Fax  717-794-2103


Optimizing Microsoft C Libraries
Programmers Learn How to Harness the Power of C Libraries with New Book from Windcrest

Covers Version 6.0, including Windows 3 support

Features a complete demo program illustrating "real-pro" C

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--This guide is ideal for C programmers who want to get all they can from Microsoft C Version 6.0's advanced productivity tools when programming today's most advanced computers. Len Dorfman describes how to build 'hot" C function libraries that can be used to create tighter, faster program files and more user-friendly interfaces, screens, and windows.

Optimizing Microsoft C Libraries is packed with ready-to-use source code and clear, step-by-step instructions that show readers exactly how to apply the latest library optimization techniques when building .EXE files for maximum speed and efficiency. Readers will learn how to:

** Improve program code using the FASTCALL convention

   and in-line assembler

** Build easy-to-use menus and shells for Windows 3

** Take advantage of the Programmer's Workbench and

   NMAKE facility

** Write mouse-and keyboard-driven event queue handlers

** Know when to use the in-line assembler and when

   to use MASM

** Create professional-looking interfaces in minutes

About the Author:

A professional programmer and developer of several popular programmer's tools, Len Dorfman is the author of Windcrest's Structured Assembly Language, Object-Oriented Assembly Language, and Building C Libraries: Windows, Menus, User Interfaces. He is also an experienced educational psychologist and teacher.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill - Optimizing Microsoft C Libraries Order No. 3735 - Now Available - 352 pp., 138 illus., 7" x 10" Paper $24.95 ISBN 0-8306-2190-3, Hard $34.95 ISBN 0-8306-2560-7

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128  --  Fax  717-794-2103


Build Your Own IBM Compatible
Windcrest Releases New 'Build Your Own' Book by the Man MicroTimes Has Called "one of the latter-day heroes of the computer revolution"

Includes complete coverage of the latest hardware and suppliers

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--In Build Your Own IBM Compatible and Save a Bundle--2nd Edition, Aubrey Pilgrim shows how anyone can build a state-of-the-art personal computer and save hundreds, even thousands of dollars by using inexpensive mail order parts. Pilgrim provides clear, illustrated instructions that explain each step in assembling an inexpensive IBM clone equivalent to the highest-quality commercial brands.

Even if they know next to nothing about electronics or computers, with this popular guide readers can easily assemble the components in just a few hours. But this book is far more than just a construction manual. It also shows new home-built XT owners how to:

* Get the most out of their machines

* Maximize the power of Windows and DOS

* Maintain and troubleshoot a personal computer

* Upgrade memory, motherboards, graphics, and more

* Install printers, monitors, modems, fax boards,

  and other peripherals

Even if readers don't plan to build their own IBM compatibles, Pilgrim's easy-to-follow descriptions of the assembly process represent a complete course in microcomputer operation--ideal for anyone who wants to know how computer systems work.

About the Author:

Aubrey Pilgrim is a former Lockheed engineer who has built several of his own computer systems. He has twice been named to Micro rimes magazine's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the microcomputer industry. He is the author of Windcrest's Build Your Own 80486 PC and Save a Bundle, Build Your Own 80386 IBM Compatible and Save a Bundle, and Upgrade Your IBM Compatible and Save a Bundle.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill Build Your Own IBM Compatible and Save a Bundle 2nd Edition; Order No. 3804 - Now Available - 264 pp., 60 illus., 7" x 10" Paper $19.95 ISBN 0-8306-3804-0

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128  --  Fax  717-794-2103


80486 Programming Guide
Windcrest's New Guide Takes Advantage of Intel's Powerful 80486 Microprocessor

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--An essential introduction and reference for applications developers and programmers at all levels of experience, this book contains all the information they need to take full advantage of Intel's powerful 80486 microprocessor. Having worked closely with Intel's own design engineers in compiling and verifying their information, authors Penn Brumm, Don Brumm, and Leo J. Scanlon provide readers with the most detailed descriptions available of the chip's improved architecture, programming model, and instruction set. Coverage includes:

  * Data types and registers

  * Interrupts and exceptions

  * I/O and bus interfacing

  * Pipelining and multitasking

  * 80486 IC circuit design

  * Selectors and descriptors

  * Memory options

  * Privilege and protection

  * Real and protected mode

  * Hardware considerations

Reviewed for accuracy by Intel engineers Includes Intel's complete 80486 instruction set

About the Authors:

Penn Brumm is a freelance writer and consultant to the Control Data Corporation. Don Brumm is a senior systems programmer for Amdahl Corporation. They are also the authors of Windcrest's 80386 Macro Assembler and Toolkit and 80386 Assembly Language. Leo J. Scanlon is an engineer and successful author of several computer books, including Assembly Language Subroutines for MS-DOS, 2nd Edition.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill - 80486 Programming; Order No. 3577 - Now Available - 512 pp., 98 illus., 7" x 10" Paper $26.95 ISBN 0-8306-3577-7, Hard $36.95 ISBN 0-8306-7577-9

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128  --  Fax  717-794-2103


Macintosh Hard Disk Mgmt
Windcrest's New Book Helps Macintosh Hard Drive Users Increase Productivity

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--With Macintosh Hard Disk Management, Bob Brant has compiled the most complete source of practical advice on how to keep Mac hard disks healthy and happy, while maximizing their capabilities and storage capacity. This book takes a close look at the hard disk itself--how it works, how to keep it running properly, and how to fix it if it breaks down. Brant answers all the questions Mac hard disk owners (or would-be owners) might have:

  * What's the best hard disk to buy and where

    should I get it?

  * How do I install and format programs on a hard disk?

  * How should I organize my hard disk?

  * How do I back up data on my hard disk?

  * What utilities should I use to manage my hard disk?

In this one-of-a-kind volume, readers learn everything they need to know about running a hard disk with any of the latest Mac models--including the LC, IIsi, lIci, and Classic--with System 7 or earlier versions of the Macintosh system software. Brant covers all kinds of Macintosh storage media and every imaginable hard disk software product on the market today. Several utilities, such as ADB Probe, Connectix Mode 32, RAM Check, System Picker, DisKeeper, Speedometer, and Layout, are included on an accompanying disk.

About the Author:

Bob Brant is a full-time Macintosh consultant, specializing in providing hardware and software solutions to a wide range of business clients. After working for ten years with Digital Equipment Corporation and Data General, Brant gained experience in a variety of sales and management positions with Businessland, Nynex, Microage, and a regional computer reseller in the northwest. He holds a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Denver.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill - Macintosh Hard Disk Management; Order No. 4087 - Now Available - 344 pp., 7" x 10" - Disk Included Paper $29.95 ISBN 0-8306-3739-7

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128  --  Fax  717-794-2103


Desktop Typography with QuarkXPress
Desktop Typography with QuarkXPress, 2nd Edition

by FRANK J. ROMANO

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--This updated guide is packed with professional page design and typesetting tips from the nation's leading expert on electronic publishing. In this outstanding book, Frank J. Romano lends his experience and authority to QuarkXPress for Macintosh users who lack training in the graphic arts.

Sample QuarkXPress documents, accompanied by detailed instructions and illustrations, provide models that readers can use to effectively apply:

  * Text sizes and fonts

  * Headers and footers

  * Kerning and spacing

  * Bylines and captions

. . . and much more. Romano also covers the creative use of balance, asymmetry, lines, boxes, and graphics in documents with all versions of QuarkXPress for DOS, Windows, and the Macintosh. And, while he explains the principals and practices of typography within the framework of QuarkXPress, most of the techniques described can be applied to any desktop publishing system.

About the Author:

Frank J. Romano is widely recognized as a top consultant and lecturer in the field of corporate publishing and typography. He is the editor of TypeWorld, founded in 1977, a publication reporting on type and typographic systems.

Windcrest - Desktop Typography with QuarkXPress--2nd Edition Order No. 3968 - Available: April 1992 - 224 pp., 125 illus., 8.5" x 11" Paper $19.95 ISBN 0-8306-3057-0, Hard $29.95 ISBN 0-8306-3058-9

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128  --  Fax  717-794-2103


Authorized Insider's Guide to ACT!
The Authorized Insider's Guide to ACT! by DOUGLAS J. WOLF

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--Used by more than 100,000 sales personnel and telemarketers to track accounts and leads, ACT! is by far the leading contact management package available for the PC. Much more than a simple daily organizer, ACT! serves as a kind of portable executive assistant that can schedule calls and meetings, print reports and letters, store mailing lists and sales records, remind users of appointments, and perform virtually any other business task traveling executives need done quickly and efficiently.

Written by the author of the ACT! 2.0 manual and fully sponsored by the program developer. Contact Software International, The Authorized Insider's Guide to ACT! is the only hook that explains everything there is to know about how to install, use, and customize ACT! versions 2.0 and 2.1 on the job. Douglas J. Wolf describes in illustrated detail how to get the most out of ACT!'s remarkable combination of database, word processing, and report generation functions on laptops and desktop terminals. More than 100 screen dumps demonstrate how to:

* Create and customize a database

* Create a customized form letter

* Schedule a call

* Extract and combine word processed files

* Generate reports

* Create a password lock to a database

* Temporarily exit ACT! and access DOS

* Send ACT! documents directly to a FAX machine

* Graphically represent Contacts

. . . and much more. Special design templates are included for use in specific fields such as real estate, accounting, law, and insurance. Perfect for those who are new to ACT! and need a step-by-step approach to get started quickly, this handy guide will also prove invaluable for experienced users who want to learn how to get more out of ACT! than they already do. All of which makes it easy to see why The Authorized Insider's Guide to ACT! is certain to become the standard reference for anyone who uses this powerful software program.

About the Author:

Douglas J. Wolf is a computer consultant, mortgage broker, and author of 17 computer books, including Windcrest's SPRINT Simplified.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill - The Authorized Insider's Guide to ACT! Order No. 3856 - Available: May 1992 - 184 pp., 108 illus., 7" x 10" Paper $16.95 ISBN 0-8306-2454-6, Hard $26.95 ISBN 0-8306-2455-4

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128  --  Fax  717-794-2103


Troubleshoot & Repair Printers
Troubleshooting and Repairing Computer Printers

by STEPHEN J. BIGELOW

Covers all major printer technologies---impact, thermal, ink jet, and laser

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--The author of the bestselling user's manual, Maintain and Repair Your Computer Printer and Save a Bundle, Stephen J. Bigelow targets a different audience with this new guide experienced service technicians and technically inclined computer enthusiasts. Here, Bigelow provides advanced maintenance and repair information for all types of printers in use today.

With the help of many diagrams, photos and illustrations, Bigelow discusses each component in detail, describing how it works and how it interacts with the computer and other system components. He guides readers step-by-step, explaining how to use test equipment such as multimeters, logic probes, and oscilloscopes to identify and repair or replace faulty printer components, such as:

  * Print heads

  * Parallel interfaces

  * The memory

  * Main logic

  * Paper transport systems

  * Ribbon transport systems

  * Linear and switching power supplies

  * Serial interfaces

  * Driver circuits

  * Resistive, mechanical, and optical sensors

  * Carriage transport systems

  ... and much more

Troubleshooting and Repairing Computer Printers also describes malfunctions that result from hardware and software incompatibility rather than mechanical or electrical failure and it includes a time- and money-saving focus on preventive maintenance. For anyone who wants to roll up their sleeves and tackle printer problems as quickly easily and inexpensively as possible, this is the ultimate hands-on guide.

About the Author:

Stephen J. Bigelow is an electrical engineer specializing in the repair of computer and telecommunications equipment. His articles frequently appear in Radio Electronics, Popular Electronics, and Modern Electronics.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill - Troubleshooting and Repairing Computer Printers; Order No. 3923 - Available: May 1992, 320 pp., 241 illus., 7" x 10", w/Ota binding Paper $22.95 ISBN 0-8306-3934-9, Hard $32.45 ISBN 0-8306-3935-7

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128  --  Fax  717-794-2103


Learn DOS Guaranteed, 2nd Ed.
Learn DOS Guaranteed! 2nd Edition by RICHARD P. CADWAY

A logical, step-by-step beginner's guide packed with quick-start tips for using all versions of DOS and DR DOS

Features special lay-flat binding for easy use

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--A lighthearted alternative to the cryptic DOS manual and all those dry, technical user's guides now on the market, Windcrest's Learn DOS-- Guaranteed!--2nd Edition is the perfect learning tool for anyone who is new to DOS and looking for an easy-to-read, bare-bones guide to system operation.

"Even the best DOS books do little more than rephrase the manual in friendlier, more elegant terms," said Windcrest Computer Acquisitions Editor Stephen Moore. "For a lot of users, they're still too intimidating. Richard Cadway has written a very accessible, uncomplicated book aimed at computer users who want to know just what they need to know lo get their work done."

Now updated to cover DOS 5 and DR DOS 6, Learn DOS Guaranteed--2nd Edition concentrates exclusively on basic hardware installation and the commands DOS users must understand in order to get started. With a clear, easy-to-read writing style and hands-on examples, Cadway describes how to:

  * Hook up and use system components

  * Format a hard drive and load DOS

  * Identify installation and executable programs

  * Make, change, and remove directories

  * Change disk drives

  * Create, copy, and delete files

  * Back up files on a hard drive

  * Modify AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS

"Learn DOS--Guaranteed!--2nd Edition is a set of bite-size tutorial lessons, well paced, with extensive review and repetition, on the DOS commands that everybody needs," said Moore. "It's an approach to DOS that Cadway has developed over years as a computer consultant and trainer, teaching a wide variety of users. It's simple and it works. With this outstanding guide, Cadway lays a solid foundation upon which readers Call build a career with computers--while saving them the weeks or months of frustration they would endure with other DOS hooks.

Richard P. Cadway is an independent computer consultant and trainer who specifies, assembles, and sells microcomputer systems to individuals and businesses. He also specializes in end-user training in system operations.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill - Learn DOS Guaranteed!--2nd Edition Order No. 4159 - Available: May 1992 - 240 pp., 23 illus., 7" x 10", with Ota binding; Paper $16.95 ISBN 0-8306-3078-0

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128  --  Fax  717-794-2103


High Performance Win. C Graphics
High-Performance C Graphics Programming for Windows

by LEE ADAMS

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--No matter what area of computer-based graphics they pursue, programmers can count on Lee Adams for the clear, easy-to-follow instruction they need to excel. In his new C Graphics Programming for Windows series, Adams meets the demands of thousands of software developers who want to profit from the explosive popularity of Windows. As the need for practical, user-level books on Windows programming grows, Windcrest/McGrawHill and Lee Adams are leading the way with their efforts to satisfy that need.

In each book in the series, Adams uses his proven here-is-how-it's-done style to show C programmers how to quickly and easily create high-performance graphics applications for the Windows environment. The first book in the series, High-Performance C Graphics Programming for Windows, serves as a hands-on introduction to the skills graphics programmers need to be successful. Adams shows readers how to take full advantage of Microsoft Windows' built-in graphics library, providing:

** More than 10,000 lines of ready-to-use program listings with 600 K of source code

** Practical, hands-on instructions for all levels

   of personal computer programmers

** Screen prints that show how the graphics should look

** Step-by-step walk-throughs of each graphics application

** Practical tips from a pro on how to sell programs to

   domestic and international markets

** More than 200 illustrations

** Guided programming tours through rubberbanding,

   metafiles, the clipboard, image processing, printing,

   3D modeling and shading, high-speed cel animation, fonts,

   color, and more

An active member of the National Computer Graphics Association, Lee Adams has more than 18 years' experience in visual communication, television animation, graphic design, and illustration. He is the author of eight books on computer graphics: Supercharged C++ Graphics; Lee Adams' Visualization Graphics in C; Supercharged C Graphics: A Programmer's Source Code Toolbox; High-Performance CAD Graphics in C; High-Performance Graphics in C: Animation and Simulation; Supercharged Graphics: A Programmer's Source Code Toolbox; High-Performance Interactive Graphics: Modeling, Rendering, and Animating for IBM PCs and Compatibles; and High-Speed Animation and Simulation for Microcomputers, which together have sold more than 170,000 copies worldwide.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill High-Performance C Graphics Programming for Windows, Order No. 4103 - Available: May 1992 - 560 pp., 224 illus., 7" x 10" Paper $24.95 ISBN 0-8306-3790-7, Hard $34.95 ISBN 0-8306-3792-3

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128  --  Fax  717-794-2103


GIFdb Image Cataloging System
May 19, 1992 -- Raynbow Software announces its premiere product GIFdb, an image  cataloging system which includes a CD-ROM of 5,000 GIF files, along  with a Cataloger and Interactive and Command Line Search Engines.

GIFdb is a set of tools which allows you to catalog a large collection  of GIF pictures and search that catalog according to particular  criteria.  It contains two major tools, the Cataloging tool and the  Retrieval tool (consisting of the two search engines), and several  smaller utilities.  The Cataloging tool allows you to view a set of  pictures and assign descriptions to them.  The list of pictures and  descriptions will then be stored in a database along with records of  the picture's dimensions and location.

Each search engine provides the user with different functionality. The  interactive program will allow you to search for pictures and view  them.  The command line version allows you to search the database and  print out the results.  This is used mainly to create lists of BBS- style files and for use as part of a Bulletin Board System.

GIFdb culminates with the addition of GIFdb Door, an enhanced version  specially designed for sysops.  GIFdb Door includes all of the  features of GIFdb and also a BBS Door version of the GIFdb Interactive  Search Engine.  This door allows BBS users to search GIFdb databases  while on-line.

A CD-ROM with 5,000 GIF files is included at no charge to demonstrate  the abilities of GIFdb.  All of these GIFs have been entered into  GIFdb and are readily accessible.  There are no GIFs from Event  Horizons on this CD-ROM.

More than 150 public domain and shareware graphic utilities are also  included on the CD-ROM.  Among them are viewers, converters and  manipulators for MS-DOS, Amiga, Atari ST, Macintosh and Sun computers.   A chart showing the image conversion and manipulation capabilities of  these programs is also provided.  These utility programs, as well as  the GIFs, are provided free as they do not belong to Raynbow Software.

License is included for use of the command line search engine and  GIFdb Door for 30 concurrent users (intended for network and BBS use.)

A demo of the interactive interface is available on CompuServe in the  CD-ROM Forum, on ExecPC, and on our support BBS at (605) 341-0037.

GIFdb Door is available for $100.  GIFdb alone costs $50.   Include  $10 shipping and handling per order ($13.50 outside the U.S., Canada  and Mexico for Air Mail.)  South Dakota residents need to add 6% state  sales tax.  GIFdb owners can upgrade to GIFdb Door for an additional  $50.  Make checks or money orders payable to Raynbow Software, Inc. or  call (605) 394-8227 to order with Visa or Mastercard.

Please allow 12-14 days before shipment on check orders.  Money orders  and credit card sales ship on the next working day.

For more information contact us via:

Internet:   louis@ce.ucsc.edu     CompuServe: 70410,413

ExecPC:     Fred Thompson         WWIVnet:    27@6504

BBS:        (919) 294-1770 or (605) 341-0037

or call (605) 394-8227 (24 Hrs)


SprintGXU Accelerated UNIX Graphics
San Francisco, Calif. -- April 24,1992 -- Video Dynamics, Inc. today announced SprintGXU, a high performance accelerated display adapter for PC-based Unix workstations. Video Dynamics' SprintGXU is a hardware accelerated display adapter that brings workstation-like graphics performance to 386 or 486 PCs running the Unix System V/386 Operating System, X-Window System, and SCO (Santa Cruz Operation) Open Desktop user interface.

Video Dynamics' SprintGXU board implements a range of accelerated graphic drawing functions in high speed hardware, including Bitblt, Line Draw, Area Fill, Image Transfer, Hardware Clipping, etc. These accelerated graphics functions are linked with optimized software drivers for Version 11 Release 4 of the X-Window System (X11R4) to implement a PC-hosted Unix interface with graphics performance rivaling expensive RISC workstations. SprintGXU is powered by a 70MHz version of the S3 86C911 graphics coprocessor coupled with 1 megabyte of 80ns VRAM display memory, and incorporates an ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) bus suitable for installation in any ISA or EISA 386 or 486 PC'.

Video Dynamics' SprintGXU X-Window software, developed in conjunction with the Santa Cruz Operation, supports all Unix/X-Window applications built in conformance with the industry standard OSF/Motif graphical user interface toolkit. The OSF/Motif window manager included with Open Desktop enables SprintGXU users to customize their PC workstation "desktop" by moving and sizing multiple on-screen windows.

Also under SCO Open Desktop, users can concurrently run existing DOS and Windows applications using SCO's DOS-UNIX integration feature.

SprintGXU supports X-Window display resolutions of 1280 x 1024 with 16 colors, 1024 x 768 with 256 simultaneous colors from a palette of 262,144, and 640 x 480 with 32,768 colors. Display refresh rate is programmable to 70Hz for flicker-free operation, and the board may be used with a wide variety of high performance multi-frequency and fixed frequency display monitors.

According to Joshua Weinstein, Director of Sales at Video Dynamics, "The capability of SprintGXU to accelerate X-Window performance on a PC to the speeds of expensive workstation products, now enables PC configurations to be effectively used as Unix/X-Window workstations and X-terminals at much lower comparable costs."

Says Rick Kamp, Graphics Software Product Manager at the Santa Cruz Operation "The SprintGXU graphics accelerator board increases X-Window performance under SCO Open Desktop by more than ten times the speed of a standard SVGA board, and is one of the most cost effective options to install when configuring a high performance Unix/Open Desktop workstation."

Video Dynamics' SprintGXU board with SCO Open Desktop X-Window driver is shipping now at a retail price of $499 in a full one megabyte video RAM configuration. Further product information plus quantity, OEM and reseller pricing is available from Video Dynamics, Inc., 1550 Bryant Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, phone 1-800-243-3527.


GRiDPAD Pens at Detroit Edison
Detroit Edison To Buy 367 GRiDPAD Pen Computers; Expects to Save $1.6 Million During First Year

Fremont, CA, May 11,1992--GRiD Systems Corp. today announced that Detroit Edison, a $3.5 billion power company serving 1.9 million customers in southeastern Michigan, has purchased 367 GRiDPAD pen computers. The power company expects to save an estimated $1.6 million in operating expenses within the first year they are deployed.

The rugged 4.5-pound GRiDPAD pen computers, which utilize a pen-like stylus instead of a keyboard for data entry, will be used by Detroit Edison's Line Clearance group which is responsible for trimming back or removing trees that threaten power lines.

The utility estimates that the pen computers will pay for themselves within 12 months. The value of the contract is approximately $1 million.

Detroit Edison officials are confident that using pen computers to track Line Clearance jobs and better deploy Line Clearance crews will ultimately help reduce power outages caused by lines that are damaged by trees and tree limbs.

GRiD President D. Bruce Walter said, "Detroit Edison is an excellent example of what pen computers can do for a company when it decides to automate data collection tasks in departments that, for one reason or another, have not been able to harness the power of computers.

"GRiDPAD's rugged design, long battery life and intuitive user interface make it an ideal device for Detroit Edison crews who need a tough, reliable unit that is easy to use."

The pen computers will be used by two Detroit Edison groups, coordinators and Line Clearance crew foremen, responsible for keeping power lines clear. The coordinators inspect power lines within their assigned territories and use pen computers to fill out work orders instructing work crews to trim or remove trees that are too close to the lines. When trees grown on a resident's property threaten power lines, coordinators can use the GRiDPAD to capture the property owner's signature on an electronic release form allowing crews to remove the offending tree.

Each foreman for the 256 Line Clearance crews--who are from private contractors--uses a pen computer to complete work orders and time cards. These contract companies bill Detroit Edison for their work and for the rental of the equipment that is used on each job. Filling out the paperwork on order forms and time cards took as long as 30 minutes a day. With a pen computer, foremen can do the same amount of work in five minutes. Trimming a foreman's paper work will let the crew trim more trees, a productivity gain that will save Detroit Edison as much as $750,000 a year.

John Caretti. project manager for the Line Clearance program, said, "Pen computers help our crews become more productive and allow us to dispatch them more efficiently. This results in better and safer customer service."

Pen computers are also helping Detroit Edison save another $900,000 a year by speeding the processing of work orders and invoices so that the private contractor crews are paid sooner, Caretti said. Because the pen computers can download work orders and timecards on a daily basis--eliminating the need for them to be re-keyed into the utility's computers--Detroit Edison is reducing the turnaround on paying contractors from 30-45 days to 10 days or less. Because the contractors are paid faster, and are not required to keep floating loans at banks to meet payroll, they are knocking off up to 4 percent from each invoice.

Even though most of the coordinators and work crew foremen had little or no computer experience, the pen computer's intuitive pen interface--coupled with an application that replicated the paper forms previously used by the crews--allowed training to be completed in less than five hours.

"It's been fairly simple and straightforward." Caretti said of the training. "Our applications, which we designed under the PenRight! environment using the PadBASE+ development toolkit from R2Z, Inc., follow the logical progression of the work day. We've found that the GRiDPAD allows the users to draw right on the screen, and the 'point and shoot' training has been very quick. We haven't received very many calls for help since training.

"As far as application development was concerned, we knew that if we had used the more complex development environments, like we have on our desktops, we would have been forced into using a 386-based pen computer at a much higher price and a shorter battery life."

The Detroit Edison Company, incorporated in 1903, employs nearly 9,300 people and serves more than 1.9 million residential, commercial and industrial customers. The largest electric utility in the state, Detroit Edison's 7,600-square-mile Southeastern Michigan service area encompasses nearly 937,000 poles and 45,000 miles of overhead and underground transmission and distribution lines. The utility uses coal to generate about 85 percent of its total electrical output, with the remainder produced mostly from nuclear fuel. The company is interconnected with Consumers Power Company to form the Michigan Electric Coordinated System. That system is interconnected with power companies to the south to make up the East Central Area Reliability Council. Detroit Edison also has power exchange agreements with Ontario Hydro in Canada.

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, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tandy Corporation, Fort Worth, TX, a leading manufacturer and distributor of consumer electronics and computers.


Keithly Improving Product Eng.
A White Paper on Improving Product Engineering

Design Engineers Trained by Customers: A Unique Rotation Program Between Engineering and Applications

by Keith Suhoza and Andy Creque

Keithley Instruments Inc

28775 Aurora Rd, Cleveland, OH 44139

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

The management theory is well known: if you listen to the customer and design what he or she wants into the products you build, your products will fit more precisely with real world market demands. Engineering designs will be grounded more by true needs, not just what is "elegant engineering" or technically possible.

The result is products that are better differentiated; that are in demand; and that command a premium price.

The implementation of this theory, or the difficulty of bringing the "voice of the customer" through marketing into design engineering, is what usually determines a company's effectiveness in merging customer inputs with product designs.

At Keithley, we recognized that the 1000 calls a month received by our applications department represented a tremendous source of customer feedback and product design ideas. Would it improve our products to create a direct pipeline between Applications and Design Engineering?

For the past 18 months, Keithley has done exactly that, through an unusual program that rotates design engineers through a "tour of duty" in Applications.

How the Program Works

The Engineering Rotation Program is structured so that the engineer spends 2-3 months in the Applications Department. Individual goals are established for each engineer who goes through the program. For new employees, the goal is to expose them to a broad variety of customer measurement needs. More senior engineers may be focused on honing their customer insights in one particular area, such as C-V measurement customer concerns. To date, six engineers have participated in the program.

What We've Learned

We learned very quickly in our rotation program that not all customers are as comfortable with measurements or even instruments as we are at Keithley. Some even feel awkward using a mouse or operating in what we call the "simple" Windows environment. While it's easy for us as instrument engineers to assume everyone else is also an electronic engineer, in fact our customers are geologists, physicists and chemists who often have no training in electrical engineering. It was driven home to us that our products must be sensitive to and even compensate for that lack of background with clear panels, simple instructions and built-in intelligence to anticipate some of the user's measurement needs.

We used to deal with these background knowledge gaps by relying too greatly on the manual to describe in detail a feature not evident or intuitive from the front panel. We now understand quite clearly that customers don't want to ever refer to a manual, and that any features we build into a product must be easily accessible from the front panel. As a result, our "help" keys are much more functional and informative, replacing more and more of the role we used to leave for manuals.

Such software and firmware lessons were perhaps the greatest lessons all of us have taken back to our engineering colleagues. At Keithley, whose history is based on the hardware engineering that's made possible tremendous advances in sensitive measurements, it's been all too tempting to focus on the hardware portion of the measurement at the expense of the user interface software. We were reminded time and again that the interface is as critical as any other element of our "product."

A full half of the calls coming in to applications deals not with measurement technique or hardware questions, but questions about using IEEE interfaces and software issues! User expectations for software simplicity and overall ease-of-use have risen dramatically during the last few years, and we felt this personally with many of our callers. To many of them, the hardware was almost a secondary concern to programming and user interface requirements.

Our demonstration programs offered with new products have also improved, because we have learned more about how our products are used. For instance, when we introduced an automated Capacitance-Voltage system recently, we included software that would make our instrumentation compatible with what we felt was the most common probe station our customers would be using. We found that this was not only not the case, but the drivers that we had included in for other probe stations were much too complex for those who purchased the system.

How Has the Rotation Program Changed Our Products?

There have been several changes we have observed as a result of the Rotation program:

* Better product definitions. When Engineering participates in defining new products, their suggestions are often backed by the perspective gained from their customer contact experiences. And, Applications Department input is being incorporated into these early product definitions, because of the informal communications links now being forged between the design engineers and applications engineers who have worked side-by-side.

For instance, previously Product B was an enhancement of its predecessor Product A. B contained the same five features found in A, for example, but added two others. Now, we question more the original features incorporated into A, using a "blank sheet" approach to truly question the original feature set that A offered in the first place.

One of the engineers who went through the program brought back a list of 37 new Product and feature ideas, many which have found their way into Keithley's new 2001 DMM.

* More informed engineering decisions. Engineers make hundreds of trade off decisions when designing a product. Now, however, the customers input is more readily brought into those decisions. Should this feature be added to increase a product's capabilities, or should we delete this feature in order to get the product to market earlier? While there are admittedly many viewpoints that enter into these decisions, the customer's viewpoint now is able to play more of a role in the engineer's mind. He or she knows that, while a particular feature may be "technically elegant" or impressive, it's expendable in the customer's mind. Or, he knows what the user absolutely insists upon in a product. And, this knowledge is based on a direct engineer-to-customer link, rather than filtering customer intentions and needs through a marketing or sales organization.

* Better and faster concurrent engineering efforts. In addition to incorporating Applications Department input at the product definition-stage, our product support efforts are streamlined as well, with more effective demonstration programs and application notes prepared at the time of introduction, rather than beginning these projects at introduction time.

* Demo programs shipped with new products are improved. One of our lessons was to devote more attention to these than in the past. For the Model 2001 DMM, for instance, our demonstration software is now mouse driven, does not require references to the manual, and includes specific drivers so the user doesn't need to know bus commands in order to run the demo routine.

* The quality of our Applications Department has also improved, again because of the informal links being established between Engineering and Applications. It's now common for the applications engineer to bring in the engineer who originally designed the product to answer the more difficult questions. Information between the two groups moves much more freely now.


MicroStation Review & Redlining
HUNTSVILLE, Ala., May 1,1992 - Intergraph Corporation today announced the release of MicroStation Review. This addition to the MicroStation family addresses the need of many MicroStation users to extend the access to computer-aided design (CAD) drawings to project team members--even those with no CAD expertise.

As an integral pan of the design and drafting process, MicroStation Review provides instant access to CAD data on the network. Project managers, drawing checkers, and others can view, redline, print, and plot current design information across a network. MicroStation Review offers users a high level of work group interaction without the cost of a full CAD seat. It dramatically reduces expensive hard-copy iteration and streamlines editing and revision cycles.

Comprehensive redlining provides a means to communicate revision information to the original designers. Redlining features include annotation, notes, and the ability to specify areas for change. Because MicroStation Review makes use of MicroStation's reference file capabilities, this information does not affect the original drawing, ensuring data integrity. The user has full access to MicroStation's 2D and 3D files and all associated reference files including rendering for interference checking and presentations, database review for instant access to current information, and check plot generation.

Users can customize MicroStation Review via MicroStation Development Environment (MDE) applications created under a full MicroStation license. These applications are limited to view-only functionality.

Pricing and Delivery

MicroStation Review will be available May 30 for Intergraph workstations, personal computers and compatibles, Sun SPARCstations, and Hewlett-Packard Series 700 workstations. The PC version of MicroStation Review requires a 386 or more powerful PC, but no math coprocessor. Laser and dot matrix printers are supported. Installation and documentation are designed to make MicroStation Review easy for the users without CAD experience to learn and use. The U.S. suggested retail price of MicroStation Review is $795

Integraph Background Information

Intergraph Corporation is a billion dollar, Fortune 500 company with offices in over 40 countries. Intergraph offers a broad selection of complementary workstations and network servers running compete application systems for the major CAD/CAM/CAE markets: AEC, mapping,/GIS, electronics design, mechanical design, engineering and manufacturing, scanning, technical publishing, and graphic arts. MicroStation provides the graphics nucleus for Intergraph's leading application solutions and numerous third-party solutions. MicroStation supports multiple hardware platforms, from PCs and Macintoshes to the leading industry UNIX workstations.

Integraph Corp, Huntsville, AL 35894-0014

205-730-8302


COSTCO Joins AST Advantage Club
IRVINE, Calif., May 6, 1992 -- Looking to fill the need of small-business users for brand name quality, low prices and excellent after-sales support, CostCo Wholesale Club will soon sell the popular Advantage! line of pre-configured desktop and notebook personal computers from AST Research Inc.

Beginning in June, Costco will offer a full range of Advantage! 386SX and i486 desktop and 386SX notebook systems configured with Super VGA monitors, FAX/data modems and preinstalled business software in all of its U.S. locations, presently spanning 12 states.

"As one of the premier warehouse club retailers, CostCo represents a significant increase in availability for the Advantage! product line, which will be positioned as the warehouses' premiere brand," said Jim Schraith, vice president, Channel Sales and Services. "We're expecting our systems to be extremely successful selling at CostCo. Catering to a large percentage of small-business users, they offer a fast-paced, exciting environment for computer equipment sales. It's not uncommon to see a shopper loaded with two or three PC's in their hand cart."

AST will support the product line with new point-of-purchase marketing materials, including data sheets, plexiglass displays for notebook models and monitor wraps that clearly distinguish the added value Advantage! systems offer. The company will also provide on-site sales assistance for store openings and other special occasions, in addition to training materials for warehouse management.

CostCo is the latest development in a flurry of retail channel activity occurring in the past six months for selling the Advantage! line. The warehouse chain joins Circuit City, Computer City Supercenters, Computerland Express and BJ's Wholesale Club stores in the U.S., as well as throughout Canada at London Drug and Majestic Sound Warehouse locations. The company also has struck agreements with the Military Sales and Service Co. for placing Advantage! systems at Army, Air Force and Marine Corps base exchange locations.

Headquartered in Kirkland, Wash., CostCo is a chain of cash and carry membership warehouses, first opened in 1983, that sell a full-range of high-quality, branded merchandise at low prices to businesses purchasing primarily for commercial use or resale. Warehouses also sell products to individuals who are members of selected employee groups.

"The Advantage! line allows us to offer our customers a step-up system that carries a reputable brand name and is backed by an outstanding degree of post-purchase service and support," said Joe Portera, CostCo senior vice president, Merchandising.

In addition to FAX/data modems, Advantage! systems feature fast and powerful 386SX and i486 microprocessors and provide users with high-capacity data storage (up to 200-MB) and high-resolution graphics (up to 1024 x 768 Super VGA). Popular application software packages are pre-configured on each system to allow word processing, spreadsheet compiling and analysis, desktop publishing and data transmission and retrieval from other computer systems, facsimile machines and/or on-line databases and information services. A VHS video tape is also included that demonstrates where to plug in cables and how to turn the system on.

To meet the needs of CostCo's customer base, consisting primarily of small-businesses and home-office users, AST provides an array of pre-installed software on Advantage! desktop systems, including MS-DOS 5.0, Microsoft Windows 3.1, Microsoft Works for Windows, Microsoft Publisher and the Microsoft Entertainment Pak. Also included is Prodigy on-line information retrieval software and Delrina Corp.'s WINFAX 2.0. Advantage! notebook systems are pre-configured with MS-DOS 5.0, Prodigy and Borland Sidekick programs.

Advantage! users are eligible to access the wide variety of service and support programs offered by AST, including on-site service, an extended-hours toll-free technical assistance hot-line, AST On-Line 24-hour bulletin board service and AST Info-FAX, which allows 24-hour access via facsimile machine to a broad selection of technical support documentation.

Corporate Background

Recently ranked number 431 on the Fortune 500 list of America's largest companies, AST Research Inc. is an information technology company holding a prominent market share position for desktop, file server and notebook computers.

AST's product lines include the Premium, Bravo, Advantage! and Premium Exec families which allow users to choose from a full range of price and performance options. The company is represented in 100 countries and operates 39 subsidiaries and sales offices worldwide.

The company reported record sales of $688.5 million for the 1991 fiscal year ended June 28, 1991, compared to sales of $533.8 million for fiscal year 1990.

AST Research corporate headquarters is located at 16215 Alton Parkway, P.O. Box 19658, Irvine, Calif. 92713-9658. Telephone: (714) 727-4141, (800) 876-4278. Fax: (714) 727-9355.


MATLAB Neural Network Toolbox
NATICK, Mass, May 11, 1992 - The MathWorks, Inc. today introduced the MATLAB Neural Network Toolbox, for the design and simulation of neural networks using MATLAB, a widely used technical computing environment for numeric computation and visualization.

The Neural Network Toolbox includes learning rules, transfer functions, and training and design procedures required to implement neural networks. Neural networks are computing architectures inspired by biological nervous systems. The toolbox contains an extensive set of proven paradigms, which users can easily extend and customize to address specific needs using the underlying MATLAB programming environment.

Unlike other options available for building neural networks - using "canned" software packages with limited flexibility or writing programs using traditional languages such as C or Fortran - the Neural Network Toolbox combined with the mathematical foundation, speed, graphics, and rapid algorithm development capabilities of MATLAB, provides the built-in functionality of advanced application software with the flexibility and extensibility of a high-level language. This integration provides a powerful and unique environment for the research and implementation of neural networks.

Neural networks can be trained to solve problems previously not solvable using conventional methods due to insufficient knowledge of the dependent variables. Most computers and programming languages are dependent upon sequential instructions and operation; neural networks have built-in learning and adaptation capabilities and can be trained to respond in parallel to the inputs presented to them.

With the Neural Network Toolbox and MATLAB, a wide range of users in engineering, science, business, and other disciplines can solve simple or complex practical problems in noise cancellation, pattern recognition, nonlinear control systems, and other application areas. Neural networks are implemented by organizations such as AMOCO Oil Company, Siemens Medical Electronics, and Stanford University to solve important problems that could not be solved previously in any practical way.

The Neural Network Toolbox contains a textbook-quality User's Guide with information to educate novices and experts alike. This 350-page manual introduces and explains neural network architectures and paradigms, in general and in detail, and gives numerous examples with code to explain the strengths and weaknesses of each method.

"The introduction of The MathWorks' Neural Network Toolbox represents a significant breakthrough in the field of neural networks, a technology whose breadth of applicability is just starting to become evident," said John N. Little, The MathWorks' president and chief executive officer. "The toolbox coupled with MATLAB enables users for the first time to work with neural networks within a high-level numeric computation environment that is customizable and easy-to-use. As a result, we expect both to stimulate neural network research and to expose more people to neural network techniques. This increased use will in turn lead to innovative applications of this exciting technology."

Features of the Neural Network Toolbox

The Neural Network Toolbox contains functions implementing three supervised learning rules: the perception learning rule, the Widrow-Hoff rule, and several variations of the backpropagation rule. Functions are provided to train the network with each supervised learning rule. Also included are unsupervised training functions that use associative learning rules for training competitive layers, feature map layers, and ART 1 networks.

Unlike other neural network software packages, the Neural Network Toolbox allows an unlimited number of processing elements and interconnections in the network (up to operating system constraints).

The toolbox's graphic and text notation introduces a new condensed method of drawing neural network architectures in clear summary form. It is intuitive, displays all of the information relevant to the network architecture, and is consistent across all paradigms contained in the toolbox.

MATLAB users can interactively implement the numerous network paradigms in the toolbox or develop new ones in MATLAB's easy-to-use programming environment to take advantage of new paradigms as they are developed. The Neural Network Toolbox is open and extensible, enabling users to view and modify algorithms implemented in the toolbox.

The toolbox is just one of many developed by The MathWorks that work in conjunction with MATLAB, one of the fastest, easiest-to-use, and most accurate environments in which to perform numeric computation, data analysis, and visualization.

The MathWorks has the broadest array of application toolboxes in the industry to simplify problem-solving in disciplines from digital signal processing to control system design and analysis. Users can also use the toolboxes with SIMULINK, The MathWorks' software for modeling, analyzing, and simulating nonlinear dynamic systems.

Configuration, Pricing, Availability

The Neural Network Toolbox is available immediately for use with MATLAB on MS-DOS PCs, Apple Macintosh computers, and Digital Equipment Corp., HP/Apollo, IBM, Silicon Graphics, and Sun workstations. It also is available on DEC VAX computers and Convex and Cray supercomputers. Prices start at $695.00 in the U.S. for a single microcomputer copy; quantity and education discounts are available.

The MathWorks, Inc., based in Natick, Mass., develops and markets high-performance interactive engineering and scientific software for integrated numeric computation, system simulation, and visualization. MathWorks' products are distributed throughout North America, Europe, and the Pacific Rim.

The MathWorks Inc

Cochituate Place, 24 Prime Park Way, Natick, MA 01760

508-653-1415


ParICs Physical IC Modeler V2.8
ANSOFT INTRODUCES RELEASE 2.8 OF PARICS PHYSICAL IC MODELER OFFERING ABILITY TO GENERATE 3D LEADFRAME DIAGRAMS.

(Pittsburgh, PA -- May 6, 1992) Ansoft Corporation announces Release 2.8 of its ParICs Physical IC Modeler. An important new feature of this version is the ability to import existing two-dimensional leadframe designs in either Gerber, DXF, or IGES file formats. ParICs will then automatically extrude the leadframe to form a three-dimensional model, and insert this 3D model into a package outline. Full support is now provided for modeling of QFP, TSOP, PLCC, DIP, SOIC and SOJ package families. The new version also adds support for Sun workstations to the PC platform originally supported. Support for Hewlett-Packard, IBM, DEC/Ultrix workstations is expected by mid-Summer.

Until ParICs was introduced last year, days or even weeks were required to generate a 3D model of a single IC package because of the need to painstakingly construct each geometrical feature of the model using a conventional CAD system. ParICs reduces the time required to a few minutes using proprietary parametric modeling technology. A spreadsheet-like screen prompts the user for model parameters such as the number of leads and package dimensions. Error-trapping routines check these parameters against industry design and manufacturability rules. The program then generates a complete 3D model of the IC package in about one minute. The Physical IC Modeler generates files in the following formats: 1) AutoCAD DXF, 2) Ansoft's Maxwell 3D Field Simulator for electrical characterization, and 3) Swanson Analysis ANSYS for thermal and structural analysis. The program can also create a dimensioned drawing suitable for documentation purposes.

Ansoft Corp, Four Station Square, Ste 660, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

412-261-3200


Maxwell 3D Field Simulator V1.2
VERSION 1.2 OF MAXWELL 3D FIELD SIMULATOR INCREASES COMPUTATIONAL SPEED AND STREAMLINES USER INTERFACE.

(Pittsburgh, PA -- May 6, 1992) Ansoft Corporation announces the introduction of Version 1.2 of their Maxwell 3D Field Simulator which offers significantly increased computational speed for calculations of capacitance, inductance, force, and torque. The new version uses a direct matrix technique rather than the previous energy-based approach to calculate capacitance and inductance. The new methodology has been demonstrated to reduce computational time to between 1/6 and 1/2 of the time previously required. Version 1.2 also includes a new algorithm for force and torque calculations which converges to the correct value more quickly and uses fewer computing resources. The result is a reduction in calculation time by a minimum of 50% as well as a decrease in memory requirements.

One more new capability is direct file input from SDRC Ideas, EDS Unigraphics and Hewlett-Packard ME30 systems through the use of stereolithography file output.

Another improvement provided by Version 1.2 is enhancements to the user interface which makes the program faster to operate and provides increased functionality. In addition, the project setup, parameter setup and solution information panels have been expanded to provide more functionality. The integral solid modeler has been improved to increase the palette of available colors from 4 to 16, improving visualization capabilities. Furthermore, the automatic mesh generator in Version 1.2 has been improved to increase its performance on difficult geometries such as small air gaps and thin conductors.

The Maxwell 3D Field Simulator calculates electrical parameters such as capacitance, inductance, electrical and magnetic field levels, and current densities and distributions from the electromagnetic fields in and around an electrical device. Although it can be used to analyze any device where electric and magnetic field behavior is of interest, it is particularly tuned for: 1) electrical and electronic equipment 2) magnetic components and systems 3) electromechanical design 4) digital circuit, signal transmission, connectors and packaging. The software package is unique because it provides the power of sophisticated finite element analysis techniques while eliminating the need for user interaction with finite element analysis. Using field simulation technology specifically designed for electromagnetics, the Maxwell 3D Field Simulator allows engineers to experiment with physical designs, changing geometries, materials and excitation levels without the expense of building a physical device. Examples of components which are ideally suited for analysis by the package include ICs, PCBs, high speed connections, circuit breakers, busways, transformers, test equipment, power converters, electrical machinery, magnetic recording heads, etc. Capability is provided to compute capacitance and inductance matrices for three-dimensional multiconductor structures, including gull-wing leads, plated through-holes, tapers, vias and crossed metallization lines in dielectrics which cannot be modeled using other simulation software.

Ansoft Corp, Four Station Sq, Ste 660, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

412-261-3200


Shiva NetModem/E Dial-In Server
CAMBRIDGE, MA -- May 4,1992, Shiva Corporation announced today shipment of a new software release for its award-winning NetModem/E, the only remote access server that provides both PCs and Macintosh computers with secure, transparent access to NetWare and AppleTalk Ethernet networks. Shiva has also reduced the suggested retail price of the NetModem/E to $1699.

Release 1.1 adds several new features that improve performance and reliability, while giving network managers greater control. It also includes user interface refinements that make the NetModem/E even simpler and more transparent for remote users. The software release can be easily installed, requires no changes to the hardware, and is available now free to NetModem/E users.

"The network-to-network routing from the NetModem/E in New York to the NetModem/E in our office in Santa Monica is very reliable and we can connect at 14,400 bps," says 1.1 beta tester Steve McKinnis of The Nettleship Group, a California-based project management company. "We use it to send files and email. I've also done remote system administration on file servers in New York and Los Angeles from Santa Monica."

Upgrade Features

The software upgrade includes a variety of enhancements, notably:

. Windows 3.1 Compatibility for dial-in, shared dial-out and network-to network routing.

. Enhanced Performance. The NetModem/E now supports Novell's Large Internet Exchange Packet NLM, which reduces data transmission overhead. NetModem/E's V.42 bis data compression has been fine-tuned for better performance, and MNP 2-5 support has been added.

. Reliability Improvements. Enhancements to the modem's automatic speed adjustment make the NetModem/E highly reliable over phone line connections of varying quality. If a NetWare dial-in line drops, a new reconnection feature can re-establish the connection and continue operations--for instance, file transfers--where they left off.

. LaunchGuard, a memory-resident program that helps optimize network performance by warning users when they attempt to load network-intensive programs over a dial-in phone link.

. Shiva Net Manager Enhancements that give DOS and Windows users more control over the network-to-network connection process. Users can select the modem connection speed, and enable/disable error correction and data compression. A manual dial option has been added, which lets the user monitor the connection process.

. Improved NetBIOS Handling. Administrators can now enable NetBIOS broadcasts in either one or both directions. This provides added flexibility for applications like Lotus Notes, which uses the NetBIOS API over the IPX protocol.

About the NetModem/E

Designed to provide complete communications between the LAN and the telephone network, the NetModem/E provides dial-in, dial-out and network-to-network routing for Novell NetWare and AppleTalk networks. Only the NetModem/E supports both Novell NetWare's IPX and Apple Computer's AppleTalk protocols and automatically adapts to the protocol in use without requiring user configuration.

First shipped in August 1991, the NetModem/E is a stand-alone device that includes an integrated Ethernet interface and a 14,400 bps modem with V.32, V.32bis, V.42, V.42bis and MNP 2-5 support. The NetModem/E attaches directly to the network cable.

NetModem/E lets remote Macintosh and PC users dial in and access a network as if their computer were directly connected to it. For instance, they can retrieve a file from an AppleShare or NetWare file server at the office, check their electronic mail and answer it, and access an SQL database.

The link is entirely transparent and no remote control or terminal emulation software is required. A key technical feature of NetModem/E is that it sends standard network packets between the network and remote users, not screen or mouse data as remote control solutions do. Remote PCs, therefore, can run graphical applications such as Microsoft Windows with no performance penalty.

Using more than one NetModem/E, geographically separate networks can be joined in an internetwork to share resources across multiple sites. NetModem/E has full network-to-network routing capability and can route either IPX or AppleTalk packets over standard telephone lines.

The dial-out capability allows an authorized user on the network to connect to bulletin boards or information services such as Dow Jones or CompuServe without requiring a dedicated modem and phone line for each user. This is a cost-effective and easily managed way to provide access to outside resources for multiple network users. NetModem/E is also the only product that allows shared modem dial-out with all Windows communications packages, including those not designed with their own network support.

Availability

Release 1.1 is a free upgrade to all NetModem/E users. It is being mailed to all registered NetModem/E users and is available directly from Shiva Corporation by calling 617/252-6400. The software upgrade can also be downloaded from Shiva's bulletin board by dialing 617-621-0190. NetModem/E is available through resellers worldwide.

Shiva Corporation

Founded in 1985, Shiva Corporation is a leading supplier of dial-in communications servers and internetworking products. Shiva Corporation is located at One Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142; telephone 617/252-6300; 800/458-3550.


LanRover/L PowerBook Remote Server
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 4, 1992 -- Shiva Corporation has begun first shipments of the new LanRover/L, a dedicated server for PowerBook dial-in remote access. The product, which was announced March 30, is the first and only dedicated hardware server to allow PowerBook or Macintosh users to dial directly into a network using AppleTalk Remote Access. The LanRover/L connects directly to the AppleTalk network and does not require that a dedicated Macintosh be used as a server.

LanRover/L is available from distributors, resellers and retail chains. Between now and June 30, first-time users may also purchase LanRover/L direct from Shiva at discounted introductory pricing of $499 (regular list price is $699), one unit per customer. Shiva is also offering a trade-up program for users of selected dial-in products from Shiva and other vendors.

According to Dan Schwinn, Shiva president and founder, "The response to LanRover/L has been fantastic--we have large back orders since we announced it a month ago. The centralized management and security LanRover/L provides make it the right choice for network managers who need to support dial-in PowerBook users. LanRover/L is the first in a line of Shiva products compatible with AppleTalk Remote Access."

About LanRover/L

LanRover/L is the first dedicated dial-in server for the PowerBook that supports AppleTalk Remote Access, the dial-in software that comes with every PowerBook and can run on any System 7 Macintosh. Remote PowerBook or Macintosh users can dial into LanRover/L and access file servers, e-mail or any other network services as if they were connected directly to the network. LanRover/L also provides shared dial-out, which allows users to access on-line information services such as CompuServe or America Online.

LanRover/L's centralized management and security address the needs of the departmental network manager. Several units can be managed and configured from a Macintosh anywhere on the network. Managers can take advantage of advanced security and monitoring features, including password protection, an activity log, automatic call-back, and configurable zone access privileges, among others.

User Feedback

Beta tester John Finnan from MicroAge said, "Like other Shiva products, LanRover/L is straightforward, easily installed and maintained, and provides the advantage of not dedicating a Macintosh to high speed communications with ARA. Shiva has a great reputation and will continue to turn out winning products." Using LanRover/L, MicroAge dealers can dial into the corporate network in Tempe, Arizona, from the road or remote offices.

"I'm very impressed with it, and I like everything I've seen about it. The management software is excellent," says Rich Park, Advisory Systems Engineer at Apple Computer's Southern Operations Executive Briefing Center and Apple Market Center. Apple sales representatives throughout the southern U.S. can dial into the Market Center through several LanRover/Ls to demonstrate a wide variety of software and hardware on a network that spans 22 miles of fiber optic cable within the Dallas Infomart.

Specifications

LanRover/L's hardware has one LocalTalk port and one serial port and requires an external modem. LanRover/L can work with any external Apple 2400 bps or any external Hayes-compatible 2400 bps or higher-speed modem with the appropriate AppleTalk Remote Access modem script. Shiva Net Manager management software and FreeTerm communications software are bundled with the unit.

Pricing and Availability

LanRover/L is available now for a retail price of $699. The product will be sold by dealers and distributors.

Special Introductory Price and Trade-up Offer

A special introductory offer allows first-time buyers to purchase the LanRover/L at $499 per unit. The offer is limited to one per customer and is available direct from Shiva until July 1, 1992. Shiva is also offering a trade-up program for Shiva's and other vendors' dial-in products. Users get $200 off the LanRover/L list price of $699 when they trade in a NetSerial, TeleBridge, NetModem V 1200, NetModem V 2400, NetModem V.32, NetModem/E or EtherGate. Customers get the same discount if they trade in a Solana Electronics R-Server, Hayes InterBridge, Farallon Infosphere or Farallon PhoneNet Liaison. Contact Shiva directly at 800/458-3550 or 617/252-6300 for more details about how to trade-up to a LanRover/L.

Shiva Corporation Shiva Corporation is a privately owned company based in Cambridge, MA. The company was founded in 1985 and pioneered the market for remote access products for Macintosh networks. Shiva offers a broad line of dial-in communications servers and routers for Macintosh and PC computers. According to International Data Corporation (Framingham, MA), Shiva is the leading AppleTalk internetworking vendor, with 56% of the market.

Shiva Corp, One Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142

617-252-6300


SPA Swr Buying Influences Study
April 29, 1992 (Washington, DC) - The Software Publishers Association (SPA) announced today the results of their study on the US home personal computer software market. The study involved 1,190 telephone interviews conducted with a national random sample of households using personal computer and/or video game systems.

The survey was conducted in January and February 1992. The interviews, which averaged 15 minutes in length, identified the personal computer and video game system hardware and software in the household. Five software categories were studied: entertainment, education, personal productivity, business software used for work brought home, and business software used for a home-based business. Also analyzed were the number of personal computer and video game applications in the household, acquisition sources for personal computer software, and the importance of a series of factors in their software purchase decisions.

"The study gave us a wealth of information about how home computer users make their software purchasing decisions," said David Tremblay, SPA Research Director. "For example, of the factors that influence purchase, we found that word-of-mouth advertising and prior experience with a company are extremely important to the decision. It is critical for publishers to be aware of these motivations as they develop their marketing strategies."

Highlights of the study's findings:

. The results show that word-of-mouth recommendations are important influencers in driving software sales. The recommendation of a friend was consistently rated as important as past experience with the company and seeing a demonstration of the product. These factors were more important in software selection than were salespersons' recommendations, magazine reviews, and advertisements.

. Most personal computer users knew the exact title they were to purchase when they Last purchased software. However; a significant proportion of buyers (37% of recreation/entertainment users), either bought "on impulse" or knew the type of software they wanted but had not selected a particular title before when they started shopping.

. Personal productivity software is the most commonly used type of software, found in 72% of PC-using households. Entertainment software is found in 58% of PC-using households, while 42% own education software.

. Households that use entertainment software have an average of just under 10 entertainment applications. Education software households have an average of 5.4 education applications, and households that use personal productivity software have an average of 3.6 personal productivity applications.

. Average hours per week spent using the household's personal computer varies widely among the five application categories. Education and recreation/entertainment users average less than 5 hours per week using their PC, while those who use their PC to run their home-based business log over 15 hours per week.

. In spite of recent price declines for PC hardware, PC usage in still strongly linked with higher income and education. PC-owning households have much higher incomes than average - 41% have income over $50,000 per year, versus 23% for video game system households and 26% of the US overall. Fifty three percent of PC households have at least a four-year college degree, compared with about one quarter of households with video game systems and 18% of all US households.

. Not surprisingly, price was the most important factor influencing PC hardware purchases. However, even among these home personal computer users, compatibility with PCs they use at work is important and was rated the second most important factor.

. While outright purchase is the most often-mentioned method for users to obtain software, a high proportion of users also copy software from friends, work, or school. Forty percent of entertainment software users, 26% of education software users and 19% of personal productivity software users said that they copied software from friends, work, or school.

The study is available for purchase from the SPA. Please call (202) 452-1600, ext. 387 for more information.

The Software Publishers Association is the principal trade association of the personal computer software industry. Its over 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.

Software Publishers Association

1730 M St Northwest, Suite 700

Washington, D.C. 20036


LINKS Troon North Course Disk
Access Software Inc. is pleased to announce the release of another Championship Course for their award winning LINKS program. The Troon North course is an immaculate oasis poured over the lush Senorian desert. Each hole is a very private golf experience due to the unique course design of Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish. Although the course is still very young, it has hosted the prestigious Merrill Lynch Shootout Championship and the LPGA's Mitsubishi World Pro-Am. Located near Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, Troon North is unsurpassed among LINKS courses. The desert layout and breathtaking views make Troon North especially enjoyable to play. The course is shipping now with a suggested retail price of $24.95.

LINKS was designed to easily incorporate these add on Championship Courses. Once the course is installed the LINKS player needs only to select the desired course by clicking on the mouse button. New courses are in development and will be released about every other month this year. An updated .EXE program is included with the course disks.

Access Software was awarded the prestigious Software Publishers Association (SPA) Excellence in Software Award for LINKS last year and was just awarded another SPA award for the LINKS CHAMPIONSHIP COURSES. The Computer Gaming World award for BEST ACTION GAME for 1991 was presented to Access for LINKS.

Access Software

4910 W. Amelia Earhard Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84116

801-359-2900


FAXserve for Novell Networks
ROSLYN, NEW YORK, February 10, 1992 - - - Cheyenne Software, Inc. (AMEX:CYE) announced today the introduction of FAXserve the first file server-based, automated approach to network facsimile services that is totally integrated with NetWare.

In making the announcement, ReiJane Huai, Vice President, Engineering, Cheyenne Software, stated, "Since the company's inception, it has been our mission to centralize and automate mission critical services by fully utilizing the power and strength of the file server. FAXserve is yet another server application developed by Cheyenne to meet those objectives. The security and management aspects inherent in FAXserve will be a valuable asset to its users."

As a VAP/NLM in the file server, FAXserve provides a device independent CAS interface for all PCs on the network. Fax transmissions using FAXserve are sent from CAS compatible DOS or Windows or MHS compatible E-Mail programs. FAXserve sends information electronically which reduces material costs while enhancing quality and clarity and eliminating the need for additional hardware such as a facsimile machine or dedicated workstation. One copy of FAXserve installed in the server provides fax services to all network users.

Mr. Huai also noted, "Using a facsimile machine to send information, as opposed to mailing it, has quickly become the preferred method of information distribution for the majority of businesses throughout the world. Automating this function will allow companies to re-focus the time and effort usually spent on faxing to more productive, and potentially more profitable activity."

The Scheduling Feature allows a fax transmission to be sent during off-peak hours reducing telecommunications costs and taking full advantage of the NetWare queuing system, fax transmissions are protected by NetWare security. Only those users with the proper rights can view the transmission log or dispatch incoming faxes.

FAXserve's audit trail coupled with the accounting features in Novell networks provides users with the ability to monitor usage and the associated costs for facsimile services. Statistical information such as date/time sent, completion status, duration of call, total files and pages sent are also maintained through FAXserve.

FAXserve currently supports the full line of Intel Fax Boards, and its open architecture will allow Cheyenne to support other popular fax boards in future releases.

FAXserve will begin shipping in April 1992 at a list cost of $995.00, which includes both the VAP/NLM and the Windows and DOS front ends.

Cheyenne Software, Inc. is a leading developer of sophisticated LAN and business management software products. Cheyenne's Network Products Group develops and markets Monitrix, a complete NetWare management and monitoring solution; ARCserve, the first totally automated backup and restore solution for NetWare networks; ARCserve/Solo, a DOS based backup and restore solution; InocuLAN, a comprehensive server-based network anti-virus program; FAXserve, a high performance, server-based solution for network facsimile services; and Cheyenne Utilities for NetWare (including NetBack), a set of integrated network administration utilities.

Cheyenne Software Inc, 55 Bryant Ave, Roslyn, NY 11576

516-484-5110


FoxPro Programming, 2nd Edition
FoxPro Programming, 2nd Edition by LES PINTER

Tools and techniques for writing high-quality database applications with FoxPro on IBM PCs and compatibles

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--Focusing entirely on the language not the product--

FoxPro Programming--2nd Edition contains fully-tested application templates and ready-to-run source code that readers can use as is or build upon in writing their own programs. Widely acclaimed FoxPro authority Les Pinter has compiled an absolute gold mine of programming techniques for simplifying:

  * Relational database design

  * Screen design

  * Menu creation

  * Spreadsheet design

  * Multiuser support

  * File linkage

  * Data validation

  * Screen navigation

  * Program organization

  * Network support

Plus, readers will learn how to use FoxReport and the LaserPro library for report design, debug programs, and take full advantage of FoxPro Developer Tools. Drawing on successful, real-world applications that he has developed for his clients, Pinter uses full-length, working programs to demonstrate and reinforce every technique.

About the Author:

Les Pinter is president of Pinter Consulting, a firm specializing in FoxPro applications. He is the publisher of the Pinter FoxPro Letter, an internationally recognized publication for professional FoxPro programmers.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill - FoxPro Programming--2nd Edition - Order No. 4057 Now Available - 400 pp., 248 illus., 7" x 10" - Paper $22.95 ISBN 0-8306-2586-0

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128  --  Fax  717-794-2103


Cheyenne Extends ARCserve
ROSLYN, NEW YORK, April 8, 1992 - - - Cheyenne Software, Inc. (AMEX:CYE) announced today an extension to its stratified pricing structure for ARCserve, which will provide NetWare 3.x customers with five (5) and fifty (50) user versions, cost-effective access to the industry's leading backup and restore software.

In making the announcement, Alan Kaufman, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Cheyenne Software, stated "Our goal is to provide the highest performance backup and restore solution at a cost that is line with the stratified versions of NetWare. ARCserve has become a de facto standard in the industry and at a cost of $395.00 for NetWare 3.x customers with up to five users, ARCserve is now well within the smaller network user's budget."

The new ARCserve versions work in conjunction with the corresponding versions of NetWare. A five user ARCserve works with a five-user NetWare 3.x and the fifty user ARCserve works with a five, ten, twenty or fifty-user NetWare 3.x.

Mr. Kautman also noted that the ARCserve (VAP or NLM) products work with all versions of NetWare 2.1x and 3.x, respectively, and upgrades are available from one user level of NetWare to the next. The retail price of the five (5) user version (NLM) is $395.00, the fifty (50) user version is $1,495.00.

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ROSLYN, NEW YORK, April 8, 1992 - - - Cheyenne Software, Inc. (AMEX:CYE) announced today that optional Changer and Stacker software modules, for ARCserve v4.0, a fully automated data management solution, will be available in April 1992 at a retail cost of $1,195.00 and $ 695.00, respectively.

ARCserve's optional changer and stacker tape driver modules will support many of the industry's leading changer and stacker devices, and coupled with these devices, will provide fully automated, high capacity NetWare data storage management.

CHANGER TECHNOLOGY

A tape changer is a device containing multiple tape cassettes (media), a tape drive and a mechanism for automatically loading or unloading any tape in the drive. The random nature of the device makes any tape accessible at any time through software alone. The benefits associated with ARCserve's ability to support a changer includes an increase in tape data storage capacity, as well as a substantial reduction in tape handling for the operator. For example, when restoring, ARCserve will select the proper tape in the magazine, put it into the tape drive and start the operation automatically.

STACKER TECHNOLOGY

A tape stacker is a device capable of housing multiple tape cassettes. It can access them sequentially, allowing automatic spanning from one tape to the next without operator intervention. When the first tape is full, the next in line can be loaded continuing the tape operation. Used in conjunction with Cheyenne's optional stacker tape drive module for ARCserve v4.0, a stacker device minimizes tape handling. It is no longer necessary for an operator to be present if a backup operation requires a second tape to complete a job. The stacker will automatically remove the tape currently in the drive and insert the next sequentially available tape in the magazine.

ARCserve's backup and restore operations are seamless to the user when using a changer or stacker device. Given the proper tapes in the magazine, ARCserve will locate the next available tape for backup operations or the appropriate tape for file restoration.

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ROSLYN, NEW YORK, February 10,1992 - - - Cheyenne Software, Inc. (AMEX:CYE) announced today that Novell Labs has certified ARCserve/Solo for use on NetWare networks. ARCserve/Solo is Cheyenne's DOS-based version of its award winning data management solution, ARCserve.

In addition to the more than 40 certified tape drives for ARCserve/Solo v2.0, Cheyenne has recently tested and certified device support for the Cipher Ciera 2.6 GB tape drive, the WangDAT 3200, the CCG 8500, and the Tandberg Panther 1000. Other recently certified devices include the new Hewlett Packard DATs with and without compression and the Exabyte 8500. Adding support of these new devices places further emphasis on ARCserve/Solo's market position as the most device-independent DOS-based product available today.

Augmenting ARCserve/Solo's support to include portable or laptop computers the company has also certified Reliable Management Solution's RMS PDI 250 - a SCSI tape drive with a Parallel Device Interface. Using the RMS PDI 250, a portable computer user can attach this interface to the parallel port, and receive the same quality backup capabilities as a PC user, when using ARCserve/Solo. This enables large corporations to standardize their backup needs, with one product line, Cheyenne's ARCserve or ARCserve/Solo, for portable, stand-alone, laptop, notebooks and networked computers.

ARCserve/Solo's availability is currently undergoing an expansion through Cheyenne's relationships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Previously announced strategic partners include Sankyo Seiki, Future Domain Corporation, MicroNet Technology, and GigaTrend.

Additional OEM partners that now market ARCserve/Solo with their hardware solutions are Advanced Digital Information Corporation, Cipher Data Products, Inc., DynaTek, Tandberg Data and Vistar. An optical disk only version of ARCserve/Solo is available through Storage Dimension. In addition to these numerous OEM partners, ARCserve/Solo is also available through Cheyenne's existing domestic and international distribution network including authorized resellers and Value-Added Resellers (VARs) as a stand-alone product.

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ROSLYN, NEW YORK, February 26, 1992- - - Cheyenne Software, Inc. (AMEX:CYE), as an integral part of its plan to strengthen the company's market position on a global basis, has introduced a Japanese language version of its award-winning data backup and management software solution, ARCserve.

Available to the Japanese market in March, 1992, the Japanese language version of ARCserve will be co-marketed by Cheyenne and Acer Sertek (Japan) Inc. (Acer) through local distributors and Japanese OEM relationships. It is expected that the balance of Cheyenne's software products will be translated and made available to the Japanese market over the long term.

In making the announcement ReiJane Huai, Vice President of Engineering, Cheyenne Software, stated "The development of a Japanese language version of ARCserve brings Cheyenne closer to its ultimate goal of being a worldwide leader in the LAN utilities software market. Favorable response to the introduction of a German language version of our DOS-based backup and restore product, ARCserve/Solo, has provided us with the motivation to pursue other foreign language versions for Cheyenne's full line of LAN software products."

The company also announced that French and German language versions of ARCserve and ARCserve/Solo are currently under development, and plans to develop other foreign language versions of ARCserve, Monitrix, Cheyenne Utilities, InocuLAN and FAXserve are expected.

Acer Sertek (Japan) Inc. is a subsidiary of Acer Group which W-IS established in 1976 in Taiwan, as a leading computer company. Acer Sertek (Japan) Inc. is as an independent procurement and service organization.

Cheyenne Software, Inc. is a leading developer of sophisticated LAN and business management software products. Cheyenne's Network Products Group develops and markets Monitrix, a complete NetWare management and monitoring solution; ARCserve, the first totally automated backup and restore solution for NetWare networks; ARCserve/Solo, a DOS based backup and restore solution; InocuLAN, a comprehensive network sever-based anti-virus program; FAXserve, a high performance. server-based solution for network facsimile services; and Cheyenne Utilities for NetWare (including NetBack), a set of integrated network administration utilities.

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Cheyenne Software Inc, 55 Bryant Ave, Roslyn, NY 11576

516-484-5110


OMNI-BUS Accounting Swr v3.04
NEW ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE SIMPLIFIES BOOKKEEPING WITH VERSION 3.04

Now you can easily automate your company's books with OMNI-BUS Accounting Software. Its newest release is version 3.04 for the PC.

OMNI-BUS Accounting Software includes Point-Of-Sale, Sales Orders, Accounts Receivable, Purchase Orders, Accounts Payable, Inventory, General Ledger, Payroll, Report Manager/Spooler, and System Maintenance. Data files are also compatible with Basic Business accounting software.

Special features include easy non-technical installation; user-selectable colors; custom report manager to view and print reports singly or by batch; a pop-up calculator which feeds results directly into your program; built-in help screens; inventory includes sub-assemblies to keep track of individual parts of a large item sold; automatic data backups; password protection for data security; free technical support for new users; and a well-written 180 page user's manual.

OMNI-BUS Accounting Software is IBM-compatible, and sells for $149.95 plus $10.50 shipping and handling. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Special discounts are available for students, teachers, schools and accountants. Special pricing is also available for owners of BASIC BUSINESS Accounting Software (formerly available from Advent Products).

To place an order or for further information, call toll-free (800) 972-OMNI or write to Omni Studios, 44 Abbett Avenue, Morristown NJ 07960.


Genoa Including AutoCAD Accel.
LONDONDERRY, NH -- April 28, 1992 -- Panacea Inc. announced today a licensing agreement with Genoa Systems Corporation of San Jose. California. Under the terms of the agreement, Genoa will include Panacea's DLD385-XGA AutoCAD software accelerator. which retails for $199, with its recently announced SuperXGA 9000 Series Graphics cards.

The SuperXGA 9000 Series enables true flicker free operation, exceeding IBM's XGA standard with a refresh rate of 70/72 Hz, as opposed to the standard refresh rate of 60 Hz. The company claims the SuperXGA 9000 Series delivers 20% faster performance than standard XGA cards in 1024 x 768 non-interlaced resolution. Available for either the Micro Channel or AT bus, the series offers up to 65.536 colors at 640 x 180, up to 256 colors at 1021 x 768, and works with all DOS, Windows 3.X and OS/2 software.

According to Su Huang, President of Genoa Systems Corporation, "Our agreement with Panacea validates our commitment to serving the needs of AutoCAD users. And their XGA product is proof-positive of a Panacea commitment to support all graphics platforms. "

Added Jake Richter, President of Panacea Inc., "The Super XGA 9000 Series is the best XGA offering I've seen to date, and confirms the viability of this graphics platform. We look forward to fostering additional growth in the XGA area along with Genoa. '

Panacea's DLD386-XGA enables users to realize up to a 20X speed improvement over VGA in redrawing, panning and zooming in AutoCAD Release ll, the most commonly used operations. The DLD-386-XGA also works with Autodesk AutoShade 2 with RenderMan and 3D Studio. enabling the rendering and display of images in higher resolutions (up to 1024 x 768) and with more colors than is possible with the base Autodesk products, significantly reducing the banding and chalkiness that comes with limited resolution and color display capabilities.

The DLD386-XGA includes standard Panacea features such as full backward compatibility with earlier versions of AutoCAD, an easy-to-use install utility with context-sensitive help, the CustomColors color configuration utility, full support for multiple viewports and full compatibility with all third party AutoCAD add-on applications.

The SuperXGA 9400 AT Graphics Card is priced at $749 the SuperXGA 9600 Micro Channel Graphics Card is priced at $799.

The Panacea DLD386-XGA, sold via retail, is priced at $199. Versions of the DLD386 for VGA/SuperVGA and 8514/A display adapters are available at prices ranging from $149 to $199.

Genoa Systems Corporation is a leading manufacturer of graphics cards and multimedia adapters for IBM-compatible personal computers. The company maintains European headquarters in Germany and world headquarters in San Jose, California. Address: 75 East Trimble Road, San Jose, CA 95131. Phone: 408-432-9090; FAX: 408-434-0997.

Panacea Inc. is the world's leading provider of commercial and OEM display drivers and software-only applications accelerators for graphics-intensive applications. Panacea specializes in PC-based software for graphics processors and graphics boards that support VGA/SuperVGA, IBM 8514/A, TIGA, S3 and XGA graphics platforms. Corporate headquarters are located at 24 Orchard View Drive, Londonderry, NH 03053. Phone: 603-437-5022


Dark Sun, M & Great Navel Battles
Chicago, IL, May 28, 1992 -- Computer games developer Strategic Simulations, Inc. (SSI) will unveil new engines, features and categories when the company introduces three new computer games during the Summer Consumer Electronics Show.

"SSI is taking a pioneering role in computer game development with exciting features and enhancements never before seen in an SSI computer game," according to Kathleen Watson, SSI Director of Marketing. "The technology will debut with the company's new DARK SUN, M and Great Naval Battles games to be released early this Fall, " she explains.

DARK SUN: Shattered Lands

Game Category: AD&D Fantasy Role-Playing

Versions: IBM PC (September); Cluebook (September);

          Expansion Disks (November);

          Amiga (December); Expansion Disks (January ]993)

DARK SUN: Shattered Lands expands SSI's highly-acclaimed ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS series with a vast new universe to explore. DARK SUN introduces AD&D game players to a new 16-bit engine. SSI has made a quantum leap in technology with the launch of this new engine; over 45,000 man-hours went into its development. This is the first new engine since the popular Pool of Radiance. Based on the DARK SUN game world from TSR, Shattered Lands takes game players into a harsh, desert world ravaged by sorcery. The player and his party must create a rebel force powerful enough to destroy the evil the sorcerer-king's army. This game is destined to further entrench SSI as the leader in the fantasy role-playing category.

M

Game Category: Science-Fiction, Fantasy Role-Playing

Versions: IBM PC (August) - $59.95;

          Cluebook (September) - $14.95;

          Amiga (September) $69.95;

          Macintosh (November) - $59.95

What is M? M is SSI's newest science-fiction, fantasy role-playing adventure. This new 16-bit graphically-based engine was designed using Autodesk's 3D CAD system. The game features state-of-the-art graphics, full-continuous score, full-screen isometric view that scrolls smoothly, and detailed animation and special effects. The cinematic scenes and rich animation gives M the look and feel of a full-scale film production. This is the first in a series of M games which feature an undercover team of men and women. They are called to the planet Monsoon to help free kidnapped diplomats. M will be available in August.

Great Naval Battles: North Atlantic 1939-1943

Game Category: Simulator

Versions: IBM PC (August) - $69.95;

          Amiga (November) - $69.95

Great Naval Battles: North Atlantic 1939-1943 is SSI's first combat simulator. Set in the North Atlantic during WWII, it is a single-player game that allows the player to be either an Admiral, Fleet Commander or Ship Commander of a single ship like the historical Bismarck. Players can simulate certain scenarios or the entire campaign ranging from 1939 -1943. Great Naval Battles features instant replay and a large on-line database. Gameplay is greatly effected by weather conditions. Visual graphics and cinematic portrayals of WWII events brings more dimensions to this historical re-enactment. Great Naval Battles will be available in August.

SSI is one of the leading computer fantasy role-playing publishers and is most noted for its ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS line of computer products. The company is recognized as the premier wargame publisher, and based on industry rankings, is also one of the top ten entertainment publishers in the United States.

Strategic Simulations Inc

675 Almanor Ave, Suite 201, Sunnyvale, CA 94086-2901

408-737-6800


NuMedia Multimedia Agreements
ALEXANDRIA, VA (May 4, 1992) -- NuMedia Corporation, the Alexandria, Virginia-based multimedia software and hardware development company, announced today a new association with four Washington, D.C.-based teaming partners. The new alliance is designed to expand the target market base for NuMedia's technology, thereby allowing the company to penetrate all potential communication markets.

The new partners -- all technology firms -- are Win Computers, FreBon International, Cavillo & Associates and ICT (International Computers and Telecommunications).

"We are delighted to welcome our four new teaming partners," said Arthur Esch, NuMedia's CEO. "These companies recognize the value of our software products and readily see them as a solution to many of today's most perplexing communication issues."

The new teaming partners will present NuMedia technology to government agencies and private companies.

"NuMedia specializes in global networks, especially the ability to isolate specific sections of volatile information and update it on demand," said Craig George, V.P., Customer Support. "We are talking multimedia here ... not just text files. Our clients can create multimedia content with our Digital Studio, they can present it in a number of ways with our presentation software and they can deliver, control and account for multimedia files with our communications management software."

The communications management software, George says, is the heart of NuMedia's technology, and the company holds comprehensive patents on the systems and methodology. "Our software controls the entire network, whether it is delivered by satellite (FM2, FM3), ISDN, telephone lines or vertical blanking systems," said Ed Singer, NuMedia's Chief Scientist. "We have site specifity, encryption, systems diagnostics, system management and accountability."

Jim McCormack, NuMedia's President, reinforced the value of the thrust of the new teaming partners. "Training in business and government is more important today than ever before, and so is employee communication," he said. "We really see training and daily communication as a single problem ... all of which can be easily solved by our integration system. And that is what makes NuMedia so exciting."

NuMedia

201 N. UNION STREET, SUITE 400, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22314

703-684-9000   FAX (703) 684-9393


How to Write a Business Plan
Mpls., Mn. . . The American Institute of Small Business announces the introduction of its new software package version of How To Write A Business Plan especially designed for currently operating businesses desiring to expand either through internal company activities, diversification or by acquisition. It is also ideal for a new start-up business or venture.

The Institute has taken all of the guesswork out of the preparation of a business plan by means of introducing a series of some 200 business related questions, which when answered, provide all of the information necessary for the user to write his or her plan. Equally important, the entire narrative in a business plan shell format is provided so that all the user has to do, is fill in the necessary information found in answering the business questions. In addition, the software package allows the user to prepare all of their necessary spread sheets including Profit and Loss, Cash Flow and Balance Sheet Statements.

The new software package also includes a 45 page simulated example of what a typical business plan looks like. User friendly, the software package is compatible with "Windows" and can be used with all existing word processing packages.

In announcing the new software package, Max Fallek, President of the American Institute of Small Business, stated: "not only does our package provide the user with a complete financial or loan proposal, but it gives the user a road map that one needs in order to diversify, acquire, expand or start a new business. It allows one to make detours, change directions and alter the pace needed in operating a business."

The American Institute of Small Business is a leading publisher of educational materials on business and entrepreneurship. It publishes books, software and business videos. It also acts as a networking organization on providing small business information.

The new software package sells for $125 and is available in IBM/IBM Compatible 3-1/2" or 5-1/4" and Apple Macintosh and Apple ll versions. To order, or for more information, write to: American Institute of Small Business, 7515 Wayzata Blvd., Minneapolis, Mn. 55426 or call toll free 1-800-328-2906 or FAX 1-612-545-7020.


Knowledge Server Medical Ref.
Andover MA--April 27, 1992 -- Aries Systems Corporation of Andover, Massachusetts, USA, today announced the availability of its Knowledge Server medical reference database search software for multiple network environments.

Originally developed for the Apple Macintosh and AppleShare (Apple Computer's network operating system), Knowledge Server is now available for use with IBM PC and compatible workstations, and a variety of PC-based network environments. Aries Systems' medical reference databases (including MEDLINE and CANCERLIT) can be accessed on most popular network operating systems, including Novell NetWare and NetWare Lite, LANtastic from Artisoft, and Sitka TOPS.

The reference databases can be configured on CD-ROM or on high-performance magnetic disk storage. A suitably configured database server can support up to 20 simultaneous search sessions. Multiple servers can be configured to support even larger numbers of simultaneous users.

Knowledge Server uses Aries Systems' innovative search technology - Knowledge Finder. Knowledge Finder accepts English-style topical queries, and ranks search results in order of their likely relevance. Designed for use by both novice and experienced searchers, Knowledge Finder's graphic user interface simplifies and enhances the process of accessing medical knowledge.

Knowledge Server network configurations allow both PC and Macintosh workstations to access reference databases connected to either PC or Macintosh based database servers. Institutions can thus choose the server-network-workstation architecture that best suits their needs. Since Knowledge Server is offered on a database subscription basis, institutions can make their own, cost-effective hardware purchases, and avoid the high overhead and limited options of turnkey system purchases. Annual subscriptions for local area network access to a Knowledge Server MEDLINE database (with 3 simultaneous users) start at $2,895.

Lyndon Holmes, president of Aries Systems, noted, "Our approach to network implementation is based on open systems architectures. We design our physical databases and search software to interface with other established hardware and software standards. This means that our customers can take advantage of a wide range of networking and server technologies, and need not be limited to the unavoidable narrowness of the offerings of a single vendor."

Aries Systems has prepared a detailed, 50-page report that discusses the various options available in open systems CD-ROM networking with Knowledge Server. It describes alternative server technologies, and network protocols and media. It also provides financial guidelines to assist in the preparation of an acquisition budget. It provides specific configuration suggestions for both Macintosh and PC-based server configurations. The report is available at no charge to medical libraries and health science institutions when requested on organization letterhead. Other requests should be accompanied by a check for US$25.

Aries Systems Corporation was founded in 1986, to develop innovative information retrieval and dissemination products, with special emphases in the fields of biomedicine and science. Aries Systems works cooperatively with other organizations in the information and health care industries, to identify and deliver improved knowledge access and delivery tools.

Aries Systems Corp

One Dundee Park, Andover, MA 01810

508-475-7200


NEC Lowers ColorMate PS Model 40
(Boxborough, Mass., May 11, 1992) -- In a move reflective of its efforts to make color printing technology affordable for a wider range of users, NEC Technologies, Inc. today announced that it has reduced the suggested retail price of the ColorMate PS Model 40 printer to $4,799 from $5,899. In addition, the suggested retail price of an upgrade kit to the ColorMate PS Model 80 has been reduced to $1,500 from $1,700.

Designed for use by entry-level color PostScript language users for business presentation applications, the ColorMate PS Model 40 is a color thermal transfer printer featuring 4MB of RAM, and 17 Adobe typefaces.

The upgrade kit for the Model 40 contains two daughter boards featuring an extra 4MB of RAM and an additional 18 fonts. The upgraded model -- the ColorMate PS Model 80 -- provides graphic artists, designers and engineers with the capability to produce sophisticated graphics.

The Model 40 can produce letter and A4 size pages, while the Model 80 supports letter, A4, and legal size pages.

"As new technologies gain acceptance in the marketplace, it becomes more cost-efficient for manufacturers to produce product in mass quantities and, in turn, pass this savings on to consumers. The color printer market is no exception," said John McIntyre, director of marketing for NEC's Printer Division. "The combination of affordability and features such as three color, four color, and monochrome (true black) ribbons position the Model 40 as an ideal printer for those who require color printing to supplement reports and presentations with color text and graphics. For experienced graphic arts, engineering, and CAD/CAM users who require a great deal of memory and numerous fonts to run sophisticated applications, the Model 80 has one of the best price/performance ratios in the industry."

NEC Technologies. Inc.

NEC Technologies, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of computers and peripherals for the North American market. Product lines include, award-winning ProSpeed laptop computers, UltraLite notebook computers, MultiSync monitors, Silentwriter and Colormate printers, PowerMate Image and Express systems products, and InterSect M CD-ROM hardware. NEC Technologies, Inc., is a subsidiary of NEC Corporation.

NEC Technologies Inc

1414 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough, MA 01719

508-264-8000


Micro Express ME 386-SX/33
Santa Ana, CA...Micro Express introduces its first 33-MHz 386SX personal computer. The additional speed is due to the use of the swift AM386SX-33 microprocessor from Advanced Micro Devices. Called the Micro Express ME 386-SX/33 this PC utilizes zero wait-state operation for additional performance.

The computer comes standard with 2-MB of RAM, which can be expanded to 16 MB on Micro Express' proprietary motherboard. The base configuration also includes a 120-MB fast IDE hard disk drive, both a 1.2-MB 5-1/4" floppy disk drive and a 1.44-MB 3-1/2" floppy disk drive, one parallel and two serial ports, a 200-W power supply, a compact case, a mouse, a Super VGA color graphics card and monitor, DOS 5.0 and a choice of keyboards at a price of only $1399.

An AMI BIOS is used, which offers selectable shadowing for both the system and video BIOS as well as CMOS setup and diagnostics. Organization of the RAM is page-mode/interleaved, using 80-ns SIMMs. The Landmark Version 1.14 benchmark speed for this machine is 44 MHz.

The motherboard supports a Cyrex 80S87-33 math coprocessor. Optional hard disk drives are available up to 1.2 GB. As with all Micro Express PCs, a CMOS real-time clock/calendar is included that has battery back-up. The ME 386-SX/33 is packaged in a compact desktop case, measuring 6.5"[H] x 14.5''[W] x 16.5"[D], and has 8 expansion slots for peripheral boards (six 16-bit and two 8-bit). A choice of keyboards is offered with the ME 386-SX/33, including both standard 101-type enhanced with or without audible feedback, and a keyboard with a built-in trackball mouse at no extra charge.

As Usual...The Finest Available Customer Support

A full 2-year warranty is included on parts and labor for this PC, with shipping for the first 4 months paid both ways by Micro Express, as well as a 30-day moneyback guarantee. Optional on-site service, through GE, is also available. If a board fails, Micro Express offers 24-hour express board replacement service. 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. Technical support is available 24-hours per day and 7-days per week as part of the exclusive Micro Express "Always" customer support program. When technical documents are required, Micro Express offers Automated FAX-back service. Using this service documents can be requested through voice-mail and will be FAXed directly to the customer without human intervention.

The ME 386-SX/33 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.


Microsoft Mail Gateways
REDMOND, Wash. -- May 12, 1992 -- Microsoft Corporation today announced shipment of two new gateway products for Microsoft Mail users. Microsoft Mail Host Access version 3.2 for IBM PROFS and OfficeVision is an upgrade to the Microsoft Mail PROFS gateway that allows the more than 1.5 million users of Microsoft Mail for PC Networks to communicate with the four million PROFS users worldwide. Microsoft Mail Distribution Manager version 3.2 for IBM PROFS and OfficeVision is a new VM-based product that lets Microsoft Mail users exchange messages and documents with many of the most popular host e-mail systems.

"Chevron relies on the proven technology of Microsoft Mail every day, with 22,000 PROFS users on seven VM mainframes exchanging notes and documents," said William Skilton, systems analyst at Chevron Information Technology Company. "We appreciate the faster performance of the new version of Host Access, as well as the active notification on error conditions. Distribution Manager has allowed us to unify our Microsoft Mail population not only with PROFS users, but with DEC and X.400 environments as well."

Microsoft Mail Host Access version 3.2 for IBM PROFS and OfficeVision supports RSCS version 3 and delivers significant improvements in performance and error detection and recovery. In addition, version 3.2 supports the advanced features of Microsoft Mail version 3.0, including fault-tolerant automatic directory exchange and transparent exchange of OLE objects across a PROFS network backbone. Microsoft Mail Host Access is available for $14,995 per VM CPU. Each VM CPU can support multiple LAN gateway connections (available separately).

Microsoft Mail Distribution Manager version 3.2 for IBM PROFS and OfficeVision uses the ZIP host communications Protocol to link Microsoft Mail users with users of many of the most popular host-based messaging systems. Distribution Manager resides on the VM host and extends the functionality of the Microsoft Mail Host Access product. With Distribution Manager, Microsoft Mail users can receive all types of documents from PROFS and send files to PROFS users as documents. Both final and draft forms of DCF and RFT, two of the most common host system document formats, are supported. Distribution Manager also allows Microsoft Mail users to exchange documents with OfficeVision/MVS, OfficeVision/400, Verimation MEMO, IBM PS/CICS, System/360, Remote PROF via DISOSS, and, through host gateways, to DEC and WANG Office.

"High-quality host connectivity is essential for a LAN e-mail system, and these new products reflect Microsoft's leadership in that area," said Daniel Petre, general manager of the workgroup applications division at Microsoft. "Microsoft is the only LAN e-mail vendor with a PROFS gateway that can connect isolated LANs across an existing PROFS network. Now, with the introduction of encapsulation technology, users can seamlessly exchange e-mail with charts, graphics and even sound and video across that PROFS backbone. "

Microsoft Mail Host Access version 3.2 for IBM PROFS and OfficeVision upgrades are available for $1,250. Users who acquired Microsoft Mail Host Access on or after March 1, 1992 are eligible to receive a free upgrade to version 3.2. Microsoft Mail offers a full line of integrated gateways to X.400, SMTP, SNADS, MHS, MCI MAIL, 3+Mail, and Fax. For more information on Microsoft Mail or any of the gateways, please call (800) 426-9400.


NEC PowerMate Image Series
(Boxborough, Mass., May 12, 1992) -- Bolstering the momentum it gained as the first vendor to market local bus video technology, NEC Technologies, Inc. today introduced two additions to the PowerMate Image series of desktop computers -- the PowerMate SX/25i and PowerMate 486/50i. The new systems deliver superior graphics performance and fast information display through Image Video, NEC's built-in local bus video technology.

The PowerMate 486/50i is the first NEC system based on the Intel i486DX2 "speed doubler" microprocessor. The combination of a powerful microprocessor and Image Video positions the PowerMate 486/50i as the high-end system in the Image Series, capable of running graphics-intensive CAD and Windows applications with unprecedented speed -- up to 50% faster than most 486/33 systems.

Based on the Intel i386SX microprocessor running at 25MHz, the PowerMate SX/25i offers excellent, cost-effective performance for mainstream business applications, including sophisticated desktop publishing and multiple Windows applications.

Local Bus Video Displays Information 400% Faster With the introduction of the PowerMate Image Series in October 1991, NEC became the first hardware vendor to develop and ship an implementation of local bus video technology as a standard feature. With the inclusion of Image Video, users receive improved graphics performance without absorbing the cost of an additional graphics coprocessor board.

Image Video provides up to 400 percent faster graphics performance than standard VGA. Most systems transfer information 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 (25MHz on the new PowerMate SX/25i and 486/50i), eliminating the bottleneck.

"Local bus video has been a hot industry topic for quite some time, but NEC has been the only major manufacturer to ship the technology in volume," said Denny Lane, NEC's director of Desktop Systems Marketing. As expected, we are now seeing other hardware vendors following NEC's lead by offering local bus video on selected high-end systems. From a value perspective, NEC goes above and beyond other vendors since Image Video is shipped as a standard feature on a wide range of PowerMate Image systems -- from the SX/20i to the 486/50i -- not only on high-end systems.

The PowerMate Image Series also features NEC's exclusive ImageSync technology, which enables any Image Series computer to sense when it is connected to one of NEC's MultiSync FG monitors and adjust to the highest possible refresh rate of that monitor, for clearer, flicker-free information display. The combined result of the Image Series graphics features is dramatically improved video performance and unparalleled screen image clarity, providing the ideal Windows environment.

Pricing and Distribution Information

The PowerMate SX/25i is available immediately through NEC's extensive, nationwide network of authorized sellers at the following suggested retail prices:

Dual floppy configuration (1.44MB and 1.2MB), no HDD  $1,499.00

Base unit with single 1.44MB floppy and 60MB HDD      $1,799.00

Base unit with single 1.44MB floppy and 120MB HDD     $1,999.00

Pricing for the PowerMate 486/50i will be available at first shipment scheduled for late May.

NEC Technologies. Inc.

NEC Technologies, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of computers and peripherals for the North American market. Product lines include award-winning ProSpeed laptop computers, UltraLite notebook computers, MultiSync monitors, Silentwriter and Colormate printers, PowerMate Image and Express systems products, and InterSect CD-ROM hardware. NEC Technologies, Inc., is a subsidiary of NEC Corporation.

NEC Technologies Inc

1414 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough, MA 01719

508-264-8000


Heath is Alive & Well
BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- Recent articles in the New York Times and Forbes Magazine not withstanding, Heath Company is alive and well, and thriving here in Benton Harbor, Michigan, its home for over half a century.

Bill Johnson, president of Heath Company and longtime Heathkit builder, puts it this way: "To paraphrase Mark Twain, the rumors of our demise are greatly exaggerated. Contrary to what you may have heard, we are not," he emphasizes, "not going out of business. We are, however, changing our focus from the rapidly shrinking electronic kit business to the burgeoning electronics education market.

"Times have changed, consumer needs have changed," says Johnson, "and for a number of reasons, folks just aren't buying and building very many kits anymore."

Johnson goes on to explain that the current nature of electronics no longer lends itself to kits. The diodes, resistors, capacitors and other components that used to make kit building so fascinating and challenging have been replaced by solid-state chips and printed circuit boards. "It's really pretty hard to come up with a challenging electronic kit any more," he says.

Additionally, Johnson notes, modern manufacturing technologies have driven the price of fully assembled electronic products so low that it's virtually impossible to save any money with a kit nowadays.

"Add to this the realities of less discretionary time for most people -- and more ways to spend that time," Johnson points out, "and it's not hard at all to see why electronic kits have lost their attraction."

Demand for educational products steady and growing

"On the other hand," Johnson adds, "demand for electronics education has been growing at an increasing rate for years, and is projected to continue growing well into the future. More and more schools, businesses and individuals are discovering that understanding the basics of electronics and computers -- and how to apply them -- is absolutely essential in this day and age. And that -- in a nutshell -- is why we're exiting the kit business and concentrating all our energies on electronics education."

Heath already a leader in electronics education

The education business is nothing new to Heath. The company has been a leader in the field for nearly two decades.

Heath entered the electronics education business back in 1974, seeing it as a perfectly natural extension of its highly developed skills in designing and producing electronic kits and easy-to-understand assembly instructions.

Heath quickly established itself in the education business and by the mid-1980's, had become the recognized leader in designing and marketing electronic trainers and courseware in both the U.S. and abroad.

Today, an entire division -- Heathkit Educational Systems serves a still- growing and increasingly global electronics education market, using a network of independent sales representatives for sales to schools and industry and a sophisticated mail order system for the individual who chooses to learn at home in a self-paced environment.

Reflex Brand Products

Heath officials also note that while the company's popular line of Reflex products, such as indoor & outdoor security lighting, energy conservation products and wireless controls, will no longer be advertised in the catalog, they will continue to be sold through over 22,000 home centers and hardware stores throughout the United States.

Heath Company is one of the nation's largest suppliers of motion-activated lights, alarm systems and wireless controls, and recently began distributing its products in Canada and Europe.

A Tough Decision

Reaching the decision to exit the electronic kit business wasn't easy for the folks at Heath. "Our name is synonymous with electronic kit building," says Johnson. "For nearly a half century, people all over the world have been buying and assembling Heathkit shortwave radios, hi-fi systems, TV sets, computers -- even robots -- and experiencing the great sense of accomplishment and self-satisfaction that comes with the completion of any real challenge.

"I think our kits are going to be missed out there," Johnson adds, "and I know we're going to miss making and selling them. But there's a time for all things in this world, and the time for electronic kits is over -- at least for now. But who knows? Maybe they'll come back -- like rock 'n' roll or skinny ties.

"And when they do," he says with a smile, "we'll be ready. But in the meantime, we're going to be plenty busy serving the electronics education and do-it-yourself home security and lighting markets!"


Computers Warn CA Earthquake Zones
HUNTSVILLE, Ala., April 20,1992 -- Block-by-block, house-by-house, earthquake and landslide hazards across California will be charted by computer-generated maps being developed under a four-year, $2.35 million contract announced today.

The maps will assemble a three-dimensional picture of California that state and local officials will use to warn residents and developers if their homes or building sites are in dangerous earthquake or landslide zone.

Intergraph Corporation (Huntsville, Ala.) won the contract, which was awarded by the California Department of Conservation's Division of Mines and Geology.

Intergraph is the world's largest developer and supplier or geographic information systems--computers systems that collect and analyze data on the relationships of geographic objects to determine their effects on each other.

The map-making project is described as "the first of its kind in the world" by Charles R. Real, senior seismologist and manager of the division's new Seismic Hazards Evaluation and Zonation Project (SHEZP).

"Maps will be produced in color to an accuracy of three meters (a little over three yards)," Real says.

Project Established in July

SHEZP was established last July following enactment of the 1990 Seismic Hazards Mapping Act requiring identification of earthquake hazard zones by the California Division of Mines and Geology.

Intergraph will provide a computer system for geographic and geological analysis, remote sensing, photogrammetry, image processing and terrain modeling, plus maintenance and training of division staff.

"The computer system blends geography and geology to collect land features from aerial photographs and satellite images of the Earth's surface, along with well logs and core samples from bore holes of the subsurface," says Anthony J. Palicki, Intergraph's senior manager of Natural Resources Information Systems.

"The data won't predict when or where an earthquake will happen," he continues. "What it will do is tell us which areas are most susceptible to earthquake hazards and where the greatest damage is likely to occur."

The digital maps will be derived from surface and subsurface characteristics of known landslide sections of the San Francisco Bay area--land elevation and slope, vegetation, type of soil, rock formations, sand porosity underground and level and flow of the water table.

Temporal data, such as the time of year, accumulated rainfall and changes in vegetation growth, also will be part of the geographic data base.

"What we're doing, in effect, is telling the computer, 'O.K., here's what causes an earthquake-induced landslide', Palicki explains, 'and here are surface and subsurface pictures of the whole state. Now, you match them up and show us where the hazards are."'

Palicki says the California project has already drawn interest in Intergraph from Japan, New Zealand and other Asia-Pacific countries along the earthquake-prone "Ring of Fire."

"The technology of geographic information systems has advanced so ear," he says, "no area of the world with serious earthquake and landslide hazards can ignore it."

East Bay Data

"Intergraph proved SHEZP can do the computer-comparison in a benchmark test using a partial database from the East Bay of San Francisco," says SHEZP's Real.

"We queried the computer, and highlighted areas started filling the screen--red for high risk, yellow for medium risk, green for low risk.

"Risks will vary," Real explains, "because earthquake waves make lopsided patterns, sending more energy in some directions than in others. Two sites equally distant from an epicenter will likely experience different levels of damage, depending on the type of soil and topography," he says.

"The goal of the project," Real continues, "is for new residential and commercial development to be built away from seismic hazards, instead of right on top of them; and at a minimum, to reduce the danger by stabilizing hazardous soils and improving building design."

"Beyond that," Real says, "California residents will be able to get copies of SHEZP maps of their area to find out if their homes are at a greater than average risk--and to do something about it before the next quake hits."

Act Requires Earthquake Plan

California's Seismic Hazards Mapping Act requires developers to come up with a plan to deal with earthquake hazards before local governments approve construction. The act also requires disclosure by sellers to buyers of property in a hazardous seismic zone.

"We're going to map every inch of urban California," says Real, adding, "When SHEZP's computer database and digital maps are available, they can be loaded into a city or county's own computers to help local governments apply safer building standards where earthquake hazards exist."

Real says the digital maps will concentrate on ground-shaking hazards, which account for nearly all earthquake losses. The maps will also identify areas susceptible to landslides and liquefaction, the tendency of very wet ground to turn mushy when it's shaken by a quake.

The first system will be installed this summer in the Division of Mines and Geology's development and coordination office in Sacramento, followed by field office installations in San Francisco in 1992 and Los Angeles in 1993.

"The San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego metropolitan areas of the state account for 70 percent of the population, and they will be charted first--by the year 2012," Real says.

"The remainder of the state's urban centers will be charted by 2020--and none too soon," Real warns. "Geological odds makers say there's a 2-to-1 chance that a catastrophic earthquake will happen in California by then."

Intergraph Background Information

Intergraph Corporation's products include a broad range of complementary workstations and network serves, as well as complete application-specific systems for computer-aided engineering, design, manufacturing and publishing, plus numerous earth science applications. A Fortune 500 company, Intergraph is the world's largest company dedicated to developing and manufacturing interactive computer graphics systems.

Intergraph Corp, Huntsville, AL 35894-0014

205-730-8302


New Moldflow Releases
(Shelton, Connecticut -- May 11, 1992) Moldflow is now delivering major new releases of its flow, cooling and shrinkage and warpage analysis technology. MF/FLOW Release 8, MF/COOL Release 3 and MF/WARP Release 2 focus strongly on ease of use, using a graphical user interface and a range of new tools to simplify the job of plastics designers or analysts.

The graphical user interface (based on Open Software's Motif standard) uses menus, scroll bars and dialog windows to access Moldflow commands with just a few clicks of the mouse button. Complex commands no longer have to be remembered, and functions are intuitively positioned so that the occasional user can drive Moldflow easily. Training time is reduced and Moldflow software has a common look and feel across a wide range of platforms. The command line interface preferred by many "power" users for speed and flexibility is unchanged. Commands entered by the graphical menu system also appear on the command line, helping users learn command line operation. For the first time foreign languages are supported (French, German, Italian and Spanish with others to follow) to simplify tasks, reduce the risk of error, and accelerate design analysis time.

In accordance with a changing environment Moldflow's new software can directly read models from PATRAN, NASTRAN and ANSYS without add on modules, and a new IGES interface reads surface geometries from a wide range of CAD modelling systems. The user does not need to remodel for Moldflow, saving time and minimizing errors by using one model for all design, analysis and NC machining. These utilities also allow the user flexibility to tailor environments, selecting "best of breed" solutions to suit particular needs.

The new releases include significant analysis enhancements to simplify analysis work, improve accuracy and results interpretation and add to the range of Moldflow tools. Automatic 3D runner balancing within flow analysis resizes runners to give balanced pressures on multi-cavity systems, giving optimized filling and packing, and reduced molding flash and material costs. Air traps and weld lines are graphically highlighted to help surface finish prediction, tool venting and product strength. Shrinkage and warpage analysis has improved efficiency to reduce disk space and CPU requirements, and can also analyze a single cavity from a multi-cavity mold without rerunning flow and cooling analyses.

In 1976 Moldflow was the first company in the world to introduce flow analysis software solutions and has since dominated the world market. Estimates put the number of molds Moldflow-analyzed at between 8,000 and 10,000 per year, proof that the technology is relevant, and that it works. Moldflow's worldwide customer base of over a thousand sites includes companies from market sectors as diverse as medical, whitegoods, automotive and packaging. Moldflow is working with product designers, tool designers, molders and raw material suppliers in over forty countries around the world.

Recent market surveys in the U.S. have shown that within the plastics industry there is a heightened awareness of the role and potential of integrating automated molding analysis into the concurrent engineering process. Industry is demanding software that is rugged, accessible and reliable. Moldflow's new software is focussed on these industry needs, and will reinforce Moldflow's position as the world's most popular injection molding analysis software.

Moldflow, 2 Corporate Dr, Suite 232, Shelton, CT 06484

203-925-052


IBIS Medical Diagnostic/Treatment
You might be interested in IBIS and AMR'TA. We are the Alchemical Medicine Research and Teaching Association, a non-profit association dedicated to the study and refinement of medicine with an openness to the unconventional and an inclination to the natural. We have produced a gigantic software reference tool for practitioners - IBIS, the  Interactive BodyMind Information System. More info on IBIS is below. Your involvement is welcome.

IBIS (Interactive BodyMind Information System) diagnostic and treatment information for 282 common medical conditions

Largest compilation of therapeutics of natural medicine at a professional level ever produced, ca. 10,000 pages; ca. 14 MB of HyperCard for Macintosh, also on HyperPad for DOS

Sections -

* conditions: signs and symptoms, definition and etiology,

  course and prognosis, differential diagnosis

* physical medicine: exercise, manipulation, hydrotherapy,

  electrical and oscillating therapies

* nutrition: dietary guidelines, supplements

* Western botanical (herbal) medicine: single herbs,

  combinations and formulas

* Chinese herbs: traditional crude and prepared formulas

* acupuncture: syndromes, points and combinations

* homeopathy: remedy considerations with differentials

* vibrational therapies: color therapy, sound and music

  therapy, flower essences, electromagnetic, gems and

  minerals

* psychospiritual approaches: metaphors and correlations,

  therapies

...with extensive sections corresponding to each treatment area providing detailed information on lab tests, exercises, hydrotherapy treatments, foods, recipes, vitamins, minerals, herbs, formulas, Chinese diagnostic syndromes, acupuncture points, Chinese physiology, homeopathic remedies, colors,  flowers, gems, visualizations, counseling, attitudinal studies, spiritual  practices, etc...

Note-keeping and linking facilities for user additions and customization

Sophisticated research section for office-based outcomes research

Produced by over 100 medical professionals and students over a 4 year period

Under the auspices of AMR'TA (the Alchemical Medicine Research and  Teaching Association) a non-profit corporation dedicated to researching and refining natural medicine

All profits go to grants, scholarships, publishing, research and education

Target market: health care professionals -- medical doctors, chiropractors, naturopathic physicians, acupuncturists, herbalists, homeopaths, nurse practitioners, nutritionists, massage therapists, body-workers, psychologists,  researchers, educators, schools,....

NOT available to the general public, though a consumer version is in preparation

More information available by calling toll-free in the USA 1-800-484-4022, then dialing 0569 at the prompt or writing AMR'TA at PO Box 14641, Portland, OR 97214


Artisoft & Perf. Tech. Merger Off
(TUCSON, AZ--May 21, 1992)--Artisoft, Inc., the Tucson-based developer and manufacturer of the award-winning LANtastic Local Area Network, and Performance Technology, Inc., the San Antonio-based developer and manufacturer of award-winning local area network products, announced today that they have discontinued negotiations for the acquisition of Performance Technology by Artisoft in a statutory merger.

Artisoft and Performance Technology announced in April of this year, the signing of a letter of intent which conditioned completion of the acquisition on the negotiation of a final definitive agreement, and the approval of the definitive agreement by the board of directors of both companies and by the shareholders of Performance Technology. The parties announced today that they have been unable to arrive at a mutually acceptable agreement, and that further negotiations would not be pursued.

Artisoft, Inc., 691 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85704. Sales 800-TINYRAM. Corporate 602/293-6363. Fax 602/293-8065.


Panacea AutoCAD Display List Driver
DALLAS, TX -- A-E-C Systems '92 -- June 8, 1992 -- Panacea Inc. today announced a new line of high performance AutoCAD software accelerator products designed to work with Autodesk's new AutoCAD Release 12. Dubbed TurboDLDClassic and TurboDLDDeluxe, the software accelerators for AutoCAD boast 4X faster speed than Panacea's existing AutoCAD drivers in ZOOM, PAN, and REDRAW operations, resulting in performance up to 25X faster than AutoCAD by itself. The company also announced a liberal upgrade policy offering registered customers who purchased Panacea's existing line of display list processors on or after November 1, 1991 free upgrades to TurboDLD.

Panacea has incorporated special optimization techniques which enable a single version of TurboDLD to work with virtually any graphics standard or platform, and allows installation and configuration modifications from within the AutoCAD environment. In addition, several new enhancements to AutoCAD are included in the deluxe version of the product, and a bird's eye is now included in all versions of TurboDLD. Panacea officials stated that because they believe bird's eyes should be a commodity item, there is no reason not to include a bird's eye view in their entry-level display list processors.

According to Jake Richter, Chief Technologist at Panacea, "TurboDLD was developed as a response to three user requirements: better performance, universal compatibility with all graphics hardware, and faster REGENs. We pride ourselves on providing the highest performance and lowest priced drivers available, and will continue to break the barriers that we set in the first place. Offering a bird's eye in an entry-level display list processor is a further example of our commitment to providing low-cost productivity solutions."

TurboDLDClassic and TurboDLDDeluxe work with AutoCAD Release 12, 3D Studio Version 2.0, AutoShade 2 with RenderMan, and is backward compatible with AutoCAD Release 11 and Release 10/386, plus 3D Studio Version 1.0. In addition to supporting EGA, VGA, SuperVGA, S3, TIGA, XGA, and 8514/A adapters, the Turbo DLD provides full compatibility with the AVANCE GUIengine graphics chip, Compaq's QVision family of graphics adapters, and a number of 24-bit VGA boards, including products from Cardinal, Diamond, and Everex.

The Turbo DLDClassic includes "The Big Picture," a movable and sizable "bird's eye" view of the current AutoCAD drawing with the active editing area highlighted. The TurboDLDDeluxe builds on the Classic by offering real-time panning, pop-up menus, a ZoomPreview spyglass, a drawing viewer, and fully reconfigurable digitizer buttons.

Panacea's TurboDLDClassic software retails for $149 while the TurboDLDDeluxe lists for $249. Both products will be available in July. Under a generous upgrade policy, registered users of any version of Panacea's DLD386 software who purchased the product after November 1, 1991 will receive a free TurboDLD update automatically. Registered users who purchased Panacea's DLD386 software before November 1 can upgrade to TurboDLDClassic for $49, or the TurboDLDDeluxe for $99. Registered DLD386Deluxe customers can upgrade to the TurboDLDDeluxe for $49.

Panacea Inc. is the world's leading provider of commercial and OEM display drivers and software-only applications accelerators for graphics-intensive applications. Panacea specializes in PC-based software for graphics processors and graphics boards that support VGA/SuperVGA, 8514/A, TIGA, S3 and XGA graphics platforms. Corporate headquarters are located at 24 Orchard View Drive, Londonderry, NH 03053. Phone: 603-437-5022.


Kodak Prof RFS 2035 Film Scanner
ROCHESTER, N.Y., June 1--The Kodak professional RFS 2035 film scanner announced today features an impressive combination of benefits. These include high speed scans of 35 mm negatives or slides using 10 bits per channel RGB color analog to digital conversion providing a maximum image resolution of 2000 dpi.

The scanner, priced under $8,000, will be available in late July. The Rochester-made unit is compatible with both IBM and Macintosh computers.

Advanced Product Features

The new desktop unit also features auto exposure, auto color balance, both fixed and adjustable film channels and an auto focus provision. The scanner has a fixed film gate that accommodates a strip of six negatives or four slides. This allows easy positioning of the film without time-consuming vertical or angular positioning. The image scan area is approximately 24 mm x 36 mm.

A custom designed lens provides excellent image structure for the 2K x 3K scans.

Rapid image selection and recognition are possible using a three second black-and-white "select" scan feature.

The RFS 2035 scanner comes with plug-in acquire modules for popular image management software programs including Adobe Photoshop and Aldus PhotoStyler. The acquire modules bring scanned images directly into the appropriate program.

The RFS 2035 film scanner plugs into the SCSI data port of either a Macintosh computer or a DOS based computer through an SCSI host adapter board.

Fast, High Resolution Scans

The RFS 2035 film scanner uses a custom Kodak sensor that provides 3072 pixels x 2048 pixels or 6 million pixels of resolution. A full-resolution color image results in an 18 MB (2000 dpi), 24-bit color image file. A 1000 dpi, 4.5 MB, full frame scan is available, as well as 500 dpi and 250 dpi resolutions.

A full frame 4.5 MB (1000 dpi) scan takes approximately 33 seconds. A full resolution 2000 dpi scan takes under two minutes. An optional 10-second color prescan enables the operator to adjust color balance, brightness, and contrast and preview the results before doing the final high resolution scan.

"We have designed the Kodak RFS 2035 film scanner to incorporate the key features suggested by our customers," said Peter Jameson, worldwide product manager in Kodak's Professional Imaging organization.

"We see the RFS 2035 film scanner as a flexible new tool for professional users. It provides them with a broad selection of capabilities for various customer applications. For Kodak, the scanner furthers the company's position of being the world's leader in imaging," he explained.

Customer Applications

"We also see this scanner being used to supply high quality images in desktop publishing environments where its direct computer connection allows images to be easily integrated into traditional and custom prepress applications," Jameson forecast.

"Photojournalists will use the new RFS 2035 film scanner for high speed 35 mm scanning required in newspaper, magazine and image transmission applications. The choice of either 2000 dpi, 1000 dpi, 500 dpi or 250 dpi full frame image scans provides flexibility to match output resolutions and quality levels to a publication's needs."

He also said that medical and scientific users will find the high resolution and true color reproduction of the film scanner invaluable in analysis and documentation. The 6 million pixel resolution, color reproduction, and scanning speed make the RFS 2035 scanner valuable for image archive applications. In addition, law enforcement and military users will find the fast scan useful for surveillance and crime scene documentation. Stock houses and archives also will find the high speed and initial scan image quality attractive.

"Industrial users will see advantages in the quality and speed of the scan to provide illustrations for catalogs, service manuals, parts catalogs, design and development documentation, and key point illustration." according to Jameson.

"The RFS 2035 scanner's file size, sharpness and color reproduction are ideal for converting 35 mm film images of building sites and structures to digital files for integration into layouts and design concepts for architectural sales brochures and building proposals," he concluded.

The Kodak professional RFS 2035 film scanner will be sold by dealers for Kodak electronic imaging products. Value-added re-sellers will also be able to integrate the scanner into their own product offerings.

The desk-top unit measures 13.25 inches (33.7 cm) wide x 17 inches (43.2 cm) long x 8 inches (20.3 cm) high.

Eastman Kodak Co, 343 State St, Rochester, NY 14650-0519


Datel PC-411/412 AID-DIA Boards
DATEL's PC-411/PC-412

Economical Multifunction AID-DIA Boards Stream Continuous Samples

This combination analog and digital I/O board offers continuous, nonstop sample collection to disk or memory. Models PC-411 and PC-412, offered by DATEL, Inc., include sixteen analog inputs, four simultaneous analog outputs (model PC-412) and sixteen digital channels (8 in, 8 out) at excellent prices. The Mansfield, MA company is introducing the board family for data acquisition, laboratory, automated test, applied research and development, and sensor automation applications. The board is installed in the user's IBM-PC, PC/AT or compatible computer. A full, window-driven application software package is available for the board.

Analog input sampling that can run "forever" uses an on-board FIFO (first-in, first-out) memory to continually collect A/D samples while previous data is being flushed to disk or memory. The FIFO avoids the possible A/D sample loss imposed by the disk system. This offers unbroken data collection of millions of A/D samples. converting the PC-411/412 into an effective disk data logger.

The PC-411/412 may be installed in the latest 80486 computers, offering high speed memory data storage of 8 megabytes or greater. Interrupt or status-arbitrated block data transfers may use fast string I/O instructions or DMA.

Analog inputs are selectable as either 16 single-ended or 8 differential channels with a programmable gain amplifier and optional signal conditioning for direct sensor connection. A/D converter resolution is either 12 or 14 bits (PC-41lA and PC-41lB respectively). A/D conversion time is 12 microseconds (12-bits) or 17 microseconds (14-bits). A/D sampling is controlled by a software programmable sample counter and timer which also accepts external triggers. Analog input expansion is available on the model PC-440 board in increments of 32 single-ended or 16 differential channels.

On model PC-412 only, four analog output channels are included using 12-bit D/A resolution and 5 microsecond settling time. These channels may be updated simultaneously, making them ideal for coherent audio or phase tracking applications.

A high degree of programmability is offered with the PC-411SET optional setup and configuration software package. This package calibrates the board, tests all functions, and saves data to disk or memory. Full source code is available as model PC-41lSRC with software examples in the User Manual. The simple register architecture may be programmed in any language. Upon request, a BASIC example program disk is available at no charge.

Model PC-411A (analog inputs only, 12-bit A/D) single quantity price is $569. The PC-411B (14-bit A/D) is $659. Combination A/D-D/A models PC-412A and PC-412B (12 and 14-bit A/D's) are $695 and $795 respectively. The PC-440 input expander board is $395. Generous quantity discounts are offered. All PC-411/412 models are stock to two week delivery.

DATEL, Inc., 11 Cabot Boulevard, Mansfield, MA 02048

(508)-339-3000    FAX: (508)-339-6356


AST Helps Los Angeles Relief Effort
IRVINE, Calif. May 26, 1992 -- To help speed distribution of food, clothing and personal care items to families displaced from their homes following the Los Angeles-area riots, AST Research Inc. today announced it has donated desktop and portable personal computer systems to the Rebuild LA extragovernmental task force, headed by former baseball commissioner Peter V. Uebrroth.

In addition to powerful 486-based EISA file servers which will be used as the data processing hub of the Rebuild LA administrative offices, AST will donate 386-based desktop and notebook systems that will be used by Los Angeles food distribution organizations for administration and inventory control of foodstuffs, clothing and personal care supplies.

When operational at the food distribution centers, the PCs will reduce the amount of time devoted to logging-in and tracking down supplies, replacing the present hand-order methods used in most locations. Each will be equipped with a fax/data modem to allow communication and data transfer between other food distribution centers and the Rebuild LA offices. The notebook systems will allow for portable operation at remote locations.

AST's donation is part of a technology coalition formed last week by Rebuild LA, consisting of companies that include Microsoft, Novell, Epson America, Word Perfect, Symantec and Compex, who have pledged product donations that will be used in the relief effort. The effort to seek the various technology donations by these companies was orchestrated by Dariana Inc., an Orange County-based computer software publishing company.

"The quick commitment by AST to donate systems helped to secure product pledges of appropriate technology from other computer companies," said Frank Westall, Dariana director. "Most were able to ship products within 48 hours."

Utilizing the donated services of Arthur Andersen, Rebuild LA will link the PC systems at individual food distribution agencies together in a network to better allocate resources and deliver vital supplies to displaced families.

"Helping to feed hungry people is one of AST's primary philanthropic causes," said Richard Ottaviano, AST vice president, Human Resources. "Our contributions will provide instant assistance to organize and effectively distribute the tons of donated food and clothing that are arriving daily Angeles from all over the country."

PC shipments have already arrived to the Rebuild LA offices from AST's Fountain Valley, Calif. manufacturing facility. The initial shipment included two Premium SE 4/33 EISA file servers that will be used in the Rebuild LA office to link a several PS/2 systems donated by IBM. This week, AST will ship eight Premium Exec 386SX/20 notebook computers and two Bravo 386SX/20 desktop systems to the food distribution centers. Additional Bravo 386SX/20 systems are available for shipment once needs are further defined.

In addition to the systems, AST will also provide toll-free telephone support and assistance to help Rebuild LA, Arthur Andersen and the local food distribution and disaster relief agencies install their systems and get them up and running. Arthur Andersen also will provide the systems engineering services to configure the donated applications software donated by the various companies.

AST's equipment donation is the company's latest food related donation effort. Earlier this month, commemorating its entry into the FORTUNE 500, the company donated 500 cases of food, equivalent to nearly 50,000 meals, to the Food Distribution Center in Orange County. AST also announced it will provide meals to 500 low- and fixed-income and homeless people in shelters throughout the county this summer.

AST Research Inc. is a leading market share holder of desktop, file serve and notebook computers. The company's product lines, which include the Premium, Bravo, Advantage! and Premium Exec families, allow users to choose from a full range of price and performance options. The company is represented in 100 countries and operates 39 subsidiaries and sales offices worldwide.

AST Research corporate headquarters are located at 16215 Alton Parkway, P.O. Box 19658, Irvine, Calif. 92713-9658. Telephone: (714) 727-4141 or (800) 876-4278. Fax: (714) 727-9335.


SofTech a77 DSP Support Tools
WALTHAM, MA., Ma 26, 1992--(OTC:SOFT) SofTech, Inc. announced today that it has reached an agreement to develop software support tools for a digital signal processing (DSP) chip family produced by a joint venture between Array Microsystems and Samsung Electronics Company, Ltd. The software, developed by SofTech's Colorado Springs operation, positions the company in the high-growth DSP market. No terms of the agreement were disclosed.

The a77 DSP chip family, to be co-produced by Array and Samsung, will feature unique architectural structures designed to address video compression requirements of the rapidly expanding image processing markets. The new chips will go into production in early 1993. The product family to be developed under the agreement targets office automation, computer graphics, video conferencing and other multi-media applications. Members of the a77 chip family will also be used in consumer applications such as camcorders, digital VCR's and video telephones. These markets are expected to grow dramatically in the 1990's as the demand for exceptionally high video processing rates escalates.

SofTech's role in the a77 development effort is to specify, design and develop the software support tools that will allow users to interactively program and simulate the chip(s). The chips' programs can be tailored to specific image compression applications by systems designers, the users that incorporate the powerful chip into integrated circuit boards. SofTech is currently developing two software support tools--the Flowgraph Editor/Assembler (FEA) and the Emulation and Timing Simulator (ETS). The FEA will provide the user interface to high-level graphical symbols representing instructions that will execute on the chip. The ETS will then take the instruction set configuration and run it through a simulator to provide the user with fidelity and performance results.

SofTech currently anticipates a beta-test version of the software to be available in August of this year. SofTech and the Array/Samsung team will then begin to market the a77 chip family and the associated software support tools.

Array Microsystems, Inc., headquartered in Colorado Springs, develops, manufactures and markets leading-edge VLSI (digital signal processing) solutions, including a66-based chipsets and VME/PC-AT board-level products for system evaluation, prototyping or integrator OEM requirements. Array Microsystems, Inc. holds and has applications pending on U.S. and international patents covering its proprietary digital processing architectures, technology and products.

Samsung Electronics Company, Ltd., a $7.8 billion company headquartered in Seoul, Korea is participating in the development, manufacturing and sales of semiconductor, computer, information systems and consumer electronics. The semiconductor business unit of Samsung Electronics Company, Ltd., manufactures a variety of memory and logic products using advanced semiconductor processes. The company recorded semiconductor revenue of $1.3 billion in 1990 and was ranked the 15th largest semiconductor company in the world. Samsung Semiconductor, Inc., is one of its subsidiaries in the United States and develops, markets and sells the product line manufactured by Samsung Electronics Company, Ltd. Samsung is making a thrust into the processor marketplace, including the DSP segment.

SofTech, Inc. was founded in 1969. It is a publicly-held company which provides custom software design and development, systems engineering, and systems integration services to the Department of Defense (DoD), other government agencies and commercial companies. The company employs approximately 500 people in 16 locations throughout the United States.

SofTech Inc, 460 Totten Pond Rd, Waltham, MA 02154-1960

617-890-6900


Artisoft Tops Business Week List
(TUCSON, Ariz.--May 20, 1992)--Artisoft, Inc. is ranked as this year's number one Hot Growth company on Business Week's annual list of America's top 100 small companies. This list appeared in the May 25,1992 issue of Business Week magazine.

Business Week's Hot Growth companies are ranked according to their three-year results in sales growth, earnings growth and return on invested capital. Based on the latest three years, Artisoft's average annual rate of sales growth is 171.3% and average annual rate of earnings growth is 321.2%. Based on the latest three years' return on invested capital, Artisoft's average annual rate of profitability is 64.3%.

Artisoft, Inc., founded in 1982 by C. John (Jack) Schoof II, 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 leader in the DOS-based peer-to-peer network market 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. The LANtastic network and Artisoft's other connectivity products are sold domestically through over 12,000 authorized resellers and are distributed in over 70 countries worldwide. The company itself has grown to over 400 employees today.

To qualify for inclusion on the Hot Growth companies list, a company has to have annual sales of more than $10 million and less than $150 million, a current market value greater than $1 million, a current stock price greater than $2, and be actively traded. Banks, insurers, real estate firms and utilities are excluded.

Sales for Business Week's top 100 small businesses grew 48.3% vs. 6.2% for the Standard & Poor's industrial-stock index. Earnings advanced 100.9%, compared with a decline of 14.3% for the industrials. Return on invested capital for the Hot Growth companies increased 24.8% vs. 10.1% for the industrials.

For more information about Artisoft or its product line, contact Artisoft, Inc. at 691 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85704. Sales 800-TINYRAM. Corporate 602/293-6363. Fax 602/293-8065.


ServerJet Si Network Prtr Sharing
SUNNYVALE, CA (May 20, 1992) - ASP Computer Products, Inc., the number one name in hassle-free printer-sharing and printer enhancement products, today announced the ServerJet Si, the newest addition to their popular ServerJet product line. The SeverJet Si is a user-installable board that plugs into the MIO slot of the HP LaserJet III Si printer. It allows up to seven users to have instant, simultaneous access to the printer without a LAN, from up to hundreds of feet away and without leaving their keyboard, via inexpensive, RJ-11, telephone-type cable. Users just give their normal print command, and the ServerJet Si transfers documents to the printer at rates of up to 115,200 baud, 1200% faster than standard serial rates, and faster than LAN throughput.

The ServerJet Si comes with six serial and one parallel port, and is available with lMB to 4MB of buffer memory that instantly receives and stores data from all users at any time, even if the printer is busy printing another job, on a first-come, first-served basis. This immediately frees up the user's keyboard and allows them to continue working. ASP's custom-designed ASIC chip allows the user to upgrade any model in lMB increments to a full 4MB as printer usage increases or print jobs become larger and more complex.

The ServerJet's intuitive set-up software and convenient pop-up menu let even the most non-technical users customize the ServerJet Si to their printing environments. You can plug in and use the ServerJet Si right out of the box, or baud rate, number of copies and end of file time-out values can be selected right from the keyboard. Users can even configure the parallel port as either an input for connecting a computer or as an output to a second printer, which can be selected from a pop-up menu without leaving your application. All computers that print to an HP LaserJet IIISi printer, such as the IBM PC and compatibles, Apple Macintosh, VAX and HP 3000's can now be linked together in printer sharing networks because the ServerJet Si completely emulates HP's MIO interface. The ServerJet Si can be used with any of HP's peripheral products that use the MIO interface, such as the HP PaintJet Color Graphics Printer and the HP DesignJet plotter.

ServerJet Si pricing starts at $795. Serial and parallel cables, adapters and memory upgrades for the ServerJet Si are also available from ASP.

BACKGROUND

ASP designed the ServerJet Si in response to the demand for a ServerJet for the HP LaserJet IIISi printer, and to provide a solution to share any of the HP peripheral products that use HP's new MIO interface, such as the PaintJet Color Graphics Printer and DesignJet plotter. ASP's popular ServerJet allows up to 12 users to access an HP LaserJet III, IIID, II or IID. Frank Derfler, Workgroup Systems Editor of PC Magazine, cited the ServerJet as his "favorite solution for sharing LaserJets...". According to Derfler, "The ServerJet is the smoothest and most practical way...to share a LaserJet." The newest version of the ServerJet, introduced in April of 1991, has the largest available buffer memory, widest variety of models and greatest number of connections to an HP LaserJet printer of any internal sharing device on the market today.

ASP Computer Products, Inc. manufactures and markets a full range of hasslefree 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 JetWay, Port Authority and SNAP II peripheral sharing devices, and the JetLAN print server family. The company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California.

For more information on the ServerJet Si, contact ASP at 1-800 445-6190, or fax ASP at 408-746-2803.

ASP Computer Products Inc

160 San Gabriel Dr, Sunnyvale, CA 94086


VI-Spy Prof. Edition V9.0
Scottsdale, AZ....May 18, 1992. RG Software Systems, Inc. is shipping the all new "Vi-Spy Professional Edition", Version 9.0.

NEW FEATURES INCLUDE:

* Windows & Menu Interface.

* Dynamic Menuing System.

* "Polymorphic Viruses" Detection/Prevention.

* Automatic virus check on all program file movement with

  virtually no impact on system performance, ie: downloads

  via modem, renames, uncompressing (ZIP,ARC,LZH,ZOO etc.),

  copying, file manager moves and/or copies, file transfers;

  any time a program file is moved on any disk, including

  LAN drives.

* An 80-page "Computer Virus Primer & Troubleshooting Guide"

  for computer virus awareness education/training.

* Automatic boot sector check on every diskette - even from

  within Windows and applications.

* Automatic check of any program file run from diskette.

* On-line Document Reader & Help File accessible from DOS

  Menu or Windows.

* Automatic Warning to Check Diskette Drive on Warm Boots.

* 24 Hour Bulletin Board (BBS) Support & Virus Information.

* Non-DOS Diskette Checking, ie: hardware diagnostic disks.

* Automatic Scheduling to run Vi-Spy on system boot.

* Unknown Virus Protection - Alerts if a program changes in

  size, programs that "GO TSR" or "Hide" any memory from

  DOS, checks programs before and after execution for

  physical alteration.

* Palindrome backup system compatibility. ANTI-VIRUS

  SOFTWARE PROGRAMS THAT CHANGE NOVELL FILE ATTRIBUTES

  INTERFERE WITH THE PALINDROME SOFTWARE, THEREFORE,

  PALINDROME CUSTOMERS CANNOT HAVE CONSTANT VIRUS PROTECTION

  ON THEIR NETWORKS.

* More Viruses Detected -- over 1200 including variants.

Vi-Spy, in its 4th year on the market, offers all-in-one protection for local hard disks, diskette drives, and LAN drives.

The all new "Vi-Spy Professional Edition" retails for $149.95. The purchase price includes one year of free, quarterly updates automatically shipped to the customer on secure diskettes; full product support via BBS, FAX and/or telephone; plus access to in-house computer virus experts to answer any questions on computer viruses and provide immediate solutions for "new" viruses, typically in less than 24 hours. Affordable site/enterprise license pricing is available for companies who want to install Vi-Spy on multiple PC's. Vi-Spy Professional Edition runs on IBM PC, XT, AT, or PS/2 and compatible systems under PC/MS DOS 2.0-5.0 and comes in dual (notchless) media.

To order Vi-Spy Professional Edition, or for more information contact RG Software Systems, Inc., 6900 E. Camelback Rd., #630, Scottsdale, AZ 85251; (602) 423-8000; FAX (602) 423-8389


Pocket Print Servers
BOISE, ID, May 15, 1992 -- Extended Systems is releasing two new additions to its Pocket Print Server network connectivity product line. Pocket Print Servers install on the parallel port of any printer. The printer can then be attached directly to a Novell network. The original Pocket Print Server supports 10BASE-T Ethernet connections. The new models support 10BASE2 Ethernet and 9-pin Token-Ring connections.

Extended Systems' Pocket Print Servers, network interface adapters for parallel printers, save Novell users the cost of purchasing a dedicated PC for a print server and let the printer be attached anywhere on the network. Pocket Print Server utilizes Novell's standard print services and enables network administrators to realize the benefits of increased productivity of a direct network connection without having to learn new software. Novell NetWare 2.15 or later and NetWare 386 are supported.

Increased Productivity Through Better Printing Performance

Network printing performance is improved by eliminating the potential bottleneck caused by serial or parallel file server connections. With Pocket Print Server, print data is transferred to the printer in large blocks at network speeds. In contrast, file server-attached printers receive only one character of print data at a time.

In addition, the parallel interface on the Pocket Print Server transfers data to the printer at speeds up to 50K bytes pr second, three to six times faster than normal PC parallel interfaces. By eliminating these bottlenecks, the Pocket Print Server can reduce the load on the network and the server; thereby increasing overall printing performance.

Increased Productivity By Locating the Printer Close to Users

Any parallel printer can become a network resource with Pocket Print Server. The distributed network printing capability of the Pocket Print Server offers NetWare users the ability to connect parallel printers easily to the network, utilizing existing resources to a fuller extent.

The original Pocket Print Server model ESI-2828A supports a 10BASE-T (twisted-pair) Ethernet connection. The new models provide support for additional cabling schemes. Model ESI-2829A supports 10BASE2 (thin-coax) Ethernet connections and model ESI-2848A supports 9-pin Token-Ring connections.

Font Reloading and PCL/PostScript Language Switching

(Model ESI-2848A only)

Token-Ring Novell users have a new level of printing convenience with Pocket Print Server Token-Ring adapter. PCL and PostScript files can be printed on the same printer without requiring the user to send software commands, soft fonts and macros with every print job. The Pocket Print Server determines whether an incoming print job is PostScript or PCL automatically and configures the HP LaserJet III, IIID, IIIP, IIIsi or Lexmark 4029 printer "on-the-fly". When the printer language switches, soft fonts are reloaded to the printer automatically. These features are completely transparent to the user; no interaction is required. ESI-2848A supports PCL/PostScript language switching on LaserJet III, IIID and IIIP printers with an HP PostScript Cartridge Plus, HP LaserJet IIIsi printers with the Adobe PostScript option and Lexmark 4029 printers with the PostScript option.

Extended Systems products are available from major computer dealers and its national direct sales organization. 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.

Extended Systems Corp

6123 North Meeker Ave, Boise, ID 83704

208-322-7575


Dr. T's Boom Box Music Swr
CHICAGO -- May 28, 1992--Dr. T's Music Software, a leading publisher of music related computer software, announces the release of "Boom Box," an interactive entertainment software which enables the player to interact with exciting musical grooves via triggering "samples" from the computer keyboard, mouse, or joystick while the music plays. Boom Box utilizes the familiar metaphor of a portable stereo.

"We've created a product that plays heavily into the metaphor of popular rap and hip-hop music styles, and recruited the assistance of musical engineers from New York City's acclaimed Unique Recording studios to create a number of the featured musical grooves in Boom Box," said Dr. T's Jeff Pucci. "What you're getting are musical grooves created by the same guys who do a lot of what you hear on the Billboard Top 100".

"Boom Box really offers a fun and exciting interactive musical experience. Its Remix screen lets you completely rearrange the songs, mix the different instruments, and add effects as you trigger hip samples from your computer keyboard," said Al Hospers, CEO, Dr. T's. "You can even record your performances and save them to disk."

Boom Box is available for both Amiga and PC compatible computers, and does not require MIDI; the PC version requires a sound card such as Creative Labs' popular Sound Blaster. Boom Box requires a hard drive.

Dr. T's Music Software, 100 Crescent Rd, Needham, MA 02194

617-455-1454


Chem-X Molecular Modeling
Chem-X Released for Apple Macintosh

Chemical Design is pleased to announce that its powerful Chem-X molecular modeling and 3-D database software is now available in a standalone implementation on the Apple Macintosh. This development is expected to be of special interest to medicinal chemists working in the pharmaceutical industry where Apple Mac II is frequently the desktop system of choice.

"Chem-X is the only fully functional modeling software available on Apple Mac II," claimed Keith Davies, Technical Director of Chemical Design. "This is a major implementation of our software and may be used in conjunction with the many other chemical and text processing programs available on the Macintosh. It complements the existing full workstation implementations of Chem-X to provide unrivalled desktop modeling".

The Macintosh version of Chem-X includes all the existing functionality of Chem-X within the flexible Macintosh environment. The hardware requirements of running Chem-X on the Macintosh range from the minimum of a Mac II si with coprocessor, 5 MB of memory and an 80 MB disk, up to the top of the range Quadra with 8 MB of memory. Dials for controlling molecular motion are available now.

Chemical Design is the leading supplier of molecular structure visualization, computation and database 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 Macintosh, UNIX workstation and VAX computers.

Chemical Design Inc

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

201-529-3323


Relisys TR-170 Color Text Term.
Milpitas, CA -- May 25,1992 -- Relisys today announced that it's TR-170 intelligent color text terminal natively supports PC-MOS, one of the leading multiuser DOS operating systems, from The Software Link, Norcross, GA. This is allowed through a new firmware driver jointly developed by Relisys and The Software Link. This support enables up to 25 TR-170 terminals to share a single PC's resource, providing bus speed operation, faster than most LAN connections, which results in better performance in disk-intensive applications like order entry, accounting and database access. In addition, PC-MOS also provides DOS compatibility and multitasking. Running on the TR-170 intelligent terminal, users can "hot-key" among off-screen, active DOS applications quickly and easily.

"The combination of Relisys' economical TR-170 intelligent color terminal with the cost-effectiveness of shared processing provides VARs and resellers with a powerful, low cost solution to all of their multiuser, multitasking applications," said Janson Wu, vice president and chief operating officer at Relisys.

Relisys has been working with The Software Link as a strategic partner to ensure compatibility of the TR-170 color terminal with the PC-MOS operating system across hardware platforms, from the Intel-based 80286 to the 80486 to the IBM PS/2 line. The partnership ensures compatibility with PC EmuLink, which allows existing PCs to emulate the TR-170; with MaXtation SH-4, which provides multiuser Hercules-compatible graphics and text, while remaining price-competitive with dumb terminals; with VGNA, which provides multiuser color graphics; and with PC-MOS Gateway, which allows a PC-MOS multiuser system to serve as a node on a Novell LAN.

Rod Roark, The Software Link's chairman, said, "Compatibility of the Relisys TR-170 terminals with The Software Link's diverse connectivity options enables VARs -and systems integrators to offer flexible shared processing solutions for both the individual office or corporate environment."

The Model TR-170 VGA color text terminal comes standard with a 57.6K baud rate for a faster screen update or an optional 76.8K baud rate for multiport I/O cards than can support the higher rate. The Relisys terminal also features 64K of RAM that provides multipage support for DOS and OS/2 operating systems and M screen support for UNIX operating systems. This multipage feature will store up to eight pages of applications sessions and allow users to the hot key between those sessions.

In addition, the terminal includes ANSI and PC Term emulation modes that residently support UNIX and XENIX applications and most major multiuser DOS operating systems.

The Software Link joins the list of a half-dozen major software manufacturers already supporting the Relisys terminals with powerful development software.

The Model TR-170 color terminal supports VGA text mode and features a 14-inch non-glare CRT with 0.31mm dot pitch and a P22 phosphor flicker-free display. The refresh rate is 70Hz. The TR-170 is available now at a suggested list price of $895.00. Relisys also offers the VGA text mode compatible Model TR-65 gray scale terminal, which is available at a suggested list price of $545.00 each.

Both terminals are backed by a 12-month standard warranty. Extended warranties, such as two years for end user and VAR customers, are also available at additional cost.

Relisys was founded in 1987 to market branded products through distribution channels in the U.S. Relisys is 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 dealer and VAR/VAD and OEM markets for the past thirteen years. Relisys headquarters are at 320 South Milpitas Boulevard, Milpitas, CA 95035.

For additional product information, please call REL/America Marketing and Sales, Relisys' technical sales representatives, at 1-800-226-9611.


Network Mgmt for AutoCAD
CINCINNATI, OHIO (May 18, 1992 -- Automation Software Consultants, Inc. (ASCI) announces the release of Net EDMS version 3.0.

Net EDMS, a network drawing data base management system for use with PC CAD systems on NetWare networks, provides drawing maintenance and project and network management capabilities. Easy access to CAD applications and other software tools is provided via menu picks and file locking is provided for applications not using their own. Net EDMS assigns and enforces user rights in project and drawing library directories.

Version 3.0 improvements include support for dBase IV-compatible and user-definable drawing data bases. Data bases may be configured with drawing attribute hot-links so that data base fields can automatically be read directly from the drawing file. These data bases may then be shared with other applications or, if other data bases already exist, Net EDMS can be configured to use them. Network plotter and printer management have been improved. Version 3.0 also includes transparent support for NetWare versions 2.1, 2.2 and 3.X and can now track drawings across multiple file servers.

Net EDMS now supports most PC CAD software and is available with a site license for $1795. Upgrades are available for $200. Net EDMS ELS version 3.0 is available for users with 5 or less users at a cost of $895 and may be upgraded for $100. Source code is available for an additional charge.

Contact ASCI at 8188 S State Route 48, Maineville, OH 45039 or call 1-800-669-0842 or 513-677-0842 or by fax at 513-677-3123 for more information.


New ASCI CAD Networking Trade-In
CINCINNATI, OHIO, May 18, 1992 -- Automation Software Consultants, Inc. (ASCI) announces a new trade in policy for their PC CAD networking products, Plotware and Net EDMS. Users may trade in their existing network plot spooling software for a rebate equal to the purchase price, applied toward the purchase of a Plotware site license (available for $495). Or users may trade in their existing drawing management software for a rebate equal to the purchase price, applied toward the purchase of Net EDMS (available with an unlimited site license for $1795 or with a 5 user license for $895). And for a limited time customers purchasing Net EDMS will also receive a site license of Plotware free of charge. Rebates are limited to 75% of the purchase price of ASCI software and require proof of purchase.

Contact ASCI at 8188 S State Route 48, Maineville, OH 45039 or call 1-800-669-0842 or 513-677-0842 or by fax at 513-677-3123 for more information.


Network Plotting for AutoCAD
CINCINNATI, OHIO-- May 18, 1992--Automation Software Consultants, Inc. (ASCI) announces the release of Plotware Version 3.1, an AutoCAD plot spooler for Novell's NetWare that allows plots to be processed off-line, freeing workstations for drafting. The Plotware batch plot server converts drawing files to plot files on an inexpensive plot server, preventing operator and CAD station down time, and spools them to the requested plotter or printer. Drawings may be automatically marked with the plot time and date and the drawing file name.

Output devices may be connected to the plot server or directly to the file server and any number of plot servers may be used. Plotware supports all printers and plotters supported by AutoCAD, including devices using ADI drivers, and will hold plots being spooled to a sheet feed printer or plotter (such as a pen plotter) until paper is loaded, indicating the next plot and its paper size.

Version 3.1 provides improved queue management and prioritization capabilities. Queue managers may now select a block of drawings to be held, schedules, released or removed. Support for ADI drivers has also been improved.

Custom paper sizes may be created with Plotware to be used with AutoCAD. Plotware will recommend the scale most appropriate for a drawing according to the plot area (limits, extents, display or view), plot rotation and paper size. Users may elect to enter a different scale or have AutoCAD fit the plot. Also a default plot scale can be set by the supervisor.

The qplot utility allows drawings to be queued for plotting without user input either from the command line, from a batch file by an application program (such as an Autolisp routine or a drawing manager).

Plotware 3.1 is available with a site license for $495, and upgrades from version 3.0 are available for $45. Upgrades from earlier versions are available for $95. Plotware version 3.1X supports plotting across bridges and is available with a site license for $995.

Contact ASCI at 8188 S State Route 48, Maineville, OH 45039 or call 1-800-669-0842 or 513-677-0842 or by fax at 513-677-3123 for more information.


Windows Watcher is Best Newsletter
Redmond, WA, April 24, 1992: The Computer Press Association has presented Redmond-based Windows Watcher its 1992 award as the country's best computer newsletter. The Computer Press Association, founded in 1983, is an industry group comprised of leading authors, journalists, and publishers. Each year * recognizes the best in computer journalism in several categories.

"Windows Watcher consistently publishes insightful, often exclusive information pertaining to key developments in the dynamic Windows industry," said the judges in awarding the Best Newsletter prize. "It provides authoritative, timely analysis, regularly includes interviews with the top people in the field, and offers a variety of service features including a bestseller list for all the major global markets."

This is the second major award this year for the publication, which previously won an Award of Achievement from the Puget Sound Chapter of the Society for Technical Communications. The newsletter covers Windows, a computer operating environment manufactured by Microsoft Corporation. Windows simplifies computing by allowing users to perform complex operations with colorful, easy-to-use "windows" and "buttons" on their computer screens. The software has become a smash hit, with an estimated 11 million copies shipped worldwide.

Edited by founder Jesse Berst, Windows Watcher is a high-level briefing service for computer industry executives and corporate technology managers. It covers leading-edge technology developments for companies who are striving to stay ahead in the fast-paced, competitive global Windows market. The Windows Watcher readership includes leading software companies and corporations in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

Berst, an acclaimed analyst and author, is a 12-year veteran of the computer industry. The author of 13 computer books, he has received numerous national and international awards for his computer writing and frequently speaks at national and international seminars and expositions.