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

Ordering WinNews

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.

Ordering WinNews

PC Industry Database


Ordering WinNews
Ordering WinNews...

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:

BAKER ENTERPRISES

20 Ferro Drive	(609) 582-9203   Voice

Sewell, NJ 08080 USA	(609) 582-9204   Fax

Electronic Mail (including news submissions) may be addressed to:

RBakerPC@delphi.com	(Internet)

RBakerPC	(AOL/Delphi)


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:

Gupta Enhances Support for Client-Server Market

EZ-Forms DataBase Version 4.0 Released

EX-Forms Executive Version 4.0 Released

GENESYS Client/Server HRMS Solutions Seminars

Clientele Standard Edition, Support Automation

Fat Elk Swr - TAXACCTS Small Business Journals

Pioneer Swr Licenses Database Tech to WordPerf

INFOtrac 2.0 Sales + Contact Management Swr

Cooper Graphics Clip Art Collections & New Adr

SEMA4 Financial Mgmt System Adds 254/255 Module

Letter-Art V7.5 Architecture Signmaking Swr

Professional Inventory Manager (PROIM) V1.2

GramR 2.0 French Grammar & Spelling Checker


Professional/Engineering Software
Professional/Engineering Software News:

Rasterex RxAutoIcon for AutoCAD Release 12

Polymer Modelling with Chem-X

MathWorks & dSpace GmbH Control & Embedded Sys

Scientific Word - Windows Word Processor

Axxiom 700GC Oven Temp Profiles

PROCEDE for Windows Process Design Package

Helicopter Rotor & Wake Predictions

NASA Nuclear Rocket Engine Design Program

FASTRAN Fatigue Crack Growth Structural Analysis

Multitask Workload & Performance Experiments

RSM Resupply Scheduling Modeler from NASA

SymbMath 2.1 Symbolic Calculator with Learning

SOLUTIONS Environmental Waste Mgmt Database

Panacea Display List Proc. Aggressive Pricing


Personal & Educational Software
Personal & Educational Software News:

New Virtual Srket Technology Shareware Releases

Triple-T Introduces Prayer Journaling Software

BOOKSOFT: Amazing New Truths About Your Emotions

Credit Card Manager (ProCard) V1.0 Released

APBA Baseball MicroManager Challenges Fans

APBA Baseball StatMaster Upgrade

APBA Baseball Add All-Star Power


Games & Entertainment Software
Games & Entertainment Software News:

Accolade/MLBPA HardBall III Add-On Disks

Jack Nicklaus Signature Tour Vol. 1 Course Disk

Acclade WaxWorks Roly-Playing Game


System Software & Utilities
System Software & Utilities News:

FileRunner Distribution via Merisel

Approach for Windows is Ingram Micro Bestseller

Berkeley Licenses Star Trek, The Screen Saver

Golden CommPass Sales Exceed Inventory

AG Communcations Cuts WindowPhone by $200

Kodak Photo CD Access Software

EZ-DiskCopy Pro Version 3.03 Released

Aladdin Publishing ClipSQL Libraries

Microsoft Developer Network News

XTree for Windows Now Shipping

GRiD Intros Pen Right! V3.1 Pen Swr Platform

AGE X-Window Software Ships with Novell's TCP/IP

Congruent Ports Developer Tools to Windows NT

LEADVIEW File Compression/Conversion/Mgmt Swr

PSI:Origen 2.0 Upgrading & Network Documentation

Eucart Geometry Package (Subroutine Library)

AccSys for dBASE for C Program dBASE File Mgmt

Bitstream Typeface Library in PostScript Type 1

Windows NT Developer Conference Oct 26-28

Ample Notice Personal Information Manager V3.0


Macintosh Specific Software
Macintosh Specific Software News:

SpreadBase Category-Based Modeling Tool

Renaissance Swr Transferes to Kodak

Great Solar System Rescue - Laserdisc Package

AUTOCLASS - Automatic Data Classification Swr

Neural Network Development & Evaluation (NASA)

Resource Navigator II HyperCard Authoring Tool

Resource Library Public Domain Color Pictues

ResNova NovaLink Professional Info Server

ResNova Software NovaNet Wide-Area Network


Miscellaneous Software
Miscellaneous Software News:

Morningstar Mutual Funds OnDisc (CD-ROM)

CollisionWare FastVote BBS Voting Door

BINDEX Keyword Index to BYTE Magazine From ESC


System Hardware
System Hardware News:

AST Reducts Prices up to 47% On Complete Line

AST Enhances Premium Servers & Lowers Prices

Micro Express PCs Ordered by NASA

NEC Select Solutions for Desktop Publishing

NEC Select Solutions for Networks

NEC Select Solutions, Integrated Packages

Five NEC Select Solutions with Microsoft Office

NEC Select Solutions for CAD with AutoDesk Swr


Expansion Hardware
Expansion Hardware News:

Presenta Tech. PC-Video VGA for NTSC Display

Media-Link Spec Enhancement & New Boards

TMS320C40 Based Parallel Processing Boards

Three New Spectrum Analog Interface Boards

Tech Data Distributing Proxim RangeLAN

Visionetics VIGA+ Image Capture Board

I-Concepts Intelligent Serial Cards

Multi-Purpose Boards - Solutions for Multimedia

Micro Express Accelerator Card for Windows 3.1


Peripheral Hardware
Peripheral Hardware News:

AMT TwinJet Chaining Font Cartridges

AMT ACCEL-200 Series Dot Matrix Printers

SupraFAXModem Wins CES Innovations'92 Award

Kodak DCS 200 Digital Camera

Practical Peripherals Technical Support Expanded

XANTE RISC Based High Resolution Laser Printer

Presenta Releases Full Line of Monitors


Macintosh Specific Hardware
Macintosh Specific Hardware News:

DOME Ultra-High Resolution MacII Display Card


Miscellaneous Hardware
Miscellaneous Hardware News:

TelevEyes VGA-to-TV Video Converter

Therm-ACQ TL Data Acquisition/Control Hwr Instr.

Colorado Spectrum Mouse Yoke Controller

Artisoft to Manufacture Own Ethernet Chip

StereoGraphics Stereo Viewing System News


Books & Publications
Books & Publications:

KRON Video Ent. NEXT STEP High Tech Reports

Working with Windows 3.1

Using Online Scientific & Engineering Databases

Supercharged Bitmapped Graphics

Norton pcANYWHERE Complete Communications Guide

Graphics File Formats

Enhanced Batch File Programming, 2nd Edition

Bob Brant's Best of Macintosh Shareware

Electronic Traveller, Alternate Online Systems

Guide to Shareware for Small Businesses

Repairing IBM PCs and Compatibles, Illus Guide

Microsoft Guide to C++ Programming

Pournelle's PC Communications Bible

Authoritative Source on the Alpha Architecture

Mac Shareware 500 from Ventana Press

Ventana Press Introduces VooDoo Windows

Desktop Publishing with WordPerfect for Windows

Stacker: An Illustrated Tutorial

WordPerfect Macros: The Windows Version

Wording with Oracle Development Tools

Build Your Own Macintosh and Save a Bundle

Merisel to Distrib AOL Membership Kit/Tour Guide

GNU Emacs Screen Editor Reference Card

Microsoft Excel 4 Companion, Apple Mac Version


Miscellaneous News
Miscellaneous News:

Kodak Center for Creative Imaging Classes in NYC

Mzxwell Elec Pub Now Macmillan New Media

EA & SEGA Multi-Year Pact

Franklin Quest Acquired NewQuest Tech Apr'92

4th Annual Computer Olympiad Sponsored by AST

SYBASE & Gain Technology Merger Agreement

CD-ROM Pub's Join Elec Arts Affiliated Label Pgm

TI Executive to Keynote Networld 92 Dallas

EZX Software Distribution Anyone Can Afford

SPA First Quarter 1992 PC Software Sales Report

PC Software Marketplace Undergoing Changes

National Instr. Prepares to Meet Int'l Quality

Windows & OS/2 Conference, August 19-21

SPA Spreaheads Effort Making Swr Piracy a Felony

ASP Welcoms JORF Company as 1,000th Member

3M's 21MB Floptical Disk Closer to Industry Std

NEW Assoc. of Shareware Authors & Distributors


AMT TwinJet Chaining Font Cartridges
Camarillo, California - - - TwinJet Technology, a division of Advanced Matrix Technology, Inc., has started shipment of its new TwinJet Chaining Font Cartridges "...because one per slot is never enough!" TwinJet's unique font cartridges plug into Hewlett-Packard's family of LaserJet printers, just like HP cartridges do. The difference is that, unlike HP cartridges and other cartridges, TwinJet's cartridges can chain to each other or to HP cartridges, enabling the user to install up to three font cartridges in a single font cartridge slot. With the standard Hewlett-Packard cartridges, only one cartridge can be used at a time, forcing a user to remove one cartridge before changing to another... a time wasting operation with shared printers or printers located away from the computer. With TwinJet Chaining Cartridges, up to six cartridges can be used in a two slot printer, resulting in three times as many online fonts.

The TwinJet library consists of 13 separate font cartridges, each offering the same fonts as corresponding cartridges in HP's MasterType library. For example, TwinJet's Professional Collection cartridge contains 65 fonts that are functionally equivalent to the 65 fonts in HP's ProCollection cartridge. This HP compatibility enables TwinJet font cartridges to "plug-and-play" with any software application that supports HP LaserJet printers and cartridges. As with all TwinJet products, customizing is available.

"Think of TwinJet and HP font cartridges as building blocks," says David Beardsley, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, "You can assemble the blocks to get just the right combination of fonts, or TwinJet can create the cartridge you need. It's easy!" This enables the user to utilize the cartridges they have already purchased while expanding on their system. This expandable system takes up little more space than standard cartridges because the TracJet chaining font cartridge is half the length of a standard cartridge.

The TwinJet chaining font cartridge is protected by patents and patents pending with the U.S. Patent Office and the Patent Offices of other countries. TwinJet Technology is an affiliate of Advanced Matrix Technology, Inc., an eight-year-old manufacturer of printer products.

Cartridges are competitively priced at about 15% below the recommended retail price of equivalent HP cartridges, with prices starting as low as $85.00. TwinJet cartridges are sold by dealers and directly to major accounts. For more information on why "...one per slot is never enough!" call (800) 992-2264, or write to 765 Flynn Road, Camarillo, California 93012.


Rasterex RxAutoIcon for AutoCAD Release 12
July 21, 1992 -- In maintaining their dedication to supporting all versions of AutoCAD as timely as possible, Expert Graphics has announced that they will be releasing two versions of RxAutoIcon for the Rasterex Graphics Board for users who wish to use AutoCAD Release 12 from AutoDesk. Each version will fully support the new capabilities of Release 12 according to the ADI 4.2 specification.

Version 5.2 is the first release and will support ADI 4.2 with all the capabilities of the Rasterex AutoIcon for Release 11. These include real-time zooming and panning, Birds-eye View, Spyglass, Motif style pop-up icon menus and background scaleable raster images for overlay drawing and plotting.

Version 6.0 will add a number of extended functions to AutoIcon 5.2, especially those designed as enhancements to Release 12 functionality. These functions include the following:

* Hardware panning and zooming using hot bars on the side of the AutoCAD screen. This enables a user to move into the side of the screen and "pull" the drawing across the display.

* Full 32-bit support for enhanced rendering, fast shading and NO regen performance.

* Paste-up icon menus, Birdseye View and Spyglass. Each function can be left on the screen while the drawing is edited and then moved and re-sized in a "MS Windows" like way. continued...

* Pop-up Text Window over the AutoCAD drawing area will be displayable. This will pop-up when the F1 key is pressed and can be pasted up and re-sized in a "MS-Windows" fashion.

As part of Rasterex's continued development of an overall Engineering Document Management System (RxEDM), a variety of new functions will be integrated into Release 12 to enhance the ability to search for and manipulate raster images as part of the AutoCAD environment:

* Fast raster and vector database retrieval from inside AutoCAD. A quick view of the drawing to be used can be seen as the user searches the database. Once the raster file or new drawing is found, it can be loaded directly as a new drawing or as a part of the existing drawing.

* Color and Gray scale image correction will be controllable using a full color palette tool inside AutoCAD. This function is used for color or grayscale image correction for aerial photos or satellite images.

* Very fast hybrid (raster/vector) plotting from AutoCAD of Hybrid RLC AND Hybrid color TIFF files to a E-size electrostatic plotter will be available using a new RCOPLOT command.

* Up to 25 raster files can be independently overlaid and scaled inside AutoCAD.

Release dates for these new versions of AutoIcon are scheduled for Fall '92. They will be available to existing Rasterex users for a $195 upgrade cost.

Expert Graphics

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

404-320-0800


SpreadBase Category-Based Modeling Tool
PALO ALTO, CA, JULY 27, 1992 -- Objective Software, Inc. today announced SpreadBase, a category-based modeling tool that combines the user interface familiarity and analytical flexibility of a spreadsheet, with the power of a relational database to offer a major productivity leap for business analysts. SpreadBase, first available for the Macintosh with a Windows version under development, will ship in 60-90 days. SpreadBase is priced at $695.

SpreadBase was developed to fill a major gap in the market between current tools for business analysis and the need for tools that can integrate, respond to, consolidate, and dynamically present data at the desktop. The product, a result of two years of research and development, is targeted at desktop business analysts -- CFOs, product managers, sales managers, forecast analysts, manufacturing planners, customer service supervisors, etc. -- whose analysis and data modeling issues include:

* constant change in the structure and perspective of business;

* intelligent import of data from databases and spreadsheets;

* linking and consolidating information across groups of people,

  across time, and across business units;

* dynamic reporting of information, shortening the time from

  analysis to presentation.

"The tools used today for business analysis haven't fundamentally changed since we developed VisiCalc in 1979," states Richard Melmon, Objective Software president and CEO. "Objective Software was founded to create a new class of software that provides a radical productivity improvement in data analysis at the desktop. We believe SpreadBase, the first category-based modeling tool, is that product. It is the first to deliver the modeling ease of the spreadsheet and the category power of the database." Category-Based Modeling

The key to SpreadBase's power and flexibility is the concept of "categories." In SpreadBase, the user builds and manipulates business models by category -- a set of "items" with similar characteristics. For instance, the category MONTH could have the items January, February, and March; the category REGION could have Eastern, Western, Northern, and Southern as items.

The user sets up a model in SpreadBase either by entering data into a matrix view or by importing tabular data. As the model is created, SpreadBase identifies sets of items with common characteristics. For instance, SpreadBase automatically knows that Porsche, Mustang, and Jaguar belong to the same category. The user can then give the category a meaningful name such as CAR.

In SpreadBase, data and related information -- views, formulas, formats, and rollups -- are specified by category rather than by individual item. When data for a new item, such as BMW, is added to the model, SpreadBase handles it in the same manner as the previously entered CAR items. Thus, BMW information will be shown properly in all views and will be included when summaries for the CAR category are created.

Category-based modeling is only possible because SpreadBase is built on top of an internal relational database, so that data entered into SpreadBase cells has a one-to-one correspondence with an underlying data record. This architecture is unique to SpreadBase and makes it possible for data and all related information to be specified by category. For example, when a user creates a matrix view, SpreadBase understands that cell B4 should contain the unit sales forecast in the REGION "Eastern" for the CAR "Mustang" during the MONTH "January" and retrieves the value $11,000 from its internal database automatically.

In spreadsheets, data is stored in cells and handled in a positional, physical manner, with no underlying knowledge of relationships between information. Thus, cell B4 simply contains the number 11000 that was manually entered in that physical location. As new items are added or a spreadsheet is reorganized, the data value must be relocated manually.

In SpreadBase, data consistency across multiple views is automatic because each view draws on data and related information from the underlying database. Category-based modeling is applied to three views of information:

* Matrix views allow presentation and manipulation of data in the row, column, and sheet dimensions. Outlines are used to present and modify parent/child relationships and provide drill-down and drill-up facilities.

* Table views provide row or record-oriented presentation of data with facilities to select, sort, and summarize information.

* Graph views support real-time visual analysis through area, line, bar, column, pie, and scatter charts.

Since all views are defined by category, additional matrix, table, and chart views can be created on the fly with minimal effort. Existing views adapt as information is added or changed.

The SpreadBase Spreadsheet Module facilitates conversion of data and formulas from existing spreadsheet files. The Report Publishing Module integrates SpreadBase views with text and graphic elements to create dynamic, multi-page reports, which automatically reflect changes in data views.

Guy Kawasaki, author, software expert, and member of Objective Software's board of directors, states, "SpreadBase offers the most significant leap in business productivity since VisiCalc."

SpreadBase Architecture

SpreadBase is based on an inherently different architecture than other business analysis tools (See architecture graph). SpreadBase consists of a graphical interface, a controller, and a data manager. The graphical user interface takes advantage of user familiarity with spreadsheets, outliners, and file managers to provide a flexible environment for viewing data, performing analysis, and building models. The controller acts as an intermediary between the graphical interface and the underlying relational data manager, transforming data between spreadsheet-like rows and columns and database records. The memory-resident relational data manager holds data values, formulas, and formats in records, so changes are immediately reflected in all views. Since SpreadBase stores data in relational tables, data imported from external databases can be easily integrated into existing models.

SpreadBase Architecture

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

Graphical Interface:

* Leverages user knowledge of spreadsheets, outliners and file

  managers Simplifies database creation

* Supports integration of existing data

* Presents data through matrix, table and graph views

Controller:

* Transforms user actions into database requests

* Enables new views to be created instantly

* Transforms physical cells into logical database records

* Supports multiple view types

Data Manager:

* Memory resident for quick response to multi-record queries and

  updates

* Holds values and formulas in tables

* Relational model for flexibility

* Stores data in records so changes are reflected in all views

Configuration, Pricing and Availability

SpreadBase requires a 32-bit architecture and supports Macintosh II series, Macintosh Quadra series, SE/30 or Apple Powerbook 140/170 personal computers, running Apple system software 6.07 or later. A Morotola 68881 or 68882 math coprocessor is optional. SpreadBase for the Macintosh has a list price of $695. Volume discounts will be available to large corporate buyers.

Objective Software is first entering the market with a Macintosh product, available in the next 60-90 days. SpreadBase for Windows is currently under development and will ship in 1993.

Objective Software

Objective Software was founded by two veterans of the spreadsheet industry, Richard Melmon and Stanley Roach. They brought together a management team from Apple Computer, Claris, VisiCorp, Electronic Arts, ASK/Ingres, and Procter & Gamble with expertise in the development, marketing, and management of important new products including PC spreadsheets and databases, graphical user interfaces, microprocessor technologies, and relational databases and tools.

Objective Software spent two years in heavy research and development, working closely with its beta sites. More than 400 customers from large organizations were consulted during the development process and have played a major role in the final product design. Today, the company employs 30 people.

Objective software has raised almost $8 million in venture capital from a blue chip list of investors, including: J.H. Whitney & Co.; Oak Investment Partners; Weiss, Peck & Freer Venture Partners; CAPFORM; Draper Associates; and Milbank-Wilson-Winthrop.

Based in Palo Alto, CA, Objective Software has corporate sales offices in Nanuet, NY; Cincinnati, OH; Newport Beach, CA; and Palo Alto, CA.

Objective Software, 248 Homer Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301

415-324-3333,  fax: 415-324-3391


Kodak Center for Creative Imaging Classes in NYC
KODAK'S CENTER FOR CREATIVE IMAGING OFFERS CLASSES IN NEW YORK CITY

CAMDEN, Maine, July 24,--Eastman Kodak Company's Center for Creative Imaging in Camden, Maine is now offering introductory two day, hands-on digital imaging classes at the Apple Computer Market Center in midtown Manhattan. The $400 classes introduce New York area photographers, designers, videographers, and other creative professionals to new digital tools utilized in such areas as creative imaging, QuickTime movies, graphic design, illustration, animation, music and MIDI, desktop video, science and imaging, advertising and imaging, and archiving images.

The Center for Creative Imaging (CCI), Camden, Maine, is an innovative art and learning center established by Eastman Kodak Company in May 1991, to provide photographers, designers, filmmakers, and other visual thinkers with access to the digital imaging technologies through courses taught by artists and industry experts. In the knowing hands of artists, these new technologies can empower expression from vision to art. Through its year-round curriculum, spanning the full range of arts and digital technology, the Center brings together imaginative visual thinkers to transform the raw technologies into a graceful, ethical medium for creative expression.

In the New York classes, beginners are welcome; no prior computer experience is necessary. A tutorial is offered free-of-charge prior to each class. CCI will also host at New York's Apple Center a series of evening demonstrations and discussions on the impact of digital technology in the fields of photography, design, video, publishing, animation, music, and medicine.

The 17th floor classroom at the Apple Market Center, 135 East 57th Street (at Lexington Avenue), is fully equipped with 10 high-performance Apple computers (Quadra 700s and Macintosh IIfx machines with 8 megabytes of RAM and 160 Mb of hard disk storage); a Kodak 35 mm rapid film scanner and near photographic quality Kodak XL7700 digital continuous tone printer; as well as video, animation, multimedia, and music hardware and software appropriate to the specific class. Each participant is guaranteed the exclusive use of a Macintosh imaging workstation.

To register or to receive more information about the New York program of the Center for Creative Imaging, call the Center's business office at 1-800-428-7400.

Eastman Kodak Company, 343 State St, Rochester, NY 14650


Mzxwell Elec Pub Now Macmillan New Media
Maxwell Electronic Publishing Changes Its Name to Macmillan New Media

Cambridge, Massachusetts, July 20, 1992 - Macmillan New Media is the new name for Maxwell Electronic Publishing, a division of Macmillan, Inc., one of the USA's leading publishing firms. Macmillan New Media (MNM) specializes in developing and publishing titles for the fast-growing CD-ROM and multimedia marketplaces.

"The name change reflects both the company's ongoing commitment to the development of 'new media' products and the increasing amount of collaboration with other units in the Macmillan organization," said Frederick Bowes, III, President of the company.

"The emergence of new media technologies creates a number of very promising electronic publishing opportunities. With a wealth of excellent titles and a strong print publishing tradition, Macmillan is well situated to capitalize on these opportunities. As our new name suggests, the challenge given to us at Macmillan New Media is to make it happen," Bowes continued.

The company's recent titles include The Macmillan Dictionary for Children - Multimedia Edition, a Benjamin Franklin Award finalist, and The College Handbook 1992 CD-ROM Edition, copublished with The College Board. Development efforts are under way on several projects utilizing various multimedia platforms (e.g., CD-ROM, MPC (Multimedia PC), and CD-ROM XA), with new products scheduled for release in the fourth quarter.

Macmillan New Media was previously the electronic publishing division of the Massachusetts Medical Society, publisher of The New England Journal of Medicine. Its first CD-ROM was the award-winning Compact Library: AIDS. From that base, MNM has become an established leader in medical CD-ROM publishing, with 20 titles currently in the market and others in development.

Macmillan New Media, 124 Mt. Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138

617-6611-2955


EA & SEGA Multi-Year Pact
ELECTRONIC ARTS SIGNS MULTI-YEAR PACT WITH SEGA ENTERPRISES LTD.

SAN MATEO, Calif, July 20, 1992 -- Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS) and Sega Enterprises Ltd. have signed a new multi-year worldwide licensing agreement, the companies announced today. Under the agreement, which is effective immediately, Electronic Arts will continue to publish game cartridges for the Sega Genesis, and will publish software for the new Sega CD which will be introduced in the United States in November.

Electronic Arts has been a licensed developer and publisher of video game cartridges for the Sega Genesis system since June, 1990, and has become the leading independent third-party publisher of Sega Genesis titles. Under the terms of the multi-year agreement, Electronic Arts will continue to develop and publish cartridges for the Sega Genesis on a worldwide basis.

In addition, under the new agreement, Electronic Arts is licensed to produce software for the Sega CD, a peripheral for the Sega Genesis that allows consumers to take advantage of the improved video sound and enhanced graphics available through CD technology. Sega expects a strong sell-in of Sega CDs during the initial launch this holiday season and positive growth in the coming year.

"Electronic Arts is pleased to expand our strategic worldwide relationship with Sega," said Larry Probst, president and chief executive officer for Electronic Arts. "They have proven to be excellent hardware marketers and strong international distribution partners, with an increasingly valuable licensee support program."

"We are looking forward to the challenge of leading the 'fourth generation' of Genesis software, as the system continues to demonstrate strong growth. We believe we can continue to deliver software that helps Genesis become a broadly-accepted entertainment format," said Probst.

"With new kinds of software, and Sega's hard-working marketing support, the Sega CD has a chance to become the first successful CD peripheral for interactive entertainment, and enhance 16-bit market growth for several more years," said Probst.

Sega will continue to be Electronic Arts' exclusive distributor of Genesis cartridge software in Europe.

Tom Kalinske, president and chief executive officer of Sega of America, Inc., noted Electronic Arts has played "an important role in our success to date."

"As the leading third-party software company on the Genesis, Electronic Arts has set a strong example of excellence for our growing family of licensees." said Kalinske. "As we continue our relationship in the U.S. and abroad, Sega and Electronic Arts will undoubtedly drive the standard of video game entertainment upward. We will work together to make Sega Genesis a household name, and the interactive entertainment video game system of choice."

Electronic Arts is a worldwide leader in developing, publishing and distributing entertainment software for video games and computers. Sega of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of $1.6 billion Sega Enterprises Ltd., Japan. Sega is a worldwide leader in arcade and home video entertainment systems.


FileRunner Distribution via Merisel
Arcadia, CA, July 13, 1992...MBS Technologies, Inc. has just signed Merisel, Inc. as a distributor of its just introduced software product, FileRunner. "This is an important part of MBS Technologies, Inc.'s marketing effort," according to MBS president, Bernee D. L. Strom, "since Merisel supplies software to 50,000 resellers worldwide through 20 distribution centers in North America, Europe, Latin America and Australia. "

John Connors, president of Merisel, says, "FileRunner represents a whole new class of utility software and is designed to make life easier for the multi-computer user. As more users become networked, the need to supply the channel with the best utility software brands increases. MBS Technologies' approach to marketing FileRunner was a key reason why we wanted to be the first to distribute it worldwide."

FileRunner solves a critical problem faced by anyone who uses more than one PC, and needs to transfer data from one PC to others. The problem is -- how to safely get the latest version of each of your important files onto all of the PCs you use. Designed to automate and safeguard file transfer, the FileRunner program is very easy to use and does not require any cables, modems or network hardware. It simply uses a floppy disk and proprietary Overwrite Safeguard algorithms to transfer and maintain identical files on each of your PCs. It literally synchronizes the files on all your PCs.

The first reviews of FileRunner included glowing comments. Bruce Brown of PC Magazine writes in the July issue, "...FileRunner can save you plenty of time and aggravation when you need the right file in the right place at the right time." Quabidur R. Safi of PC Week (May 11, 1992) writes, "...the process was so simple that PC Week Labs did not have to open the manual." "I have longed for a program that would easily copy files that are in multiple directories onto a diskette and then back onto the second computer, keeping track of when and where different versions were created. Now there is an innovative product that does just what I dreamed about, and more: MBS Technologies' FileRunner....All in all, a very handy program. I highly recommend FileRunner to anyone who routinely moves between computers at several locations and is tired of always carrying one of the machines and the required connecting cables," writes Ed Kahn in the June 8, 1992 edition of MicroTimes.

The FileRunner package contains both 3 1/2" and 5 1/4" FileRunner program diskettes, a complete easy-to-read User's Guide and a warranty card. The programs sells for $99.95.

The FileRunner program is the flagship product of MBS Technologies, Inc. The company, founded in 1991, publishes computer software that improves the productivity of users in today' s multi-computer environment.

MBS Technologies, 34 W. Sycamore; Arcadia, CA 91006; 818/572-0258; 818/355-7862 (FAX). Sales phone: 800/860-8700 or 412/941-9076. Technical Support phone: 800/860-8703.

Merisel, Inc. ; 200 Continental Blvd.; El Segundo, CA 90245; 310/615-1230 or 310/516-3080.


Franklin Quest Acquired NewQuest Tech Apr'92
Salt Lake City, Utah; July 13, 1992--Franklin Quest Co., a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol FNQ), acquired NewQuest Technologies, Inc. in April of 1992.

Franklin Quest Co. (formerly Franklin International Institute, Inc.) is a leading provider of training seminars and products designed to improve individual productivity through effective time management.

NewQuest Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of personal productivity software and hardware products. NewQuest is best known for Ascend, a Windows and Macintosh-based personal information manager.

Prior to the acquisition, Franklin owned a minority interest in NewQuest, but in April acquired 100% of the NewQuest stock for an undisclosed amount of stock and cash. Franklin has merged NewQuest into their operation as Franklin's Technology Department. Franklin has dropped the NewQuest name and will be marketing NewQuest products under the Franklin Quest Co. name.

"We are very excited about the acquisition," commented Kevin Carmony, past President of NewQuest and now vice President of Technology for Franklin. "The resources of a large, publicly-traded company will help us to even more aggressively develop and market leading edge products."

Robert Pedersen, Senior Vice President for Franklin stated, "Ascend and the other technology products offered by NewQuest became such an integral part of what Franklin was doing, the acquisition was extremely important to us. You will see this new Technology Department play a very important role in the future of Franklin."

Franklin is based in Salt Lake City, Utah and can be reached at 1-801-975-9992.


New Virtual Srket Technology Shareware Releases
New shareware releases from Virtual Srket Technology:

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

STARSIDE: The Astronomy Tool

An educational astronomy tool with the ability to generate star maps for any time and any location. This interactive, user friendly tool allows for customized databases, predicts sun and moon eclipse dates, plots objects by day or hour and has real-time updates. View objects by using the zoom, slew and object identification features. Printer and coprocessor support.

Requirements: IBM Compatible PC with 640K & EGA

    Reg. fee: $20.00 ppd.

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

FINANCIER

A financial tool for MS-DOS that handles balloon payments, amortization schedules, what-if questions such as term determination and interest iteration. Financier calculates accrued/compound interest, annuities, sinking fund, Rule of 78's and trend analysis. This program also includes a calendar, titler, plotter, calculator and simple text editor allowing free-form style for inputting information.

Requirements: IBM Compatible PC, XT, AT, CGA

    Reg. fee: $15.00 ppd.

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

FINANCIER Plus

A versatile financial tool that is Windows 3.X compatible. Users are able to view and edit their information in a free-form style. What-if questions can be asked for term determination, present value determination, and interest iteration. Calculate amortization or balloon schedules, sinking funds, trend predictions, accrued and compound interest and more. Keep track of stock portfolios, checkbook ledgers and budgets. Organize information with the editor, titler, calendar and calculator.

Requirements: IBM Compatible, Windows 3.X ,1.5 MB ram

    Reg. fee: $24.95 ppd.

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

Please send registration fees (check or money order) to:

Virtual Srket Technology P.O. Box 140277 Dallas, TX 75214-0277


TelevEyes VGA-to-TV Video Converter
June 30, 1992 -- DEDHAM, MA -- Digital Vision, Inc. is pleased to announce a new low-cost computer/video product: TelevEyes, an economical VGA-to-TV video converter.

The TelevEyes VGA-to-TV converter is now available and is priced at just $299.95.

The TelevEyes hardware is an external module that connects between the computer's VGA output and the monitor and outputs a NTSC composite video signal of whatever is on a VGA screen. It allows users to record their computer displays on standard VCR video tape, or to view their computer-created screens, presentations, animations, etc., directly on a television monitor or composite video large-screen display. The TelevEyes easy-to-use TSR control software supports computer text and graphics display modes up to 640x480 and features simultaneous composite and computer display (on multiscanning monitors), accurate NTSC color mapping, and flicker-free composite video output.

The device has several market applications: presentation and training in a classroom environment where a teacher may use a portable PC and a relatively inexpensive large screen composite monitors or video projectors instead of expensive, hard-to-see LCD or TFT display panels; making video tape recordings of computer screens for demonstrations, training videos, or as a way to take computer-generated applications into a non-computer environment; and home use, for the varied roles from video titling to outputting computer games to home TVs.

Says company president, David Pratt, "Digital Vision has been concentrating its efforts exclusively in computer-video products for over eight years now, aiming its products at the wide base of users who have a need for real-world computer imaging, but are on a budget. This new product is a natural extension to our popular ComputerEyes line of video capture boards and continues in the tradition of bringing the capabilities of the high-end products, costing thousands of dollars, to the masses."

Digital Vision, 270 Bridge St, Dedham, MA 02026

617-329-5400


4th Annual Computer Olympiad Sponsored by AST
IRVINE, Calif., July 24, 1992 -- Let the games begin! While Barcelona is hosting the Olympics, London will be the site of the fourth annual International Computer Olympiad to be held August 5-11 at the Park Lane Hotel.

Organized by Computer Olympiad Ltd. and sponsored by AST Europe, the Olympiad will feature more than 100 world-renowned artificial intelligence programmers, pitted against each other in a competitive series of computer games to determine whose software technology reigns supreme.

Olympiad participants will enter their own versions of software game programs -- including Chess, Scrabble, Bridge and Othello -- to compete against each other. Highly sophisticated programs, such as chess, will actually play at the World Champion level. Participants merely input program moves, leaving strategy entirely to AI.

"We are supporting the Computer Olympiad because of its substantial contribution to advancements in computer technology, a philosophy which has always been at the heart of AST," says Rod Rodericks, Managing Director European Operations. "The competition provokes software advances by bringing together the world's most innovative computer intellects."

Although the Olympiad is fun and games, its ultimate goal is to utilize what is learned and apply that technology to real world applications. In Moscow for example, ex-World Chess Champion, Mikahal Botwinnik uses olympic-proven technology to create a smooth and efficient-running power station.

"Just as racing has enhanced the performance of automobiles," Graham Hopper, UK General Manager AST Europe Limited, illustrated, "competitive intellectual games, such as those played at the Computer Olympiad, will enable development of more effective and efficient business software programs."

An international academic conference on advancements made in artificial intelligence will also be held concurrent with the Olympiad. The forum allows for an exchange of ideas and advancements in AI programming. In past years, conference topics have discussed game playing hardware systems, database-driven programs and concepts for writing an unbeatable Bridge program.

Recently ranked number 431 on the Fortune 500 list of America's largest industrial companies, AST Research Inc. is an information technology company holding a prominent market share position for desktop, file server and notebook computers.

AST pioneered multi-brand PC offerings and feature 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 Europe oversees subsidiaries in France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The International Sales Office is located in West Drayton, Middlesex, England.

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.


Presenta Tech. PC-Video VGA for NTSC Display
Irwindale, California. (July 21, 1992) -- Presenta Technologies Corporation announced the release of their PC-Video VGA, model VN01 (List $599) expansion card for the IBM/compatibles PC market. The board allows a standard IBM/compatible to use any NTSC (normal t.v. video) device for display or recording. Presenta will be marketing the PC-Video VGA board towards applications in: multimedia, A/V presentation, and education. The VN-01 has been designed to be a versatile multimedia tool by supporting simultaneous output through: Super VGA (1 5-pin), Super-VHS (4-pin DIN), NTSC/PAL composite (RCA jack), RGB analog (9-pin DB).

"There are a lot of prospective applications for this board, like business presentations, video production, education/training (video supported lectures), and post-production titling " said Todd Holley, Presenta's Director of Product Promotions. Presenta's goal is to make high-cost multimedia capability more accessible with a reasonably priced VGA-to-Video board that delivers the quality of the more expensive scan converters.

Some of the VN-01's features include: a proprietary firmware based flicker reduction algorithm, flicker free and real time scan conversion, overscan and underscan correction, and simultaneous non-interlaced VGA and interlaced NTSC (standard video) display. Built around the Tseng Labs ET-4000 SUPER VGA chip set, the PC-Video VGA card is fully IBM/VGA compatible in all modes, while supporting resolutions of 1024x768 -16 colors, 800x600 - 256 colors, or 640x480 - 256 colors. Additionally, the board comes bundled with drivers and utilities to configure most major applications, including MS windows 3.0/3.1, Lotus 1-2-3, Gem/3 v3.1, AutoCAD r9-11 v2.X, Word Perfect 4.X-5.1, Framework II and III, and Ventura Publisher.

Presenta Technologies

12806 Schabarum Ave, Unit F, Irwindale, CA 91706

818-960-0420


KRON Video Ent. NEXT STEP High Tech Reports
KRON VIDEO ENTERPRISES AND SCHOLASTIC INC. TEAM UP TO BRING CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGIES INTO THE CLASSROOM

New line of educational videodiscs will carry Richard Hart's "Next Step" High Tech Reports into schools, with up to date information and insights on emerging technologies.

July 29, 1992 - New York, New York - If young people are to compete in an increasingly technological world, they need an education in emerging technologies first. Yet the classroom is usually the last place to receive word about what's happening in the world of high tech.

Today, KRON Video Enterprises and Scholastic Inc., announced an agreement that could change all that. The two companies will work together to distribute Richard Hart's "Next Step" High Tech Reports to the educational market using the medium of interactive video discs.

The Next Step series is hosted by Richard Hart, an Emmy-award winning producer and writer, and the nation's only full-time high tech reporter. The series includes nearly 100 fast-paced stories, each outlining an emerging technology or research development in exciting, enlightening detail. Whether he's flying weightless in an experimental aircraft or walking through his own miniature video game, Hart has a talent for simplifying complex concepts, visualizing abstract ideas, and helping young people understand the human side of science. About the plans to distribute the Next Step series in schools, Hart said, "I love this because it's a chance for me to show kids that it's cool to be a scientist. It's an opportunity to hook them early with the hottest, latest stuff."

Scholastic, one of the nation's largest publishers and distributors of children's books and educational materials, will deliver the Next Step series to teachers and classrooms on a series of at least three interactive videodisc volumes. Designed for student in grades 4 through 12, the series will be organized into three broad areas, containing approximately 30 segments apiece.

* Volume 1: Technologies and the Natural World, will include segments on biotechnology, health, food, environment, and the latest developments in technology for the disabled.

* Volume 2: Technology and the Information Age, will cover computers, video, audio, robots, and household technologies.

* Volume 3: Technology and the Physical World, will include segments on energy, aerospace, transportation, materials, and the military.

Each volume will include a teacher's guide, with questions and activities that make the material easy to fit into the daily curriculum. "This alliance is a natural extension of our efforts to bring into the classroom multi-media materials that truly help teachers," said Margery Mayer, Executive Vice President of the Instructional Publishing Group of Scholastic Inc. "The High Tech Report will help teachers communicate basic science principles in a new, exciting way."

Richard Fisher, Director of KRON-TV Video Enterprises, sees the partnership with Scholastic as "the logical next step for Next Step. The educational benefits of this series have long been evident in the response to the reports on KRON. Making the product available directly to schools makes perfect sense." The Next Step series is also slated to premier this fall as a weekly, half-hour prime time series on The Discovery Channel and on KRON.

KRON Video Enterprises is an operating unit of KRON-TV, the NBC affiliate San Francisco, owned by Chronicle Broadcasting of San Francisco. KRON Video Enterprises was created in 1991 to develop projects which utilize the company's resources and experiences.

Scholastic Inc. is one of the nation's leading publishers and distributors of children's books, classroom and professional magazines, and other educational materials, with products used in nearly nine out of ten American classrooms. The company also publishes educational software and products family-oriented video and television programming. Scholastic operates in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.


SYBASE & Gain Technology Merger Agreement
SYBASE AND GAIN TECHNOLOGY SIGN MERGER AGREEMENT

Sybase's Merger with Multi-Media Tools Vendor Brings New Capabilities to its Products for Enterprise-Wide Client/Server Computing

EMERYVILLE, CA, July 29,1992 -- Sybase, Inc. (NASDAQ: SYBS) and Gain Technology, Inc., vendor of object-based multi-media application development tools, today announced that they have signed a definitive agreement under which Gain will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sybase. For the foreseeable future, Gain, headquartered in Palo Alto, California, will operate as a separate company and retain its name.

Under terms of the definitive agreement signed yesterday, Sybase will issue approximately 2.0 million shares of Sybase Common Stock in exchange for all outstanding shares of Gain Common Stock. In addition, Sybase will assume all outstanding options to purchase Gain Common Stock. The merger is subject to approval by the shareholders of Gain and the satisfaction of various closing conditions. The transaction will be accounted for as a pooling-of-interests.

Mark Hoffman, Sybase president and CEO, commented, "The convergence of Sybase's server technology and Gain's multi-media tools will create a giant leap forward in ease-of-use for client/server computing. Sybase was instrumental in pioneering the emergence of client/server computing. Customers' adoption of client/server computing has created a demand for exciting, visual applications that take advantage of today's graphical desktop computers. With Gain, we now provide the full impact of multi-media -- sound, motion, graphics, animation and hypertext-- combined with an advanced high performance database server. The result is a new class of business-critical applications that are easy to learn and use. Through this merger, Sybase not only offers its current users major productivity benefits, we also open up new market and application opportunities."

Tom Siebel, Gain CEO, commented, "Gain's mission is to develop and market industrial-strength multi-media application development and delivery systems that enable customers to build a new class of applications to solve business problems. Sybase's client/server expertise, market presence, and worldwide sales force provide the infrastructure and momentum to clearly establish our products and technology as an industry standard." Gain's Object-Based Multi-Media Development Environment

Gain Technology develops and markets object-based multi-media software systems for use in large business applications. Gain's flagship product, GainMomentum, is a general purpose multi-media application development environment targeted at large commercial mission-critical application projects. The GainMomentum products began shipping in May 1992. In addition, GainExposure, a tool for building UNIX software demonstrations, has been shipping in production since January 1992.

The GainMomentum software provides a robust environment for developing large-scale interactive multi-media applications incorporating Sensory-Rich datatypes including image, sound, animation, hypertext, and graphics, with corporate data on corporate and departmental systems. The GainMomentum environment provides a compelling, interactive user interface that takes advantage of graphical and multi-media capabilities; supports "code-free" visual programming and provides an object-oriented hypermedia 4GL for advanced applications; and can manage both relational and object-oriented information. In addition, Gain products support twelve international languages, including Japanese, French and German.

The GainMomentum products are currently available on UNIX workstations from Sun Microsystems. The products are targeted for availability on UNIX workstations from IBM, Silicon Graphics, Hewlett-Packard and Digital Equipment Corporation in the near future. Development is currently in progress on Digital's VAX/VMS and MS Windows/NT.

Stewart Schuster, Sybase vice president of marketing, commented, "Sybase's goal is to provide powerful, easy-to-use products based on leading edge technology that allow our customers to build cost-effective solutions that provide a competitive edge. We believe that no single tool meets all needs. Our strategy is to offer a family of extensible development tools to address the range of our customers' requirements. With Gain's products, we now offer multi-media tools that fully utilize the power of today's multi-media workstations. Gain's products complement our current product and development efforts aimed at leveraging character terminals and graphical workstations. As high-end workstations become standard end-user computers, we will be increasingly positioned to help our customers take advantage of these powerful environments."

Gain's products are currently being used in two primary application areas: OnLine applications (which encompass both on-line transaction processing and real-time decision support) and Electronic Performance Support Systems (EPSS). Both areas complement and add value to Sybase's market strengths.

Several Sybase customers are currently using Gain's multi-media development tools to build on-line business critical applications. For example, the Department of Defense is using GainMomentum tools to develop an application that integrates simulation and modeling, military systems training, a real-time CNN video feed, and expert systems with the SYBASE SQL Server'. Matsushita Electrical Industrial Corporation is building an engineering project management application based on GainMomentum that integrates scheduling, budgeting and quality assurance; provides workflow and multi-user access with customized user interfaces; and dynamically updates all users to allow for real-time decision making.

In addition, several other customers are using Gain to build Electronic Performance Support Systems (which include on-line help, computer-based training, and on-line reference) to train and support users of SYBASE applications. Sun Microsystems is using Gain's software to build worldwide internal employee training applications, from technical to sales training. In addition, Sun and Gain have signed an agreement under which Sun will distribute a performance support and training system for its workstation operating environment based on Gain. American Express is developing a Gain application that provides on-line performance support and training for a worldwide customer support application based on SYBASE. Gain Technology, Inc.

Gain Technology, founded in 1989, is a private company incorporated in California and 100% owned by its directors and 100 employees. The company is profitable and generated revenues of $3.2 million for the quarter ending March 31, 1992. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Gain has five North American sales offices.

The company has a development agreement with Matsushita Electric Industrial Company. Other strategic partners include IBM and Sun Microsystems. Major customers also include Bellcore, Cadence, C. Itoh, Hewlett-Packard, and the U.S. Air Force. Sybase, Inc

Sybase, Inc. develops and markets the SYBASE system, a leading client/server-based relational database management system (RDBMS) product family for developing on-line, enterprise-wide applications. The company was founded in 1984, shipped its first product in 1987, and made a successful initial public offering in August 1991. Revenue growth has been rapid, reaching $159 million in 1991 and $106 million in the first half of 1992.

Sybase offers proven technology, combined with services and alliances, to provide customers with complete desktop to mainframe solutions. Headquartered in Emeryville, Sybase markets its products worldwide through its direct sales force, telesales, distributors, OEMs, VARs, and systems integrators.

SYBASE Inc, 6475 Christie Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608

510-596-3500


DOME Ultra-High Resolution MacII Display Card
DOME SHIPS ULTRA-HIGH RESOLUTION DISPLAY CARD FOR THE MACII

Waltham, MA - July 24, 1992 - DOME imaging systems, inc. is pleased to announce that its MAX display board for Apple Macintosh II computers is now shipping. With over three million pixels displayed, the MAX board is currently the highest resolution display board for the Macintosh on the market. Early shipments of this product have been to medical imaging OEMs and are being used in workstations for radiology.

The MAX board is intended for applications that require a extremely high quality image display at ultra-high resolutions. The MAX supports a resolution of 2048 by 1536 pixels and can display up to 256 shades of gray simultaneously. It also includes a built-in hardware look-up table for performing real-time windowing and leveling operations.

The MAX board utilizes the Texas Instruments 34020 Graphics System Processor. The TI34020 is a fully programmable graphics processor and can be used to perform complex image processing tasks such as fractional zooms and convolutions. The MAX card also supports NuBus block-mode cycles, permitting images to be transferred to the display at up to 12 megabytes per second.

The board is fully compatible with the Macintosh's Quickdraw display standard, so it supports all standard Macintosh software applications. DOME also provides an extensive graphics and image processing library at no extra cost with all of its imaging boards. This library includes a wide variety of graphics primitives and image processing routines, as well as sample source code and full documentation.

The MAX board and the DOME Software Library are available now through DOME imaging systems.

DOME imaging systems, inc. is a privately held corporation located in Waltham, MA. DOME was incorporated in 1989 and is the leading provider of innovative imaging solutions, meeting customer needs with quality software and hardware products.

Dome Imaging Systems, 400 Fifth Ave, Waltham, MA 02154

617-895-1155, fax: 617-895-1133


Approach for Windows is Ingram Micro Bestseller
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., July 27,1992 -- Approach for Windows rose past Borland International's Paradox to achieve the number two position on the Ingram Micro Bestseller List for databases. Ingram Micro's August list, which will appear in next week's issue of Computer Reseller News, refers to bestsellers for May. May was the second full month Approach for Windows was on the market. Borland's dBASE IV topped the list.

"From the very first time we saw Approach for Windows we knew we had a winner. We have been absolutely delighted with the sales rate. In our experience, to climb to the number 2 spot on our Bestseller List so rapidly is an incredible accomplishment," said Susan Salay, Senior Director of Marketing at Ingram Micro.

"This confirms our belief that users want a relational database that doesn't require programming, yet which is also compatible with their last-generation products," said Kevin Harvey, President of Approach Software Corporation.

"The market is moving rapidly towards sophisticated databases that even first-time users can benefit from right away. The real winners are our customers," he added.

Approach for Windows Approach for Windows is the only Windows database that's easy to use, relational and 100% compatible with dBASE, Paradox and Oracle SQL. The product, which requires no programming, allows users to design reports, forms and mailing labels by simply using a mouse. Suggested retail price is $399.

Approach Software Corporation Approach Software Corporation was founded in 1990 in Redwood City, California and is venture funded by Stanford University, Merrill, Pickard, Anderson and Eyre and Integral Capital Partners. Approach for Windows is the first in a family of information management tools for business professionals.

Approach Software Corp, 311 Penobscot Dr, Redwood City, CA 94063

415.306 7890    Fax: 415 368 5182


Polymer Modelling with Chem-X
Chemical Design is pleased to announce a new version of its specialist polymer module, ChemPolymer, within the latest release of Chem-X. Exploiting Chem-X's open architecture, ChemPolymer integrates polymer building and property calculation with Chem-X's powerful interactive analysis and display facilities, including polymer properties displayed as spectra. ChemPolymer is designed to help researchers evaluate the properties of potential new polymer structures prior to synthesis, and has special functionality for handling amorphous polymers.

With ChemPolymer the process of polymer building is automated, providing facilities that are not only highly flexible and customizable, but which are also very easy to use.

Using advanced building techniques, ChemPolymer can generate regular, blocked and random copolymers from a library of monomers. This library can easily be extended by the user by adding new monomeric units according to their requirements. ChemPolymer can handle branching to form network and star polymers. Stereochemical control allows the specification of atactic, isotactic or syndiotactic polymers. Building may also be carried out under kinetic control to create mixed copolymers. Polymer chains can be packed to form crystalline domains as well, for instance to allow the modelling of polymer chain interactions with crystal faces.

A wide range of physical or bulk polymer properties may be calculated using techniques based on single-chain statistical mechanics. Thermodynamic properties and their temperature dependence can be analyzed. Correlations between modelling parameters and observed properties may be examined using existing Chem-X facilities which are fully integrated with ChemPolymer.

The new display features of ChemPolymer include the clear visualization of polymer properties, eg force constant vs. temperature, as 2D spectra. The spectra may be displayed alongside the polymer molecule for comparison, and a number of layout options for the display are available. Polymer spectra are now also stored automatically in databases enabling them to be accessed easily for further analysis.

Chemical Design is the leading supplier of molecular modeling and 3D 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 facilities 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, Apple Macintosh, UNIX workstation and VAX computers.

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

201-529-3323


Media-Link Spec Enhancement & New Boards
Burnaby, British Columbia, July 24, 1992 -- Spectrum Signal Processing Inc. today announced an enhanced Media-Link specification for directly connecting high performance processors and peripherals with no glue logic. The enhanced Media-Link builds on Spectrum's initial specification, introduced in 1991. It provides designers with a high bandwidth, zero overhead communication channel for a variety of digital signal processing applications, such as advanced image, desktop array processing and multi-media systems.

Originally tailored for the 386 and the TMS320C30 processors, the Media-Link specification has been enhanced to facilitate the connection of numerous popular chips including M680x0, 80x86, 80960, 80860, R3000, SPARC, TMS320Cxx, DSP5600x, DSP9600x, ADSP-21020, ADSP-2101, ADSP-2100 and the DSP32C. Programmable processor interface logic is provided within the Media-Link

Controller (MLC) chip to account for the various control and timing requirements of the different processor families.

Spectrum last year introduced its DSP/PC, based on its Media-Link technology. The DSP/PC is a passive backplane PC/AT motherboard offering host PC and DSP capabilities on a single card. The single chip Media-Link interconnects the Intel 386 and the TMS320C31 with zero glue logic. The DSP/PC also includes a Media-Link interface for a high speed network connection with other Media-Link compatible boards.

The enhanced Media-Link specification is a major improvement in conventional interconnection technologies such as the ISA bus, STD bus, and VMEbus. The Media-Link no glue logic concept is an innovative standard approach to processor-to-processor and processor-to-peripheral high speed communication. The speed transfer rate bandwidth of the MLC has also been significantly improved from 66 Mbytes/sec to 100 Mbytes/sec.

Media-Link has already been adopted by a leader in the imaging market, Imagraph Corporation. "The Media-Link interconnector scheme is ideally suited for our demanding imaging applications and will be incorporated in our new family of products", said Mr. Joseph Plonski, V.P. of Sales & Marketing for Imagraph Corporation, which is based in Chelmsford, MA.

Spectrum also introduced two new Media-Link boards currently under development: a Quad TMS320C3 1 Array Processor and a Media-Link Video Board (MLVB).

QC31 Array Processor

The QC31 Array Processor is a powerful, low-cost array processing plug-in board capable of providing 160 Mflop peak throughput. Based on the 40 MHz TMS320C31 floating point processor, the QC31 contains four independent processing elements. Each processing element contains up to 512K x 32 zero wait state memory and a Media-Link interface to the other three processing elements. One of the processing elements is augmented with Input/Output capabilities for high-speed data transfer with the ISA interface or DSP-Link providing a gateway to Spectrum's full line of analog and digital peripheral cards. A Media-Link interface is also provided to interconnect with other Media-Link compatible boards.

The QC31 is designed for desktop array processing applications such as simulation, modeling, image processing and radar.

MLVB

The MLVB is a high performance video acquisition board for storing, processing and outputting video images. The MLVB contains a TMS34020 graphics processor, a TMS320C31 digital signal processor, a Video buffer memory and a video interface. The video interface contains three 8-bit analog to digital converters for digitizing RGB video and three 8-bit digitized analog converters compatible with NTSC and PAL formats. An 8-bit overlay is also provided.

The TMS320C31 DSP provides 40 Mflops of processing capabilities for real-time or near realtime processing of incoming frames. A Media-Link interface is provided to increase the processing capabilities using the C31 board.

The Media-Link Controller --in 176 pin plastic quad flat package, will be available in the fourth quarter of 1992. The DSP/PC will be available in third quarter at a base price of US$ 3,995 in single quantities.

The Media-Link Technology, DSP/PC, QC31 and MLVB were developed by Spectrum Signal Processing of Burnaby, B.C., Canada. Spectrum is a leading developer of DSP products for the PC, VME and SBus environments. Spectrum is publicly traded on the Vancouver Stock Exchange under the symbol SSY.

Spectrum Signal Processing Inc

8525 Baxter Place, 100 Production Court

Burnaby, BC V5A 4V7 CANADA

604-421-5422


TMS320C40 Based Parallel Processing Boards
Burnaby, British Columbia, July 24, 1992 -- Spectrum Signal Processing Inc. today introduced its new family of PC and VME products based on its Module-Link TIM-40 compliant C40 module and targeted for high-throughput applications that require parallel processing.

Each of the new boards is built around the TMS320C40 floating point processor and Spectrum's Module-Link MDC40S Module. The MDC40S module adds memory, EPROM and an interconnect standard to the C40 that users can design into their own systems. The new family reflects the response of Spectrum and Loughborough Sound Images (LSI) of the United Kingdom to the market's demands for industry-standard bus architectures. The family of boards will be applied extensively in new image processing, sonar, radar, simulation and modeling systems.

The introduction of the new C40-based family means Spectrum provides the broadest and most comprehensive support for the most popular and powerful floating point DSP on the market.

"Working closely with LSI, Spectrum is providing a well-defined set of development products that help bring the C40 into an increasingly broad realm of markets and applications," said Mitch Reifel, Floating-point Product Manager for Texas Instruments. "They are doing a very complete job of developing the kinds of tools designers need as they exploit the power of the TMS320 family." Texas Instruments will be hosting five sales seminars throughout the fall; two of them scheduled near DSPx in Santa Clara and DSP World in Boston. TIM-40 will be a large component of these seminars and Spectrum will be in attendance displaying their line of C40 products.

TMS320C40 Module Development System

The first standard bus architecture-based design added to Spectrum's C40 family is a dual module PC-AT plug-in board, the TMS320C40 Module Development System. This IBM PC/AT compatible board is supplied with up to 740K words of zero wait state memory. A flexible dual-port memory (up to 8K words) provides high speed data transfer between the primary module and the host PC.

The C40 Module Development System can also be equipped with a high fidelity, analog daughter module for analog I/O. Alternatively, Spectrum's on-board DSP-Link digital interface can be used to support a variety of I/O options.

The C40 Module Development System can be used standalone as a real-time PC-based data acquisition and signal processing station. Multiple boards can be connected to provide array processing capabilities to the PC. The C40 Module Development System and associated software development tools combine to form an excellent development platform for algorithm and/or software development. Leading DSP software vendors such as Comdisco Systems and 3L have already demonstrated their software tools using the C40 Module Development System. Comdisco's SPW and Multiprox provide a graphical programming and design environment for systems requiring one or more general purpose DSPs.

Both the MDC40S DSP Module and C40 Module Development System PC-AT plug-in board are in full production. C40 Module Development System pricing begins at US$ 7295 in single quantities and is available now.

Several VMEbus C40 boards are also under development. The first is a Quad Processor VMEbus board consisting of sites for four TIM-40 modules. Using a communication link of TMS320C40, each module connects to the VMEbus for supervisory control, watchdog and data transfers by the VMEbus master. Two of the communication links of each processor are used to connect to the adjacent processors in a 2-dimensional grid. The remaining three links are routed to the front panel for off-board connection to other QPV40s to form a parallel processing topology, which will be especially useful in applications such as Radar, Sonar and modelling.

One of the module sites is augmented with I/O connectors to support interfacing external devices to the processor array via the VMEbus P2 connector or front panel connector. The I/O module provides a very high level of flexibility for interfacing the C40 links or global bus to VSB, VXI, DSP-Link or custom devices. The QPV40 is ideally suited for high performance matrix and multi-processing applications. The C40 processing elements can readily be connected to application specific topologies tailored to the system requirements.

OPV40-SM

The QPV40-SM, a shared memory version of the QPV40, also is under development. The QPV40-SM connects each global bus of the 4 processors and the VMEbus to a shared access high density DRAM memory. The shared memory can be populated with up to 64 Mbytes. The QPV40-SM is designed for shared memory multiprocessing applications such as image processing.

Spectrum Signal Processing is a leading supplier of DSP-based development systems and embedded systems solutions, including: hardware systems, software tools, applications software and other DSP products for the PC, VME and SBus environments. The QPV40 and QPV40-SM are currently under development by Loughborough Sound Images in Loughborough, England. Spectrum has the exclusive rights to all Loughborough products in North America and is publicly traded on the Vancouver Stock Exchange under the symbol SSY.

Spectrum Signal Processing Inc

8525 Baxter Place, 100 Production Court

Burnaby, BC V5A 4V7 CANADA

604-421-5422


Three New Spectrum Analog Interface Boards
Burnaby, British Columbia, July 24, 1992 -- Spectrum Signal Processing today introduced three analog interface boards that provide analog I/O with DSP capability for data acquisition and other defense and industrial applications on the PC and VME busses. All three boards are designed for use with Spectrum's DSP-LINK expansion interface. The first two new Spectrum boards are the PC/Q16SA, designed for applications that need general purpose multi-channel I/O, and the PC/Q16DS, which provides high quality speech and audio band multi-channel signal I/O. Both boards are designed as carrier boards that support multiple high-fidelity analog daughter modules. Each board permits simultaneous sampling over four input and output channels, and plugs ISA standard PC expansion slots and can be easily interfaced to any of Spectrum's PC-based DSP boards using the DSP-LINK connector.

"These new boards are the first in a new series of products from Spectrum that combine DSP and analog I/O," said Barry Jinks, Spectrum president. "We will be continuing to add these kinds of "daughter modules" for customer-specific designs."

PC/Q16DS

The PC/Q16DS board offers programmable sample rate generation up to 50 kHz, linear phase digital anti-aliasing filters and 16-bit resolution delta sigma converters.

The board is designed to oversample incoming analog signals at 64 times sampling frequency. The bit streams are then filtered digitally, and decimated to 16-bit values to yield quality reconstruction. The board also provides an analog filter on the input and output to attenuate very high frequency signals not accounted for by digital filtering.

PC/Q16SA

The PC/Q16SA board provides a digitally programmable sample rate up to 200 KHz. It affords two sources of sample rate generation -- a digitally programmable source on the peripheral board or an external, user-generated location. The board uses Burr-Brown's DSP102 and DSP202 ADCs and DACs. Each input includes sample-and-hold amplifiers, and each input and output channel provides fourth order active anti-alias/reconstruction filtering.

The PC/Q16DS and PC/Q16SA are available now and priced at US$ 2,495 each in single quantities.

Quad VME I/O Module

Spectrum also introduced its Quad VME I/O module, which lets designers customize their I/O system to their own specific application. Using the module, designers can plug as many as four analog daughter modules into a 6U VME board, and construct systems with up to 8 I/O channels per board. The board offers excellent interfaces for applications that need multi-channel signal I/O. Multiple boards can be synchronized for large systems that require simultaneous signal sampling.

The Quad VME board also features Spectrum's DSP-LINK interface so users can connect it directly to other boards or peripherals and avoid typical VME bus bottlenecks. The board is as flexible and versatile because the daughter modules are based on a high speed serial bus and conform to a basic hardware standard.

"The flexibility we are offering with the Quad VME board will permit its use in most of the key applications that require digital signal processing power," said Jinks. "These applications include radar and sonar systems, speech or professional audio products, medical image processing or industrial control systems."

Pricing for the Quad VME board begins at US$ 4,995 each in single quantities. It will be available at the end of the third quarter.

Spectrum Signal Processing is a leading developer of system and processor, software tools, hardware systems and other digital signal processing products for the PC, VME, and SBus environments. These systems support Digital Signal Processors from Analog Devices (ADSP21020/2102/2100), AT&T (DSP32C), Motorola, Inc. (DSP96002/56002) and Texas Instruments (TMS320C40/30/50/25), Spectrum's unique modular DSP hardware allows users to interface off-the-shelf peripheral I/O boards with the processor of their choice via the DSP-LINK system expansion interface. Spectrum Signal Processing Inc. is publicly traded on the Vancouver Stock Exchange under the symbol SSY.

Spectrum Signal Processing Inc

8525 Baxter Place, 100 Production Court

Burnaby, BC V5A 4V7 CANADA

604-421-5422


AMT ACCEL-200 Series Dot Matrix Printers
Camarillo, California - - - Advanced Matrix Technology, Inc. (AMT) has started shipping the first six models of its new AMT Accel-200 Personal Printers series. Included in the series are the not yet announced AMT Accel-294 and Accel-292 Personal Printers. The AMT Accel-200 series printers offer durability and functionality unsurpassed in the low-end printer market, as well as more features than its competitors. These features include AMT's user friendly patented SelectDial front panel interface (described by Byte Magazine as "the slickest interface of all [dot matrix printers]"). The "200" is available with Apple, Epson, and IBM/Lexmark emulations, compatibility with virtually all PC software including MicroSoft Windows 3.1, serial and parallel interfaces, three paper paths, multi-part forms capabilities, a two-position tractor... the list continues. Like all AMT products, OEM and end-user customizing is available.

The new Accel-292 and Accel-294 printers feature two 9-pin print heads. With dual heads, these printers are able to print at 540 cps; more than twice the speed of the single head models. The Accel-294 offers 136 column printing, while the Accel-292 features 85 column printing. The other models beginning shipment are the AMT Accel-244 (24-pin, 136 column, 240 cps), the AMT Accel-242 (24-pin, 85 column, 240 cps), the AMT Accel-214 (9-pin, 136 column, 240 cps), and the AMT Accel-212 (9-pin, 85 column, 240 cps).

The 85 column "narrow" carriage format is an AMT unique feature. With it, users can print to the edges of 81/2 inch forms, the American standard. All foreign made "narrow" carriage printers are limited to 80 column (8 inch) printing, often requiring a user to select the bigger footprint and more expensive 136 column models just to print an 81/2 inch form.

Designed for personal use, this series is ideal for individual work stations. Each work station can be outfitted with these affordable printers, enabling the "main" printer to remain free for large jobs. At the same time, the quality and strength of the Accel-200 series allows it to be used for any purpose.

Also newly announced are one and two-bin sheet feeders for the wide carriage Accel-200 models (294, 244, 214). These sheet feeders are immediately available and retail priced at $259.00 for the single bin and $399.00 for the dual bin.

"Within the 200 series, we have a model for virtually every dot matrix printer application," says David Beardsley, vice-president of Sales and Marketing "The AMT Accel-200 series is the most complete family of printers announced this year."

The AMT Accel-200 series of printers are affordably (list) priced from $469.00 to $895.00, substantially lower than comparable quality printers. Printers are sold by dealers, VAR's, integrators and OEM's. For more information on the AMT Accel200 series printers, contact AMT sales at (800) 992-2264, or write to 765 Flynn Road, Camarillo, California 93012.


CD-ROM Pub's Join Elec Arts Affiliated Label Pgm
SIX CD-ROM PUBLISHERS JOIN EXPANDED ELECTRONIC ARTS AFFILIATED LABEL PROGRAM

SAN MATEO, Calif., July 29--Electronic Arts will distribute CD-ROM software for six publishers through a strategic expansion of its affiliated labels program, the company announced today.

Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) will begin to distribute CD-ROM titles in August to meet the increasing demand for these products, according to Nancy Smith, vice president for sales.

The six CD-ROM publishers joining the Electronic Arts Distribution (EAD) program are: Ebook; Humongous Entertainment, Inc.; ICOM Simulations, Inc.; NovaLogic; Pop Rocket, Inc.; and Zelos!.

"As we bring the best of the CD ROM publishers into our AL program, Electronic Arts will work with retailers to develop this important new product category," said Smith. "This program will help ensure that Electronic Arts and our affiliated publishers maintain a market-leading position in interactive entertainment."

Other ongoing members of the EAD program include Millennium, Mindcraft Software, Inc., Strategic Simulations, Inc., and Three Sixty Pacific, Inc.

"As the industry's leading affiliated label program in North America, Electronic Arts remains committed to presenting-the best of the independent publishers through the broadest retail channel possible," said Kelly Conway, director of affiliated labels.

A brief sketch of each of the CD-ROM publishers follows:

* Ebook publishes art and literature titles. Its first titles for EAD will be Aesop's Fables; Renaissance Masters, Part 1; and Twelve Roads to Gettysburg.

* Humongous Entertainment, Inc. was formed in March of this year. It plans to produce Junior Adventures titles for children 3-6 and Graphic Adventure titles for consumers 15 and over. Its first title for EAD will be Putt-Putt Joins The Parade.

* ICOM Simulations, Inc., produces both Entertainment titles and utility software. Its CD-ROM titles include "Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Detective," at present the only interactive movie with 90 minutes of quality video on CD. Future titles for EAD include Sherlock Holmes II and Earth Invitational.

* NovaLogic, Inc. is a Tarzana, Calif.-based publisher. Its first two titles for EAD will be battle simulations for "floppy" media. NovaLogic plans CD-ROM releases in 1993.

* Pop Rocket, Inc., is a San Francisco-based software publisher headed by Joe Sparks, who co-developed Spaceship Warlock for Reactor. Pop Rocket's first product for the EA affiliated labels program will be a rock'n'roll adventure called Total Distortion.

* Zelos! is a San Francisco-based publisher of informational CD-ROM titles. Zelos! products provide comprehensive information and resources and hands-on tools for small business management, professional skills development, personal interests and hobbies.


AST Reducts Prices up to 47% On Complete Line
Irvine, Calif., July 27, 1992 -- To maintain its competitive leadership position, AST Research Inc. today announced it has reduced retail prices by as much as 47 percent on its complete product line, while maintaining current dealer discounts. Effective immediately, expected new street pricing should rival direct mail offerings. The company also announced a new Windows bundle with each Power Premium 210-MB model desktop system.

"It's clear that street prices on our products should rival the direct prices quoted by the competition," said Mike Morand, vice president of marketing. "We are leveraging our manufacturing capabilities and cost control, rather than reseller margins, to maintain our long-term strategy of price/performance leadership."

"Our resellers should benefit from these reductions in price by selling more units to first-time buyers and end users who are interested in upgrading to a name-brand manufacturer at an affordable price," said James Schraith, vice president of U.S. sales and service.

Products affected in the price reduction include the award-winning Premium Exec notebook line which offers a complete portable computing solution at a very competitive price with reductions of up to 47 percent. "Given that we have not changed the dealer discount, our resellers should be able to sell the Premium Exec 386SX/25 (25-MHz) monochrome model for as much as 10 to 15 percent less than comparable models from Compaq and Dell," said Schraith.

Bundled with 2MB of RAM, DOS 5.0, Windows 3.1, a Microsoft mouse and a mouse pad, the Bravo family of desktop computer systems received price reductions of up to 31 percent. The Bravo family comes standard with an 80-MB hard disk drive and an SVGA monitor.

"AST has pioneered the multibrand strategy with the second generation of the Bravo family of product which offers a proven design, while competitors are just entering the market," said Morand.

The average street price of the AST Bravo desktop system is expected to be 20 to 25 percent lower than the Compaq Deskpro i and up to seven percent less than the new Prolinea. "While other manufacturers have announced first-generation products that aren't shipping, AST is fully capable of meeting the increased volume these new prices will create," said Schraith.

Announced today, AST's enhanced Premium SE server line offers a host of scalable features, providing a complete hardware solution for local area network and multi-user environments. Pricing of the Premium server line, when normalized for storage capacity, represents a 14 to 30 percent price reduction.

"The enhanced server product family is compatible with AST's lower system prices overall and is in keeping with our strategy to provide value and higher levels of performance to our customers," said Schraith.

The recently-introduced Power Premium desktop computers also received price reductions. Designed to optimize Windows applications, these EISA-based systems feature advanced graphics technology for accelerated performance in Windows environments. Each 210-MB hard drive model Power Premium will be bundled with DOS 5.0, Microsoft Windows 3.1, 8MB of RAM, a Microsoft mouse and a mouse pad.

The Power Premium 386 systems which include the bundle are the 3/25 Model 213W, introduced at $2,895 and the 3/33 Model 213W, introduced with a retail price of $3,095. The Power Premium i486 systems introduced with the new bundle range in price with the 4/25e Model 213W introduced at $2,995; 4/33 Model 213W with a retail price of $3,495; and 4/50d Model 213W priced at $3,695.

Service and Support

All AST computers 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. Toll-free customer service is 90 seconds away (average telephone call pickup time) Monday thru Friday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. (PDT) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. (PDT) on Saturdays.

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'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 operate 39 subsidiaries and sales offices worldwide.

Recently ranked number 431 on the Fortune 500 list of America's largest industrial companies and 451 on the Forbes Profit List, AST Research Inc. is an information technology company holding a prominent market share position for desktop, file server and notebook computers.

The company reported record sales of $944.1 million for the 1992 fiscal year ended June 27, 1992, compared to sales of $688.5 million for fiscal year 1991.

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.


AST Enhances Premium Servers & Lowers Prices
IRVINE, Calif., July 27, 1992 -- AST Research Inc. today announced enhanced Premium SE 4/33 and 4/50 servers at suggested retail prices up to 30 percent lower than earlier base models. Key enhancements include:

* increased hard drive storage for up to 8GB internally;

* high-performance caching controller supporting FastSCSI data

  transfer rates of 10MB per second;

* Fast-SCSI hard drives mounted in slide-out trays for ease of

  maintenance;

* SCSI backplanes for cable-free drive installation;

* AST FlashBIOS, a simplified software solution for upgrading

  system BIOS;

* and AST Premium VGA, high-performance integrated video

  supporting resolutions up to 1280 by 1024 with 16 simultaneous

  colors.

"This evolutionary change to the server line brings additional value to our server customers at PC price points," said Larry Fortmuller, director of high performance systems.

"AST servers provide optimum performance in processing, I/O and networking and are engineered to provide the utmost in reliability and compatibility," he said. "Also, they now include technology found popular in our Power Premium desktop line, such as world-class video for users in the CAD environment, at no extra cost."

Premium SE 4/50 suggested retail prices begin at $6,295, representing a $2,700 cost savings over previous base-model pricing. Premium SE 4/33 suggested retail prices begin at $3,995, a $1,400 cost savings over previous base models.

The EISA-based Premium SE servers, aimed at the multiuser and networking environments, are compatible with the advanced fault tolerance features of Novell NetWare, supporting spanning, mirroring and duplexing, to provide protection for critical data.

Designed with scalability and upgradeability in mind, the servers include upgradeable i486 processing through AST's Cupid32 upgrade design; up to 80MB of RAM; the high-speed FastSCSI disk subsystem with up to 16MB of upgradeable cache; and a Premium XP expansion cabinet housing up to 16 hard drives per unit. The Premium XP expansion cabinet also features a SCSI backplane allowing cable-less installation.

With 11 drive bays in the base cabinet (eight internal and three external), three more than in previous models, the servers can now be configured to hold 8GB of data using 1-GB hard drives and still have room for a tape backup or a CD-ROM.

The Premium SE 4/33 runs at 33MHz clock speed and features 8KB of integrated cache and a built-in 80387 math co-processor. The Premium 4/50 combines 50MHz i486 microprocessing with 256KB of zero wait-state external cache. For additional upgradeability, scalability and functionality, the Premium SE 4/33 features nine available slots. The Premium SE 4/50 has eight available slots.

Both the Premium SE 4/33 and 4/50 come in five models, replacing all previous Premium SE offerings. The new models are available immediately through AST's reseller network. See models on attached price list.

The base models, called Models 33 or 53, provide either 3.5-inch or 5.25-inch drive cages. Optional FastSCSI 200-MB, 500-MB and l-GB capacity hard drives are available. All hard drive models -- Model 203 (200-MB hard drive), Model 503 (500-MB hard drive) and Model 1003 (1-GB hard drive) -- include one FastSCSI controller. The servers support up to four FastSCSI controllers which are designed to manage multiple hard drives independent of the host system, freeing up CPU resources. Their advanced caching technology, upgradeable to 16MB of disk cache per controller, breaks the traditional disk I/O bottleneck by reducing disk access time and increasing network responsiveness.

Additionally, the FastSCSI hard drives are configured with the slide-out trays and cable-free plug-in edge connectors for quick and easy hard drive upgrades that eliminate the need to set SCSI jumpers.

AST FlashBIOS, now standard, allows upgrades through using a diskette or by downloading from AST's electronic bulletin board service.

AST's high-performance Premium VGA, now integrated on the motherboard, uses BitBLT (Bit Block Transfer) and hardware cursor technology to support resolutions of up to 1280 x 1024. This technology provides a solution for a server running CAD or document imaging applications or a network environment that uses a windowing format.

The Premium SE servers are fully compatible with Microsoft, Novell NetWare, SCO UNIX, OS/2 and Banyan Vines, leading network and multiuser operating systems. Optional 32-bit EISA Ethernet and Token-Ring network adapter cards offer customers a total networking solution.

To meet customers' needs for technical support in the United States, AST provides toll-free support Monday through Friday, from 5 a.m to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Additional technical information can be obtained through AST's Info-FAX via fax machines and a worldwide 24-hour on-line bulletin board service.

Recently ranked number 431 on the Fortune 500 list of America's largest industrial companies, AST Research is a leading manufacturer and market share holder of desktop, file server and notebook personal computers. AST pioneered product upgradeability and multi-brand PC offerings which feature the Premium, Bravo, Advantage! and Premium Exec families.

The company reported record sales of $944.1 million for the 1992 fiscal year ended June 27, 1992, compared to sales of $688.5 million for fiscal year 1991.

AST Research corporate headquarters is located at 16215 Alton Parkway, Irvine, Calif. 92718. Telephone: (714) 727-4141 or (800) 876-4278. Fax: (714) 727-9355.


Morningstar Mutual Funds OnDisc (CD-ROM)
Chicago - Morningstar, a Chicago-based financial publisher, has released Morningstar Mutual Funds OnDisc -- a CD-ROM-based software/database/graphics package that lets you quickly compare, analyze, and track over 2,300 mutual funds and produce customized reports and graphs. Business Week recently called Morningstar Mutual Funds OnDisc, "the Cadillac of mutual fund software" .

Amid a rapidly changing and growing mutual-fund industry, financial professionals and individual investors alike have found that OnDisc allows them to make the most educated investment decisions. For example, OnDisc's software features include the ability to:

.  Search and sort for the funds which match one's needs (For example, all the no-load funds with an investment objective of growth-income, a P/E ratio of less than 17, and 15% or more of its holdings in the utilities industry).

.  Identify the funds that hold a specific stock.

.  Generate detailed line, bar, and pie graphs to present your findings.

.  Compare total returns for a single fund or for a group of funds over any time period.

.  Evaluate results--numerically or graphically--against any of 24 benchmarks such as the S&P 500, Wilshire 4500, Russell 2000, 3-month CD, and Lehman Brothers Govt/Corp Bond Index.

.  Build customized portfolios (equally weighted).

.  Print directly to a printer or export the data, reports, or graphs into other software programs.

OnDisc is the most comprehensive mutual-fund database available -- it would take over 500 floppy diskettes to hold the information contained on its single CD-ROM. This database includes:

.  Over 2,300 mutual funds -- both load and no-load, equity and fixed income.

.  Over 160 fields of information on each fund, including the complete portfolio holdings of each fund, operations information, credit analysis, manager profiles, and more.

.  66 fields of information on which to screen and rank, including: risk, returns, fees, composition, and more.

.  Over 16 years of historical data going back to 1976 (depending on the fund's commencement date).

.  24 benchmarks: S&P 500; S&P 400; Wilshire 5000 and 4500; Russell 1000, 2000, and 3000; Lehman Brothers' Government/Corporate, Government (long-term and intermediate), Corporate (long-term and intermediate), Mortgage-backed, and Municipal; MSCI EAFE, Europe, World and Pacific; 3-month T-bill; 3- and 6-month CD; and inflation.

Subscriptions to Morningstar Mutual Funds OnDisc are available with monthly, quarterly, or annual updates. Network licenses are also available. For more information and a free demonstration diskette, call 1-800-876-5005.

Morningstar, 53 West Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604

312-427-1985


Tech Data Distributing Proxim RangeLAN
TECH DATA SIGNS AS FIRST DISTRIBUTOR OF PROXIM'S RANGELAN FAMILY OF WIRELESS LAN ADAPTERS

Integrators, Resellers and End Users To Have Access To Cost Effective Solution For Extending Existing LANs

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., August 3, 1992 -- Proxim Inc., a leading supplier of wireless networking products, today announced that it has signed an agreement with Tech Data to distribute its RangeLAN family of wireless LAN adapters for desktop and portable PC users.

The RangeLAN products to be distributed by Tech Data include RangeLAN/ISA ($495 SRP), a network interface card that fits into an ISA desktop computer, and RangeLAN/LT ($595 SRP), an adapter card designed for a wide range of Compaq Computer Corporation's notebook computers, including the COMPAQ LTE Lite and LTE 386s series of notebook computers. RangeLAN/ISA and RangeLAN/LT currently operate with Novell NetWare 2.X, 3.11, and Lite, and will soon provide driver support for Artisoft's LANtastic, and the NDIS driver standard, which supports LAN Manager, Banyan Vines and most implementations of TCP/IP.

"Our signing of Tech Data to distribute RangeLAN represents a significant move toward the adoption of wireless LAN technology," said Paul Smith, vice president of marketing for Proxim. "The wireless LAN market, while still in its infancy, is poised to grow quickly, and this distribution agreement means resellers, integrators and end users will have greater access to this technology," Smith added.

RangeLAN uses spread spectrum radio frequency technology that, unlike conventional radio frequencies, does not require Federal Communication Commission (FCC) licensing. All products in the RangeLAN family are based upon the same architecture and protocols, allowing complete interoperability across the entire product line.

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

In addition, Compaq LTE 386/20S and LTE Lite notebook 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 take advantage of RangeLAN/LT. All RangeLAN products are intended to extend LAN services of existing wired LANs. RangeLAN's data rate of 242 Kbps positions it perfectly for applications such as terminal emulation, E-mail, printer sharing, modem sharing and small file transfers.

Tech Data Corporation (NASDAQ: TECD), located in Clearwater, Florida, is a leading distributor of computer-related products. The distributor offers comprehensive product lines in software, networking/communications, mass storage, peripherals, and computer systems including UNIX/XENIX-compatible products. In addition to a wide range of products, Tech Data provides extensive pre-sale and post-sale training, service and support. Tech Data serves more than 25,000 value-added resellers and retail dealers from 11 distribution centers throughout the United States and Canada.

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 by extending networks to locations where cable is expensive or difficult to install, and to portable computers.

Proxim, Inc. 295 North Bernardo Avenue Mountain View, CA 94043

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


Micro Express PCs Ordered by NASA
MICRO EXPRESS PC'S ORDERED BY NASA FOR KENNEDY SPACE CENTER

Santa Ana, CA, July, 1992..Micro Express is proud to be selected as a supplier of a broad range of personal computers by NASA, for use at the Kennedy Space Center. The contract, placed by NASA with General Technology Inc. (Costa Mesa, CA), is part of NASA's Personal Computer Acquisition Contract program. This contract was won in competition with a large number of other PC vendors.

"The contract is for five years, and could potentially be worth several million dollars," says Art Afshar, president of Micro Express. "We are extremely proud to have been selected by NASA, an organization that is uncompromising in its quest for quality. We expect to supply NASA with not only today's technology, but also tomorrow's in years to come."

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 and monitors.

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


Berkeley Licenses Star Trek, The Screen Saver
Los Angeles, Earth... July 28, 1992... Berkeley Systems, creator of #1 software utility After Dark has acquired the license from Paramount Pictures to develop Star Trek, The Screen Saver, to be released October 1992.

"Space really is the Final Frontier... the space on a computer screen," said Berkeley president Wes Boyd in announcing the deal. "A whole generation was raised on Star Trek, and now that generation has graduated to computers", he said.

Paramount's license includes use of all Star Trek characters, creatures, sounds and alien life forms. Berkeley's screen saver would prevent computer screen burn-in by automatically displaying Tribbles, the transporter room, Klingon warriors, Romulan vessels, The Starship Enterprise and other cosmic effects.

Berkeley Systems is the galaxy's leading maker of screen savers, with over 1,000,000 copies of After Dark in circulation. When asked about the future of his new software, Boyd gave the Vulcan hand salute and telepathically said "It will 'live long and prosper!'"

(Klingon response follows...)


MathWorks & dSpace GmbH Control & Embedded Sys
NATICK, Mass./PADERBORN, Germany, July 29, 1992 - The MathWorks, Inc. and dSpace GmbH today announced the signing of an exclusive agreement under which the companies will create and market a high-performance, low-cost integrated hardware and software solution for design, analysis, and real-time implementation of control and embedded systems.

The solution, with a price/performance ratio unequaled in the market, will enable design and systems engineers in automotive, aerospace, telecommunications, electronics, computer peripherals, and other industries to perform their simulation work in one seamless environment, leading to increased productivity and an accelerated development process.

Under the agreement, the companies will integrate The MathWorks' MATLAB, the popular standard in numeric computation software, and SIMULINK, for simulating dynamic systems, with dSPACE software and hardware. The dSPACE system is based on digital signal processor (DSP) technology to enable extremely fast processing during real-time testing.

The MathWorks software has an open interface that can support hardware from multiple vendors. However, its alliance with dSPACE gives design and systems engineers a total hardware and software solution that combines The MathWorks' strengths in analysis, design, and simulation software with dSPACE's expertise in hardware and real-time implementation.

"This alliance will result in a powerful and affordable integrated system for dynamic system simulation and real-time testing. Previous options for users were either to purchase hardware and software from different vendors and integrate these components themselves, or to purchase expensive 'black-box' approaches that lacked the flexibility and price/performance to satisfy user requirements. The market is clamoring for an affordable and open solution from a single source, and we intend to be the first to provide it," said John N. Little, The MathWorks' president and chief executive officer.

Dr. Herbert Hanselmann, co-founder and senior managing partner at dSPACE said, "This alliance means that the previously separate fields of off-line design and analysis and on-line, real-time testing will be combined in one high-performance system at a price that makes it more accessible than ever before."

Features of MATLAB, SIMULINK

MATLAB, the underlying numeric computation foundation for all of The MathWorks' products, combines hundreds of built-in mathematical functions with powerful 2-D and 3-D graphing capabilities. In addition, MATLAB offers an underlying programming environment that enables users to create, debug, and execute their own functions in a fraction of the time required to write a program in Fortran, Basic, or C. The MATLAB application toolboxes extend the power of MATLAB by providing leading-edge algorithms and functions developed by renowned experts in digital signal processing, control system design, neural networks, system identification, dynamic system simulation, optimization, and other application areas.

This solid algorithmic foundation assures maximum efficiency and reliable results. These features have made MATLAB an industry standard for exploring and solving a wide range of problems in engineering, science, business, and education on computer platforms from Apple, Convex, Cray, DEC, HP/Apollo, IBM, Silicon Graphics, and Sun.

SIMULINK gives engineers, scientists, and others a highly interactive, graphical, and intuitive solution for modeling and analyzing dynamic systems, including linear, nonlinear, continuous, discrete and hybrid models. Previously known as SIMULAB, SIMULINK was recently renamed to reflect The MathWorks' intent to build upon the SIMULINK/MATLAB open architecture. It offers expanded solutions that leverage the simulation, modeling, analysis, and design capabilities found in the current product line through strategic partnerships with third-party vendors. The dSPACE relationship is an example of this.

With SIMULINK, users can build block-diagram models using familiar point-and-click manipulations and dynamically link their models to user-created C, Fortran, and MATLAB routines. Users can perform live simulations that display results during the simulation, and they can change their systems' parameters to see the effects immediately.

dSPACE Hardware and Software Features

dSPACE is the only company using digital signal processor technology targeted specifically at the advanced control and real-time simulation fields and is tailored for use in even the most demanding closed-loop and multichannel testing applications. Its products are used in a variety of areas, including vehicle control, robotics, and computer peripherals.

dSPACE hardware is based on technologically advanced Texas Instruments TMS320C30 and TMS320C40 floating-point DSPs, with computing power starting at 33MFLOPS. The hardware product family includes plug in boards for PCs, expansion boxes with a bus interface, and Ethernet-compatible expansion boxes for lab or in-vehicle use.

Configuration, Pricing, Availability

The MathWorks and dSPACE will jointly market the systems they develop beginning later this year. Pricing for the complete system will start under $30,000 in the United States. Quantity and educational discounts are available. The MathWorks and dSPACE will offer training on the use of the combined products.

dSPACE is a developer of high-performance software and DSP-based hardware systems for real-time control. Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Paderborn, Germany, the company's customer base includes leading universities, research labs and corporations worldwide. dSPACE has an office in the U.S. and is represented in various countries throughout the world.

The MathWorks, Inc., based in Natick, Mass., develops and markets high-performance interactive engineering and scientific software for numeric computation, system simulation, and visualization. The MathWorks' products are distributed worldwide.

The Math Works Inc

Cochituate Place, 24 Prime Park Way, Natick, MA 01760

508-653-1415


Renaissance Swr Transferes to Kodak
RENAISSANCE SOFTWARE TRANSFERS TO KODAK;

SOON TO READ PHOTO CD IMAGES DIRECTLY

Rochester, NY, & Billerica, MA, July 31-- Eastman Kodak Company and Atex, Inc., today announced that Renaissance color design software will be transferred to the CD Imaging organization at Kodak.

Kodak also announced that Renaissance software soon will be able to read Photo CD images directly from Photo CD discs. The Photo CD system was introduced this summer to allow picture takers using standard 35 mm cameras to have their 35 mm negatives and slides transferred to digital form on Photo CD discs. These discs can be viewed on TV using new Kodak Photo CD players, or on computers using CD-ROM XA multi-session drives.

Renaissance software, a Macintosh-based color design tool, was developed by Atex, a Kodak subsidiary, for the graphic design market. Effective August 3, Kodak will assume responsibility for marketing and supporting Renaissance software, along with its other desktop color imaging software applications.

Atex will continue to develop, market and support a tailored version of the software package called Capriccio as a pagination product integrated with Atex publishing system offerings for newspapers and magazines.

"For some time, we have explored alternate marketing channels for Renaissance," said Don Hollands, vice president and general manager of Atex's General Publishing Products Division. "Given the synergy between Renaissance and Kodak Photo CD products, it makes sense to market those products within the same product family. We will continue to market Capriccio in our markets."

"Renaissance design software will be one of several key products in the Photo CD family," said Georgia McCabe, director of worldwide marketing in Kodak's CD Imaging organization. "It has received very positive endorsements from the graphic design market since its introduction in April."

Consumers can get information about Renaissance design software and Photo CD products by calling the Kodak Information Center toll free at 800-242-2424, extension 53.

Eastman Kodak Company, 343 State St, Rochester, NY 14650-0519


Golden CommPass Sales Exceed Inventory
MOUNT LAUREL, NJ -- August 3 - Creative Systems Programming Corporation has been very busy the last month fulfilling the order demand for Golden CommPass, their new OS/2 software product. OS/2 is IBM's new advanced 32-bit operating system, which is capable of exploiting the power of Intel 386SX and higher personal computers. Orders have exceeded inventory, and Creative Systems is rushing to manufacture additional units. Golden CommPass is the only fully automated OS/2 navigation program to access the CompuServe Information Service, a very popular international information service.

"The demand for a native OS/2 program to access the IBM sponsored OS/2 technical support forums on CompuServe is very encouraging. Now that we've filled the initial demand, we're working on several new features that our users have been requesting, including better automation of the entire process," according to Larry B. Finkelstein, President of Creative Systems Programming Corporation. "OS/2 users are finding that Golden CommPass is a tremendous asset. It saves the customer time and money by reducing billable connect time on CompuServe and ZiffNet to an absolute minimum," said Mr. Finkelstein.

Golden CommPass is available directly from Creative Systems Programming Corporation for $99. In addition, users of other CompuServe navigation programs can upgrade to Golden CommPass for a special introductory price of $59. This competitive upgrade offer will expire on September 30, 1992.

Creative Systems Programming Corporation is a leading developer of OS/2 communications software and is a designer of custom software applications for OS/2. Creative Systems Programming Corporation, founded in 1984, is a privately-held company.

Creative Systems Programming Corp

PO Box 961, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054-0961

609-234-1500


Working with Windows 3.1
New Book Gets Beginning Windows Users Up and Running Fast

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT. PA--Working with Windows 3.1 provides Windows users with all the introductory guidance they need to master every aspect of Windows 3.1 operation, from initial setup to customizing the program's sophisticated data sharing and memory management tools.

Filled with illustrations and practical examples that guide users every step of the way, the book describes how to install and run applications, manipulate windows with a mouse, navigate through the DOS file system, and use Windows' built-in word processing, graphics, and telecommunications programs.

In addition, Working with Windows 3.1 shows users how to get the most out of Windows' desktop utilities, as well as how to use multi-tasking capabilities to increase productivity. The book also explains how to modify Windows' default configurations through the Control Panel and use the new feature multimedia, which allows users to incorporate sounds and animation into Windows applications.

About the Authors:

The former technical editor of Profiles, the magazine for Kaypro computer users, Marshall L. Moseley is a software industry analyst and newsletter editor for a leading high-technology market research firm. Currently a writer for CompuServe magazine, Andrew Rathbone is the former editor of ComputorEdge magazine. He is the author of several computer books and more than 100 articles on computing.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill * Working with Windows 3.1 - Order No. 3722 Available: May 1992 * Paper $19.95 ISBN 0-8306-7722-4 * 352 pp., 7" x 10"

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128/FAX 717-794-2103


Using Online Scientific & Engineering Databases
New Book from Windcrest/McGraw-Hill Helps Professionals Discover the Power of Online Databases

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--Using Online Scientific and Engineering Databases will prove invaluable for the thousands of engineering and science professionals who need to keep abreast of the latest developments in their fields. Step-by-step, easy-to-follow instructions show readers how to conduct successful online searches with a minimum investment of time, effort, and expense.

The book includes descriptions of the computer hardware and software required, the advantages of each type of database service, and sample searches that show how to access and search each type of database. Readers also learn how to cut costs by using command line searches and other shortcuts.

Using Online Scientific and Engineering Databases covers a wide range of technical online databases, including EasyNet, Dialog, BRS, MEAD, STN, ORBIT, Dow Jones, and EPIC. It also describes a number of consumer databases, such as Prodigy, CompuServe, GEnie, and DELPHI.

With its wealth of practical, hands-on guidance, this book is certain to become the standard reference for anyone who wants to learn how to search online scientific and engineering databases and locate precisely what they need.

About the Author:

Harley L. Bjelland is an electrical engineer with extensive experience in high-level online access for such companies as IBM, Motorola, TRW, and Northrop Corporation. He is the author of TAB/McGraw-Hill's Writing Better Technical Articles.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill * Using Online Scientific and Engineering Databases Order No. 3967 * Available: May 1992 * Paper $26.95 ISBN 0-8306-3056-2 * 224 pp., 31 illus., 7" x 10"

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128/FAX 717-794-2103


Supercharged Bitmapped Graphics
New Windcrest Book Helps Programmers Take Advantage of Bitmapped Graphics

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--Supercharged Bitmapped Graphics provides programmers with all the tools they need to tap into the power of bitmapped graphics. This outstanding reference shows readers how to create applications for importing and exporting graphic files compatible with Ventura Publisher, Microsoft Windows, WordPerfect, PC Paintbrush, Pagemaker and many other popular packages.

Readers will find hundreds of pages of ready-to-use source code for working with a variety of graphics file formats, including CompuServe's latest GIF format, IFF/LBM, WordPerfect Graphic, Microsoft Windows BMP and MSP, Truevision Targa, and color TIFF and 24-bit PCX files. Supercharged Bitmapped Graphics also includes a selection of VGA and super VGA screen drivers, as well as code for creating LaserJet halftones and driving color PostScript devices. In addition, the book contains detailed instructions and source code for color reduction, quantizing and color dithering.

An accompanying disk provides all the source code from the book plus three shareware programs, including GraphicWorkshop. All of the program listings in Supercharged Bitmapped Graphics have been written to compile with the Borland Turbo C, Turbo C++, and Borland C++ languages. The assembly language driver code can be handled with Microsoft's MASM or Borland's TASM assemblers.

About the Author:

Steve Rimmer is a programming consultant and the author of several shareware programs. He is the author of Windcrest/McGraw-Hill's bestselling Bitmapped Graphics.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill * Supercharged Bitmapped Graphics

Order No. 4102 * Available: June 1992 * Paper $34.95 ISBN 0-8306-3788-5 * 608 pp., 7" x 10"

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128/FAX 717-794-2103


Norton pcANYWHERE Complete Communications Guide
New Book from Windcrest/McGraw-Hill Helps Users Communicate with pcANYWHERE

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--Norton pcANYWHERE: The Complete Communications Guide gives personal computer users a thorough understanding of the #1 remote telecommunications package for IBM PCs and compatibles. The book contains complete, step-by-step instructions that show how to install pcANYWHERE version 4.5 and get the program up and running.

This practical, hands-on guide begins with a general overview of telecommunications terms and the basics of modem operation. Readers then learn how to install and configure a modem, install the pcANYWHERE Host and Remote modules, place their first call to a Host computer, and use pcANYWHERE/Remote to contact popular online services such as CompuServe, Delphi, GEnie, and Dow Jones.

Norton pcANYWHERE: The Complete Communications Guide also offers clear explanations that describe how to automate online activities, access pcANYWHERE's built-in utilities, and use the program's advanced security features to prevent unauthorized access. Included in the book are discount coupons that offer readers substantial savings when using online services.

About the Author:

Jack Nimersheim is a popular telecommunications columnist for Computer Monthly and PC Laptop and a regular contributor to PC Computing and Home Office Computing. He is the author of eight books and several product and online training manuals for IBM, Unisys, AT&T, and General Electric.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill * Norton pcANYWHERE: The Complete Communications Guide * Order No. 4175 * Available: May 1992 * Paper $19.95 ISBN 0-8306-4022-3, Hard $29.95 ISBN 0-8306-4021-5 * 320 pp., 7" x 10"

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128/FAX 717-794-2103


Graphics File Formats
New Reference Book Brings Order to the Chaotic World of Graphics File Formats

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--A complete tutorial and convenient one-stop reference for anyone who works with computer graphics, Graphics File Formats provides detailed specifications and descriptions for the most commonly used graphics file formats found in hundreds of different programs.

Each chapter covers a different format with a table at the beginning, giving a capsule summary of the format, along with its advantages and disadvantages. For those who are new to computer graphics, introductory chapters provide practical background on encoding and compression, as well as the use of formats in different applications.

Graphics File Formats contains clear, how-to advice for choosing and using more than twenty major bitmap and vector file formats, including WMF (Windows), PICT (Macintosh), TIFF (Tag Image File Format), GIF (CompuServe), CGM (Computer Graphics Metafile), IFF/ILBM (Electronic Arts Interchange), PCX (Zsoft format), Targa (Video Capture), and DXF (AutoCAD).

In addition to sparing software developers, systems managers, and software hobbyists from the time-consuming tedium of locating and deciphering the original specifications for each format, this unique book will bring a welcome sense of order to the chaotic world of graphics file formats.

About the Authors:

David C. Kay is a writer, instructor, and consultant for the computer and electronics industries. The owner of a marketing communications and consulting firm, he holds a degree in electrical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. John Levine, an independent software consultant and developer, holds a Ph.D. in computer science from Yale University. He is a director of Segue Software, and a frequent contributor to technical forums on electronic networks.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill * Graphics File Formats * Order No. 3969 Available: May 1992 * Paper $24.95 ISBN 0-8306-3059-7, Hard $36.95 ISBN 0-8306-3060-0 * 296 pp., 7" x 10"

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128/FAX 717-794-2103


Enhanced Batch File Programming, 2nd Edition
New Book Helps Users Expand the Power of DOS Through Batch File Programming  (Now updated for DOS 5)

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--Ideal for programmers and advanced DOS users, Windcrest's Enhanced Batch File Programming, Second Edition, explains how to build an entire library of batch files that takes full advantage of the latest DOS features, commercial batch file extenders, and utilities.

After introducing readers to batch file programming basics, the book describes techniques for tapping into the hidden potential of DOS's eight major batch file commands. Plenty of practical examples illustrate how each of these eight "words" in the batch file programming language work, plus any quirks the user may encounter. Readers will also find source code and examples that show how to write custom batch file utilities using C and Assembly language, expand batch files through third party utilities, and use the powerful Builder program to create custom menus and program interfaces.

Enhanced Batch File Programming, Second Edition also includes two disks containing all the batch file programs and source code listed in the book, more than a dozen practical hard disk and batch file utilities, and a demo version of Builder.

About the Author.

The former editor of ComputorEdge magazine, Dan Gookin is a regular contributor to PC/Computing and Computer Buying World magazines. He is the author of six books for Windcrest/McGraw-Hill, including Stacker: An Illustrated Tutorial, and Hard Disk Management with DOS 5, Third Edition.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill Enhanced Batch File Programming, Second Edition * Order No. 4099 Available: June 1992 * Paper $34.95 ISBN 0-8306-3854-7 368 pp., 7" x 10", with 2 disks

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128/FAX 717-794-2103


Bob Brant's Best of Macintosh Shareware
Macintosh Users Save Time and Money with Windcrest's Guide to Today's Best Shareware Programs

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--Bob Brant's Best of Macintosh Shareware will prove invaluable for the millions of Mac users who want to know how to take advantage of today's hottest Macintosh shareware. This unique reference brings together, in one convenient volume, all the information users need to find the right shareware programs quickly and easily.

Bob Brant saves Mac users the time and trouble of sifting through thousands of shareware options, describing the full spectrum of available shareware programs, how and where they can be found, and how to use them most effectively. Bob Brant's Best of Macintosh Shareware includes step-by-step, illustrated coverage of the best programs in the most popular categories, including:

  * Business and educational software

  * Productivity tools

  * Clip art

  * Sound effects

  * HyperCard stacks

  * System extensions

  * Games

  * and much more

Readers will learn where to locate commercial, CD-ROM, MUG, Online, and bulletin board shareware; how to select the right shareware programs for specific needs; and how to equip their Macintosh with storage devices, modems, and CDROM drives. Bob Brant's Best of Macintosh Shareware comes with several useful Macintosh shareware programs on an accompanying 3.5" disk.

About the Author

Bob Brant owns a Macintosh hardware and software systems consulting firm. He is the author of Windcrest/McGraw-Hill's Macintosh Hard Disk Management, Build Your Own Macintosh and Save a Bundle, Second Edition, and Upgrade Your Macintosh and Save a Bundle.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill * Bob Brant's Best of Macintosh Shareware Order No. 4263 * Available: August 1992 * Paper $29.95 ISBN 0-8306-4203-X * 320 pp., 7" x 10"

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128/FAX 717-794-2103


Electronic Traveller, Alternate Online Systems
The Electronic Traveller

Exploring Alternative Online Systems

by PAUL WALDINGER and ELIZABETH POWELL CROWE

An informative and entertaining journey through the backroads of electronic communication.

Everyone with a PC and a modem has at least heard of, if not used, big online services such as CompuServe, GEnie, and Prodigy. But the fact is, there are hundreds of interesting and useful information outlets that can be accessed by computer, most of them a lot less expensive and a lot more fun to use than The Big Three.

The Electronic Traveller takes a breezy, colorful, and sometimes irreverent look at the best spots on the underground online map, complete with information on how to get there, tips on what to do and see while there, and plenty of tongue-in-cheek advice on how to remain a welcome visitor. Paul Waldinger and Elizabeth Powell Crowe profile such lesser-known, but nonetheless worthwhile, online/bulletin board services as:

- UseNet                - BitNet          - PeopleLink

- America Online        - The Well        - Exec-PC

- FidoNet               - BIX             - Connect

- I-Link                - SmartNet        - Portal

Here's what the Electronic Traveller has to offer:

-- Complete explanations on how to access and log on to

   each system

-- Descriptions of the special attractions, events, and

   people on the networks

-- Entertaining critiques on the personality of each online

   system, including the unique customs, rituals, and quirks

   of the regular clientele

-- Important background information on the networks, including

   size, geographic range, number of nodes and users, daily

   message flow, and other "gee-whiz" statistics

-- Reports on the state of alternative European networks

-- What the future holds for the online underground,

   technologically and otherwise.

The Electronic Traveller contains information that is much in demand, but can be found nowhere else in such an amusing, easy-to-read format.

Paul Waldinger operates one of the nation's largest computer bulletin board -- The Sound of Music -- and is the publisher of The Modemer newsletter. Elizabeth Powell Crowe is director of publications and communications for the Society of Logistics Engineers, where she maintains daily access to a wide variety of online information services.

The Electronic Traveller: Exploring Alternative Online Systems Order No.4171 * AUGUST * WINDCREST * 256pp.. 160 illus., 7xl0 Paper $16.95 (FPT) ISBN 0-8306-4016-9 * ($22.95 CANADIAN)

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128/FAX 717-794-2103


Guide to Shareware for Small Businesses
Glossbrenner's Guide to Shareware for Small Businesses

by ALFRED GLOSSBRENNER

Includes special discount coupons for computer hardware, supplies, and many of today's most popular business shareware programs

Written by bestselling author and shareware expert Alfred Glossbrenner, this valuable, 300-page book/disk package is designed to help save readers thousands of dollars on computer software for their small businesses. Emphasizing the five basic applications-- word processing, accounting, database, spreadsheet, and communications--Glossbrenner shows small business owners how to get all the computing power they need from inexpensive shareware products.

For businesses that are not yet computerized, the author begins by clearing away the fog surrounding today's computer jargon and products, giving readers solid advice on how to determine their computer needs and where to get IBM-compatible hardware at the lowest possible price. Then, after an enlightening discussion on the shareware concept and its potential for small businesses, he offers his choices for today's best small business shareware values.

Glossbrenner looks at such popular applications as:

* PC-Write                         * File Express

* UltraCheck                       * As-Easy-As

* ProComm Plus                     * Pony Express

* FormsGen                         * ChartMaker

. . . and many more, describing how each can benefit small businesses and providing basic instructions for installation and use. To reinforce the book's strong money-saving message, Glossbrenner includes special discount coupons for computer hardware, supplies, and shareware fees and a disk containing his favorite DOS utilities. This book has one purpose -- to show small businesses how to computerize as quickly, easily, and inexpensively as possible -- and with the author's unmatched expertise, it is sure to succeed.

CONTENTS: How to Get a Competitive Edge: Computerize!--What Hardware Will You Need?--Where to Get the Best Deal-Software, Shareware, and Your Small Business-Word Processing-Databases--Accounting and Money Management-Spreadsheet--Communications--Time-Saving Utility Programs--Documentation for the Supplied Software--Index--Money-Saving Coupons

5.25" Disk Included

Glossbrenner's Guide to Shareware for Small Businesses

Order No.4059 * JULY * WlNDCREST * 304pp.. 55 illus., 7x10 PAPER $27.95 (FPT) ISBN 0-8306-3375-8. HARD $37.95 ISBN 0-8306-3377-4 ($36.95 Paper, $49.95 Hard--CANADIAN)

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128/FAX 717-794-2103


Repairing IBM PCs and Compatibles, Illus Guide
Repairing IBM PCs and Compatibles

An Illustrated Guide

by MICHAEL F. HORDESKI

Covers all 286, 386, and 486 compatible computers

By the bestselling author of the Illustrated Dictionary of Microcomputers

In Repairing IBM PCs and Compatibles, internationally recognized computer consultant and lecturer Michael Hordeski tells service technicians and PC owners everything they need to know to maximize computer performance and minimize downtime due to equipment failure. Step-by-step, illustrated instructions show readers how to troubleshoot and repair all of the components and peripherals that comprise today's PC systems, including:

* Processors and memory boards

* Video displays

* The keyboard, mouse, and other input devices

* Hard and floppy drives

* Power supplies and cabling

* Network hardware

* Printers

Readers learn how to analyze the failure modes of different PC systems, so they can quickly and easily pinpoint defective components and other sources of computer malfunction. With Hordeski's authoritative guidance, even inexperienced PC users will be able to solve two-thirds of the hardware problems they encounter, saving them hundreds of dollars in unnecessary repair bills. All diagnostic procedures are spelled out in clear, easy-to-understand language and no specialized tools or expensive test instruments are required--in many cases, a screwdriver is all that's needed. Throughout, PC owners and users are alerted to problems that should be handled by service technicians.

Packed with professional troubleshooting and repair tips that can save PC users immeasurable time and money, Repairing IBM PCs and Compatibles is a must-have reference for any computer-equipped home or office.

Michael Hordeski is an electrical engineer with more than 18 years of experience assisting corporations in the design and analysis of computer systems. He is the author of 10 books, including Windcrest's Microcomputer LANs, 2nd Edition.

Includes a convenient lay-flat binding!

Repairing IBM PCs and Compatibles: An Illustrated Guide

Order No. 3759 * JULY . WINDCREST * 304 pp.. 100 illus., 7" x 10". w/Otabind * PAPER $19.95 (FPT) ISBN 0-8306-3899-7 * HARD $29.95 ISBN 0-8306-3900-4 * ($26.95 Paper. $39.95 Hard--CANADIAN)

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

1-800-233-1128/FAX 717-794-2103


AG Communcations Cuts WindowPhone by $200
AG Communications Systems cuts WindowPhone from $495 to $295

AG Communications Systems Corporation (Phoenix) announces an immediate, permanent price reduction on its innovative personal call management sytem. WindowPhone version 1.1 is now available for $295, which is $200 less than its original manufacturer's suggested resale price (msrp). WindowPhone is available directly from AG Communications Systems at (800) 424-8559.

"We're passing on the usual savings that arrive as products mature," says  WindowPhone General Manager Roger Heldt. "We have had strong interest from the market, and this permanent 40% price reduction should help spur even greater sales growth, especially as more people discover the benefits using the PC to manage their telephone environment."

WindowPhone links the PC and telephone using advanced teleconnection features, and provides many unique benefits with or without the availability of Caller ID services. It identifies a caller by name in a pop-up window on the PC screen, providing instant access to detailed caller information. WindowPhone maintains a complete log of all incoming and outgoing call activity - by time and duration - when the PC is on or off.

Even without Caller ID, WindowPhone automatically logs all outgoing calls from any extension on the line; maintains thousands of robust phone book entries, complete with caller notes, photos and auto-dial phone number listings; blocks outgoing calls to selected prefixes or numbers; and much more.

"In addition to its unsurpassed personal call management features, WindowPhone also supports Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) links to other Windows applications," adds Heldt.

WindowPhone is both a software (requires Microsoft Windows) and hardware (8-bit Industry Standard Architecture card) product, which allows it to provide a unique arsenal of call management features without requiring additional peripherals, such as a modem, or occupying system serial port addresses.

A joint venture of AT&T and GTE, AG Communication Systems provides a wide range of products and services, including hardware and software design, systems engineering and systems integration. The Phoenix-based company has earned more than 3,000 patents, and is a leading manufacturer and developer of advanced telecommunications products.

For additional information contact AG Communication Systems Corporation, 2500 West Utopia Road, POB 52016, Phoenix, AZ 85072-2016; 800-424-8559 or (602) 582-7000; fax: 800-824-9656 or 602-582-7111.


SupraFAXModem Wins CES Innovations'92 Award
SupraFAXModem V.32bis wins Consumer Electronics Show  "Innovations '92" Design and Engineering Award.

Supra Corporation (Albany, OR) announces that its SupraFAXModem has won the prestigious "Innovations '92" Design and Engineering Award presented by the Summer Consumer Electronics Show. "This means," the award letter reads in part, "that your product is one of the most innovative consumer electronics products of 1992!" The SupraFAXModem combines high- speed (to 14,400 bps) data and fax communications in a small, sleek case with an alphanumeric front-panel status display. The SupraFAXModem V.32bis is available for $399.95 (all prices suggested US resale at participating resellers; inquiries invited), complete with fax and data communications software, free offers from on-line services, necessary cables and a five- year limited warranty.

A panel of judges including members of industrial design, engineering and consumer electronics industry press professions reviewed more than 500 products this year. The award plaque is proudly on display in the Supra World Headquarters building in Albany, Oregon.

For further information contact Supra Corporation, 7101 Supra Drive SW, Albany, OR 97321; 800-727-8647 or (503) 967-2400; fax 503-967-2401.


TI Executive to Keynote Networld 92 Dallas
(Fort Lee, NJ, July 29) -- John W. White, president of the Information Technology Group of Texas Instruments (TI), will explore "Networking Excellence in Supporting the Global Enterprise," as he delivers the NetWorld 92 Dallas keynote address on Oct. 13, at the Dallas Convention Center in Dallas, TX.

The keynote opens the Seventh Annual NetWorld Dallas show and conference, October 13-15, with more than 475 companies showcasing the latest computer networking products and services. The NetWorld Seminar Series is comprised of 80 sessions, preceded by 11 Tutorials and a new Reseller Track on October 12.

Mr. White will discuss the challenges of global competition and the emerging information technologies for meeting those challenges. He will discuss the business and technological forces that are driving network computing, and analyze the role of high speed data networks of the future.

Within TI, global non-stop computing provides round-the-clock access to key business information, with resources independent of the location of the user and computing engine, according to Mr. White.

Mr. White is responsible for overseeing TI's global information technology business which includes a worldwide computing and communications network, information management systems and the company's software thrust which is being built around its CASE (computeraided software engineering) tool, the Information Engineering Facility.

TI's computer and communication network includes: 19 large mainframe computers, 3,800 distributed processors, and more than 83,000 computer terminals of which 50,000 are intelligent workstations.

Mr. White joined TI in 1961; he was a member of the technical staff until 1969, when he left to work for Electronic Data Systems and TRES Utility Systems. In 1973, Mr. White returned to TI as Manager of Information Services, and was promoted to Manager of Information Systems and Services (IS&S) in 1977.

Mr. White was named IS&S senior vice president in 1989, before assuming his current position later the same year. He earned a B.S. degree in physics and mathematics from Central Missouri State, and a M.S. degree in mathematics from the University of Kansas.

NetWorld's exhibitors will include: 3Com Corp., Advanced Micro Devices, Apple Computer, Artisoft, AST Research, Banyan Systems, Borland, Cabletron, Chipcom, Compaq, Core International, Dell, Digital Equipment Corp., GTE, Hayes, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Lotus, Madge Networks, Microsoft, NCR, Novell, SMC, SynOptics, Thomas-Conrad, Tiara, Ungermann-Bass and WordPerfect.

NetWorld Dallas is organized by Bruno Blenheim Inc., the leading international producer of conferences and exhibitions with more than 250 events worldwide. In addition to NetWorld Dallas, Bruno Blenheim also produces NetWorld Boston, PC EXPO in New York, PC EXPO in Chicago, NetWorld Europe and UNIX EXPO.


Gupta Enhances Support for Client-Server Market
Menlo Park, California--July 27, 1992--Gupta Technologies today announced a broad new customer support initiative designed specifically to address the diverse needs of its customers installing client-server applications across PC networks. Gupta's customer-base ranges from independent developers and consultants to the departmental user to the enterprise-wide customer. The primary new technical support programs are Gupta-certified Authorized Support Centers (ASCs) and "Pay Per Incident" support (PPI).

ASCs will broaden the number of options all Gupta customers have for obtaining support, while PPI offers the small to mid-size customer, with only occasional needs, "pay as you go" support. PPI lets customers obtain just the amount of support they need, when they need it, at a price they can afford.

Finally, Gupta announced modified STAR (Strategic Technical Account Representative) Service, its premier support program for large sites deploying graphical client-server applications across an enterprise. STAR Service, which provides a dedicated technical support representative, has a newly simplified fee structure making it far more appealing to large organizations requiring complete and comprehensive Gupta technical support.

The new programs and policies are in direct response to customer feedback regarding support and are intended to increase the overall quality and responsiveness of the support Gupta provides its customers.

Steve Fowler, Gupta's vice president of technical services said, "We believe we're well on our way to meeting the challenge of providing technical support for complex client-server software for our diverse customer-base. On the one hand we have customers whose expectations regarding pricing and service were set in the world of shrink-wrapped PC software and on the other we have customers whose support expectations were set in the mainframe world. Internally, we carefully evaluated our current programs. Externally, we evaluated industry trends for providing support and polled our customers on their specific likes, dislikes and requirements regarding Gupta technical support."

Fowler continued, "As a result of the customer satisfaction survey we discovered our support policies were tailored far too narrowly. As with graphical database tools, we found one size does not fit all. With the new programs announced today we are able to offer technical support solutions to Gupta customers across the board; from the small independent developer/consultant to the department to the enterprise-wide customer."

Authorized Support Centers

Gupta's Authorized Support Centers (ASC) are companies trained and authorized by Gupta to provide hotline support to Gupta customers on all its products. The initial program will be highly controlled so that Gupta can refine it before expanding the program outside the United States.

Authorized Support Centers will complete a rigorous set of prerequisites in order to receive ASC certification and will set their own fee structures and policies for providing hotline support. Aside from the financial benefits of becoming an ASC, support centers will have remote access to Gupta's Problem/Answer Knowledgebase, an on-line data repository of technical problems and solutions regarding all of Gupta's products.

The first companies well on their way to receiving certification as Gupta Authorized Support Centers are two of Gupta's National Business Partners: RDA Consultants in the Baltimore/Washington, D.C. area and InterAccess based in the New York Metropolitan Area.

Pay Per Incident

Gupta's new "Pay Per Incident" program is an entry level support program for the individual developer/consultant and the small departmental customer. The new program was broadly asked for by this customer set. It provides a quick and easy way for anyone who needs occasional assistance on specific issues to obtain answers and solve problems with the help of Gupta's technical support engineers (TSE).

Each incident is priced at $175 and is payable via credit card. Technical support personnel will be able to verify credit card information and then transfer a caller to the appropriate TSE with one simple phone call initiated by the customer. No purchase orders are required and an incident will remain open until closed by mutual agreement of the TSE and the customer.

The "Pay Pa Incident 10 Pack" is advance purchase of a block of 10 Pay Per Incidents for $1,500. The 10 Pack will have an expiration of one year with no restrictions on who within an organization may initiate a call.

Overall Improvements

In the last six months Gupta has devoted an extraordinary amount of resources on building a strong support infrastucture in order to provide the highest quality technical support to its customers. Since February Gupta has increased technical support staffing by 50 percent and anticipates 100 percent increased staffing by the end of 1992. Gupta has also installed a state-of-the-art quarter million dollar Automated Call Distribution system which went on-line in late April.

The ACD system dramatically improves technical support's ability to respond to customers. ACD is a voice-prompted automatic call routing system that distributes calls to TSEs based on information customers enter into their telephone keypad. Aside from increased customer responsiveness, the new system allows Gupta to gather call tracking statistics in order to increase overall efficiency of its telephone support.

About Gupta Technologies

Gupta Technologies, Inc., founded in 1984, is the leading vendor of client-server database software for PC networks. Gupta's products include SQLBase Server, application-development and end-user tools (SQLWindows and Quest) for Microsoft Windows environments and SQLNetwork, a family of software products for connecting Gupta tools and servers to other server data sources such as DB2 and ORACLE. Novell, Inc. currently holds a 19% equity position in Gupta from investments dating back to 1990. For further information about Gupta products call 1-800-876-3267.

Gupta Technologies Inc, 1060 Marsh Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025

415-321-9500


Kodak Photo CD Access Software
BOSTON, Mass., Aug. 4 --  Eastman Kodak Company today announced the availability of its Photo CD Access software. Photo CD Access software is an end-user tool for integrating Photo CD images into desktop computer applications that have not been Photo CD enabled yet.

Photo CD Access Software extends access to Kodak's Photo CD technology to users of any software application in the Macintosh (system 6.0.5 or 7) or DOS (under Windows 3.0 or 3.1) operating systems. The Photo CD system is emerging as a standard format for high-quality digital images.

Kodak's Photo CD system produces a writable compact disc that stores color or black-and-white images in digital form. The Photo CD Imaging Workstation scans 35 mm negatives or slides at high-speed, and writes them to Photo CD discs, maintaining the original photographic quality of each image. The Photo CD system enables users to work easily with low-cost, photo-realistic, digital images.

Computer users can view and use Photo CD images on a desktop computer with a CD-ROM XA drive and supporting software. Users also can view Photo CD images on TV using a CD-I or Kodak Photo CD player. The service of transferring 35 mm negatives and slides to Photo CD discs is available today from photofinishers and commercial photolabs across the United States.

"The Photo CD system delivers the power of high-quality color images to anyone using a desktop computer," said Georgia McCabe, manager of Commercial Photo CD in CD Imaging at Kodak. "This includes traditional imaging users, such as graphic designers and desktop publishers, as well as users who until now have not had the resources or expertise to work with color digital images."

"We anticipate that all major Macintosh- and Windows-based applications will provide direct support for the Photo CD format," McCabe concluded.

Kodak Photo CD Access software ensures that anyone can work with Photo CD images in their existing, desktop applications today. Macintosh users also will gain access to Photo CD images later this year through Apple Computer Inc.'s QuickTime system software extension.

Easy Access to Photo CD Images Today

Photo CD Access software features an easy to use, familiar, menu-driven graphical interface that allows users to load, edit, and export their images to applications that support bit-mapped color or bi-tonal images. With Photo CD Access software, users can control image attributes such as orientation, resolution, color format, and display area.

Kodak also provides Photo CD Access Developer Toolkit software. This enables independent software vendors (ISVs) to integrate support for Photo CD images seamlessly into software applications.

With Photo CD Access software, or a Photo CD-enabled application, and a CD-ROM XA drive, users can access Photo CD images today. CD-ROM XA single-session drives that currently support the Photo CD format include the AppleCD 150 and Sony CDU-7211 for the Macintosh, and the Sony CDU-7211 and Philips/Magnavox CDD461 for DOS systems. CD-ROM XA single-session drives allow users to read the first session of images written to the Photo CD disc.

Leading CD-ROM drive manufacturers such as Philips Consumer Electronics, Pioneer Communications, Sony Corporation of America, and Toshiba Corporation, plan to offer Photo CD-compatible multi-session CD-ROM XA drives later this year. Photo CD users can add images to Photo CD discs in more than one session. Multi-session CD-ROM XA drives read images appended to a Photo CD disc at different times, using the full capacity of the Photo CD disc.

Pricing and Availability

Photo CD Access software is available this August for the Macintosh (system 6.0.5 or 7) and DOS (Windows 3.0 or 3.1) operating systems. The manufacturer's suggested retail price is $39.95. Photo CD Access software can be purchased directly from Kodak by calling 1-800-242-2424 extension 53.

The service of transferring 35 mm negatives or slides to Photo CD discs is available now through photofinishers and commercial labs across North America. To locate a nearby photofinisher or lab that provides Photo CD services, consumers can call 1-800-242-2424, extension 36.

Kodak will demonstrate the Photo CD system, and other imaging and color products, at the Macworld Expo in Boston, August 4 - 6, booth 5012.

In addition to its traditional film, chemical and health businesses, Kodak is a major manufacturer and marketer of imaging products, systems and services for business and government uses. Kodak products include scanning, image storage, software and printing devices for a range of document and color imaging applications.

Eastman Kodak Company, 343 State St, Rochester, NY 14650-0519


Microsoft Guide to C++ Programming
Here is the cornerstone reference guide for professional C programmers moving to Microsoft C/C++ version 7. The Microsoft Guide to C++ Programming from Microsoft Press is a valuable resource for programmers working with just about any implementation of C++. This three-part book by Kaare Christian is packed with practical information, rich illustrations, sample code, and analysis of the C++ object-oriented paradigm.

Part 1 is a thorough yet readable introduction to object-oriented programming. Readers learn fundamental concepts, vocabulary, and design principles. Christian offers a highly accessible overview of classes and objects, encapsulation and abstraction, and inheritance and polymorphism. Drawings and real-world examples from the author's work at the Rockefeller University supplement the discussion.

For programmers moving from C to C++, the essential C++ language reference in Part 2 will smooth the migration. Christian provides advice and techniques for porting existing C programs to the C++ language and details how C++ improvements to C pave the way to object-oriented efficiencies. Topics include implementation of classes and objects, access controls, friend classes and functions, the implications of derivation in C++, operator functions. class constructors, and I/O streams.

In Part 3, readers get an authoritative guide to the C++ Microsoft Foundation Class (MFC) Library. The MFC Library simplifies a C++ implementation of the Windows Application Programming Interface (API). MFC encapsulates Windows data structures and API calls in easy-to-use classes. Christian presents effective ways to program for Windows using this elegant class library--without losing direct access to the C-language API. Readers will find detailed examinations of classes for Windows menus and dialog boxes, the Windows Graphics Device Interface (GDI), the Windows Multiple Document Interface (MDI), runtime typing, serialization, file I/O. exception handling, strings, dates, and collections.

Appendixes cover C++ special member functions and constructor and destructor usage. A comprehensive index helps readers quickly locate information on any topic in the book.

A timesaving companion disk available directly from Microsoft Press is available in both 3.5-inch and 5.25-inch format. The disk contains the 20 programs presented in The MICROSOFT GUIDE TO C++ PROGRAMMING. Readers can create programs for commercial or personal use that include code fragments from the companion disk without infringing on the book copyright. Ordering information can be found at the back of the book.

Kaare Christian develops instrumentation for research at the Rockefeller University Department of Neurobiology, where he has developed software in C++ to operate instruments for studying the human visual system. He is the author of several books on programming and is a frequent contributor to the Microsoft Systems Journal and other programming magazines.

Other books from Microsoft Press covering Microsoft C/C++ programming include the Microsoft C/C++ Run-Time Library Reference, second edition, and the forthcoming The Microsoft Guide to C++ Programming in Windows by David J. Kruglinski.

Microsoft Press is the book division of Microsoft Corporation and the leading publisher of quality computer books about Microsoft products. More than 10 million users of all skill levels rely on a complete line of Microsoft Press books for training, reference, and on-the-job software support titles ranging from streamlined tutorials for first-time computer users to technical references for professional programmers are distributed to book and software retailers worldwide. Consumers in the United States can also order directly from the publisher at 1-800-MSPRESS.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is 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


Pournelle's PC Communications Bible

The Ultimate Guide to Productivity with a Modem

Faced with a bewildering array of equipment and services, many users see desktop communications as the final personal computing frontier. Now BYTE magazine "Chaos Manor" columnist Jerry Pournelle takes the mystery out of communicating with a modem in POURNELLE'S PC COMMUNICATIONS BIBLE, from Microsoft Press.

Together with Windows Magazine contributing editor Michael Banks, Pournelle shows readers how to get the most for their online time and money. Whether it's looking up facts for a research project, conducting business with an associate in another state, or enjoying a game of chess with an opponent halfway around the world, going online has never been easier.

The book begins by ensuring that newcomers to the online world are comfortable with the technology before they spend a dime on equipment. The authors carefully explain basic telecommunications terminology and outline the necessary hardware and software requirements for communicating using a personal computer.

Next Pournelle and Banks tell readers what features to look for when shopping for modems and communications software. They recommend the types of equipment that work best, advise how to connect equipment properly, and suggest where to turn when problems crop up.

Then, after they are up and running, Pournelle and Banks help readers decide which online service is right for them--stock quotes and the latest Hollywood gossip or sports scores and business news. The authors describe more than 40 online services, highlight their strengths and weaknesses, predict how much they'll cost to use, and offer a feature-by-feature ranking.

Throughout the book, screen shots from many different services, helpful comparison diagrams, and handy charts help readers make intelligent buying decisions. "Pournelle's Picks" offer an insightful rating of favorite modems, communications software packages, and online services. There's even a section on international computer communications by experts Allan Davidson and Akira Shinjo. A comprehensive index helps readers quickly find information on any topic in the book.

Jerry Pournelle is perhaps best known to computer users as America's #1 computer user. His "Chaos Manor" column in BYTE and features in InfoWorld have informed and entertained computer professionals and hobbyists since before the small-computer revolution. Pournelle is also a noted science-fiction writer and is the author of such works as The Mercenary and A Spaceship for a King. He is also coauthor (with Larry Niven) of the New York Times bestseller The Mote in God's Eye.

Michael A. Banks is a contributing editor of Windows Magazine, a correspondent for Writer's Digest, and a columnist for Computer Shopper and other magazines. He is also the author of more than two dozen novels and nonfiction books and hundreds of short stories and magazine articles.

Microsoft Press is the book division of Microsoft Corporation and the leading publisher of quality computer books on Microsoft products. More than 10 million users of all skill levels rely on a complete line of Microsoft Press books for training, reference, and on-the-job software support. Tides ranging from streamlined tutorials for first-time computer users to technical references for professional programmers are distributed to book and software retailers worldwide. Consumers in the United States can also order directly from the publisher at 1-800-MSPRESS.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT') is 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


EZX Software Distribution Anyone Can Afford
Houston, Texas Aug. 4, 1992 -- EZX Distributing announces software distribution (product fullfillment, representation and consulting services) that anyone can afford!

Now any "commercialware", "demoware", "shareware", "hardware", "etc.ware" publisher, author or inventor can have almost immediate commercial distribution and representation of their product The heretofore daunting task of taking a software package or product "commercial" has been distilled down into a simple, low cost, "formula".

Finally, the small to medium size software producer can tell their potential client to "call my distributor for price and availability".

EZX started this service because we kept running into expensive brick walls while trying to push products into the mainstream commercial market. We found that all computer stores and chains would rather deal with a few solid distributors that carry multiple titles than with each individual software publisher or author. They would simply steer their customer (who asked for a specific product) to the easier and quicker sale. From a business point of view, this makes good sense. But from the point of view of the frustrated publisher who has a great (maybe even better) product, a loyal customer base, and reached a self-distribution direct sales plateau, it seems grossly unfair. It is even more unfair to the end users since they are not really getting what they asked for.

EZX will take a client's orders via toll free voice and facsimile telephone lines, fill them and "service" them. That is, we'll store, pack, ship, provide initial startup support, process credit cards and returns, and handle all of the little details associated with the above. In essence, we can free the author to do what he or she likes to do best.

But this is only the stark Since EZX deals with thousands of "big business" and government customers, our distribution clients will get the benefit of sales they may have never been able to close with a post office box and an answering machine. For those who are already set up, EZX will be another (easier access) distribution point for their products. In essence, the distribution client has only something to gain, and nothing to loose.

Since EZX has been in business since 1986 and publishes it own proprietary line of forms processing and disk utility software, all of EZX's distribution clients will benefit from the instant name recognition and implied endorsement that comes with being listed on EZX Distributing's product line sheet and displayed in the catalog.

EZX Distributing welcomes all interested parties to call 713-280-9900 (during business hours) or 713-480-0432 (during evenings and weekends) to discuss the possibilities.

EZX Distributing, 917 Oakgrove Dr, Suite 104, Houston, TX 77058


EZ-Forms DataBase Version 4.0 Released
Houston, Texas August 4, 1992 -- "Finally, a database you can really use, with NO PROGRAMMING REQUIRED!" EZX Publishing the originator of dedicated business forms processing software for the PC, has released Version 4.0 of EZ-FORMS DataBase (single user and LAN versions). This product addresses one of any business' major needs management, manipulation and insertion of related information into various business forms. EZFDB is a sophisticated dBASE compatible, fully relational database and "form filler/creator" designed for use by database novices as well as experts. The reasonably priced LAN versions (for Novell and most other DOS based networks) make EZFDB a bona fide bargain. EZFDB is Windows 3.x, DESQview, and MS-DOS 5.0 & DR-DOS 6.0 compliant.

EZ-Forms DataBase is a best buy at ... ONLY $149 (single user edition) Single LAN Server Edition: $995 Unlimited site license: $5995 Others available.

EZForms DataBase provides much more than just an intelligent method for creating, managing, and/or filling in common business forms such as invoices, purchase orders, etc. Explains EZX's GM, Ed Marion:

"We work under the premise that the basic unit of business is the form. A form is essentially an empty template into which data is entered. Under this definition, the ubiquitous mailing label constitutes a legitimate EZ-Forms DataBase business form. Even a spreadsheet is nothing more than a rigid, rectangular form. And, who hasn't heard of 'form letters'?"

"The LAN versions of EZ-Forms DataBase are the bargain of the software industry. Where else can you get a LAN server license (all concurrent users) for a major database software application for $995?.??"

EZForms DataBase loads a form generated by an integral forms editor, or one of the program's own pre-designed forms. It can automatically produce an input screen for that form. Alternately, information from any EZForms DataBase input screens can be loaded into any form, in any order, simply by giving a common name to both an input screen field and a "cell" from within that form. Now companies utilizing EZForms DataBase need only maintain industry standard dBASE compatible data files, which will allow them to quickly fill in labels, purchase orders, sales receipts ... any type of business form. That is, multiple views of the information in any database. Best of all, because EZ-Forms DataBase is a genuine relational database, all the search, sort, view, lookup and select functions you've come to associate with dBASE and other databases are a part of EZ-Forms DataBase. The program can even import other file formats, such as fixed length, ASCII or FileExpress databases, into a dBASE compatible file. And, because EZFDB generates dBASE files, any of the dozens of third party products, which use the dBASE format, will work with EZForms DataBase files.

EZ-Forms DataBase brings all the advantages of having the industry standard dBASE file format, plus it uses the logical forms metaphore for data presentation, to the non- "power-user." The program has extensive pop-up help screens (including user configurable), the popular "pull-down" type selection bar, macros for repetative functions, on-the-fly record counting, summing and averaging report features, logical operators, field validations, calculations, and even fully editable "memo field".

NEW FEATURES INCLUDE: User configureable form HELP, PICK LISTS, Field Sequencing; Relational Pick List Function with Browse; Word-Wrap between user configured fields; Network Administration Support (LAN versions); support for over 500 popular printers with quick select at print time; inter- and intra-database relational functions; full-fledged stylish report capabilities with headers, footers and pagination; calculated fields; imports and substitutes; powerful clone function; easy field add-in/on; auto-start macros; ascending and descending indexes; and more...

We've also introduced Version 2.4 of the optional Laser Soft Font Support Pack for the HP LaserJet Plus, Series II, III, and compatible printers. This product contains over 130 downloadable soft fonts which are optimized for forms. The HPLIFSP also allows the use of graphic images such as signatures, logos, full page scanned forms, and even allows you to create your own logo from scratch. The HPLlFSP v.2.4 is only $99. Optional pre-designed form template packs are also available.

EZX Publishing, 917 Oakgrove Dr, Suite 104, Houston, TX 77058

713-280-9900   BBS: 713-280-8180   FAX: 713-280-0099


EX-Forms Executive Version 4.0 Released
Houston, Texas August 4, 1992 -- EZX Publishing, the originator of dedicated business forms processing software for the PC, has released Version 4.0 of EZ-Forms eXecutive (single user and LAN versions). EZFX addresses a business' needs for a form processor, form designer, and form filler software. All of this is integrated into one "EZ" to use package for the IBM PC and compatibles. With thousands of users world-wide, EZ-Forms has become a recognized INDUSTRY STANDARD since its original introduction in 1985. EZ-Forms Executive Ver. 4.0 has many new features, including User configurable HELP, PICK LISTS, field sequencing; Data Encryption; forms to 15 pages long, 40+ math functions; protected fill-out-only mode (FOO); 500+ printer support, forms management via directory sorting, quick search and annotation; includes 100+ modifiable form templates. EZFX is a sophisticated "form filler/creator" designed for use by novices as well as experts. The reasonably priced LAN versions (for Novell and most other DOS based networks) make EZX a bona fide bargain. EZFX is also Windows 3.x, DESQview, and MSDOS 5.0 & DR-DOS 6.0 compliant. EZ-Forms Executive is a best buy at ...

ONLY $129 (single user edition)

Single LAN Server Edition: $795

Unlimited site license: $3995

(Others available)

EZ-Forms Executive provides much more than just an intelligent method for creating, managing, and/or filling in common business forms such as invoices, purchase orders, etc. Explains EZX's GM, Ed Marion:

"We work under the premise that the basic unit of business is the form. A form is essentially an empty template into which data is entered. Under this definition, the ubiquitous mailing label constitutes a legitimate EZ-Forms Executive business form. Even a spreadsheet is nothing more than a rigid, rectangular form. And, who hasn't heard of 'form letters'?"

"Local Area Networks like Novell, Lantastic, LAN Manager, etc, are being installed 'everywhere' The LAN versions of EZ-Forms Executive are the bargain of the software industry. Where else can you get a LAN server license (all concurrent users) for a major software application for under $800.?.?.?"

"EZ-Forms Executive is a 'forms manager' in addition to its forms design, forms generation and forms fillout capabilities. It is like having a typesetter, that anyone can use, file clerk, and file cabinet on disk. The target market is any business or Individual that uses forms. Our philosophy is to provide a basic and easy-to-use forms processor for only $129, as well as very reasonable LAN/multi-user pricing. We know that, of all of the forms packages on the market, EZ-Forms Executive is considerably easier to use and the included forms library is a big bonus."

EZFX can create, fill out, store and modify custom generated forms, as well as to fill in any pre-printed forms. New features include: User configurable HELP, PICK LISTS, Field Sequencing; Data encryption; single forms up to 15 pages long, expanded math functions (over 40) with selectable auto-recalc, data import/export in 6 formats, free form data search/sort/print/tag/edit, keyboard macros (including auto-start) for repetitive actions, large character and vertical typing, ASCII character feed-thru, fill-out-only "FOO" mode for background form protection, form encryption, over 500 popular printers supported, auto number, auto date (many formats), a complete on-line tutorial and help system, 100+ included form templates, plus much more.

We've also introduced Version 2.4 of the optional Laser Soft Font Support Pack for the HP LaserJet Plus, Series II, III, and compatible printers. This product contains over 130 downloadable soft fonts which are optimized for forms. The HPLJFSP also allows the use of graphic images such as signatures, logos, full page scanned forms, and even allows you to create your own logo from scratch. The HPLTFSP v.2.4 is only $99. Optional predesigned form template packs are also available.

EZX Publishing, 917 Oakgrove Dr, Suite 104, Houston, TX 77058

713-280-9900   BBS: 713-280-8180   FAX: 713-280-0099


EZ-DiskCopy Pro Version 3.03 Released
Houston, TX, Aug. 4, 1992 -- EZX announces Version 3.03 of EZ-DiskCopy PRO, diskette duplication software for the IBM PC and compatibles. QUICKLY and ACCURATELY mass duplicate just a few or thousands of diskettes (5 1/4" or 3 1/2") on your own computer after a single master diskette read. You can serialize, print serialized labels, save images to hard disk, speed optimize, etc. EZ-DiskCopy PRO, and the PC you already own can replace dedicated disk duplication hardware costing thousands of dollars! New features include: Disk/Image Comparison, proprietary Adaptive Quality Index assures the ultimate copy reliability; Synchronous and Chain (batch) copy; command line or pull down menus; secondary adapter support; LAN support (Server Edition); disk cleaning mode; fast format mode; Serialization; Label Printing; Windows 3.x, DESQview and DOS 5/6 exclusive task compliant; on line help. EZ-DiskCopy PRO is a best buy at ...

ONLY $249! (1 machine, non-LAN), single LAN Server Edition $795, Unlimited site License is $3995, Others Available.

Ed Marion, General Mgr. of EZX Publishing, announced the latest release of EZ-DiskCopy PRO. Originally developed for EZX Publishing's own in-house use, the program was released to the PC community in order to help out other publishers, software duplication houses, MIS departments, etc. Now, these users to not have to rely on outside duplication services, or be confused by the variety and high cost of dedicated disk duplication equipment. In one neat package, EZ-DiskCopy PRO handles all popular 5 1/4 and 3 1/2 inch formats (including 360K, 720K, 1.2M, 1.44M, etc., if proper drive type is available), and is just about as fast as the dedicated duplicators, only safer. Simply put, no more bad disks going out to anyone.

Other features include: Copies even 1.2M and 1.44M floppies easily with a single drive (hard drive or EMS/Extended memory required for excess data spooling); can serialize disks for publishing use; can print serialized labels at the same time unique serial numbers are embedded on copied disks; can print serial numbers later ("offline"); records ant plays back disk images (optionally compressed) to hard drive for storage and quick future retrieval; flags even marginal disks with special routines; partial format ant preformat flags speed the copying process even further; format only, Proprietary AQI (adaptive quality index) modifies diskette writing techniques based on media quality; Synchronous and Chain copying for even more thruput; Copy/Image Compare for ultimate verification, pulldown menus, online help, plus more ...

Mr. Marion states: "It is like having your own diskette duplication house on your desk. And when you're done duplicating disks, you still have a computer for other jobs."

"This product is not simply a replacement for DOS' DISKCOPY command. EZ-DiskCopy PRO literally takes over the machine it is running on and turns it into a dedicated duplicator with advanced features."

"We simply got tired of the marginal service provided by most of the duplication houses we tried. The setup and turn around time was killing us. We looked at, and even tried some, dedicated hardware duplicators. But they were very expensive, and we still had to check each disk to be sure. We also had to serialize disks manually in our own machines. So, we developed our own method for producing, serializing, printing labels, and checking disks, all in one quick operation. Now one person could easily operate up to 10 computers with no problem. That is over 600 diskettes per hour "100% formatted, copied, verified and serialized with zero defects to the customer!"

"Need more speed? No problem: Just add inexpensive clone computers to do the job you need."

"These features make EZ-DiskCopy PRO a truly exciting product. The target market is any business or individual that copies large batches of diskettes, either occasionally, or routinely. Our philosophy is to provide an easy-to-use program for only $795, that is licensed for use on up to 10 machines or one LAN server at a single location! (Other licenses are available.) Thus you can temporarily put most of the machines in your office to work on a big or rush job without any additional cost. We estimate that under typical conditions, EZ-DiskCopy PRO can save users thousands of dollars (versus dedicated duplicators), and get many more capabilities as well."

EZX Publishing also markets an entire "EZ Series" of software, including EZ-FORMS DataBase and EZFORMS Executive, etc. in both LAN and non-LAN versions.

EZX Publishing, 917 Oakgrove Dr, Suite 104, Houston, TX 77058

713-280-9900   BBS: 713-280-8180   FAX: 713-280-0099


Scientific Word - Windows Word Processor
Scientific Word, a full-featured MS-Windows word processor that uses LaTeX as its native file-storage format, is now available from ARSoftware of Landover, Maryland, (800) 257-0073, and (301) 459-3773,  fax: (301) 459-3776.  Scientific Word provides graphical viewing and editing of equations constructed with mouse and/or keyboard input, yet makes more efficient use of the user's time than other visual object interfaces that entice the user to manually adjust every graphical parameter of every equation separately.  Scientific Word's object-oriented interface for logical design imbues familiar mathematical objects with expected, intelligent behavior; for example, the numerator and denominator of a fraction are automatically  centered, and the fraction bar expands as you type.   Scientific Word avails the user of the full set of large operators in AMS-TeX.  Users familiar with writing LaTeX macros can add their own styles to Scientific Word's set of predefined styles.

Other features:

-- TeX previewer and drivers for HP, Epson, and PostScript

   printers.

-- Encapsulated PostScript graphics can be imported and

   printed on PostScript printers.

-- Spelling checker with foreign languages available.

-- Automatic table-of-contents generation

-- Automatic numbering of sections, theorems, and equations.

-- Cross-references

-- Magnified and reduced working views (50% to 400%)

-- Automatic bibliography and citation generation

-- On-line help, On-disk technical reference.


Therm-ACQ TL Data Acquisition/Control Hwr Instr.
The THERM-ACQ TL is our newest Data Acquisition/Control Hardware instrument. It is a rechargeable battery powered, high resolution, high accuracy, data acquisition device designed to excel at reading thermocouples, but it will read many kinds of inputs (RTDs, Strain Gages etc).

The THERM-ACQ TL is designed for use with a Notebook or Lap-top Computer. It enables users to accurately measure thermocouples in the field, in cars, in water craft, just about anywhere!

THERM-ACQ TLs are available with 6 through 96 thermocouple inputs. THERM-ACQ TLs accurately work with all kinds of thermocouples over all NBS temperature ranges to a resolution of 0.1 Deg.

Systems scan and save data at rates up to 500 channels per sec.

Used in conjunction with our newly revised INSTA-TREND Real Time Graphics Software, operation is quick and easy. Connecting the inputs, program set-up, data storage and report printing can all be accomplished in under 5 minutes.

Results, including custom calculations, can be viewed in many ways:- current readings, historic spread-sheets, bargraphs, time vs. temperature graphs and custom screens, which can include drawings, graphs, tables and even photographs in any combination. Strip Charts can be generated on a Dot Matrix Printer.

AVAILABILITY: 4-6 weeks ARO

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

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


SPA First Quarter 1992 PC Software Sales Report
August 4, 1992 (Washington, DC)- The Software Publishers Association announced today that North American PC application software sales for the first quarter 1992 increased to an estimated $1.22 billion, measured at retail. Application sales grew 19.8% over the first quarter, 1991. Combined North American and international sales were up 16.8% for the quarter, as international sales growth continued to lag behind North American growth.

Most notably, sales of Windows and Macintosh applications software were up sharply. Sales of software applications for the Windows platform were $311 million for the quarter, an increase of 98% from the same period last year. Sales of Macintosh applications were also up sharply, growing 51% to a total of $216 million. DOS remained the largest-selling format in the North American market, with sales of $647 million. But sales of DOS applications declined 4% from the first quarter 1991.

A number of newly reported categories grew most rapidly in the first quarter. (As explained in the accompanying press release, the SPA has revised the software industry data to show sales information for more categories of software.) Sales of utility software reached $90 million, an increase of 74% compared with the first quarter 1991. Sales of presentation graphics and drawing/painting packages were both up about 45%, both on strong sales of Windows products in these categories.

Word processors remained the largest application category, with sales of $172 million in the quarter, an increase of 4% from the year ago quarter. The spreadsheet category was the next largest, posting a 9% increase with sales of $165 million. Within the nearly flat word processor sales category there has been an interesting evolution. Sales of DOS word processors declined 47% in the quarter, while sales of Windows and Macintosh word processors both showed solid growth for the quarter: Windows word processor sales increased 108% over the first quarter 1991, while Macintosh word processor sales increased 91%.

"The first quarter growth is a tribute to the continuing innovation of the personal computer applications software industry," said David Tremblay, Research Director of the SPA. "Although sales growth of the two largest categories were moderate during the quarter, the industry still managed to post solid growth on the strength of sales of applications in other categories."

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


PC Software Marketplace Undergoing Changes
August 4, 1992 (Washington, DC)- The Software Publishers Association (SPA) today announced that fundamental changes in the software marketplace have led to revision of their quarterly software sales figures and data projection methodology. Market developments include:

*  The rapid growth of the Windows platform.

*  Dramatic growth of new categories, including utilities,

   presentation graphics, and drawing and painting.

*  A decline in the channel mark-up, lowering the ratio of street

   prices to publisher revenues.

*  An increase in direct sales to end-users.

"Revising our methodology to reflect these changes allows us to provide numbers that more accurately reflect the reality in today's marketplace," commented Dave Tremblay, SPA Research Director.

In the SPA software sales data program, 150 publishers report their application software sales in 31 categories of software and eight formats. The SPA uses this information to develop its projections of total North American retail sales.

"The SPA is one of the few credible third party sources of information about the software industry. I applaud the changes they're making; they're keeping their numbers true to the industry as the marketplace evolves," said David Readerman, Senior Vice-President, Lehman Brothers.

Starting with the first quarter 1992 sales report, the SPA is now reporting North American retail sales estimates in the following application categories:

*  Utilities (new): Includes products designed to enhance or

   improve operating systems, such as anti-virus, file recovery

   and back-up packages.

*  Presentation Graphics (new): Includes software designed to

   create professional presentations.

*  Drawing & Painting (new): Includes software with its primary

   function to create professional freehand artwork.

*  Home Education (new): Education products with the home market

   as their primary target.

*  Finance (new): Personal finance, tax and accounting packages.

*  Other Graphics (new): Includes all other graphics

   applications, such as forms packages, fonts, clip art

   collections, and home-oriented graphics software.

*  Entertainment: All types of personal computer based games,

   excluding cartridge video games.

*  Word Processors.

*  Spreadsheets.

*  Databases: Relational and flat-file personal computer-based

   databases.

*  Integrated: Includes products that combine several different

   applications in one. Includes "Works" products, but excludes

   product suites.

*  Desktop Publishing: Includes all document/page layout and

   design programs.

*  Languages & Tools: Includes all C, Pascal and other languages

   as well as all tools designed to aid software development.

*  Other Productivity: All other types of personal computer

   software not included in the above categories, including

   electronic mail, project management, school curricula, CAD,

   scientific and engineering, and communications.

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


National Instr. Prepares to Meet Int'l Quality
August 3, 1992 -- Austin, TX - National Instruments announced today an addition to its executive staff to prepare the company for meeting criteria of ISO 9000 certification. On July 22, the National Instruments Board of Directors approved the establishment of an executive officer to emphasize quality throughout company operations and manage its effort to secure ISO 9000 certification by late 1993.

William Nowlin, a founder of the company and recently vice president of engineering, was appointed to the new position of chief quality officer. Jack MacCrisken was promoted to vice president of engineering. Nowlin has overall responsibility for coordinating and providing leadership for all activities of the quality system. He also has direct authority and responsibility for ensuring that the requirements of ISO 9000 are implemented and maintained throughout the company. MacCrisken oversees all hardware and software engineering operations of the company. Both Nowlin and MacCrisken report directly to Dr. James Truchard, president and CEO.

The Importance of Quality

"Technology companies in the 1990s must dedicate themselves to quality throughout the organization, in product design, manufacturing, distribution, and technical support," noted Truchard today in a company-wide meeting at corporate headquarters in Austin, Texas. "To do this, we must set up a structure where quality is imbued in our products at every stage of development, and most importantly, delivered to our customers. This new organizational structure, which was designed to be compatible with the guidelines from the ISO 9000 standards, will assure that we strive to achieve our very best, and deliver products and service of unequaled quality to our customers."

ISO 9000 is a series of international standards for total quality management. Certification assures customers of an "operating" quality management system. The standards are used to judge how well a business is run in delivering a consistent quality product, and deals with all aspects of the business, including how well quality is controlled, managed, and improved.

"Our continued growth in international sales, especially in Europe, has made ISO 9000 certification a must to achieve our corporate goals," continued Truchard. "We have a very strong, energetic team, which will allow us to continue to grow, all the while maintaining the highest possible quality standards."

About the Company

National Instruments Corporation, which is privately held, is one of the fastest growing high technology companies in Austin. It has over 700 employees worldwide, 22 direct sales offices in the U.S. and two in Canada, and 13 branch offices in Europe and the Pacific Rim. The company was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Austin, Texas. It manufactures hardware and software products that engineers and scientists use to build integrated instrumentation systems using industry-standard computers such as the IBM PC, Apple Macintosh, and Sun SPARCstation. The company's award-winning LabVIEW and LabWindows application software packages offer intuitive graphical user interfaces for control and data presentation, as well as extensive libraries for data acquisition and data analysis.

These products are used worldwide in laboratory automation, automated test, process monitoring and control, factory automation, robotics, image processing, vision inspection, physiological monitoring, and personal instrumentation.

For More Information For more information, please contact the company at 6504 Bridge Point Parkway, Austin, TX 78730-5039, (512) 794-0100. Call toll-free in the U.S. and Canada at (800) 433-3488. Fax: (512) 794-8411.


Visionetics VIGA+ Image Capture Board
VISIONETICS INTRODUCES VIGA+ IMAGE CAPTURE BOARD FOR IBM PCs AND COMPATIBLE

Visionetics International Corporation (Visionetics) introduces VIGA+, a real-time, true color videographics frame grabber which is fully register-compatible with Truevision's TARGA+. It is compatible with over 300 available software and hardware programs written for the TARGA boards. VIGA+ recently won two awards at the 1992 COMPUTEX show held in Taipei, Taiwan. The prestigious BYTE magazine selected VIGA+ for the "Best of the Best" and the "Best of Multimedia category" awards.

VIGA+ occupies a single-slot, and is designed for the ISA and EISA systems. The new VGA/XGA overlay and pass-through features allow users to overlay VGA/XGA graphics or text onto the non-interlaced VIGA+ output. The selection of VGA or VIGA+ mode is software controllable, therefore, providing an excellent single monitor solution to different multimedia applications. In addition, each VIGA+ comes complete with a driver for Microsoft Windows support This allows users to perform scalable full motion video windowing. The live video can be rotated 90 degrees or flipped on its horizontal or vertical axis.

VIGA+ captures images in real time at a digitization rate of one-thirtieth of a second per frame. The digital data can then be displayed in 8, 16, 24, or 32 bits/pixel modes, on analog RGB, composite video (NTSC or PAL), and S-VHS monitors. It contains its own VRAM frame memory, and supports up to 2MB of 256K x 4 enhanced page mode.

The highlight of the VIGA+ is its digital special effects processing. This unique process allows users to do cross-fading and linear blending between different images and video sources. It can also perform linear shrinking of live video, captured frames, and VGA images. The mosaic effects is commonly used for scrambling faces. Other digital special effects include real-time logic operations (AND, OR, NOR, etc.) between live video and frame buffer, solarization to reduce an image's color depth for special visual effects; real-time multiple 90-degree rotation and mirror rotation effects; selectable border colors via R, G, B color registers; etc.

Another key feature is the advanced chroma keying. This feature allows users to overlay incoming live video against VGA graphics or text to create an extraordinary presentation. This is commonly used in TV weather reports, in which a selected background color is replaced by another image. Now users do not have to go through the hassle of using a third party software to perform the same function as in the VIGA-16 board. With improved genlock circuitry, VIGA+ is able to synchronize a wide range of video sources including unstable video signals from the VCRs, camcorders, laser discs, etc.

Visionetics will ship VIGA+ in late August 1992. The price of the VIGA+ series starts from $1,395 for the VIGA+16, $1,495 for the VIGA+32 and $1,895 for the VIGA+64. Each VIGA+ board comes with a full one year warranty. Interested parties please contact Visionetics at (310) 316-7940 or fax to (310) 316-7457.

Visionetics International Corporation was formed in 1983. It is the first manufacturer of microcomputer-based imaging products in Taiwan. It's mission is to design products that will link the worlds of video and digital computer.

Visionetics International

21311 Hawthorne Blvd, Suite 300

Torrance, CA 90503

310-316-7940


Accolade/MLBPA HardBall III Add-On Disks
ACCOLADE STRIKES AGREEMENT WITH MLBPA FOR NEW ADD-ON DISK

FOR USE WITH AL MICHAELS ANNOUNCES HARDBALL III

Category: Add-on Disks

Price and Availability:

HardBall III MLBPA Players Disk

- IBM PC and compatibles -  $24.95 (August 1992)

HardBall III Big League Ballpark Disk

- IBM PC and compatibles - $24.95 (September 1992)

SAN JOSE, CA-JULY 29, 1992--Accolade, a leading publisher of sports simulations, today announced it has reached an agreement with the Major League Baseball Players Association to publish the first add-on disk featuring digitized color photographs of the real players from the Major League Baseball teams. Exclusively for use with the best-selling Al Michaels Announces HardBall III, the HardBall III MLBPA Players Disk will feature real players from all 26 Major League teams. The company also announced the details of HardBall III Big League Ballpark Disk, a second add-on disk for use with HardBall III. The Big League Ballpark Disk will contain 18 accurately detailed professional ballparks such as Oakland, Minnesota and Montreal. Together, these add-on disks will unlock some of the hidden features in HardBall III that, until now, were not accessible. Both add-on disks will be sold separately at a suggested retail price of $24.95. The MLBPA Players Disk and Big League Ballpark Disk are scheduled to release for IBM PC and compatible computers in August and September, respectively.

With the MLBPA Players Disk, HardBall III provides baseball fans with an entire league of players the names, faces and statistics of their favorite Major League players. The add-on disk features active players from both the National and American Baseball Leagues and their statistics

The Big League Ballpark disk contains the remaining 18 stadiums (eight are I from both the American League and the National League. Additional season for expansion teams, are also provided. Each of the stadiums are rendered in and built to exact specifications to look and play like real life.

Released in May of this year, Al Michaels Announces HardBall III has already provided in HardBall III) from both the American League and the National League. Additional season schedules, including one for expansion teams, are also provided. Each of the stadiums are rendered in 256-color VGA graphics and built in exact specifications to look and play like real life.

Released in May of this year, Al Michaels Announces HardBall III has already found its way to the top of the charts. It is the third game in the well known HardBall series built on a reputation of action, strategy and pure fun. The product features play-by-play commentary by sportscaster Al Michaels, "team effort" play, and a complete 162 game season including an all-star game, play-offs and championship games.

Al Michaels Announces HardBall III and both add-on disks can be purchased at local software retailers or can be ordered directly from Accolade by calling 1 800 245-7744.

Accolade, 5300 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95129

408-985-1700


Aladdin Publishing ClipSQL Libraries
(August 6, 1992) -- Three versions of ClipSQL - libraries that support the Microsoft/Sybase SQL server, the Oracle SQL server, and the Gupta SQLBase Server - are now available from Aladdin Publishing, Inc. of Redondo Beach, CA.

ClipSQL lets you use Clipper to access SQL databases. ClipSQL makes it easy to add powerful database management capabilities to Clipper Summer '87 and 5.01 applications.

ClipSQL lets the Clipper developer take maximum advantage of the power and performance found in the client/server architecture. Applications created with ClipSQL are completely portable, so the developer retains maximum flexibility to support the database server that best meets the needs of the individual client. To port an application to another server, the developer need only re-link the application with the appropriate ClipSQL library. No source code changes are required.

ClipSQL supports all SQL commands and lets you Retrieve, Update or Delete rows, as well as Create or Delete tables. Full working source code samples are provided.

ClipSQL functions include:

sqlLOGIN( ) allows your application to login to the database server.

sqlUSE( ) tells ClipSQL which database to access on the login server. A database can contain an unlimited number of tables.

sqlQUERY( ) sends an SQL query to the database server for syntax checking. This function can contain any DML (Data Manipulation Language) or DDL (Data Definition Language) query that retrieves or updates information in the database server.

sqlRESULTS( ) is the function that causes the query previously sent to the database server to be executed. A result set is created which is stored on the server.

sqlNEXTROW( ) retrieves the next row from the result set on the server. Multiple rows may actually be buffered internally on the client to boost application performance.

sqlNEXTCOL( ) returns the value of the next column of the current row.

sqlLOGOUT( ) allows your application to logout of the database server.

ClipSQL is 100% royalty-free. ClipSQL functions can be linked directly into Clipper .EXE files. Generous site license prices are also available.

All three ClipSQL libraries are priced at $495 each, and are available directly from Aladdin Publishing, 126 South Helberta #4, Redondo Beach, CA 90277


GENESYS Client/Server HRMS Solutions Seminars
August 5, 1992 -- Methuen, Massachusetts -- GENESYS Software Systems, Inc. the leading designer and developer of Human Resource Management Systems for the new generation of client/server computing, today announced that it will host a series of half-day, tuition-free seminars in major US and Canadian cities this fall.

These seminars are designed to provide insight and awareness of the many re-engineering technologies, which can be implemented in an HRMS environment, to improve efficiency, enhance quality, streamline administration, and maximize profitability. In addition, an analysis of hardware platforms such as LANs, WANs, Client/Server, and RISC machines will provide participants with up-to-date information to make decisions that best serve the strategic direction of their organizations. Participants will also learn about implementing cost-reduction strategies through re-engineering and avoiding common re-engineering mistakes.

GENESYS will show a live demonstration of its Client/Server HRMS solutions, which bring all the power and flexibility of the GENESYS applications to multiple hardware platforms and software environments.

The GENESYS seminars are scheduled from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm and will be held at the following IBM customer center locations:

Cleveland      10/13/92

Chicago        10/14/92

St. Louis      10/15/92

Los Angeles    10/20/92

San Francisco  10/21/92

Washington, DC 10/27/92

Philadelphia   10/28/92

Atlanta        10/29/92

Toronto        11/04/92

New York City  11/05/92

Boston         11/10/92

Dallas         11/12/92

GENESYS Software Systems, Inc.

9 Branch St, Methuen, MA 01844

(508) 685-5400


Kodak DCS 200 Digital Camera
BOSTON, August 4 -- Eastman Kodak Company today unveiled the Kodak professional DCS 200 digital camera featuring a 1.54 million pixel sensor in a Nikon 8008s camera body.

Available this summer at prices ranging from $8,495 to $9,995, the DCS 200 camera pins the Kodak professional digital camera system (DCS) in Professional Imaging's and Federal Government Markets' product line. According to James Patton, manager, U.S. and Canada region and vice president Professional Imaging, "Professional photographers will recognize the value we offer in this camera. The combination of price, resolution, portability, immediacy and quality makes it highly appealing for desktop and computer imaging markets."

The camera features a Kodak charge-coupled device (CCD) array built into a special back to fit the Nikon 8008s camera body. This combination provides rapid auto focus, exposure control, motorized advance and enormous lens flexibility.

In addition, a small computer software interface (SCSI) port enables the camera to link directly to Apple Macintosh computers or IBM personal computers and compatibles. The package also includes drivers for Adobe Photoshop and Aldus PhotoStyler software.

Kodak is offering four models of the new camera:

o  DCS 200 ci--color capture with capacity to store 50 images

o  DCS 200 mi--black and white capture with capacity to store

               50 images

o  DCS 200 c--color capture with single image storage

o  DCS 200 m--black and white capture with single image storage.

"We see major applications in fields requiring rapid turnaround of images," notes Patton. "The ability to capture a high resolution digital image directly into a computer allows effective integration of the DCS 200 with traditional and custom prepress equipment.

"Applications include medical and scientific documentation, especially when instant capture of high resolution microscopy images is needed. Law enforcement and military uses include surveillance and crime scene documentation. Insurance agents can document claims. Architects can capture high resolution images of building sites and structures for use in proposals and for layout and design."

Patton also notes that the DCS 200 will prove valuable for non-action photojournalism assignments such as accidents, crime scenes and business story portraits.

Eastman Kodak Company, 343 State St, Rochester, NY 14650-0519


Microsoft Developer Network News
Announcement: Microsoft Developer Network News Flash

The Microsoft Developer Network News, a new Microsoft newspaper for Windows developers, was recently mentioned in a news group. Many questions on this topic have been posted to the devnetwk@microsoft.com Email alias. These questions are answered below along with a brief description of the Microsoft Developer Network.

The Microsoft Developer Network was established to support all developers who write applications for the Microsoft Windows operating system or who use Microsoft tools for development purposes. The goals of the Microsoft Developer Network are: (1) to write and publish information on programming for Windows, and (2) to listen to the development community and channel its feedback into Microsoft. The Microsoft Developer Network will deliver technical and strategic information to developers through 3 channels: the Developer Network CD, the Developer Network News, and CompuServe.

The Microsoft Developer Network News is a quarterly newspaper with updates on developer products, programming tips, strategy and toolkit information, and schedules of upcoming conferences. The first issue was mailed in late July. If you have a US mailing address send you full name and address to DEVNETWK@MICROSOFT.COM to receive a copy of the Developer Network News . We'll send you the July issue and the next issue in November. The November issue will contain information on how to subscribe. For those of you who already sent your full mailing address to devnetwk@microsoft.com, a copy will be delivered to you soon. However, many individuals only left an Email address with their request for the newspaper. To send the paper we must have your full mailing address.

Over 34,000 pages of programming information are contained on the first Developer Network pre-release CD. This includes: dozens of newly created technical articles containing in-depth explanations of specific programming topics; complete documentation sets for Microsoft development products; Microsoft Systems Journal (complete issues); PSS Developer Knowledgeable; sample code, tools and utilities; MS Press books, such as Petzold's Programming Window; white papers; and specifications.

An enrollment form for the Developer Network CD pre-release program is included in the Developer Network News. The Developer Network CD pre-release program is open to the public for a $30 enrollment fee (plus shipping). All participants enrolled before September 30 will receive two Developer Network pre-release CDs and the next issue of the Developer Network News. The first pre- release CD will ship in September, followed by the second issue of the Developer Network News in November, and the second pre- release CD in December. If you have a US mailing address, you can send in the enrollment form from the Developer Network News or call (800) 227-4679 ext. 11771 to enroll in the Developer Network CD pre-release program.

The Developer Network News is only available in the United States. The Developer Network CD will be available through Microsoft subsidiaries in other countries. If you are located outside the United States please contact your local Microsoft subsidiary for more information. If you do not know who to contact, call (206) 936-8661 and they will provide you with the contact information for your local subsidiary.

If you have any questions on the above information please send a message to devnetwk@microsoft.com (Internet mail).


Clientele Standard Edition, Support Automation
Cupertino, CA -- August 5, 1992 -- AnswerSet Corporation announced the release of Clientele Standard Edition, a support automation system designed specifically for automating customer support departments and internal help desks. This new software contains the most commonly used features of the company's flagship product, Clientele Extended Edition, at a fraction of the cost. Companies faced with limited budgets can now easily justify the investment required to automate their support department.

William Mulert, AnswerSet's president, stated "Our market research indicated that there are thousands of companies looking for a way to improve customer service levels while providing management with the information necessary to make informed decisions. At the same time, companies are faced with cost control measures that precluded expenditures for expensive software. Clientele Standard Edition was developed to address this need."

Costing up to 60% less than the comprehensive Extended Edition, Clientele Standard Edition is a multi-user application that runs on PC's connected to a LAN. It uses the latest database technology to maintain and track customer information, call records, product data, and service agreements. Managers can customize Clientele's screens and field names to meet their department's specific needs. Common customer data can be shared with other departments, such as sales and marketing.

In addition to tracking call data, Clientele Standard Edition includes a powerful, integrated AnswerBook that stores solutions to commonly occurring problems. This function expedites problem resolution by making critical information available to all support personnel. Customers are guaranteed quick, consistent, and accurate responses. Support managers realize improved departmental performance.

Availability and support

Clientele Standard Edition's price is based on the number of concurrent users, starting at $795 for a single user and $3,495 for a 10 user system. Pricing includes maintenance for the first year that guarantees receipt of future product enhancements and priority telephone support.

Company background

AnswerSet is a leading developer and marketer of high-performance, LAN-based departmental automation systems. The company's management has extensive experience in software support, development, marketing and sales. AnswerSet is located at 21771 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Cupertino, CA 95014. Phone 408-996-8683 Fax 408-996-1852


Great Solar System Rescue - Laserdisc Package
Cambridge, MA, July 31, 1992 - Tom Snyder Productions' first videodisc product has broken new ground in the classroom use of interactive video. The Great Solar System Rescue marries cooperative learning with videodisc, adding new meaning to the term "interactive" technology.

Developed with The Chedd-Angier Production Company, noted for its highly praised PBS documentaries and award-winning interactive museum exhibits, The Great Solar System Rescue employs compelling full-motion video to entice students into a rich world of space exploration.

Here's how it works: Four lost probes are stranded somewhere in the solar system. They must be located and rescued quickly and inexpensively. Students work in teams of scientific experts to decipher clues - only by sharing information and working together can students hope to uncover the lost probes. Each student expert has a unique booklet of valuable information about the solar system. Without team collaboration, the rescue missions are bound to fail.

"When the essential information is distributed among team members, you get a very powerful effect of group interdependence," says Dr. David Dockterman, co-designer of the package and TSP Vice President. "The interaction among the students is marvelous, and you only need one videodisc player for the entire class."

"We want to use interactive video to create learning experiences that go well beyond the technology," says Gabrielle Savage Dockterman, Executive Producer at Chedd-Angier. "After all, it's interactive classrooms we want, not just interactive materials."

The Great Solar System Rescue comes with a class set of student expert booklets, a comprehensive teacher guide, a 2-sided videodisc and Macintosh software. The package is designed to be used with or without a computer: while you need only a videodisc player with barcode reader or remote control to use the package, the software does add some valuable classroom management tools.

Side One of the videodisc includes the lost probe rescue missions, while Side Two has an extensive library of stills and original movies to supplement the cooperative learning experience. It's a complete package designed to complement any middle school science curriculum.

The Great Solar System Rescue was partially funded by the federal Star Schools program with the helpful guidance of the Massachusetts Corporation for Educational Communication (MCET). It is because of this assistance that TSP is able to offer the complete classroom package for only $299.95.

TSP and Chedd-Angier are already hard at work on their next cooperative learning videodisc, The Great Ocean Rescue, scheduled for release in November, and covering everything from ocean geology to marine life to pollution .

Chedd-Angier is one of the nation's leading producers of multimedia and documentary programs, with productions like the acclaimed Race to Save the Planet among its many credits. Tom Snyder Productions is an award winning publisher of educational materials, specializing in products that promote group learning. TSP's highly-praised product line spans the K-12 curriculum, including social studies, math, science, and language arts. For a free catalog, call 1-800-342-0236.

Tom Snyder Productions, 90 Sherman St, Cambridge, MA 02140


Axxiom 700GC Oven Temp Profiles
GC VERSION DATA SYSTEM SOFTWARE

A new version of the acclaimed 700 series software allows GC oven temperature profiles to be entered into programmed Methods, traced on the computer display during realtime signal capture, and printed or plotted with chromatograms on any report. With 100 Hz sampling rate and better than 24 bit resolution, this version makes the 717, 727, 737, or 747 systems perfect for even the fastest capillary GC applications, for one to six detectors on up to three GC units per PC. Any of these models can handle an unlimited number of peaks per chromatogram with very fast integration and recalibration, plus complete batch automation facilities.

A free 700GC demonstration disk showing examples of routine use of the software is available upon request.

AXXIOM CHROMATOGRAPHY

11988 CHALLENGER COURT, MOORPARK, CA 93021-7122

(805) 523-8888        (800) 441-8888    FAX (805) 523-2313


Windows & OS/2 Conference, August 19-21
Exhibitors are making August Windows & OS/2 Conference a launch-point for scores of new products, new versions, new promotions, other news.

July 1992 -- CM Ventures, Inc. (Emeryville, CA) reports that exhibitors at its upcoming Summer (August 19-21, Boston World Trade Center) Windows & OS/2 Conference are helping the event become a major launch-point for new products and other news. Show producer CM Ventures Show Director Stan Politi says, "IBM, Microsoft, WordPerfect, Software Publishing, Autodesk, Adobe, Aldus and Micrografx are among our 200-some exhibitors, most of whom see this time and this show as the right strategic combination for announcements."

Pyramid Data, Inc. will announce PowerFields!. which adds 32 new fields to its PowerLeads! contact manager, and have its first showing of PowerOffice!, an "umbrealla" to let users add many modules for seamless office automation.

Houghton Mifflin Co. Language Software Group will show OEMs new version 2.0 of the multilingual International Electronic Thesaurus and The Language Software Reference Engine text retrieval system.

Saber Software Corp. has a new version of a LAN administrator's stand-by in version 2.0 of Saber Menu System for Windows, now with iconic menus.

The new Softbridge, Inc. Automated Test Facility 2.0 (first showing of this release) allows unattended testing of Windows, OS/2 and DOS applications.

Software Security, Inc. Activator WIN/S offers software protection for applications running under Windows, without any change in their code.

METZ Software Task Manager 2.0 schedules computer tasks, manages files, creates custom launch buttons and menus, and more, to make Windows more convenient and maneuverable

Magic Solutions previews its MagicWin help desk software, which logs support requests, assigns and prioritizes and tracks them, manages inventory by item or client configuration, and provides reports.

KEA Systems Ltd. previews KEAterm 420 Plus provides complete VT420 and Tektronix 4010/4014 emulations.

GUIdance Technologies, Inc. will offer the first showing of Choreographer 1.3 and 2.3, which simplify Windows and OS/2 development for client-server and downsizing applications.

PC-Kwik Corp. WinMaster utilities help users control Windows environments; WinMaster Toolbox makes application launching easier, faster and more flexible

Humana Computer Publications is releasing courses as self- paced learning materials and Instructor Kits for Windows for PowerPoint 3.0 and FileMaker Pro and will preview new Quattro Pro and OS/2-2.0 releases.

Fulcrum Technoloogies. Inc., will show a new version of its Ful/Text document search and retrieval software with intuitive searching.

Expervision TypeReader for Windows OCR can read any page of type, any type of page.

DeLorme Mapping will debut its first preview of its new Map Expert CD-ROM, with all the detailed full-color maps of Street Atlas USA, with functionality added to address the needs of business applications.

Consyst SQL, Inc. will intorduce SQL Design for DB-2 and for RDB (DEC), and show its latest versions for Windows & OS/2, and for DBM, SQL-DS and SQL-400 (IBM).

Caseworks will have its first showing of its CASE:PM VIP, a GUI design and code generation tool for Presentation Manager applications.

All Computers will have its US debut of the All SX486, a plug-in replacement for 286 CPUs to give old systems new life through a 486 processor; and the new All DX486, which can upgrade any 386DX system to a 486DX. They will also preview the new All Card Mark IV, which upgrades any 286, 386 or 486 system to a fast 486 with RAM and I/O expansion.

It will be the first showing of the Aristosoft, Inc. Windows Sound Effects Volume 1, a collection of 50 sound files in .WAV format.

Symbiotics, Inc. will have the first showing of NT versions of its netWorks! Connect and netWorks! Developer tool sets for building distributed applications.

WexTech Systems, Inc. Doc-To-Help version 1.1 is an advanced hypertext utility for Word for Windows 2.0.

Programmer's Paradise will introduce new Lifeboat Software ED, The Programmer's Editor.

GFA Software Technologies, Inc. GFA-CAD for Windows two- dimensional drafting package is DFX file compatible.

Pixelworks, Inc. will have the first public showing of WhirlWIN/Lite Entry-Level Graphics Accelerator and WhirlWIN Multimedia Extensions.

The show will debut Windows User, The PC Power Resource, a new monthly solutions-oriented magazine.

Elographics, Inc. will have the first showing of a new release of Monitor Mouse for Macintosh, a mouse emulator which will be free with its Touchscreen.

Quercus Systems will launch Personal REXX 3.0 for OS/2, preview an NT version and show the latest DOS and Windows releases of this powerful macro, batch and programing language.

HSC Software will debut a new version of HSC ImagePrep image processing, file conversion and screen capture utility; and HSC Audio Tracks Libraries 1 and 2 of digitized sound effects and music.

Hammersly Technology Partners will show UTOPIA help desk, inventory and training administration for Windows.

Pioneer Software will have a "sneak preview" of its new Q+E DataLink/OV for ObjectVision, and show new Q+E Database Editor Version 5.0.


Fat Elk Swr - TAXACCTS Small Business Journals
Fat Elk Software announces a new single-entry small business  bookkeeping program, the TAXACCTS Small Business Journals.

TAXACCTS has been designed and programmed especially for  non-accounting trained small business owners who's primary bookkeeping  requirement is profit and loss and the resultant tax liabilities.

TAXACCTS is not "just another accounting package."  The program is ready for immediate use. Accounts are pre-numbered and  pre-titled for income, expense and purchases.

The most commonly used income and expense accounts are permanently  titled, but a type-over utility permits the user to customize  generically titled accounts.

A SPECIAL CHART OF ACCOUNTS permits easy record keeping for  tax-sensitive expense such as business use of a personal vehicle and  office-in-home expense, owner's draw and/or capital accounts, etc.  Optional use of special accounts is permitted.

TAXACCTS reports a formal income statement, including a true and  complete cost of goods sold, and various summary and detail reports.

The program provides simplified payables and receivables handling and  clever but simple special monitoring capabilities.

TAXACCTS is a program that any user can master quickly. The program is  entirely menu-driven, and there are no function key or double-key  combinations.

The user's guide is only about 120 pages, but most of the  documentation relates to bookkeeping requirements. This information is  presented tersely but clearly in a manner that a small business owner  - or non accounting trained employee - can understand and use  correctly.

The program requires an IBM compatible computer, 256k memory, 720k  disk space and any continuous feed printer.

The suggested retail price is $75.00. Fat Elk Software is offering the  program through direct sales ( Via a demonstration version on  electronic bulletin boards - check demoware on pc-link) at the  introductory price of $37.50 through December 31, 1992. Special  wholesale discounts are being offered during this period.

Principal partners of FAT Elk Software are Quentin L. Cooper and James  A. Saxton.

After a lengthy career in insurance management, Quinten Cooper spent  almost ten years doing professional tax consulting, during which time  he was enrolled to practice before the Internal Revenue Service.

His contact with numerous small business owners and his efforts to  help them find ways to keep credible profit and loss records showed  the need for and inspired a program that any small business owner can  learn to use.

Jim Saxton has a varied career in computer and peripheral technical  engineering and customer service. Jim re-programmed and enhanced  Quentin's original program to marketable condition while retaining the  ease of use parameters of the original design.

Elk Software, 1608 Maryland Ave, Myrtle Point, OR 97458

(503) 572-0932


Triple-T Introduces Prayer Journaling Software
Portland, Oregon -- August 1, 1992 -- Triple-T Software has announced it latest software development, God Answers Prayer. God Answers Prayer is a prayer journaling database which allows users to document their personal prayer requests and answered prayers.

God wants a relationship with his creation and what better way to draw closer to God than through prayer. GAP is a much needed tool that now facilitates continuous recording of God's movement in your life. With constant use, users will see a definite growth in their relationship with God.

The idea behind GAP is to keep track of prayer requests and prayer answers. Since most Christian software applications are Bible or cross-referencing programs, GAP is a refreshing new arrival to the Christian environment. With so many attractive and unique features, GAP will carve its own niche among faith-oriented software programs.

Features and Enhancements

Using high-level security encryption and passwording for each journal entree, users are assured of complete privacy when using the program. By creating a "Book", the database, one can add journal entries using the built-in text editor, forming records. Records can then be sorted by subject, date or key words to quickly locate and list specific Prayer entries. Used in conjunction with the Sort feature. a user definable Filter can also be set to display specific key words, subjects or dates of existing records only displaying entries that match defined criteria. This allows users to home in on specific movements of God's hand in their life.

One of the most notable features of GAP is the modifiable Topical Scripture Reference section. The reference section provides answers to some of lifes most difficult problems by referencing scriptures found in the Bible. Users can add or edit the default reference file to display whatever the user wishes then by using the supplied compiler, create a new reference file to display from the Reference Menu.

GAP allows for user definable color schemes with 6 preset factory color defaults. Command line 'Book' loading allows GAP to be used by more than one user. Each user can have their own personal database with separate Scripture Reference, color scheme, password and user definable defaults. If so desired, 'Book' entries can be printed to disk or printer. GAP not only acts as a prayer journaling application but can also be used as a personal diary program.

System Requirements

God Answers Prayer runs on IBM XT, AT, PS/2 or 100 percent compatibles with DOS 3.1 or higher. A hard disk is recommended but GAP can be run from a floppy since it requires less than 285K of disk space.

Pricing and Availability

God Answers Prayer is available for the suggested retail price of $29.95 plus $3.00 shipping and handling from Triple-T Software.

Triple-T Software, P.O. Box l4932, Portland, OR 97214

503-235-5969


Pioneer Swr Licenses Database Tech to WordPerf
RALEIGH-- July 15, 1992 -- Pioneer Software and WordPerfect Corporation announced today that WordPerfect Corporation will incorporate Pioneer Software's database technology in future releases of their Windows word processing products. Pioneer's technology will allow WordPerfect 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.

"We are very impressed with Pioneer's multi-database technology," said Dave Moon, Vice President, WordPerfect Corporation. "Pioneer's technology will allow future WordPerfect releases to seamlessly integrate database information from almost any major database system into WordPerfect for Windows documents. "

"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, Chief Technical Officer, 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.

WordPerfect Corporation, founded in 1979, is located in Orem, Utah, and manufactures the world's best-selling word processing software, WordPerfect, as well as WordPerfect Office (E-mail/scheduling/calendaring), and DrawPerfect, presentation graphics software. The privately held company develops software for DOS, Windows, OS/2, Macintosh, UNIX, VAX, AS/400, NeXT, Data General, Pen, and System 370 platforms.

Pioneer Software, the multi-database technology company, has shipped over 3,000,000 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


I-Concepts Intelligent Serial Cards
August 1, 1992 -- I-Concepts, Inc. of Dallas, Texas has announced the release of the PCC line of intelligent serial communications cards that are compatible with a variety of operating systems. The cards are available in 8 and 16 port versions.

Both models in the PCC product line incorporate "front-end processor" technology to greatly increase data throughput by employing an on-board 16 MHz. 80186 processor and 512 Kbytes of dual-ported RAM. The PCC series reduces host processor loading by handling all serial communications, allowing the host processor to concentrate its efforts on executing software applications. Only 8 Kbytes of host memory are required by each PCC card, and no host interrupts are utilized.

Supported operating systems include Unix V.3 and V.4, SCO Unix, AIX, AT&T Unix System V, Interactive Unix, SCO Xenix, OS/2, DR Multi-user DOS, CDOS, PC-MOS, and OS-9000. Software drivers for all operating systems are available, along with a user manual and a diagnostic self-test diskette.

Ron Moore, Vice President of Development for I-Concepts commented, "What sets the PCC series apart is the way it handles serial I/O. The PCC series provides 'communications management,' with its coprocessor and RAM removing the communications burden from the main processor. The screen handling and use of the intelligence contained on the card differs from competitive boards, providing what we consider demonstrably better performance."

The PCC Series incorporates surge protection on each port to prevent damage to the circuit board and attached peripherals. All I/O ports are individually configurable up to 76.8 Kbps, and serial connections are made via 9-pin "D" connectors on an external distribution box. Each card occupies a single expansion slot inside the host CPU.

Both the PCC/8 and PCC/16 support serial printers, various communications devices, and all ASCII/ ANSI terminals. PC's may also be used as remote terminals or local workstations running independent applications.

The ISA cards are priced at $1,295 for 8 ports and $1,895 for 16 ports. The MCA versions are priced at $1,350 and $1,995. For more information, contact I-Concepts, Inc. at 2606 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, Texas 75229 or (214) 956-7770.


XTree for Windows Now Shipping
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA--August 10, 1992 -- XTree for Windows is now being shipped, XTree Company announced today.

Introduced at PC Expo '92 in June, the new file and disk management utility for the graphical environment carries a suggested U.S. retail price of $99. Through October, a special introductory price of $49.95 (U.S.) is in effect. Registered XTree users may upgrade any time for only $39.95 (U.S.). Shipping and handling charges are additional.

XTree for Windows is available through the reseller and distributor network worldwide and direct from XTree Company in the U.S. and Canada by calling 1-800-395-8733.

The new Windows-based hard disk management utility offers over 50 file viewers, drag and drop capabilities. zip file compression, auto-sizing Windows and point and shoot abilities for text entry in dialogues.

Included in XTree for Windows is XTreeLink, a seamless file transfer feature allowing use of laptop drives from desktop PCs and vice versa regardless of what application a user is in.

According to Bob Kimball, XTree Company vice president marketing, "this important feature opens up file and disk management to users who rely heavily on their portable and mobile PCs."

"XTree for Windows continues in the tradition of excellence that all of XTree's products for DOS, UNIX and NetWare systems enjoy," he said.

XTree for Windows is based on a multiple document interface (MDI), so users can open and arrange multiple windows to view as many directory trees, file lists, ZIP archives and viewed documents as they wish -- at the same time. All volumes, files. directories and archived volumes (zipped files) are accessible at once. Like other XTree products, users can instantly copy, delete. move, rename, and view files and directories with a single keystroke or mouse click.

More than 50 file viewers allow users to quickly view databases such as Paradox and dBASE. word processing documents such as Microsoft Word and WordPerfect, spreadsheets such as Lotus 123 and Excel and graphics such as PCX, TIF and GIF without loading or running that application. A special AutoView window updates automatically as the user scrolls through a file list. XTree for Windows supports the industry-standard ZIP format for fast, compatible file compression and can easily create and extract files from ZIP archives. Adding to or extracting from ZIP files is as simple as dragging and dropping with a mouse or using the copy command. Users can even view files that are compressed in ZIP archives without extracting them.

XTree for Windows will run on any IBM AT, PS/I, PS/2 or 100% compatible computer capable of running Microsoft Windows. Suggested minimum configuration includes 2MB RAM, hard disk and Windows-compatible display monitor. Mouse recommended but not required. PC or MS-DOS 3.3 or higher required. Requires Windows 3.0 or higher (not Included). XTree for Windows does not operate in Window's 3.0 Real Mode. File transfer cable is not included.

Project Green

In 1990. XTree Company launched "Project Green" and became the first major publisher to produce software products using recycled and/or environmentally sensitive materials.

XTree for Windows continues the "everything except the floppy disk can be recycled" practice. For every XTree for Windows purchased at regular price and user registration card returned, the Company will plant a tree in conjunction with the American Forestry Association's Global ReLeaf program.

XTree Company also publishes XTreeGold 2.5, the industry standard in disk management software for DOS based PCs; XTreeNet, the leading file and disk manager for Novell network administrators: xtree for UNIX systems, the file and disk manager for multi-user Intel-based UNIX applications: AllSafe. ViruSafe and ViruSafe/LAN the most complete virus safety programs available for IBM PCs, Novell and NetBIOS networks.

Xtree Company

4115 Broad St, Building 1, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

805-541-0604


GRiD Intros Pen Right! V3.1 Pen Swr Platform
Fremont, CA, August 4, 1992 - - GRiD Systems Corp. today introduced version 3.1 of the revolutionary pen computer software platform Pen Right!, a truly hardware independent operating environment. For the first time, a single pen-based software platform is compatible with virtually all major pen hardware systems on the market, including GRiD's own GRiDPAD, PalmPAD and GRiDPAD SL, NCR's 3125, Fujitsu's Poqet PAD, Norand's PEN*VIEW SuperScript's SuperScript II and MicroSlate's Datellite 300.

PenRight! 3.1, available immediately, is a pencentric graphical application platform built on the MS-DOS operating system. To establish PenRight! as an industry standard, GRiD is certifying pen hardware vendors' computers as compatible with PenRight! 3.1. Upon certification the hardware vendors will begin to aggressively offer PenRight! with their systems.

PenRight!, which utilizes a windowing environment and supports standard graphical user interface elements, contains a number of key user features for pen computer applications including upper and lower case character recognition and gestures. These features make data entry easier, faster and more intuitive.

Kristi Rinehart, PenRight! product marketing manager explains, "In past versions of PenRight!, the digitizer interface was embedded within the run-time libraries. This made PenRight! hardware specific--new digitizers could not be supported without rebuilding the entire PenRight! system. Now by using code resources to implement the driver in PenRight! version 3.1, users have the ability to customize this interface during run time installation."

The PenRight! pen driver is a software module which links into the PenRight! runtime software acting as an interface between the digitizer/stylus subsystem of the pen computer. In order for PenRight! to operate across multiple hardware platforms, the driver is implemented using a multiple-entry code resource. These pen driver code resources can then be installed or removed as necessary to support various digitizer hardware systems.

Betsy Reagan, GRiD's Vice President of Market Development says, "If you want to develop custom vertical applications for a variety of hardware platforms, PenRight! 3.1 is the best solution." PenRight! was created as a platform for easily developing mission specific applications that are primarily forms based for data collection. Based on a survey conducted by COMPUTERWORLD, end users believe 67% of pen applications fall into the category of repetitive information gathering tasks. GRiD's vertical market focus successfully complements Microsoft and GO who are developing general purpose software environments for horizontal markets.

PenRight has been shipping to customers with real applications for over two and a half years, resulting in more user testing than any pen software environment on the market.

PenRight! 3.1 builds on the solid features of its predecessor PenRight! 3.0. This next generation software package continues to support character-by-character field masking and customized gesturing, features added in version 3.0.

GRiD is offering free upgrades to all PenRight! 3.0 registered users. Reagan continued, "GRiD is committed to supporting and developing the pen market and has consistently offered competitive upgrade programs to their installed base."

Additionally, the 3.1 version of the C-based development kit PenRight! Pro is now available. This upgrade is also free to all registered 3.0 development kit users.

GRiD designs, manufactures, markets and services laptop-pen-based desktop and multimedia computers, pen-based software developments tools, electronic mail and networking systems. GRiD, with an extensive direct sales and support organization, demonstrates products at 45 GRiD Systems Centers and sells products through value-added resellers (VARs) and federal systems integrators. GRiD is located at 47211 Lakeview Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538. GRiD also has offices in the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Spain, Sweden, France, Belgium and Denmark.

GRiD is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tandy Corporation, Fort Worth, TX. Tandy is a leading manufacturer and distributor of consumer electronics and computers. A New York Stock Exchange company, Tandy has sales in excess of $4.5 billion annually.

GRiD is a registered trademark of GRID Systems PenRight!, PalmPAD, PenRight! Pro, GRiDPAD SL and GRiDPAD are all trademarks of GRiD Systems Corporation. MS-DOS is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation All other product names, logos, trademarks or registered trademarks are property of their respected owners.


Practical Peripherals Technical Support Expanded
SEVEN-DAYS-A-WEEK TECHNICAL SUPPORT NOW OFFERED BY PRACTICAL PERIPHERALS

THOUSAND OAKS, CALIFORNIA--Customers can now reach Practical Peripherals' technical support representatives seven days a week. The new extended hours are from 6am to 8pm Pacific time Monday through Friday and from 8am to 4pm Saturdays and Sundays.

"Good technical support is vital to the success of any technically-oriented company, especially as products grow more and more sophisticated. Along with our lifetime warranty, we have built a reputation for excellent customer service. Increasing our technical support hours and adding more knowledgeable representatives to our team is one more step in our effort to give users the best support possible," said Ernie Raper, Vice President, Marketing.

To help increase efficiency in handling customer calls, Practical has also implemented a new automated tracking system. This new system gives technical support, shipping, RMA, and sales and marketing staff instant access to all customer files. Once in the database, if a customer calls with a problem, the technical support representative can see what hardware and software versions he's using, if he's had other problems in the past which may be related, and other helpful information to rapidly assist the customer.

Other user support options include Practical's electronic bulletin board for sharing information and problem-solving solutions 24 hours a day and Practical's support forum on CompuServe, PPIFORUM. This extensive, dynamic database provides technically oriented insight into the operation of all Practical products as well as advice on other technical issues.

A Hayes company, Practical Peripherals manufactures external, internal and pocket modems, printer buffers and other peripherals in the U.S.A. The telephone number for technical support is 805/496-7707. Bulletin board number is 805/496-4445.

Practical Peripherals

375 Conejo Ridge Ave, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361

805/497-4774.


PROCEDE for Windows Process Design Package
New Support Services for PROCEDE for Windows customers

Oxford - 27 July, 1992 -- Cherwell Scientific, the publishers of the software PROCEDE for Windows, announce the launch of new services supported by the PROCEDE developers and an add-on program: SpecSht Compiler for users who need to customize the layout of their data specification sheets.

PROCEDE for Windows is a popular process design package that allows process and chemical engineers to produce flowsheets, PFDs and P&IDs quickly and easily. A library of customizable process symbols is supplied to aid drawing. Specification data about each piece of equipment can be entered in the pop-up standard specification sheets. Drawings and data can be printed to almost any printer or plotter. Drawings can also be exported to AutoCAD.

Cherwell Scientific and the PROCEDE developers offer a wide range of support services.

* Installation. For those who have not yet adopted Windows, Cherwell can advise on and supply complete systems fully-configured and ready to run PROCEDE for Windows.

* Customization. Cherwell offer the service of customization of the data specification sheets, symbols and output formats. (PROCEDE for Windows already provides output compatible with AutoCAD.) Users can then start work immediately with their customized program.

* Training. Although easy to use, PROCEDE for Windows has a lot of features to offer both new and advanced Windows users. One or two-day training courses from a team of experts and professional process engineers will help users to take immediate advantage of the flexibility of PROCEDE for Windows.

* Consultancy. PROCEDE is an on-going development seeking to provide Process Engineers with the ultimate tools to increase their productivity. Cherwell Scientific can provide experts to help users to examine their needs and make the necessary customizations to the PROCEDE environment.

SpecSht Compiler allows the user to create or modify the data specification sheets which come as standard with PROCEDE for Windows. Users can:

* translate the text into the language of their choice

* add company logos and addresses to all sheets

* import drawings in the form of .BMP files

* create picture cells for importing from the Windows Clipboard

* build multiple page data sheets

and more.

PROCEDE for Windows is priced at $1250 (USA). SpecSht Compiler is priced at $495 (USA). For pricing information on other services, contact Cherwell Scientific direct. Education discounts are available.

Cherwell Scientific Publishing

c/o Spiral Software

15 Auburn Place

Brookline MA 02146 USA

Voice: (617) 739 1511

  Fax: (617) 739 4836


AGE X-Window Software Ships with Novell's TCP/IP
San Diego, CA. August 4, 1992 -- AGE Logic, Inc. announced that it is the industry's first X Window server company to begin shipping PC-based X servers incorporating Novell's TCP/IP networking software. AGE's XoftWare family of X server software enables users to quickly access applications residing on UNIX and DEC/VMS host systems from their PC. By integrating the Novell TCP/IP drivers into the XoftWare X server, AGE greatly simplifies the process of installing an X server on the network. An integrated XoftWare/Novell version is available for the following XoftWare X servers: XoftWare for Windows, XoftWare for DOS, and XoftWare for TIGA/DOS.

As part of the AGE/Novell agreement, AGE will provide XoftWare users a single purchasing and support point for both the X server and Novell's PC-to-UNlX connectivity software. By integrating Novell's TCP/IP into the X server, AGE allows users to install both products in one easy step from XoftWare's menu-driven screens. According to Craig A. Schmidt, vice president of marketing for AGE, "This is more than just a bundling arrangement - we have incorporated the Novell networking software into our product so the user installs both products at the same time. We refer to it as a single-button install. This makes the installation process much easier and allows our customers to become productive more quickly. In addition, we believe our customers will find the performance level of the XoftWare/Novell combination to be among the fastest in the industry."

The new XoftWare TCP/IP offering includes Novell's Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) files, the Open Datalink Interface (ODI) driver set, and the Internetwork Packet Exchange (IPX) file for ODI. As a result of integrating Novell's ODI drivers, AGE now supports Token Ring and ARCnet as well as Ethernet. In addition to Novell's software, XoftWare continues to support unbundled versions of other industry leading networking software.

"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.

AGE offers the integrated X server/Novell TCP/IP for three PC environments: PCs running Microsoft Windows, PCs running DOS, and PCs equipped with a TIGA graphics accelerator card. XoftWare for Windows is AGE's enhanced X server software that enables users to simultaneously run MS Windows and network-based UNIX and DEC/VMS applications on the same PC. XoftWare for Windows with Novell TCP/IP lists for $595 ($US); XoftWare for Windows (without TCP/IP) is $495. XoftWare for DOS cost effectively adds X terminal capabilities to 286, 386 and 486 DOS-based PCs plus provides a hotkey to DOS and MS Windows. XoftWare for DOS with Novell TCP/IP lists for $495 ($US) XoftWare for DOS (without TCP/IP) is $395. XoftWare for TIGA/DOS turns 286, 386 and 486 DOS PCs with TIGA-based graphic accelerators into high-performance, high-resolution X terminals. XoftWare for TIGA/DOS with Novell TCP/IP lists for $595 ($US); XoftWare for TIGA/DOS (without TCP/IP) is $495.

Multi-user pricing and site licenses are also available from AGE for all products.

AGE Logic, Inc., a privately owned corporation founded in 1984, is a supplier of X Window System software that 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 and 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's worldwide headquarters are located in San Diego, California.

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

619-455-8600


Authoritative Source on the Alpha Architecture
"Now Available, the Authoritative Source on the Alpha Architecture"

ALPHA ARCHITECTURE REFERENCE MANUAL edited by Richard L. Sites

Burlington, MA (July 6, 1992) -- Digital Press is pleased to  announce the publication of the ALPHA ARCHITECTURE REFERENCE  MANUAL, Edited by Richard L. Sites of Digital Equipment  Corporation. This is the authoritative reference on the new 64-bit  RISC architecture of Digital Equipment Corporation.

"Alpha is Digital's response to the challenges of 21st century  computing. It represents the culmination of the company's  knowledge and belief about how the next generations of computers  should be built."

--  From the Foreword by Bob Supnik, Corporate Consultant and Vice President, Digital Equipment Corporation

Written by the engineers who developed the Alpha specifications,  the ALPHA ARCHITECTURE REFERENCE MANUAL describes the common  architecture required of all Alpha implementations as well as the  special instructions required to support the OSF/1 and OpenVMS  operating systems.  The book is required reading for software  developers, system managers, system analysts and system  programmers.

The ALPHA ARCHITECTURE REFERENCE MANUAL is divided into three  parts. Part I describes the instruction-set architecture, and is  largely self-contained for readers involved with compilers or  assembly language programming.  Parts II and III describe the  supporting PALcode routines for the OSF/1 and OpenVMS operating  systems. Additional appendices describe software considerations,  IEEE floating point conformance, and instruction encodings. A  complete index makes it easy to access specific architectural  details.

Richard L. Sites is Senior Consultant Engineer in the  Semiconductor Engineering Group of Digital Equipment Corporation.   He received a B.S. in Mathematics from the Massachusetts Institute  of Technology, a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stanford  University, and has studied Computer Architecture at the  University of North Carolina.  The holder of several patents, he  was responsible for the development of the Alpha processor  architecture and for binary translation technology.

1992 Copyright, Softbound, 600 pages, $34.95, Ordering Number  EY-L520E-DP, PH ISBN 0-13-033663-7.

ORDERING INFORMATION

U.S. customers can purchase the ALPHA ARCHITECTURE REFERENCE  MANUAL at technical and reference bookstores throughout the U.S.,  where it is distributed by Prentice Hall, or directly from Digital  Press by calling 1-800-DIGITAL (1-800-344-4825). The book is also  available through the Digital Electronic Store. The U.S. list  price is $34.95. The Prentice Hall ISBN is 0-13-033663-7. and the Digital Press order number is EY-L520E-DP.

Customers outside the U.S. can order the book through their local  Digital training facility, or through local technical and  reference bookstores. Prentice Hall distributes Digital Press  books worldwide to bookstores, libraries, colleges and  universities.

Faculty members can contact Prentice Hall for review copies.

Digital Press One Burlington Woods Drive, Burlington, MA 01803-4597 Telephone 617/273-6508   FAX 617/273-6522


Congruent Ports Developer Tools to Windows NT
CONGRUENT CORP. PORTS LOW-COST DEVELOPER TOOLS TO WINDOWS NT

SAN FRANCISCO, July 6, 1992 Congruent Corporation today announced it will lower the cost of developing application programs for Microsoft Windows NT by making available NT versions of the GNU programming tools popular with UNIX developers.  Retail price for ToolBuster, a suite of more than 50 programming tools, is $199, including source code allowing unlimited reproduction rights.

Congruent has ported programs in the GNU UNIX-compatible software system to the NT platform.  Included in ToolBuster are RCS, a source code control system, and GNU Emacs, a highly regarded text editor tailored for program development requirements. Congruent will market ToolBuster to independent software vendors and others developing applications for Microsoft Windows NT.

"Programmers familiar with only with DOS programming tools will welcome the added functionality of ToolBuster, while UNIX programmers will find the support theyexpect in a 32-bit programming system," said Art Kreitman, president of Congruent.

Lower Development Costs, Reduce Development Time

"ToolBuster attacks the high cost of development on two fronts," said Kreitman. "First, it provides more than 50 popular GNU programming tools in one package. Second, since no license is required for ToolBuster, one purchase can be duplicated for use by any number of programmers."

"The availability of high-performance programming tools such as ToolBuster is key to our software developers' success.  ToolBuster will help NT programmers have their applications shrink-wrapped and ready to go as the operating system enters filan release.  Programmers who are accustomed to using GNU tools on UNIX will feel right at home," said Brian Moran, Technical Evangelist, Microsoft Developer Relations Group.

ToolBuster can be ordered directly from Congruent for delivery this summer.  Retail price is $199.  Delivery will be timed to coincide with the availability of NT developer kits, expected from Microsoft in July.  Support for ToolBuster is available from Congruent.  In accordance with copyrights on GNU software held by the Free Software Foundation, source code is included with the programs, which will be disributed on CD-ROM.

Congruent Corporation develops systems, graphics, and imaging software for OEMs and systems integrators.  Key products are Asian language support and multimedia extensions for Windows display drivers and the X Imaging Extension (XIE) for workstations and X terminals.  OEM relationships with popular hardware vendors put Congruent software into more than half of the Window-based personal computers sold last year.  The company, founded in 1987, is privately held.

Congruent Corporation

110 Greene St, New York, New York 10012

212-431-5100     fax 219-1532


Colorado Spectrum Mouse Yoke Controller
May 19, 1992, Fort Collins, Colorado -- The MOUSE YOKE from Colorado Spectrum is the first product to receive Microsoft Flight Simulator's new "Seal-of-Approval". As part of Microsoft's new Third Party Program, qualified products are provided with the Microsoft Flight Simulator logo and the words "Compatible with Flight Simulator for MS-DOS" or "Compatible with Flight Simulator for the Macintosh". The MOUSE YOKE is supported on both MS-DOS and Macintosh systems, and provides an affordable, realistic interface for Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Introduced earlier this month, the MOUSE YOKE is an innovative new product which turns any ball-type computer mouse into a realistic aircraft-style yoke. A user simply clamps the MOUSE YOKE to a table or desk and slips their mouse under an elastic "seat belt" on top of the device. The yoke's shaft then drives the mouse ball, translating yoke movements into corresponding mouse signals. Pushing forward on the yoke is equivalent to moving the mouse forward on the desk, and "turning right" with the yoke is the same as moving the mouse to the right. Because the MOUSE YOKE interfaces with the computer and software via a user's mouse, the MOUSE YOKE works with Macintosh, Amiga, and IBM-compatible PCs, as well as notebooks, laptops and portables. It also supports any software which uses the mouse for directional control.

"We are proud to have received this affirmation from Microsoft," stated Jeff Emmel, Colorado Spectrum Marketing Manager. "We know that customers trust Microsoft to deliver quality products, and believe their approval will be valued by our customers."

The MOUSE YOKE has a list price of $34.95. Colorado Spectrum may be reached at (800) 238-5983 or FAX (303) 225-1663. The company's address is 748 Whalers Way, E-201, Fort Collins, CO 80525.

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

May 1, 1992, Fort Collins, Colorado -- Colorado Spectrum has unveiled the Mouse Yoke, an innovative device that transforms a PC or Macintosh mouse into a realistic and affordable aircraft-style yoke. Since it does not require a game port, the Mouse Yoke is the first realistic flying and driving interface that works equally well with notebook, laptop, portable, and desktop computers, or in fact any PC or Macintosh with a mechanical (ball-type) mouse.

Priced less than leading analog joysticks, the Mouse Yoke provides digital precision, a realistic yoke feel, and hassle-free installation. A user simply clamps the Mouse Yoke to a table or desk and slips their mouse under an elastic "seat belt" on top of the device. The yoke's shaft then drives the mouse ball, translating yoke movements into corresponding mouse signals. Pushing forward on the yoke is equivalent to moving the mouse forward on the desk, and "turning right" with the yoke is the same as moving the mouse to the right.

In addition to its obvious appeal to arm-chair pilots, the Mouse Yoke also brings a new level of realism to many auto driving and submarine simulation packages. In fact, the device may be used with any software that provides mouse support for directional control. This encompasses the majority of today's most popular flight simulation and driving packages, including Microsoft's "Flight Simulator", Sublogic's "Flight Assignment A.T.P.", Lucasfilm's "Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe" and Broderbund's "Stunts".

Colorado Spectrum is preparing to expand the Mouse Yoke family with product introductions planned for later this year. Additions to the product line will include mouse-driven devices with wheel and joystick handles. Support for optical mice via an optical grid overlay for the yoke shaft is under investigation. List price for the Mouse Yoke is $34.95, with shipments beginning in May. Colorado Spectrum may be reached at (800) 238-5983 or FAX (303) 225-1663. The company's address is 748 Whaler's Way, Suite E-201, Fort Collins, CO 80525.


Multi-Purpose Boards - Solutions for Multimedia
Special to SIGGRAPH, Chicago, July 27,1992 -- MediaShare Corporation, a new company developing real-life applications for multimedia computing, today introduced key components in making multimedia more widely used.

It announced two multi-purpose boards for MS-DOS computers that integrate the many sources required for networked digital multimedia.

One is the first U.S. commercial solution to play video on a color display on portable computers.

Each board includes video display drivers, Ethernet drivers and interfaces, digital audio and video interfaces, and audio recording and play-back capabilities, all under the control of Intel 960 RISC processors. They operate under Windows 3.1 and MS-DOS.

"Multimedia is the hottest subject in the computer business, but few companies have produced the practical products that bring multimedia closer to business applications," said Jack Johnson, vice president, research and development. "Our charter is to produce real applications of multimedia, notably product information systems, but we discovered that some vital pieces of the technology puzzle were missing. We decided to develop some of these pieces and offer them to the industry. These boards are the first pieces we'll offer."

Video Capabilities

The video on the boards is compatible with Intel's DS2 Action Media digital video, and will play files created with Intel's RTV 2.0 and PLV video compression products. They support video capture. Their maximum resolution is 1024 X 768, and they can support two video windows at 320 X 240 and 160 X 120. They will overlay DVI frames on the VGA/XGA output, with the VGA from a feature connector on a separate VGA/XGA board. Each board supports 32,000 colors for standard color screen laptops.

Audio Capabilities

The boards provide audio recording at rates consistent with Microsoft MultiMedia audio format (WAV). They record from unamplified microphones.

They have four audio output channels with software-controlled level and mixing. They can also support eight independent and simultaneous tone generators or waveform playback at 20 Hz to 15 Khz.

The audio outputs are amplified, hence suitable for conventional headsets. Volume is under computer control. Audio input and output are standard 1/8-inch connectors.

Networking

The boards contain standard 10BaseT Ethernet interfaces with Novell compatibility. They can send and receive audio and video concurrently with data packets, and allow video packets to be directed to onboard RAM to receive and play video packets with little impact on the CPU and ISA bus.

MediaShare offers two boards, the Samba board, with an internal SuperVGA adapter for standard monitors, and the Mambo board for flat color liquid crystal display (LCD) panels. The Samba is suitable for all standard AT-bus (ISA) computers, the Mambo for portables containing a standard ISA slot.

The Samba board for standard monitors has a suggested list price of $1895, and the Mambo LCD board, $1495. Both will be available July 1,1992.

MediaShare Corporation was formed in 1990 to develop interactive multimedia technology to improve human and corporate performance. In the process, MediaShare has assembled experts in twelve areas of software and hardware technology needed to produce practical multimedia applications. It is currently perfecting those technologies while developing end applications for its chosen markets and leading corporations.

MediaShare

2035 Corte del Nogal, Suite 200, Carlsbad, CA 92009

619-931-7171


Artisoft to Manufacture Own Ethernet Chip
(TUCSON, AZ - August 7,1992) - Artisoft, Inc., the developer of the LANtastic Local Area Network, announced today it has become the first leading Network Operating System (NOS) manufacturer to create its own Ethernet Integrated Circuit, code named ALICE (Artisoft's LAN Interface Chip for Ethernet). In addition to using the chip on its future adapters, Artisoft is offering a complete solution to PC and peripheral manufacturers.

"For the first time, PC manufacturers will be able to make a true network-ready PC using our IC along with a version of our LANtastic NOS," commented Jack Schoof, Artisoft's Chairman and CEO. "We anticipate many high-end PCs, notebooks, palmtops, and Pen computers will become network-ready in the near future. Artisoft is poised to enter this new market with both hardware and NOS software. Our resellers will gain additional opportunities for networking, since most new computers are delivered into existing computer installations."

"Artisoft's goal is to bring high technology to the mass market. Artisoft made peer-to-peer networking a mass market reality with LANtastic. Artisoft created the first fully compatible Windows networking product, and was the first to provide voice mail on a Local Area Network. Artisoft has formed its own in-house design team which created ALICE. ALICE is now a core which we can use to create new silicon-based connectivity products," Schoof stated.

In keeping with Artisoft's commitment to open systems and interoperability, Artisoft has created a single IC that is software compatible with three major industry standard Ethernet designs, Artisoft's AE-2 and Novell's NE1000 and NE2000. ALICE supports both the ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) bus and IBM's Microchannel bus in a single part.

"For the manufacturer, multiple bus support means having a single part in inventory. For the user, design compatibility means the ability to use protocols such as TCP/IP, SNMP and all types of Network Operating Systems like LANtastic, Novell NetWare, LAN Manager, LAN Server and Banyan with existing drivers for the large installed base of AE-2, NE1000 and NE2000 adapters," according to Schoof. "As new network operating systems become available such as NetWare 4.0 or Windows NT, existing ODI or NDIS drivers already written for NE1000 and NE2000 adapters can provide the support for ALICE."

"Since Artisoft is a software company, we were able to include features that are most needed by our resellers and customers. ALICE is completely software configurable, making networks easier to install and maintain. Because Artisoft also makes hardware, ALICE has been designed from the ground up to be ideal for the manufacturer. It requires a small amount of board area and has been built with the low power requirements of laptops and palmtops in mind. For the peripheral manufacturer, ALICE-equipped printers, faxes and modems with networking built-in could become a reality," says Schoof.

Engineering samples of ALICE are available immediately to qualified manufacturers.

Artisoft develops and manufactures a full line of hardware and software for local area networks including the LANtastic Local Area Network. The LANtastic network is recognized as the 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 distributed in nearly 70 countries worldwide.

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.


INFOtrac 2.0 Sales + Contact Management Swr
Londonderry, N.H. -- August 3, 1992 -- Profile Technologies, Inc., of Londonderry, New Hampshire, announced the immediate availability of INFOtrac 2.0 Sales + Contact Management software for sales people.

Since its introduction, INFOtrac has been used by companies like Toshiba, Digital Equipment Corp. Canada, Moore Business Forms, Roland, Cash Express to create marketing databases, automate sales and contact management activities, more efficiently sell and service present accounts and target new customers. Sales organizations of all sizes, from independent reps to multi-location and mobile sales forces can utilize INFOtrac to create a SALES AND MARKETING INFORMATION SYSTEM for PC based sales automation instead of using an internal database, generic PIM or contact manager which only manage contacts.

Version 2.0 includes many improvements to enhance performance and ease of use. Several were suggested by present users. Menus are more SAA/CUA compliant, with each menu choice activated by pressing it's first letter. INFOtrac WAS RECENTLY RATED FASTER AND EASIER TO USE THAN ACT, by Computing Canada. "Infotrac is a tad easier than Act, frequently requiring fewer keystrokes... Infotrac is the fastest-particularly once you have built up a large database of contacts."

This new version includes IMPROVED SALES FORECASTING by account for unlimited products by value and probability over the sales cycle which can be custom defined up to 12 steps. Also added is a comprehensive ORDER ENTRY MODULE which prints quotes, invoices, sales orders, packing slips and can operate stand alone or integrate with CAI's AccPac Plus accounting software, with support planned for other major accounting packages. Order Entry handles multiple classes and discount levels for each item, generates control numbers for orders and quotes, supports multiple tax codes and shipping charges, and tracks order status. When integrating to an external accounting system, general ledger accounts are updated and new customers created in accounts receivable automatically.

With detailed online sales history info now available, SALES REPORTING has also been enhanced. Sales, Forecasting and Profitability Reports can be produced by virtually unlimited criteria. Nine new standard profitability and sales reports are included along with sales forecasting by rep, total, orders sure to close, forecasts greater than X dollars, product type.

The main screen now contains sales history fields, automatically updated, showing last purchase, YTD sales, total forecast, and 5 user customizable fields, which can be defined as text, numeric, date with pop-up calendar, or pop-up selection list. The user programs feature now allows each user to shell out to their programs or DOS from INFOtrac, in addition to shelling out to their word processor. Additional VAR or user developed screens of custom fields or third party CUSTOMIZED MODULES can also be accessed. Unlimited custom label formats can be created from included formats for laser printer and dot matrix labels by entering label location, frequency, size and shape.

Sales info is now included as filter criteria giving users more choices when selecting multiple sort categories for reports and functions. The selected records can now be captured to allow scrolling through these records individually while performing program functions, like exporting groups of records, or mailing to groups that meet these criteria in batch mode. Contacts can be designated whether they are included in mailings, and records can now be replicated, making it easier to enter records with common data.

MULTILEVEL SECURITY has been extended to include control of access and editing capabilities to program features by each user or only by the system administrator. CUSTOMER LISTS CAN BE PROTECTED by controlling access to data transfer, report printing, viewing of just their own or other user's records. Help screens for all features are modifiable and can be used for additional help sales tips, objection handling, product info.

INFOtrac operates under DOS 3.1 and later, all NETBIOS compatible and Novell networks including Advanced Netware 2.0+, OS/2 1.0+, Banyan Vines, LANtastic, 3COM 3+ 1.1+, IBM PC Network/LAN 1.12+, ATT Starlan 1.1+, DOS 3.1 compatible Networks. Runs under Windows 3.X as a DOS application. INFOtrac is portable to AIX/RS6000. SUN, SCO, VMS, UNIX, over 75 platforms-contact sales for more info. INFOtrac requires 384K RAM, Hard Disk with 3.6 MB available space, Monochrome, Laptop LCD, CGA or EGA or VGA Color Monitor. Modem required for autodialing.

INFOtrac is distributed exclusively in the United States by Profile Technologies, 6 Londonderry Commons, Suite 331, Londonderry, N.H., 03053-1500, (603) 434-6165. It is available in both Single User and Multiuser LAN versions. List prices are $349 Single user and $1995 Multiuser LAN (unlimited users). Upgrade prices from 1.0 are $79 Single User and $199 Multiuser LAN. INFOtrac comes with a 30 Day money-back guarantee and 120 days unlimited telephone support.

Profile Technologies is a national publisher and distributor of sales and service productivity software products. Attention editors-review copies and product shots are available upon request.

Profile Technologies Inc

6 Londonderry Commons, Suite 331

Londonderry, NH 03053-1500

603-434-6165,  FAX: 603-437-2261


BOOKSOFT: Amazing New Truths About Your Emotions
SHAKY PUBLISHER PUTS BOOKS ON DISKS

August 7, 1992 -- SCIENTIFIC SPECIALISTS, Researchers, Developers, & Publishers, of Fawnskin, California, (located directly in the Big Bear Valley which was recently subjected to two different major earthquakes of 7.6 and 6.6 magnitude within three hours) has announced the understandably "shaky" publication of their BOOKSOFT line of 'books-on-disks.' Their first non-fiction release, entitled: "AMAZING NEW TRUTHS ABOUT YOUR EMOTIONS," authored by Doyle P. Henderson, has already been placed on bulletin boards (BBS's) nationally. Also, it is being offered on floppy diskettes at minimal cost by several shareware catalog vendors around the country. Dealing with the eradication of fears and other human emotions, its release is quite timely in that mountain community.

Using a new means of presenting books on disks called: "PC DiskTop Publishing," Scientific Specialists calls it the art of publishing self-displaying books and other easily read documents, in color, on computer diskettes. All the book files are offered as shareware and may be freely distributed, copied, and used. What with large, high resolution color monitors becoming relatively inexpensive and so popular, they think the time has come for the publication of good books (on disk) that can be conveniently viewed using the PC. They say it's no longer a matter of a user having to struggle with an ugly one-color README.DOC file that quickly scrolls off the screen, requires a text viewer, or has to be printed out to be easily read.

BOOKSOFT books automatically install to a hard drive from any size or density floppy diskette. Each chapter or appendix is a .COM or .EXE file which self-displays when it's run. A "point-and-shoot" menu lets users scroll up or down the list of contents using the arrow keys to select the chapter they want to view. Alternatively, users can press hot keys or use a mouse. There's no need to type in chapter names by hand.

The process uses colored screens and easily read text--with two spaces after every sentence ending. Extended ASCII characters permit the use of simple graphics, boxes, and charts without incurring huge byte consumption. Headings and 'italicized text' are shaded or colored. BOOKSOFT claims its books install easy, check any drive's available space, tell what's happening during installation, look great, and run well on almost any PC.

Even travelers can now read good books using their laptop machines while in flight or at motels and hotels away from home. And, office workers can read novels or good non-fiction books during breaks or lunch periods--using diskettes kept in their pockets. (The next BOOKSOFT book is a romantic novel about scuba diving entitled: "Blue Fantasy" by Shirley Kennedy.)

To make shareware distribution economically practical, BOOKSOFT carefully selects books (primarily non-fiction) that have high and lasting value. Even though users may examine or read the entire book using a PC, they may still want to buy and own one or more copies of the professionally printed and bound edition from SCIENTIFIC SPECIALISTS, the publisher. The company's only profit potential comes from the sale of professionally printed bound books after a reader has had the opportunity to examine the whole book on disk first. But, users get real value from shareware "registration." The company hopes that will make it all viable. They point out that excellent books that might otherwise go unpublished today can now be widely and profitably distributed on disk and in limited print quantities using the two computer "disktop and desktop" publishing methods.

While others have released books-on-disk before, what is particularly unusual about BOOKSOFT's first book is that the book's author, Mr. Doyle P. Henderson, claims that it truthfully contains the most valuable new information in the world! (And no, it's not about religion.) He says that it's all about an important, major scientific breakthrough that permits two adults to actually alter their personalities--permanently. He said: "In a matter of weeks, working together, with no knowledge of medicine or psychology required, two people can become free of undesired emotions like fear, anxiety, panic, anger, hostility, grief, depression, sadness, frustration, sexual aberations, and many other thought-induced feelings and disturbances.

"Using a new logical process, they can even become like Mr. Spock of Star Trek, by also eradicating their good feelings, as well as their bad. We don't recommend that, but it's now theoretically possible. It all sounds incredible. But it's all valid and true. The problem is getting people to believe it! They've heard claims like these before. That's one of the reasons why we elected to "give it all away" on diskettes--the concepts, case histories, step-by-step tutorial, and everything. But, like a few 'killer apps', it can, (and we believe that it eventually will,) become: the killer shareware book of the decade!

"Because its concepts are so hard to believe, so contrary to current beliefs and university teaching, it will probably take some time to gain widespread acceptance. (it's like trying to convince people that the Earth was round--500 years ago.) Current concepts must be dislodged. But, there are hundreds of people who already know that it's all absolutely valid, repeatedly proven, and all true. They've done it themselves.

"Admittedly, it's all somewhat overwhelming and hard to believe. But, it's now being presented to the world without all the usual commercially sponsored media hype and hoopla that one might expect to accompany such great discoveries. We believe it's the first major scientific breakthrough ever made public/available on computer disks as shareware!" Additional information, disks, or printed books may be ordered from Scientific Specialists at Box 385, Fawnskin, CA 92333 or by calling: (714) 866-6263.


SPA Spreaheads Effort Making Swr Piracy a Felony
SPA Spearheads Effort To Make Software Piracy a Felony

August 12, 1992 (Washington, DC)-- The Software Publishers Association (SPA), the principal trade association of the personal computer software industry, testified today on behalf of S.893, a bill that would elevate the willful copying of computer software from a misdemeanor to a felony. The hearing was held by the House Intellectual Property and Judicial Administration Subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee under the direction of Congressman William Hughes (D-NJ).

The bill, S.893, targets professional software pirates who make many copies of software and resell them at low prices, illegal bulletin board operators who distribute pirated software, and PC dealers who offer "free" but illegal software to hardware purchasers.

Gail Penner, an attorney with Autodesk, Inc., who appeared on behalf of the SPA, stated that S.893 is an important piece of legislation for three reasons: First, because computer programs are so easy to copy, the software industry is particularly vulnerable to theft. Second, civil remedies and misdemeanor criminal penalties have been inadequate to deter professional software pirates. And third, despite the economic seriousness of the crime, it is extremely difficult to interest federal prosecutors and law enforcement agencies in pursuing software piracy because the extensive resources required for investigations yield only misdemeanor convictions.

On June 4, 1992, the Senate passed S.893, which was introduced by Senator Orrin Hatch (R-UT). S.893 builds on legislation enacted by Congress in 1982 to address organized criminal copying and distribution of phonorecords, sound recordings, and motion pictures. This bill requires that copying be "willful" and "for purposes of commercial advantage or private financial gain," and calls for a fine of up to $250,000 and imprisonment up to five years for unauthorized reproduction or distribution of 50 or more copies of one or more computer programs during a 180 day period. For software piracy involving between 10 and 50 copies during the same period, the penalties are a fine of up to $250,000 and imprisonment up to 2 years.

In 1990 the software industry lost $2.4 billion to software piracy in the United States alone. Worldwide, revenue lost by US software publishers to piracy was between $10 to $12 billion. This level of piracy threatens the ability of the US to remain competitive by depriving publishers of revenue to fund the extensive R&D necessary to develop new software products. It also deprives retailers and distributors of legitimate revenue, jeopardizing American jobs, and forcing consumers to pay higher prices for legitimate software products. Finally, piracy threatens one of this nation's major export industries. Currently, 75% of all software is produced in the United States.

"This bill is important because civil remedies are simply not adequate to deter professional pirates" said Ken Wasch SPA's Executive Director . "Software pirates are adept at skirting the system. Too often they go underground when served with a civil complaint, only to resurface later to continue stealing software. By making the willful copying of software a felony, the Congress will be sending a strong message that software piracy is just not worth the risk."

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, France.


ASP Welcoms JORF Company as 1,000th Member
MUSKEGON, MI--June 8, 1992--ASP (The Association of Shareware Professionals) welcomes its 1,000th member, Mr. Wayland Bruns of JORF Company.

"I'm thrilled!" said Bruns. "I've always had a soft spot in my heart for shareware...and I look up to successful (ASP) shareware authors as role models of professionalism."

Bruns' product, JORF 2.0, is an object-oriented interpreted computer language for creating small business applications for DOS and Windows environments. It is particularly well suited to data processing and accounting applications.

Paul Mayer, past ASP President, said, "It's great to welcome Brun as our 1000th member."

Brun has joined a select group of professionals marketing their products under the Shareware concept, giving users the opportunity to evaluate software in the comfort of their office or home, before they pay for it. "Shareware is a great concept. It's like test driving a new car. With Shareware, the purchaser only pays for the software if it fulfills their needs," said Mayer.

Wayland is 31 years old and has been programming for over 10 years. JORF is his only shareware program at this time. He is employed full-time as a dBASE programmer, and manages his shareware business part-time.

In his spare time, Wayland enjoys outdoor sports, particularly backpacking. He's climbed the 11,000-foot Mt. Hood in Oregon, east of Portland, and is looking forward to his next challenge, the 12,000-foot Three Sisters mountain.

Association of Shareware Professionals, a nonprofit corporation formed in 1987, informs users about shareware programs and distribution methods; fosters professionalism among authors by setting standards for its members to follow; encourages distribution of shareware through a network of user groups, bulletin board systems, and disk vendors; and provides marketing, promotion, and distribution assistance to its members.


3M's 21MB Floptical Disk Closer to Industry Std
Cupertino, CA -- August 10, 1992 -- 3M Corp., St. Paul, Minnesota, the world's largest supplier of flexible magnetic media, has announced the commercial availability of the 21-megabyte (MB) 3M Floptical diskette. 3M is a founding member of the FTA.

The 21MB (nominal capacity) Floptical disk drive is capable of reading and writing downward to conventional 1.44MB and 720KB diskettes and stores respectively over 14 and 28 times more data than these lower capacity diskettes. Floptical drives have been shipping in quantity since late 1991 from multiple sources supporting a wide variety of system platforms, including IBM PC-compatible, PS/2, Macintosh and Amiga systems.

The Floptical diskette is designed for use in 3.5-inch Floptical disk drives manufactured by Insite Peripherals, the developer of Floptical technology. Insite's manufacturing partner is FTA founding member MKE (Matsushita-Kotobuki Electronics Industries, Ltd.). Insite has also licensed the technology to Iomega Corp. Iomega's manufacturing partner is Chinon.

The FTA called the availability of 3M Floptical diskettes another major milestone towards acceptance of Floptical technology as the industry standard for very high capacity storage. In agreement, a recent Dataquest Perspective on computer storage and flexible disk drives noted ". . . the emergence of the Floptical design as the de facto standard in (very high capacity floppy disk drives)."

The Floptical diskette now being commercially manufactured by 3M will be available in quantity in August 1992 through 3M's traditional distribution channels and will carry a suggested list price of $31.45 per diskette. On a cost per megabyte basis this makes Floptical diskettes the most cost effective 3.5-inch media available today.

The new 3.5-inch barium ferrite 3M Floptical diskettes are designed to be more reliable than any current floppy diskette technology. This is due in part to a special polymer binder, developed by 3M, which prevents degradation of the media caused by heat and humidity, minimizing debris generation while helping to prevent the proliferation of errors. Factory formatting also enhances data integrity, along with the drive's built-in error correction capabilities.

"To be commercially successful and accepted by end users, a very high capacity storage product must be reliable, available, affordable and compatible with the millions of 3M floppy diskettes already in use. Floptical technology is now all of these," said Jim Milligan, program manager for 3M's Advanced Diskette Technology operation.

A spokesman for the Floptical Technology Association said, "Mass production of the Floptical diskette by the world's largest producer of flexible magnetic storage demonstrates that the technology is supported by major players in the computer industry."

Floptical Technology Association

21710 Stevens Creek Blvd, Suite 220

Cupertino, CA 95014

408-446-0407


Helicopter Rotor & Wake Predictions
Helicopter Wakes -- The prediction of inflow to a helicopter rotor and the wake velocities below and behind are vital to the calculation of airloads on the rotor blades of a helicopter. DOWN, from NASA Langley Research Center, is a computer program that assists designers with such predictions. DOWN was created to implement a flat wake theory, a simple analysis for the calculation of rotor inflow and wake velocities. The analysis essentially treats the rotor wake geometry as rigid without interaction between induced velocities and wake structure. The code will predict three orthogonal incremental components of flow velocity at any point in any plane parallel or perpendicular to the rotor disk. Input to the code is entered interactively through the computer keyboard. The coded version of flat wake theory as implemented in DOWN provides vertical inflow patterns similar to experimental patterns for helicopter flight speeds greater than 60 knots.

DOWN, LAR-14841, is written in FORTRAN 77 for IBM PC series and compatible computers running MS-DOS. It requires 56K of RAM for execution. This package includes sample executables which were compiled under Microsoft FORTRAN. The standard distribution medium for this program is one 5.25 inch 360K MS-DOS format diskette. Program $200; documentation $13.

COSMIC

The University of Georgia

382 East Broad St, Athens, GA 30602-4272

706-542-3265,  FAX: 706-542-4807


NASA Nuclear Rocket Engine Design Program
NUCLEAR ROCKETS

One of the most important factors in the development of nuclear rocket engine designs is to be able to accurately predict temperatures and pressures throughout a fission nuclear reactor core with axial hydrogen flow through circular coolant passages. CAC, from NASA Lewis Research Center, is an analytical prediction program to study the heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics of a circular coolant passage. CAC predicts as a function of time axial and radial fluid conditions, passage wall temperatures, flow rates in each coolant passage, and approximate maximum material temperatures.

Although CAC was originally developed in FORTRAN IV for use on an IBM 7094, this version is written in ANSI standard FORTRAN 77 and is designed to be machine independent. It has been successfully compiled on IBM PC series and compatible computers running MS-DOS with Lahey F77L, a Sun4 series computer running SunOS 4.1.1, and a VAX series computer running VMS 5.4-3. CAC requires 300K of RAM under MS-DOS, 422K of RAM under SunOS, and 220K of RAM under VMS. No sample executable is provided on the distribution medium. Sample input and output data are included. The standard distribution medium for this program is a 5.25 inch 360K MS-DOS format diskette. CAC, LEW-15400, was developed in 1966, and this machine independent version was released in 1992. Program $450; documentation $36.

COSMIC

The University of Georgia

382 East Broad St, Athens, GA 30602-4272

706-542-3265,  FAX: 706-542-4807


FASTRAN Fatigue Crack Growth Structural Analysis
CRACK GROWTH

Predictions of fatigue crack growth behavior can be made with the Fatigue Crack Growth Structural Analysis (FASTRAN II) computer program from NASA Langley Research Center. As cyclic loads are applied to a selected crack configuration with an initial crack size, FASTRAN II predicts crack growth as a function of cyclic load history until either a desired crack size is reached or failure occurs. FASTRAN II is based on plasticity-induced crack-closure behavior of cracks in metallic materials and accounts for load-interaction effects, such as retardation and acceleration, under variable-amplitude loading. The closure model is based on the Dugdale model with modifications to allow plastically deformed material to be left along the crack surfaces as the crack grows. Plane stress and plane strain conditions, as well as conditions between these two, can be simulated in FASTRAN II by using a constraint factor on tensile yielding at the crack front to approximately account for three-dimensional stress states. FASTRAN II contains seventeen predefined crack configurations (standard laboratory fatigue crack growth rate specimens and many common crack configurations found in structures); and the user can define one additional crack configuration.

FASTRAN II is written in standard FORTRAN 77. It has been successfully compiled and implemented on Sun4 series computers running SunOS and on IBM PC compatibles running MS-DOS using the Lahey F77L FORTRAN compiler. Sample input and output data are included with the FASTRAN II package. The UNIX version requires 660K of RAM for execution. The standard distribution medium for the UNIX version (LAR-14865) is a .25 inch streaming magnetic tape cartridge in UNIX tar format. It is also available on a 3.5 inch diskette in UNIX tar format. The standard distribution medium for the MS-DOS version (LAR-14944) is a 5.25 inch 360K MSDOS format diskette. The contents of the diskette are compressed using the PKWARE archiving tools. The utility to unarchive the files, PKUNZIP.EXE, is included. Program $1,000; documentation $26.

COSMIC

The University of Georgia

382 East Broad St, Athens, GA 30602-4272

706-542-3265,  FAX: 706-542-4807


Multitask Workload & Performance Experiments
HUMAN PERFORMANCE

MAT, a Multi-Attribute Task battery from NASA Langley Research Center, gives the researcher the capability of performing multitask workload and performance experiments. The battery provides a benchmark set of tasks for use in a wide range of laboratory studies of operator performance and workload. MAT incorporates tasks analogous to activities that aircraft crew members perform in flight, while providing a high degree of experiment control, performance data on each subtask, and freedom to use non-pilot test subjects. The MAT battery primary display is composed of four separate task windows: a monitoring task window which includes gauges and warning lights, a tracking task window for the demands of manual control, a communication task window to simulate air traffic control communications, and a resource management task window which permits maintaining target levels on a fuel management task. In addition, a scheduling task window gives the researcher information about future task demands. The battery also provides the option of manual or automated control of tasks. The task generates performance data for each subtask. The task battery may be paused and onscreen workload rating scales presented to the subject. The MAT battery was designed to use a serially linked second computer to generate the voice messages for the Communications task; however The MAT battery task computer may also be used independent of the voice computer.

MAT, LAR-14904, is written in QuickBasic and assembly language for IBM PC series and compatible computers running MS-DOS. The code in MAT is written for Microsoft QuickBasic 4.5 and Microsoft Macro Assembler 5.1. This package requires a joystick and EGA or VGA color graphics. An 80286, 386, or 486 processor machine is highly recommended. The standard distribution medium for MAT is a 5.25 inch 360K MS-DOS format diskette. The files are compressed using the PKZIP file compression utility. PKUNZIP is included on the distribution diskette. Program $200; documentation $16.

COSMIC

The University of Georgia

382 East Broad St, Athens, GA 30602-4272

706-542-3265,  FAX: 706-542-4807


AUTOCLASS - Automatic Data Classification Swr
AUTOMATIC DATA CLASSIFICATION

The standard approach to classification in much of artificial intelligence and statistical pattern recognition research involves partitioning of the data into separate subsets, known classes. AUTOCLASS III, from NASA Ames Research Center, uses the Bayesian approach in which classes are described by probability distributions over the attributes of the objects, specified by a model function and its parameters. The calculation of the probability of each object's membership in each class provides a more intuitive classification than absolute partitioning techniques.

AUTOCLASS III is applicable to most data sets consisting of independent instances, each described by a fixed length vector of attribute values. An attribute value may be a number, one of a set of attribute specific symbols, or omitted. The user specifies a class probability distribution function by associating attribute sets with supplied likelihood function terms. AUTOCLASS then searches in the space of class numbers and parameters for the maximally probable combination. It returns the set of class probability function parameters, and the class membership probabilities for each data instance.

AUTOCLASS III, ARC-13180, is written in Common Lisp, and is designed to be platform independent. This program has been successfully run on Symbolics and Explorer Lisp machines and has also been successfully used with the following implementations of Common LISP on the Sun: Franz Allegro CL, Lucid Common Lisp, and Austin Kyoto Common Lisp and similar UNIX platforms; under the Lucid Common Lisp implementations on VAX/VMS v5.4, VAX/Ultrix v4.1, and MIPS/Ultrix v4, rev. 179; and on the Macintosh personal computer. The minimum Macintosh required is the IIci. An electronic copy of the documentation is included on the distribution medium. Program $900; documentation $21.

COSMIC

The University of Georgia

382 East Broad St, Athens, GA 30602-4272

706-542-3265,  FAX: 706-542-4807


RSM Resupply Scheduling Modeler from NASA
PROJECT MANAGEMENT

RSM, a Resupply Scheduling Modeler from NASA Lewis Research Center, is a fully menu-driven program that uses integer programming techniques to determine an optimum schedule for replacing components on or before the end of a fixed replacement period. Although written to analyze the electrical power system on the Space Station Freedom, RSM is quite general and can be used to model the resupply of almost any system subject to userdefined resource constraints. RSM is based on a specific form of the general linear programming problem in which all variables in the objective function and all variables in the constraints are integers. While more computationally intensive, integer programming was required for accuracy when modeling systems with small quantities of components.

RSM, LEW-15309, is written in APL2 for IBM PC series computers and compatibles. A stand-alone executable version of RSM is provided; however, this is a "packed" version of RSM which can only utilize the memory within the 640K DOS limit. This executable requires at least 640K of memory and DOS 3.1 or higher. Source code for an APL2/PC workspace version is also provided. This version of RSM can make full use of any installed extended memory but must be run with the APL2 interpreter; and it requires an 80486 based microcomputer or an 80386 based microcomputer with an 80387 math coprocessor, at least 2Mb of extended memory, and DOS 3.3 or higher. The standard distribution medium for this package is one 5.25 inch 360K MS-DOS format diskette. Program $200; documentation $16.

COSMIC

The University of Georgia

382 East Broad St, Athens, GA 30602-4272

706-542-3265,  FAX: 706-542-4807


Neural Network Development & Evaluation (NASA)
MAC NETS

NETS, A Tool for the Development and Evaluation of Neural Networks from NASA Johnson Space Center, provides a simulation of Neural Network algorithms plus an environment for developing such algorithms. Problems which involve pattern matching readily fit the class of problems which NETS is designed to solve. The program allows the user to customize the patterns of connections between layers of a network. NETS also provides features for saving the weight values of a network during the learning process, which allows for more precise control over the learning process.

NETS allows the user to generate C code to implement the network loaded into the system. This permits the placement of networks as components, or subroutines, in other systems. Once a network performs satisfactorily, the Generate C Code option provides the means for creating a program separate from NETS to run the network. Other features: files may be stored in binary or ASCII format; multiple input propagation is permitted; bias values may be included; capability to scale data without writing scaling code; quick interactive testing of network from the main menu; and several options that allow the user to manipulate learning efficiency.

NETS is written in ANSI standard C language to be machine independent. The Macintosh version (MSC-22108) includes code for both a graphical user interface version and a command line interface version. The machine independent version (MSC-21588) only includes code for the command line interface version of NETS 3.0. A minimum of 1MB of RAM is required for execution. Sample input files and executables for both the command line version and the Macintosh user interface version are provided on the distribution medium. The Macintosh version is available on a set of three 3.5 inch 800K Macintosh format diskettes. Program $150; documentation $20.

COSMIC

The University of Georgia

382 East Broad St, Athens, GA 30602-4272

706-542-3265,  FAX: 706-542-4807


NEW Assoc. of Shareware Authors & Distributors
Association of Shareware Authors and Distributors Is Now Accepting Applications for Membership

The Association of Shareware Authors and Distributors (ASAD) was established in July of 1992 and is currently accepting membership applications.

ASAD has four primary goals: 1) to promote shareware products as a viable alternative or enhancement to commercial software, 2) to protect the rights of those persons involved in the shareware industry, 3) to educate the public about the concept of shareware as a marketing strategy, and 4) to establish "reasonable" standards for the authoring, distributing, and marketing of shareware products.

Shareware authors want to get their products distributed to as many  potential customers as possible; shareware authors want to offer as many high quality shareware programs as possible to their clients; and shareware users want access to excellent programs that they can try before registering for continued use. ASAD can fulfill all these desires by establishing a direct link between authors, vendors, and users. Authors can mail their programs directly to ASAD for immediate uploading (via ASADnet) to member Bulletin Board Systems (BBSs) or monthly direct mailing to member vendors or  distributors worldwide. This, in turn, allows users to immediately download programs of interest to them from their favorite local BBS and ensures that  distributors have access to only the most current versions of shareware releases for incorporation into their next catalog, brochure, or other promotional advertisement.

As with any association or organization, a set of bylaws and professional leadership standards are required. ASAD differs from most organizations in that the individual members (author, distributor, BBS, or user group) are writing the rules and regulations. ASAD has established a baseline set of  bylaws and they are being provided to each new member for suggested  modifications and possible incorporation in the next bylaws version update. Each member has an equal votte in the association. Four elected officers, one each representing authors, distributors, BBS/usre group, and  author/distributor, will provide laedership and management to the organization.

The Association of Shareware Authors and Distributors is open to all persons or organizations involved in the shareware community, not just authors,  vendors, BBSs or user groups, providing they are willing to comply with the  bylaws established by ASAD members and are willing to assist us in educating the public in regards to shareware marketing concepts.

Membership fees are being kept to a minimum (author or affiliated member $35, BBS or user group $45, and vendor or distributor $65) in an effort to ensure even the newest member of the shareware family can afford to be affiliated  with a professional association.

ASAD will be offering numerous benefits to its members including such items as: 1) monthly shareware program mailings, 2) coop mailings, 3) access to membership mailing lists, 4) free advertisements via ASADnet, 5) monthly newsletter, 6) discount registrations, 7) coop mailing lists, 8) marketing tips and hints, 9) registration and mailing of programs direct from ASAD headdquarters if requested, 10) drop shipment of disks, and much, much more as we grow.

Anyone wishing additional information about ASAD or a membership package, may: 1) write to ASAD at: ASAD, 2425 North Limestone Street, Springfield,  OHIO 45503-1109  2) call us at (513)-390-1099 between the hours of 4-11 p.m. Mon-Sat or Noon-11 p.m. Sun EST, or 3) FAX us anytime at (513)-399-2501.


Cooper Graphics Clip Art Collections & New Adr
New Print Shop Fonts

420 superb fonts for use with New Print Shop. This massive collection was developed by Edgar Dohmann of Alvin, Texas. The fully registered set includes virtually every font you will ever need for New Print Shop. A complete illustrated printout of the fonts is included with each order along with a copy (on disk) of Edgar's manual titled "Hints and Tips for New Print Shop". The latter is a well written manual of New Print Shop and New Print Shop Companion limitations and workarounds. Shows how fonts, borders, and graphics are handled. This set is a must for serious New Print Shop users.

ORTECH NPS FONTS (registration included) ............$22.95

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

Taggraphics .PCX Graphics

An outstanding collection of 256 .PCX graphics edited by Terry Taggart of Kansas City, Missouri. These graphics are oriented toward the great outdoors. Hunting, fishing, game and land conservation are the primary subjects; secondary subjects include aviation, soccer, and motorcycling.

This is a superb set of graphics and a wonderful addition to any serious collection. The subject matter is fresh and timely. Terry's work is first class. Many of the graphics are quite large.

TAGGRAPHICS (registration included) ..................$34.95

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

Cooper Graphics .PCX Armor

This new collection of .PCX graphics includes clips of virtually all armor in use in the world today. The collection includes tanks, motorized artillery, personnel carriers, and much other armor used by military personnel.

There are a total of 102 pieces of clipart. Fifty-one pieces of armor are included with one large and another smaller clip of each. The smaller clips show the same piece of armor from another point of view.

COOPER ARMOR (registration included) .................$22.95

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

Cooper Graphics .PCX Flowers

This is a new collection of .PCX graphics which features a wide variety of flowers for use in desktop publishing. As usual, these files are sized for use in both desktop publishing and in label making. The average piece of clipart will resize from about 1" x l" to 4" x 4" when printed at 300 DPI with no appreciable loss of detail or jaggy development.

There are a total of 126 great pictures of flowers, many of which are suitable for use as corners or for border work. A hardcopy reference is included with each order

COOPER FLOWERS (registration included) ................$22.95

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

Cooper .PCX Company Logos

This is a massive collection of logos of virtually every major company doing business today. Over 800 individual pieces of clipart are included. This collection is a must (and a tremendous time saver) for those of you who work with graphics for others.

Note that logos and trademarks are owned by their originating companies. They are often copyrighted and should not be used without securing permission from the firm in question.

COOPER LOGOS (registration included) ....................$49.95

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

As the "WACKY" picture on the outer flap of our brochure so aptly illustrates, we've moved. It has been a chore! Our systems were down for almost a month in the process, and we have just recently got back on-line. We are far behind on correspondence and are catching up as quickly as we can. All disk orders have been shipped and we're back to our normal 24 hour service. IF YOU HAVE PLACED AN ORDER AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED IT SOMETHING IS AMISS! PLEASE GET IN TOUCH WITH US IMMEDIATELY! I, particularly, am not infallable; things have been so hectic here that Murphy's Law has to have prevailed in places we've yet to see.

THE DISK OF THE MONTH IS A MESS! We've made a commitment here that was ill advised. I simply do not have enough time to support this program and do the other things necessary to the growth of our business. Some of you have written; others have called. I've made promises I now find I cannot keep. The New Print Shop version of the DOM, in particular, cannot be continued. It is the most time consuming of all the graphic formats, and the conversion results are often so poor, hours of editing are required. PLEASE, WILL ALL DISK OF THE MONTH SUBSCRIBERS WRITE INDICATING GRAPHIC FORMAT, DISK SIZE, AND EXPIRATION DATE. I will get all DOMs out to those who write. If you prefer, I will give credit or a refund at the rate of $3.60 per month for each month I owe. I am truly sorry about this fiasco; the DOM concept is great, but only if you can maintain the ongoing commitment!

The back of this brochure details our new releases for the summer season (shown above!). Two of the sets, ORTECH New Print Shop Fonts and TAGGRAPHICS Clipart were developed by your fellow registered users. The authors have been kind enough to allow us to distribute these outstanding graphics to you. NOTE THAT THE PRICES INCLUDE FULL REGISTRATION.

Erlean and I hope that you and Yours are having a wonderful summer. God Bless and Happy Computing,

Jim Cooper

New Address: Cooper Graphics

             9406 Omar Khuyyum Blvd, Louisville, KY 40272

             502-933-3007


CollisionWare FastVote BBS Voting Door
Burke, VA -- August 4, 1992 -- CollisionWare Premium Software has announced a new release of its powerful shareware voting door, FastVote. The new  version of this excellent user survey tool includes powerful communications routines (up to 115,000 bps), on-line System Operator (SysOp) functions, and a powerful setup utility, FVSETUP, and other additions.

This version of FastVote continues to promote the door's position as the preferred voting door for Bulletin Board System (BBS) SysOps in all regions, with registered users throughout the United States, the Phillipines, and Canada. FastVote's compatibility with virtually any of the many available Bulletin Board Software packages has made it very popular with all types of SysOps. The ability for users to create their own voting booths, and the powerful editing features built in, as well as the colorful graph results display, make it one of the most useful survey tools available to BBS SysOps. In addition, multi-node support makes the program ideal for large information systems, and the new setup utility makes installation easier than ever.

FastVote's registration fee ranges from $15-$20, with the option to purchase a comprehensive 30-page spiral-bound manual for an additional $15. A Shareware version of the product can be obtained from the Collision Theory BBS at 703-503-9441 (300-2400 bps).

CollisionWare Premium SoftWare 9525 Heathwood Ct, Burke, VA 22015

703-425-4674


Mac Shareware 500 from Ventana Press
The Mac Shareware 500, by Ruffin Prevost and Rob Terrell, is the first authoritative, evaluative examination of shareware for the Macintosh.  A complete consumers guidebook, it covers the natureof shareware, where to find it, how to access and download it,protocol for payment and virus protection.  Descriptions of the top500 shareware programs include an impartial rating and brieftutorial information. No other book has gone this far in makingshareware accessible to the average computer user.

"Shareware represents a literal goldmine, a full spectrum ofsoftware at nominal prices that most consumers don't even knowexists," explains Prevost.  "This book will bring shareware intothe marketplace, where everyone has a chance to take advantage ofthe creative products that only hackers knew about before."

To further enhance the package, Ventana Press has added extra valueitems including:

*  Three disks with dozens of the most highly rated

   shareware programs.

*  An America Online membership disk.

*  Five free hours of AOL signon time (a $30 value!).

*  Two free issues of The Ventana Mac Update, to keep you

   abreast of important Macrelated developments.

To make shareware even more accessible, Ventana has collected all programs detailed in the book into the Mac Shareware 500 Library, an electronic bulletin board on America Online.

The Mac Shareware 500 is softcover, 7 3/8" x 9 1/4'

ISBN:0940087898.  Suggested retail price: $39.95.

Ventana Press publishes books and other materials that helpprofessionals become more productive.  Recent bestsellers include The System 7 Book, Looking Good in Print, The Gray Book, and Newsletters From the Desktop.  All Ventana Press publications are available from bookstores, computer resellers, and from Ventana Press, P.O. Box 2468, Chapel Hill, NC 27515


Ventana Press Introduces VooDoo Windows
VENTANA VOODOO TURNS TO WINDOWS

In an effort to bring clarity and sharpness to the sometimes cloudy Windows world, Ventana Press introduces its latest adventure in alchemy, Voodoo Windows, by master magician Kay Yarborough Nelson.

The appeal of Microsoft Windows is transparent, with its intuitive interface and friendly flexibility.  Yet many Windows manuals are murky at best, obscured by excess information and thick with techno talk.

Nelson, author of the bestselling Voodoo DOS and Voodoo WordPerfect for Windows, helps cast off the confusion.  Reducing each spell to its simplest ingredients, she also limits her listings to only the most accessible.  "I'm not interested in all the ways to accomplish a task in Windows," explains the crafty conjurer, "just the quickest and easiest."

Voodoo Windows unlocks the secrets about opening Windows; demonstrates techniques for teaching your mouse new tricks; conjures customizing spells for fun and productivity; and warns of evils that lurk ("Don't make your menus disappear!  If you choose the same color for Menu Text and Menu Bar, guess what?").  Brave apprentices will master:

*  Windows 101  -- Starting, switching & editing windows;

   menu magic; dialogue box tricks and copy/paste tricks.

*  Customizing Windows  -- Mouse tricks; enchanted colors;

   desktop wizardry; date tricks and miscellaneous magic.

*  Secrets of Running Programs -- Installing new programs;

   creating new groups; PIFs demystified and more program tricks.

*  File Manager Sorcery  -- Selecting, moving, copying, deleting

   and finding files; tricks for the File Manager's View menu;

   working with programs in the File Manager; associating

   documents and programs, disk tricks and more File Manager

   tricks.

Other lessons include: Really Neat Tricks, Curse Free Printing, Accessory Magic and Oh, Hex!.  Like magic, Nelson transforms users from novices and neophytes to Windows wizards with a flash of brilliance and a dash of delight.

Voodoo Windows is the natural progression from Voodoo DOS, Nelson's national bestseller that has drawn raves from beginners and experts alike around the world.  Voodoo Windows is softcover, two color, 7 3/8" x 9 1/4", 365 pages with 110 illustrations. Suggested retail price: $19.95.  ISBN: 1566040051.

Ventana Press publishes books and other materials that help computer users become more productive, including Voodoo DOS, Looking Good in Print, Windows, Word & Excel Office Companion, Desktop Publishing With Word for Windows and Voodoo WordPerfect for Windows.  All titles are available in bookstores and through Ventana Press, P.O. Box 2468, Chapel Hill, NC 27515


SEMA4 Financial Mgmt System Adds 254/255 Module
#1 Ranked SEMA4 Financial Management System adds fully integrated 254/255 module.

August 1992 -- SEMA4 Inc., the makers of the # 1 ranked SEMA4 Financial Management System has announced the first-ever fully integrated 254/255 forms module. The 254/255 module enables users to take advantage of information already entered and tracked in SEMA4 to generate the government contract forms. Gone are the days of manually inputing 18 pages of information. SEMA4's new 254/255 modules help you to save time since the information can be dcwnloaded from SEMA4 according to what you need. Now, not only can you now freely desian invoices as you wish, create project management reports as you need them, and fully run cash and accrual accounting, you also have the added capability to generate government forms 254/255 straight from SEMA4

Sema4 Inc, 3 East 28th St, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10016

212-545-7300


Resource Navigator II HyperCard Authoring Tool
About Resource Navigator II...

Create, edit, and playback multiple media types, including QuickTime movies, in your HyperCard stacks with no programming or scripting needed! Adding pictures, sounds, audio compact disc music, external videodisc sequences and QuickTime pictures and movies has never been easier. If you have a video/frame capture board, you can create your own QuickTime movies and use them in any QuickTime capable application.

By simply pointing and clicking you create buttons which contain all the commands needed to access these different types of media. To add a QuickTime movie for example, you would preview your sequence, select the window display type and then by selecting "create", Resource Navigator automatically creates a HyperCard button which contains all of the commands needed to play back that specific sequence in your stack.

At the same time you can also choose the option to add a copy of the information into the Resource Library stack for future use. If you wish to use that particular sequence again in another stack you simply go to the library, choose the media resource's name and click on Create Button. Resource Navigator creates a button in your stack that contains all the commands to play back that sequence just as before.

The Resource Navigator II package includes:

*  Resource Navigator II - authoring tools to integrate

   various types of media into any HyperCard stack.

*  Presentation Ideas - set of presentation style templates

   to give the user some ideas to start with.

*  ClipScripts - a collection of both typical and common

   scripts the user can copy and paste into their stacks.

*  QuickTime 1.0

*  HyperCard 2.1

Resource Navigator II -- $99.00

System Requirements...

Hardware

Any Macintosh that is HyperCard 2.1 capable and has a hard drive can access all Resource Navigator II tools except QuickTime movies and pictures.

The recommended minimum configuration for color and QuickTime pictures and movies is a 4 MB Macintosh LC and any size hard drive. To access QuickTime pictures and movies, your Macintosh must be color capable.

Software

Resource Navigator II is compatible with System 6.0.7 and System 7

HyperCard version 2.1 or higher is delivered with Resource Navigator II. QuickTime is required to run movies and display QuickTime compressed pictures and is also delivered with Resource Navigator II.

Bliss Interactive Technologies

6034 West Courtyard Dr, Suite 305, Austin, TX 78730

(512) 338-2458


Resource Library Public Domain Color Pictues
About Resource Library Vol. I...

Got a hot new QuickTime capable application and no movies or compressed color pictures to dress it up? Try exploring Resource Library Volume I, "Public Domain Color Pictures and QuickTime Movies".

This CD-ROM is designed to provide video quality images free of copyright infringement. Content sources include NASA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. A variety of subjects are covered including:

   Animals            People        Space

   Environment        Plants        Weather

   Farms & Ranches    Scenes        Wild Caves

Use the pictures and movies as freely as you would any clip media by simply copying and pasting into your favorite QuickTime document.

The Resource Library Vol. I Index is a HyperCard stack that provides a navigation capability to view the picture or movie and if information is available, provides appropriate information. An area on the stack is available for your to add your own notes. A Find feature allows you to search through the information contained in the stack.

The Resource Library Vol. I "Public Domain Color Pictures and QuickTime Movies" CD-ROM includes:

*  Pictures - over 550 video quality full (24-bit) color

   pictures of a variety of subjects.

*  Compressed Pictures - all of the pictures contained in

   the Pictures folder have also been compressed with QuickTime

   and placed into a separate folder.

*  QuickTime Movies - over 60 QuickTime video color movies.

*  Resource Library Vol. I Index - a HyperCard stack for

   navigating through the pictures and movies.

Resource Library Vol. I "Public Domain Color Pictures and QuickTime Movies"  - $49.95

System Requirements...

Hardware

The recommended minimum configuration for color and QuickTime pictures and movies is a 4 MB Macintosh LC and any size hard drive. A Macintosh compatible CDROM player is required. To access QuickTime pictures and movies, your Macintosh must be color capable.

Software

Resource Library Vol. I Index is a HyperCard stack and you need HyperCard 2.1 or greater to use the index. All of the pictures (uncompressed) may be accessed through most Macintosh applications. QuickTime is required to run movies and display QuickTime compressed pictures. System 6.0.7 or 7 is required to run HyperCard 2.1 and to use QuickTime.

Bliss Interactive Technologies

6034 West Courtyard Dr, Suite 305, Austin, TX 78730

(512) 338-2458


BINDEX Keyword Index to BYTE Magazine From ESC
BINDEX is a program for IBM-compatibles that lets you search for BYTE articles by selecting from more than 6,000 keywords. Simply choose a keyword from the list or begin typing and BINDEX will jump to the closest keyword. Then BINDEX will list the Volume, Number, Date, Page number, Author, Title, and Description of each article in a given BYTE year that relates to the keyword you have chosen.

BINDEX is comprehensive! In fact, it is by far the most complete index to BYTE magazine on the market. EVERY article is indexed, including Letters, Ask Byte, Microbytes, Nanobytes, What's New, Reviews, First Impressions, State of the Art, Features, and much more. For example, BINDEX 1991 includes references to more than 1,800 separate articles.

BINDEX is easy-to-use! Simply choose a keyword or begin typing it and press Enter. BINDEX presents the references to the relevant articles and lets you scroll through them. Print or print-to-disk any or all references at the touch of a key.

BINDEX is fast! Advanced search and retrieval techniques are used to minimize the time it takes for BINDEX to find keywords and article references.

BINDEX is compact! Each year of BYTE magazine article references, keywords, and the BINDEX program fit on one 360K diskette in just three files.

BINDEX is not copy protected! You can run BINDEX directly from its floppy disk or copy it to your hard disk for much faster execution. No annoying installation procedure is required.

BINDEX is guaranteed! Try BINDEX on your computer. If you are unsatisfied for any reason, return the diskette for a full refund. NO QUESTIONS ASKED!

Remember what Jerry Pournelle said in his October, 1991 User's Column:

Index Anyone?

BINDEX from Esc is a keyword index to BYTE. It 's updated quarterly and is available for 1990 and 1991. If you need this, you need it bad. If you think you don't need it, you may be right, but think about it: a way to find just about everything you ever wanted to find in BYTE -- Letters, columns, articles, you name it -- by title or subject matter. The retrieval software is simple and easy to use. And it's guaranteed. If you don't like it, return it for a full refund. Recommended.

SPECIAL OFFER: Order 1991 and 1992 for just $49.95 each and get 1990 FREE!

Esc, PO Box 5276, Madison, WI 53705-0276

800-733-9179,  608-238-3970,  Fax: 608-238-4102


SymbMath 2.1 Symbolic Calculator with Learning
SymbMath 2.1: A Symbolic Calculator with Learning

by Dr. Weiguang HUANG

SymbMath (an abbreviation for Symbolic Mathematics) is not only a symbolic calculator but also an expert system that can solve symbolical math problems. SymbMath will also perform exact numeric computation. It can manipulate complicated formulas and return answers in terms of symbols! formulas and exact numbers.

SymbMath is different from other software.

(1) It is able to learn from users. If users only input one formula (e.g. one derivative) without writing any code it will automatically learn many problems (e.g. derivatives! indefinite and definite integrals) related to this formula.

(2) Users can edit the library (e.g. integral tables) in "formula format" by any text editor.

(3) It runs on small IBM PCs with 640KB under MS-DOS.

Its capabilities include facilities to provide analytical and numerical answers for:

o  Differentiation: regular or higher order, partial or total,

   mixed and even implicit differentiation, one-sided

   derivatives.

o  Integration: indefinite or definite integration, multiple

   integration, infinity as a bound, parametric integration,

   iterated integration, line or surface integrals, discontinuous

   or implicit integration.

o  Solution of equations: roots of a polynomial, systems of

   algebraic or differential equations.

o  Manipulation of expressions: simplification, factoring or

   expansion, substitution, evaluation, user-defined functions,

   built-in standard functions, over 80 internal functions.

o  Calculation: exact and floating-point numerical computation

   of integer, rational, real and complex numbers in the range

   from minus to plus infinity, even with different units.

o  Limits: real or complex limits, one-sided limits,

   indeterminate forms.

o  Complex: calculation, functions, derivatives, integration.

o  Sum and product: finite or infinite, partial.

o  Chemical calculation: molecular and atomic weights,

   concentrations (all by entering the symbols of the chemical

   elements).

o  Chemical reactions: inorganic and organic.

o  Other: series, lists, arrays, vectors, matrices, etc.

Also included are:

o  Pull-down and pop-up menus, sizable and colourable windows.

o  Twin screen text editor with syntax check.

o  Programming in integrated edit-interpret-debug environment.

o  Reading and generating BASIC and FORTRAN codes.

o  Displaying two-dimensional math notation.

o  On-line help, and on-line manual.

o  Interface with other software (e.g. with PlotData for graph).

Its shareware version (SM21A.ZIP) is available from the Calculator directory in SIMTEL20 archives on many Internet anonymous FTP sites (wsmr-simtel20.army.mil, garbo.uwasa.fi, etc.) or by Internet e-mail from listserv @vm1.nodak.edu, listserv@ndsuvm1.bitnet. Please refer to the README and SymbMath.DOC files in its package for detail.

Dr. Weiguang HUANG

5/6 Cara Road, Geelong, Vic. 3216, AUSTRALIA

Phone (052) 443282, Internet Email: huang@deakin.oz.au


LEADVIEW File Compression/Conversion/Mgmt Swr
LEAD Technologies, Inc. (Charlotte, NC) announces a 32-bit protected mode version of its image file compression, conversion and management software that boasts amazingly fast performance among its many enhancements. It is some eight times faster than current LEADVIEW(TM) software packages, themselves considered quite speedy.

It can accomplish on-the-fly image file compression or decompression to the screen, printer or a file. It builds in direct support for a number of sophisticated printers, including LaserJet, encapsulated Postscript and PaintJet; and adds many new image file standards, including one-bit CCITT fax files. LEADVIEW/32 will be available 3Q for $495 (all prices suggested US resale at participating resellers; inquiries invited).

LEADVIEW/32 can handle extremely large images (unlimited image size) at high speeds, offers compression ratios up to more than 200:1, performs lossless compressions at ratios in the teens, and performs typical image file decompressions (1 MB 24-bit .TGA image on a 486SX/20 PC) in about one second. It supports both its own (.CMP) proprietary high-performance compression standard and those of JPEG.

It adds support for scanned (1-bit image) documents with CCITT Group III and Group IV plus LEAD Image Document compression; it can store a typical fax page in about 3.5 KB.

Other image compression solutions that provide similar speeds require adjunctive hardware adapters, cost more and compress less robustly.

LEADVIEW/32 offers three user interface options: a stand-alone menu-driven application (with a simple editor that can convert, scale, resize, flip, rotate and reverse images), a TSR that works from inside most graphics applications, and command-line (or batch file) utility-style operation.

It handles all popular image file formats, including compressions using either of two (JFIF and JTIF) JPEG-compliant methods, but its own CMP extended compression file format delivers much smaller file sizes and far superior restored-image quality. LEADVIEW/32 also works with TGA (8-bit grey scale, 8-bit color map, 16/24/32-bit color), PCX (8-bit grey scale, 8-bit color map), GIF (8-bit grey scale, 8-bit color map), TIFF (8-bit grey scale, 8-bit color map, 24-bit color), BMP (Windows and Presentation Manager 4/8-bit color map, 24-bit color), JFF (JPEG JFIF File Interchange Format, which extends as JPG), JTF (JPEG TIF) and CMP (proprietary LEAD Technologies format) files.

It supports such Truecolor cards as the Truevision Targa, Targa+ and Vista graphics cards, plus many of the Hi-color VGA cards carrying RAM DACs and most VGA and SVGA cards.

For additional information contact LEAD Technologies, Inc., 8701 Mallard Creek Road, Charlotte, NC 28262; (704) 549-5532; fax: 704-548-8161.


PSI:Origen 2.0 Upgrading & Network Documentation
TRUMBULL, CT, July 20, 1992 -- Preferred Systems, Inc. (PSI) today announced the availability of PSI:OrigenTM 2.0 (Origen).  The new version has features specifically targeted at the burgeoning upgrade and network documentation marketplaces.  These complimentary features, combined with the already existing configuration abilities of the product, significantly increase Origen's benefits to NetWare users.

"Upgrading is a major concern today for our clients using NetWare," said Mark Freund, president and CEO of the Interconnect Network Consulting Group in Santa Monica, California.  "NetWare 2.x users are looking at 3.11, and all users are trying to position themselves for NetWare 4.0.  Many times the barrier to an upgrade project is the lack of available human, rather than financial, resources.  Tools that facilitate this process are critical and provide significant benefits to the networking community," said Freund.

Among other features, Origen 2.0 provides the ability to:

o       Read information from existing file servers into Origen's database management system.  Origen's DBMS enables an administrator to edit and write the configuration to a new, upgraded, or reconfigured file server.  Additionally, Origen 2.0 can consolidate multiple server configurations into one.

o       Make enterprise-wide changes to users, groups, disk volume designations, user and system login scripts, trustee assignments, access rights, and directory structures.  Items can be selected by type and system-wide changes are automated on the LAN.

o       Provide comprehensive file server documentation on all NetWare bindery objects such as users, groups, print queues, and print servers.  Reports can be run in summary or detail mode.  Additionally, a table of contents is provided.

o       Handle diverse network configurations by capturing and modifying user and group full names, user login script contents, user mail directories, and long group names.  Figure 1 depicts Origen 2.0's capabilities.

Origen 2.0 also has an improved look and feel that is designed to speed and simplify data entry and modification.  Specifically, the new interface breaks tasks into four major categories: transferring and combining server configurations, editing and globally replacing information, reporting Origen database or live server information, and configuring file servers.  A variety of options exist under each category.

Origen 2.0's rights mask replace feature allows security rights to be examined and reconfigured.  For example, many companies do not wish users to have NetWare supervisory or access control rights.  Origen's reports can help identify these situations, and global replace can be used to make sweeping changes.  This ensures corporate security policies are being enforced.

During upgrades from NetWare 2.x to NetWare 3.x, passwords have to be recreated for each user.  If done incorrectly, end users encounter an error message when they attempt to login.  Origen automatically creates passwords randomly, by user name, or by a standard default for all users at once.  These passwords are then written to a log file to be distributed.  This helps the network come up smoothly and relieves a common headache.

Origen 2.0 also alleviates the redundant and time consuming task of managing user mail directories.  A user's mail directory may contain login scripts, printer configuration files, and data from a variety of software packages.  Origen compresses these files when the file server information is read in.  It presents the administrator with options to select which files should be exported or written to the new server. The menu driven interface saves time over using the cryptic subdirectory names and a tape backup.

By providing its own database management system, Origen does not require a file server to be present.  Changes can be made in "off-line" mode.  Many upgrades and implementations must be performed at night or on weekends to minimize down time.  This feature allows a large portion of the work to be accomplished during normal business hours.  This also assists a central location in the support of remote locations.

Free Upgrade To Existing Users

PSI is providing all registered users of Origen 1.2 or 1.3 with a free upgrade to 2.0.  Although the company has a normal upgrade policy of three months, any user who has ever purchased the product is eligible for this free upgrade.  To receive the upgrade the software must be registered.

"Origen 2.0 has tremendous functionality that addresses pressing needs of the industry today.  We believe it will become the de facto NetWare enhancement product," said Jack Serfass, president of Preferred Systems, Inc.  "The extended upgrade offer will continue to build on existing customer loyalty and bring additional word of mouth business because of the increased functionality."

New Pricing Strategy

The new retail price of Origen is $495 for the first server and $295 for each additional server.  Bundle packs are also available and provide discounts to large accounts.  Origen is available for 5 servers at $1195, 25 servers for $5495, and 50 servers for $9995.


ResNova NovaLink Professional Info Server
ResNova Software, Inc. of Huntington Beach, CA has announced its first major new revision of NovaLink Professional, NovaTerm and associated products. NovaLink Professional is a multi-user "Information Server" that supports traditional VT-100 text-based interfaces as well as a complete graphic user interface for Macintosh computers.  The graphic interface is accessible through a modem with NovaTerm 2.1 and over an AppleTalk network with NovaTerm AT 2.1. This new version includes several important enhancements along with standard revisions.

Information servers allow companies or individuals to set up "bulletin board" type services, including electronic mail, public file areas, real-time teleconferencing and a range of other capabilities.

NovaLink Professional 2.1 extends the information server concept by allowing multiple servers to be linked together through a new capability known as NovaNet@. NovaNet is built into each information server and allows the server administrator to identify a certain time or times for their server to call its specified "Supervisor". Once connected to the supervisor, NovaLink Professional will exchange appropriate private electronic mail and public messages or files that have been sent to a NovaNet@ address. Through use of one of the ResNova-maintained national or international networks, messages and files will travel across the country or world through built-in intelligent routing. Companies can also license their own private NovaNet networks for bridging the gap between servers at different locations.

Servers on AppleTalk networks maintain a constant link which makes it possible to extend the limitations for incoming phone lines to a single Mac by inter-connecting multiple computers. This method enables companies to have multiple information servers for users or customers to access.

NovaNet is included in NovaLink Professional 2.1 at no additional cost for a limited time as an introductory offer. Yearly connect rates for ResNova-maintained networks are also discounted. ResNova Software will be demonstrating this innovative capability at MacWorld Expo in August, at booth #5542

Additional 2.1 features include complete person to person chatting and group conferencing in an elegant Mac-Like window as depicted below:

NovaLink Professional still includes the following features:

- Up to 20 Modem and unlimited AppleTalk connections.

- Complete support of VT-100 and ANSI terminal emulation

- Built-in multitasking system for fast performance.

- Complete Windowing User Interface for Macintosh users.

- Support of high speed modems inlcuding hardware handshaking.

- Flexible menu structure that allows  configurable menus

- Embedded Command internal programming language

- Complete support of External Applications

- Built-In Fidonet support through Tabby.

- Completely modular file storage system for data integrity

- Optional AppleTalk Support

NovaLink Professional 2.1 is currently shipping and incentives are being offered for companies who convert from an existing platform to NovaLink Professional.  Very attractive educational and user group discounts are also available.

For more information call ResNova at (714) 840-6082 between 9 AM and 5 PM PDT, or call ResNova's server, NovaCentral, at (714) 840-8641 (1200-14,400 bps).


ResNova Software NovaNet Wide-Area Network
NovaNet is a revolutionary new wide-area networking solution, offered as part of ResNova Software's NovaLink Professional 2.1. It is one of many new features offered by this powerful new release of ResNova's information server/BBS software. NovaNet offers sharing of files and messages through a hierarchical network structure which is administered by ResNova.

NovaNet is based on a hierarchy of network nodes. Each server has a supervisor-a node directly above it in the hierarchy-which the server calls at specified intervals to exchange information. The nodes exchange electronic mail, public messages, and files. Then, the supervisor passes the information on to a network hub, which distributes it to other points on the network. In this way, messages from a server may be shared with other servers worldwide, with only one phone call to one other server. This makes sharing information much simpler than implementations which require a call to every server one wishes to share information with.

Sending electronic mail over NovaNet is simple. A user on one server can send a message or file to a user on another NovaNet server by specifying both the user name and server name in the address. The server does not have to call the targeted server, because the message will automatically be passed through the network to its destination. Public message forums and file libraries can also be shared over NovaNet. One server is designated as the "master" node for a particular forum or library. In general, the server which starts the forum or library will be its master. All other servers which use that forum or library pass their messages through the network to the master node. The master node, in turn, distributes all of the messages to the other servers.

Another important feature of NovaNet is the professional management provided by ResNova Software. ResNova maintains network hubs which act as centers of distribution. ResNova also registers all NovaNet nodes and distributes an updated list of NovaNet nodes to all servers. Companies which have more than one server can create their own private networks using the NovaNet system, allowing cross-country or worldwide corporate communication.

Thus it is now possible for users on a server to communicate with people around the world, with only a local phone call. It makes wide-area networking easy to use, because of the automated structure of the network and the management provided by ResNova Software.

For more information call ResNova at (714) 840-6082 between 9 AM and 5 PM PDT, or call ResNova's server, NovaCentral, at (714) 840-8641 (1200-14,400 bps).


Eucart Geometry Package (Subroutine Library)
The Eucart Geometry Package is a library of subroutines providing efficient solutions for a comprehensive set of common geometry problems arising in 2 dimensions.  The package eliminates the time consuming and error-prone process of implementing solutions to problems that are conceptually simple but difficult in practice.

Special attention has been paid to the numerical accuracy and stability of the solutions.

The Geometry Package will be of special interest to software developers working in the areas of computer graphics, CAD/CAM, cartography, and GIS.

Product Features

Supports points, segments, rays, lines, triangles, rectangles, bounding boxes, and simple and self-intersecting polygons.  This provides a sufficient set of object primitives required for most applications.

Operations include angular orientation, length, perimeter, area, closest points, intersection query, intersection result, planar subdivision, and polygon reduction.  These are the common geometric operations required for most applications.

Arbitrarily complex, self-intersecting polygons can be reduced to a set of simple, distinct polygons.  Applications no longer need be restricted to special case simple polygons.

New algorithms, invented by Eucart Consulting using state-of-the-art data structures and methodologies, are employed throughout the package.  This results in faster, more accurate, and more robust applications.

A variety of error handling techniques are provided including return codes, message strings, and callbacks.  Applications have the option of choosing the most appropriate means of error notification.

Availability

 SunOS 4.1.*  in September 1992.

 Solaris 2.0 in October 1992.

 Most common Unix flavors in the 1st quarter of 1993.

 MS-DOS and Macintosh versions available upon contractual basis.

Contact

    Eucart Consulting Inc.

    460 Hawkview Manor Circle NW

    Calgary, AB., Canada  T2G 2Z1

    Voice: (403) 239-3958

    Fax:   (403) 237-6356


Micro Express Accelerator Card for Windows 3.1
MICRO EXPRESS ACCELERATOR CARD SPEEDS WINDOWS 3.1 OPERATION

Santa Ana, CA..Using the new Micro Express Accelerator Card instead of a conventional Super VGA Card, results in a considerable speedup of all graphics programs, particularly those running under Windows 3.1. The new card supports resolutions up to 1280 x 1024 pixels with 16 colors, and up to 1024 x 768 pixels with 256 colors. The card is based on the S3 video processor and it includes 1-MB of VRAM.

Priced at only $245, the Micro Express Accelerator Card includes a wide range of software drivers. A partial listing of software drivers includes: AutoCAD 386; AutoCAD 10; AutoCAD 11; Windows 3.0; Windows 3.1; GEM; Lotus 1-2-3; Symphony; Ventura Publisher; WordPerfect 5.0 and 5.1; Wordstar; Microsoft Word 5.0; and several others.

Vertical refresh rates supported include: 43.5 Hz (1280 x 1024); 43.5 Hz, 60 Hz and 70 Hz (1024 x 768); 56 Hz, 60 Hz and 72 Hz (800 x 600); 60 Hz and 72 Hz (640 x 480). Extended text modes are also offered, including 132 x 25 and 132 x 43.

The card offers non-interlaced operation up to 1024 x 768 resolution, with interlaced operation at 1280 x 1024. Video memory is organized 256 x 4 to support Split Transfer mode, using 80-ns VRAMs. Connectors include 15-pin analog video and 26-pin VESA Feature types.

A full 7-year full-exchange warranty is included for this card, with shipping for the first 4 months paid both ways by Micro Express, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee. 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 Micro Express Ultimate Accelerator Card 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 and monitors.

Micro Express, 1801 Carnegie Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92705

Phone: (714) 852-1400 or (800) 989-9900.


Jack Nicklaus Signature Tour Vol. 1 Course Disk
ACCOLADE ANNOUNCES JACK NICKLAUS SIGNATURE TOUR VOLUME 1

THE FIRST ADD-ON COURSE DISK FOR USE WITH

JACK NICKLAUS GOLF & COURSE DESIGN: SIGNATURE EDITION

Category: Jack Nicklaus Golf & Course Design,

          Signature Edition Add-on Disk

Price and Availability: IBM PC & compatible computers - $24.95,

                        October 1992

SAN JOSE, CA-AUGUST 13, 1992--Accolade, publisher of the award-winning line of Jack Nicklaus golf simulations, today announced an October release of Jack Nicklaus Signature Tour Volume 1 the first add-on disk exclusively for use with Jack Nicklaus Golf & Course Design: Signature Edition. Developed in association with Jack Nicklaus and Jack Nicklaus Productions, the new add-on disk will feature two courses: The Links of Muirfield in Scotland, site of the recent British Open and the site of Jack Nicklaus' first British Open Championship and Muirfield Village Golf Club in Ohio, site of Jack Nicklaus' annual Memorial Tournament. Jack Nicklaus Signature Tour Volume 1 is designed to take full advantage of the 256-color VGA graphics in Jack Nicklaus Golf & Course Design: Signature Edition. It will be available for IBM PC and compatible computers at a suggested retail price of $24.95.

The Links of Muirfield is over 250 years old and well steeped in tradition. As the site of the recent 1992 British Open, it is a course with a special meaning to Jack Nicklaus who won his first of three British Open titles there in 1966. Muirfield is unique in having neither trees nor water on the course. Small greens, unmerciful bunkers and notoriously thick roughs make Muirfield one of the most challenging and exciting golf courses in the world today.

Known for its lush woodlands, Muirfield Village Golf Club in Ohio brought fame to Nicklaus as an architect when he designed it in 1966. Some eight years later, Nicklaus played the first official round on the course and named it in part as a tribute to Scotland's Muirfield. In 1977, Jack experienced his "biggest thrill in golf" by winning the tournament on the outstanding course he created.

Sold separately, Jack Nicklaus Golf & Course Design: Signature Edition and Jack Nicklaus Signature Tour Volume 1 can be purchased at local software retailers or can be ordered directly from Accolade by calling 1-800-245-7744.

Accolade, 5300 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95129

408-985-1700


NEC Select Solutions for Desktop Publishing
NEW NEC SELECT SOLUTIONS FOR DESKTOP PUBLISHING; ALDUS SOFTWARE INTEGRATED AND OPTIMIZED ON NEC SYSTEMS

Boxborough, Massachusetts, August 17, 1992--Complementing today's introduction of the NEC Select Solutions program, NEC Technologies, Inc. has introduced four NEC Select Solution systems for desktop publishing--The Page Composer, The Graphics Professional, The Image Maker, and The Power Publisher.

Created for page layout, design and illustration, and image processing applications, NEC Select Solution systems for desktop publishing combine Aldus software--PageMaker, Aldus FreeHand, and PhotoStyler--with NEC's PowerMate 486SX/25i, 486/33i, and 486/50i desktop systems.

All NEC Select Solution system configurations are defined and configured in NEC's software labs, in collaboration with Aldus, for optimum performance, ease-of-use and greatest functionality. DOS and Windows parameter and configuration files are defined, tuned and optimized for a particular application and hardware platform. Other configuration adjustments include sizing and positioning of the Windows permanent swap file on disk, proper installation of device drivers, configuring optimum disk caching, re-sizing Windows icons for easier viewing in high resolution modes and logical grouping and layout of the Windows desktop. Applications are then configured for the platform with all the necessary drivers, filters and parameters pre-selected. The entire system environment is then factory loaded onto the hardware and tested before customer shipment.

All NEC Select Solution systems for desktop publishing also can be made Network Ready, whereby network hardware and Novell software are pre-installed and configured for immediate use upon connection to the network.

NEC Select Solution systems for desktop publishing are the result of a joint effort between NEC and Aldus, through which engineers from both companies worked closely to develop and certify each system, ensuring the highest level of software/hardware integration possible. In addition, the two companies have also agreed to provide joint sales and technical training, and will combine resources for customer technical support. NEC Select Solution systems feature free one-year, on-site service and unlimited use of a toll-free telephone support center.

"With color becoming increasingly important in many desktop publishing environments, NEC has paid particular attention to selecting, configuring and color tuning both hardware and software components. Configurations feature NEC's MultiSync FG series color monitors with brilliant, crisp resolution and the patented AccuColor Control System, together with high-speed video subsystems and color PostScript printers. NEC helps users customize factory color calibration controls and techniques to achieve custom color accuracy," said David Middleton, director of Solutions Marketing at NEC Technologies, Inc. "The concept of color is an important component of professional desktop publishing systems. As developer of a line of color printers, the industry's leading color monitors, and the first active matrix color notebook computer, it was a natural evolution for NEC to parlay its expertise in color computing to the area of desktop publishing."

"As professional graphics turns increasingly toward the computer, designers and production pros are seeking well-integrated software and hardware solutions," said Jim David, vice president of Aldus USA. "NEC Select Solutions featuring Aldus software deliver powerful, ready-to-use solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of the page composition artist, the illustrator, the photo editor or retoucher, and the full service design agency."

NEC SELECT SOLUTIONS FOR DESKTOP PUBLISHING: PRODUCT OFFERINGS

The hardware anchors of NEC Select Solution systems for desktop publishing, the PowerMate 486SX/25i, 486/33i, and 486/50i, are members of NEC's Image family of desktop computers. As Image systems, they feature ImageVideo, NEC's first-to-market implementation of local bus video technology, and ImageSync technology, which enables the system to sense when it is connected to an NEC MultiSync FG monitor and to adjust to the highest possible refresh rate of that monitor for clear, flicker-free information display.

The Page Composer

Designed for desktop publishing professionals who need to produce high-quality publications in a timely fashion, The Page Composer includes Aldus PageMaker 4.0, and NEC PowerMate 486SX/25i desktop system with 8 MB RAM and 1 MB VRAM, and a NEC 17" MultiSync SFG color monitor.

Aldus PageMaker desktop publishing software integrates text and graphics, enabling users to write, design, and produce professional-quality printed communication quickly and easily. Addressing the publishing needs of both business and creative professionals, PageMaker offers extensive support for long documents, sophisticated text-handling capabilities, and professional typographic controls.

The Graphics Professional

Providing a graphics, drawing and illustration solution that handles large graphics files with ease and offers outstanding color control, The Graphics Professional includes Aldus FreeHand graphics software, an NEC PowerMate 486SX/25i desktop system with 8 MB RAM and I MB VRAM, and a 15" NEC MultiSync 4FG color monitor.

The Graphics Professional offers users outstanding color control by taking advantage of the MultiSync monitor's AccuColor Control System, NEC's exclusive digital color control technology, and the calibration tools included with FreeHand. As a result, users can adjust their system to closely match the colors of the monitor, printer, and final output.

Aldus FreeHand is a comprehensive design and illustration package that enables a wide range of graphics professionals to create illustrations such as logos, maps, and diagrams to include in printed documents.

The Image Maker

Created for those who need to modify true-color, photo-realistic images, The Image Maker includes Aldus PhotoStyler image processing software, an NEC PowerMate 486/33i desktop system with 8 MB RAM and I MB VRAM, a Matrox Graphics Board, and a 14" NEC MultiSync 4FG monitor.

PhotoStyler is a complete, professional color image processing system that enables users to acquire images from a wide range of sources and industry-standard file formats. In addition, PhotoStyler users can enhance or modify images for use in publications and presentations, and together with a color scanner, create new images from scratch. PhotoStyler offers much of the power and sophistication of a color prepress system on the desktop.

The Power Publisher

For users requiring the most powerful desktop publishing solution available, The Power Publisher solution teams the NEC PowerMate 486/50i desktop system with 8 MB RAM and 1 MB VRAM, and an entire suite of Aldus software including PageMaker, FreeHand, and PhotoStyler, Microsoft Office for Windows, a Matrox Graphics Board, and an NEC 17" SFG color monitor. This platform is powerful enough to run all of the included applications simultaneously under Windows.

In addition, all NEC Select Solutions for desktop publishing include a full documentation set, complete library of floppy diskettes, Microsoft Mouse, mouse pad, Pantone Color Guide, desktop publishing glossary and personal trainers for the included software applications.

Pricing and Distribution Information

NEC Select Solutions for desktop publishing will be available from approximately 200 qualified NEC Select Solutions resellers nationwide at the following prices:

The Page Composer          $3,819

The Graphics Professional  $3,679

The Image Maker            $4,929

The Power Publisher        $6,979

Network Ready Option        $ 199

For more information on NEC Select Solutions, counsel on matching a Solution with an application or to locate the nearest participating dealer, call 1-800-374-8000 after August 24th when product begins shipping.

Aldus Corporation

Aldus Corporation develops computer software solutions that help people throughout the world effectively communicate information and ideas. The Aldus product line includes Aldus PageMaker--the company's flagship product-- Aldus Digital Darkroom, Aldus FreeHand, Aldus Gallery Effects, Aldus IntelliDraw, Aldus PersonalPress, Aldus Persuasion, Aldus PhotoStyler, Aldus PrePrint, Aldus PressWise, Aldus SuperCard, Aldus SuperPaint, and Aldus Super 3D. The company distributes its products through an international network of more than 16,000 dealers and distributors.

NEC Technologies, Inc.

NEC Technologies, Inc. is a leading supplier of computers and peripherals for the North American market. Product lines include award-winning ProSpeed laptop computers, UltraLite notebook computers, MultiSync FG 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

1414 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough, MA 01719

508-264-8000


Letter-Art V7.5 Architecture Signmaking Swr
Symbol Graphics, Corona, California announces the release of Letter-Art Version 7.5, the newest version of the most widely used open architecture signmaking software in the world. This release is highlighted by the ability to import .EPS files into LetterArt and an all new single menu format supplying users with more speed and ease of use than ever before.

Version 7.5 has enhanced the editing process by adding a proportional drawing display (WYSIWYG), an UNDO command, vertical text alignment, and a ruler for simplified layout. Production enhancements include a rotate plot function, PCL laser printer support, and a driver for C.ltoh printers. Production features also include the ability to create paper banners with various pen widths. Improvements have been made to further perfect the Inline/Outline and importing functions.

The new version will include 35 fonts in Letter-Art Base and 55 fonts in Letter-Art Full. On-Line help has been expanded and a revised User's Guide and tutorial will be available at the time of shipment. Letter-Art retail prices remain at $495.00 for the base package and $995.00 for Letter-Art Full.

Contact Symbol Graphics for a complete list of Version 7.5 upgrade features:

Symbol Graphics, 1047 W. 6th St., Corona, CA 91720

(714) 736-4040   FAX: (714) 737-0652


Desktop Publishing with WordPerfect for Windows
Windcrest Book Reveals Desktop Publishing Potential of WordPerfect for Windows

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--Written with a clear understanding of the daily demands and needs of WordPerfect users, Desktop Publishing with WordPerfect for Windows is also ideal for anyone who wants to make the transition from word processing to desktop publishing without purchasing a separate DTP program.

With this practical introductory guide, readers will quickly learn how to master the program's desktop publishing features and give all of their business documents a polished, professional appearance. To aid beginning desktop publishers, the principles of good document design, font selection, and graphics placement are illustrated by clear screen shots. Step-by-step instructions show readers how to:

* Use a mouse

* Master basic editing skills

* Maximize printer fonts and graphics capabilities

* Create and manipulate columns

* Save time with macros and stylesheets

* Import and work with graphics

* Create and edit headers and footers

About the Authors:

The owner of a successful computer consulting firm, H. Steven Dashefsky is a former microcomputer training manager for The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation. Nancy Sax is a computer consultant and trainer specializing in small business accounting systems and word processing. Dashefsky and Sax are the authors of Windcrest's Peachtree Complete II: Accounting Made Easy and Peachtree Complete III.

Desktop Publishing with WordPerfect for Windows

Order No. 3877 * Available: August 1992 * Paper $19.95

ISBN 0-8306-2480-5 * 384 pp., 462 illus., 7" x 10"

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

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


Stacker: An Illustrated Tutorial
PC Users Discover How to Double Their Disk Space with New Stacker Guide from Windcrest

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--Stacker: An Illustrated Tutorial, by Dan Gookin, shows DOS users how to create twice as much storage space on their hard disks by taking advantage of Stacker's unique compression/decompression features. A complete guide to the program, this book reveals dozens of tips and secrets for getting the most out of Stacker that can't be found anywhere else.

Dan Gookin's clear, concise and often entertaining explanations give users just starting out all the guidance they need to integrate the program into their DOS system quickly and get it up and running problem-free. Experienced Stacker users will find a wealth of advanced information and techniques that will help them tap into Stacker's full potential.

With Stacker: An Illustrated Tutorial, readers will learn how to install and set up Stacker, manage and maintain a stacked drive, and use Stacker with Windows and memory management programs. The book also explains how to create additional Stacker drives on a system, including removable Stacker drives, Stacker floppies, and Stacker RAM drives. In addition, it describes how to use Stacker with laptops and how to maximize performance with the 11 powerful utilities that come with the program.

About the Author:

Dan Gookin is a regular contributor to PC Computing, InfoWorld, Compute! and Computer Buying World. He holds a degree in communications from the University of California at San Diego, and is the author of eight Windcrest books, including Hard Disk Management with DOS 5, Third Edition, Advanced Batch File Programming, Third Edition and The Concise PC Notebook and Laptop User's Guide.

Stacker: An Illustrated Tutorial * Order No. 4268

Available: June 1992 * Paper $19.95 ISBN 0-8306-4213-7

176 pp., 7" x 10"

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

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


WordPerfect Macros: The Windows Version
Windcrest Introduces Macro-packed Guide for WordPerfect for Windows Users

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--WortPerfect Macros: The Windows Version, a new book/disk package from Windcrest, gives WordPerfect for Windows users a comprehensive library of more than 150 fully tested, ready-to-use macros. All of the macros are included on an accompanying 5.25" disk.

The ideal introduction and tutorial to the WordPerfect for Windows macro programming language, WordPerfect Macros: The Windows Version is packed with keystroke-saving macros that readers can use to:

* Move, copy, and delete text

* Set margins

* Merge documents

* Set headers and footers

* Search and replace text

* Index documents

* Perform math functions

* Create text styles

* Manage files

* Define keyboard layouts

* Scroll through documents

* Import ASCII files

* Create and move columns

* Export WordPerfect files

About the Authors:

Donna M. Mosich is a computer instructor, a software documentation writer, and the author of 12 computer books. Robert Bixby, a writer, editor, trainer, and consultant, is the author of three computer books. Pamela Adam-Regan is a former computer book editor, software documentation specialist, and a computer training consultant.

WordPerfect Macros: The Windows Version

Now Available * Order No. 3945 * Paper $29.95

ISBN 0-8306-2501-1 * 576 pp., 7" x 10"

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

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


Wording with Oracle Development Tools
Programmers Can Create Powerful Business Applications Using Oracle's SQL-Based Development Tools

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--Working with Oracle Development Tools shows programmers how to tap into the power of this popular environment and create effective applications for large-scale databases. Extending well beyond the sketchy treatment found in Oracle's documentation, this book provides detailed instructions for using the program's SQL*Forms, SQL*ReportWriter, and SQL*Menu to solve a variety of database management problems.

Working with Oracle Development Tools includes extensive, customizable source code examples that demonstrate how to use these development tools to simplify and speed up:

* Online inquiries and updates

* Menu access

* Relational data linking

* Data input and manipulation

* Report formatting and layout

* Laser printers

The book is organized so that the product functions are presented topically, pulling together all of the entries relating to any given objective or subject. With this information-packed guide at their side, programmers will be prepared to handle virtually any Oracle system assignment quickly and easily.

About the Author

The founder and president of a computer management and consulting firm in Washington, D.C., Graham H. Seibert has a long list of clients, including ADP, the U.S. Army, Renault, and several federal agencies.

Working with Oracle Development Tools

Order No. 3714 * Now Available * Paper $24.95

ISBN 0-8306-3714-1, Hard $36.95 ISBN 0-8306-7714-3

536 pp., 250 illus., 7" x 10"

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

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


Build Your Own Macintosh and Save a Bundle
New Windcrest Book Explains How to Build Your Own Low-Cost Macintosh

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA -- The first edition of Build Your Own Macintosh and Save a Bundle showed thousands of readers how to assemble their own low-cost home-built Macintosh. Now updated to include the new Mac Classics, LC, IIsi and Quadra logic boards, Build Your Own Macintosh and Save a Bundle, Second Edition contains all the information Mac lovers need to build a "Cat Mac" -- a Macintosh made up entirely of easy-to-obtain mail order parts.

In Build Your Own Macintosh and Save a Bundle, Second Edition, Bob Brant describes the latest in hardware, peripheral options and building techniques for desktop, tower and portable kits. Readers will find all the nuts and bolts information they need to obtain the greatest flexibility and performance out of their Macs at the lowest possible cost. No prior technical experience is necessary. Brant's coverage includes:

* Sources of inexpensive components and equipment

* Step-by-step, illustrated assembly instructions

* A complete Cat Mac troubleshooting guide

* Upgrades for all Mac models, from the Mac 128k to the Mac IIsi

About the Author:

Bob Brant owns a Macintosh hardware and software systems consulting firm. He is the author of Windcrest's Upgrade Your Macintosh and Save a Bundle, Macintosh Hard Disk Management, and Bob Brant's Best of Macintosh Shareware.

Build Your Own Macintosh and Save a Bundle, Second Edition

Order No. 4156 * Available: July 1992 * Paper $19.95

ISBN 0-8306-3974-8, Hard $29.95 ISBN 0-8306-3973-X

480 pp., 7" x 10"

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

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


NEC Select Solutions for Networks
NEW NEC SELECT SOLUTIONS FOR NETWORKS; FULLY INTEGRATED NOVELL NETWARE 3.11 NETWORK SERVERS AND A "NETWORK--READY" OPTION FOR NEC DESKTOP COMPUTERS

Boxborough, Massachusetts, August 17, 1992--Meeting user demand for the ability to easily and seamlessly install new LANs or expand existing installations, NEC Technologies, Inc. today introduced NEC Select Solutions systems for networks. Including a network-ready option for NEC Select desktop computers and a series of fully integrated Novell NetWare 3.11 network servers, NEC/Novell solutions simplify installation and set-up processes for users.

"NEC Select Solutions systems for networks set a new convenience standard in designing and implementing a complete factory integrated LAN that is fully operational the first moment you turn it on. Simply choose a Select Server, add workstations or other Select Solutions PCs, attach a printer, and hook up cables," said David Middleton, director of Solutions Marketing at NEC Technologies, Inc. "We expect NEC Select Solutions systems for networks to be popular with first time LAN users who want installation to be a simple as possible, existing LAN sites requiring more complex systems, and VARs and consultants who specialize in LANs and are looking for factory integrated systems for reliability and guaranteed satisfaction."

As a result of a long-term development relationship between Novell and NEC, all NEC Select Solutions systems for NetWare networks are tested and approved. In addition, NEC is a member of the Novell Technical Support Alliance (TSA), created to provide comprehensive, consistent and timely support to customers through a network of TSA partners, which include PC, Network, and software vendors.

"Novell and NEC enjoy a strong relationship as evidenced by our expanded OEM relationship, and NEC's participation in Novell's Technical Support Alliance and the Novell Labs Certification Program. Novell supports NEC's Select Solution program because it will offer simplified network configuration and installation options for customers," said Mary Burnside, executive vice president of the Corporate Services Group for Novell.

Designed to eliminate the roadblocks commonly associated with network installations--proper system, disk storage, memory, and network board configurations--NEC Select Server systems are equipped with the proper operating system and hardware configuration for a user's network, resulting in significant time and cost savings. When added to an existing Novell network installation for expansion of disk services, user capacity, or bridging/routing, NEC Select Server systems are immediately ready to add to the LAN, through a simple log-on to the new server and a definition of desired services, users, or groups.

"Network servers are by far one of the most complex and costly computer systems to install, and can cost several thousand dollars in internal/external labor fees for each server," added Middleton. "NEC can eliminate 90% of these costs by delivering network servers, fully configured at the factory and ready for immediate use. We lower costs and remove complexity--(a real gain for every business, large and small alike.)

NS-42

Created for small businesses and first-time network buyers, the NS-42 NEC Select Server system configuration includes a PowerMate 486SX/25i desktop computer with 240MB HDD, 10 user NetWare 3.11, 4 MB RAM, 4 MB expansion SIMM, NEC MultiSync 3FGx monitor, and an Eagle ISA Ethernet board.

To provide economical Novell NetWare 3.11 networking for small business/department applications, NEC has tailored the memory and storage needs to the size of the operating system. The PowerMate 486SX/25 desktop computer's fast microprocessor, high-speed disk drive, and capability to be easily upgraded to a faster microprocessor by simply replacing the motherboard, provide NS-42 users with a high-performance system that can easily be expanded to accommodate additional storage and special NetWare features.

In addition to being used as a standard Novell NetWare server, the NS-42 can also be used for remote communications, bridging, intelligent routing, or consolidation of centralized databases. NetWare 3.11 includes TCP/IP support. Therefore, the NS-42 also functions as an efficient interface to UNIX-based computing environments.

NS-40

Based on the PowerMate 486/33e desktop computers, the NS 40 Select Server system is a general purpose server well suited for any business computing environment. The NS-40 configuration includes NetWare 3.11 for 20 users, an NEC MultiSync 3FGx color monitor, EISA SCSI host adapter, 500MB SCSI disk drive, 4MB RAM, 4MB expansion SIMM, NEC VGA board, and Eagle NE3200 EISA Ethernet board.

The powerful 33MHz 486 base system makes the NS-40 an ideal server for data-intensive applications, while the NEC EISA SCSI host adapter provides full 32-bit access to data. Support for external drives and the expansion/upgrade capability of the 486/33e desktop computer allows users to expand systems as LAN requirements change.

NS-41

Anchored by the PowerMate 486/50Te desktop computer, a powerful upgradeable EISA tower system, the NS-41 Select Server system can be used to manage large user bases, act as a corporate communications hub, and run applications that require large amounts of data accessibility, such as engineering design, document design, and large databases.

The NS-41 Select Server system includes a 100 user Novell NetWare 3.11 license, NEC MultiSync 3FGx color monitor, Eagle NE3200 Ethernet, NEC VGA board, 16MB RAM, and a 1.4Gb SCSI drive.

All NEC Select Server systems are shipped with NetWare MHS and ExpressIt! electronic mail.

In addition to the NS-40, NS-41, and NS 42, NEC expects to introduce additional NEC Select Solutions systems for networks during the fourth quarter of the 1992 calendar year. The new systems will be based on Intel's DX2 "speed-doubler" microprocessor and NEC's popular PowerMate Express tower chassis design. NEC also plans to introduce tools for the network administrator, and additional network topologies such as Token Ring and FDDL.

All NEC Select Solutions for Networks include a free one-year, on-site service program featuring four hour service turn-around. Certified Novell Engineers (CNE) at NEC's technical support center are available to assist customers with every level of support via a toll-free telephone support line.

NEC Select Network Ready Option

NEC has also introduced the Select Network Ready Option (NRO), providing peer-to-peer networking capabilities and a quick interface into an Ethernet-based Novell LAN. Available for all NEC Select application platforms, the Select NRO includes integrated LAN hardware, configured LAN drivers, Novell Windows Utility Set, and custom batch files for all LAN loading functions. All components of the Select NRO have been chosen for their high levels of compatibility, quality and performance, making installation of additional systems on an existing LAN easy for even the novice network user.

Pricing and Distribution Information

NEC Select Solutions for networks will be available from approximately 200 qualified NEC Select Solutions resellers nationwide at the following prices:

NS-42    $ 5,319

NS-40    $ 8,849

NS-41    $14,749

For more information about NEC Select Solutions, counsel about matching Solutions to applications or to locate the nearest participating dealer, call 1-800-374-8000 after August 24th when the products begin shipping.

Novell Inc.

Novell, Inc. (NASDAQ: NOVL) is an operating system software company and developer of network services and specialized and general purpose operating system software products including NetWare, DR DOS, DR Multiuser DOS and FlexOS. Novell's NetWare network computing products manage and control the sharing of services, data and applications among computer workgroups, departmental networks and business-wide information systems.

NEC Technologies. Inc.

NEC Technologies, Inc. is a leading supplier of computers and peripherals for the North American market. Product lines include award-winning ProSpeed laptop computers, UltraLite notebook computers, MultiSync FG 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

1414 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough, MA 01719

508-264-8000


Credit Card Manager (ProCard) V1.0 Released
Program: Credit Card Manager

Version: 1.0

Reason for version: New Release

BBS filename: PROCARD

Registration fee: $15.00 + $3.00 P&H ($4.50 foreign) U.S. funds, available through ProRam Spokane, P.O. Box 40133, Spokane WA 99202-0901

Support: Latest registered version, user support, information on upgrades and new releases, Budget 2.0 -The Budget Assistant is included as a bonus program with registration disks available in either the 5-1/4 or the 3-1/2 disk format.

System Requirements DOS 2.0 or later, CGA/EGA/VGA color or gray scale monitor, any floppy or hard disk configuration, 640k ram recommended with a printer to produce reports.

Description: ProCard is a colorful, easy to use, credit card manager, for the IBM PC/AT computer system, that allows you to keep track of all your charges, payments and interest. You can print complete registers, account information and even totals of interest, payments and credit available.

Features: Separate CGA and EGA/VGA modes allowing program to run in 25-line or 43-line color modes. Separate files for each credit card with password protection and data encryption.


AccSys for dBASE for C Program dBASE File Mgmt
August 17, 1992 -- Wheaton, IL -- C programmers who demand top speed and performance for dBASE file management will greatly benefit from the latest release of AccSys for dBASE.

The new Version 2 of AccSys for dBASE offers improvements in several areas. In multiuser applications with index files, AccSys for dBASE runs 5 times faster than previous versions.

Version 2 adds high level functions that can read, write, update, pack, index and reindex the database. Once a database is specified, the index files are automatically maintained according to their index or key expression. By using the high level functions, the programmer does not need to add, remove, and update individual indexes. This gets the job done with less code.

Thanks to the AccSys for dBASE Expression Analyzer, the application programmer can read, write and update "foreign databases" because AccSys for dBASE looks at the index expressions and acts accordingly. AccSys for dBASE can easily recognize dBASE look-alike functions.

AccSys for dBASE Version 2 offers more value for your programming dollar. Our basic product now offers both single and multi user capabilities for $395.00. Product with Source is $995.00.

The Version 2 addition of the dEparse, dErun and dEeval now enable AccSys for dBASE to parse, evaluate, and interpret all possible dBASE key and index expressions. Over 70 dBASE look-alike functions have also been added.

To receive more information about AccSys for dBASE via FaxFacts, Copia's 24-hour Fax-On-Demand system, call 1-708-924-3030 and request document number 88982. To speak with an AccSys representative call 1-708-682-8898.

Copia International, 1342 Avalon Court Wheaton IL 60187


Bitstream Typeface Library in PostScript Type 1
August 14, 1992 -- Bitstream Inc. today announced the release of the Bitstream Typeface Library in PostScript Type 1 format for the IBM PC platform. The Library contains nearly 1,100 professional-quality typefaces, and is also available for the Macintosh. By bringing its type library to the PC platform in PostScript format, Bitstream continues its commitment to providing users with exceptional type selection in the format of their choice.

Typefaces in the Bitstream Typeface Library (BTL) are fully hinted, and conform fully to published specifications to ensure optimal output quality at high and low resolutions, and optimal hardware and software compatibility. BTL faces can be used with Bitstream FaceLift 2.0 and Bitstream MakeUp for Microsoft Windows Adobe Type Manager (ATM), and all applications, printers and imagesetters that support the PostScript Page Description Language. Installation and Download utilities are also provided to install typefaces into non-Windows applications such as WordPerfect 5.1 and Xerox Ventura Publisher.

Customers can order BTL typefaces by calling Bitstream at 800-237-3335. Each order is custom manufactured and shipped according to customer needs. US list pricing is as follows: single typeface: $50; two faces: $69; three faces: $99; four faces: $129. Above four faces, pricing is $32.25 per face. Volume discounts and flexible site licensing options are also available.

"With the rapidly increasing popularity of Windows, more and more graphic design and publishing is happening on the PC. The Bitstream Library provides an exciting new source of professional-quality type for these PC/Windows users," said Jim Sole, President of Bitstream. "On the Macintosh, the BTL has been highly acclaimed for its design integrity and typeface selection, and we are delighted to now bring the same library to a new and growing user community," concluded Sole.

The Bitstream Typeface Library offers precision-crafted versions of classic designs and a variety of typefaces not available from other foundries. The BTL includes exclusive typeface designs commissioned by Bitstream from world-famous designers, and typefaces created by Bitstream's own type design staff. As always, Bitstream typefaces remain as true to the original designers' artwork as possible.

Celebrating ten years as an industry leader in typographic quality and innovative technology, Bitstream licenses type and related technology to more than 490 hardware manufacturers and software developers around the world. Bitstream's line of retail products is distributed by an extensive network of dealers in the US and in 19 nations worldwide.

Bitstream Inc, 215 First St, Cambridge, MA 02142-1270

617-497-6222


XANTE RISC Based High Resolution Laser Printer
AUGUST 4, 1992, MOBILE, AL -- XANTE Corporation introduces the Accel-a-Writer 4000, the newest addition to the Xante line of high resolution, high performance PostScript compatible laser printers. The Accel-a-Writer 4000 is based on the Canon LX, 4 page per minute print engine and incorporates all the features of the other Accel-a-Writer products, including the 8 page per minute version, Accel-a-Writer 8000.

The Accel-a-Writer 4000 includes user selectable resolutions of 600 x 600 and 300 x 300 dpi from the printer's front panel. Output is further enhanced with Xante's Advanced Gray Scale Technology which greatly improves the quality of scanned and other halftone images. The Accel-a-Writer boosts performance with an AMD 29000 RISC processor, standard 8 MB RAM, Advanced Memory

Management and Dual Page Processing. Font flexibility is offered with a standard 35 typefaces, Xante's Virtual Disk Technology, and support for SCSI disk connection. The Accel-a-Writer 4000 is suited for mixed environments with simultaneously active serial, parallel, and AppleTalk interfaces and Automatic Emulation Switching. The Accel-a-Writer 4000 lists for $2,795, includes a one year warranty, and is available direct from Xante or from re-sellers worldwide.

"At $2,795, the Accel-a-Writer 4000 has set a new entry point for high resolution, RISC based printing," said Martin E. Kennedy, Vice President of Marketing at Xante. "The ability to produce near typeset quality documents in a fraction of the time, coupled with the convenience and cost savings of plain paper laser printing makes this printer an attractive value. Xante's technological advantages in resolution, performance, and features clearly set the Accel-a-Writer 4000 apart from the competitors. The price just adds distance."

PRINTER FEATURES

High Resolution - The Xante Accel-a-Writer 4000 provides true 600 x 600 dpi resolution for near typeset quality output without the side affects of artificial smoothing. The user has the option of printing in 300 x 300 dpi mode for added performance. Also included is Xante's Advanced Gray Scale Technology which enhances scanned and other halftone images to an equivalent 850 x 850 dpi.

High Performance Architecture - The Xante Accel-a-Writer 4000 makes use of the AMD 29000 RISC processor and a standard 8 MB RAM (expandable to 16 MB) for increased processing speeds. Xante also incorporates a sophisticated memory management scheme to take advantage of varying resolutions and Dual Page Processing which allows one page to print while another is being processed.

Permanent Font Storage - Xante's proprietary Virtual Disk Technology allows the user to permanently download up to 30 fonts directly on the controller (in addition to the standard 35 already resident), without the use of an external SCSI hard drive. Once downloaded, these fonts will function completely as printer resident. Users can also change the fonts stored depending on specific project requirements. For those who want to store more than thirty fonts, the Accel-a-Writer products include a SCSI port for an external hard drive. The Accel-a-Writer 4000 ships with a standard of .5 MB of Flash ROM for storage of up to 15 fonts and is upgradeable to 1 MB of Flash ROM for storage of up to 30 fonts.

Emulations and Interfaces - The Accel-a-Writer comes standard with a PostScript compatible page description language and HP-PCL IV. RS-232 serial, Centronics Parallel, AppleTalk, and SCSI disk interfaces are standard.

Simultaneous Mac/PC Printing - Also included is Intelligent Simultaneous Interfacing. This allows users to print simultaneously from multiple Macintosh and PC compatible computers through AppleTalk, serial and parallel ports. Resident on the Accel-a-Writer 4000 is Xante's Automatic Emulation Switching, which reads the incoming data stream and automatically selects between PostScript and PCL, without requiring keypad changes or software commands.

Paper Handling - The Accel-a-Writer 4000 comes standard with a one input tray which holds 50 sheets of paper. There are two output paper trays - a face-up tray that holds 20 sheets and a face-down tray which holds 50 sheets. An optional input cassette which holds 250 sheets is available.

TARGET MARKETS & APPLICATIONS

The high resolution and speed of the Xante Accel-a-Writer 4000 makes this product appeal to three major markets; those who require high quality output, those who need fast processing from their printer, and those who need to share the printer in multi-platform environments.

The market segment requiring high quality varies greatly and includes ad agencies and service bureaus needing a detailed, more exact proof before going to final press; businesses where newsletters, documentation, product brochures, and other forms of literature are sent out of house; Engineering firms printing drawings and check plots with detail and very small text. The Accel-a-Writer addresses this group with true 600 x 600 dpi resolution and Advanced GrayScale Technology which provides equivalent 850 x 850 dpi gray scales. Text and line art are smooth; scanned and other halftone images are sharper and provide a greater level of detail.

The market segment needing faster processing is made up of those users who print complicated, cpu intensive jobs and operate under schedule deadlines. This includes users doing product documentation, ad layouts, and engineering drawings. The Accel-a-Writer addresses these requirements with an AMD29000 RISC processor, standard 8MB RAM, and Dual Page Processing. Speeds of the Accela-Writer 4000 can reach up to 12 times that of traditional PostScript printers.

The market segment that is sharing peripherals in multi-platform environments is perhaps the fastest growing segment. Businesses that have both Macs and PCs within workgroups are getting more popular. The Accel-a-Writer 4000 addresses the requirements of this market segment with simultaneous interfacing of the serial, parallel, and AppleTalk interfaces. Automatic emulation selection determines the language of incoming print jobs and selects the appropriate emulation (PostScript or PCL).

PRICING, AVAILABILITY & DISTRIBUTION

The Xante Accel-a-Writer 4000 has a U.S. list price of $2,795 and is scheduled to begin shipping in mid-August. Xante also offers a one year warranty and an unconditional 30 day money back guarantee. The Xante Accel-a-Writer products are available direct from Xante or from authorized resellers worldwide.

XANTE Corporation develops and markets high performance products that enhance the resolution, and speed of laser printing. XANTE Accel-a-Writer 8000, Accel-a-Writer 4000, and XANTE Accel-a-Writer controllers are available direct or from re-sellers in the U.S. as well as Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Norway, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, The Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

XANTE Corp

2559 Emogene St, Mobile, AL 36606

PO Box 16526, Mobile, AL 36616-0526

205-476-8189   fax: 205-476-9421


Merisel to Distrib AOL Membership Kit/Tour Guide
El Segundo, Calif. (August 10,1992)--Merisel, Inc. today announced its entry into the growing market of online services by signing an exclusive agreement with Ventana Press to distribute to the computer retail channel The America Online Membership Kit and Tour Guide. America Online and Ventana Press formed a strategic alliance in May, 1992, to collaborate on new offerings that will combine printed books with online components in one package.

The America online Membership Kit & Tour Guide consists of the access software necessary to get up and running as well as a handbook on the America Online service. A special offer of 10 hours of free time will be made to all purchasers. With a comprehensive book and 10 hours of free time, the AOL Membership kit will enable users to "Explore Before They Pay". The Macintosh and DOS versions will be available in October. A Windows version is currently under development.

"America Online is widely lauded for its variety of offerings, exceptional accessibility, elegant graphic interface and competitive price," said Merisel Director of Software David Weiss. "The coupling of this popular service with the high editorial standards of Ventana Press makes it a winning product."

"The arrangement with Merisel ensures a strong position in the marketplace," said Ventana Press President Josef Woodman. "The America Online/Ventana Press alliance will unite the permanence of printed information with the breadth and dynamism of the America Online service to deliver a powerful information tool to personal computer users."

"We're delighted to be teaming up with Merisel, one of the software industry's leading distributors," said America Online, Inc. President Stephen M. Case. "This association continues our strategy to broaden the base of America Online subscribers."

America Online, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMER), based in Vienna, Va., is the third largest provider of online services to consumers in the United States. The company offers subscribers a wide variety of services including electronic mail, conferencing, news, sports, weather, stock quotes, software, computing support and online classes. These services can be accessed from a broad range of personal computers using America Online's proprietary, icon-based windowing software. Founded in 1985, the company has established strategic alliances with a wide variety of leaders in the personal computer industry, including IBM, Apple, Tandy and Microsoft.

Ventana Press, located in Chapel Hill, N.C., publishes and markets computer books to the general user, with an eye toward increasing productivity and improving the professional quality of computer generated materials. Recent bestsellers include The System 7 Book by Craig Danuloff, the Windows. Word & Excel by Patrick Burns, Looking Good In Print by Roger Parker and Voodoo DOS by Kay Yarborough Nelson.

Merisel, Inc. (NASDAQ:MSEL) is the world's largest publicly held distributor of microcomputer hardware and software products. The company presently stocks products from more than 700 manufacturers for sale to 50,000 resellers worldwide. It currently maintains 20 distribution centers that serve North America, Latin America and Australia Merisel is authorized to sell more than 10,000 products from manufacturers such as ALR, Apple, AST Research, Borland, Compaq, Digital Equipment Corp., Hayes, IBM, Intel, Lotus Development, Microsoft, NEC Technologies, Novell, Okidata, Software Publishing Corp., Sun Microsystems, Symantec, WordPerfect and Wyse Technology, and offers a wide range of services to support resellers with the sales of these products.

Merisel, 200 Continental Blvd, El Segundo, CA 90245

310-615-3080   Fax: 310-615-1263


Professional Inventory Manager (PROIM) V1.2
Program: Professional Inventory Manager

Version: 1.2

Reason for version:

Update BBS filename: PROIM

Registration fee: $45.00 + $3.00 P&H ($4.50 foreign) U.S. funds, available through ProRam Spokane, P.O. Box 40133, Spokane WA 99202-0901

Support: Latest registered version, printed manual, user support, information on upgrades and new releases, bonus utilities or games included with registration, disks available in either the 5-1/4 or the 3-l/2 disk format.

System Requirements: DOS 2.0 or later, CGA/EGA/VGA color or gray scale monitor and printer. 64Ok Ram and hard disk recommended.

Description: ProIm is an inventory manager for the IBM PC/AT and compatible computer system. It allows you to maintain inventory and track inventory transactions through a batch system.

Features: Up to 32,000 inventory items with four digit cost fields and two digit quantity on hand fields. Nine separate departments, each with it's own item locations, quantity on hand and total costs. Batch file transactions for each of the nine departments with seven transaction type codes. Full featured batch registers for tracking. Phantom assembly may be setup for any item, with up to 100 sub assembly parts per item, with assembly cost report.

New Features: Automatic phantom cost updating, inventory usage reason codes, easy phantom list editing, sales price list report, sales price guide report with recommended profit margins, and bug fixes.


SOLUTIONS Environmental Waste Mgmt Database
FREE ENVIRONMENTAL SOFTWARE FOR GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

The widely respected SOLUTIONS 2-1-0 Environmental Database is now available at NO CHARGE to qualified Government Agencies throughout the world. Qualified agencies are those directly involved with environmental regulation enforcement and/or industrial assistance activities.

The SOLUTIONS 2-1-0 Database is a "How-To" guide that details waste management, compliance and zero-discharge methods and techniques. The Database was engineered from thousands of actual problems AND actual solutions. The SOLUTIONS Database provides very specific and practical answers that can be readily implemented by generators.

Government Agencies may request a FREE Qualification Form from SOLUTIONS Software Corporation. In addition to the SOLUTIONS Database, these agencies will also have FREE access to the SOLUTIONS BBS electronic bulletin board.

For a qualification Form and information, please contact:

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

ENVIRONMENTAL SOFTWARE ENGINEERING

A new service is available from SOLUTIONS Software Corporation. Special application environmental software can be custom engineered to client specifications by experts in the field of computer programming AND environmental technology. This combination of skills is unique to SOLUTIONS Software Corporation and it assures timely, accurate and cost effective results.

Many environmental tasks require custom software in order to achieve full efficiency. Most often the user is left with either the very minimal selection of available software or must contract for programming services with someone who has no practical environmental experience. The results can be inefficient and expensive.

SOLUTIONS Software Corporation integrates state-of-the-art software engineering with advanced environmental technology to provide results.

SOLUTIONS Software Corporation is the publisher of the authoritative SOLUTIONS 2-1-0 Database and provides an information resource for environmental professionals via its electronic bulletin board service.

Free information on Environmental Software Engineering is available upon request.

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

SOLUTIONS Software, 1795 Turtle Hill Rd, Enterprise, FL 32725

(407) 321-7912    FAX: (407) 323-4898    BBS: (407) 321-6119


Presenta Releases Full Line of Monitors
Presenta Releases Full Line of Multi-Scan Super VGA Monitors.

Irwindale, CA (Aug. 10, 1992), Presenta Technologies Corporation announced today that they are offering a full line of super VGA quality auto-scan monitors for North American markets. Their line includes 14", 15", 17", 19", 28", and 31 " monitors with 1024x768 resolution and compatible with VGA, S-VGA, XGA, and 8514A input formats.

"We are one of only a few manufactures who can offer such a wide range of monitors." said Todd Holley, director of product promotions. "We see our 14", 15",17", and 19" monitors being used in the CAD/CAM, GUl's, and windows environments. Our 19", 28", and 31" monitors are well suited for the presentation and audio visual arena. List prices of their monitor line are 14" (DM-1460) $599, 15" (DM-1560) $799,17" (DM1760) $1295, 19" (DM-2060) $1795, 28" (DM-2830) $2495, 33" (DM3332) $3995.

Presenta Technologies

12806 Schabarum St, Unit F, Baldwin Park, CA 91706-6801

818-960-0420


APBA Baseball MicroManager Challenges Fans
New Canaan, CT -- APBA computer baseball fans can now participate in that time-honored sport of second guessing professional baseball managers. MicroManager, the newest release for APBA Baseball from Miller Associates, puts fans to the test by allowing them to take their ideas onto the field.

MicroManager is a user-programmable, rule-based expert system that lets the fan define baseball concepts and strategies in Baseball Talk, a language designed for expressing baseball ideas. The new MicroManager allows playing APBA against Blackie Dugan or Blaze Pascual or any other manager that the user creates in his own image. It's designed for season replays, draft league away games, solo play, or spectator mode.

With Baseball Talk, fans can create managers with their own rational or wacky ideas about how to manage a team. In the MicroManager playbook editor, fans can write baseball definitions that express their ideas about baseball. For instance, they could define "IsBetterHitterThanBatter" as having a batting average at least 30 points higher than the current batter. They can then use these definitions to create baseball strategies which make managerial decisions for the team, like "PinchHit.7thInningOrLater". It's a challenge to capture good baseball ideas. But once they're expressed clearly, the micromanager can head for the field.

For a quick start, MicroManager comes with Blackie Dugan and Blaze Pascual--two built-in managers. By fielding one of these managers, a fan can learn how a manager works without creating one himself. Fielding a manager takes only a few seconds; the APBA game plays the same with or without a micromanager.

MicroManager allows a fan to manage both teams himself, to play solo against the computer, or to let micromanagers manage both teams. If he chooses a micromanager like Blackie Dugan to manage a team, a fan has a variety of play modes (see below).

MicroManager passes the acid test for computer managers: Does it make good baseball decisions? Blackie and Blaze make all the routine decisions like when to play in or deep, which base to throw to, when to intentionally walk a batter, when to swing away or bunt, and when to pinch hit when the game is on the line.

But Blackie and Blaze also make the tougher calls like when to cut off the throw, when to pinch run in order to hit-and-run or steal, how to manage a depleted bench, when to double switch, when to shift and substitute players to optimize the defense or offense, and how to manage a pitching staff.

"Even John McGraw wouldn't have managed every team well," says Roswell Miller, a principal of Miller Associates, and the chief architect of MicroManager. "The same is true with previous computer managers, so we took the difficult road of providing an open architecture that lets you create as many new managers as you want. It's harder for the user, and it was certainly harder for us. But in the long run, this sort of open system will allow for managers you couldn't create otherwise."

If a fan disagrees with the strategy used by Blackie or Blaze, with the open architecture the strategy can be modified. The fan must think through his beliefs about baseball strategy, and then decide how to express those beliefs. Miller Associates will publish a book describing Blackie Dugan's strategy with hints on how to modify micromanagers.

Full-season replayers traditionally have had to suffer through those second division, late season games that won't have any effect on the standings. With dualing micromanagers, a fan can now play two last place teams against each other and then either watch them--be a spectator--or go into speeded up Quick Play to get the games done.

In the fastest mode, on a 386 class machine, games take about 2 minutes to complete; on a 286/AT it's 3 to 4 minutes. In this mode, the game still unfolds on the screen (though it's too fast to read) and all of the complex managerial decisions are still made as if the game were at a more drama-filled speed.

If a fan wants to play a series between two teams, he can set MicroManager to play up to 255 consecutive games. MicroManager cycles through the pre-stored line-ups to make player use flexible.

Detail mode allows a fan to watch the manager think. This is a "Brain scan" which shows the details of the manager's decision making.

Break mode lets fans study a certain type of decision, like hitting-and-running, playing the infield in or pinch hitting. They can set the manager to Break on specific decisions. When the manager Breaks, the game pauses and the fan has a chance to study and override the decision.

Step mode allows watching the game one play at a time. After each play the user can study the game situation and decide whether to let the micromanager make the decision.

In Run mode the game continues automatically at the Quick Play speed chosen by the user, from very fast to slow. A fan can relax and watch two micromanagers play against each other.

Any of these modes can be interrupted at any time by pressing any key. The user can then change to another mode or return to Manual mode. In Manual mode the gamer manages the team himself. In all modes, the commands for carrying out actions are the same as APBA Version 1.5.

MicroManager comes with the same install program as other APBA Baseball programs. SETUP guides a user through hard disk install and decompresses the program. If a user accepts the default subdirectories, installation takes approximately one minute on a 27-ms hard drive.

MicroManager requires APBA Major League Players Baseball; a PC or PS/2 compatible computer; a hard drive with 2MB available storage; monochrome or color graphics adapter; at least 640K of memory; two drives; and DOS 3.1 or later. DOS 5.0 or some other memory swapper is required if the user runs any TSRs.

MicroManager is available directly from Miller Associates by calling the order line 1-800-654-5472, or by mail or fax. Price is $49.95. MicroManager includes the APBA 1.5 Upgrade ($12 separately).

Miller Associates, Inc., based in New Canaan, was founded in 1983. The company, a pioneer in PC baseball applications, also publishes Wizard 2.0, StatMaster 2.0, Duerk's Electronic Baseball Encyclopedia, the only PC-based baseball encyclopedia, and more than forty years of APBA season disks.

Miller Associates, 11 Burtis Ave, Suite 200, New Canaan, CT 06840

203-972-0777


APBA Baseball StatMaster Upgrade
New Canaan, CT -- APBA computer baseball fans can now update hundreds of games, calculate leader boards, and write dozens of league and team reports in minutes with StatMaster 2.0 from Miller Associates.

StatMaster 2.0, the statistics compiler for the APBA computer game, is four to five times faster than the previous version and has an entirely new interface with drop-down menus and mouse support.

APBA Major League Players Baseball, rated "number one" for league play by Computer Gaming World, is widely known for its realism and statistical accuracy. Fans often play many games at one time, even hundreds of games. StatMaster 2.0 updates these games at a rate of two seconds per game on a 386 class computer and four seconds per game on an AT/286. The new StatMaster also makes all win-loss-save scoring decisions so that updating is not interrupted.

StatMaster 2.0 uses Borland's Turbo Vision interface, a text-based windowing environment for 640K machines. StatMaster's 28 pages of league and team reports can he put on the screen all together and then navigated with the tab key or a mouse. All reports now scroll and freeze titles. The windows make it possible to compare teams and leagues from different organizations on one screen.

StatMaster now supports season disks--like 1991 or 1908--on the hard drive. The need for floppies has been entirely eliminated, although the program still offers the option of storing stats on floppies.

StatMaster 2.0 now has 58 Leader Boards--7 new ones, including Quality Starts for pitchers and Current Hitting Streak for batters. Also, users can now specify the number of players listed for categories of performance--S, 10, 15, or 20--so Leader Boards are appropriate for the size of each user's league.

StatMaster 2.0 tracks almost, but not quite, everything. After being brushed back by a pitch, Tito Fuentes once said, "They shouldn't throw at me. I'm the father of five or six kids." StatMaster 2.0 does not cover KP--Kids Produced--but it does track 25 offensive stats, 11 defensive stats, and 32 pitching stats for every player in the league. It also keeps 118 team stats and 39 league stats so that you can compare teams and leagues.

APBA fans are pushing StatMaster hard," says Kenneth Includes Print Miller, one of the principals of Miller Associates, and they demand a program that really cranks out the stats and reports. We looked at every single feature and rewrote the entire program. Users expectations have been raised by office software. We're trying to meet those professional expectations. For instance, every report now prints to disk, so you can send reports to your word processor. Draft league reporters like that more than bacon."

Look for these additional changes in StatMaster 2.0:

1) An expanded instruction manual with an index and how-to information on Turbo Vision.

2) A control file that saves paths and screen settings so users do not have to re-enter them each time they use the program.

3) An option to delete a game before updating in case a user accidentally saved an unwanted game.

4) A new install routine with default pathways. User just presses Enter. If the user accepts the default subdirectories, installation takes less than one minute on a 27-ms hard drive.

APBA Baseball StatMaster 2.0 requires APBA Major League Players Baseball; a PC or PS/2 compatible computer; monochrome or color graphics adapter; at least 640K of memory; two drives; and DOS 3.1 or later. A printer is highly recommended.

StatMaster 2.0 is available directly from Miller Associates by calling the order line 1-800-654-5472 or by mail or fax. Suggested retail price is $39.95. There is no longer a special upgrade offer, nor is any disk exchange required.

Miller Associates, Inc., based in New Canaan, was founded in 1983. The company, a pioneer in PC baseball applications, also publishes MicroManager, Wizard 2.0, forty years of APBA season disks, and Duerk's Electronic Baseball Encyclopedia.

Miller Associates, 11 Burtis Ave, Suite 200, New Canaan, CT 06840

203-972-0777


APBA Baseball Add All-Star Power
New Canaan, CT -- Baseball fans with brains can now play computer baseball face-to-face, go solo against a computer manager, or play in on-line leagues with the latest APBA computer baseball programs from Miller Associates.

APBA Major League Players Baseball 1.5, combined with the new MicroManager, also allows a fan to relax and watch two "micro" managers play against each other.

APBA computer baseball, dubbed the "thinking fan's baseball game" by the Chicago Sun Times for its language and statistical accuracy, has added three new programs that increase control over the game. The game has also been upgraded with full hard disk support, more baseball outcomes and rare plays, and quicker screen writing throughout. These improvements are available in any play mode and are described below in "APBA 1.5 Enhancements."

MicroManager is a user-programmable, rule-based expert system that lets the fan define baseball concepts and strategies in Baseball Talk, a language designed for this purpose. The new MicroManager allows users to play APBA against the computer. It's designed for season replays, draft league away games, solo play, or spectator mode. Fans can create managers with their own rational or wacky ideas about how to manage a team. For a quick start, MicroManager comes with Blackie Dugan and Blaze Pascual--built-in managers. See the MicroManager press release for more details.

StatMaster, the APBA statistics compiler, has been upgraded using Borland's Turbo Vision windowing interface. The new StatMaster 2.0 is four to five times faster than the previous version, supports season disks on the hard drive, and has added reports and full mouse support. For more details see the StatMaster 2.0 press release.

General Manager 1.5, the on-line service for APBA leagues, now includes Advanced Player Management. New leagues start each month and continue year-round. CSN offers practice leagues for beginners and 160-game advanced leagues. Call Miller Associates for details.

APBA computer baseball is often praised for its unique and rich language. "APBA captures the poetry of basebal," said Peter Lewis of The New York Times describing the original version. APBA 1.5 further expands the number of outcomes and the variety of play descriptions. One experienced user calls it a "new game." Two sales executives from California report playing 4000 games face-to-face yet continue to be "excited every time we sit down to push P to pitch."

Now, season disks can be put on the hard drive. This eliminates disk-swapping and speeds up selecting and loading teams.

Quicker screen writing throughout the APBA game speeds up play, especially substituting players. Searching for players in DRAFT--the league creation utility that comes with the game--is twice as fast.

APBA 1.5 increases control over the speed of play, too. Quick Play now has 10 levels instead of two. If fans want to experience the full drama they can slow down the outcomes. If they are hurried to complete a 2000-game season replay, they can zap up to full speed so that plays happen almost instantly.

APBA now comes with an install program, SETUPBB, which guides a user through hard or floppy disk install and decompresses the baseball game. If a user accepts the default subdirectories, installation takes one minute on a 27-ms hard drive.

APBA Major League Players Baseball 1.5 requires a PC or PS/2 compatible computer; monochrome or color graphics adapter; at least 512K of memory; two drives; and DOS 2.1 or later.

APBA Major League Players Baseball is available from major retailers, like Electronics Boutique, or directly from Miller Associates by calling the order line 1-800-654-5472, or by mail or fax.   Suggested retail price is $39.95. For previous owners, the APBA 1.5 Upgrade is $12 plus shipping; the upgrade is free with MicroManager.

Miller Associates, Inc., based in New Canaan, was founded in 1983. The company, a pioneer in PC baseball applications, also publishes Duerk's Electronic Baseball Encyclopedia, the only PC-based baseball encyclopedia, and more than forty years of APBA season disks.

Miller Associates, 11 Burtis Ave, Suite 200, New Canaan, CT 06840

203-972-0777


NEC Select Solutions, Integrated Packages
NEW NEC SELECT SOLUTIONS; LEADING APPLICATION AND LAN SOFTWARE INTEGRATED AND OPTIMIZED ON NEC DESKTOP AND PORTABLE COMPUTERS

Boxborough, Massachusetts, August 17, 1992--Signaling a major new direction for NEC Technologies, Inc., the company today unveiled the NEC Select Solutions program, becoming the first hardware vendor to offer a broad array of "solutions-ready" systems. Through strategic partnerships with Microsoft, Novell, Aldus, Autodesk, and other software vendors, NEC will integrate and optimize its hardware with leading software applications to deliver turnkey solutions for business/office, desktop publishing, presentation, CAD/CAM, and LAN applications.

The NEC Select Solutions program was designed to complement the company's efforts to reach buyers whose needs are not being adequately addressed by current products. By delivering solutions-ready systems, NEC is alleviating the growing burden and complexity associated with buying, integrating, and supporting hardware, software, networks and peripherals.

The NEC Select Solutions concept offers customers a myriad of time and cost saving benefits, including: delivery of complete Novell network-ready systems; application software installed and "ready-to-run" (requiring no technical expertise to configure); and, one-year on-site service and support.

The joint development partnerships between NEC and the Select Solutions third-party software companies Promote ongoing peer-to-peer engineering collaboration, resulting in the production of optimized, fine-tuned computing platforms designed to deliver the best hardware/software performance available.

"By focusing on users through an application perspective, we're looking beyond hardware needs to where users need the most help--integration. NEC Selection Solution systems remove the guesswork associated with proper PC configuration, and a significant percentage of the cost. The buyer doesn't have to be concerned with the amount of memory required for the application, the size of the hard drive, or the type of monitor to be used. The end result is a fine-tuned, optimized system solution," said James Berrett, chief operating executive at NEC Technologies, Inc. "NEC has an advantage in a marketplace that is experiencing an increasing need for integration, since we manufacture a wide range of components--CPUs, monitors, printers, CD-ROM readers, disk drives--typically used in PC system solutions. Since we manufacture all of the NEC Select Solution system hardware components, we are in the best position to deliver factory integrated solutions."

"NEC Select Solution systems are indicative of the level of attention to customer needs that NEC Technologies must adhere to in the 1990's and beyond. We are producing systems designed for the way customers want to use them-- not the way manufacturers have traditionally sold them," added David Middleton, director of Desktop Systems Marketing at NEC Technologies, Inc. "Additionally, this focus enables NEC Select Solutions customers, especially those experiencing resource constraints, to save time and money by reducing support costs and complexity."

According to Jeffrey Henning, an analyst at BIS Strategic Decisions, a Norwell, Massachusetts based industry research firm, "Corporations are spending anywhere from three to fourteen hours, at costs ranging from $140 to more than $1,000, to configure each PC."

With factory integrated NEC Select Solution systems, delivered and ready for immediate use by the end user, we can reduce these costs by up to 90%," added Middleton.

Product and Service Information

All NEC Select Solution systems feature CPUs from the company's PowerMate Image and Express series of desktop systems, and UltraLite notebook computers. NEC Select Solution systems are equipped with NEC storage devices and MultiSync FG monitors, with application software, Windows 3.1, and MS-DOS optimized and pre-installed on the system. NEC Select Solution systems also feature selected third-party hardware such as network cards, scanners, and video boards that are fully tested and supported by NEC.

NEC will provide one-year on-site service for NEC Select Solution systems at no charge to the customer. All requests for on-site service will be handled within eight business hours. In addition, customers will have unlimited access to the NEC technical support center--from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. EST.

Distribution

NEC has identified and qualified approximately 200 top resellers from its extensive distribution network who will participate in the NEC Select Solutions program.

"NEC Select Solution systems represent a great opportunity for resellers who want to offer customers the value of integration, but don't want to be burdened with the implementation costs. NEC is able to play a greater role in enhancing the dealer's integration capability while reducing associated costs. With a direct relationship with the NEC factory, dealers now have a manufacturing organization behind them. This also benefits the dealer's relationship with end-users, since they can guarantee that NEC Select Solution systems are factory built and certified," added Middleton.

For more information on NEC Select Solutions, counsel on matching a Solution with an application or to locate the nearest participating dealer, call 1-800-374-8000 after August 24th when product begins shipping.

NEC Technologies, Inc. is a leading supplier of computers and peripherals for the North American market. Product lines include award-winning ProSpeed laptop computers, UltraLite notebook computers, MultiSync FG 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

1414 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough, MA 01719

508-264-8000


Five NEC Select Solutions with Microsoft Office
INTRODUCES FIVE NEC SELECT SOLUTIONS FOR THE BUSINESS OFFICE COMPUTING ENVIRONMENT; TEAMS MICROSOFT OFFICE FOR WINDOWS WITH DESKTOP AND PORTABLE SYSTEMS

Boxborough, Massachusetts, August 17, 1992--In conjunction with today's introduction of the NEC Select Solutions program, NEC Technologies, Inc. announced the first series of "solution-ready" systems for the business office environment--The Personal Office, The Professional Office, The Power Office, The Mobile Office, The Enhanced Mobile Office, and The Portable Presenter. Available immediately, these solutions feature Microsoft Office for Windows Fe-loaded/configured and optimized on the NEC PowerMate SX/25i, PowerMate 486SX/2Si, and PowerMate 486/50i desktop systems, and the UltraLite SL/20, UltraLite SL/20P, and UltraLite SL/25C notebook computers.

All NEC's Select Solution systems for the business office environment are defined and configured in NEC's software labs, in collaboration with Microsoft, for optimum performance, ease-of-use, and greatest functionality. DOS and Windows parameter and configuration files are defined, tuned and optimized for a particular application and hardware platform. Other configuration adjustments include sizing and positioning of the Windows permanent swap file on disk, proper installation of device drivers, configuring optimum disk caching, re-sizing Windows icons for easier viewing in high resolution modes, and logical grouping and layout of the Windows desktop.

Adding additional value to NEC Select Solution systems for the business office are the inclusion of "Information Center" icons which appear on screen upon system start-up for quick and easy information access, personal training software tutorials, a Visual Basic library, and a Microsoft mouse.

"Users of NEC Select Solution systems will benefit enormously from NEC's intense Windows optimization and configuration efforts that will ensure the best application performance of their software," said Joel Diamond, technical director of the Windows User Group Network (WUGNET), and international technical organization for Windows users and developers.

"The level of integration and optimization achieved between Microsoft software and NEC hardware represents added value for customers. From a value perspective, the turnkey NEC Select Solutions are also easy to buy and use, and easier for MIS organizations and end-users to implement," said James Berrett, chief operating executive at NEC Technologies, Inc. "Users simply don't have the time to sift through piles of hardware and software documentation. Instead, NEC has invested the time and engineering resources to insure that the best operating platform is plug-and-play."

"Microsoft and NEC have teamed up to offer the type of business solutions customers are asking for," said Steve Ballmer, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Sales and Support Group, Microsoft Corporation. "People are flocking to Microsoft Windows and Microsoft applications for Windows because they're easier to use. With NEC Select Solutions, users can start realizing the benefits of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint as soon as they turn on their machines."

NEC SELECT SOLUTIONS: BUSINESS OFFICE PRODUCT OFFERINGS

The Personal Office

An entry-level solution for small businesses or departments within a corporation, the Personal Office features Microsoft Office for Windows on a PowerMate SX/25i desktop computer. The Personal Office is an ideal solution for first time users or those who need to use only one or two applications at a time, but don't want to sacrifice performance for price.

The Professional Office

Designed as a cost-effective solution for small to medium-sized businesses and corporate departments that require additional "stations" for increased productivity or replacement of older equipment, the Professional Office teams Microsoft Office for Windows with a PowerMate 486SX/25i for desktop computer. The increased application productivity of the Professional Office is provided via Word for Windows version 2.0, Excel 4.0, and Powerpoint 3.0.

The Power Office

The Power Office has been developed for users within corporate departments and/or medium-sized businesses who require maximum computing performance to increase office productivity. In order for these users to remain productive--without having to wait for the system to "catch up"--a very powerful system is required to handle the large overhead of processing and memory management tasks. Comprised of a PowerMate 486/50i with Microsoft Office for Windows and a MultiSync 3FGx color monitor, the Power Office provides users with a strong office productivity system.

The Mobile Office, The Enhanced Mobile Office, and The Portable Presenter

NEC also has developed three portable Select Solution systems--The Mobile Office, The Enhanced Mobile Office, and The Portable Presenter--for professionals who conduct a significant amount of business away from the office. The Mobile Office is based on the UltraLite SL/20 notebook computer, The Enhanced Mobile Office is based on the UltraLite SL/20P pen notebook computer, and The Portable Presenter is anchored by the UltraLite SL/2SC, the industry's first active matrix color notebook computer. All of these Select Solution systems include Microsoft Office for Windows, an UltraLite 14.4 Data/Fax modem device, and an attractive leather case for ease of portability. A cellular phone upgrade kit is available for all of the portable solutions.

All NEC Select Solution systems for the business office environment can be shipped Network Ready--whereby network hardware and Novell software are pre-installed and configured for immediate use upon connection to the network.

Service and Components/Options

All NEC Select Solution system customers are entitled to free one-year, on-site service and unlimited "800" telephone technical support.

The Personal Office, Professional Office, and Power Office are based on NEC's PowerMate Image series of desktop computers, featuring the industry's first-to-market local bus video technology, and are outfitted with NEC's award-winning MultiSync 3FGx color monitors. In addition, PowerMate Image systems are easily expandable and upgradeable, allowing maximum system flexibility. Options for these solutions include:

* Novel NetWare and NetWare Lite

* 2400 bps modem or 9600 bps fax modem

* NEC Multimedia Upgrade Kit and digital audio cable kit In addition, all NEC Select Solutions systems include a full documentation set, library of floppies, Microsoft mouse, and a mouse pad.

Pricing and Distribution Information

NEC Select Solutions for the business office computing environment will be available from approximately 200 qualified NEC Select Solutions resellers nationwide at the following prices: Desktop Solutions:

Portable Solutions:

The Personal Office    $2,739  The Mobile Office           $3,579

The Prof. Office       $2,929  The Enhanced Mobile Office  $3,979

The Power Office       $3,649  The Mobile Presenter        $5,529

Network Ready Option    $ 199

For more information about NEC Select Solutions, counsel about matching Solutions to applications or to locate the nearest participating dealer, call 1-800-374-8000 after August 24th when the products begin shipping.

Microsoft Corporation

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is 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.

NEC Technologies. Inc.

NEC Technologies, Inc. is a leading supplier of computers and peripherals for the North American market. Product lines include award-winning ProSpeed laptop computers, UltraLite notebook computers, MultiSync FG 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

1414 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough, MA 01719

508-264-8000


NEC Select Solutions for CAD with AutoDesk Swr
NEC UNVEILS SELECT SOLUTIONS FOR CAD FEATURING AUTODESK SOFTWARE OPTIMIZED FOR NEC DESKTOP SYSTEMS

Boxborough, Massachusetts, August 17, 1992--NEC Technologies, Inc. has teamed with Autodesk to provide high-quality computer-aided design (CAD) systems. The resulting NEC Select Solution systems offer fully integrated and configured turnkey systems to a broad range of CAD users.

NEC Select Solution systems for CAD are defined and configured in NEC's software labs, in collaboration with Autodesk, for optimum performance, ease-of-use and greatest functionality. DOS, Windows and hardware configurations are defined, tuned and optimized for Generic CADD 6.0 and the selected hardware platform. The entire system environment is then factory installed onto the hardware and fully tested prior to customer shipment.

Each of the NEC Select Solution systems for CAD are based on NEC's PowerMate Image series of desktop computers with local bus video technology, a large hard disk, extra RAM, a renowned MultiSync FG monitor and Autodesk Generic CADD 6.0 optimized for peak performance on NEC hardware.

In addition to ensuring the best configuration of hardware components, NEC has spent considerable time to tune and optimize each and every configuration parameter. Disk caching, memory interleaving, video memory, device drivers and many other hardware and software configuration elements are carefully selected and adjusted. For users running Generic CADD 6.0 under Windows 3.1, NEC has pre-configured all Windows parameters to ensure the most efficient operation of Windows on the hardware platform.

All NEC Select Solution systems for CAD also can be made Network Ready, whereby network hardware and Novell software are pre-installed and configured for immediate use upon connection to the network.

"Our CAD Solutions provide customers with what they want--a high-quality integrated CAD solution; how they want it--optimized for performance and reliability AND operational right out of the box," said David Middleton, director of solutions marketing at NEC Technologies, Inc. "Partnering with Autodesk assured that these would be the best and easiest-to-use integrated offerings for the CAD market."

"Generic CADD 6.0 is designed to get users--even first-time CAD users-- up and running quickly," said Pete O'Dell, General Manager of Autodesk Retail Products. "Our partnership with NEC takes this concept one step further by giving customers a complete system solution. Now they can begin design projects immediately, rather than spending their time configuring a system and integrating hardware and software."

NEC SELECT SOLUTION SYSTEMS FOR CAD: PRODUCT OFFERINGS FOR THREE SPECIFIC GROUPS OF CAD USERS

The power behind NEC Select Solution systems for CAD are the PowerMate Image series of 486-based desktop computers. Designed especially for graphics performance and crisp, clear information display, the PowerMate Image series features ImageVideo, NEC's first-to-market implementation of local bus video technology; and ImageSync technology, which allows the Image system to sense when it is connected to a MultiSync FG monitor and automatically adjust to the highest refresh rate. The Image series also is noted for its expandability via industry standard SIMM modules and user-upgradable motherboards.

Central to the CAD Solutions is Autodesk's Generic CADD 6.0 software. Pre-installed and optimized for NEC's hardware, Generic CADD 6.0 performs everything from initial sketches to conceptual design, final presentation drawings and full-scale projects. The versatile package includes features such as nested commands, 256 layers, named layers, multiple viewports or windows, fitted hatch patterns and associative dimensioning. Generic CADD comes with over 500 symbols and more than 35 fonts, including 10 typeset-quality fillable fonts and 19 AutoCAD fonts.

Professional Layout

Based on a PowerMate Image 486SX/25i desktop computer with a 120 MB hard disk drive, the Professional Layout solution is targeted toward architects, engineers, and designers who are newly converted to CAD, or those working with large pre-defined AutoCAD drawings. Easily expanded and upgraded, this solution has 4 MB of RAM, 3.5"1.44 MB and 1.2 MB floppy drives, a 15-inch MultiSync 3FGx monitor, and a Microsoft 400 DPI mouse, Generic CADD 6.0 and Microsoft Windows 3.1 fully configured/optimzed and factory installed on the hard disk.

The Professional Designer

For complex designs comprised of hundreds of layers, NEC offers the Professional Engineer, a Select Solution system based on the PowerMate Image 486/50i desktop computer. The Professional Engineer includes a 240 MB hard disk drive, 12 MB RAM, a 17" MultiSync 5FG monitor, full-featured 2D modeling, and Microsoft Windows 3.1 fully configured/optimized and factory installed on the hard disk.

"Users simply do not have the time--or inclination--to sift through all the documentation for the hardware, DOS, Windows, and application software to ensure their system is configured in the best way possible. Instead, NEC, with its engineering sources, has invested time for the user to ensure the best operating platform. Now users need only worry about getting their job done, not reading huge piles of documentation," added Middleton.

The Professional Engineer

For complex designs comprised of hundreds of layers, NEC offers the Professional Engineer, a Select Solution system based on the PowerMate Image 486/50i desktop computer. The Professional Engineer includes a 240 MB hard disk drive, 12 MB RAM, a 17" MultiSync 5FG monitor, full-featured 2D modeling, and Microsoft Windows 3.1 fully configured/optimized and factory installed on the hard disk.

"Users simply do not have the time--or inclination--to sift through all the documentation for the hardware, DOS, Windows, and application software to ensure their system is configured in the best way possible. Instead, NEC, with its engineering sources, has invested time for the user to ensure the best operating platform. Now users need only worry about getting their job done, not reading huge piles of documentation," added Middleton.

Pricing and Distribution Information

NEC Select Solution systems for CAD will be available from approximately 200 qualified Select Solution resellers nationwide at the following prices:

Professional Layout     $2,939

Professional Designer   $3,380

Professional Engineer   $4,759

Network Ready Option    $  199

For more information on NEC Select Solutions, counsel on matching a Solution with an application or to locate the nearest participating dealer, call 1-800-374-8000 after August 24th when product begins shipping.

Autodesk Retail Products

Autodesk Retail Products offers affordable computer-aided design and graphics software programs for personal computer users, including Generic CADD AutoSketch, the Home series and Graphic Impact. Located in Bothell, Washington, the company was originally founded in 1985 as Generic Software. It was acquired as a wholly owned subsidiary of Autodesk, Inc., of Sausalito, California, in 1989. Autodesk, Inc., is the manufacturer or AutoCAD, the world's most widely supported computer-aided design and drafting program. Autodesk also maintains offices in Europe, Japan and Australia.

NEC Technologies. Inc.

NEC Technologies, Inc. is a leading supplier of computers and peripherals for the North American market. Product lines include award-winning ProSpeed laptop computers, UltraLite notebook computers, MultiSync FG 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

1414 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough, MA 01719

508-264-8000


Panacea Display List Proc. Aggressive Pricing
LONDONDERRY, NH -- August 17, 1992 -- Panacea Inc. today announced an aggressive pricing strategy for its new line of TurboDLDClassic and TurboDLDDeluxe display list processors. The move was cited as a response to growing demand from dealers and resellers who wish to provide lower cost AutoCAD software accelerator solutions for their corporate customer base.

Panacea will offer "Corporate 10-Packs" of the two products, at a cost of $499 for the TurboDLDClassic and $999 for the TurboDLDDeluxe when the recently announced products ship in October. Single copy prices for the two products will be $149 and $249 respectively. Company officials stated that they intend to offer Corporate 10 Pack pricing on their existing line of DLD386Classic and DLD386Deluxe display list processors, with free upgrades to the TurboDLDs as soon as they ship. The Corporate 10 Packs will be distributed through Panacea's international network of dealers and resellers, either for resale to corporate customers or for inclusion in dealer-configured hardware systems. In addition, Panacea will allow dealers to resell individual copies of the TurboDLDClassic 10-Pack, enabling street prices for individual copies to drop by as much as 2/3; and will offer a Corporate 5-Pack of the TurboDLDDeluxe for $649.

According to Jake Richter, Chief Technologist at Panacea, "Our resellers have seen a rapidly increasing demand for our recently announced line of TurboDLD software accelerators. This new pricing policy will enable them to offer far more flexible computing solutions for their corporate customers, be it software bundled with hardware or resold directly. At the same time, new users will be able to realize the benefits of display list processing with an entry-level product like the Classic for a mere $49."

Panacea's TurboDLDClassic and TurboDLDDeluxe boast up to 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. In addition, the two products incorporate 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. 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 TurboDLDs provide full compatibility with Compaq's QVision family of graphics adapters, as well as a number of 24-bit VGA boards, including products from Cardinal, Diamond, and Everex.

The TurboDLDDClassic 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 version by offering real-time panning, pop-up menus, a ZoomPreview spyglass, a drawing viewer, and fully reconfigurable digitizer buttons.

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.


GNU Emacs Screen Editor Reference Card
August 17, 1992 -- GNU Emacs, a screen editor available for many UNIX Systems and other platforms, has been summarized in a new reference card published by Specialized Systems Consultants, Inc. (SSC). SSC is the publisher of the popular VI Editor Reference. The GNU Emacs Reference is a concise description of GNU Emacs, based on Version 18.55.

Emacs is easily configurable through keybindings and user definable functions. Cutting and pasting, command conventions, programming functions, and multiple buffers are some of the features described. Emacs has modes to make editing more convenient. The reference describes major and minor modes, with detailed sections on outline mode and picture mode and a separate section on programming support.

This 18-page pocket-sized booklet is for beginning and experienced GNU Emacs users. It is priced at $4.50, less in quantity and will be available August 30, 1992.

Specialized Systems Consultants, Inc. (SSC)

P.O. Box 55549, Seattle, WA 98155 USA

Phone: (206) FOR-UNIX or (206) 527-3385

  FAX: (206) 527-2806

email: sales@ssc.wa.com


Microsoft Excel 4 Companion, Apple Mac Version
The Cobb Group's Microsoft Excel 4 Companion

apple Macintosh Version

MICROSOFT EXCEL 4 COMPANION from Microsoft Press is the definitive guide to Microsoft Excel version 4 for the Apple Macintosh

Renowned computer-book authors Douglas Cobb and Judy Mynhier, of The Cobb Group, have teamed with spreadsheet experts Craig Stinson, Mark Dodge, and Chris Kinata to bring Microsoft Excel users the ultimate reference to this powerful business computing tool. Individual users will find a highly accessible, field-tested manual. For businesses, it's the ideal office reference. Step-by-step tutorials, superb examples, dozens of screen illustrations, and numerous shortcuts and tips help readers get the most out of Microsoft Excel version 4 for the Apple Macintosh.

This information-packed book is a one-stop resource for all levels of Microsoft Excel users. Novices learn how to create, edit, and format a worksheet; incorporate formulas; link spreadsheets; use the built-in functions; and print presentation-quality reports. Intermediate to advanced users learn how to tap the powerful spreadsheet capabilities of Microsoft Excel 4 and discover the best ways to create, customize, and enhance charts--even how to incorporate graphic objects within worksheets for emphasis. Developing, sorting, and working with databases become second nature, and more experienced users can choose from more than 200 built-in macros to create user-defined functions, dialog boxes, menus, and custom help screens. Plus, this new edition details the complete range of exciting, new, productivity-enhancing features of Microsoft Excel version 4 for the Apple Macintosh, including:

* The AutoFormat feature, which lets users highlight a table of cells and then click on one of a long list of preconfigured formats to instantly add color, different font sizes and styles, and borders.

* ChartWizard, the advanced charting utility that makes creating charts and experimenting with new chart types easier than ever.

* The Crosstab ReportWizard, which lets users easily cross-tabulate a Microsoft Excel database, turning raw data into meaningful reports.

* A Scenario Manager that simplifies preparation of best-case and worst-case predictions.

* The drag-and-drop feature that allows users to move and copy cell ranges by simply dragging them with the mouse.

* Macros that can be automatically loaded at the start of every Microsoft Excel session.

* The new Analysis ToolPak, for performing distribution analysis and statistical tests.

Appendix A describes the nine built-in toolbars in Microsoft Excel 4, showing each toolbar and including a chart of the more than 140 predefined tools and their locations. Readers will find this invaluable in creating their own new tools and toolbars. A list of more than 160 of the most valuable keyboard shortcuts is offered in Appendix B. A comprehensive index helps users quickly find information on any topic in the book.

Douglas Cobb is president of The Cobb Group, Inc., producers of high-quality journals and workbooks that support business software products. He has authored several bestselling computer books from Microsoft Press.

Judy Mynhier is an editor with The Cobb Group and a coauthor of Word 5 Companion. Craig Stinson is a computer-book author and a contributing editor to PC Magazine. Mark Dodge is a technical writer and an editor with Microsoft Corporation. Chris Kinata is a consultant and the coauthor of the Complete Guide to Microsoft Excel Macros from Microsoft Press.

MICROSOFT EXCEL 4 COMPANION is part of the complete line of books from Microsoft Press covering Microsoft Excel for the Apple Macintosh. Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh Step by Step is the hands-on book-and-software tutorial for spreadsheet novices who are using Microsoft Excel for the first time. Microsoft Excel Macros Step by Step is the book-and-software learning system for proficient Excel users who want to learn how to use macros. The Complete Guide to Microsoft Excel Macros is a reference for users across all platforms.

Microsoft Press is the book division of Microsoft Corporation and the leading publisher of quality books about Microsoft products. More than 10 million computer users of all skill levels rely on a complete line of Microsoft Press books for training, reference, and on-the-job software support. Titles ranging from streamlined tutorials for first-time computer users to technical references for professional programmers are distributed to book and software retailers worldwide. Consumers in the United States can also order directly from the publisher at 1-800-MSPRESS.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is 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


StereoGraphics Stereo Viewing System News
San Rafael, CA -- August 17, 1992 -- StereoGraphics, the world's leading supplier of true three-dimensional electronic stereoscopic display products, has announced that the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), Pasadena, Calif., is using StereoGraphics full-color stereo viewing system to accurately analyze and interpret pictures of Venus being sent back to earth by the Magellan space probe.

This particular StereoGraphics system uses a video projector equipped with a ZScreen modulator to polarize images which are projected onto a 4- by 3-foot screen. Viewers wear passive eye wear which allows each eye to view the appropriate image, thereby providing depth perception. Other StereoGraphics systems utilize CrystalEYES is battery operated liquid crystal shuttering active eye wear instead of the ZScreen and passive eye wear.

"Being able to view the images in stereo has improved our interpretation capabilities by bringing depth into the picture ," said William Stromberg, facilities planning engineer for the Image Processing Laboratory at JPL. "For example, three-dimensional viewing allows our analysts to see slopes in images that would appear flat with a conventional monoscopic projector."

StereoGraphics 3-D systems are based on a new technology in which the left and right images are rapidly alternated on a projection screen or computer monitor at 120 frames per second, producing true flicker-free full color depth perception. The images are viewed through active CrystalEYES eye wear that are synchronized with the monitor using wireless, infrared signals.

Next to full scale models, three-dimensional color images give users the best sense of spatial relationships because they provide accurate, information-rich data in a visual environment. Medical imaging, molecular modeling, inspection systems and training are just a few of the applications.

"Stereo color information provides total understanding," said Dick Martin, president of StereoGraphics. "In fact, a study by Tektronix discovered that when people use stereo, 75% fewer errors are committed."

For their stereoscopic system, JPL uses a standard three-CRT Electrohome video projector with three five-inch lenses, each equipped with a Stereographics ZScreen liquid crystal polarizing modulator placed over the lens that changes the polarization characteristics of the light emitted from the projector. The modulators are synchronized with the projector so that a clockwise polarization is imparted to the left image and a counterclockwise polarization to the right image.

NASA's Magellan Venus probe, which was launched in May 1989, reached Venus 15 months later and has been sending back a staggering array of pictures ever since. Magellan's images have made it possible to complete a global topography map with ten times better resolution than that provided by the Pioneer probe. However, stereo viewing has provided the additional information to make a correct identification of geological features, particularly of gradually varying features like domes and faults.

For example, a scientist viewing a two-dimensional image of a volcano might not be able to determine the reason for the color difference in the many concentric circles making up the 2-D image. Viewing the same image in 3-D shows that the inner circle has a conical shape and is clearly recognizable as the core structure of a volcano.

"Having the capability to view images in stereo increases the understanding of scientists studying the images," said Stromberg.

Stereo viewing systems are now being used in a wide variety of applications, from architecture and mechanical CAD to business and sales presentations. Stereoscopic applications have been written for battlefield management and flight simulation, mapping and earth resource planning, automobile design and fluid dynamics.

In molecular modeling, a pervasive and established use of the product, stereo viewing helps researchers visualize and design complex molecules, allowing some operations to be performed much more quickly. In one case, a procedure that took four to five days to complete now takes just four to five hours.

StereoGraphic Corp., founded in 1980 and now the world's leading manufacturer of true stereo viewing systems, invented and developed the market for modern electro-stereoscopic displays. The company has introduced a succession of ground-breaking products that have made 3-D viewing more accessible and affordable, including the CrystalEYES eye wear which was recently cited as one of the "Top 10" graphics hardware products of 1991 by IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications. StereoGraphics is located at 2171 East Francisco Boulevard, San Rafael, California 94901, phone 415/459-4500, fax 415/459-3020.


Acclade WaxWorks Roly-Playing Game
VICTIM OR HERO?

CAN YOU OVERCOME THE DANGERS THAT LURK IN THE EVIL WAXWORKS?

Category: Role-playing

Price and Availability: IBM PC/compatibles - $59.95 (October),

                        Amiga - $59.95 (November)

SAN JOSE, CA - August 7, 1992 - Bats flew at you from the dark crevasses of the cave, knocking the flashlight out of your hand. You groped for the light in the cave's utter blackness. When you finally found it and flicked it on, your twin brother Alex had vanished and was eventually presumed dead. Now, even years later, you still feel his presence. This overwhelming feeling that he is alive leads you to your Uncle Boris' horror filled waxworks, a place that fills you with dread, yet was once like a second home to Alex.

WaxWorks is Accolade's new true horror role-playing game due to ship this October for IBM PC computers, and in November for Amiga computers. WaxWorks is being developed by Horrorsoft, creators of Accolade's popular horror based role-playing games Elvira and Elvira II. This bone-chilling foray into five very detailed horror filled worlds will provide the player with over 100 hours of challenging game play.

"Uncle Boris has just died and left you his Dodge and his prized possession, the WaxWorks. It took him years to create his collection of evil looking wax figures. This is not a normal wax museum full of icons of royalty, pop stars, and current celebrities. Uncle Boris chose to mold dark treacherous brings from his imagination, as well as duplicate criminals, witches, and monsters from film and history. Your first temptation is to destroy the waxworks and its dreadful occupants. Yet something beckons you to the old Victorian house that serves as the host to the collection. You are drawn into the fearsome scenes depicted in wax. You find yourself searching for your missing brother throughout the labyrinth waxworks, in ancient Egypt, 19th century England, in a dark, musty mineshaft and in a creepy, haunted cemetery.

Can you escape from the clutches of the waxworks and rescue your brother? You'll travel through five different worlds, battle loathsome undead creatures and monsters, using your wits, weapons, artifacts and even household items. Use a crystal orb Uncle Boris left you to invoke powerful incantations that give you magical powers.

WaxWorks is completely icon driven with a fast and intuitive "point and click" interface. The first person perspective produces some very terror filled moments, as you quickly have to decide to escape or fight to the bitter end.

WaxWorks will be available at local software retailers or can be purchased direct fro calling 1-800-245-7744.

Accolade, 5300 Stevens Creek Blvd, San Jose, CA 95129

408-985-1700


Windows NT Developer Conference Oct 26-28
MICROSOFT to Release Windows NT Device Driver Kit In Conjunction With  Three-day Developer Conference Oct. 26-28

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MICROSOFT Corp. Tuesday announced the Windows NT Device Driver Kit (DDK) will be available in pre-release form  Oct. 26 in conjunction with the MICROSOFT Windows NT Device Driver  Developers Conference in Anaheim, Calif., Oct. 26-28.

The conference will feature highly technical information needed to write hardware drivers for Windows NT, including NDIS, SCSI, display, printer, input and communication drivers.

  Sessions topics at the conference will include:

  * Multiprocessing Support for Windows NT

  * Enhanced Graphics Support

  * NDIS 3.0

  * SCSI Support

Developers can register for the conference by calling 800-MS SHOWS (677-4697) or by faxing 800/936-7329 `Attention Department 747.' The registration cost is $795 for developers who attended the Win32  Professional Developers Conference in July.

For all others, the registration price before Sept. 21 is $845. From  Sept. 21 on it will be $895. Registration costs include lunch each day,  and conference attendees receive a copy of the Windows NT DDK.


Ample Notice Personal Information Manager V3.0
MAJOR UPDATE OF AMPLE NOTICE APPOINTMENTS / ALARM / PERSONAL INFORMATION MANAGER software package for IBM and compatible computers

Ample Notice Version 3.0 from Granny's Old-Fashioned Software is  now available.  The update of this appointments  scheduler/alarm/personal information manager package adds mouse  support, pull-down menus, and a more extensive on-line help  system.  An improved category system lets the user group  appointments and notes by subject or owner with greater ease.

Ample Notice is less restrictive than other calendar programs.   The day is not broken into 30-minute chunks.  Ranges of calendar  cells can be filled with ease; for example, a single entry can  schedule an appointment for every Monday, Wednesday and Friday  from 11/1/92 through 1/15/93.  The program accommodates a wide  range of date cycles, such as last Monday in May (Memorial Day),  the day after the first Monday in November (Election Day), the  third Tuesday of every month, every third week, etc.  Birthdays  show ages (if desired).

Users can share portions of their calendars with other Ample  Notice users.  By categorizing appointments by owner, it's easy  to view schedules of any group of people at one time.

Printouts can be obtained in various styles so that appointments  can be viewed away from the computer.  An ultra-compressed  listings can be printed for wallet or purse.  Outdated appoint- ments and other selected entries can be archived for use in  preparation of taxes, reports, etc.

System requirements for Ample Notice are: an IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2  or compatible computer with 512K RAM, DOS 2.1 or later.

Ample Notice is sold as Shareware.  The evaluation disk (complete  package with manual on disk) is available for $5, or the  registered package (indefinite license, current disk, printed  manual, free update, telephone support) may be ordered for $35.   These prices include shipping in US/Canada/ Mexico; other orders add $2 for the disk or $3 for the regestered  package.  Order from Granny's Old-Fashioned Software, Route 4,  Box 216, Boone, NC 28607, Phone (704) 264-6906.  MC/ VISA accepted.


GramR 2.0 French Grammar & Spelling Checker
FRENCH GRAMMAR AND SPELLING CHECKER NOW AVAILABLE IN THE  U.S.

Written by John Chandioux, a leading Canadian grammarian, GramR 2.0 (pronounced Gram-aire) provides a suite of  grammar and spell checking tools for anyone writing in French.

Available in both DOS and Windows versions, the program consists of  four major modules:  A spelling checker containing over 350,00 French words and word-forms.  A conjugueur which provides all major conjugations and participles for thousands of regular and irregular French verbs.  A parser which detects errors in agreement of number and gender in article, adjective, subject, verb and participle. The parser also detects confusions between words (quant/quand) confusion between past participle and infinitive, double-typed words, and common typing errors.  Multiple personal dictionaries  are provided for industry or profession-specific terms.

Both GramR pour DOS and GramR pour Windows offer extensive mouse support including  cut-and-paste from the conjugueur to text being edited.  Extensive on-line grammatical help screens  note probable errors and offer suggested corrections.  The conjugueur is available at any time with the touch of a function key.  Simply type the infinitive of any regular or irregular verb and its conjugation and participle are displayed.

Both versions of GramR may be run in either memory-resident or standalone mode.  The DOS version is directly compatible with WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Works, WordStar  2000, Textor or any word processor able to produce ASCII text.  The Windows version is directly compatible with Ami Pro, WordPerfect for Windows, Works for Windows, Word for Windows  1.0, and indirectly with any Windows word processor able to produce ASCII text.

GramR pour DOS includes a memory resident keyboard utility that allows direct entry of accented letters from the American "QWERTY" keyboard from little used keys.

In the U.S. and Western Canada, on-screen installation instructions are in English.

GramR pour DOS  2.0 and GramR pour Windows 2.0 are available directly from:

   Schuller & Associates

   1103 Dolores St., San Francisco, 94110.

   Phone toll free: 800-350-4411.

DOS version: $150. Windows version: $160.

Prices include shipping.

In an effort to support study of the French language in the U.S., enrolled students are offered a $50 discount on both programs.

For further information  contact:  Brice W. Schuller 800-350-4411 or Post Email to "Cubswin92 on American Online

Review copies of either or both programs are available to interested editors.