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

Prepared & Distributed by:  Baker Enterprises

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

SOFTWARE:	HARDWARE:

Business & Productivity  	PC Systems

Professional/Engineering  	Expansion Products

Personal & Educational  	Peripherals

Games & Entertainment  	Macintosh Specific

System Software & Utilities  	Miscellaneous Hardware

Macintosh Specific

Miscellaneous Software  	GENERAL INTEREST:

Books & Publications

Miscellaneous News

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About Press Releases
Full Text Press Releases...

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

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


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

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

within the various news articles included in the news archive.

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

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

articles for that company.

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


About Baker Enterprises
About Baker Enterprises...

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

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

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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:

Info Select for Windows, Personal Info Manager

ADTASTIC Advertising Analysis Software

SYBASE Roadmap to Client/Server Computing

SYBASE Product Directions Through 1993

SYBASE SQL Server Passes ANSI SQL89 Compliance

SYBASE Expands Support for OS/2 2.0

Carnegie Group TestBench 2.2 Expert Help Desk

EnforceBase Integrity Checking for .DBF Files

Personnel Master 3.0 Human Resource Mgmt Swr

PERFORMER Time & Contact Mgmt, Corporate Edition

TRANS Plus Integrates ASCII in Spreadsheets

Calendar Wise Multi-Subject Planning/Tracking

Multi-Ad Services Acquires Adverkit Int'l

Windows NT MDBS IV Client/Server Database Engine

ProPhone Multi-Indexed Telephone Directory CDROM

ProActive Customer Info Resource System


Professional/Engineering Software
Professional/Engineering Software News:

ASG Cooperative R&D with US Dept of Energy

FONTasm! PostScript -> AutoCAD Font Converter

ASG Signs Licensing Agreement with REI

Brochure for LabVIEW & LabWindows Data Analysis

Free LabWindows Application Notes

ISICAD Ships CADVANCE 5.0 for Windows

Mitchell & Gauthier Assoc. ACSL/Graphic Modeller

VoxelBox Volume Renderer for Windows

FIT KIT Fitting Routines for Numerical Analysis

StatSci S_PLUS V3.1 Data Analysis & Statistics

RPlot V2.1 for Dos, Windows and OS/2

MicroSim Design Center Version 5.3


Personal & Educational Software
Personal & Educational Software News:

New Azeroth Interactive Recreational Software

Interactive Old Testament, Family Multimedia Adv

Dr. Jam Performance Quality Music Processing Swr

Expert Pet Care, A PC Owners' Best Friend

Stories of Murder, Mystery, Magic, Terror & More

Multimedia Encyclopedia of Mammalian Biology

Disney Expands Children's Software Line-up

Magellan CD-ROMs Volumes 53-66 from Cycle 2

Advanced English Language Acquisition Program

Micro Kitchen Companion Recipe Reference & Menus

Latin American Studies, Volumes I - CDROM

Latin American Studies, Volume II CD-ROM

U.S. Philatelist Database for Stamp Collectors

Scholastic Bilingual Educational Software


Games & Entertainment Software
Games & Entertainment Software News:

Inspector Gadget Saves the Earth

Interplay Adds BBS Service for Customer Service

WaxWorks True Horror Role-Playing Game

Interplay Releases Castles II: Siege & Conquest

Megatech Cobra Mission R-rated Role-Playing Game

Keyboard Commander Corps Keyboard Templates

Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters

Veil of Darkness, Real-Time Gothic Nightmare

Interplay & Virgin Sign Key OEM Agreement

SSI Gary Grigsby's Pacific War Strategy Game

Walt Disney Stunt Island Flight Simulator Avail.

SSI Legnds of Valour Graphics Fantasy Adventure


System Software & Utilities
System Software & Utilities News:

MultiExpress for Windows Communications Swr

ARCserve/Solo Network Tape Backup Supports DPT

Molecular Arts chemSAVER Molecular Screen Saver

Diamond Computer Licenses Panacea's AutoCAD DLD

FactsLine for Windows Interactive Voice/Fax

Chips & Tech Licenses Panacea's AutoCAD TurboDLD

Lahey Fortran 90 Update, Nov 1992

Hummingbird PC X Server Software

PNEWS for Partiquin's Utilities & Tools

Borland Pascal with Objects/Turbo Pascal 7.0

Softwords Research CoSy Conferencing System

PC-Kwik Power Pak for DOS, Version 3

Software Grove Messages 1.5 for Windows

Auto-Virus Software Customer Loyalty

WindowPhone Personal Call Management System

WindowPAGER Software Paging Program

TonerSaver Saves Money for LaserJet Users

FileRunner in PC Sources Top 100 Direct Products

Windows NT to Support Floptical Technology

AimTech IconAuthor Supports Tandy's VIS Playform

Apple Ships QuickTime for Windows


Macintosh Specific Software
Macintosh Specific Software News:

TimesTwo Driver-level Disk Expansion for Mac

LabVIEW for Mac Basics Course Now Accredited

SNMP Support for AppleTalk and TCP/IP Networks

New Multimedia Developer Program Announced

AimTech IconAuthor Player for the Macintosh

macClaimChek Health Insurance Tracker

The Outdoor Athlete: Steve Ilg's Cross Training

Physics Academic Swr Atomic Scattering Simulator

Travel Applications for Newton PDAs


Miscellaneous Software
Miscellaneous Software News:

POPLINE on CD-ROM Population Studies Database

Environmental Periodicals Bibliography Jr CDROM

Fish & Fisheries Worldwide Reference CD-ROM

Wilson Information System Guide & Documentation


System Hardware
System Hardware News:

NEC Lowers SL-Based Notebooks & EISA Systems

Dell Offers DPT SmartCache Plus SCSI Controller

Micro Express Cyrix-based Low Cost 40MHz PC

NEC UltraLite Autograph Pen Tablet Computer

VideoShow HQ Offers 21MB Floptical Subsystem

Dauphin 550 Notebook with DynaDrive & Ethernet

Dauphin 5500 Color Pentop

AST 486SL Notebook with Active Matrix Display

AST OBSESSION Ad Campaign

AST Expands Reseller Channel Beyond PC Roots

Intechnica VoxBox2 CD-ROM Client Server

Micro Express ME486-VL VESA Local Bus Machine

AST Multi-Channel Disk Array for Servers


Expansion Hardware
Expansion Hardware News:

DPT Reduces SmartCache Plus Controller Pricing

DPT Providing SCSI Controller OS/2 2.0 Drivers

DPT Unveils New Reseller Program at COMDEX

DPT Offering CorelSCSI Swr with SmartCache Plus

UnixWare OS Supports DPT SmartCache Controllers

Visionetics VIGA VGA+ Super VGA Card


Peripheral Hardware
Peripheral Hardware News:

Free SupraFAXModem V.32/V32bis Firmware Upgrade

Chinon Joins Floptical Technology Association

New OCE Color Electrostatic Plotters

SyDOS Personal CD & CorelDRAW Bundle

Logitech AudioMan Compact Digital Audio Tool

Matsushita Marketing 21MB Floptical in Japan

ValueStor Interal, SUPER21 External Flopticals

Dauphin DynaDrive Removeable Disk Drive

Floptical Diskettes Now Available From IOMEGA

IOMEGA Shipping 21MB Floptical Disk Drives

Maxell Branded Floptical Disks Introduced

Kodak Dye Sublimation Printer Hwr PostScript

Pixelink 240DS Windows Optimized Doc Display Sys

Pixelink High Speed Windows Display System

ETC Low-Emission MPR-II Multiscan Color Monitors

ETC 10-inch Color Monitor for Specialty App's

Hewlett-Packard Supports Floptical Technology

3 New ETC Micro-Controlled HiRes Color Monitors


Macintosh Specific Hardware
Macintosh Specific Hardware News:

DataLink PB PowerBook Voice/Data/Fax Modem

Axcell Cellular Interface for PowerBook

Apple Strengthens Portable & Mid-Range Mac Lines

Apple Adding Mfg & Distribution in India

Apple USA Rolls Out - The Easy - Way Promotion

Computers & Printers J.D. Powers Top Rated

Apple Adds Single Domain X.400 Product

I/O Design Powerbook Ultimate XL Carrying Case


Miscellaneous Hardware
Miscellaneous Hardware News:

Multi-Tech 386SX-based MultiModemLAN

Personal Communicators With PenTOPS & PenCentral

HyperConverter Hi-Res PC to TV Multimedia Board

FP-Kit Flat Panel Display/Touchscreen Unit

Multi-Tech 10BASET Concentrator

MiniArray Turn-Key Data & Fax Gateway for Novell

Multi-Tech MultiX25 Switch, X.25 Switch

Multi-Tech Personal Communications System

DLK 100 PC Voltamettric Analyzer with LabVIEW


Books & Publications
Books & Publications:

QuarkXPress for Windows Inside & Out

The Police Quest Casebook

Paradox 4: The Complete Reference

The Computer Font Book

Excel 4 for Windows: The Complete Reference

Windows 3.1: The Complete Reference, 2nd Ed.

Virtual Reality, Through the New Looking Glass

Rx PC - The Anti-Virus Handbook

Windows 3.1 Demystified - Tips, Tricks & Tech

DOS Subroutines for C and Assembler

Converting Microsoft C to Microsoft C/C++ 7.0

Ventana Press - Looking Good with CorelDRAW

O'Reilly Completely Revises Guide to LEX & YACC

Reference Guide to Phigs 3D Programming in X

Simply Word for Windows

Assember Inside & Out

C++ Inside & Out

C++ Programming for Windows (with diskette)

C++ The Pocket Reference

OS/2 Inside & Out

The King's Quest Companion, Third Edition

Quicken 2 for Windows Made Easy

Macworld Guide to Microsoft Works 3

Microsoft Excel Software Development Kit Ver 4

Microsoft Guide to Optimizing Windows

Running Microsoft Access (Complete Guide)


Miscellaneous News
Miscellaneous News:

VERDIX Application Center for Network Security

Environmental Support Center Macintosh Grants

Unicorn Eng. Now IntelliTools

SPA Raids Long Island Firm

Expert Software Acquired by Management

Great Teaching and Technology Seminars

Artisoft Five Star Connectivity Reseller Pgm

NetWorld 93 Boston Keynote by Elaine Bond

PC EXPO Chicago Attracts Unprecedented Crowds

North American PC Swr Sales Reach $1.43 Billion

4th Annual Help Desk Conference Jan-Feb'93

Discovery Comm. New Technology Unit

Apple Dividend & Stock Repurchase Plan

Design Expert Donald Norman Joins Apple


DataLink PB PowerBook Voice/Data/Fax Modem
Applied Engineering's DataLink PB - PowerBook Voice, Data and Fax  Modem

Dallas, TX (October 21, 1992)-Applied Engineering announced today  powerful new technology for mobile computing, DataLink PB, a new  internal voice/data/fax solution for Apple Computer's PowerBook  portable computers.

When using Applied Engineering's new DataLink PB modem, the PowerBook  is transformed into a complete mobile personal communications system.  The DataLink PB modem couples the performance of high speed data and  send/receive FAX capability with two-way voice support, enabling users  to implement voice messaging on a portable machine for the first time.

The DataLink PB provides high speed throughput with data transmission  speeds of 14,400 bps, and with compression, effective user throughput  can reach 57,600 (v.42bis). These capabilities are ideal for the  mobile user dialing in to a network for remote access or downloading  large files when not in the office. DataLink PB includes free data  communication software and on-line time, plus membership to various  services such as American Online, CompuServe, GEnie and NewsNet.

The DataLink PB supports fax transmission up to 14,400 bps, the  highest speed on the PowerBook today, with auto fallback speeds at  9600 bps for transmission to slower fax machines. The fax software is  an improved version of the FAXstf send and receive package. Optional  Optical Character Recognition (OCR) allows translation of fax messages  to word processor files. The software also supports group faxes, time  delayed faxes, custom cover pages, background faxing for both send and  receive and a fax log.

To round out the needs of the mobile computer user, the DataLink PB  introduces full voice capabilities to the PowerBook user with two-way  phone, speaker phone and digital answering machine. Applied  Engineering's powerful new CommPhone telephony software includes a  fully featured phone book with import/export and auto dial.  CommPhone's digital answering machine lets you digitize incoming  messages and memos, time and date stamp the message, access them  directly or remotely and even change the settings and message remotely  - virtually everything available from today's top of the line  answering machines. In addition, multiple outgoing messages can be  recorded which are indexed by each Caller ID or access code. Any  number of messages can be dictated for selected individuals. The user  can put the PowerBook to sleep, and while unattended CommPhone will  answer calls, deliver individualized outgoing messages and record new  incoming messages. The CommPhone software is designed to significantly  enhance the productivity of the mobile user by bringing true voice  messaging automation to the portable computer.

Best of all, connect DataLink PB to a cellular phone via Applied  Engineering's new Axcell cellular phone interface and send voice, fax  and data across cellular channels. Axcell enables PowerBook users to  connect any PowerBook voice, data and/or fax modem to cellular phones  from OKI, NEC, AT&T and others. The PowerBook equipped with DataLink  PB and Axcell becomes a complete mobile personal communications  station. The DataLink PB's MNP-10 error correction protocol ensures  that data gets there reliably.

"We feel that our advancements in data, fax and voice messaging  technologies are vital to personal mobile users. Automation of voice,  the most frequently used telecommunication medium, is long overdue,"  states Robert J. Carroll, CEO and President of Applied Engineering.  "Combined with the Axcell cellular interface, PowerBook users now have  a completely portable integrated solution for voice, data and fax  communications at a cost which compares favorably with other  manufacturers' modems alone."

DataLink PB retails for $619 and the Axcell interface retails for  $299. The two products together have a special introductory price of  $849. These and other Applied Engineering products are available from  Ingram, Merisel, Tech Data and through AE's 2,800 dealers including  mail order and the CompUSA and Computer City super stores. Apple's  warranty requires that DataLink PB be installed by an authorized Apple  dealer or by Applied Engineering.

Dallas-based Applied Engineering designs, manufactures, markets and  supports a full line of more than one hundred hardware and software  products for Apple personal computers.

Applied Engineering, 3210 Beltline Rd., Dallas, TX 75234

Phone (800) 554-MACS; FAX (214) 484-1365.


TimesTwo Driver-level Disk Expansion for Mac
FIRST DISK EXPANSION SOFTWARE AVAILABLE FOR MACINTOSH

San Diego, Calif. -- November 3, 1992 -- Golden Triangle announced  shipment of TimesTwo (patent pending), the first driver-level disk  expansion product for Macintosh.  With a simple one-time installation,  TimesTwo transparently doubles the capacity of any SCSI disk without  reformatting, leaving users' data unchanged.

TimesTwo moves a quantum leap beyond products like AutoDoubler and  More Disk Space  which increase disk storage by compressing individual  files, resulting in numerous compatibility problems and the need for  constant upgrades.  TimesTwo actually makes a user's disk bigger,  transforming a 40MB disk into an 80MB, for example.  All file sizes  and creator types are actual and file recovery programs such as  Symantec's The Norton Utilities and Central Point's MacTools can  diagnose and fix disk problems.

TimesTwo works by compressing disk blocks at the driver level,  reducing the amount of space needed to store them, and increasing the  true size of the disk.  The Macintosh Finder actually sees a 40MB hard  disk as an 80MB.  This means users can store and retrieve more data on  disk without compressing and decompressing files.

Upgrading a disk with TimesTwo is as easy as clicking the mouse a few  times to install the TimesTwo driver on the user's disk.  Afterwards,  TimesTwo is completely invisible, giving the user a disk of twice its  original capacity.  There is no Control Panel, System Extension or  other System Software installed on the disk.  Users can go back to  work immediately, without a further thought about TimesTwo.

TimesTwo is especially attractive in an era when budgets and resources  are tight.  System administrators love TimesTwo because of its simple  installation and its complete transparency to the user.  To  administrators, adding another hard disk represents not only a  significant cost, but the added difficulty of proper configuration and  the security risk posed by external disks.

TimesTwo is perfect for PowerBooks because users can double their disk  capacity without replacing the internal disk or adding a cumbersome  external disk.  TimesTwo is also ideal for removable disks such as  Bernoulli and SyQuest cartridges because the media can be moved to  another Macintosh without the need for TimesTwo on the receiving  machine.  For example, an 88MB TimesTwo SyQuest cartridge that has  been transformed into a 176MB disk can be sent to a service bureau,  because the TimesTwo software is already installed on disk.

TimesTwo works on the Macintosh Plus and above, requires a minimum of  2 megabytes of RAM and requires System 6.0.4 or above.  TimesTwo will  list at $149.

Golden Triangle Computers develops storage expansion, enhancement and  backup products for individual and networked Macintosh users.  The  company was founded in 1987 and is privately held.

Golden Triangle Computers, Inc. (619) 279-2100/(800) 326-1858


Axcell Cellular Interface for PowerBook
Applied Engineering Announces Cellular Interface for the PowerBook

Dallas, TX (October 19, 1992)-Applied Engineering announced today the  Axcell Cellular Interface, the newest member of its "AErport" product  family.  Axcell is a communications device that enhances the  portability of Apple Computer Inc.'s Macintosh PowerBook.

Open up the world of personal mobile communications by adding cellular  capabilities to your existing PowerBook's modem.  Axcell will enable  users of today's and future generation PowerBooks to connect their  existing modem to portable, transportable and mobile cellular phones  through a standard phone cord.

"Typical PowerBook users are in need of immediate information," says  Robert J. Carroll, CEO and President of Applied Engineering.  "Linking  the portability of the PowerBook with the immediate convenience of  cellular communications gives users a substantial advantage over their  business competitors."

Designed for portability, the Axcell unit weighs just 3.5 ounces with  the 9 volt battery installed and is roughly one inch wide by four  inches long.  A small LED on the face of the unit gives users  continuous feedback on the battery's power condition.  Axcell retails  for $299 and includes the cellular phone cable, standard phone cable  and 9 volt battery.

When used with Applied Engineering's new Datalink PB modem, the  PowerBook becomes a complete mobile personal communications system.   The DataLink PB modem couples the performance of high speed (14,400)  data and send/receive FAX capability, with two-way voice support  enabling users, for the first time, to implement voice messaging on a  portable machine.  The Datalink PB retails for $619;  the Axcell and  DataLink PB will sell together for only $849.

Applied Engineering's Axcell cellular interface is available through  Ingram, Merisel and Tech Data; through Applied Engineering's 2,800  dealers, mail order or the CompUSA and Computer City super stores.

Since 1979, Dallas-based Applied Engineering has designed,  manufactured, marketed and supported a full line of hardware and  software products for Apple personal computers.  Applied Engineering  can be contacted at 3210 Beltline Rd., Dallas, Texas 75234. Phone  (800) 554-MACS; FAX (214) 484-1365.


Inspector Gadget Saves the Earth
INSPECTOR GADGET SAVES THE EARTH!

The fiendish Dr. Claw and his M.A.D. minions are out to turn the Earth into a toxic waste dump, and there's only one man who can stop him: that bionic super-sleuth Inspector Gadget.

September 17, 1992 -- Issaquah, Wash. -- Inspector Gadget, the popular TV cartoon detective, will be featured in an upcoming computer adventure game produced by Azeroth, Inc., Issaquah, Wash. The game will be available November, 1992, just in time for Christmas. The game pits Gadget as the Earth's ecological savior in a battle with his archrival, Dr. Claw. Players, assuming the role of Gadget's niece Penny, or his dog, Brain, must decipher a series of clues to put a stop to M.A.D.'s plans. A detailed description of the game is as follows:

M.A.D. has abducted six members of a special United Nations Council on the Environment and secretly replaced them with robot delegates programmed to carry out acts of ecological terrorism. Now, the delegates have wandered off with the Inspector's gadgets and Gadget, unarmed, has set off in hot pursuit.

The pressure is on to round up the delegates and expose Dr. Claw's evil plot before it's too late. With Penny and Brain's help, you must decipher the clues to track down Gadget and the U.N. delegates and put a stop to M.A.D. 's plans.

But just when you think the case is wrapped up, Chief Quimby appears and it becomes clear that Dr. Claw has a few more tricks up his sleeve.

The game will be offered for IBM-compatible PCs. Versions will be offered on both diskette and CD-ROM. Both versions will cost $59.95 and will be available at computer software retailers nationwide. Azeroth is also developing a sequel, Inspector Gadget II, which will be released in 1993.

Azeroth, Inc. is a publisher and developer of recreational and business productivity software. The company's work is represented by a number of publishers, including MAXIS (SimCity), Virgin Games (Risk), and ButtonWare (TakeNotes).

Azeroth, 3020 Issaquah-Pine Lake Rd, Ste 341, Issaquah, WA 98027

(206) 392-9941, FAX (206) 392-6899.


New Azeroth Interactive Recreational Software
NEW RECREATIONAL SOFTWARE PRODUCTS FEATURE FAMILY INTERACTION AND FUN

September 17, 1992 -- Issaquah, Wash. -- Interactive, family-oriented software programs are one of today's hottest products, and Azeroth, Inc., is introducing three new computer software programs arriving at stores in time for the 1992 Christmas season.

The first product, available in early November, is an adventure game featuring the television cartoon super-sleuth, Inspector Gadget. The game pits Gadget as the Earth's ecological savior in a battle with the fiendish Dr. Claw and his MAD minions. Inspector Gadget is available for IBM-compatible PCs. Versions will be offered on diskette and on CD-ROM. Suggested retail price is $59.95 for either version.

Azeroth will also introduce The Interactive Old Testament: A Family Multimedia Adventure available for PCs equipped with Microsoft Windows 3.1 and a CD-ROM drive. The program is a comprehensive, easy-to-use reference of the Old Testament complete with animation, colorful graphics and sound. The whole family can study and learn about the Old Testament together; and, a special Bible Stories section introduces young readers to the Old Testament. The program retails for $79.95 and will be available late-November.

Azeroth's final offering is Dr. Jam a true performance quality music processing program which allows users to create -- and perform -- original music on their home computers. The program is equally attractive to both the musician and the non-musician alike. It is easy to learn, has a wide range of composition capabilities, and doesn't require the user to read or use musical notation.

Dr. Jam retails for $99.95 and will be available late-November. The program, available for PCs equipped with Microsoft Windows 3.1, must be used with an appropriate sound board or MIDI Interface and keyboard.

Future plans for the company include the release of another adventure game, Hero by Night to be published later this year, and a sequel to TakeNote, TakeNote Pro, to be published by ButtonWare this Christmas. Sequels to all of Azeroth's products are planned for 1993.

Azeroth, Inc. is a publisher and developer of recreational and business productivity software. The company's work is represented by a number of publishers, including MAXIS (SimCity), Virgin Games (Risk), and ButtonWare (TakeNote). Azeroth products are available at computer software retailers nationwide.

Azeroth, 3020 Issaquah-Pine Lake Rd, Ste 341, Issaquah, WA 98027

(206) 392-9941, FAX (206) 392-6899.


Interactive Old Testament, Family Multimedia Adv
THE OLD TESTAMENT GOES HIGH-TECH

September 17, 1992 -- Issaquah, Wash. -- Families can now learn about the Old Testament in a whole new way: by interacting with their home computer. Azeroth, Inc., Issaquah, Wash., has developed an all-new, interactive software program utilizing cutting-edge multimedia technology.

The program, titled The Interactive Old Testament: A Family Multimedia Adventure, provides a comprehensive, easy-to-use reference of the Old Testament complete with animation, colorful graphics and sound. The entire family can study and learn about the Old Testament together; and, a special Bible Stories section introduces young readers to the Old Testament. The program, available for IBM-compatible PCs equipped with Microsoft Windows 3.1 and a CD-ROM drive retails for $79.95.

The Interactive Old Testament is divided into several sections, each of which can interact with the other sections to provide detailed coverage of a chosen subject. Some of those sections are:

Scriptures of the Old Testament. Provides the complete text of the Old Testament in the King James Version.

History and Geography. Details the known secular timeline of the era and how it relates to biblical historical events. Also included is a regional atlas as well as special essays and maps detailing the economy, political history, mysteries, culture and music of the region and time Users are invited to compare maps and watch animation of the political evolution of the area.

Bible Stories. A special children's section uses pictures, animation, narration and music to tell Bible Stories.

Dictionary and Concordance. A comprehensive guide to the terminology and vocabulary of the Old Testament.

Comparative Religions. Details the differences and similarities between various theologies including Protestant, Catholic, Jewish and Islamic views of the Old Testament.

Azeroth, Inc. is a publisher and developer of recreational and business productivity software. The company's work is represented by a number of publishers, including MAXIS (SimCity), Virgin Games (Risk), and ButtonWare (TakeNote). Azeroth's products are available at computer software retailers nationwide.

Azeroth, 3020 Issaquah-Pine Lake Rd, Ste 341, Issaquah, WA 98027

(206) 392-9941, FAX (206) 392-6899.


Free SupraFAXModem V.32/V32bis Firmware Upgrade
Free Firmware Upgrade Adds Punch 10 the Powerful SupraFAXModem V.32/V.32bis

ALBANY, OR, OCTOBER 1992--Through a unique offer from Supra Corporation, users of the SupraFAXModem V.32 and V.32bis can upgrade their modems to the latest firmware which offers multiple performance enhancements and adds capabilities for error-free faxes and automatic handling of in-coming calls. A sophisticated caller ID option is also available for a nominal fee.

"We are committed to our customers and want them to be able to experience the benefits of improvements we have made since the product was originally released last February," said John Wiley, President af Supra Corporation. "This upgrade will enhance the performance af existing modems and add many new features that increase productivity--clearly taking us beyond the capabilities of most competing modems.

Performance Enhancements

Supra has enhanced the standard Rockwell 144AC chipset by fixing several small problems that customers have discovered and by adding new features and commands. Some of the performance enhancements are listed below:

-- Fallback in speed upon worsening telephone line conditions

   (V.32bis connections)

-- Fall-up in speed when the line conditions get better

   (V.32bis connections)

-- Improved DTR signal handling

-- Improved busy signal recognition

-- Enhanced &V modem settings

-- Selection of V.32/V.32bis negotiation

-- Enhanced fax machine capability

-- Numerous other enhancements

New Features

ECM (Error Correction Mode) fax support allows transmission of error free-faxes when used with fax software that supports ECM. One of the programs that does support ECM is FaxTalk Plus which is shipped with the SupraFAXModem V.32 and V.32bis.

The Silent Answer feature enables using the same phone line for voice and fax communication. If it detects fax "CNG" tones, it routes the call to the fax software. Otherwise, the modem sits silently on the phone line while the call is answered by the user or by an answering machine.

Caller ID

The caller ID feature is available for an additional $19.95 plus $5.00 shipping and handling through November 30, 1992. After that date, customers will be able to purchase the caller ID upgrade for $49. To use this feature, caller ID service must be available from the local telephone company. When active, the current date and time and the phone number and name of the calling party will be sent to the host PC.

Bulletin board systems may use caller ID to positively identify callers without tedious logon sequences. This not only simplifies the user's logon, it also provides substantial security for BBS operators. Users may screen calls to streamline their work day by answering only important calls. Caller ID can also allow quick look-up of database information on incoming callers and even facilitate client billing for professionals.

Upgrade Process

The upgrade is available to all registered customers who own SupraFAXModem V.32 and V.32bis systems. Products that have shipped since September 15, 1992 contain the new firmware which includes the performance enhancements, ECM, and silent answer.

To determine if they need the new firmware, customers may issue the AT 13 command as explained in the SupraFAXModem Reference Manual. This will display the ROM part number and revision number. The part number for the upgrade firmware is 1.2H for the standard upgrade or 1.2J for the upgrade with caller ID. All part numbers lower than this are eligible for the upgrade program.

Because of high-demand, the upgrade is not available to call-in customers. There are three methods that customers may use for ordering the upgrade:

1. Request the upgrade on the Supra forum of CompuServe

   (type GO SUPRA to enter the forum).

2. Order from the Supra BBS. The phone number for the

   BBS is 503-967-2444.

3. Send a written request for the upgrade to:

   ROM Upgrade

   Supra Corporation

   7101 Supra Drive SW

   Albany, OR 97321

Ordering instructions will be provided online if you order through the Compuserve forum or the BBS.

About Supra Corporation

Supra Corporation, based in Albany, Oregon, has provided personal computer users with high-quality, low-cost peripherals since 1985. The company's first modem product, the SupraModem 2400, was introduced in 1987.

SupraModems have been popular among consumers for excellent value in a reliable modem, and have been recommended by a variety of sources, from respected PC Magazine and MacUser columnist John C. Dvorok to the Boston Computer Society.


Dr. Jam Performance Quality Music Processing Swr
EVERYONE CAN BE A MUSICIAN WITH NEW PERFORMANCE SOFTWARE PROGRAM

September 17, 1992 -- Issaquah, Wash. -- Music buffs now have access to a whole new kind of musical instrument -- their home PCs!

Azeroth, Inc., Issaquah, Wash., has developed Dr. Jam, a performance quality music processing software program which allows users to create -- and perform -- original music on their home computers without using musical notation.

Dr. Jam is ideal for both the expert musician as well as for the budding music enthusiast. It is easy to learn and use for beginners, yet still maintains the level of sophistication demanded by professionals. For the more experienced musician, Dr. Jam is a powerful tool for exploring new techniques of composition and improvisation. And, Dr. Jam is affordable compared to other musical software programs -- it retails for just $99.95.

Also unlike other musical programs, Dr. Jam has very little additional computer hardware requirements. Dr. Jam runs on standard IBM-compatible PCs equipped with Microsoft Windows 3.1 as long as the system has a Windows 3.1 compatible sound board or MIDI Interface and keyboard.

Dr. Jam features four "players" which can be used alone or in varying combinations:

Picker. Each computer key represents a different chord which can be played like a finger-picking guitarist in many customizable rhythms, generating flowing accompaniments to voice or other instruments Templates of chord progressions for popular songs are also included, however it is easy to create customized chords just by clicking on selected notes.

Player. Computer keys can be assigned to play a full chord, with up to eight notes distributed over five octaves. This feature lets anyone play fast changes between difficult chords that even an expert would be unable to play on a normal keyboard.

Strummer. Allows one hand to choose the chords while the other hand strums. Computer keys are assigned to extended chords or scales, and mouse movements determine when and which notes from those chords or scales are played.

Drummer. Choose from preset drum rhythms or create customized rhythms. Switch between drum parts with just a single keystroke.

Azeroth, Inc. is a publisher and developer of recreational and business productivity software. The company's work is represented by a number of publishers, including MAXIS (SimCity), Virgin Games (Risk), and ButtonWare (TakeNote). Azeroth's products are available at computer software retailers nationwide.

Azeroth, 3020 Issaquah-Pine Lake Rd, Ste 341, Issaquah, WA 98027

(206) 392-9941, FAX (206) 392-6899.


VERDIX Application Center for Network Security
VERDIX Establishes VERDIX Application Center for Network Security

Center Supports the Network Security Community with a Testbed, Research Programs, and Information Resources

CHANTILLY, Virginia, October 29, 1992 -- VERDIX Corporation's Secure Products Division announced today the opening of the VERDIX Applications Center (VAC), a center for excellence, which provides a comprehensive "hands-on" testbed facility, leadingedge research and development, and an information resource center for the secure networking community.

"The center allows prospective users to validate the interoperability of different vendor's secure products, interconnected with the VERDIX Secure Local Area Network (VSLAN)," explains Ralph E. Alexander, President and CEO of VERDIX Corporation. "Users will be able to see, learn, and measure secure networking first hand."

The center's testbed, located at the new VERDIX Secure Products Division headquarters in Chantilly, Virginia, uses a broad range of both secure and non-secure computers, operating systems, and applications as network nodes along with network environments such as Novell NetWare and Microsoft LAN Manager. These capabilities allow analysts and guest users to simulate their operating environments, perform interoperability studies, performance analyses, tests of security policy options, and applications demonstrations.

The opening of the VAC is part of VERDIX's launch of an expanded line of products and services designed to add civilian government and selected commercial markets to its current Department of Defense installed base.

The VSLAN technology, previously available in products evaluated for classified information and defense applications, is now available in two new products: VSLAN 11, a B1 LAN, for secure networks with sensitive and proprietary information; and, VSIP, the VERDIX Secure IP router, for interconnecting networks of different security levels.

This product line expansion allows civilian agencies and some commercial users that process highly-sensitive public information or funds transactions, to secure their LANs completely, without compromising performance, ease-of-use, or their choice of computer hardware and software.

"VERDIX is addressing a vital need of government and private sector organizations that must protect classified, highly-sensitive, and expensive information," says Alexander. "We consider this a remarkable offering for those agencies and segments of the commercial marketplace who have very serious security concerns, particularly those organizations that are downsizing from mainframes to networks of desktop computers."

The center's testbed utilizes the resources of the VAC, which also provides extensive support and testing services for its customers and space for guest users and analysts. The networks, computers, and applications software of the testbed are maintained by VERDIX staff and are available to both in-house and external users.

The testbed's equipment is interconnected using several VSLAN and VSLAN II networks, which are interconnected using the VSIP. Links outside of the testbed are provided by a VERDIX Network Terminal Server (VNTS) interfaced to the VSLAN, by an X.25 interface from the VSIP, and from the internet via the VERDIX corporate computer system.

The VAC also maintains state-of-the-art expertise in secure networking. Together with VAC affiliates, the center participates in internally-funded and contract research to stay in the forefront of developments affecting the deployment of secure networks into operational environments. In addition, the VAC is a central resource for information relating to secure networking and it offers a comprehensive library and a program of seminars conducted by VERDIX staff and affiliates.

VERDIX Secure Products Division provides products and expert services for planning and building secure networks for government and commercial users with serious security requirements.

Verdix Corp, 14130 C Sullyfield Circle, Chantilly, VA 22021

703-318-5800,   fax: 703-818-3706


ASG Cooperative R&D with US Dept of Energy
ASG BEGINS COOPERATIVE R & D PROJECT WITH U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

SAN FRANCISCO, CA.--October 19, 1992. ASG, the leading developer of integrated software applications for architects, engineers, contractors, and facility managers who use AutoCAD, has signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Department of Energy to integrate energy analysis with CAD.

The Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest Laboratories (PNL) is working with the University of Oregon's Energy Efficient Industrialized Housing (EEIH) group on a project known as Advanced Energy Design and Operation Technology (AEDOT). ASG will join the project to develop an energy analysis module that integrates with ASG's integrated CAD product line. ASG will then market this application under its own name.

The CRADA will promote the Department of Energy's objective to increase the energy efficiency of the nation's building stock. By integrating energy capabilities with popular ASG AutoCAD applications, this project will make energy-efficient design capabilities readily available, in an easy-to-use form, to a broader population of designers than ever before.

The joint project focuses specifically on integrating energy analysis capabilities with CAD to encourage the use of such analysis in the design process. The resulting program modules, integrated with ASG Architectural, and the rest of the ASG product line, will minimize the data entry required for energy analysis. The end result is an integrated environment, of which energy analysis is a part--a key objective of the AEDOT and EEIH projects.

The integration of energy analysis with design will make it easy for designers to perform the analysis as part of the design process. For example, after the designer draws a house with AutoCAD and ASG applications, the new energy analysis module will allow the house's energy efficiency to be determined from within AutoCAD. Based on this analysis, design changes can be made, and the cycle repeated until the optimum energy-efficient design is achieved.

Pacific Northwest Laboratories is part of the Battelle Memorial Institute, a major national laboratory. Battelle and PNL perform research year-round on the development of energy analysis tools and the promotion of energy-efficient design. The University of Oregon is known for its leadership in researching the area of energy-efficient design.

ASG is an original Autodesk Strategic Developer of software applications for architects, engineers, contractors, and facility managers who use AutoCAD. The product line now features 14 fully integrated architectural, structural, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, piping, P&ID, civil engineering, and modeling/ rendering/animation software applications for the personal computer. ASG's Vertex Division, the leading developer of electronic information, applications, and software interfaces for building product manufacturers, counts among its clients Du Pont, 3M, Pella Corp., Boise Cascade Co., Allied-Signal, Inc., and Fry Reglet Corp. The Vertex Division has developed interfaces with the software systems of Simpson Strong-Tie Co., Inc., Timberline Software Corp., and other AEC industry leaders.

ASG, 4000 Bridgeway, Suite 309, Sausalito, CA 94965-1451

415-332-2123,  fax: 415-332-2146


FONTasm! PostScript -> AutoCAD Font Converter
FONTasm! - Vl.09. PostScript  -> AutoCAD font converter

VANCOUVER -- G. Gibson & Associates announced the release of FONTasm! version 1.09. Priced at $85.00, FONTasm! converts PostScript Type I fonts into filled AutoCAD fonts. Now AutoCAD Release 12 users can plot solid-filled PostScript text using the PLOT command (instead of the PSOUT command.) This makes it possible to incorporate filled PostScript fonts in drawings intended for any AutoCAD supported output device including non-PostScript laser printers, pen plotters, and dot matrix printers. Converted fonts are also compatible with AutoCAD Release 9, 10, 11, and AutoCAD for Windows.

Some of the program's key features include:

* Generates fully qualified SHX files that respond transparently to all AutoCAD commands involving text (STYLE, TEXT, DTEXT, etc.) Text can be inserted either horizontally or in a vertical column.

* Character outlines are built with arcs. These closely emulate the original PostScript characters' shape, retaining their high quality at any size.

* Five (5) fill densities are supported, including outline only and fill only.

* A special draft-quality "fast font" format is provided for speedy editing.

* A DOS-based graphical font viewer is built in. PostScript fonts can be quickly loaded into memory and examined one (full-screen) character at a time. Changes to output options can be previewed, before converting the font to AutoCAD format. For batch conversions, a DOS command-line interface is also provided. The program exports native SHX font files--no intermediate compilation step from SHP format is required.

* An included AutoLlSP routine displays the character set of any AutoCAD font.

* A demo version is available that can be upgraded immediately over the telephone into a fully functional program by obtaining a password from G. Gibson & Associates. The demo version does not convert vowels (uppercase or lowercase) or the digits 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 from any PostScript font. Download the demo file "FAD109.EXE" from CompuServe (GO ACAD) or check with your local AutoCAD User Group, or contact G. Gibson & Associates directly.

G. Gibson & Associates

Suite 201 - 2020 West 2nd Ave, Vancouver, BC CANADA V6J 1J4

Telephone/Fax: 604-732-0218


Environmental Support Center Macintosh Grants
ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT CENTER INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR MACINTOSH COMPUTER GRANTS

Application Deadline January 15,1993

WASHINGTON, DC - November 3,1992 -- The Environmental Support Center (ESC), in collaboration with Apple Computer, Inc. will select 150 regional, state and local organizations working on environmental issues to receive donations of Macintosh personal computers and printers.

The new cycle of grants was announced today by Jim Abernathy, Executive Director of ESC, a non-profit organization that provides management and technical assistance to groups working on environmental issues.

Through this program, Apple will provide 150 fully configured computer systems along with a cash grant of $20,000 to ESC to help cover costs of administering the program. ESC will manage the selection and award process.

This program is the second joint effort by ESC and Apple to distribute computer equipment to regional, state and local organizations to promote more effective office administration and program management. In May 1992,100 groups were selected by ESC to receive Apple Computers.

"We are pleased to continue this outreach effort with Apple Computers. The program was extremely successful and the organizations that received the equipment have reported stronger financial, database, graphic and word processing capabilities as a result", said Jim Abernathy. "Our goal is to support the organizational development of groups making a difference on environmental issues today".

"Access to personal computer technology can have a major impact on how well a grassroots group achieves its goals", said Fred Silverman, Apple's Manager of Community Affairs. "The partnership with ESC helps us to give powerful tools to environmentalists for strengthening their business and office management".

Under the ESC/Apple partnership, ESC will select recipients of the equipment through a competitive application process. Organizations eligible to receive equipment through this program must be:

-- an environmental organization or an organization with a

   significant program on environmental issues whose

   constituency is low-income people or people of color;

-- local, state or regional in scope of operations;

-- 501(c)(3) non-profit status or working through a fiscal

   agent with 501(c)(3) status; and

-- staffed with one full-time equivalent, paid staff person.

Additionally, eligible groups must be organized on a permanent basis rather than for a task-specific, limited-term project. Individuals, international or national environmental organizations or their local chapters or affiliates, and governmental agencies, including tribal governments, are not eligible. Organizations that received a computer through the previous ESC/Apple collaboration are also ineligible. Deadline for receipt of applications is January 15, 1993. Applications can be requested in writing from:

                Environmental Support Center

                1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW

                Suite 340

                Washington, DC 20009

or by calling:  (301) 230-2004, ext. 2775.

The Environmental Support Center, founded in 1990, is a national non-profit organization that supports the organizational development needs of regional, state and local organizations working on environmental issues. ESC subsidizes training and technical assistance to boost organizational capabilities in fund raising efforts, communications and non-profit management. ESC also promotes solicitation of funds in the workplace through the creation of environmental federations and fosters cooperation among U.S. environmental organizations.

Apple Computer, through its Community Affairs Department, has donated computer technology to a wide range of non-profit groups for more than 10 years. The partnership with ESC is one of several major grants programs that Apple is sponsoring to support a range of environmental issues.


Multi-Tech 386SX-based MultiModemLAN
Multi-Tech Introduces the 386SX-based MultiModemLAN with Remote-Control and Fax Capabilities

MOUNDS VIEW, MINNESOTA-- October 13, 1992 -- Multi-Tech Systems Inc., a leading manufacturer of data communications equipment headquartered in Mounds View, Minnesota, announces that the MultiModemLAN (model MT1432ECT) networking modem now includes a 386SX processor and is equipped with both 10BASE2 (Thinnet) and 10BASET (twisted pair) Ethernet connectors. This new model of the company's popular MultiModemLAN attaches directly to Novel IPX/SPX LANs, and includes all software necessary for dial-in and dial-out operations. The MT1432ECT features both a CCITT V.32bis/V.32 (14.4K & 9600 bps) data modem and a Group 3 (9600/4800 bps) fax modem. It is bundled with MultiExpress data communications software and MultiExpressFax fax software. A second modem can be attached to the MT1432ECT for simultaneous dial-in and dial-out operations. It will be available for shipment in December of 1992, priced at $1995.00.

"With the increasing need for remote access to LAN data involving compute-intensive applications, comes the need for a more powerful application processor," states Raghu Sharma, President of MultiTech Systems, Inc. "The MultiModemLAN answers that need. With its V.32bis modem, 386SX processor, and up to 16 megabytes of memory, the MultiModemLAN can connect directly to an Ethernet-based Novell LAN. Once connected, it provides the remotely-controlled application processing required by compute-intensive sessions like those involving graphics programs. When the MultiModemLAN is not being used as a remote-control host, it can be shared by LAN users for fax or data communications. By bundling MultiExpress datacomm software and MultiExpress Fax Server software, we're offering a product that connects directly to an Ethernet network and operates as a complete data, fax, and remote-control communications system within one small cabinet."

With the MultiModemLAN package, a PC on the LAN can run a terminal emulation and use the MultiModemLAN to exchange files or send/receive faxes with a remote location. If you can dedicate a PC as a fax server, the MultiExpress Fax Server software will queue incoming and outgoing faxes. The outgoing faxes will be held until the MultiModemLAN presents an available modem. Incoming faxes are queued to a directory designated by the system administrator. Traveling employees can remotely control the MultiModemLAN to access or modify files on the network. With an optional external modem attached to the MultiModemLAN, any two of the above sessions could occur simultaneously. The remote-control operations can utilize the on-board 386SX processor as the host applications processor or they can be hosted by a LAN PC with the proper arrangements. This means you don't have to dedicate another workstation PC or Single Board Computer (SBC) for the process, but if the remote user will want to access information or applications that reside on a LAN PC's hard drive, his LAN PC can be set up to receive the remote-control call in lieu of the MultiModemLAN's 386SX.

The MultiModemLAN hardware consists of a 386-based PC that comes with 2 megabytes of memory expandable to 16 using standard 4 Meg SIMMs, a V.32bis/V.42.bis modem with an on-board fax modem, and Ethernet Network Interface electronics that supports either twisted pair or Thinnet interfaces. It provides a standard RJ11 jack to connect the internal modem to the phone line, a RJ45 connector and a BNC connector for twisted pair and thin coax connections, respectively, a 9-pin D-style connector to attach an external modem or DSU to the internal PC, a power switch and a DIN jack for power. It also provides internal connections for a keyboard and VGA monitor by removing the cover.

When the MultiModemLAN is powered up, its pre-configured files are booted; namely, the operating system, Novell's Internet Packet Exchange (IPX), Netx (the NetWare shell for the appropriate version of DOS on the PC), and the background modem-sharing software. Once these programs have been run, MultiExpress will automatically be loaded onto the internal PC to support a dial-in remote-control session via the on-board modem and PC. It is configured to wait for a connection, but does not require the reservation of a modem to do so. While it is waiting for the remote-control call, other datacomm, fax, or remote-control sessions may be initiated by LAN PCs.

Multi-Tech Systems, 2205 Woodale Dr, Mounds View, MN 55112

612-785-3500,  800-328-9717,  Fax: 612-785-9874


MultiExpress for Windows Communications Swr
Multi-Tech's New Communications Software Gives Windows Users Speed and Versatility

MOUNDS VIEW, MINNESOTA -- October 13, 1992 -- Multi-Tech Systems Inc., a leading manufacturer of data communications equipment headquartered in Mounds View, Minnesota, announces a new software communications package, MultiExpress for Windows'. MultiExpress for Windows provides the popular file transfer protocols and terminal emulations, plus a powerful script language for data communications in the Microsoft Windows environment.

According to Raghu Sharma, President of Multi-Tech Systems Inc., "Graphical user interfaces for communications software packages are being developed throughout the data communications industry. Users enjoy the simplicity of point-and-click dialing into a host computer, an information service, or another PC. But along with convenience, Windows communications software must also be able to handle today's high-speed modem technology. PCs with 16550 UARTs operate with serial port speeds up to 38.4K bps, and with a Multi-Tech ISI card installed, datacomm speeds can approach 115K bps. Our Intelligent Serial Interface cards buffer data so it can be transferred much faster than a PC's serial port could normally handle. This is of particular importance when several applications are being serviced by Windows, increasing the possibility of dropped characters. MultiExpress for Windows is designed to operate with both of these enhanced serial ports at their maximum speeds."

MultiExpress for Windows provides emulation of VT100, ANSI, and IBM 3101 terminals ensuring appropriate functions for the variety of remote systems, bulletin board systems, and mini/mainframe computers with which the user may wish to connect.

MultiExpress for Windows supports several popular file transfer protocols, including ASCII, XModem, Xmodem/CRC, XModem/1K, YModem, YModem/G, ZModem, Kermit, and CompuServe B+. It also allows the user to customize session parameters for each phone book listing. Once a listing has been created, these settings can be activated and the phone number dialed by a double click of the mouse. MultiExpress for Windows will redial a busy number, or dial a series of numbers in any sequence specified by the user.

The powerful script language, mentioned earlier, can be used to automate procedures like performing a complex or redundant login procedure and up/downloading particular files on a regular basis. Its 160 commands can be used to execute string operations, mathematical functions, file operations, program flow control commands, display command functions, terminal setting commands, dialing and session management commands, predefined system variable settings commands, and more!

MultiExpress for Windows runs under version 3.1 of Microsoft Windows. It will be available in December of this year, priced at $149.00.

Multi-Tech Systems was founded in 1970 to manufacture data communications equipment and systems for a global market of network products users. The Minnesota-based company is a well-known leader in dialup modem technology. The family of Multi-Tech products includes a complete line of 1200, 2400, 4800 9600, and 14.4K bps modems, statistical multiplexers, DSU/CSUs, 5250, 3780 and 3270 emulation systems, X.25 PADs, computer fax equipment, communications software, and LAN products. These products are sold in over 50 countries, through a worldwide network of distributors, manufacturer's representatives, system integrators, value-added resellers (VARs) and retailers. Multi-Tech Systems Inc. can be contacted at its headquarters: 2205 Woodale Drive, Mounds View, Minnesota 55112. Voice (612) 785-3500 or (800) 3289717, FAX (612) 785-9874, International FAX (612) 331-3180


ARCserve/Solo Network Tape Backup Supports DPT
DPT Expands Tape Backup Options

DPT SCSI Supported by New Release of Cheyenne's ARCserve/Solo

October 13, 1992 -- Maitland, Florida - Distributed Processing Technology (DPT), announces that the new release of Cheyenne Software's ARCserve/Solo network tape backup and restore software supports its SmartCache Plus SCSI adapters. SmartCache Plus ISA and EISA SCSI host adapters are currently on the market and ARCserve/Solo version 2.11 began shipping today.

By combining the DPT and Cheyenne products, users can now effectively backup as much as 35 gigabytes of data by attaching up to seven identical tape drives to a single DPT SCSI adapter. ARCserve/Solo 2.11, a DOS-based backup and restore solution, supports DOS and NetWare as well as peer-to-peer operating systems like NetWare Lite and LANtastic.

"Our decision to develop a relationship with Cheyenne is based on feedback from users and resellers alike. It indicates our commitment to providing our customers with a complete SCSI solution -- that means providing them with connectivity to the widest possible range of operating systems, applications and SCSI mass storage devices such as disk, tape and CD-ROM drives," says David Race, DPT's vice president of marketing.

SmartCache Plus is DPT's award-winning SCSI host adapter. Its proven price/performance superiority combined with a scalable architecture (hardware caching and disk mirroring can be added to base controller via optional plug-on modules) has made SmartCache Plus the SCSI market leader. SmartCache Plus is the SCSI adapter of choice for manufacturers such as AST, NEC, NCR, Dell, Intel, Wyse, Wang, and Siemens.

Cheyenne Software, Inc. is a leading developer of sophisticated LAN software products based in Roslyn, NY. In addition to ARCserve/Solo, Cheyenne also develops and markets ARCserve-, the first totally automated backup and restore solution for NetWare networks; ARCserve/Open, an automated UNIX-based data management software package for microcomputers, and other data and network management software packages.

DPT is a privately held company founded in 1977. Corporate headquarters are near Orlando, Florida, with a government sales office located near Washington, DC. European sales offices are located near London and Munich. DPT manufactures intelligent, peripheral controllers and connectivity software for microcomputers. DPT's revenues make it one of the largest peripheral manufacturers in the world. DPT's technology innovations include the first caching disk controller for minicomputers and PCs, the first software-independent disk array solution for the PC, and the first cache-convertible controller for the PC. DPT controllers are sold worldwide through a network of major distributors and OEMs.

Distributed Processing Technology

140 Candace Dr, Maitland, FL 32751

407-830-5522,  Fax: 407-260-5366


NEC Lowers SL-Based Notebooks & EISA Systems
NEC LOWERS SRPs OF SL-BASED NOTEBOOKS AND EISA-BASED SYSTEMS

Boxorough, Mass., November 2, 1992-- Reflective of its ongoing commitment to provide high-quality computers at more affordable prices, NEC Technologies, Inc. today lowered suggested retail prices of the major portion of its UltraLite notebook computer line and tower and desktop versions of its PowerMate Express systems line.

NEC reduced prices on the UltraLite SL/25C, UltraLite SL/20 and UltraLite SL/20P notebook computers, the UltraLite Cellular Workstation and its PowerMate 486/33e and DX2/66e by as much as 41 percent of previous suggested retail prices.

NEC's SL-series of notebook computers offers brilliant active-matrix TFT (thin film transistor) color in the UltraLite SL/25C, the first color notebook to ship in the United States; a low-cost monochrome notebook in the UltraLite SL/20; a full-function notebook that allows for pen input in the UltraLite SL/20P and the fully-integrated, mobile wireless communication solution in the UltraLite Cellular Workstation.

NEC's PowerMate 486/33e and DX2/66e systems, which are available in both desktop and tower models, are equipped with Flash BIOS for easy upgradeability. For maximum expansion, the desktops systems have five 5.25" storage device slots and five EISA slots. The tower models have ten 5.25" storage device slots and ten EISA slots.

The new prices, effective October 26, are as follows:

NEC UltraLite Notebook Computer              NEW SRP     OLD SRP

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

UltraLite SL/25C (80 MB HDD)                 $3,699      $4,599

UltraLite SL/25C (120 MB HDD)                 3,999       4,999

UltraLite SL/20 (80 MB HDD)                   1,999       2,199

UltraLite SL/20 (120 MB HDD)                  2,299       2,599

UltraLite SL/20P (80 MB HDD)                  2,499       2,799

UltraLite SL/20P (120 MB HDD)                 2,799       3,199

UltraLite Cellular Workstation                6,199       7,199

(with SL/25C, 120 MB HDD, 14.4 modem,

cellular phone)

UltraLite Cellular Workstation                5,499       6,499

(with SL/25C, 120 MB HDD, 14.4 modem,

without cellular phone)

UltraLite Cellular Workstation                4,499       4,799

(with SL/20, 120 MB HDD, 14.4 modem,

cellular phone)

UltraLite Cellular Workstation                3,799       4,099

(with SL/20, 120 MB HDD, 14.4 modem,

without cellular phone)

NEC Technologies, 1414 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough, MA 01719

508-264-8000


Unicorn Eng. Now IntelliTools
IntelliTools - New Name for Unicorn Engineering

Company Appoints National Sales Manager, Mary Beth Coyne and Signs Connors Communications

Richmond, Calif., October 28,1992 - Unicorn Engineering, developers of the Unicorn and Intellikeys overlay keyboards for the pre-school kindergarten through 6th grade and disabilities markets, announced today that it has changed its name to IntelliTools.

"As we continue to develop products like the IntelliKeys keyboard for the pre-schools and K-6 markets, we felt that this new company name would better communicate our long term business goals, ' said Arjan Khalsa, President of IntelliTools. "The name IntelliTools is a blend of important components of our business strategy: providing customers with 'intelligent tools.' "

IntelliKeys The Keyboard for Kids

The IntelliKeys' keyboard designed for kids, began shipping in May 1992. The keyboard can be used with Macintosh, Apple II, IBM/Tandy and compatible computers and includes six interchangeable keyboard overlays including Arrows, Numbers, Basic Writing, Standard IBM and Macintosh layouts. The overlays allow educators to choose a keyboard face that matches students' needs. The IntelliKeys keyboard has a suggested retail price of $395 and is available through authorized education dealers nationwide or direct from the company.

Unlike most other keyboards designed for kids, the IntelliKeys keyboard works with virtually all computer software. The new IntelliKeys Overlay Maker allows educators and parents to create custom overlays to coordinate with specific software and/or lesson plans. The Overlay Maker software will be available for Macintosh, IBM/Tandy and compatible computers in January 1993 for $69.95. IntelliTools plans to introduce additional IntelliKeys products in early 1993.

The company also announced today that Mary Beth Coyne has joined the company as National Sales Manager. Coyne pins IntelliTools with six years experience in education sales having worked at Broderbund Software and Davidson & Associates. Coyne holds a B.A. from California State University, Long Beach and has pursued graduate courses in education and linguistics.

"Mary Beth's experience, knowledge and reputation in the educational and technology markets will help us in our efforts to target new niches including early childhood," said Arjan Khalsa, President of IntelliTools. "Her experience in sales and distribution provides a critical link in the growth of IntelliTools."

With the expansion of its marketing and communications programs, IntelliTools has hired Connors Communications, a strategic communications agency specializing in the education, consumer and publishing markets. The agency will provide general marketing and public relations consulting services to IntelliTools and guide communications initiatives to the disabilities, early childhood, school and home markets.

IntelliTools, based in Richmond, California, was founded in 1979. The privately-held company designs and manufactures the IntelliKeys and Unicorn keyboards, peripherals and software for the early childhood, education and disabilities markets.

IntelliTools, 5221 Central Ave, Suite 205, Richmond, CA 94804

510-528-0670  800-899-6687


Apple Strengthens Portable & Mid-Range Mac Lines
Apple Strengthens Portable and Mid-Range Macintosh Lines

CUPERTINO, California--October 19, 1992--Apple Computer, Inc. today introduced a broad range of new Apple Macintosh products that extends the company's leadership in portable computing and enriches its mid-range computer offerings. The announcements include two new models of the company's award-winning PowerBook notebook computers; a new personal computing system that combines the convenience of notebook computing with the power of desktop computing; two new fast, flexible desktop systems; and a new color display that complements the advanced graphics capabilities of the Macintosh computer family.

Apple also announced shipment of Version 7.1 of its acclaimed System 7 operating system, and Version 1.5 of the QuickTime multimedia architecture. With System 7.1, Apple is providing System 7 for the first time to customers in Japan, China and other Asian markets.

"The unique integrated design of the original PowerBook computers made it easier than ever for people to perform meaningful work with a computer whenever and wherever they chose," said Fred Forsyth, senior vice president and general manager of the Macintosh Systems Division. "These products expand on that design by adding new features to this best-selling line and introducing an all-new system that offers customers the best of the notebook world and the best of the desktop world in one system."

"Today's PowerBook announcements underscore the innovative approach Apple takes to computer design, rather than the more common approach of simply offering shrunken down desktop computers," Forsyth added. "We continue to listen to what customers want. And we continue to extend the usefulness of personal computer technology."

"We've also added capabilities to our mid-range Macintosh computers, giving more expansion, storage, and color capabilities to a broad range of customers--from small businesses and students to publishers and large organizations," Forsyth said.

Today's announcement included the following:

* PowerBook 160 and 180. These new additions to Apple's fast-selling PowerBook line of notebook computers feature greater performance, more flexible video capabilities, and higher-quality displays. Both systems use Motorola's 68030 processor, running at 25 and 33 MHz, respectively. With a builtin video-out feature, they support a wide range of external displays, including VGA and SVGA displays as well as provide superior grayscale displays.

* Macintosh Duo System. This innovative personal computer system combines the versatility of a desktop computer with the convenience of a notebook computer. The system includes the PowerBook Duo notebook computer the Macintosh Duo Dock docking station, and PowerLatch docking technology, which delivers a smooth transition between the worlds of desktop and notebook computing.

* Macintosh IIvx and IIvi. These two mid-range Macintosh II computers make it easy for users to work with sophisticated graphics, large files, and vivid colors. Both systems incorporate Motorola's 68030 processor, running at 16 and 32 MHz, respectively. Both support up to 32,000 colors and feature three NuBus slots. A distinctive expansion bay that accepts mass storage devices such as a CD-ROM drive, a removable cartridge drive, or a high-capacity disk drive, is also a feature of both systems.

* Macintosh 14-inch Color Display. This high resolution color display complements the sophisticated color and graphics capabilities of the Macintosh computer family. It features high definition and sharp focus, and virtually none of the distortion common in displays of its class. The display also includes advanced ergonomic features: its tilt and swivel stand lets users adjust the display to the most comfortable angle.

* System 7.1. The new version of the Macintosh operating system incorporates Apple's WorldScript technology, which provides inherent support for most written languages. WorldScript enables Apple to easily localize the Macintosh for a specific market, resulting in nearly simultaneous delivery of computer products throughout most parts of the world. It also provides built-in potential for multi-language computing on the Macintosh computer, which can be realized with the addition of software modules that Apple plans to offer in the future.

* QuickTime 1.5. A system-software extension, QuickTime 1.5 is included with System 7.1 upgrade products. This latest version of QuickTime enhances the user's ability to integrate dynamic data types such as video, sound, and animation--into presentations, training materials, and documents.

With QuickTime 1.5, the video-playback area on the screen is four times larger. In addition, it supports Kodak's new Photo CD technology, and full screen/full motion video with available add-on hardware.

Combined with the remainder of its line, Apple believes these new hardware and software products will give customers the most versatile and feature-rich line-up of offerings available.

Pricing and Availability

The Macintosh IIvx, the PowerBook 160 and 180 and the Macintosh Duo System will be available through authorized Apple resellers worldwide. The Macintosh IIvi will be available through authorized Apple resellers in selected countries outside the U.S.

In the U.S., the Macintosh IIvx will be offered in three configurations at a manufacturer's suggested retail price ranging from $2,949 to $3,219. The Macintosh 14-inch Color Display has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $589. Five configurations of the new PowerBook 160 and 180 will carry an MSRP of between $2,429 and $4,469. Three new PowerBook Duo models will also be available at MSRPs ranging from $2,249 to $2,969. The Macintosh Duo Dock will carry an MSRP of $1,079. Pricing and availability may vary outside the U.S.

System 7.1 is shipping with all new Macintosh computers introduced today and will be available from Apple directly as part of a System 7.1 Update Kit. The kit will carry an SRP of $34.95 and is available by calling (800-769-2775). QuickTime 1.5 is available immediately as part of the System 7.1 Update kit and is being distributed via a wide variety of bulletin boards and user groups.

Apple has developed a video news release about the boom in notebook computer sales. It will be uplinked Monday, October 19, 1992 at 1:30 EST. Coordinates are Telstar 301, 10 vertical/audio 6.2, 6.8.

Apple Computer Inc, 20525 Mariana Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014

408-996-1010


Apple Adding Mfg & Distribution in India
Apple Computer Broadens International Presence Through Expanded Manufacturing and Distribution in India

BOMBAY, INDIA--October 15, 1992--In a move expected to bring Apple technology to millions of potential users, Apple Computer, Inc. today announced that it will begin locally manufacturing select products, as well as expand its distribution in India. India is one of Apple's fastest-growing markets that comprise Apple Pacific.

Apple has teamed with Digital Equipment (India) Limited (DE(I)L) to manufacture one of its most popular desktop computers, the Macintosh LCII, for the Indian marketplace. DE(I)L is a joint venture between Digital Equipment Corporation and Hinditron, a leading conglomerate of companies in India. DE(I)L will also provide distribution for Apple Computer in India, significantly broadening Apple's market coverage in that country. The agreement with DE(I)L complements an existing distributor agreement that Apple holds with Raba Contel Pvt Limited.

"Since its inception in 1988, Apple Pacific has aggressively pursued new markets that afford the type of potential India is currently providing," said John Floisand, president of Apple Pacific. "India offers a significant growth opportunity for Apple Far East, by giving us access to the world's largest university educated population, as well as a newly liberalized economic environment."

"The possibilities presented by the Indian market are tremendous," said William James, managing director, Apple Far East. "By distributing through DE(I)L and Raba Contel's network, we will be able to give many more Indian consumers a chance to try a Macintosh and experience its trademark ease-of-use."

As part of its international expansion strategy, Apple plans to increase emphasis on software development by tapping into India's vast resources of programming expertise. As a result, Apple expects to produce a new generation of third-party products and customized solutions not only for users in India, but for consumers in other parts of the world as well. Currently, Apple is working with 10 local software developers and exploring opportunities with additional companies in the areas of software and support.

As Apple's fastest growing region, Apple Pacific does business in more than 87 countries. Subsidiary offices are located in Toronto, Canada; Sydney, Australia; Tokyo, Japan; Hong Kong; Taipei, Taiwan; and Singapore.

Apple Computer Inc, 20525 Mariana Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014

408-996-1010


Apple USA Rolls Out - The Easy - Way Promotion
Apple USA Rolls Out 'The Easy Way' Promotion

CAMPBELL, California--October 15, 1992--The Apple USA division of Apple Computer, Inc. today announced "The Easy Way" promotion designed to provide greater value to Apple Macintosh computer business customers during the peak buying season of the year. The program, administered through participating Apple authorized resellers, offers special incentives on software solutions purchased in conjunction with select Macintosh computers in the United States.

The Easy Way promotion, which runs through Jan. 3, 1993, is geared to the needs of business customers who are Macintosh and MS-DOS users, and first time computer buyers.

The promotion includes The Easy Way software bundle of Lotus 1-2-3 for Macintosh, WordPerfect for Macintosh, Universal SoftPC and AccessPC for up to $1,000 off their combined suggested retail prices when purchased in conjunction with any Macintosh computer, except the Macintosh Performa line. The bundle is designed for users looking for the ability to share files and data between Macintosh and MS-DOS computers, as well as run MS-DOS programs on the Macintosh.

"Apple understands the need of compatibility among our business customers. This software bundle will allow customers to exchange information effortlessly between their Macintosh and most MS-DOS computers," said Bruce Mowery, director, Business Markets Division, Apple USA.

In addition to The Easy Way bundle, customers may choose between two finance programs and a trade-in option also available through participating Apple authorized resellers:

--Apple Credit Card: Qualified customers may receive the Apple Credit Card, which allows them to purchase a qualifying Macintosh computer under Apple's 90 Day Same as Cash offer.

--Apple Business Lease: Customers may qualify for a lease during the promotional period that requires no money down, no security deposit and no payments for 30 days.

--Apple Exchange Program: Customers may exchange their used Macintosh, IBM or Compaq computers that have a cumulative trade-in value of at least $1,000 toward the purchase of new Macintosh technology.

The Apple Credit Card and the Apple Business Lease also apply to Macintosh compatible software, Apple peripherals, training and AppleCare purchased on the same invoice as the Macintosh computer.

The Easy Way promotion will be nationally supported through an advertising campaign: "Choose The Easy Way. Choose Apple." Media will consist of print, radio and direct mail.

See participating authorized Apple resellers for complete terms and conditions. To locate a local dealer, call (800) 538 9696.

Apple Computer Inc, 20525 Mariana Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014

408-996-1010


Info Select for Windows, Personal Info Manager
MICRO LOGIC CORP. ANNOUNCES "INFO SELECT FOR WINDOWS" FULL SPECTRUM PERSONAL INFORMATION MANAGER

October 28, 1992 -- Hackensack, N.J. - Micro Logic Corp. today announced that Info Select for Windows is now available for shipment to users, stores and resellers. Info Select manages all the "random" information that covers a busy person's desk; it is a Personal Information Manager, Contact Manager and Freeform Database.

Info Select has received the PC Magazine Editor's Choice Award, Computer Reseller News' Product of the Week, Byte Magazine's Users Choice Award, and numerous others. Info Select is the second generation of the highly acclaimed Tornado, winner of two PC Magazine Editor's Choice Awards and a perfect report card from PC World.

In announcing the new product, Mr. James Lewis, President of Micro Logic, said: "We think the Windows platform is ideal for highly interactive applications like Personal Information Managers. We've completely rewritten the program using Object Oriented Programming, and we've achieved lightning fast operation in a GUI environment. The new user interface in Info Select for Windows is more informative, easier to operate, and more attractive. We think that this significant new release will maintain our lead in PIMs. Our initial beta-test feedback is extremely positive, with minimal learning curves and increased productivity."

Info Select gives the user the equivalent of a photographic memory and is ideal for people who are busy. Info Select handles notes, appointments, things to do, addresses, phone numbers, prices, letters, policies, reference information, lists, and any other kind of RANDOM information. Info Select allows users to search, select and analyze any and all of the information which has been stored. Users of Info Select include writers, editors, lawyers, doctors, administrators, sales personnel, secretaries, buyers, project managers, and more.

New capabilities in the completely new Windows version include:

1. All the benefits of Windows:

-- Standard Windows menus, scroll bars and dialog boxes

-- Standard Windows point-and-shoot

-- Standard Windows cut-and-paste

-- Inter-application cut-and-paste

-- Tool bar accelerator buttons

-- New keyboard accelerator keys

-- Adjustable application screen size

2. Increased search capabilities

-- Easier searches and compound searches (including EXACT,

   NEURAL, AND, OR, RETURN [similar to NOT], SIZE, DATES

   and DUPLICATES)

-- Improved graphics for search feedback

3. Enhanced forms capabilities

-- 23 ready-to-use forms

-- "Automatic hot links" that automatically fill in forms

4. Enhanced editing

-- Auto-indent

-- Two undo commands

-- CUA compliant

-- On screen bold, underline and colors

-- Access to non-edit commands while editing

-- Automatic save while editing

5. Applette access to Calendar

6. Applette access to Calculator

7. Packs more information on the screen

-- User selected fonts and sizes

-- Improved note positioning

-- Optional window overlap

8. DOS Info Select file compatibility

9. Compatible with all of the most popular LANs

   (such as Novell and Lantastic)

-- Enhanced file sharing

According to Mr. Woo Jin Kim, Vice President of Sales for Micro Logic: "We've had unexpectedly strong initial orders from our distributors, and based on initial responses we're expecting significant sales increases. We're also providing an easy upgrade path for our individual and corporate users. I've been using it for 3 months and would not want to switch back to the DOS version."

The single user Windows or DOS version of Info Select is retail priced at $149.95. Pricing for the LAN groupware version has been reduced 33% from $895 to $599.95 for the 5 user LAN package. Additional Windows or PC-DOS stations can be added for $99.95 each. The LAN version is compatible with popular LANs including Novell, 3Com, IBM and Microsoft. Windows, DOS and LAN versions are available for immediate shipment. Upgrade pricing for owners of the DOS version varies depending on the version being updated. Info Select is also offered under a competitive upgrade program to owners of competing PIMs. Micro Logic offers a 30 day money back guarantee to new users.

Micro Logic Corp.

PO Box 70, Hackensack, NJ 07602

89 Leuning St, South Hackensack, NJ 07606

(800) 342-5930 or (201) 342-6518;  Fax: 201-342-0370


Expert Pet Care, A PC Owners' Best Friend
Expert Pet Care -- A PC Owners' Best Friend

Expert Software first to enter pet software market

CORAL GABLES, Florida (October 27, 1992) - Expert Software announces the release of Expert Pet Care for MS-DOS, the software industry's first computerized knowledge base for dog or cat owners. Expert Pet Care's Suggested Retail Price is $14.95.

"While many of the latest traditional pet products have catered to the extravagant pet care consumer, there are few that are as cost-effective ($14.95) and practical as Expert Care," said Sue Currier, president of Expert Software, Inc. "If you really care about your pet's health and well-being, Expert Pet Care should be the first item on your shopping list for your dog or cat."

Expert Pet Care is the complete guide for dog and cat owners. Developed by a practicing veterinarian, the program offers valuable information and advice on nutrition, exercise, emergency care, behavioral problems, training and medication. Expert Pet Care also includes special tips on training, diet and grooming.

Expert Pet Care is a comprehensive resource guide equipped to answer a wide range of questions that are sure to stump even the most astute pet owner like:

* Should you give your cat aspirin?

* Should I brush my dog's teeth with doggie toothpaste?

* What do I do if my dog drinks anti-freeze?

* How is feline leukemia transmitted?

Expert Pet Care could literally save your dog or cat's life!!! The program allows pet owners to easily create a medical history of their pet and track information such as vaccinations, allergies, surgery and more. All a user needs to do is fill in the blanks. With information on over 150 different dog and cat breeds and over 50 pictures to view, Expert Pet Care covers physical attributes, history, and special care considerations for each breed.

Expert Pet Care also caters to the more serious pet owner, who may wish to show their dog or cat by allowing a user to create a pedigree or progeny chart. Expert Pet Care uses an attractive family tree ladder type format going back five generations. Progeny charts appear in list format and can cover up to ten generations.

Expert Pet Care Key Features:

* Generates a complete heath record for each pet.

* Emergency health care tips for newborn, adolescent and

  senior pets.

* Health maintenance topics include nutrition, exercise,

  prenatal/postnatal care, hygiene, bathing and grooming.

* Includes history, descriptions and special care information

  for over 200 breeds of dogs and cats.

Expert Software, Inc. is the developer of over 30 MS-DOS titles, as well as Windows, and Macintosh programs.  For consumer product information contact 1-800-759-2562.

Expert Software

800 Douglas Rd, North Tower, Suite 355, Coral Gables, FL 33134

(305) 567-9990;   Fax (305) 443 0786


Stories of Murder, Mystery, Magic, Terror & More
BEWARE! DRACULA IS ALIVE AND WELL AT WORLD LIBRARY IN GARDEN GROVE, CALIF.

GARDEN GROVE, CA -- (OCTOBER 31, 1992) -- Never mind ghosts, ghouls, and goblins this Halloween, World Library, Inc. a leading publisher of text-based CD-ROM products, today released 171 different spine-tingling stories on one CD-ROM.

"Stories of Murder, Mystery, Magic, Terror & more..." (SMMMT) is the company's newest (MS-DOS) illustrated text-based product, and is expected to fly off retailers shelves this Christmas selling season. All 171 stories are complete and unabridged.

You'll find Bram Stoker's immortal Dracula, as well as classics such as Poe's Murders in the Rue Morgue, Robert L. Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, H.G. Wells' Time Machine and War of the Worlds, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, Washington Irving's The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle, plus Arthur Conan Doyle's complete works of Sherlock Holmes and many others!

According to William Hustwit, C.E.O. of World Library, "This product was designed to fill a niche in the market for lovers of suspense, mystery and horror stories. At a $49.95 retail price, almost anyone can afford Stories of Murder, Mystery, Magic, Terror & more... and its perfect for the entire family," Hustwit added.

The disk also includes features such as: an adjustable reader's screen with automatic advance, electronic bookmark with notepad, illustrations, the ability to print entire works or save to disk, the ability to search by title, author, words, phrases, era and country, a split-screen function, color adjustment, mouse support and more!

The MS-DOS version of SMMMT will be available in retail stores by mid-November. MAC and Windows versions are expected in early 1993. The product will be distributed by Compton's New Media of Carlsbad, California, and is expected to be picked up by several major software retailers such as CompUSA, Software Etc.., Egghead Software, Electronics Boutique and other savvy retailers who carry one or more of the company's CD-ROM products: the 150 title Greatest Books Collection, the 250 title Electronic Home Library, the 450 title Library of the Future 1 st Edition and the 950 title Library of the Future 2nd Edition.

Interested dealers can call 1-800-443-0238 to receive World Library's updated distributor list, while consumers can call the same 800 number for both a free list of titles and a list of retail stores in their area who will be carrying the product.

World Library, 12914 Haster St, Garden Grove, CA 92640

714-748-7197;  Fax 714-748-7198


ASG Signs Licensing Agreement with REI
ASG SIGNS LICENSING AGREEMENT WITH RESEARCH ENGINEERS, INC.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA.--October 19, 1992. ASG, the leading developer of integrated software applications for architects, engineers, contractors, and facility managers who use AutoCAD, has finalized an agreement with Research Engineers, Inc. (REI) to integrate and market a series of structural analysis and design products.

The two companies will integrate REI's AutoSTAAD (Structural Analysis And Design) product, an AutoCAD-compatible modeling and analysis program, with the ASG product line. The new product, tentatively called "ASG AutoSTAAD," will bring to ASG new structural modeling capabilities and will result in the most comprehensive, completely integrated collection of structural design, drafting, and analysis CAD applications on the market.

The agreement also allows ASG to license the next application in the STAAD series, AutoSTAAD/MAX, a complete design and analysis program inside AutoCAD which is currently under development at REI. "ASG AutoSTAAD/MAX" will be fully integrated with ASG Core and the rest of the ASG product line.

Also stated in the agreement is that ASG immediately will market REI's stand-alone design and analysis program, STAAD m, the leading structural analysis and design product on the market. The release of ASG's AutoSTAAD product is expected by the end of 1992; ASG AutoSTAAD/MAX will be completed in the first quarter of 1993.

This is a major agreement for ASG, according to company officials. Not

only does ASG offer its own growing line of integrated CAD applications for the  AEC market, it makes its powerful integration technology available to other leading companies and products, so the arena of integrated solutions for the design and construction professions will continue to expand.

ASG is an original Autodesk Strategic Developer of software applications for architects, engineers, contractors, and facility managers who use AutoCAD. The product line now features 14 fully integrated architectural, structural, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, piping, P&ID, civil engineering, and modeling/rendering/animation software applications for the personal computer. ASG's Vertex Division, the leading developer of electronic information, applications, and software interfaces for building product manufacturers, counts among its clients Du Pont, 3M, Pella Corp., Boise Cascade Co., Allied-Signal, Inc., and Fry Reglet Corp. The Vertex Division has developed interfaces with the software systems of Simpson Strong-Tie Co., Inc., Timberline Software Corp., and other AEC industry leaders.

ASG, 4000 Bridgeway, Suite 309, Sausalito, CA 94965-1451

415-332-2123,  fax: 415-332-2146


SPA Raids Long Island Firm

October 29, 1992 (Washington, DC)--The Software Publishers Association (SPA) announced today the completion of a court ordered raid on Vicon Industries, Inc. (Vicon) a designer and manufacturer of closed circuit TV components, based in Melville, New York. The SPA, acting on behalf of plaintiffs Autodesk, Inc., Cadam, Inc., Symantec, Inc., and XTree, Inc., cited incidents of copyright infringement.

The plaintiffs obtained an ex parte writ of seizure and temporary restraining order from the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. On October 22, the plaintiffs' attorneys, accompanied by federal marshals, paid a surprise visit to Vicon's offices in Melville, NY, and searched the personal computers at the facility for illegal software.

The investigation of Vicon was initiated by SPA after it received information from a former design engineer of Vicon. The information alleged that Vicon made unauthorized copies of AutoCAD and Master Designer, two highly specialized computer-aided design (CAD) products published by the named plaintiffs. The information further indicated that to make copies of Master Designer, the defendant purchased a product specifically designed to break the copy protection device intended to prevent the illegal copying of the product. The informant reported that once the copy protection was broken, he was instructed by management to make copies of both Master Designer and AutoCAD for use on the personal computers within Vicon. The SPA raid revealed the existence of unauthorized software published by the plaintiffs.

In announcing the raid, SPA General Counsel Ilene Rosenthal, said, "Unauthorized copying of software in such a willful manner can not be tolerated. We expect this action will persuade other companies to establish procedures necessary to ensure that the software they use is properly licensed.

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

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

   SPAudit

   Software Publishers Association

   1730 M Street, NW, Suite 700

   Washington, DC 20036

The Software Publishers Association is the principal trade association of the personal computer software industry. Its 1000 members represent the leading publishers in the business, consumer and education markets. The SPA has offices in Washington, DC and Paris, France.


Brochure for LabVIEW & LabWindows Data Analysis
New Brochure Details Data Analysis Functions in LabVIEW and LabWindows

Over 100 Analysis Functions Integrated into Flexible Instrumentation Application Software

November 2, 1992 -- Austin, TX - National Instruments announced today a free new 1 6-page brochure highlighting the analysis capabilities of LabVIEW and LabWindows instrumentation software.

The new brochure, "Scientific Data Analysis Using LabVIEW and LabWindows," describes the functions available in the LabVIEW and LabWindows analysis libraries for spectral analysis, time analysis, digital filtering, numerical analysis, statistical analysis, and regression analysis. The brochure discusses the functions as they are used in real-world applications, such as medical monitoring, vibration analysis, process control, data acquisition, test and measurement, and applied physics.

The power of the functions in the LabVIEW and LabWindows analysis libraries comes from the ease of integrating them into complete applications for data acquisition, data analysis, and data presentation. With the open design of LabVIEW and LabWindows, users can easily add custom functions to the libraries. For data visualization, LabVIEW and LabWindows both have a powerful graphical user interface environment to easily build and customize data displays and presentation.

LabVIEW is a graphical programming system for Windows-based PCs, Sun SPARCstations, and Macintosh computers. LabWindows is an automatic code generation package with libraries for popular programming languages (Microsoft C, BASIC, and VBDOS, and Borland C++, and Turbo C++).

For More Information

For more information, or to receive your free "Scientific Data Analysis Using LabVIEW and LabWindows" brochure, please contact National Instruments 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.


Free LabWindows Application Notes
New LabWindows Application Notes Cover Memory Management and Building Extended-Memory Applications

November 2, 1992 -- Austin, TX - National Instruments has published two new, free application notes regarding its LabWindows for DOS instrumentation software. The first, "LabWindows Memory Management," addresses the issues of DOS memory management and configuration for PCs running LabWindows. The note discusses memory managers, memory-intensive devices, and interaction with Windows 3.1. A short overview of PC memory precedes specific information pertaining to LabWindows.

The second application note, "Building Extended-Memory Applications with the LabWindows Run-Time System," explains how and why to build stand-alone applications that access extended memory with the LabWindows Run-Time System. LabWindows run-time applications can use multiple VXI or data acquisition hardware platforms, and end-users can customize these applications to match a particular system configuration.

About LabWindows for DOS LabWindows for DOS is a set of software tools and libraries for developing programs in C and BASIC for instrument control, data acquisition, analysis, and presentation. LabWindows can control GPIB, VXI, and RS-232 instruments, and also plug-in data acquisition boards, and has capabilities for developing custom graphical user interfaces.

For More Information

To request a free copy of "LabWindows Memory Management" (Part Number 340310-01), or "Building Extended-Memory Applications with the LabWindows Run-Time System" (Part Number 340309-01), or for more information, please contact National Instruments 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.


LabVIEW for Mac Basics Course Now Accredited
LabVIEW for Macintosh Basics Course Now Accredited

November 2, 1992 -- Austin, TX - National Instruments announced today that attendees of the company's LabVIEW for Macintosh Basics course are now eligible to receive continuing education units (CEUs) for their participation in the course.

The National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) defines one CEU as 10 contact hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience, under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction. CEUs are recognized in the industry as a measure of professional learning and competence. After satisfactorily completing the LabVIEW for Macintosh Basics course, attendees will be eligible for 2.3 CEUs.

The three-day hands-on LabVIEW for Macintosh Basics course begins with LabVIEW fundamentals and construction of simple virtual instruments (VIs) for data acquisition and instrument control. The course progresses to building complete applications involving data acquisition, analysis, and presentation. The hands-on exercises presented in the course reinforce concepts covered in the lecture discussion sessions. The LabVIEW for Macintosh Basics course is offered monthly at the National Instruments fully equipped training center in Austin, TX. Onsite courses are also available.

For More Information

For more information on the LabVIEW for Macintosh Basics course, or other LabVIEW training courses, please contact National Instruments 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.


Expert Software Acquired By Management

Subsidiary of public company to become wholly owned private company

CORAL GABLES, Florida (November 2, 1992) - The founders and current management of Expert Software announced that they have acquired the company from BLOC Development Corporation. The company will be called Expert Software, Inc. and becomes a privately-held firm. Respected equity investment firms TA Associates and Geocapital Partners were the lead investors in the transaction which closed October 23,1992.

Expert Software's eagerness to control its own destiny and BLOC Development's corporate restructuring were the main factors contributing to the sale of the multimillion dollar software company, known for its value-oriented home, small business, and productivity software programs.

"We have grown leaps and bounds since we were acquired by BLOC Development in 1990," said Ken Currier, CEO of Expert Software, Inc. "We want to be able to move on to the next level of growth. Given our strong financial backing from high quality investors, we expect to expand our company at a more substantial rate."

Expert Software's rapid growth is due in part to the popularity of its high quality yet low cost software geared to the new generation of computer users. Expert Software specializes in developing simple-to-use software for the small business, home, and hobby consumer segments, which have seen high growth due to the availability of low cost hardware.

According to Currier, this market is showing no signs of weakening. "With the proliferation of inexpensive computers on the market, we will see an increase in the number of Expert Software users," added Currier. "This group will be looking to purchase inexpensive software and since our prices range from $14.95 to $49.95, we will continue to be right in thick of things."

Expert Software packages are designed to enhance the PC users experience by providing a simple to learn yet very useful product. For example, Expert Home Design enables users to fully layout rooms or even design an entire house, simply by placing and moving walls, furniture, or other objects on screen. Expert Software's newest title, Expert Pet Care, offers a pet owner all the necessary information he or she may need to raise a dog or cat such as advice on nutrition, exercise, emergency care, behavioral problems, training and medication.

Expert Software programs are often seen on industry Best Seller and Hot Lists. Many of its titles have also been certified "gold," by the Software Publishers Association for selling over 100,000 units each and some products have sold over 300,000 units.

TA Associates, the lead investment group, based in Boston, was founded in 1968. It is among the largest equity investment firms with over $700 million of committed capital under management. TA Associate's history of success in the software investment industry includes the backing of the following software companies: BMC Software, cc: Mail, Fifth Generation, McCormack & Dodge, Micrografx, and Merisel.

Geocapital Partners is the venture capital arm of Broadview Associates, a leading investment banker which focuses on the software and information services industries.

Expert Software, Inc. will remain at its corporate headquarters located at 800 Douglas Road, North Tower, Suite 355, Coral Gables, Florida, 33134-3128. Its phone number has been changed to (305) 567-9990 and fax number to (305) 443-0786. Expert Software's Applelink ID is EXPERT.


ADTASTIC Advertising Analysis Software
November 1, 1992 -- McAdams-Unger Engineering, Inc. today announced the introduction of ADTASTIC (tm). ADTASTIC is a computer program for the IBM PC and compatibles which uses statistical methods to predict the most-likely return on an advertising investment. The user of ADTASTIC supplies information about his or her business, the type of ad, and the advertising medium being considered. ADTASTIC then combines that information and produces a predicted number of buyers, gross sales, and net profit or loss.

ADTASTIC can be used to analyze radio, television, newspaper, magazine, and direct mail advertising. ADTASTIC works on any IBM PC or compatible computer with 640K of RAM and a hard disk. Advertising "campaigns" can be saved to the hard disk for later reuse.

ADTASTIC represents a relatively uncommon type of computer program, a program which is designed to apply technical knowledge about a specific industry to a business problem in order to achieve an optimal solution. Information produced by ADTASTIC can save the user more than the cost of the program simply by identifying one advertising campaign which is unlikely to pay for itself.

ADTASTIC sells for $149.00, but McAdams-Under is offering an introductory price of $99, including shipping and handing (US only). ADTASTIC comes with a "no questions asked" 30-day money-back guarantee.

McAdams-Unger Engineering Inc

4189 Bellaire Blvd, Suite 227, Houston, TX 77025

713-664-1719, fax 713-664-6861, sales only 800-4ADTAST


Molecular Arts chemSAVER Molecular Screen Saver
MOLECULAR ARTS CORPORATION RELEASES 3D MOLECULAR ANIMATION SCREEN SAVER FOR CHEMISTRY BUFFS

Anaheim, California, November 1, 1992 -- Molecular Arts Corporation (MAC), has announced today a new release of its popular Windows-based screen saver--chemSAVER, a desk-top utility for chemists, chemical engineers, or anyone interested in chemistry. Version 2.0 of chemSAVER offers sophisticated 3D graphics, many user-selectable 3D visualization styles, user-definable animations, and a library of over 100 3D molecular structures. Chemists can easily add their own molecules to the library for an unlimited variety of screen images.

Vice-President of Marketing for Molecular Arts Corporation, Laura Voyles, says of the new product, "chemSAVER is an easy-to-use utility that provides protection from phosphor burn-in of computer screens that are on all day." She went on to say, "What makes it so exciting is that it also provides a cost-effective way for accomplishing basic molecular structure visualization tasks. Besides protecting the substantial investment in your computer' s display monitor, chemSAVER is thought-provoking, educational, and just plain fun!"

Graphical User Interface

By utilizing the popular Microsoft Windows graphical user interface, chemSAVER is very easy to install, learn, use, and customize. All of chemSAVER's extensive controls and features are accessible via simple menus and dialog boxes. Also, support for Microsoft's common dialog controls is incorporated into this release.

Unique Features

The chemSAVER utility is the only known Windows screen saver that performs real-time animations of 3D objects. 3D graphics capabilities, formerly available on 3D workstations only, have been brought to the PC in a cost-effective package. Simple dialog box controls offer the user a wide range of animation controls, rendering styles, color schemes, and depth cue mechanisms. It is also a simple matter for the user to add molecular structures of particular interest to their research.

Availability

The commercial release of chemSAVER (Version 2.0) is concurrent with this announcement. A single-user industrial license is available for $59.95. Also included are a 26 page User Manual, chemical structure library with over 100 molecules, and instructions for optimizing the program for particular hardware platforms. Discounts are available for academic organizations and non-profit institutes. This release of chemSAVER will operate on IBM PC's and PC-compatibles that support the Microsoft Windows 3.x graphical user interface. In the United States, chemSAVER is available directly from Molecular Arts Corporation. Prices outside North America are slightly higher.

Molecular Arts Corporation, Anaheim, California, is a supplier of desk-top visualization, documentation, and analysis tools for the chemical research industry. Its business is the development, marketing, and support of software tools for chemical research. The focus of all product development activities is to provide researchers with desk-top computing solutions for their visualization, documentation, and analysis needs.

Molecular Arts, 1532 East Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92805

714-634-8100, fax: 714-634-1999


CHINON JOINS FLOPTICAL TECHNOLOGY ASSOCIATION

A World Leader in Floppy Drive Manufacturing Is Iomega's Manufacturing Partner For 21 Megabyte Disk Drives

Cupertino, CA - October 28, 1992 The Floptical Technology Association (FTA) today announced that Chinon Industries, Inc., of Suwa City, Japan, is now a member of the FTA. Chinon pins the other world leaders in disk drive, media and host adapter products in the trade organization founded to promote the Floptical technology standard in very high capacity floppy storage.

Iomega Corp., Roy, Utah, and Chinon have announced that Chinon will manufacture Floptical disk drives for Iomega. Iomega will announce its drive product when it is available. Iomega, a founding member of the FTA, has already announced its own branded Floptical diskettes. Both products will be sold through its normal sales channels, as well as directly to original equipment manufacturers (OEM).

The 3.5-inch, 21 megabyte (MB) Floptical disk drive is the leading contender as the next floppy storage standard. The 21MB diskettes are capable of storing over 14 times more data than a 1.44MB disk and 28 times more than a 720KB disk.

Chinon is one of the world's largest manufacturers of floppy disk drives, as well as a manufacturer of over computer peripherals and optical assemblies. Over 500,000 floppy drives are manufactured monthly at the company's automated facilities throughout Japan. Other products manufactured to a high degree of quality and reliability include 35mm cameras, video cameras, lenses, printers and optical drives. Founded in 1948, Chinon has been manufacturing optical products and information equipment for many of the world's largest OEMs, including Kodak, Siemens and Toshiba.

Mr. Hiroshi Chino, founder and president of Chinon, stated, 'It is important for us to be on the leading edge of the floppy disk drive market, as we believe Floptical technology can eventually become the next floppy standard. We look forward to helping implement this new standard."

Mr. Anton Radman, Iomega's senior vice president of corporate development, celebrated the newest FIA member. "We sought and found the highest quality manufacturer for our new Floptical drives. We welcome Chinon to its place as a member of the FIA and look forward to its participation as we move rapidly toward industry standardization."

Mr. Radman went on to say, "Floptical technology is perhaps the most important new storage technology for business and corporate users in this decade. All the advantages of floppies, plus an aggressive capacity migration path to 40 and 80 megabytes, mean that users will not get left behind in the explosion of user-friendly software storage requirements and systems performance growth."

Floptical Technology Association

21710 Stevens Creek Blvd, Suite 220, Cupertino, CA 95014

408-446-0407,  fax: 408-446-0450


DPT Reduces SmartCache Plus Controller Pricing

November 1, 1992 -- Maitland, Florida - Distributed Processing Technology (DPT) today announced a 10 percent price reduction for its SmartCache Plus EISA/SCSI disk controller, effective immediately.

The new U.S. list pricing for the SmartCache Plus controller is $640 for Model SK2012B/90 and $695 for Model SK2012B/95, which includes a floppy controller. The new international list prices are $765 for Model SK2012B/90 and $830 for Model SK2012B/95.

"This price reduction further positions DPT to compete even more effectively against lower-end peripheral controllers," says Al Montross, DPT's vice president of sales and marketing. "We've made the buying decision much easier for our customers: Buy DPT for about the same price as the competition and get a faster board to start, plus something the competition does not offer -- the ability to add disk caching and disk array support as needed."

The SmartCache Plus SCSI controller for the 32-bit EISA bus offers a "grow-as-you-go" design that allows users to build upon the controller's power to meet their expanding business needs.

The entry-level SmartCache Plus can easily be converted to a high-end caching controller for faster performance simply by adding DPT's unique plug-on caching module and up to 16 megabytes of cache RAM to the base controller. An add-on mirroring module provides fault tolerance support over multiple mirrored drives.

The scalable architecture of the SmartCache Plus offers price/performance options suitable for systems ranging from standalone workstations and small networks to large multiprocessor-equipped file servers and multiuser systems. Computer manufacturers such as AST, Dell, NCR, NEC, Intel, Siemens, Wang and Wyse have all standardized on SmartCache Plus.

Neal Nelson and Associates, specialists in system performance testing, selected the SmartCache Plus EISA/SCSI controller as a winning component for "The World's Most Powerful PC," which was demonstrated at the recent UNIX EXPO show in New York. The SmartCache Plus was chosen over other SCSI adapters because of its superior performance in UNIX environments.

DPT is a leading supplier of high performance peripheral controllers and connectivity software for microcomputers. Its technology includes the first caching disk controller for the PC. DPT controllers are sold worldwide through a network of major distributors and OEMs. The privately held company, founded in 1977, is based near Orlando, Florida, with European sales offices located near London, England, and Munich, Germany, and a government sales office in Annapolis, Maryland.

Distributed Processing Technology

140 Candace Dr, Maitland, FL 32751

407-830-5522,  fax: 407-250-5366


Dell Offers DPT SmartCache Plus SCSI Controller
Dell to Offer DPT SCSI Controller SmartCache Plus Boosts System Performance

November 3, 1992 -- Maitland, Florida - Distributed Processing Technology (DPT) and Dell Computer Corporation today announced a strategic alliance that makes DPT's SmartCache Plus SCSI controller a standard offering for Dell's PowerLine 486 EISA servers and workstations.

"Dell's agreement with DPT reflects our commitment to providing universal SCSI connectivity and high disk performance as part of our EISA-based desktop and server solutions," said Marty Seyer, Dell's manager of advanced systems.

"The SmartCache Plus SCSI controller brings scalability and price/performance flexibility we want to offer our customers. This product, in addition to our recently announced Dell SCSI Array, provide Dell customers with high performance disk systems from entry-level to super-server-class applications."

Dell selected the SmartCache Plus SCSI controller as a key option for UNIX, multimedia and networking users of its custom turnkey systems. The decision was a result of a Dell customer survey of file server requirements, which ranked high data throughput, a scalable (upgradeable) architecture, fast and flexible data backup, and reliability as leading customer requirements for server purchases.

"The SmartCache Plus surpasses these requirements and also offers the best in SCSI connectivity and compatibility with all major PC operating systems," noted David Race, DPT's vice president of marketing. "DPT is pleased to be part of Dell's total SCSI solution. "

The SmartCache Plus SCSI controller features a "grow-as-you-go" design that allows users to easily scale their SCSI performance to meet their expanding needs.

SmartCache Plus is the only SCSI controller on the market that can be configured as both a non-caching and a caching controller. The entry-level priced, non-caching configuration is converted to a high-end caching controller by simply adding DPT's unique plug-on caching module and up to 16 megabytes of cache RAM to the base controller.

Additionally, DPT's add-on mirroring module -- a Raid 1 architecture -- provides support for a software independent array of mirrored drives. This scalable architecture offers a complete range of price/performance options, suitable for systems ranging from standalone desktops and small networks up to multiprocessor-equipped file servers.

The SmartCache Plus is now available for Dell's PowerLine 486 SE servers and DE desktop workstations. PowerLine SE floor-standing servers feature a 32-bit EISA I/O bus with a 33MB/s burst transfer rate, from 4MB to 128MB of memory, six 32-bit EISA master expansion slots and two 32-bit EISA slave expansion slots. PowerLine DE workstations are also equipped with a 32-bit EISA bus and offer from 4MB to 96MB of memory and five 32-bit EISA expansion slots.

A Fortune 500 company, Dell Computer Corporation (NASDAQ: DELL) designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports a complete line of personal computers compatible with industry standards. Dell pioneered the direct marketing of personal computers in 1984 and was the first company in the industry to offer manufacturer-direct technical support. Information on the company and its products can be obtained through its toll-free number: l-800-BUY-DELL (1-800-289-3355).

DPT is a leading supplier of high performance peripheral controllers and connectivity software for microcomputers. Its technology includes the first caching disk controller for the PC. DPT controllers are sold worldwide through a network of major distributors and OEMs. The privately held company, founded in 1977, is based near Orlando, Florida, with European sales offices located near London, England, and Munich, Germany, and a government sales office in Annapolis, Maryland.

Distributed Processing Technology

140 Candace Dr, Maitland, FL 32751

407-830-5522,  fax: 407-250-5366


Interplay Adds BBS Service for Customer Service
INTERPLAY PRODUCTIONS BROADENS CUSTOMER SERVICE BY ADDING ELECTRONIC BULLETIN BOARD SERVICE

Irvine, CA (October 30, 1992) -Interplay Productions, in an effort to enhance its customer support services, announced it will maintain an electronic bulletin board system for its customers.

This bulletin board service will allow customers to quickly access product hints, upgrades, product demonstrations and technical support. It can be reached by calling (714) 252-2822. The modem operating parameters are 300-14.4k baud and 8N1 supporting v.32bis and v.42bis. Lines are open 24 hours a day.

Interplay Productions, Inc., an Irvine-based entertainment software company, produces award-winning games for such formats as IBM, Amiga, CD-ROM, Multimedia PC, Nintendo, Super NES and Gameboy.

INTERPLAY PRODUCTIONS, 3710 S. SUSAN, #100, SANTA ANA, CA 92704

(714) 545-9001;    FAX (714) 549-5075


Multimedia Encyclopedia of Mammalian Biology
MAMMALS TAKE CENTER STAGE IN NEW CD-ROM MULTIMEDIA ENCYCLOPEDIA FROM McGRAW-HILL

NEW YORK, N.Y., October 30, 1992--The worlds of nature and technology meet in the Multimedia Encyclopedia of Mammalian Biology, now available from McGraw-Hill.

This CD-ROM version of the acclaimed five-volume Grzsmek's Encyclopedia of Mammals (McGraw-Hill, 1990) incorporates text, graphics, sound, and full-motion video. Product features include more than 3,500 illustrations, photographs, and charts, and nearly 500 maps, along with video and sound from the archives of the BBC natural history film library.

The five-volume Encyclopedia includes authoritative articles and essays about the life and behavior of mammals written by more than 200 leading international naturalists, zoologists, biologists, and ecologists. Additional articles were prepared specifically for the Multimedia Encyclopedia by prominent academics throughout the world.

"Gzrimck's Encyclopedia is widely considered the preeminent resource for the study of mammals," said Sybil Parker, Publisher. "We are very excited about introducing it in multimedia format, and we are certain that it will prove to be an extremely valuable research tool."

Designed for use by students and professionals in such fields as animal science, wildlife biology, zoology, veterinary medicine, and conservation, the Multimedia Encyclopedia also includes a full glossary of terms, taken from McGrawHill's Synopsis and Classification of Living Organisms and Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, and a thorough, up-to-date bibliography of current scientific literature. A typical entry in the Multimedia Encyclopedia offers an article or essay, graphics, and in many cases an opportunity to see the mammal in motion and hear its sounds.

The Multimedia Encyclopedia is simple to use. A "browser" window allows new users to begin using the Multimedia Encyclopedia immediately. Users can "enter" the data through one of four modes--table of contents, taxonomic, biogeographic, and thematic listings--in which articles are itemized in book order, geographically, by taxonomic group and by biological concept, respectively. A powerful search and retrieval engine provides a full-text, key word search capability as well as flexible and immediate access across all data, images, sound, and video elements.

Because each of the lists in the "browser" window is telescopic, selections become increasingly specific, listing all articles and essays until the desired option is displayed. The user can then access the full text of any entry on the list with a mouse-click, and, tracking search requests along the way, can switch to sound, graphics or video with another mouse-click. The "LookUp" function makes it possible to find an unfamiliar term in the Glossary while reading an article.

Windows enables the user to maximize any of the three information windows displayed while the others remain available in the background. Current context icons and a status line allow the user to identify their exact location in the Multimedia Encyclopedia at all times, and with the "compare" feature, two elements can be compared on a split screen. Graphs can be plotted from data in the text.

All data can be printed or saved to disk. The Multimedia Encyclopedia can be used on a PC network on which CDROM networking software is installed. A network version--for up to 16 users--is available.

The Multimedia Encyclopedia of Mammalian Biology comes with a comprehensive user's manual and offers an onscreen, context-sensitive help menu. Users can call 1-800-551-2210 for technical support.

The product lists for $995, or $1,250 for the network version (up to 16 users) and is available directly from McGrawHill by calling 1-800-722-4726, or through distributors such as The Bureau of Electronic Publishing, Updata Publications, CD-ROM Inc., PC Micro, Interaction CD-ROM & Optical Storage, EBSCO Electronic, Faxon, and Bibliographical Center for Research.

The Multimedia Encyclopedia of Mammalian Biology requires an IBM AT or compatible, 386 SX/DX, 25 MHz; SVGA color monitor and video card; hard and floppy disk drives; 4 Mb of RAM; MS-DOS 3.3 or higher; ISO 9660 compatible CD-ROM drive with Microsoft Multimedia Extensions; Microsoft Windows version 3.0, set up for 256 colors, with Multimedia Extensions; Microsoft compatible mouse; DVI device drive and DVI i750 Series 2 chipset (MS-DOS 5.0 and Windows 3.1 required to support DVI).

McGraw-Hill's Professional Book Group provides timely, authoritative information to the scientific and technical community in both print and electronic formats.

McGraw-Hill Professional Book Group

11 West 19th St, New York, NY 10011-4285

fax: 212-337-4092


WaxWorks True Horror Role-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

SAN JOSE, CA - October 27, 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 that is currently available for IBM PC computers. WaxWorks is 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 provides 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 beings 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 available at local software retailers or can be purchased direct from Accolade by calling 1-800-245-7744.

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

408-985-1700;  fax: 408-246-1053


Personal Communicators With PenTOPS & PenCentral
EO SELECTS SITKA'S MOBILE NETWORKING SOLUTION FOR NEW LINE OF PERSONAL COMMUNICATORS

Built-in Local Area Networking from Sitka Will Connect EO Personal Communicators to Enterprise and Desktop Computer Resources

ALAMEDA, Calif., November 4, 1992 -- Sitka Corporation and EO, Inc. announced today a licensing agreement that will enable the world's first "personal communicators" to transparently share resources and information on local area networks. Sitka's mobile networking products, PenTOPS and PenCentral, will be bundled with EO's Personal Communicator 440 and 880, devices that combine phone, computer, fax and electronic mail capabilities in one mobile platform.

With Sitka's PenTOPS and PenCentral, users will extend the EO Personal Communicator's communication and computing capabilities by having access to all network resources, including shared files, network printers, CD-ROM, and network applications, such as corporate databases and groupware.

"EO has combined leading-edge technologies in microelectronics and wireless communications to provide a revolutionary way to communicate anyplace, anytime," said Alain Rossmann, CEO of EO, Inc. "With Sitka's mobile networking solution, EO's personal communicators can also easily make connections 'on the go' to local area networks and desktop computers."

Based on Sitka's cross-platform, peer-to-peer networking architecture, PenTOPS client software was developed specifically for mobile computing environments and is tightly integrated with easy-to-use, gesture-based commands. PenTOPS has been ported to the EO platform and is built into the ROM of every EO personal communicator so that users easily exploit its network and desktop connectivity capabilities.

PenTOPS is used in conjunction with Sitka's PenCentral server software, which allows PenTOPS clients to connect to DOS-based personal computers via serial port or modem. With PenCentral, multiple PenTOPS clients can make transparent connections to all drives and printers on the PenCentral server as well as gateway connections to network resources, including those on NetWare and LAN Manager networks. Sitka's PenTOPS and PenCentral connectivity solutions have been adopted by leaders in the mobile computing industry, including IBM and GO Corporation.

"There is an unfulfilled demand from travelling professionals, field representatives and other mobile workers to better integrate their communications and computing needs into the existing business environment," said Deborah Triant, president and CEO of Sitka. "With PenTOPS and PenCentral, EO's personal communicators will help mobile professionals improve productivity while providing access to the network resources which are crucial to today's businesses."

Sitka Corporation, a Sun Microsystems, Inc. - Owned Business, was founded in 1984 and pioneered the market for cross-platform, peer-to-peer networking products. The company markets 10NET, MacTOPS, DosTOPS, SunTOPS, PenCentral and PenTOPS software which lets users easily share resources among different hardware platforms and operating systems. Headquartered in Alameda, California, Sitka's products are available in 7 languages and 42 countries worldwide.

EO, Inc., founded in 1991, designs, builds and markets personal communicators: a new class of products which are revolutionizing person-to-person communications. An integral part of EO's strategy is its partnerships with AT&T, Matsushita, and Marubeni. EO's partners contribute technical know-how and funding that is key to realizing a shared vision that personal communicators will have as much impact on person-to-person communications as the telephone had in the early 1900's. In addition to EO's industrial partners, Kleiner Perkins Caufleld and Byers, a Palo Alto, California-based venture capital firm, is an investor in the privately-held corporation. EO employs approximately ninety people in Mountain View and European Office in Cambridge, England.

Sitka, 950 Marina Village Parkway, Alameda, CA 94501

510-769-9669;  fax: 510-769-8771


QuarkXPress for Windows Inside & Out

by Emil Ihrig & Sybil Ihrig

Osborne/McGraw-Hill announces publication of QuarkXPress for Windows Inside & Out, the best all-around guide to the new full-featured, desktop publishing program, QuarkXPress for Windows, now available for the IBM PC and compatibles.

Written by the bestselling authors of several editions of CorelDRAW Made Easy, Emil and Sybil Ihrig apply their winning approach to teaching QuarkXPress users how to achieve professional, high-quality results. The Ihrigs begin with easy-to-follow instructions that lead users through the fundamentals quickly. Readers will then learn all about designing and producing layouts and graphics for newsletters, brochures. catalogs, books and other publication materials; creating special effects for photos; becoming an expert on importing, linking, embedding, and manipulating graphics; learning how to exploit color and trapping features to the fullest; getting a professional look when merging text and graphics using Quark's runaround and anchoring features; and much more.

Packed with examples, exercises, illustrations, and diagrams, QuarkXPress for Windows Inside & Out is a practical, task-oriented guide that's ideal for every QuarkXPress user who wants great results.

$27.95              ISBN:  0-07-881848-6          694 pages

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

510-549-6600,  Fax: 510-549-6603


The Police Quest Casebook

by Peter Scisco

Osborne/McGraw-Hill announces publication of The Police Quest Casebook. a new title in its bestselling, Silicon Valley imprint of computer game books. Osborne is the official publisher of the Sierra OnLine Authorized Edition of The Police Quest Series.

Followers of games 1-3 will get the answers they need to help Sonny Bonds, the hero of the Police Quest series win his ongoing fight against crime with this exciting, fun-to-read casebook. Readers can win all the Police guest games as they team up with Sonny as he stalks drug traffickers and cult murderers through the streets of Lytton using Scisco's answer-packed book.

Readers will enjoy original stories based on each game that follow Sonny's pursuits including screen-by-screen walk-throughs of each game. This casebook is packed with maps and diagrams that help players find answers to every puzzle and score a maximum number of points. Scisco includes a glossary of police terminology so readers can follow everything Sonny Bonds and the experts have to say.

Police Quest players who are stymied should run to the nearest bookstore where they can get the inside scoop that will help put the crooks away for good.

$19.95              ISBN:  0-07-881823-0           299 pages

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

510-549-6600,  Fax: 510-549-6603


Paradox 4: The Complete Reference

by Carole Boggs Matthews & Patricia Shepard

Osborne/McGraw-Hill announces publication of Paradox 4: The Complete Reference, a one-stop resource to Borland's newest release of their award-winning database program.

Written for users at all skill levels, the book begins with quick-start introductory chapters on the basics of Paradox 4 that teach the fundamentals of creating, modifying, and querying a database, along with working with images, graphs, and using the Paradox Tools menu. As with any Complete Reference, readers will find every command, function, and feature thoroughly described along with short examples of usage to clarify the concepts.

Paradox users will discover all the new features of Paradox 4 that include data sharing between DOS & Windows, more powerful indenting capabilities, the new user interface encompassing mouse support and overlapping windows, and much more. For Paradox users who wish to expand their programming skills, the authors cover programming scripts to produce PAL routines, creating complex applications using the application workshop, using the powerful PAL commands and functions to create complex applications, and using the SQL link on a network.

This one-stop, indispensable guide will provide Paradox users with information that will get them the most effective results from this powerful relational database.

$29.95              ISBN:  0-07-8818794-3          852 pages

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

510-549-6600,  Fax: 510-549-6603


The Computer Font Book
The Computer Font Book by Glenn Searfoss

Osborne/McGraw-Hill announces publication of The Computer Font Book, a new guide that offers a realistic approach to understanding computerized font usage.

Whether working with a computer or crafting projects by hand, The Computer Font Book answers questions while providing a thorough introduction to fonts and font terminology so users can learn effective and creative font techniques. Author, Glenn Searfoss, who has provided custom font design and consulting services since 1987, discusses basic font sizing and formatting techniques, covers font styles and classification methods, compares hard and soft fonts, and much more.

Font users will also discover important information on printers and display systems, and how they affect a computer's output image quality. Basic techniques are discussed for printed page and screen layouts to aid in the design of quality images.

The book offers a variety of font samplers that are available from different manufacturers. Searfoss also provides a detailed bibliography with references on typography, design, and other font-related topics.

For anyone working with fonts, this book is an outstanding resource not to be missed.

$27.95              ISBN:  0-07-881800-1           384 pages

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

510-549-6600,  Fax: 510-549-6603


Excel 4 for Windows: The Complete Reference

By Martin S. Matthews & Stephanie Seymour

Osborne/McGraw-Hill announces publication of Excel 4 for Windows: The Complete Reference, an indispensable resource for anyone working with the latest version of Microsoft's bestselling spreadsheet.

Excel users will discover an ideal reference on Excel for Windows no matter what their skill level. Answers to any Excel question can be found in this well-organized volume that begins with five chapters to get anyone up-to-speed with Excel from building spreadsheets, to creating charts with databases, and working with macros.

The book includes a comprehensive and unique Excel Dictionary offering coverage of every Excel concept, command, feature and function in alphabetized form, so users can quickly pinpoint the information they need. Matthews and Seymour use lots of short business examples so readers can see first-hand how to apply the information. This Complete Reference also offers comprehensive cross-referencing directing users to important related information. Readers will also find a special section that charts the Excel version of the Windows Character Set along with a pull-out command card, with concise descriptions of many commands.

For anyone working with Excel, this is THE ideal reference to find the answers to any Excel question.

$29.95             ISBN: 0-07-881836-2             880 Pages

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

510-549-6600,  Fax: 510-549-6603


Windows 3.1: The Complete Reference, 2nd Ed.
Windows 3.1: The Complete Reference, Second Edition

by Tom Sheldon

Osborne/McGraw-Hill announces publication of Windows 3.1: The Complete Reference. Second Edition, by Tom Sheldon who has revised his bestselling first edition to cover the latest Windows developments including Windows for Pen Computing and Windows for Workgroups.

This outstanding resource contains detailed information on every aspect of Windows 3.1 so users can find the information they need quickly. Just some of the many topics Sheldon covers include -- how to get the most from Windows for Pen Computing; managing memory better with DOS 5: using fonts and Windows graphics to add pizzaz to presentations; and becoming a master at printer setup and configuration for professional looking documents. Windows users can also learn all about using peer-to-peer networking with Windows for Workgroups allowing users to share files and resources with others; connecting with larger file server-based networks such as NOVELL NetWare; running DOS applications under Windows and multi-tasking DOS applications with Windows applications; and experimenting with sound, MIDI and Multimedia for outstanding presentations.

This second edition is also an excellent resource listing information, materials, and products available in the Windows environment.

$29.95              ISBN:  0-07-881889-3           826 pages

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

510-549-6600,  Fax: 510-549-6603


Micro Express Cyrix-based Low Cost 40MHz PC
MICRO EXPRESS INTRODUCES CYRIX-BASED LOW-COST 40-MHZ PC, UPGRADABLE TO 66 MHZ

Santa Ana, CA..A low-cost, high-performance PC, based on the Cyrix 486DLC-40 microprocessor is now available from Micro Express. This 40-MHz PC, called the ME 486DLC/40, is also upgradable to a 50-MHz 486DX2/50 or a 66-MHz 486DX2/66 configuration. Since the ME 486DLC/40 also includes a math coprocessor, this PC is more powerful than a 486DX/33 machine.

With 4-MB of RAM, 64K of external RAM cache (upgradable to 256K), a 120-MB fast IDE hard disk drive, Super VGA Color graphics card and monitor, both 3-1/2" and 5-1/4" high-density floppy disk drives, a mouse, keyboard, DOS 5.0 and Windows 3.1, this computer sells for only $1599.

Upgrading from the 33-MHz to the 50-MHz or 66-MHz versions requires simply removing the 486DLC microprocessor and replacing it with the i486DX2/50 or i486DX2/66 microprocessor.

The 64K RAM cache is direct-mapped and write-back. The BIOS is from AMI, and includes password protection and selectable shadowing of both the system and video BIOS. RAM is upgradable on the motherboard to 32 MB. A CMOS clock-calendar is included, as are built-in diagnostics. The motherboard provides eight full 16-bit expansion slots. One parallel and two serial ports are standard on this PC.

The ME 486DLC/40 features the new Micro Express FM-360 14" Super VGA Color Monitor. With its 0.28-mm dot pitch and 1024 x 768 pixel resolution, this monitor provides a picture clarity rarely seen on PCs.

This PC is packaged in a compact desktop case, measuring 6.5"[H] x 14.5"[W] x 16.5"[D] that contains a 200-W power supply. The standard case allows for five drive bays, four externally accessed and one internal. If desired, the ME 486DLC/40 can be provided in a super tower case, with room for up to 8 disk drives and a 375-W power supply. A standard 101-type enhanced keyboard with or without audible feedback is offered...or a programmable keyboard can be substituted for just $75.

The Finest Available Customer Support

A full 2-year warranty is included on parts and labor for this PC, with shipping for the first 4 months paid both ways by Micro Express, as well as a 30-day moneyback guarantee. Optional on-site service, through GE, is also available. If a part fails, Micro Express offers 24-hour express board replacement service. As with all other Micro Express computers, this machine is burned in for 72 hours before shipping to eliminate early failures. In addition, a toll-free number is provided for free unlimited technical support. Technical support is available 24-hours per day and 7-days per week as part of the exclusive Micro Express "Always" customer support program. When technical documents are required, Micro Express offers Automated

FAX-back Service. Using this service documents can be requested through voice-mail and will be FAXed directly to the customer without human intervention.

The ME 486DLC/40 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.

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


SYBASE Roadmap to Client/Server Computing
SYBASE ANNOUNCES ROADMAP DEFINING NEXT PHASE OF CLIENT/SERVER COMPUTING

Leading Client/Server Vendor Unveils Vision and Products for a New Class of Applications that Unify Departmental and Corporate Computing

EMERYVILLE, CA, November 10, 1992 -- Sybase, Inc. today unveiled its Enterprise Client/Server Roadmap, outlining its vision of the next phase of client/server computing. Sybase believes that Enterprise Client/Server represents the integration of departmental and corporate Information Systems (IS), enabling a new class of applications that span the enterprise and leverage existing central and "line of business" systems.

Enterprise Client/Server computing allows organizations to employ information systems to meet the enterprise-wide operational needs of mainstream business. Sybase's Enterprise Client/Server Roadmap describes:

* The motivations for client/server computing;

* The transition from departmental to Enterprise Client/Server;

* The new functionality requirements for Enterprise

  Client/Server; and,

* SYBASE System 10, the company's next generation server products

  to be delivered in 1993.

Mark Hoffman, Sybase president and CEO, commented, "Most of our customers are building and deploying industrial strength client/server applications. Many of these customers have realized the benefits of client/server in several major areas of their business. They are now ready to move towards implementing client/server as the architecture for their enterprise-wide information systems strategy. Our Client/Server Roadmap guides customers in identifying the business and technical issues involved in making that transition. SYBASE System 10 provides the technical solutions that enable enterprise-wide client/server applications."

Sybase is a leading vendor of client/server-based relational database management systems (RDBMS), development tools, connectivity software and consulting services. The company is generally acknowledged as one of the pioneers in client/server computing -- a term which describes computing environments in which software applications are separated and distributed across various hardware platforms and communicate over a network. Client/server computing typically includes PCs and workstations connected to servers. The client/server market is currently one of the fastest growing areas in the computer industry according to market research firms including Forrester Research, Gartner Group and International Data Corporation.

Motivations for Client/Server Computing

There are two key motivations for adopting client/server computing: to build information systems that provide a competitive edge; and to reduce the long term costs of information systems.

Dr. Robert S. Epstein, Sybase executive vice president, commented, "Our general experience is that departmental IS is motivated by competitive pressures to build 'line of business' applications that take advantage of leading edge technologies. Corporate IS is generally more concerned with deploying cost-effective systems that leverage existing investments."

Departments are often mandated with establishing a leadership position for a product or service, or generating more revenue. Sybase customers have used information systems to achieve those business objectives through building new client/server departmental systems such as Smith Kline's Marketing Finance System, Silicon Graphic's Product Line Configuration and Quoting System, Norton Company's Automated Job Scheduler, or Teachers Insurance & Annuity Association's Portfolio Management System.

Corporate IS is also moving towards client/server to run a company's central operations. The primary motivation for this is cost-effectiveness. Client/server computing offers corporate IS professionals the benefits of lower cost hardware, more productive development tools, and flexible maintenance and growth. Sybase customers that have rightsized traditional mainframe applications include AT&T with its Customer Service System, American Airlines's Yield Management System, or Orient Overseas Container Line's Order Processing System.

Why Enterprise Client/Server?

Sybase customers have been building client/server applications since 1987, with systems being developed and deployed in both departmental and corporate IS environments at over 5,600 directly-supported sites worldwide. Many large companies now want to deploy client/server applications on a larger, often global, enterprise-wide scale. These new applications often represent the integration of departmental and corporate systems. Sybase identifies this as Enterprise Client/Server computing. Several key factors are driving this transition:

* Maximizing the value of information by increasing its

  availability: Customers want to integrate different systems

  so that up-to-date data and information is instantaneously

  available across the company.

* Using new technology systems to re-engineer business processes:

  Customers want to use new systems to streamline organizations,

  provide new services, reduce costs and increase profits.

Epstein commented, "Our customers are beginning to use client/server computing to enable new business processes that help them address corporate business objectives. As a result, they are viewing this technology as a strategic component of their overall business plan, rather than an adjunct component."

The Transition to Enterprise Client/Server

Over the past two years, Sybase customers have begun to use client/server architecture to integrate departmental and corporate IS systems. The first step is interoperability. Sybase customers are using SYBASE mainframe integration products to integrate departmental systems with the mainframe-based applications traditionally managed by corporate IS.

In the next phase of client/server, large corporations are beginning to build a new class of applications that span the enterprise. These new systems use a comprehensive architecture that is used by both departmental and corporate systems to provide value throughout the organization.

Many of Sybase's leading edge customers have adopted Enterprise Client/Server to address global business needs. For example, Goldman Sachs, BP Exploration, JP Morgan and Brussels Airport Terminal Company are each implementing client/server infrastructures for building enterprise-wide applications that span their global operations.

However, not all corporate IS organizations have been aggressive in moving core business applications to the client/server architecture. Information systems professionals are now demanding even greater functionality from client/server software for building large distributed systems that handle hundreds of gigabytes of data, support thousands of users, and are available all the time. In addition, many corporate MIS managers are asking for greater levels of security and control provided by the new generation of products client/server products must now also provide the assurances of the traditional mainframe environments.

New Functionality Requirements

Stewart Schuster, Sybase vice president of marketing, commented, "We have worked closely with our leading edge customers in understanding the functionality they require to run 'bet your business' applications across their companies." Based on customer input, Sybase recognizes the following new requirements for Enterprise Client/Server computing:

Proven Advanced Technology: Customers building enterprise-wide applications are betting their business on their information infrastructure. They must be confident that the products and vendors they select are trustworthy, reliable, and have proven themselves in the market.

Scalable High Performance: Customers today require scalable solutions that match their current needs and will also scale to grow with the business.

Interoperability between Applications: Companies building enterprise-wide systems must integrate a variety of business functions. Consequently, Enterprise Client/Server applications must integrate the various databases used to support those business functions.

Reliable Distributed Systems: As companies deploy business-critical, distributed applications, they must minimize the cost of downtime. Products must deliver data and transactions when needed, wherever needed, despite system and network failures.

Operational Control: Finally, IS managers must be able to manage their computer resources effectively. They require the operational control of the mainframe, applied to a new class of distributed applications in other words, central control to manage decentralized systems.

SYBASE System 10

SYBASE System 10 consists of a modular family of integrated products: SYBASE SQL Server 10, SYBASE Navigation Server, SYBASE OmniSQL Gateway, SYBASE Replication Server, and SYBASE Control Servers. These products extend SYBASE's architecture to address the five critical areas of Enterprise Client/Server computing, as follows:

Technology Requirement                    SYBASE System 10

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

Proven Advanced Technology                SQL Server 10

Scalable High Performance                 Navigation Server

Interoperability Between Applications     OmniSQL Gateway

Reliable Distributed Systems              Replication Server

Operational Control                       Control Servers

Sybase, Inc

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

SYBASE, 6475 Christie Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608

510-596-3500,  fax: 510-658-9441


SYBASE Product Directions Through 1993
SYBASE ANNOUNCES PRODUCT DIRECTIONS THROUGH 1993

New Server Products Are Designed For the Next Phase of Client/Server Computing, as Outlined in Sybase's Enterprise Client/Server Roadmap

EMERYVILLE, CA, November 10, 1992 -- Sybase, Inc. today unveiled its Enterprise Client/Server Roadmap, outlining its vision of the next phase of client/server computing. A key piece of the Roadmap is SYBASEX System 10, the company's next generation of server products for building and deploying global, enterprise-wide business applications. SYBASE System 10, an integrated family of server software products, will be delivered to the market in 1993.

SYBASE System 10 provides functionality that extends the SYBASE architecture to address Enterprise Client/Server computing. According to Sybase, Enterprise Client/Server is the next phase of client/server computing. It represents the integration of departmental and corporate Information Systems (IS), enabling a new class of applications that span the enterprise and leverage existing central and "line of business" systems.

Mark Hoffman, Sybase president and CEO, commented, "Many of our large customers have started the transition to enterprise-wide client/server computing. These corporations are working closely with us as they develop their transition plans and begin to execute. Our next generation products are designed to meet the needs of those customers. By unveiling SYBASE System 10 now, we are providing product direction that will help people plan to build and deploy client/server applications on a global scale not possible before."

Sybase worked with design partners from both vendor and customer communities to develop SYBASE System 10. As a result, it provides a new class of capabilities, tested against real world requirements, to manage the transition to a new architecture for enterprise-wide computing.

SYBASE System 10

SYBASE System 10 consists of a modular family of integrated products: SYBASE SQL Server 10, SYBASE Navigation Server, SYBASE OmniSQL Gateway, SYBASE Replication Server, and SYBASE Control Servers. These products are designed to address the five critical areas of Enterprise Client/Server computing: proven advanced technology, scalable high performance, interoperability between applications, reliable distributed systems, and operational control.

Stewart Schuster, Sybase vice president of marketing, commented, "We've worked closely with our customers to prioritize the real world requirements our products need to address. SYBASE System 10 takes into account real world circumstances -- it assumes that there will be a variety of incompatible applications and databases, that networked computers may fail, and that systems need to adapt to changing business requirements. Customers who have seen the products are telling us that we are the first vendor to provide the functionality required for a new generation of client/server applications to meet their mainstream operational needs."

SYBASE SOL Server 10

The SYBASE SQL Server product, available since 1987, is Sybase's high performance relational database server and was designed specifically for client/server computing. SQL Server software is deployed in large, mission critical client/server applications at over 5,600 directly-supported customer sites worldwide.

SQL Server 10 will feature new capabilities such as 100% compatibility with ANSI Standard SQL89, including declarative referential integrity and cursor support; new control features such as charge-back accounting; increased security features; and very large database support providing sub-second response time for single row activities, improved consistency checking, and high speed back-up, loading and recovery capabilities. SQL Server 10 passed the NIST (National Institute for Standards Testing) test for ANSI SQL89 in October, 1992.

David Truch, past president of the Sybase International User Group and senior technical specialist at BP Exploration, commented, "The new release of SYBASE SQL Server provides important new capabilities to its customer base. Sybase has done a good job of listening to our needs, working with its customers, and enhancing its products to help us solve real world problems."

SYBASE Navigation Server Product

The SYBASE Navigation Server product allows customers to manage business growth by providing a platform for scaling standard computer systems to match company growth. Customers can make a low cost initial investment in client/server computing on standard computers. As applications grow, customers can then rely on Navigation Server capabilities to scale the system to support terabytes of data, thousands of transactions per second, and thousands of users.

Navigation Server is a software product that transparently extends SQL Server capabilities to take full advantage of massively parallel open systems hardware environments, such as the NCR Model 3600. The product was developed in partnership with NCR Corporation.

Tom Mays, senior vice president of NCR's General Purpose Products Group, commented, "NCR's joint development with Sybase offers an open systems computing environment for applications requiring large databases, including OLTP and parallelized SQL for decision support."

Navigation Server software works with SYBASE SQL Server systems to provide: excellent price/performance on massively parallel systems; parallel query and transaction processing; parallel backup and recovery; and, integrated design, administration and configuration management tools.

Sybase will make Navigation Server available on other UNIX and open systems platforms.

SYBASE OmniSQL Gateway Product

Companies building enterprise-wide systems must integrate a variety of business functions. Consequently, Enterprise Client/Server applications must simultaneously integrate the various DBMSs and applications used to support those business functions. OmniSQL Gateway is a turnkey product that provides the transparent interoperability capabilities required to achieve this integration.

United Leeds Teaching Hospital in the United Kingdom, is an early user of the OmniSQL Gateway software. Ian Frost, Leeds' Director of Information Services, commented, "We've set a goal to implement a client/server, distributed information system throughout our hospital. Sybase's OmniSQL Gateway helped achieve this goal by presenting a single logical database, irrespective of the data source, that users -- including developers, clinicians and administrators -- can transparently access by the tools of our choice."

The OmniSQL Gateway product is the first connectivity server to provide a single procedural language interface between a variety of different databases, including SYBASE, DB2, RMS and Oracle. OmniSQL Gateway allows SYBASE stored procedures to be used with non-SYBASE data. In addition, the product provides transparent read/write access and transparent distributed joins which allows ad hoc queries to be executed using OmniSQL Gateway with no knowledge of data location or type of database.

The OmniSQL Gateway release, like Sybase's other gateway products, is based on SYBASE Open Server, a server application toolkit that integrates heterogeneous data sources and services into a cohesive client/server environment.

SYBASE Replication Server Product

The SYBASE Replication Server software is the first software product to provide for the reliable delivery of data and transactions in a distributed RDBMS environment, even if one or more sites go down. As companies build business-critical, distributed applications, they need the assurance that if one site goes down, other sites can continue to operate effectively.

Replication Server software provides the tools to enable the sharing and administration of data reliably across distributed client/server sites. It is designed to work with heterogeneous data sources including SYBASE, DB2 and Oracle. Replication Server software is installed at primary and remote sites. It then automatically replicates transactions and data to remote sites and automatically updates sites after system or network outages so that the data becomes consistent.

Sybase developed the Replication Server product with several key customers as design partners, including Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Strategic Air Command and the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae).

Jack Bayse, technical director of Intelligence Support for the U.S. Strategic Air Command, commented, "Our mission-critical applications, used in support of the U.S. Strategic Command's Intelligence Mission, are being designed to operate in a secure open client/server environment. Users need to be able to instantaneously access data that may originate anywhere in the world. And we need to be able to administer and control that data distribution. The Replication Server's high reliability means that our users can be confident they get the information they need, when they need it. And it means that we have a cost-effective, reliable way to administer our distributed applications."

SYBASE Control Servers

The SYBASE Control Server family of software products is designed to provide operational control in a distributed environment. According to customers, control and administration are two of the most important capabilities required in running mission critical applications in a distributed, client/server environment.

Sybase has responded to this through a family of products that provides for systems administration, performance monitoring, configuration and capacity design, and backup and recovery capabilities. SYBASE Control Server products are the first and only products automating control functions in a RDBMS client/server environment.

The SYBASE SA Companion software, which has been available since May 1990, provides systems and database administration functionality.

The SYBASE SQL Monitor software provides for remote monitoring and tuning the performance of client/server applications. SQL Monitor provides real-time graphic displays about transaction activity, CPU and device utilization, and network traffic.

The SYBASE Configurator product provides capacity planning and design modeling for database environments. The software analyzes usage statistics, capacity requirements, application design information, and throughput requirements, then recommends hardware configurations, selects database partitioning and estimates performance. These capabilities are particularly important for sites with massive amounts of data and high transaction and query volumes. The first release of Configurator is designed to work with the Navigation Server, and was developed in partnership with NCR Corporation. Subsequent releases will support other SYBASE SQL Server environments.

The SYBASE Backup Server software provides high performance, efficient backup, loading and recovery capabilities, especially for very large databases. It also provides for backups to remote devices for disaster recovery and multiple simultaneous unattended dumps for remote or after-hours continuous operations.

Availability and Pricing

SYBASE System 10 products are planned to go into beta testing during the first half of 1993, and are scheduled for production availability by the end of 1993. Products are currently being demonstrated at Sybase's development and customer visit center.

SYBASE products are built using a single line of source code to support multiple foreign languages, including French, German and Japanese. Therefore, the SYBASE System 10 products will be available simultaneously on a worldwide basis.

Current Sybase customers under maintenance contract will receive the SQL Server 10 release and Backup Server at no additional cost. Other pricing details will not be available until beta testing begins. Sybase, Inc.

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

SYBASE, 6475 Christie Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608

510-596-3500,  fax: 510-658-9441


SYBASE SQL Server Passes ANSI SQL89 Compliance
SYBASE SQL SERVER PASSES TESTS FOR ANSI SQL89 COMPLIANCE

EMERYVILLE, CA, November 10, 1992 -- Sybase, Inc. today announced that pre-release versions of SYBASE products have passed the International Standards Organization (ISO)/American National Standard Institute (ANSI) Standard SQL89 compliance tests. SYBASE SQL Server 10 and the SYBASE Embedded SQL precompilers were tested in accordance with the procedures defined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) PUB 127-1.

SYBASE SQL Server is a leading client/server-based relational database management system for on-line, enterprise-wide applications. SQL Server 10, including the Embedded SQL precompilers, will be in beta test during the first half of 1993 and will be available in production later in 1993 as a part of the SYBASE System 10 family of products.

Stewart Schuster, Sybase vice president of marketing, commented, "This announcement reaffirms our commitment to standards. As a member of the ANSI SQL committee, SQL Access Group, and other standards bodies, Sybase takes an active role in driving standards and developing products to comply with these standards. SQL Server 10 will provide customers with a fully ANSI-compliant database to support portability across a new generation of enterprise-wide client/server applications."

ANSI SQL89 Compliance

ANSI SQL89 is a standard set forth by ANSI that provides a common set of language commands for SQL (Structured Query Language) to ensure portability across heterogeneous relational database management systems. ANSI SQL89 includes such features as cursor support and Integrity Enhancement Features, also known as declarative referential integrity. The FIPS PUB 127-1 standard is the ANSI SQL89 standard plus a "FIPS flagger" feature that flags any SQL statement in an application program that is not ANSI SQL89 compliant. The FIPS standard is for the Federal government and is the only SQL standard tested by NIST.

SYBASE SQL Server 10

The SYBASE SQL Server database, available since 1987, was designed specifically for client/server computing. SQL Server software is deployed in large, mission-critical client/server applications at over 5,600 customer sites worldwide.

Features of the SYBASE SQL Server 10 product include: declarative referential integrity and cursor support; new control features such as charge-back accounting; increased security features; and very large database support providing sub-second response time for single row activities, improved consistency checking, back-up and loading capabilities, and international features for managing international language and data.

SQL Server 10 also features Embedded SQL precompilers, a standard interface for embedding ANSI-standard SQL statements in applications written in common programming languages, such as C and COBOL.

SYBASE System 10

The SYBASE SQL Server 10 product is a component of SYBASE System 10, a modular family of integrated products that includes: SYBASE Navigation Server, SYBASE OmniSQL Gateway', SYBASE Replication Server', and SYBASE Control Server. These products are designed to address the five critical areas of Enterprise Client/Server computing: proven advanced technology, scalable high performance, interoperability between applications, reliable distributed systems, and operational control. Sybase, Inc

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

SYBASE, 6475 Christie Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608

510-596-3500,  fax: 510-658-9441


SYBASE Expands Support for OS/2 2.0
SYBASE ANNOUNCES EXPANDED SUPPORT FOR OS/2 2.0

EMERYVILLE, CA, November 6, 1992 -- Sybase, Inc., a leading vendor of client/server-based relational database management systems (RDBMS) for on-line, enterprise-wide applications, today announced that it is expanding its support for the IBM OS/2 operating system, OS/2 2.0, with SYBASE Net-Gateway and SYBASE Open Server. These products will enhance Sybase's OS/2 product offering which already includes the popular Microsoft SQL Server -- the SYBASE SQL Server for OS/2.

"We congratulate IBM on its shipment of over one million copies of OS/2 2.0," said Stewart Schuster, vice president of marketing at Sybase, "Our Net-Gateway and Open Server products deliver the seamless network independence that facilitates transparent communication of OS/2 2.0 clients and servers with the full range of enterprise-wide computing environments, including mainframes."

The SYBASE Net-Gateway for OS/2

SYBASE Net-Gateway for OS/2 is a specialized server that maps and routes client application calls to CICS transactions. It supports multiple, simultaneous connections from LANs to the IBM mainframe, allowing full integration of LANs with the mainframe. Supported networks include: SPX/IPX, LAN Manager and TCP/IP. Net-Gateway for OS/2 also provides strong operational, administration, and security tools, and interfaces to MVS mainframe security packages. This enables the controlled management of distributed resources critical to large scale integration with mainframe applications.

The SYBASE Open Server for OS/2

SYBASE Open Server for OS/2 is a multi-threaded, 32-bit server application toolkit that integrates heterogeneous data sources and services into a cohesive client/server environment. The Open Server for OS/2 toolkit supports multiple PC LAN networks, provides UNIX-class performance and throughput, and simplifies application development.

The Open Server for OS/2 product enhances and simplifies SYBASE's data integration capabilities, enabling a new class of applications that can combine such diverse data sources as non-relational databases, real-time data feeds, and application services. Server initiated event notification automatically informs registered clients about real-time events, such as changes in stock prices.

SYBASE SQL Server

SYBASE SQL Server is based on an advanced multi-threaded, database operating system architecture. SYBASE SQL Server is the only RDBMS with enterprise-capacity performance, server-enforced integrity, high application availability, and on-line distributed DBMS capabilities. It is designed to deliver scalable high performance on the most cost-effective hardware, maintaining high transaction and query throughput while supporting large numbers of users.

Sybase, Inc

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

SYBASE, 6475 Christie Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608

510-596-3500,  fax: 510-658-9441


SNMP Support for AppleTalk and TCP/IP Networks
Apple Announces Details of SNMP Support for AppleTalk and TCP/IP Networks

SAN FRANCISCO, California--October 28, 1992--At Interop Fall '92, Apple Computer, Inc. today announced pricing, packaging and availability for new AppleTalk and TCP/IP network software products that incorporate the standard Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). The two new products will enable system administrators to manage Macintosh personal computers on their global networks using existing SNMP management consoles.

AppleTalk Connection for Macintosh and TCP/IP Connection for Macintosh bring SNMP manageability to any Macintosh computer running Apple's System 7 operating system. Both products provide a new System 7 service called the SNMP Manager, which is designed to support SNMP agents from Apple and Apple developers, including products such as WatchTower from InterCon Systems Corp. and LANsurveyor from Neon Software Inc.

"Apple recognizes the need to integrate industry standards such as SNMP into AppleTalk and System 7," said Morris Taradalsky, vice president and general manager of Apple's Enterprise Systems Division. "This is just one example of Apple's drive to develop the robust networking products required by today's large organizations."

The SNMP agents provided with AppleTalk connection and TCP/IP connection include the Network Agent, which collects data on the network data links; the AppleTalk Agent and TCP/IP Agent, which collect data about their respective transport protocols; and the Macintosh Agent, which collects data about the Macintosh computer hardware and software configuration. These agents allow system administrators, using a variety of different platforms, to track Macintosh computers over a network and to easily identify and diagnose network-related problems. All management information provided by these agents is available to Third Party SNMP consoles over both TCP/IP and AppleTalk protocols.

SNMP is an industry-standard protocol for network management defined by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). Together, the IETF and Apple have defined two standard MIBs (Management Information Bases) for AppleTalk which ensure that Macintosh computers will fit into existing SNMP management systems.

AppleTalk Connection for Macintosh

The AppleTalk Connection for Macintosh is a complete networking product that includes data link drivers for LocalTalk, Ethernet, and Token Ring, the AppleTalk transport protocols, NBP built-in naming service, and SNMP network manageability. It provides a foundation for network printing and file sharing, as well as for collaborative and client-server applications such as electronic mail and database service. The AppleTalk connection product provides a convenient way for Macintosh customers to add SNMP manageability while updating the AppleTalk software that comes bundled with their systems.

AppleTalk is the network system built into every Macintosh computer. It operates over LocalTalk, Ethernet, Token-Ring and many other network datalinks. AppleTalk ensures resources are viewed in a consistent manner, independent of the computing platform on which the resources reside. AppleTalk services from Apple and Third Parties, including file, print, mail and calendar services, are known for their ease of installation and use.

According to International Data Corp., AppleTalk is one of the most widely used network protocols worldwide with over 3.8 million nodes installed in 1991 and a 40 percent compound annual growth rate since 1989. This projects to about 5 million AppleTalk nodes installed worldwide by the end of 1992.

TCP/lP Connection for Macintosh

TCP/IP Connection for Macintosh provides the software necessary to connect a Macintosh personal computer to a TCP/IP network, and to manage the Macintosh computer from a console using the SNMP. The product includes the MacTCP Transport protocol; SNMP management agents for the data link, TCP/IP protocol, and Macintosh computer hardware and software; data-link drivers; a DNR hosts file interface; and a ping test application (MPing).

TCP/IP connection provides the standard interface for all Macintosh-based TCP/IP network applications such as FTP, Telnet, NFS, and others. It allows either the users to set their own IP address, or the administrator to provide preset addresses to TCP/IP users. Driver software is included for Apple's LocalTalk, Ethernet, and Token Ring data links. TCP/IP connection is the source for the latest version of the TCP/IP network protocol for the Macintosh computer. It is available in a single-user package as well as in multi-user license extension products, which offer economical option for large organizations.

Apple also offers an administrator's kit for both AppleTalk connection and TCP/IP connection which provides comprehensive documentation and utilities for centralized configuration of the SNMP and TCP/IP software modules.

Pricing and Availability

AppleTalk Connection for Macintosh will be available in three versions for desktop users; the single-user package will be available for US$39, the 20 user package for US$200, and the 200 user package for US$1,400. The AppleTalk Connection for Macintosh Administrator's Kit will be available for US$129.

TCP/IP Connection for Macintosh will be available in three versions for users. The single-user package will be available for US$59, the 20-user package for US$500, and the 200-user package for US$3,000. The TCP/IP Connection for Macintosh Administrator's Kit will be available for US$199. All of the prices listed represent the manufacturer's suggested retail price.

All of these products will be available in Spring 1993 from Apple authorized resellers in the United States or by calling Apple Direct at 1-800-795-1000.

Apple Computer Inc, 20525 Mariana Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014

408-996-1010


New Multimedia Developer Program Announced
Apple Computer Announces New Program for Multimedia Developers at the '92 Macromedia Conference

SAN FRANCISCO, California--October 30, 1992--Apple Computer, Inc. today introduced a new assistance program designed to spur the development of multimedia products such as interactive books, music and animated content. This new program, called the Apple Multimedia Program, will strengthen Apple's partners' abilities to prosper in the growing areas of multimedia creation and playback, and provide Macintosh computer users with a broader and richer range of computer-based information.

Today, a growing number of multimedia developers, publishers, and producers are taking advantage of multimedia technologies that are built into all Macintosh personal computers. Technologies such as QuickTime (Apple's architecture to handle dynamic data types such as sound, video, and animation), newly enhanced CD-ROM software and CD-ROM-equipped Macintosh computers have enabled developers to create new and different multimedia products.

The newly created multimedia program will provide multimedia developers with supportive tools and information to enable them to increase their production of multimedia titles and products on Apple platforms.

"We expect multimedia tools developers, titles publishers, as well as, custom developers to respond positively to this new program," said Steve Franzese, manager, Worldwide Multimedia Marketing Group. "The new Apple Multimedia Program will help create a specialized program which invests in our partners and reaffirms Apple as a leader in multimedia."

"The Apple Multimedia Program represents an expansion of Apple's overall commitment to its developers. The new program complements our existing support offerings " said Kirk Loevner, vice president, Apple Developer Group.

"Apple's new Multimedia Program will provide developers and publishers some of the critical resources for building profitable new media businesses," said John C. (Bud) Colligan, President & COO, Macromedia. "We are pleased Apple has chosen the Macromedia Users Conference to reach this important group."

Apple Multimedia Program Components:

* Market research reports on the multimedia market

* Multimedia Design, Human Interface, and Production Video Series

* Multimedia Products Directory and Multimedia Services Directory

* Multimedia training

* Multimedia guidebooks

* Multimedia AppleLink area with marketing and technical

  information visible only to members of the program

* QuickTime Forum newsletter

* Annual International QuickTime and Multimedia Conference

* Third-party discount program

Pricing and Availability

The new program is available immediately in the U.S. and Canada, and will become available worldwide in mid-1993. Annual program fees are $550 for those who enroll before January 31, 1993, and $750 for those joining after January 31, 1993. Apple Associates and Partners are eligible for a $100 discount on membership fees ($450 before January 31; $650 after January 31).

For more information about joining the Apple Multimedia Program, call (408) 9744897, or send an AppleLink to DEVSUPPORT or an Internet message to DEVSUPPORT@APPLELINK.APPLE.COM.

Apple Computer Inc, 20525 Mariana Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014

408-996-1010


Virtual Reality, Through the New Looking Glass
Virtual Reality

Through the New Looking Glass

by KEN PIMENTEL and KEVIN TEIXEIRA

Foreword by GORDON E. MOORE, Chairman, Intel Corporation

An illuminating inside look at the past, present, and future of computer-generated artificial worlds -- an introduction for general readers Includes extensive coverage of affordable VR applications for PCs

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--A decade ago, the mesmerizing images in Hollywood blockbuster films like "The Lawnmower Man," "Terminator II," and "The Abyss" were mere daydreams in the minds of a handful of dedicated computer wizards. No longer just a figment of hyperactive imaginations, the ability to experience first-hand the sights, sounds, and textures of worlds generated entirely by computer will soon be possible for almost all PC users. Virtual Reality: Through the New Looking Glass is the first truly accessible, easy-to-read introduction to this exciting new universe known as "cyberspace."

Intel insider Kevin Teixeira and Ken Pimentel, product manager for Sense8, a leading VR developer, provide an informative, yet refreshingly friendly, overview of virtual reality. The coverage reaches across the full spectrum of issues surrounding VR:

* What VR is and how it works

* How VR has evolved from early flight simulators

* Today's widely diverse research efforts

* How personal VR systems are constructed

* How 3-D goggles, data gloves, and sound recognition devices

  operate

* The cultural and ethical questions posed by VR

* The potential impact of VR technology on education, business,

  medicine, architecture, science, and entertainment

* The use of Intel microprocessor-based PCs in the virtual

  reality arena

* What the future holds for personal computer VR technology

Virtual reality is a monumental scientific breakthrough, with as yet inconceivable implications in the daily lives of individuals. Meticulously researched, superbly illustrated, and filled with the insights and observations of such VR trailblazers as Brenda Laurel, Eric Gillichsen, and Mark Bolas, this ground breaking work will prove captivating reading for anyone who is interested in 21st-century computer technology.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill * Intel

Virtual Reality: Through the New Looking Glass

Order No. 4196 * Available: January 1993

Paper $22.95 ISBN 0-8306-4064-9. Hard $32.95 ISBN 0-8306-4065-7

352 pp., 40 illus., 7" x 10", with 8 pp. of color photos

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

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


Computers & Printers J.D. Powers Top Rated
Apple Computers and LaserWriter Printers rank highest in J.D. Power and Associates Business User Satisfaction Studies

Apple tops PC satisfaction index second straight year

CAMPBELL, California--October 29, 1992--Apple personal computers and the Apple LaserWriter printers received the highest marks in overall customer satisfaction by business users, according to two new J.D. Power and Associates surveys. The PC and laser printer surveys, both released this month, reveal that Apple Computer, Inc. leads both satisfaction indices with ratings of 124 and 126, respectively, compared with an industry average of 100 in each survey.

The PC study surveyed 2,255 personal computer users at 1,145 business sites across the U.S. Users were asked to grade their personal computer on five essential factors: ease of use, computer storage capacity, speed of operation, quietness and repair service.

The laser printer study surveyed 810 business users across the U.S. Users graded their laser printers on five essential factors: ease of use, output quality, performance, reliability and ease of operation.

"As users become more experienced, they have greater expectations from their PC's and printers," said Bob Puette, president, Apple USA. "It's Apple's goal to provide our customers with Macintosh computers and printers that are affordable, easy to use and easy to connect to other computing systems. These awards exemplify that commitment."

In the PC study, users attributed 45% of their overall satisfaction to the ease of use of a personal computer. Seven areas make up the ease of use category including ease of: set up, connecting peripherals, learning how to use, learning without documentation, understanding information and finding information.

Apple Computer, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets the Apple and Macintosh families of personal computer systems for use in business, education, science, engineering and government. A recognized pioneer and innovator in the personal computer industry, Apple does business in more than 120 countries. In the U.S., Apple is recognized as the leading vendor in personal computer units shipped during 1992 by a number of leading research firms. Apple has redefined computing to mean empowerment of the individual. It seeks through technology to provide people with easy and affordable access to information and computing power. Apple Computer was ranked number 81 among the Fortune 500 companies in 1991.

J.D. Power and Associates is an international marketing information firm with headquarters in Agoura Hills, CA and offices in Detroit, MI; Westport, CT; Torrance, CA and Tokyo. The firm is best known for its marketing information and consulting in the areas of consumer opinion and customer satisfaction.

Apple Computer Inc, 20525 Mariana Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014

408-996-1010


Rx PC - The Anti-Virus Handbook
New Guide Helps PC Users Battle Computer Viruses

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--PC users who are looking for an objective guide to the anti-virus programs will find it in Rx PC: The Anti-Virus Handbook. This book provides readers with a complete anti-virus toolkit that can help them detect and eliminate viruses using proven techniques and several popular software products.

Written by Computer Monthly columnist Janet Endrijonas, Rx PC: The AntiVirus Handbook begins with the basics: what viruses are, where they come from, and how they can harm computer data. Readers then learn how to protect their computers using regular system monitoring, maintenance, access control, and file backup techniques.

Essential reading for its prevention advice alone, Rx PC: The Anti-Virus Handbook also tells PC users how to install and use many of the most effective antivirus programs available, including Norton AntiVirus 2.0, Microcom Virex 2.0, PC-cillin 3.0, Virus Central, ViruCide Plus, ViruSafe 4.5, and Dr. Solomon's Anti-Virus Toolkit.

In addition, Rx PC: The Anti-Virus Handbook comes with a 3.5" disk containing the latest versions of such virus protection programs as ViruScan, Virus Central, Validate, Integrity Master, and Clean-Up. With a foreword by John McAfee, one of the industry's leading experts on virus protection, this is the book no PC user who values their data should be without.

About the Author

The former managing editor of NewsBytes News Network, Janet Endrijonas is a freelance computer journalist and regular columnist for Computer Monthly and Computer Currents magazines.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill

Rx PC: The Anti-Virus Handbook

Order No. 4262 Available: November 1992

Paper $29.95 ISBN 0-8306-4201-3 Hard $39.95 ISBN 0-8306-4202-1

208 pp., 100 illus., 7" x 10"

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

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


Apple Adds Single Domain X.400 Product
Apple Adds Single Domain X.400 Product to OSI Product Line

CUPERTINO, California--October 28, 1992--Apple Computer, Inc. today announced MacX.400 SD (Single Domain), an affordable X.400 server for communication among proprietary electronic mail systems that adds to its Open Systems Interconnect (OSI) product line unveiled earlier this year. The new offering turns the Macintosh personal computer into an X.400 server that brings a standards-based, easy-to-use and versatile e-mail system to small and medium-sized businesses.

At Interop Spring '92, Apple announced three new OSI products: The first ever X.400 server for the Macintosh computer (MacX.400); a software translator that implements the Open Document Architecture (MacODA); and a transport platform for OSI environments (OSI Connection for Macintosh--formerly called MacOSI Transport). Apple has also been shipping MacX25, Apple's implementation of the X.25 standard for connecting Macintosh computers to packet-switched networks, since June 1990.

MacX.400 SD is optimized for smaller businesses, bureau offices or workgroups that need to communicate with only one X.400 server. Otherwise, MacX.400 SD offers all of the communication capabilities of the MacX.400 product.

The MacX.400 products enable Macintosh users to send electronic mail (e-mail) to recipients on other platforms connected to X.400 networks. Used together with an e-mail gateway, either server can distribute X.400 services to mail users over an AppleTalk network or other networks. That type of configuration allows the exchange of e-mail among recipients within a country or worldwide. MacX.400 SD can also be used inside large companies to connect Macintosh workgroups to other platforms through the corporate X.400 backbone.

Both the single-domain and multiple-domain products support the 1984 X.400 standard, including the P1 and P2 messaging protocols. They each come with a full OSI stack, which allows users to connect to local and wide area networks. MacX.400 and MacX.400 SD support the ISO Transport Class 4 protocol stack for communication over IEEE 802.3 Ethernet and both enable the exchange of e-mail with remote sites over X.25 networks (when used in conjunction with Apple's MacX25).

MacX.400 SD, like MacX.400, is open to developers. The MacX.400 API is easy-to-use software that allows programmers to implement X.400 gateways for existing e-mail systems and create X.400 user agents for the Macintosh computer. MacX.400 API is the same for MacX.400 and MacX.400 SD servers.

Gateways between MacX.400 and popular e-mail systems are available from Third Party developers, including InterCon Systems Corporation and StarNine Technologies, Inc.

"Since we introduced Dispatcher/X.400 for QuickMail to run with Retix OpenServer last spring, we have received an enthusiastic response from QuickMail users," said Kurt Baumann, president of InterCon Systems Corp. "QuickMail is the most popular e-mail package among Macintosh users, and with the introduction of MacX.400 SD, it will be even easier for smaller, single-domain e-mail sites to add enterprise-mail support with our newest e-mail product, Dispatcher/MacX.400 for QuickMail."

"StarNine is proud to add MacX.400 connectivity to both QuickMail and Microsoft Mail for AppleTalk Networks," said Phil Chang, director of marketing for StarNine Technologies. "Not only are these gateways natural extensions to our family of Macintosh computer-based e-mail products, but together with Apple's X.400 MTA they usher in an era of communication with a broad international and institutional community. Over the past four years, StarNine has witnessed and facilitated the increasing reach of e-mail from the friendly Macintosh computer desktop--and familiar mail interfaces--to the world at large."

Price and Availability

The MacX.400 SD server will be available this month for a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of US$3,000 in the United States. The MacX.400 server will also be available this month in the United States for a MSRP of US$5,000. Apple's products are sold in the United States through Apple authorized resellers and through Apple Direct at 1-800-795-1000.

The MacX.400 Developer's kit, which includes the MacX.400 SD server and the MacX.400 API, will be available from APDA, Apple's source for developer tools, next month for a MSRP of US$3,200.

For information, call APDA at 1-800-282-2732 (US), 1-800-637-0029 (Canada) or (716) 871-6555 (International).

Apple Computer Inc, 20525 Mariana Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014

408-996-1010


Windows 3.1 Demystified - Tips, Tricks & Tech
New Guide Takes the Mystery Out of Windows

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--Packed with practical solutions to the types of problems that confront Windows users on a daily basis, Windows 3.1 Demystified: Tips, Tricks, & Techniques shows how to quickly master the many dynamic features of the operating system.

James Forney explains how to maximize Windows commands in the order that they're actually encountered, rather than in a menu-structure sequence that requires readers to continually jump from one section of the book to another. In addition to clear explanations that describe how to solve the real-world problems that every user faces, this book tells users how to upgrade their systems without buying expensive new hardware.

Hundreds of clear screen illustrations demonstrate how to install and run Windows applications, multitask programs without affecting system performance. and take full advantage of system resources. Readers will also learn how to manage their hard disks under Windows, integrate Windows with other operating systems, and manage memory under Windows. Written for the user who demands the best that Windows has to offer, Windows 3.1 Demystified: Tips, Tricks, & Techniques takes the mystery out of this remarkable operating system.

About the Author:

James Forney is a contributing editor to Computer Buyer's Guide and is the author of Windcrest's DOS Beyond 640K--2nd Edition and DOS 5 Demystified.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill

Windows 3.1 Demystified: Tips, Tricks, & Techniques

Order No. 4180 * Available: November 1992

Paper $24.95 ISBN 0-8306-4036-3 * 376 pp., 300 illus., 7" x 10"

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

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


DOS Subroutines for C and Assembler
C and Assembly Language Programmers Save Time with New Subroutine Library

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--With DOS Subroutines for C and Assembler at their side, programmers will no longer have to reinvent the wheel every time they write a C or assembly language program. A great time-saver, DOS Subroutines for C and Assembler frees programmers from having to create entire programs from scratch.

Packed with more than 100 of the most commonly used subroutines--all of which are included on an accompanying 3.5" disk--this book can save programmers hours of searching through manuals looking for a routine that reads a string from the keyboard, displays a message on the screen, or sorts data. Readers gain instant access to subroutines that perform high-precision math, convert code, manage disks and files, manipulate strings and lists, read user commands and responses, and do countless other tasks. Best of all, the subroutines have been written so that they can be called by either assembly language or C/C++ with no changes required.

While not an all-you-need-to-know book about C and assembly language programming, DOS Subroutines for C and Assembler will serve as a mini-tutorial for beginning programmers who can use the pre-tested subroutines to learn the correct way to write programs. In the process, readers get real-world interaction with today's most important programming tools: Microsoft's Macro Assembler, Borland's Turbo Assembler and C++, EDLIN line editor, DEBUG and SYMDEB debuggers, LINK and TLINK, the DOS EXE2BIN utility, and instruction sets for 8086, 8088, 80286, and 80386 processors.

About the Authors:

A freelance writer and software consultant currently working for IBM, Leo J. Scanlon is the author of more than 30 computer books, including Windcrest's The WordPerfect Book and BYLINE: An Introduction.

Mark R. Parker is a mathematics and programming instructor at Shoreline Community College in Seattle. He is also a professional C programmer and consultant.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill

DOS Subroutines for C and Assembler

Order No. 4239 * Now Available

Paper $34.95 ISBN 0-8306-4160-2, hard $44.95 ISBN 0-8306-4159-9

360 pp., 125 illus., 7" x 10"

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

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


Converting Microsoft C to Microsoft C/C++ 7.0
Microsoft C Programmers Create Commercial-quality C++ Class Libraries with New Book/Disk Package

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--The latest addition to Windcrest's "The Len Dorfman Practical Programming Series," Converting Microsoft C to Microsoft C/C++ 7.0 shows real-world programmers how to convert code written in C to object-oriented C++ and take advantage of the language's many new features.

Filled with Len Dorfman's proven conversion techniques and ready-to-use, fully documented source code, this practical handbook is designed to help Microsoft C programmers make a smooth transition to Microsoft C++ and create commercial-quality, immediately usable class libraries. After introducing readers to object-oriented principles and demonstrating how they can enrich the C programming language, Dorfman presents a wealth of source code examples in C and an identical implementation of the code in C++. All of the code presented in Converting Microsoft C to Microsoft C/C++ 7.0 is included on a 3.5" disk.

Step-by-step instructions, source code and complete program examples are presented for such functions as writing to the screen; managing EMS memory, windows, and files; controlling screen attributes and cursors; creating boxes; viewing and printing files; and reading keyboard input. Programmers will also find details on many of C++ 7.0's new features, including High Performance Object Technology (HOT), the inline assembler, and more.

About the Author:

A professional C and assembly language programmer, Len Dorfman is co-principal of a successful software development firm. He is the author of Windcrest's Converting C to Turbo C++, Building C Libraries, and Optimizing Microsoft C Libraries.

About the Series:

The Len Dorfman Practical Programming Series is a growing collection of professional application development guides which allow programmers to take advantage of source code libraries in their work without the expense of buying retail packages. It is a set of practical, howto manuals providing ready-to-use code libraries, as well as complete programs, that C, Pascal, and assembly language programmers can use in building advanced applications for today's most popular software environments and systems. The books show software developers how to create and use their own programming tools, saving them thousands of dollars in commercial library costs and giving them the freedom to design and fine-tune applications exactly as they wish.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill

Converting Microsoft C to Microsoft C/C++ 7.0

Order No. 4341 * Available: December 1992

Paper $34.95 ISBN 0-8306-4320-6 * 288 pp., 100 illus., 7" x 10"

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

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


HyperConverter Hi-Res PC to TV Multimedia Board
Expert Graphics announces the HyperConverter

Hi-res PC to TV Multimedia Board

November 9, 1992 -- Atlanta -- Up until now, the cost of transferring hi-resolution (known as Super VGA) graphics to television or video has been extremely expensive. Now available is the HyperConverter, a converter board designed for converting hi-resolution computer graphics output to NTSC or PAL compatible video in real-time. The HyperConverter automatically accommodates any input resolution up to 1024x768, 76 Hz (non-interlaced) in Super VGA, VGA, 8514, and XGA. Also capable of handling 16 and 24 bit graphics, the HyperConverter faithfully and crisply reproduces any brightly colored computer image on any standard television set.

Being a stand-alone board that does not affect your computer or your computer display during the conversion process, the HyperConverter is the easiest way to transfer hi-resolution computer displays to video tape. NO software, software drivers, operating systems extensions, or terminate and stay resident routines are required, therefore any program in any environment (including DOS, Windows, OS/2, and UNIX) running in any operating system is compatible.

Operation is simple. By plugging the HyperConverter's keyed connector into the monitor and the system's output connector, the conversion process is ready to begin.

According to Darrell Knight, president of Expert Graphics, Inc. and distributor of the product, "Most similar systems support only VGA standard resolutions up to 640x480, however, the HyperConverter is the first product on the market that can accept the new Super VGA standards at a price that is affordable to those pioneering the new growth in multimedia technology."

The HyperConverter is the first solution of its kind that costs less than $5,000.00 and can be purchased from Expert Graphics Inc. starting at $1,195.00. The board comes standard as a Desktop box or an ISA board version and is available for NTSC, PAL or both TV standards.

Expert Graphics

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

404-320-0800, fax 404-315-7645


NEC UltraLite Autograph Pen Tablet Computer
NEC INTRODUCES THE ULTRALITE AUTOGRAPH

An i486SL Pen Tablet Computer for the Mobile Worker NEC

(Boxborough, Mass., November 9, 1992)--NEC Technologies, Inc. redefines the standard for pen computing platforms with its introduction of the feature-rich UltraLite Autograph pen tablet. In a small, lightweight form factor, the UltraLite Autograph pen tablet packs the equivalent power of a mainstream notebook computer and offers exceptional computing capability in environments where traditional notebooks cannot be used.

"The first generation of pen computers have been viewed almost exclusively as data collection devices because of their limited feature sets. This has seriously hindered overall market acceptance of pen computers until now," said Bob Levin, director of marketing, for NEC Technologies' Portable Systems Group. "We have designed the UltraLite Autograph pen tablet without compromising portability; packing in equivalent features of leading edge notebook computers that make the UltraLite Autograph pen tablet a true business productivity tool for mobile professionals."

Uncompromising Design

Designed to provide uncompromising performance for even the most demanding field-based applications, the 3.89 pound UltraLite Autograph pen tablet uses the new notebook processor of choice -- the i486SL introduced today by Intel Corporation. Offering twice the computing performance at half the power consumption of the equivalent 386SL systems, the 3.3 volt i486SL offers users the ultimate in value-based performance while running at 20MHz. The UltraLite Autograph pen tablet offers 4MB RAM (expandable to 12MB), a 40MB HDD, a 9.4" transflective display for clear viewing indoors or outdoors, a full complement of ports including an Enhanced Parallel Port and an external VGA CRT port capable of displaying simultaneous video. In addition, the UltraLite Autograph pen tablet provides two PCMCIA type II slots for easy user configuration of industry standard I/O peripherals such as fax modems, local area network cards, flash memory cards and wireless communication devices.

Dual Functionality

Running either Windows for Pen Computing by Microsoft Corporation or PenPoint by GO Corporation, the UltraLite Autograph pen tablet offers users versatility with its optional 83-key portable keyboard and Notebook Carrying Case. When used as a general purpose productivity tool, the UltraLite Autograph pen tablet can reside in its Notebook Carrying Case (which holds both the keyboard and the tablet in notebook style). By using its built-in hinge, the UltraLite Autograph Notebook Carrying Case is capable of supporting the display at a comfortable viewing angle, allowing for stationary input of general purpose applications such as word processing and communications, similar to the way today's more traditional notebook computers are used.

"We've spent the last couple of years listening to customers who have either implemented or who are actively considering a pen-based application," said Renee Bader, strategic marketing manager, responsible for NEC Technologies pen-based products. "Based on their input, NEC has designed the UltraLite Autograph pen tablet to meet not only very specific mobile pen computing needs, but we have also empowered the UltraLite Autograph pen tablet to be a true, general purpose business productivity tool."

Innovation

The Autograph sports an impressive list of technology innovations:

-Local Bus

Video NEC has implemented the first local bus video on a portable platform to date. Users should expect to experience anywhere from 50 to 100 percent improvement on video performance with this added feature.

-PCMCIA Type II Slots

With the most aggressive implementation of PCMCIA slots by a systems manufacturer to date, users may install peripherals offered by NEC or third party developers as easily as they load a floppy disk into their portable computers. This includes the addition and removal of peripherals while the system is on and booted in the Windows operating environment.

-HotZone Icons

Similar in concept to keyboard function keys, NEC has innovated programmable HotZone icons that allow quick, easy access to frequently used functions. By simply tapping the active HotZone icons with the pen, a user can access various pre-defined functions such as: access to the system setup menu, turn the backlight on and off, reverse the video, as well as several other common items. The programmable HotZone icons allow VARs, ISVs and corporate developers to integrate more commonly used functions into their software applications.

-Low Power Design

As one of the first implementations of 3.3 volt processor technology, NEC has integrated the 3.3 volt design technology throughout the UltraLite Autograph pen tablet, giving users significant improvements on battery life independent of usage. Combined with NEC's aggressive implementation of Advanced Power Management, the Autograph may last from 3 to 5 hours on the standard NiMH battery pack. If this is not sufficient, the user may opt to use the double capacity battery pack that adds approximately 1/2 pound and doubles the expected battery life up to 6 to 10 hours. The combined features with these technologies will help elevate the UltraLite Autograph pen tablet to the new standard for pen computing platforms.

UltraLite Autograph Pen Tablet Applications

The UltraLite Autograph pen tablet is ideal for mission-critical applications where there is an overwhelming need to automate mobile processes ranging from data collection to signature capture.

Industries that can immediately benefit from the versatility, mobility and connectivity of the UltraLite Autograph pen tablet include: Medical applications, ranging from patient chart automation to remote patient monitoring; Insurance applications where the UltraLite Autograph pen tablet can be used by adjusters for real-time, on-site repair cost estimation or agents conducting one-on-one situational analysis with prospective clients; Pharmaceutical applications, for logging a physician's signature prior to dropping off a drug sample; Consumer Packaged Goods applications, for collection of real-time inventory information at the store fronts, creation of memos and business letters.

All of these industries have an immediate need for pen capabilities. but yet also have a very real need for a business productivity tool. The UltraLite Autograph pen tablet offers both by allowing for collection of customer call reporting, managing contacts and personal information and communication back to the home office.

Configuration

Scheduled to ship in January, the UltraLite Autograph pen tablet with Windows for Pen Computing, a 40MB HDD, 4MB RAM and an external 31/2" floppy disk drive has a suggested retail price of $3,999. The UltraLite Autograph pen tablet with the same configuration (excluding WFPC), but with PenPoint 1.01, has a suggested retail price of $4,099. The Autograph is available through NEC's nationwide network of authorized dealers.

NEC Technologies

1414 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough, MA 01719-2298

508-264-8000


Diamond Computer Licenses Panacea's AutoCAD DLD
DIAMOND COMPUTER SYSTEMS LICENSES PANACEA'S DELUXE AUTOCAD DISPLAY LIST DRIVER FOR LINE OF ACCELERATED GRAPHICS PROCESSORS

LONDONDERRY, NH -- November 6, 1992 -- Panacea Inc. today announced an exclusive licensing agreement with Diamond Computer Systems, a leading manufacturer of graphics adapters and co-processors. Under the terms of the agreement, Diamond will include Panacea's TurboDLDDeluxe AutoCAD software accelerator, which has a retail value of $249, with its line of accelerated graphics products, including the recently announced SpeedStar 24x Hi Color graphics processor.

Panacea's TurboDLDDeluxe produces significant performance improvements in AutoCAD, as much as 25X over VGA when redrawing, panning or zooming, typically the most time consuming tasks. The product also includes "The Big Picture", a movable and sizable "bird's eye" view of the current AutoCAD drawing with the active editing area highlighted. Other features include real-time panning, pop-up menus, a ZoomPreview spyglass, a drawing viewer, and fully reconfigurable digitizer buttons. In addition to supporting AutoCAD Release 12 and earlier versions of AutoCAD, the TurboDLDDeluxe software enables users to render and display images in Autodesk AutoShade 2 with RenderMan and Autodesk 3D Studio.

Combining Diamond's speed enhancement technology with the 90C31 graphics processor chip from Western Digital, the SpeedStar 24x performs up to 25X faster than SuperVGA cards in Windows 3.X and other GUI environments. The Stealth supports all SuperVGA resolutions at standard 72 Hz refresh rates, plus extended resolutions up to 1280 x 1024, and is capable of displaying up to 16 million colors in Windows and other applications.

According to David Bates, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Diamond, "Due to its price/performance ratio, the SpeedStar 24x has become our mainstream controller for graphics intensive applications, including AutoCAD and Windows. Panacea's Display List Drivers for AutoCAD share these high performance, low cost characteristics. That's why they're so popular among AutoCAD users--it's also why we've provided Panacea products with our graphics cards for a number of years...and will continue to do so." (more)

Added Jake Richter, President of Panacea, "With its low price, the SpeedStar 24x is making it possible for every Windows and AutoCAD user to realize the benefits of accelerated graphics processing. Thanks to this latest agreement, SpeedStar 24x users will now be able to take advantage of a feature-laden AutoCAD driver."

The SpeedStar 24x retails for $249 and is available through a worldwide network of resellers and distributors, and OEMs.

Diamond Computer Systems designs, manufactures and markets high-performance graphics and multimedia products for the ISA bus markets. Corporate headquarters are located at 532 Mercury Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. Phone: 408-736-2000.

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. In addition to supporting leading SuperVGA adapters, Panacea markets products that work with the IBM 8514/A, TIGA, S3 and XGA graphics platforms. Corporate headquarters are located at 24 Orchard View Drive, Londonderry, NH 03053. Phone: 603-437-5022.


FactsLine for Windows Interactive Voice/Fax
Ibex Introduces the First Windows-Based Voice/Fax Solution

Fax-on-Demand, Fax Broadcasting, and Voice Processing Management Functions Simplified

(Placerville, Calif., Nov. 9, 1992) Ibex Technologies, Inc. today announced FactsLine for Windows, a full-featured, interactive voice/fax solution for customer service, literature fulfillment, forms distribution, and other automatic document retrieval applications. FactsLine for Windows is the first and only Windows-based product of its kind. Unlike other systems that require programming or configuring multiple text files to design voice/fax applications, FactsLine's fax-on-demand, fax broadcasting, and voice processing functions are now easier to configure and implement in the Windows environment.

Current Windows users will find that FactsLine for Windows offers easy point and click application configuration. FactsLine for Windows is similar in function to its DOS version; however, additional new features have been added that will not be available under DOS. A pop-up scripting feature allows users to compose and script the contents of voice announcements before they record them. A time-saving simulation feature allows the user to test an application using the screen and a mouse, instead of the telephone.

"FactsLine for Windows allows users to configure voice/fax applications right on their desktops," says Ney Grant, president of Ibex Technologies. "Now departments within organizations can easily manage and update their own documents in a secure, easy manner."

Additional FactsLine for Windows features include:

* Dated documents that automatically become inactive

* Online re-configuration and updating of applications,

  voice announcements, and fax documents so there is no

  need to shut down the system

* Full management reporting capabilities with a database-

  driven report generator to keep track of system use and

  documents selected

* A visual voice editor for easy recording and editing of

  announcements

* Document conversion tools for easy transfer of files to

  a fax format

FactsLine for Windows adds high volume fax broadcasting capabilities at no additional cost.

"The fax broadcasting capability adds tremendous value to FactsLine," says Curt Powell, vice president of development. "FactsLine is the only system that conserves resources (fax boards) to simultaneously handle fax broadcasting and fax-on-demand transactions at the same time without degradation. The system was designed for unlimited expansion."

FactsLine for Windows is also integrated with a voice processing system to help direct calls through a multi-level voice menuing system. This interactive voice response transfers callers to the appropriate mailboxes and permits them to leave messages after they have retrieved their requested documents.

FactsLine for Windows software is available now for $6,500, which includes fax-on-demand, fax broadcasting, and voice mail capabilities. Voice/fax boards are available and sold separately.

Ibex Technologies, headquartered in Placerville, Calif., is the leading provider of enhanced facsimile solutions. Other Ibex-enhanced fax products include: Interactive Forms (fax-on-demand via faxed-in forms and handwriting recognition), Fax Merge (a text and graphics overlay program), and the Precision Fax service of high resolution fax document creation. Ibex has automated fax document retrieval and processing for such companies as Microsoft, Merisel, Symantec, Seagate, Exxon, and the California Franchise Tax Board. Call 1-800-289-9998 to receive instant faxed information on Ibex products. For sales information, call 916-621-4342.

Ibex Technologies, 550 Main St, Placerville, CA 95667


New OCE Color Electrostatic Plotters
NEW OCE COLOR ELECTROSTATIC PLOTTERS BREAK IMAGE QUALITY AND SPEED BARRIERS

Offer Fastest Throughput and Doubles Accuracy

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA -- November 9, 1992 -- Oce Graphics announced today new D and E-size color electrostatic plotters offering full-color plots and images with the fastest writing speed and twice the accuracy currently available from competitive products (0.05% versus 0.1%).

The G3245 (E-size) and the G3244 (D-size) both offer state-of-the-art RISC processing, operating at up to 66 MIPS. This speeds the rasterization of data and boosts throughput. The patented Silicon Imaging Bar writing head and vacuum-lock paper transport system are the latest technological advancements for color electrostatic plotters. These features, along with faster writing speed and cut-sheet delivery, combine to provide the best image quality and fastest turn-around available.

With the G3245 full-color, typical E-size drawings are plotted in less than three minutes at 200 dpi and 400 dpi designs in just four minutes. Plotting time may vary depending on host system configuration and plot complexity

The G3245 Color Station then delivers a finished, cut-sheet. ready-to-take plot in seconds. Competitive multi-pass plotters use reel-to-reel media transport systems which delays plot availability--often up to eight hours--because most operators will not stop the plotter to 'dismount' individual plots until an entire roll of media is used.

The Silicon Imaging Bar, with individually addressed writing nibs, places charges more evenly across the length of the head. This delivers consistent saturated colors with virtually no streaks or flares. To also improve accuracy, the media is cut from a roll and vacuum-locked to the belt. This prevents the media from stretching or shifting, insuring accurate color registration from one color pass to the next.

Compatible with any PC or workstation, the G3200 series is designed to work in precision applications such as GIS, mapping and electronic circuit design. The G3200's fast throughput, dynamic emulation recognition and switching are attractive to high volume/networked environments. Popular CAD, GIS and graphics software interfaces including AutoCAD, 906/907, 58/68000, HPGL, Targa, and others are supported. Other third-party connections including PostScript allow the G3200's to output 400 dpi color posters. Physical interfaces include RS-232C, Centronics, and Ethernet TCP/IP.

Designed for today's engineering office. the G3200 series incorporates many productivity enhancing features into a comptact design that is smaller and lighter than other electrostatic machines. The built-in efficiency manager automatically nests several drawings of different formats--from A to E--on one sheet of media. For example, customers can plot 16 A, eight B, four C, two D or a combination of these sizes on a single E-size sheet of media.

Another time-saving feature is the automatic toner concentration system minimizing operator intervention and ensuring color consistency. Optical sensors constantly monitor toner color density automatically adding concentrates to the toners when the color density levels have reached a pre-set minimum.

Price and Availability

The G3244 is list priced at $36,990 and the G3245 is $48,990. Both units will be available in December 1992.

Background: Oce Graphics is a leading producer of computer hardcopy output peripherals, including raster plotters, pen plotters, and color printers. It is number one in sales of engineering plotters in Europe and number three worldwide. Founded as Benson in 1955, the firm is part of the Oce Group, a global manufacturer of engineering reprographic equipment, medium to very high volume copiers and office automation systems. Oce Graphics' North American operations are currently headquartered at 385 Ravendale Drive, Mountain View, CA 94043; telephone (800) 545-5445, FAX (415) 961-6152.


DISNEY EXPANDS CHILDREN'S SOFTWARE LINE-UP

RELEASES READING SOFTWARE, FOLLOW THE READER

October 30, 1992 -- BURBANK, CA -- Walt Disney Computer Software has entered into the elementary-school level of children's software with the release of Follow The Reader, a reading program for children aged 5-8. Now shipping for MS-DOS compatible computers, Follow The Reader was developed using a "no wrong answer" approach and is available at software outlets for the suggested retail price of $49.95.

"As a parent, I know that learning to read can be a big hurdle in a child's life. Follow The Reader helps make the learning fun for children, with the characters they love. It gives parents and teachers an excellent tool for pre-readers and emerging readers," said Gale Steiner, Disney Software marketing manager for children's software.

In this sequel to the best selling Mickey's ABC's, Follow The Reader takes children into an interactive story book filled with Mickey and his friends. With this talking software adventure (a supported sound device is required for speech), children develop and sharpen their reading skills as they create stories, print them out and even read along. Follow The Reader encourages young readers to develop necessary reading skills at their own pace, and in an entertaining learning environment.

Children build stories by controlling Mickey's actions and deciding what he will do from sunrise to night fall. Call friends on the phone, play at the beach, eat pizza for lunch, hundreds of combinations of stories can be created. Once completed, stories can be saved and printed. Children can then replay the story video-style and follow along with their printed copy.

Designed to encourage and support young, emerging readers, Follow The Reader has no wrong answers. Using either the keyboard or mouse, children will be challenged to try new and fun activities with Mickey, Donald, Minnie, Goofy and Pluto.

Now available for MS-DOS computers, Follow The Reader is shipping on either three high density (1.2MB) 5.25" disks or three high density (1.44MB) 3.5" disks. Suitable for children ages 5-8, this children's reading product supports a wide variety of preferred printers including Epson, IBM and Okidata. Follow The Reader supports popular sound devices including The Sound Source, Thunder Board and Sound Blaster.

Suggested retail price for Follow The Reader is $49.95. In addition, Disney Software also has Follow The Reader available in a combo pak with The Sound Source for $69.95.

Walt Disney Computer Software is an operating unit of Disney Consumer Products, the merchandising and specialty retail group of The Walt Disney Company. Disney Software releases products on the Disney Software and Buena Vista Software labels and is a developer, publisher and licensor of entertainment, creativity and children's software.

Walt Disney Computer Software

500 South Buena Vista St, Burbank, CA 91521-6740

818-567-5360;  fax: 818-846-0454


Chips & Tech Licenses Panacea's AutoCAD TurboDLD
CHIPS & TECHNOLOGIES LICENSES PANACEA'S AUTOCAD DISPLAY ACCELERATOR

LONDONDERRY, NH -- November 6, 1992 -- Panacea Inc. today announced a nonexclusive licensing agreement with CHIPS & Technologies of San Jose, California. Under the terms of the agreement, CHIPS will include a customized version of Panacea's software-based TurboDLD AutoCAD accelerator with its 82C481 True Color Graphics Accelerator, a single chip optimized high color engine marketed to graphics card and computer system OEMs. In addition, Panacea's TurboDLD will support C&T's 64200 Wingine, a high-performance, low cost graphics accelerator for Microsoft Windows.

Introduced in June, 1992, the 82C481 offers superior graphics performance for design, engineering, publishing and other graphics-intensive applications. The product supports 16, 24 and 32 bits per pixel modes, and supports resolutions up to 2048 x 2048. 82C481-based accelerator cards offer unprecedented performance for both system data bus and local bus designs, including performance gains up to 75% faster than competitive high-end graphics solutions. The 64200 Wingine Windows Accelerator is a VRAM bus which funnels data from VRAM to the PC's display. Performance is 400% to 800% faster than standard VGA cards running on an AT bus.

According to Jake Richter, Founder of Panacea, "The 82C481 and 64200 are already being used in a range of high performance graphics accelerator cards. The product set is uniquely suited to users in Windows, OS/2 and AutoCAD environments. Panacea's software accelerator combined with C&T's hardware solutions provide a versatile method of speeding up AutoCAD and enjoying True Color displays. We are pleased that CHIPS is giving us a vote of confidence in providing our product to their customers."

Panacea's TurboDLD, customized for CHIPS & Technologies, provides performance up to 25X faster than AutoCAD by itself in ZOOM, PAN and REDRAW operations. The product works 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.

CHIPS and Technologies, Inc. is the world's leading supplier of integrated silicon, software, and design services to the worldwide microcomputer industry. The company's products include CHIPSystem Architecture microprocessor-based solutions incorporating the SuperState System Management Architecture, VLSI CHIPSets, software accelerators, networking solutions, firmware, and design services. CHIPS common stock is traded over the counter and is listed on the NASDAQ National Market System under the symbol "CHPS."

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. In addition to supporting leading SuperVGA adapters, Panacea markets products that work with 8514/A, TIGA, S3 and XGA graphics platforms. Corporate headquarters are located at 24 Orchard View Drive, Londonderry, NH 03053. Phone: 603-437-5022.


ISICAD Ships CADVANCE 5.0 for Windows
ISICAD SHIPS CADVANCE FOR WINDOWS

Users, Touting Ease-of-Use and Features that Establish a New Standard of CAD, Prefer Software Package to AutoCAD

ANAHEIM, Calif., November 9, 1992 -- ISICAD, Inc., a leading developer of graphics-based information management solutions, today released CADVANCE 5.0, the latest version of its popular PC-CAD software package designed specifically to take advantage of the Windows environment.

CADVANCE's full implementation of the Microsoft Windows graphical user interface and data exchange capabilities, coupled with its ability to read and write AutoCAD native .DWG files, has created extensive demand for the software package. ISICAD has shipped out over 2,000 copies of the professional-level design and drafting package to resellers and end-users worldwide.

The demand for CADVANCE is a result of its robust enabling technology. CADVANCE's approach to Windows-based CAD establishes the product as an integrated part of the Windows environment and a tool that enables the linking of CAD with general applications such as word processing programs, databases, spreadsheets and graphics design packages in the creation of compound documents.

"With CADVANCE, ISICAD has demonstrated that CAD no longer belongs to just the highly-specialized architect or engineer. Non-traditional users are clamoring for a CAD package that can easily CAD-enable existing business applications or harmonize with a suite of Windows-based office productivity tools to maximize efficiency," said Yoav Etiel, ISICAD's manager of business development.

CADVANCE for Windows is a full-featured, professional-level CAD package completely redesigned for the Windows environment. It offers support for virtually all Windows features including Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) as both client and server as well as Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) and Windows Clipboard.

CADVANCE supports the Multiple Document Interface (MDI) protocol for display of multiple views of the same or different drawings. It also supports the display of raster images such as scanned blueprints, photos and bitmap images. CADVANCE utilizes BASIC as its macro programming language, and includes a full compiler, editor and debugger for third-party development.

CADVANCE 5.0 is available immediately to new users for $1,995, a price that is just over one-half of competing Windows-based CAD products. Users of AutoCAD and other competing CAD packages can trade-up to CADVANCE for $395. The upgrade is $295 for existing CADVANCE users.

User Reaction

CADVANCE 5.0 has been operating at beta sites worldwide throughout the summer. Users indicate they intend to utilize the software packages as a total solution for complete application integration in the Windows environment. Secondarily, they see applicability for the software package as an interface with AutoCAD so that they can easily share drawings in .DWG format without worrying about lost information during translation.

Barbara Lolli is a full-time professional designer and part-time instructor at Rancho Santiago College in Santa Ana, Calif. She received a grant from the school to study available CAD programs. Lolli reviewed more than 30 CAD packages to determine those that offered the best features for teaching students about computer-aided design. Lolli plans to order 20 copies of CADVANCE 5.0, citing its ease-of-use and ability to integrate the package with other windows-based software packages as reasons for choosing the software. With CADVANCE, Lolli is able to import logos from a drawing package and add calculations, schematics and the original bid from spreadsheet programs, as well as output drawings to rendering packages in Windows.

"CADVANCE 5.0 is so intuitive. I have yet to open the manual and have been able to draw complete three-dimensional designs, whereas with AutoCAD it takes me more than 8 hours to complete a simple two dimensional drawing," explained Lolli. "CADVANCE will be offered to students so they can learn about CAD in an easy-to-use environment." Lolli intends to make available to students one AutoCAD package to every five CADVANCE packages.

Robert Staskiewicz, a CAD design systems manager with Denver-based Dennis Miller Consulting Engineers, intends to transform his entire office to Windows-based software so that he can integrate office productivity packages with the CADVANCE 5.0 software that he has just purchased. Says Staskiewicz, "Although 60 percent of our clients currently use AutoCAD, we utilize the software package only as a support tool, working with all files in CADVANCE before converting them to AutoCAD files for our clients. We eliminated 50 percent of a project's time this way and don't lose any information in the translation." Dennis Miller Consulting Engineers designs mechanical systems for buildings including plumbing, HVAC and fire protection systems and is involved in the Denver airport expansion project valued at two billion dollars.

Company Background

ISICAD, Inc., is the leading developer and supplier of graphics-based, fully integrated information management systems serving a worldwide installed customer base that represents all major industrial and service sectors. Founded in 1978, and headquartered in Anaheim, Calif., the company offers solutions for the Microsoft Windows, MS/DOS and UNIX environments.

ISICAD, 1920 West Corporate Way, PO Box 61022, Anaheim, CA 92803

714-533-8910,  fax: 714-533-8642


Lahey Fortran 90 Update, Nov 1992
Fortran 90 Update

November 1992

Overview

This document describes news and events regarding Fortran 90 and the Lahey Partnership Project. The Fortran 90 language is designed to facilitate the maintenance and enhancement of current Fortran 77 programs while taking advantage of innovations in computer hardware such as parallel processing. New Fortran 90 features-array operations, pointers, and structures, etc.-will further solidify Fortran as the language for scientific computing. The Partnership Project supplies software components for compiler writers who are developing Fortran 90 and High Performance Fortran(HPF) language systems Components range from a F90/HPF front end to a Test Suite. For those seeking more details on the Lahey Partnership Project, there are brochures on each component and newsletters charting milestones. The fifth newsletter was printed in October '92.

Editors--Contact Us for Fortran 90 Information

Tom Lahey, President of Lahey Computer Systems, is available for articles and opinions on Fortran 90. His background includes 30 years of compiler writing, active member of the Fortran 90 Standard committees, and author of the recent article Fortran 90 is Coming. Please contact Guy Ceragioli (702) 831-2500 ext. 419 for more information.

Lahey Fortran 90 Test Suite

In developing their own Fortran 90 language system, Lahey discovered there is a shortage of both quality tests and formal testing procedures available to Fortran 90 compiler writers. Lahey's answer to this test shortage is the Lahey Test Suite. Lahey's goal is to make the Test Suite the de facto testing standard for all Fortran 90 and High Performance Fortran compilers.

The Test Suite is a unique product because it is designed as a consortium. The consortium is an alliance of Fortran 90 implementors who will contribute test code and have access to the test code contributed by others. There are several benefits to setting up the Test Suite as a cooperative program: (1) the Suite will continue to improve and broaden in scope as programs are added, (2) developers know their compilers will be continually challenged by new tests, and (3) the developer's cost of writing in-house tests is drastically reduced. The consortium approach solves the problem of quantity versus quality. As tests are submitted, Lahey analyzes the uniqueness and strength of each test. The evaluation process determines the contributing member's royalty fee and eliminates redundancy in the Test Suite. The Test Suite is easy to operate with its menu driven operation. Through a configuration file, you can modify the Test Suite driver to accommodate your testing requirements. Options include the ability to select particular tests to be run and to select the particular machines for running the tests. In addition to the testing options, you receive reports with test failures and comparisons to previous runs. The reported data can then be used to select and retest only those files that failed. There are also statistical reports on compilation time, object file size, link time, executable file size, and execution time.

Compiler Writers Gather for Fortran 90 Workshop

The fifth Fortran 90 Implementors Workshop was hosted by Lahey Computer Systems, Inc. It was held at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe in Incline Village, Nevada on November 5th and 6th, 1992. The Workshops are designed for compiler writers who are interested in exploring Fortran 90 implementation concerns and Standard problems. The sharing of ideas will help create more commonality and consensus among Fortran compiler writers, which will ultimately benefit the end user who is interested in moving his code to several operating systems and hardware platforms. The nominal fee of $100 included all workshop materials and participation in all workshop presentations. Forty developers of mainframe, workstation, and PC Fortran compilers attended this two-day event.

The following topics were presented:

  (1) Different Strategies for Implementing Fortran 90

  (2) An update on the X3J3 progress and how it affects

      implementations

  (3) The role of the HPFF (High Performance Fortran Forum)

      in the Fortran 90 development cycle.

  (4) Discussion of Fortran 90 procedures

  (5) Extensions to Fortran 90

  (6) NAG Test Suite

  (7) Lahey Test Suite Consortium

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

Lahey Computer Systems, Inc.

P.O. Box 6091, 865 Tahoe Blvd, Incline Village, NV 89450

(800) 548-4778 or (702) 831-2500

Fax: (702) 831-8123

uunet: uunet!lahey!sales

Internet/Bitnet: lahey!sales@uunet.uu.net


Interplay Releases Castles II: Siege & Conquest
PLAYERS FOCUS ON STRATEGY WITH INTERPLAY'S LATEST RELEASE

CASTLES II: SIEGE & CONQUEST

Irvine, CA (November 1, 1992) Interplay Production's latest release, CASTLES 11: Siege & Conquest, offers a completely new military, diplomatic and administrative strategy game based on the best-selling CASTLES .

Marking a first for Interplay Productions, CASTLES 11: Siege & Conquest uses actual digitized movie footage to enhance game play. These mini-films illustrate different game scenes including combat, messengers and castle building .

In this newest addition to the CASTLES library, the player not only builds and defends his own castle, but also has the option to attack and destroy other players' castles. Each player must develop administrative, diplomatic and military strategies while scouting surrounding territcries, defeating native militias, subjugating the land with castles, feeding and maintaining the people and forging diplomatic alliances. CASTLES 11: Siege & Conquest allows for three levels of play difficulty and multiple computer players each with a distinct story line.

CASTLES II: Siege & Conquest is now available and can be purchased at most major software retailers nationwide or direct through Interplay Productions by calling 1 800-969-GAME. The Amiga version is scheduled for release in 1993.

INTERPLAY PRODUCTIONS, 3710 S. SUSAN, #100, SANTA ANA, CA 92704

(714) 545-9001 FAX (714) 549-5075


SyDOS Personal CD & CorelDRAW Bundle
SyDOS and Corel Announce Joint Marketing Venture

"SyDOS Personal CD and CorelDRAW"

BOCA RATON, FL (November 9, 1992) - SyDOS, a division of SyQuest Technology, together with software distributor Corel Corporation, today announced a joint marketing partnership to supply the lowest-cost CD-ROM/CorelDRAW Bundle. The partnership allows SyDOS to sell its new Personal CD CD-ROM product and CorelDRAW to the end user in one package.

Dr. Michael Cowpland, president and CEO of Corel Corporation comments, "In response to the overwhelming growth in multimedia opportunities, Corel has introduced CorelDRAW on CD-ROM, the only product of its kind currently available on CD-ROM. SyDOS's CD-ROM bundle offers users a dynamic solution to the increasing demand for multimedia applications."

Linda Haury, vice president of marketing for SyDOS, states, "The SyDOS bundle provides an inexpensive way for users to harness the enormous potential and value of CD technology. The Personal CD drive can be used to access the hundreds of software titles now available. And with CD-Audio, users can play their favorite compact discs directly from the computer."

According to industry trend-watcher DataQuest, over the next several years CD-ROMs will grow by 86% and be the largest segment of optical drive technology. And, within that segment, the greatest growth will be in the home/small-office for software distribution.

The SyDOS Personal CD simply plugs into the parallel port of virtually any DOS or Windows-based desktop, laptop or notebook system. There is no need to remove the computer cover or change adapter cards. The integrated high-performance pass-through Parallel Port Adapter allows the Personal CD and printer to share a single parallel port simultaneously.

The SyDOS Personal CD will be sold both as a bundle with CorelDRAW and as a "stand-alone" unit. In either case, the Personal CD includes a full one-year warranty. The suggested list price of the Personal CD alone will be $499, while the suggested list price of the SyDOS/Corel Bundle will be $999. Pricing to the end user will be approximately $299 for the stand-alone Personal CD and $499 for the Personal CD/CorelDRAW bundle.

In addition to the Personal CD, SyDOS offers a full line of Removable Cartridge Disk Drives and Host Bus Adapter Kits. Drive subsystems are available in 44MB and 88MB capacities, in internal, external and dual configurations. Drives can be purchased separately without Host Bus Adapters, or as a complete "one-box" solution called a "Value Pack." Host Bus Adapter Kits include a Micro Channel Kit, Parallel Port Kit, High Performance 16-Bit Kit and Enhanced Performance 16-Bit Kit, as well as a Standard 8-Bit Kit. SyDOS also offers the PUMA line of low-cost 44MB and 88MB external removable cartridge disk drives.

Established in 1985 by Dr. Michael Cowpland, Corel Corporation is a leading developer of graphics and SCSI software. CorelDRAW, Corel's industry-leading graphics software package is currently available in nine languages, and has won over 60 international awards from major trade publications.

SyDOS is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, and is a division of SyQuest Technology, headquartered in Fremont, California. SyDOS was formed to distribute removable cartridge disk drives to the PC and compatibles marketplace. SyQuest has shipped over 800,000 disk drives and over 3 million data cartridges since its incorporation in 1982. The company commands over 90 percent of the removable hard-cartridge disk drive marketplace. SyQuest is a public company (NASDAQ symbol:SYQT).

SyDOS, 6501 Park of Commerce Blvd, Ste 110, Boca Raton, FL 33487

407-998-5400,  fax: 407-998-5414


I/O Design Powerbook Ultimate XL Carrying Case
I/O DESIGN ANNOUNCES THE ULTIMATE XL CARRYING CASE FOR POWERBOOK COMPUTERS

November 2, 1992 -- Exton, PA. -- I/O Design, inc. expands its product line today by announcing The Ultimate Notebook XL carrying case. This case combines the best features of two previous designs, the Ultimate Notebook EX and SL, becoming one of the most versatile notebook computer cases on the market.

Protection has always been the focus of I/O Design and the XL is no exception. 1000 Denier DuPont Cordura Plus Nylon exteriors, High Density foam padding that won't lose it's memory and YKK zippers are standard components in the XL.

Understanding the need for features, this notebook case includes a locking zipper slider, an external pocket large enough to hold legal size paper, disk holders, plus a removable and adjustable shoulder strap. With the introduction of Apple's new Powerbook Duo, the Ultimate Notebook XL was designed for the user who wishes to carry it all. Its upper compartment holds the Duo 210 or 230, as well as the Powerbooks 100 through 180 computers, while the lower and side compartments can accommodate the Duo Floppy Adapter, Duo MiniDock, Duo AC Adapter, Duo Battery Recharger, extra Duo batteries, Canon BJ10-e or Kodak Diconix M150 Plus portable printers and all the associated cables.

I/O Design, Inc., has been manufacturing carrying cases for the industry since 1984. We welcome the opportunity to design custom cases fur the industry making available years of expertise, quality US made components and industry recognized materials in a variety of colors. Services like silk screening and embroidery are available.

The "Ultimate Macintosh Notebook XL" retails for $139.95 Available January 1993

I/O Design, PO Box 1S6, Exton, PA 19050

(800) 241-2122 or (215) 524-7277


Hummingbird PC X Server Software
HUMMINGBIRD FIRST WITH VIRTUAL DESKTOP FOR PC X SERVERS

Hummingbird introduces innovative screen management techniques

Markham, Ontario, October 26 -- At Interop '92 Hummingbird Communications Ltd. will be exhibiting their latest releases of PC X server software. Initial shipments of Rel. 3.2 started in October, 1992.

Hummingbird is the only PC X server vendor shipping products that provide full X11 R5 implementation, including support for the font server, scalable fonts and XDMCP security features.

Release 3.2 of Hummingbird's MS-DOS programs - HCL-eXeeed Plus and HiRes includes:

New Functionality for Hummingbird's Local Window Manager - hwm

Virtual Desktop: Hummingbird's Motif-like local window manager "hwm" has been enhanced to include a Virtual Desktop feature. The Virtual Desktop lets users make use of a virtual screen much larger than the actual display. It provides a complete picture of the location of all clients that are running, both on and off-screen. The size of this Virtual Desktop can be up to 32K x 32K.

Using the mouse, users can instantly identify windows, move windows on or off-screen, and select which pan of the virtual screen will appear on the monitor.

"Many PC X server users do not have the luxury of a 19" monitor", says Jan Adamek, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing for Hummingbird. "Being able to navigate between multiple windows on a smaller monitor with great ease increases the ser acceptance of our products".

Click or Point to focus: In order to make hwm more Motif-like, this local window manager now supports two focus policies - click to focus and point to focus.

REXEC and RSH Startup: hwm now supports the starting of remote clients via Rexec and Rsh.

Control Panel

Control Panel is a "pop up" local client that gives the user information and updates on resources utilized and allows startup of other local clients. Control Panel can be set to automatically update, at pre-defined time intervals, resources such as DOS memory usage, high memory usage, network utilization display, number of local and remote client sessions, and number of connected font servers.

Control Panel is a full client and can be moved around the screen and iconified, if desired.

Hummingbird's HCL-eXceed/W Release 3.2 server software for MS-Windows 3.1 has also been enhanced to include:

Network and Performance Tuning

Network tuning allows users to tune the servers to the operational characteristics of the network transport and adapter. This will result in optimum performance for the hardware and TCP/IP currently installed.

X Software Development Kit for MS-Windows

With the addition of Xlib, Xt intrinsics, Xaw and Xmu libraries to the HCL-eXceed/W software, users can now develop and run X applications on a PC under X Windows. This development was at the request of existing users and has opened up many new opportunities for PC in the X Window environment. Network traffic can be reduced while engineers are developing X clients locally. Programmers can test an X program on the PC before compiling it on a host machine. Users can even develop clients at home!

These enhancements continue to strengthen Hummingbird's position as the leading PC X server supplier. According to The X Business Group of Fremont, California, the leading X market research firm, Hummingbird's market share has grown from 29% in 1991 to 35% as of July, 1992. The PC X server market is also growing at a phenomenal rate and in 1992 is projected to grow 300% over 1991.

Hummingbird's family of MS-DOS and MS-Windows-based PC X server products are sold in some 38 countries by more than 75 accredited resellers.

Hummingbird Communications Ltd. is a privately-held company based in Markham, Ontario, Canada. The Company also has a direct, wholly-owned European marketing and sales operation located at 37-39 rue de Vermont, Geneva, Switzerland, Tel. 41(22) 733-1858.

Hummingbird Communications Ltd

2900 John St, Unit 4, Markham, Ontario L3R 5G3 CANADA

416-470-1203,  fax: 416-470-1207


Logitech AudioMan Compact Digital Audio Tool
Logitech Announces AudioMan Compact Digital Audio Tool for the Windows 3.1 Environment

AudioMan Adds Spoken Messages and Sound Effects to Windows Applications

Fremont, Calif. -- November 9, 1992 -- Logitech Inc., international market leader in pointing devices and hand-held scanners, today announced AudioMan, a compact digital audio tool for the Windows 3.1 environment. The product will be available in December at a list price of $179.

AudioMan is an external audio device with an integrated speaker and microphone. It attaches to any IBM PC or compatible via the parallel port, allowing it to produce audio (voice, sound, and music) within a sound-compatible application. The product uses Object Linking and Embedding (OLE), a cross-document interface standard that many Windows applications have adopted. OLE allows users to integrate a variety of data formats (i.e., graphics, sound, and text) from diverse sources within a single document.

"AudioMan's 'no-board' design is the easiest way for corporations to add sound to their installed base of PC's" says David Pelton, Logitech product marketing manager for sound. "Users don't even have to open their machines to install the product. And clearly, sound is a very straightforward way to increase the clarity and impact of business communications. "

AudioMan is the first peripheral audio device which integrates a speaker, a uni-directional microphone, and a board into one external unit. Since it plugs directly into the parallel port of any desktop, laptop, or notebook machine, it is extremely versatile. In addition, Logitech has designed a special "pass-through" connection for the parallel port, enabling a printer to be plugged in and used at the same time.

AudioMan's ergonomic shape is compact and easy to handle, yet the product also incorporates industrial-strength materials in its design to withstand the rigors of business travel. It can be used hands-free on the desk, or hand-held.

AudioMan makes sound a practical business tool by enabling users to easily add verbal notes to their work, rather than written ones. For example, a person working on a spreadsheet who has a question about a total can simply add a voice note to the cell containing that total. When someone else selects the same cell, the message is played back. AudioMan records not only voice, but sounds from other sources, such as tapes and CDs via the audio input port. Also, an output port allows the connection of headphones. AudioMan is powered by standard "M" batteries or by AC.

Logitech's software driver is easy to install and features a control panel that detects battery level and allows adjustment of output volume. AudioMan takes advantage of the recording and playback capabilities included in Windows 3.1 to produce quality sound in any Windows Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) application. AudioMan will work with any Windows software supporting sound using .WAV files.

AudioMan requires an IBM AT or compatible system with 286, 386 or higher processor, PC or MS-DOS version 3.3 or later, Microsoft windows 3.1, and one parallel port.

Initially, Logitech will offer AudioMan to corporate customers in order to help educate and develop the sound market via direct sales. Eventually, corporate resellers will be signed on, and sales opportunities will be funneled through them. Individuals can purchase AudioMan directly from Logitech by calling the customer sales number at 800-231-7717.

Logitech manufactures and markets "Senseware" -- products designed to give human-like "senses" such as sight, sound, and touch to the computer, making human-to-computer communication more intuitive and natural. Retail and OEM products of the company and its affiliates include pointing devices (such as mice and trackballs), hand-held scanners, digital cameras, pen digitizers, joysticks, sound products, and related software applications for IBM, Macintosh, and other platforms. Logitech International, the financial holding company for the Logitech Group, is traded publicly in Switzerland on the Zurich and Geneva exchanges. With operational headquarters in Fremont, Calif., the group maintains manufacturing facilities in Fremont, California; Hsinchu, Taiwan; Shanghai, China; and Cork, Ireland; and offices in major cities in the U.S., Europe, and the Far East.

Logitech, 6505 Kaiser Dr, Fremont, CA 94555

510-795-8500,  fax: 510-792-8901


Megatech Cobra Mission R-rated Role-Playing Game
MEGATECH SOFTWARE UNVEILS "COBRA MISSION" FOR THE IBM PC;

THE SEXIEST, HOTTEST ADVENTURE ROLE-PLAYING GAME!!!

Megatech Software, a new player in the PC game industry, announces the formal release of "COBRA MISSION," an adventure role-playing game for the IBM PC made possible with the cooperation from Japanese comic style artists and software developers. COBRA MISSION, which contains 11 megabytes of data with high-resolution sizzling graphics, will carry a retail price of $79.95 and will be available in retail outlets by the end of October 1992.

Based on the Japanese NEC PC-9801 version of "Cobra Mission," we have revised, improved and reprogrammed the game for the US market and turned a once 5 megabytes game (in PC-9801 platform) into 11 megabytes for play on the IBM PC platform. COBRA MISSION, with player input-able name, stars you, your partner and your enemy. The goal of the game is to clean up the island of "Cobra" by investigating the illegal activities and return peace and justice to an island taken over by the psychotic master criminal overlord (your enemy). In the process, you will need to battle street punks that may attack you at any time, rescue ladies who have been captured and doomed for a life of slavery, and on top of these, you'll need to find the big boss of each area and defeat him so you may advance to the next area

COBRA MISSION is voluntarily rated R due to the violence, adult humor and partial nudity in the game. All violence is contained in the fighting scenes; the adult humor and tastefully drawn comic style partial nudity are available thorough out the game. COBRA MISSION features unmatched violent fighting action scenes in real-time mode together with superb animation graphics. In the game you will have access to more than 70 helpful weapons and items to help you battle the hoodlums and continue the adventure.

COBRA MISSION requires good problem solving skills to solve the cases and fast reaction to battle the hoodlums. This is a game especially developed for adults. The R-rated graphics are very tastefully drawn; each is a masterpiece by itself which took weeks to draw and program for animation. Overall, COBRA MISSION contains over 190 high resolution, computer generated, Japanese comic style graphics complete with animation, over 150 real PCM sounds and more than 40 different background music in 6-track stereo! !! There are 5 different areas in Cobra. Each area must be completed before advancing to the next. However, once one area is completed, the game increases in size and the previously completed areas are used as well as the new area

COBRA MISSION will run on all IBM and compatible 286 or faster machines. However, a 386 or faster machine is recommended. A VGA, MCGA or EGA video system is required but to take full advantage of the game, VGA is recommended. A DOS 3.3 or later version will be needed. And a hard disk with a minimum of 11 megabytes of available free space is required. Cobra Mission is compatible with MS-Mouse and Sound Blaster, Sound Blaster Pro, Thunder Board, Pro Audio Spectrum (plus and 16) Sound Master, Adlib and compatibles sound cards.

Megatech Software is a division of Liberty International Components Inc. The parent company is involved in the manufacturing and distributing of passive electronic components. Megatech Software was established in July of 1991. Our goal is to provide the US market with the best animated adventure roleplaying game from the Japanese NEC PC-9801 platform. All our games will be targeted to audiences from 18 to 40 years of age. For this reason, most of our software will have strong adult language, adult humor, violent scenes and partial nudity. Please keep in mind that all Megatech games will be professionally and tastefully developed. The degree of violence and nudity involved are and will always be less than an R-rated motion picture. We at Megatech, aim to providing the best PC computer game entertainment for mature audiences.

Megatech Software, 1606 Lockness Place, Torrance, CA 90501

310-539-6452;  800-421-2032;  Fax: 310-539-8450

Technical Support: 310-539-9177

CIS: 75460,460


Ventana Press - Looking Good with CorelDRAW
New Book Has CorelDRAW Looking Better Than Ever

Chapel Hill, NC--CorelDRAW! 3.0 has elicited raves from reviewers and users alike for its power, versatility and ease of use. Looking Good With CorelDRAW!, by Sheldon Nemoy and C. J. Aiken, newly released by Ventana Press, enables users to direct that creative power into projects that pack a punch.

Following in the venerable footsteps of Looking Good in Print, Ventana's classic bestseller, Looking Good With CorelDRAW! combines a detailed examination of this formidable publishing package with guidelines and advice for producing effective, eye-catching documents. Hands-on examples with step-by-step instructions are enhanced by a striking section of four-color illustrations.

Readers will explore such topics as

-- Tips and techniques for using CorelDRAW!'s graphic building

   blocks, including original illustrations, clip art, scans and

   more;

-- How-to instructions for making the most of CorelDRAW!'s

   Toolbox features;

-- Creating sophisticated visual effects: chrome, neon, drop

   shadows, highlights and multiple perspectives;

-- Trouble-shooting, shortcuts and tips for saving time and

   money;

-- Working with the package's powerful new applications:

   CorelPHOTO-PAINT, CorelTRACE, CorelSHOW and CorelCHART.

Sheldon Nemoy is president of The Thornhill Group, a Los Angeles-based firm specializing in computer design, and teaches publication design in the Computer Graphics Department at UCLA Extension. His clients have included major corporations and top Hollywood entertainment industry groups. C. J. Aiken, a writer and editor, is director of publication services for The Thornhill Group and former managing editor of Access Press, Ltd. and Reason magazine. She has worked with some of California's leading graphic designers.

Looking Good with CorelDRAW! is softcover, two-color, 7 3/8" x 9 1/4", 312 pages with 300 illustrations including a four-color section. Suggested retail price: $27.95. ISBN: 1-56604-003-5.

Ventana Press publishes books and other materials that help computer users become more productive, including Voodoo DOS, Voodoo Windows, Looking Good in Print, Desktop Publishing With WordPerfect for Windows, and Windows, Word & Excel Office Companion. All titles are available in bookstores and through Ventana Press, P.O. Box 2468, Chapel Hill, NC 275l5; Phone: 9l9/942-0220; FAX, 9l9/942-1140.


Great Teaching and Technology Seminars
"Great Teaching and Technology" Seminar Coming to a City Near You

Boston, MA - November 13, 1992. Tom Snyder Productions, award-winning publisher of K-12 software, video, and videodisc, has launched a new series of affordable staff development seminars for teachers and administrators looking for ways to get more mileage out of their schools' hardware and software.

The "Great Teaching and Technology" Seminars will be offered in nine U.S. cities throughout the 1992-93 school year (see schedule below).

Tom Snyder Productions has for many years offered schools and districts onsite in-service training that focuses on common sense strategies for integrating technology into school curricula. The seminars are offered at a fraction of the cost of an on-site presentation, and are designed to put top-notch in-service training in the reach of more schools, in terms of affordability, convenience, and practicality.

"With the huge wave of new technologies flooding into schools, educators have a greater need than ever for quality in-service training," says Rick Abrams, TSP President. "But for many schools and districts, on-site in-service training for the entire staff is difficult to pull together, given time, money and scheduling problems. With our program, a school or district can easily send a few educators to a nearby city for a day of training. These representatives then return armed with great ideas and enthusiasm, ready to share their new expertise with colleagues."

The seminars focus on practical, common-sense techniques for using today's technologies - computers, video and videodisc - in subject areas including math, science, social studies, language arts, and special education. They are presented by David O'Neil, TSP's Director of In-Service Programs.

"Our goal is to give teachers techniques they can use in their classrooms the next day, the next month, and all year long," says O'Neil, who, like all of TSP's in-service presenters, comes from the classroom. "We present the most powerful uses of classroom technologies, and model concrete examples of each in a variety of content areas."

David O'Neil is a Massachusetts certified teacher with degrees from American University and Harvard University. Before joining Tom Snyder Productions, he taught at the high school level in New York and in New England.

The cost of the one-day session is $135 per person, or $100 per person in groups of three or more. All participants receive the TSP Do-It-Yourself Workshops Kit ($49.95 value), including two comprehensive guides, video, and reproducibles; free on-loan software; and 50 percent off the purchase of any TSP product.

Tom Snyder Productions' highly-praised product line spans the K-12 curriculum, specializing in educational materials that promote cooperative learning and critical thinking. TSP also offers a full complement of on-site in-service training and consulting to schools and districts. For more information about in-service programs or a free product catalog, call 1-800-342-0236.

1992-1993 Schedule

Boston, MA        November 14, 1992, February 1, 1993 and

                  May 3, 1993

Washington, DC    December 11, 1992

Philadelphia, PA  December 14, 1992

Orlando, FL       February 6, 1993

Chicago, IL       February 19, 1993 and May 8, 1993

Dallas, TX        February 22, 1993

Los Angeles, CA   March 6, 1993

San Ramon, CA     March 10, 1993

New York, NY      March 19, 1993

Tom Snyder Productions, 80 Collidge Hill Rd, Watertown, MA 02172

617-926-6000;  fax 617-926-6222


FP-Kit Flat Panel Display/Touchscreen Unit
New "FP-KIT" Bundles Flat Panel Display/Touchscreen Unit with PC Bus Driver Card

November 9, 1992 -- Greer, SC . . . Computer Dynamics has announced the introduction of the FP-Kit, which gives you everything you need to drive a wide variety of flat panel displays and touchscreens from any PC. The FP-Kit includes: a half-size PC bus driver card (the FP-Card); your choice of electroluminescent, color or monochrome LCD, or plasma display; an optional touchscreen (capacitive, infrared, or resistive); and all cabling.

The FP-Card's state-of-the-art video controller provides 256 maximum simultaneous colors on active matrix or passive matrix color LCDs. It also gives 16 gray levels on monochrome LCDs or EL displays. The video controller is fully compatible with IBM VGA at the hardware, register and BIOS levels. The FP-Card also includes two PC compatible COM ports, one of which can be used as the touchscreen interface, and a parallel printer port with full readback. The COM ports may be configured as COM1/COM2, COM3/COM4, or individually disabled. The FP-Card's power requirements are +5V @ .5A, +12V @ 20 mA, and -12V @ 20 mA.

The FP-Kit's display and touchscreen are housed in a sturdy metal OEM frame, ready for mounting in your enclosure. It measures just 12.6" x 8.6" x 3".

Flat panel displays are replacing CRTs in many OEM applications for a number of reasons: their small size, their suitability for space-critical and portable applications; their no-compromise, flicker-free image quality; longer life and lower power requirements; and the elimination of radiation and EMI concerns. Many of these same advantages apply to touchscreens over keyboards. In addition, touchscreens add to the appeal of many OEM products, are easier to understand and operate, can be operated with a gloved hand, and are available in several technologies suited to different applications.

Pricing for the FP-Kit begins at $1270 in single quantities (includes the FP-Card, a 640x480 monochrome LCD and cables). Delivery is stock to 30 days. Please call for pricing and delivery on other displays and touchscreens. For more information contact Computer Dynamics, 107 S. Main Street, Greer, SC 29650. Phone 803-877-8700 or FAX 803-879-2030.


Mitchell & Gauthier Assoc. ACSL/Graphic Modeller
From the Autumn 1992 issue of State Events

from Mitchell and Gauthier Associates (MGA) Inc.....

Announcing ACSL/Graphic Modeller

The new block diagram front end for ACSL is now being evaluated at a number of Beta sites across the country and will be shipping soon.

MGA demonstrated the Graphic Modeller in several sessions at the Technology Presentation Center at NASA Lewis Research Center. The audiences, composed of both current ACSL users and users of competing products, were enthusiastic. They could clearly see that the Graphic Modeller is a superior product, providing unique benefits to simulationists.

We have also shown the ACSL/Graphic Modeller to editors of the leading technical magazines. They were also enthusiastic about the product, with its obvious appeal to both new and experienced simulationists.

ACSL/Graphic Modeller is a modern, full-featured, fully integrated graphical front end to ACSL. It brings the clarity and ease of visual programming to the power and flexibility of ACSL. Skeptics who were concerned about some of the limitations of previous block diagram programs, such as flexibility, adaptability to complex models, and execution speed, were satisfied that the Graphic Modeller meets these concerns. The

ACSL/Graphic Modeller is a broad based solution for all continuous system applications.

Part of the Graphic Modeller strength is that it is tightly coupled to ACSL's code language. The user has direct access to the contents of each graphical block. With a mouse-click or a keystroke, you can view and modify the underlying code or the underlying primitive blocks. You can easily construct your own block, out of other blocks or from ACSL code. Your new blocks are easily dropped into the component library, accessible just like the ones we provide. Custom libraries are easily assembled.

The ACSL/Graphic Modeller promotes reusability and extensibility. Models, sub-models, and components can be easily shared between users. Current ACSL code can be encapsulated into blocks, preserving your investment in ACSL models. Model execution is fast since the executable model is compiled, not interpreted. The Graphic Modeller produces machine-portable ACSL source files.

The ACSL/Graphic Modeller promotes modularity and hierarchical modelling, both top-down and bottom up. Its natural and intuitive feel, its complement of drawing tools, and its power and flexibility will enhance your work in the art of computer simulations. For more information, contact MGA.

Mitchell and Gauthier Associates (MGA) Inc.

200 Baker Ave, Concord, MA 01742

508-369-5115;  fax 508-369-0013


PNEWS for Partiquin's Utilities & Tools
PNEWS -- Patri-Soft Technical Update & Upgrade Notice

November 1992 -- Patriquin's Utilities/Tools -- Volume Number 1

This our first attempt at a Patri-Soft newsletter. The first time out it is a little short but we hope you still find it valuable. We want to let you know what we are up to in our development projects, and a little about our future plans. New releases of some products are available. We'll tell you a little about them and hope you consider upgrading.

We're working hard to keep all our products moving forward and have great plans for the future. We value you as a customer and hope you are satisfied with our products. If you should ever have a question, or just want to call and chat, phone me at 714-422-3727. I'll be happy to talk with you anytime. Thanks for giving us a few moments of your valuable time.

Norm Patriquin

President

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The Patriquin Utilities

The Patriquin Utilities never seem to stop growing! Here are some of the major enhancements we have implemented.

PCOPY has been given menus and more new parameters. One of our most outstanding new features is the ability to fully synchronize two hard disks or directories. This new synchronization process even removes files and directories when needed. It is great for keeping notebook and desktop computers in sync with each other. PCOPY now automatically formats output diskettes when needed. Support for 4DOS file descriptions automatically copies descriptions with files. A log file can be written to help you keep track of all copy activities. These are only a few of the major PCOPY enhancements done. The current version is PCOPY 9.2C.

PSEARCH has been enhanced with a long asked for feature to change text in files. You can now search for up to 5 strings and replace any or all of the strings. PSEARCH 5.2B adds and/or logic to each specific string to be found. An outstanding new feature adds scroll back viewing of all search results and even lets you go back and review the results of the last search you performed, even after exiting the program. Word Perfect and text file viewers let you examine files matching search criteria. If that isn't enough, PSEARCH has a new launching option that lets you invoke programs to process files selected from the scroll back display. The current version is PSEARCH 5.2B.

PDELETE has been upgraded with delete in date sequence functions. Using the /SO and /FS parameters, PDELETE can delete the oldest files of a directory until a specified freespace exists. The ability to process a list of files has been added to PDELETE and PPRINT.

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Stowaway Releases valuable hard disk space!

Patri-Soft has recently introduced Stowaway, our unique archival system designed to let you recover unused hard drive space and delay that next hard disk purchase. Stowaway automates the process of moving seldom used or unneeded files off your hard disk onto diskettes. The unique part of Stowaway is that it keeps track of archived files for you and organizes diskette storage so any file can be instantly located and restored back to your hard disk. Some of our Stowaway customers have several thousand files moved off their hard drive saving megabytes of hard disk storage.

Most people think of archivers as utilities to compress multiple files down into a single condensed one. These archivers provide only a partial solution. Stowaway is a complete archive manager for your PC.

Using Stowaway's menus, you may list and select files to be archived from your hard disk. During selection you can give descriptions to each file and assign them to logical groups. All this information is maintained in Stowaway's hard disk catalog. When Stowaway archives the data, it calls for archive diskettes in numerical order and "stows" your data in compressed format on the diskettes. The data is maintained on diskettes, but all information needed to locate and restore it is kept in Stowaway's catalog on your hard drive.

When you need to restore a file, simply use Stowaway's menus to search for files by name, group, directory, date, or descriptive keyword. Stowaway will present a list of all matching files and let you select ones to be restored. The restore process will automatically determine the diskette number containing the data and request it be placed in the drive. A typical restore takes less than a minute.

Hard disk storage costs over $3.00 per megabyte. Archive diskette storage costs about $.50 a megabyte. Save your money! When I first started using Stowaway, I immediately saved 20 meg of hard disk space in just a few minutes! That's $60 of hard disk space. Stowaway can release much needed hard disk space for you, as well as help you organize any files you may have stored offline on diskettes.

Stowaway is great for storing picture files, BBS downloads, word processing documents, spreadsheets, logs, databases, and especially old software. Don't delete files trusting you will not need them again, archive with Stowaway for peace of mind.

Stowaway is available for $39.

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Auto Restore

We have added a new product to compliment Stowaway that automatically restores archived files if and when they are accessed by applications you use.

Auto Restore may optionally be installed and resides in your system watching all file accesses during normal application activities. It detects when any program attempts to access a file that has been archived. It can do this because, with Auto Restore, Stowaway optionally leaves the archived file on the hard disk with zero size and a time of 12:00am and therefore the file occupies no space but is still visible.

When any program tries to read or write one of these files, Auto Restore detects the access attempt and searches Stowaway's archive indexes to verify the file is archived and, if so, pops up a window within your application to tell you an archived file has been referenced and asks if you would like to restore it for processing.

If you respond <Yes> to restore the file, Auto Restore then asks you to place the archive volume in the drive and proceeds to restore the file. If you respond <No>, Auto Restore notifies DOS, and subsequently your program or command, that the file is inaccessible. The program or command accessing the file will take its normal action when a file is not accessible.

After the restore is complete, the text window is removed from your display and the active program or command continues its normal operation. Auto Restore goes back to waiting for the next archived file to be accessed.

At this time Auto Restore only works with text mode applications; so it will not operate when your system is running applications like Windows.

Auto Restore gives you added freedom to archive more files to offline storage volumes. Since it takes care of all restore processing automatically, you can archive files and trust they will be immediately accessible anytime they are needed. Order Auto Restore when ordering Stowaway and get a $10 discount. If, for any reason, you don't like it just return it for a full refund.

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MegaBack & MegaBack Plus Hard Disk Backup

Patri-Soft announces our new backup system, MegaBack. We have been in the file management business for many years and kept thinking one of the major software houses would finally develop an easy to use backup system that provided advanced features every user needs. They never did! Now, MegaBack makes available one of the most advanced backup systems available.

To be honest, if you are into jet speed, Megaback is not for you. To keep MegaBack reliable, we have developed it to use all standard DOS facilities. This means it is compatible with more systems, and is not sensitive to what diskette controller chips you are using, and the speed your machine is running at.

MegaBack does not rely only on the brute force backup method. Instead, it implements clean intelligent backup techniques to reduce backup times, and save diskette space. MegaBack compresses data better than 50% and daily backup can be complete in two minutes!

MegaBack has all the standard features for backup systems like automatic diskette formatting, Full/Incremental Backup, menu driven restore, file exclusion, index recovery and more. In addition, MegaBack has other nice features not found in other products. These include, stopping and continuing a full backup at another time, showing you what files are about to be backed up and letting you exclude them immediately, detecting bad backup diskettes dynamically, discarding them, and continuing the backup process, and many more.

MegaBack is our shareware backup system being offered for $39. MegaBack Plus is our new retail version that's almost ready to go. It will contain advanced features and utilities like backup password protection and menu selectable backup set management. MegaBack Plus will be priced at an introductory price of $59. Current MegaBack users will be able to upgrade to MegaBack Plus for $20.

Keep watching MegaBack, you are just seeing the beginning! We have great plans for its future. If you are looking for a simple but effective backup system, give MegaBack a look. We don't think you will be disappointed.

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Ordering Upgrades

Enclosed is a reply envelope with a price list of all products and upgrades. Users may upgrade from any version of a product. Users who have purchased products within the previous 6 months may receive free upgrades by downloading them from the Patri-Soft BBS. If you previously purchased an individual utility at $20 and wish to upgrade to a full set of the Patriquin Utilities with a User's Guide, Patri-Soft will apply a $15 discount toward the purchase price of the Utilities.

Users responding using our reply envelope will be maintained on our mailing list and will be notified of future special offers and upgrades. Take time to upgrade today so you won't forget. Your upgrade fee entitles you to a year of technical support and BBS download upgrades for a product.

Latest versions of all Patri-Soft products:

PCOPY      9.2C        PDELETE   4.40

PSEARCH    5.2B        PPRINT    5.50

PALERT     2.40        PATTRIB   1.50

PTOUCH     2.00        EasyDial  4.40

MegaBack   1.41        Stowaway  1.91

Patri-Soft

5225 Canyon Crest Dr, Suite 71-358, Riverside, CA 92507

Voice: 714-352-2820;  Fax: 714-352-1527;  BBS: 714-352-2820


Magellan CD-ROMs Volumes 53-66 from Cycle 2
MAGELLAN CD-ROMs

Cycle 2

November 5, 1992

Fourteen more Magellan CD-ROMs (volumes 53 through 66) have now been released by the Magellan project.  A total of 77 Magellan CD-ROMs are now available: 66 CD-ROMs containing radar images, and 11 CD-ROMs containing altimetry data.  Volumes 1 through 52 contain the radar images taken by the Magellan spacecraft during Cycle 1, the first 8 month mapping of the planet Venus.  Volumes 53 through 66 are the first release of the Cycle 2 radar data.

The CD-ROMs can be obtained from the National Space Science Data Center (NSSDC) at the Goddard Space Flight Center.  The "nominal" charge is $20 for the first CD-ROM, and $6 for any additional CD-ROM in an order.  However, NSSDC may waive this charge for a small amount of data requested by bona fide research users, government laboratories, etc.  School teachers who are unable to pay may be helped on a case by case basis, and/or as resources permit. Researchers funded by NASA's Solar System Exploration Division can also obtain the CD-ROMs through the Planetary Data System at JPL.

NSSDC's address is:

        National Space Science Data Center

        Goddard Space Flight Center

        Greenbelt, Maryland 20771

        Tel: (301) 286-6695

        Internet Email address:   request@nssdca.gsfc.nasa.gov

NSSDC also provides the following software to display the images:

        o IMDISP       (IBM PC)

        o Browser      (Macintosh)

        o Pixel Pusher (Macintosh)

        o True Color   (Macintosh)


Keyboard Commander Corps Keyboard Templates
Keyboard Commander Corps Premium Templates

A new company, Keyboard Commander Corp. recently offered a new line of high-quality, full-color keyboard templates for popular games, specifically, flight simulators. They are produced of high-quality graphics and materials so they last and are designed with simplicity and order in mind to eliminate "keyboard confusion." The templates include all key commands in a logical layout, including number pads, and have legend boxes with the symbols for various threat indicators, radio commands, maps, tactical displays, store info, or any other functional display that uses numerous symbols. The layout is basically the same from sim-to-sim and the graphical keys are color-coded by catagory (i.e. View-purple, Weapons/Defenses-Red, etc.) to make their location more intuitive. This unique format can not only improve performance, but also serves to standardize the look and feel of your keyboard "control panel" from sim to sim, thus greatly reducing the learning curve.

The templates are currently available in the AT-101 keyboard format (F-keys on top row) for all the hottest titles in flight simulators today including: Falcon 3.0/3.1; MS Flight Simulator 4.0; A.T.P.; F-117A Nighthawk; A-10 Tank Killer 1.5; F-15 STrike Eagle II; Megafortress; Jetfighter I & II; Aces of the Pacific; Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe; F-17 Flying Fortress; and Chuck Yeager's Air Combat.

The line will be expanded to other games, and of course, the new and exciting flight simulators as they come out, as well as the full line of XT layout. Some of the upcoming titles include: Strike Eagle III; Gunship 2000; Stunt Island; Wing Commander II; Silent Service; 688 Attack Sub; ATAC, A-10 Avenger; and many more!

The templates are very reasonably priced and can be found in better software and computer retailers. The product is gaining popularity rapidly and is available to retailers via distribution or direct from KCC. The public can also buy via mail order from KCC and realizing most sim pilots have more than one favorite, we've built in fantastic retail price discounts for multiple purchases when bought direct from KCC. The prices are 1 - $11.95, Any 2 - $21.50, Any 3 - $30.00 and any 4 or more $9.25 each. That's a WHOPPING 22.5% discount from the price of one. Add $3.00 Shipping and Handling. Checks or Money orders only. Sorry, no credit card orders excepted. We will ship UPS C.O.D., add $6.00 S&H instead of $3. To order write or call:

Keyboard Commander, 4839 SW 148 Ave, Suite 402, Davie, FL 33330

1-800-262-6066 or 305-389-4282


Borland Pascal with Objects/Turbo Pascal 7.0
                     Borland Pascal with Objects 7.0

                             Turbo Pascal 7.0

                           Features and Benefits

Overview

Here are the primary features and benefits of Borland Pascal with Objects 7.0 and Turbo Pascal with Objects 7.0.  These are taken from the Reviewer's guide which includes more detailed product descriptions and technical information.

Borland Pascal with Objects 7.0

Borland Pascal with Objects 7.0 is the most productive programming system available for DOS and Windows.  It includes the following new features:

   Program for DOS, DOS Protected Mode (DPMI) and Windows

   Professional tools for all three platforms with nothing else

   to buy

   Free DOS Extender! Create DOS Protected Mode (DPMI)

   applications.  Break the 640K barrier and use up to 16 MB of

   memory, without royalties

   Create DOS protected mode Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs)

   Reuse DLLs in DOS and Windows; and link C or C++ code easily

   High capacity, multi-target IDEs

   Choose the DOS or Windows IDE and target any platform

   DOS and Windows ObjectBrowsers

   Navigate source code quickly with full cross-reference

   information

   Improved IDEs with color syntax highlighting, unlimited

   undo/redo. Makes it easier to read code and experiment with

   changes

   Enhanced application frameworks

   Add data validation to DOS and Windows applications easily

   New language features and optimizations

   Write more flexible code with better performance

   Winsight and Winspector included

   For faster debugging of Windows applications

   Free Runtime library source code included ($195 value included

   free!).  Learn the secrets of object-oriented programming from

   the experts

   Turbo Pascal 7.0

   Turbo Pascal 7.0 is the fastest way to learn object-oriented

   programming.  It includes the following new features:

      High capacity IDE

      Compile large real-mode applications within the IDE

      ObjectBrowser

      Navigate source code quickly with full cross-reference

      Improved IDE with color syntax highlighting, unlimited

      undo/redo Makes it easier to read code and experiment with

      changes

      Enhanced application frameworks

      Add data validation to DOS and Windows applications easily

      New tutorials on Turbo Vision and pointers

      Makes it easy to learn object-oriented programming

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

                       Borland Pascal with Objects 7.0

                             Questions & Answers

I. General Questions

   1. What are the new features of Borland Pascal with Objects

      7.0?

      Borland Pascal with Objects 7.0 includes all of the

      features necessary for high productivity application

      development for DOS and Windows.

      The major new features are:

      o  Support for DOS, DOS Protected Mode (DPMI) and Windows

         programming

      o  Ability to create DOS Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs) that

         are binary compatible with Windows

      o  High capacity DOS and Windows IDEs

      o  Improved IDEs with color syntax highlighting and

         undo/redo

      o  DOS and Windows ObjectBrowsers for navigating source

         code

      o  New compiler optimizations and language features

      o  Extended DOS and Windows application frameworks

      o  Over 3,800 pages of documentation with many new

         tutorials

      o  Over 4 megabytes of on-line help including the Windows

         API

   2. What are the new features of Turbo Pascal 7.0?

      Turbo Pascal 7.0 includes features that make it the best

      way to learn object-oriented programming.  The major new

      features of Turbo Pascal 7.0 are:

      o  High capacity DOS Integrated Development Environment

         (IDE)

      o  Improved IDE with color syntax highlighting and

         undo/redo

      o  ObjectBrowser for navigating source code

      o  Additional Turbo Vision objects

      o  1,500 pages of documentation with several new tutorials

      o  1 megabyte of on-line help with copy-and-paste examples

   3. What's the difference between Borland Pascal with Objects

      7.0 and Turbo Pascal 7.0?

      Borland Pascal with Objects 7.0 includes features aimed at

      professional DOS and Windows programmers including the

      ability to create DOS Protected Mode (DPMI) applications,

      DOS Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs), as well as a more

      complete set of professional tools including Turbo

      Debugger, Turbo Profiler, Turbo Assembler.

      Turbo Pascal 7.0 is a subset of Borland Pascal with Objects

      and includes the ability to create DOS real mode programs.

      It includes the high capacity IDE, ObjectBrowser and

      extended Turbo Vision application framework, but does not

      support DOS Protected Mode (DPMI) or Windows development.

   4. Who uses Pascal?

      Borland has shipped over 2,000,000 units of Pascal.  The

      largest segment of Pascal customers is professional

      programmers, who make up 40% of the market.  Pascal is

      widely used for internal corporate application development,

      by consultants and VARs in vertical markets such as

      health-care and construction and by commercial "shrink

      wrap" software developers.  Borland Pascal with Objects 7.0

      is targeted directly to professional programmers who want

      high productivity development for DOS and Windows.

      Pascal is also the most popular language for learning

      structured and object-oriented programming.  Turbo Pascal

      7.0 is targeted at new programmers who want the fastest way

      to learn object-oriented programming.

   5. Are there commercial applications written in Pascal?

      There are many commercial "shrink wrap" software products

      written in Pascal.  These products include leading CAD

      packages such as Autodesk's Generic Cadd, Fast CAD, Turbo

      CAD, Claris' Filemaker Pro for Windows, leading tax

      preparation software such as Tax Cut, Turbo Tax, Parson's

      Personal Tax Edge, financial packages such as Money

      Counts, communications packages such as QModem, Tapcis,

      Ozcis and many others.

   6. Does Borland use Pascal to develop any of its products?

      Borland has a major commercial application under

      development using the new Borland Pascal with Objects 7.0.

      Borland has not yet announced the name of the application

      being developed in Pascal.

      In addition, the DOS IDE for Borland Pascal with Objects

      7.0 is written entirely in Pascal using the Turbo Vision

      application framework.

   7. Why has the product name changed?

      We've called the new professional Pascal programming system

      "Borland Pascal with Objects" to reflect the professional

      positioning of the product and provide greater consistency

      with the C++ product line. Borland continues to offer Turbo

      Pascal 7.0 and Turbo Pascal for Windows 1.5 for entry level

      programmers who do not need all of the advanced

      capabilities that professionals require.

   8. What are the benefits of creating DPMI applications?

      By using Borland Pascal with Objects 7.0 you can create DOS

      Protected Mode (DPMI) applications that break through the

      640K barrier and access up to 16 megabytes of memory for

      code and data.  This gives you higher capacity for dealing

      with larger amounts of data for more efficient processing.

   9. How do you create DPMI applications?

      You can simply select the Compile Target menu choice to DOS

      protected mode and recompile existing programs.  The

      compiler will create an EXE with a real-mode stub that

      automatically loads the DPMI server and runtime manager and

      then switches to protected mode and runs your program.

   10.What DPMI technology do you use?  Is there a royalty

      charge?

      The DOS extender is fully compatible with the DPMI

      specification and is based entirely on Borland technology

      and was used in the latest version of Borland's Paradox 4.0

      database.  No royalty payments or runtime charges are

      required to distribute protected-mode applications written

      with Borland Pascal with Objects 7.0.

   11.What is the benefit of DOS DLLs?  How do you use them?

      By creating programs as Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs) you

      are able to share the same source code and binary file

      between both DOS and Windows programs.  For example, a

      typical business application might be constructed with a

      DOS Turbo Vision user interface and a Dynamic Link Library

      that does "back end" computation and data processing.  The

      back end DLL can be shared with a Windows version of the

      program that uses an ObjectWindows user interface.  The

      source code to the DLL does not require any changes to work

      in Windows and, in fact, does not even need to be

      recompiled to work in Windows.

      In the same way, you can compile C or C++ code as a Dynamic

      Link Library using Borland C++ or any other compiler and

      link that code into Windows or DOS applications written

      with Borland Pascal with Objects.  No other language offers

      the ability to create and link to

      DOS and Windows DLLs.

   12.What are the new optimizations in Borland Pascal with

      Objects 7.0?

      Several new compiler optimizations have been added so that

      existing programs can be recompiled for faster performance.

      These include 32 bit LongInt math operations, redundant

      pointer load suppression, optimized sets, constant

      parameters and faster string and file I/O routines.

   13.Does Borland Pascal with Objects 7.0 include visual

      resource editing?

      Yes, Borland Pascal with Objects 7.0 includes Borland's

      Resource Workshop, a fast, powerful way to visually created

      user interface elements including menus, dialogs, bitmaps,

      cursors, icons and so on. There are also third party visual

      resource editing tools available for use with Turbo Vision,

      including Blaise's Turbo Vision Development Toolkit.

   14.Do developers need to buy the Microsoft Windows Software

      Development Kit (SDK) to use Borland Pascal with Objects

      7.0?

      No, Borland Pascal with Objects includes everything you

      need to develop DOS and Windows applications.  It is fully

      compatible with Windows 3.0 and 3.1.  It includes:

      o  Windows Integrated Development Environment

      o  Borland Pascal with Objects command line compiler

      o  Windows 3.1 interface files

      o  ObjectWindows application framework

      o  Resource Workshop

      o  WinSight

      o  WinSpector

      o  Resource Compiler

      o  Help Compiler

      o  Turbo Help hypertext system

      o  Sample programs

      o  Complete Windows tutorials

   15.Does Borland Pascal with Objects 7.0 include help on new

      Windows 3.1 API functions?

      The on-line Turbo Help system has been completely expanded

      to provide more detailed descriptions of Windows API

      functions as well as new entries for all new Windows 3.1

      features.  There are over 4 megabytes of on-line help.  In

      addition, we are making available a complete printed

      reference 3 volume set of all Windows API calls for $39.95.

      This three volume set includes Pascal definitions of all

      API calls and data structures.

   16.Is the Runtime Library Source Code included?

      As a special bonus to purchasers of Borland Pascal with

      Objects 7.0, we will include in all upgrades a retail

      purchases the Application Frameworks and Runtime Library

      Source Code.  This includes the complete source code to the

      Turbo Vision and ObjectWindows application frameworks and

      is a $195 value.

   17.Is there a CASE tool for Pascal?  What is Protogen?

      Since there are many professional programmers who are new

      to Windows development, Borland will be making available a

      version of the Protogen CASE tool that generates Pascal

      source code.  Protogen allows developers to draw their user

      interface in Windows and then automatically generate much

      of the standard Windows code that is required.  This makes

      it much easier to get started in Windows and

      object-oriented programming.  Protogen will be made

      available for the special price of $49.95 to purchasers of

      Borland Pascal with Objects 7.0.

   18.Does Borland Pascal with Objects work with the new Paradox

      Engine?

      Yes Borland Pascal with Objects works with the latest

      version of the Paradox Engine 3.0.  Paradox Engine 3.0

      includes support for real mode, DOS protected mode (DPMI)

      and Windows application development in Pascal.  It also

      includes a complete object-oriented database framework for

      Pascal programmers as well as faster and more memory

      efficient performance.  Paradox Engine 3.0 is available

      separately.

   19.What is the minimum hardware configurations for Borland

      Pascal with Objects 7.0 and Turbo Pascal 7.0?

      Borland Pascal with Objects 7.0 requires an 80286 or higher

      processor, 2 megabytes of memory, a hard disk.  For Windows

      development you must also have Windows 3.0 or later,

      graphics (EGA, Hercules, VGA or higher resolution) and a

      mouse.

      Turbo Pascal 7.0 requires 720K of disk space and 512K of

      memory.  A hard disk and 80286 or higher processor is

      required to use the high-capacity IDE.

   20.How do the new products affect the existing product line?

      Borland Pascal with Objects 7.0 and Turbo Pascal 7.0

      replace the existing Turbo Pascal Professional 6.0 and

      Turbo Pascal 6.0 products. Turbo Pascal for Windows 1.5

      remains on the market as an entry level object-oriented

      programming system for Windows.

   21.What is the pricing and availability?

      Borland Pascal with Objects 7.0 has a suggested retail

      price of $495.00.  Upgrades from any previous version of

      Turbo Pascal for DOS or Windows to Borland Pascal with

      Objects 7.0 are $149.95. As a special bonus, Borland Pascal

      with Objects 7.0 includes the Application Frameworks and

      Runtime Library source code, a $195 value.

      Turbo Pascal 7.0 has a suggested retail price of $149.95.

      Upgrades from any previous version of Turbo Pascal for DOS

      or Windows to Turbo Pascal 7.0 is $89.95.

   22.What about educational discounts?

      The U.S. educational discount price for Borland Pascal

      with Objects 7.0 is $129.95. For Turbo Pascal 7.0 it is

      $49.95. For more information about the educational discount

      program, contact the Borland Authorized Educational

      Reseller who services your academic community. To get the

      location of your reseller, call 1-800-847-7797.

      Both products will ship November 2, 1992.


Carnegie Group TestBench 2.2 Expert Help Desk
Carnegie Group Announces:  TestBench  2.2

(The Addition of Case-based Reasoning Makes TestBench the Only Expert System Diagnostic Tool To Offer Multiple Problem Solving Strategies)

Pittsburgh, PA (October 21, 1992) -- At its TestBench Users' Group Meeting today Carnegie Group announced the development of TestBench 2.2, a new release which, when made available in January 1993, will offer the most comprehensive representation capabilities for building expert help desk applications and troubleshooting systems for field and customer service organizations.

The new release will add case-based reasoning to TestBench's already extensive representation approaches which include troubleshooting, rules of thumb and decision trees.  "The help desk and field and customer service environments have multiple needs and require multiple approaches to meet those needs.  Carnegie Group is the only vendor to seamlessly integrate all of the necessary problem solving strategies under one consistent architecture for developers and users," said Dennis Yablonsky, president and CEO of Carnegie Group.

TestBench allows users to choose the method most appropriate for capturing expertise to suit their problems as well as the ability to pick where to begin the diagnostic session, jump ahead if desired, select from several available search strategies and volunteer information.  These TestBench features eliminate all the major constraints inherent in tools requiring a single problem-solving approach to diagnostics. In addition, TestBench is the only tool to offer a graphical development environment for case-based reasoning which dramatically reduces the development effort and maintenance costs of the knowledge base.

Now, a developer can "mix and match strategies to solve their diagnostic problems, using, for example, case-based reasoning for broad, simple problems, fault hierarchy for more complex structured problems, rules of thumb for exceptions, or decision logic for existing manuals," said Chip Bodin, director of diagnostic technologies for Carnegie Group.  "What we have done is to provide an integrated, seamless visual environment for both expert system development and delivery.  In this environment, a developer can graphically build, organize and change a case base, fault hierarchy or decision tree.  Correspondingly, a user can index into the diagnosis anywhere he chooses, enter a free-form text description of the problem and TestBench will invoke the appropriate diagnostic action," added Bodin.

"One of the reasons we have the largest installed base of diagnostic expert sytems on the market is because we listen to our users.  At last year's TestBench Users Group meeting, many of our customers who had successfully deployed systems using TestBench requested the addition of these features.  The market wants freedom of choice, flexibility, a consistent environment that gives them results accurately and fast," said Bodin.

TestBench, a client/server application solution, incorporates a development environment, TestBuilder, used by troubleshooting experts to create and maintain knowledge bases, and a delivery environment, TestView (now a Windows application), which provides diagnostic assistance to field engineers and help desk personnel.

Also available as add-on features to TestBench are the Hypertext Module, which links TestBench to existing commercially available hypertext products and the Report Module, which provides advanced capabilities for running statistical and summary reports from multiple TestView sessions.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

TestBench 2.2 will incorporate several significant technical upgrades, including:

Key Word Search--allows the user to select symptoms and causes using natural language instead of working through a diagnostic tree. TestBench matches the user's problem description against phrases associated with symptoms in the knowledge base.  Matches from the key word search will advance the user quickly to a list of symptoms, speeding diagnosis of the problem.

Nested Categories--gives richness and depth in the problem classification phase of the diagnosis by structuring symptoms into a categorization hierarchy, which the user can then walk through to facilitate the classification.

DDE (dynamic data exchange) and DLL (dynamic link library) support for Microsoft Windows--Enables seamless integration of TestView with other applications using windows standard methods.  This allows TestView to display pictures and link to reference information, as well as to obtain the results of tests via external functions.

ABOUT CARNEGIE GROUP

Established in 1984, Carnegie Group is the industry leader in applying advanced software technology to capture knowledge assets in integrated semi-custom solutions.  Through the automation of complex decision support systems Carnegie Group helps clients leverage their intellectual capital. Our technology is applied in the areas of configuration/provisioning, logistics/planning/scheduling, text processing, help desks/diagnostics, design for manufacturability and sales support/negotiation.

For further information on TestBench 2.2 or any of Carnegie Group's products and services, please contact Florence Rouzier at (412) 642-6900.


O'Reilly Completely Revises Guide to LEX & YACC
O'REILLY PUBLISHES COMPLETELY REVISED GUIDE TO LEX AND YACC

SEBASTOPOL, CA -- O'Reilly & Associates announces the release of a  completely revised guide to two important UNIX programming tools,  lex and yacc.  For the second edition of LEX & YACC, authors Tony  Mason and Doug Brown are joined by John Levine, moderator of the  comp.compilers newsgroup on the Internet.  Nearly twice the size  of the original, the second edition contains new and revised tutorial  and reference sections.  The new materials should provide more help  for new users in learning lex and yacc  as well as for seasoned  programmers who need to understand some of the complexities of these  programming tools.

When LEX & YACC was first published in May 1990, CommUNIXations  magazine noted that it covered topics, "usually left out of introductory  and intermediate UNIX or C courses but [which] can enhance the  productivity of any programmer who needs to talk to CRT screens or write  applications programs that are user friendly." In the new edition, the  authors have provided new, extended examples that show the variety of  applications for lex and yacc.

Major changes include:

*  Lex and yacc each have a chapter devoted to understanding

   basic usage and simple, stand-alone applications;

*  A new chapter with full SQL grammar;

*  Greatly expanded reference chapters;

*  Coverage of the new POSIX 1003.2 standard versions of lex

   and yacc;

*  Full coverage of all major MS-DOS and UNIX versions of lex

   and yacc, including AT&T lex and yacc, Berkeley yacc,

   Berkeley/Gnu flex, Gnu bison, MKS Lex and Yacc, and Abraxas

   PCYACC.

LEX & YACC, 2nd edition, continues to be the only book exclusively devoted to these two important UNIX programming tools.  Every chapter from the first edition has been wholly revised, with new, expanded examples replacing old ones.

     LEX & YACC

     by John R. Levine, Tony Mason, and Doug Brown

     400 pages

     ISBN 1-56592-00-7

     Price:  $29.95

This and other O'Reilly Books are available through bookstores or directly from the publisher.  For a list of our overseas distributors or US bookstores, FAX (707/829-0104), phone (707/829-0515 or 800/998-9938 in US or Canada) or write O'Reilly & Assoicates, 103 Morris St., Sebastopol, CA, 95472, USA


Softwords Research CoSy Conferencing System
    * * * * THE COSY CONFERENCING SYSTEM * * * *

                        from

        Softwords Research International Ltd.

The CoSy Conferencing System, one of the most widely used and powerful conferencing systems in the world, is now available through Softwords Research of Victoria, B.C., Canada.

Originally developed in 1984, CoSy enjoys the commercial support of a professional software house.  CoSy has clients in Europe, Asia and North America and literally tens of thousands of users access CoSy sites worldwide.  Byte Information Exchange, CIX (U.K.), MIX (Japan), Telecom Finland, NSA (a Division of British Telecom) are examples of major CoSy sites.

In the past three years, Softwords has set up businesses who have discovered the benefits of electronic conferencing for client support, office communications, marketing, product development, employee training, and conferencing's unique ability to bring physically remote offices together.

So what makes CoSy unique?

  - Professional support for installation and on-going upgrades

  - A powerful conferencing system that has been refined over

    the past eight years

  - A full mail system built into CoSy for one to one messaging

  - System managers routines for in-house maintenance

  - Graphical User Interfaces with serial or TCP/IP connectivity

  - GUI's are available for MAC, DOS and Windows systems

  - GUI's with a built-in communications package and full screen

    editors

If you would like to take a look at CoSy, and discover how it can benefit your office or help you deliver courses, e-mail Softwords at:

          blair@softwords.bc.ca

or phone us at: +1 (604) 727-6522

or fax   us at: +1 (604) 727-6418

We can arrange to provide you with an account on our CoSy system, and send  you a demonstration copy of our Graphical User Interface, CoSyPlus.

See how the CoSy Conferencing System will be your next step in electronic messaging.


PC-Kwik Power Pak for DOS, Version 3
Version 3 of PC-Kwik  Power Pak for DOS Ships with Faster Disk Cache, Disk Defragmenter, and Multiple Boot Utility

Beaverton, Oregon - PC-Kwik Corporation has announced a major new release of their DOS speed-up product, PC-Kwik Power Pak version 3.0.  The new version includes major enhancements to its leading disk cache, Super PC-Kwik, which increase its speed and ease-of-use.  The new version also includes Power Disk , their top-rated disk reorganizer, which was previously available as a separate product.  A completely new module called KwikBoot provides multiple DOS boot configurations.  All Power Pak modules now have English-language parameters similar to those used by Windows .INI files which make them much easier to use.

The new Super PC-Kwik version 5 includes a number of speed enhancements as well as an option to select delayed writes, a method of caching data being written to a disk drive which can have dramatic improvements in disk performance.  Super PC-Kwik also automatically detects applications using VCPI and DPMI memory and can lend memory to the applications as needed.

Power Disk has been completely integrated into Power Pak and now has a new graphical interface which uses Windows-like screens.  The interface makes it easy to schedule safe and regular disk defragmenting, file sorting, and disk testing at boot time.

Daily scheduling of defragmenting is the best way to keep a hard disk fast and efficient.  Power Disk is the industry's fastest defragmenter and is capable of reorganizing disks with partitions of over 1 gigabyte in size.

KwikBoot is a new addition to Power Pak which allows a computer to be booted in up to 26 different configurations.  Users who switch between DOS and Windows, or use applications that require different configurations, will appreciate the ease in which they can select different CONFIG and AUTOEXEC settings.

Other new features include the addition of keyboard aliases, an enhanced type-ahead buffer, and the ability to save the ReViewTM screen buffer to a disk file.  Keyboard aliases allow a DOS user to create short commands to replace long, complicated or multiple DOS commands.  The expanded keyboard buffer allows the DOS user to type ahead instead of waiting for the DOS prompt to return from a previous function, and allows expansion up to 1024 characters.  The ReView feature creates a large screen buffer which can now be saved to a disk file for editing or printing.

Version 5 of Super PC-Kwik and version 3 of Power Pak are scheduled to ship on November 2, 1992.  Suggested retail prices are $79.95 for Super PC-Kwik and $129.95 for Power Pak. Updates for current users are avialable directly from PC-Kwik at $19.95 for Super PC-Kwik and $39.95 for Power Pak.

PC-Kwik Corporation (formerly Multisoft Corporation) is the leading developer of performance enhancement software products for DOS and Windows environments.  Its retail products are known by their trademarks Super PC-Kwik, PC-Kwik Power Pak, and WinMasterTM.  All three products are available through its U.S. distributors, Ingram Micro and Merisel.  PC-Kwik Corporation's headquarters are located at 15100 SW Koll Parkway, Beaverton, OR 97006-6026.  For information or sales, telephone 503-644-5644 or 800-759-5945 or fax 503-646-8267.


EnforceBase Integrity Checking for .DBF Files
INTEGRITY CHECKING FOR FOXPRO, DBASE IV COMPATIBLE .DBF FILES

BOISE, ID, November 16, 1992 -- Extended Systems today announced the release of Version 2.0 of EnforceBase, a data-integrity tool targeted at the managers of multi-user databases. This new release adds support for FoxPro and dBASE IV file formats, a new Browse/Fix feature, more flexible report printing and enhanced referential integrity capabilities to EnforceBase Version 1.1. Now managers of existing FoxPro, dBASE IV, dBASE III+ and Clipper compatible databases can have integrity checking, similar to database management systems, without going to the trouble or expense of changing platforms. EnforceBase Version 1.1 supported dBASE III+ and Clipper compatible .DBF files and has been shipping since July 1992.

Convenient Data Error Correction

The Browse/Fix window is a new feature which allows users to easily correct violating records from within the menu-driven EnforceBase Rule Manager. After EnforceBase locates logical violations in a database, users can invoke this record-level editor to help them fix the violations. Violations and their adjacent records are displayed to assist users in deciding what action should be taken to correct the violation. This Browse/Fix feature enables database managers to locate and correct logical problems with a single pass through a database.

Integrity Maintenance Tool

EnforceBase ensures that the data in the database is logically correct, giving database managers a higher level of confidence in the information they provide to decision-makers. Database managers now have a proactive method of ensuring the accuracy of their data. Instead of reacting to system crashes and other agonizing or expensive consequences, EnforceBase allows the database manager to discover logical data errors before they cause problems.

This time-saving tool eliminates the need for programmers to create integrity-checking programs which are used once and then deleted. It also eliminates the need for database managers to spend time checking for errors using interactive dot-prompt queries.

As a logical extension of the dBASE language, EnforceBase is easy for database managers to use. EnforceBase utilizes familiar Xbase-like command syntax and can locate and report violating records automatically.

Checks for a Wide Range of Data Errors

Entity Integrity ensures that fields requiring unique values do not contain duplicates. Domain Integrity ensures that field values are within a specific range, or set of values. Referential Integrity ensures that foreign-key or "parent/child" relationships between multiple files are valid. In addition to these standard SQL integrity categories, EnforceBase supports Business Rule Integrity which allows users to define custom rules which apply only to their business situation.

Two User Interfaces

The menu-driven EnforceBase Rule Manager guides the user through the creation and enforcement of the set of rules that should govern a particular database system. These rules are stored in a data dictionary. The Enforce Utility is a command-line interface which allows users to enforce rules in a batch method. Users can enforce rules previously defined in a data dictionary, or single ad-hoc rules for quick integrity checks. The Enforce Utility can also be configured to run unattended.

EnforceBase Version 2.0, part number ESI-8586A is priced at $395, and will begin shipping November 16, 1992.

Extended Systems product families focus on enabling users to increase the life, functionality and capabilities of their computer resources by providing high-performance, reliability and ease of use.

For more information or a demonstration copy of EnforceBase Version 2.0, contact Extended Systems at 800-235-7576 or 406-587-7575.

Extended Systems, 6123 N. Meeker Ave, Boise, ID 83704

208-322-7575


VideoShow HQ Offers 21MB Floptical Subsystem
GENERAL PARAMETRICS SELECTS FLOPTICAL DRIVE FOR NEW MULTIMEDIA SYSTEM

New Stand Alone VideoShow HQ Offers 21MB Floptical Subsystem for Mass Storage Of Images and Sound

San Jose, CA--November 16, 1992--Insite Peripherals announced today that General Parametrics Corp., Berkeley, Calif., is shipping the 3.5-inch 21 megabyte (MB) Floptical disk drive as a video storage device in its new VideoShow HQ, the first easy-to-use, completely integrated, fully portable multimedia presentation system.

The VideoShow HQ offers the presentation market the impact of multimedia with full-motion video, live video, stereo sound, photographic images, animation and high quality computer graphics. Presentation images can be imported from VCRs, camcorders, tape decks, CD players, laser disks and IBM PCs, PS/2s or Apple Macintosh computers.

"To import and store these high quality images requires a high capacity storage system as technologically advanced as our VideoShow HQ" said Herb Baskin, president and CEO of General Parametrics. "The Floptical drive is the only cost-effective storage system that offers high performance, downward compatibility with the VideoShow HQ's internal 1.44MB floppy drive, and the flexibility to be used for data I/O, archival and backup routines."

Chuck Moran, vice president of marketing and sales for Insite, said, "The inclusion of the Floptical technology with the VideoShow HQ makes multimedia accessible and affordable. Here, a familiar yet technologically advanced data storage system is combined with a cutting edge multimedia system to appeal to a broad range of the presentation market."

The unique modularity of the VideoShow HQ lets users select the multimedia capabilities they want from a family of options and expand these capacities as their needs grow with simple add-in boards for full-motion video, image capture and sound.

Suggested retail price for the VideoShow HQ is $4999, with an optional 21MB removable Floptical drive available for $999 and a 5-pack of 21MB diskettes for $175. The VideoShow HQ also offers the revolutionary, hand-held advanced remote control (ARC), which displays the presentation image viewed by the audience on a full-color 3-inch palmsized LCD display for $1299.

The 3.5-inch 21MB Floptical disk drive is seen as a superior solution for low cost, removable, very high capacity data storage by the vast majority of systems users. The Floptical drive's read/write compatibility with standard capacity 720KB and 1.44MB diskettes, plus the clear migration path to significantly higher capacities, assures this new technology's place as an affordable mass storage alternative.

General Parametrics Corp. is a leading manufacturer of multimedia products and color thermal printers for business presentations. The company offers a complete line of easy-to-use, high performance presentation hardware and software products for users of IBM PC, PS/2 and Apple Macintosh systems. General Parametrics is located at 1250 Ninth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710, phone 510/524-3950, fax 510/524-9954.

In addition to this entry into the multimedia market with General Parametrics, Insite Peripherals has recently announced a series of OEM pacts worth over $10 million in total with suppliers to the Macintosh, IBM PC and Amiga markets via dealer or direct.

FLOPTICAL TECHNOLOGY BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The 3.5-inch Floptical disk drive features 21MB of formatted capacity (25MB unformatted), one inch high form factor and single +5 volt power requirements. The Floptical disk drive uses standard 3.5-inch diskettes and variable mode dual heads which make it the first and only very high capacity 3.5-inch flexible drive able to read and write standard lower capacity 720KB and 1.44MB 35-inch diskettes. The Floptical drive's very high capacity is achieved by combining patented optical servo track positioning and magnetic recording technologies. Products based on Floptical technology available from Insite OEMs include disk drives, media, host adapter and subsystem products.

FLOPTICAL TECHNOLOGY SUPPORTERS

Announced support of Insite's Floptical Technology includes Commodore, West Chester, PA; Digital Micronics, Inc., Carlsbad, CA; GrassRoots, Inc., Lenexa, ICS; MASS Microsystems, Sunnyvale, CA; PLI (Peripheral Land Incorporated), Fremont, CA; Procom Technology, Costa Mesa, CA; Silicon Graphics, Inc., Mountain View, CA; and Sysgen Inc., Milpitas, CA.

Insite Peripherals, a venture-funded company with over $25 million in equity financing to date, was founded in early 1987 to exploit the emerging market for very high capacity flexible disk drive products. The company is a founding member of the Floptical Technology Association, along with Iomega Corp., 3M, Maxell, MKE, Adaptec, Future Domain and Rancho Technology. Company headquarters are at 4433 Fortran Drive, San Jose CA 95134-2302.


Matsushita Marketing 21MB Floptical in Japan
MATSUSHITA NOW MARKETING 21MB FLOPTICAL DISK DRIVES TO OEMs IN JAPAN

Effort Brings Floptical Technology Closer To Worldwide Industry Standardization

Cupertino, CA -- November 16, 1992--The Floptical Technology Association today announced that Matsushita-Kotobuki Electronics Industries, Ltd., Kagawa, Japan, is now shipping evaluation quantities of 3.5-inch 21MB Floptical disk drives to Japanese OEMs through its parent company, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., (MEI), Osaka, Japan. The drives are manufactured by MKE, Insite Peripheral's Floptical drive manufacturing partner. Insite is the originator and developer of Floptical technology.

"With volume quantities of Floptical technology products now available in the U.S., we are developing the Japanese market for Floptical drives," said S. Nishimoto, MKE's corporate director. "Japanese OEMs, like their American counterparts, recognize the value added to PCs, Macs and workstations by Floptical products, which can be a major differentiator to users who look for more than low prices."

An FTA spokesman noted, "As Matsushita is one of the largest companies in the world, their endorsement is very significant to our effort to become the next industry standard for the very high capacity floppy disk drive market.

The drives now being shipped to Japan's computer manufacturers are downward read/write compatible with 720KB and 1.44MB diskettes. Under development is another version of the disk drive which is also compatible with 1.2MB (1.6MB unformatted) diskettes commonly used by Japanese OEMs. Sample quantities of these drives are scheduled for shipment in Q2 1993. MEI's International Industrial Sales Division has the responsibility for marketing the drives, promoting Floptical technology and penetrating the Japanese OEM market.

MKE, a founding member of the Floptical Technology Association and Insite's manufacturing partner, has marketing rights for Japan. MKE also jointly participated with Insite in Floptical product design and is currently manufacturing Floptical drives in volume exclusively for Insite.

MKE, part of the Matsushita Group, is headquartered in Takamatsu City, Kagawa prefecture, Japan. MKE is highly-regarded as a world-class manufacturer of electronics and computer peripheral equipment, including DAT data storage drives and hard disk drives, as well as millions of video cassette recorders annually for leading brand suppliers.

The Floptical Technology Association is located at 22710 Stevens Creek Blvd., Suite 220, Cupertino, CA 95014. Telephone: 408/446 0407; fax: 408/446 0450.


ValueStor Interal, SUPER21 External Flopticals
INSITE AND SYSGEN ENTER INTO MULTI MILLION DOLLAR OEM AGREEMENT

$299 ValueStor Internal Floptical Drive For Mass Market;

$399 SUPER21 External Floptical Subsystem With

Free Backup Software, 105MB Data Storage For PC Market

San Jose, CA--November 16, 1992--Insite Peripherals has entered into a multimillion dollar OEM (original equipment manufacturer) agreement with Sysgen, Inc., Milpitas, CA to supply the company with volume quantities of its 3.5-inch 21 megabyte (MB) Floptical disk drive.

Sysgen will market an internal version of the SCSI flexible drive, including cable, adapter and installation software, direct to the PC storage market through mail order and discount channels under their recently launched ValueStor brand at a special introductory offer of $299.

Complete external Floptical subsystems, including a Floptical drive, adapter and installation software, will also be available direct from Sysgen for $399 suggested retail price under the brand name SUPER21.

As an additional special introductory promotion, Sysgen is offering five free 21MB 3M-brand Floptical diskettes (a total of 105MB) and Central Point Backup for DOS and Windows software with every SUPER21 drive. Suggested retail prices for a twin pack of 21MB Floptical diskettes is $39.95 and a five-pack for $99.95.

"The low cost of both the SUPER21 and ValueStor Floptical drives and media bring these products within reach of price-sensitive computer users with high data storage needs," said Richard Tam, president of Sysgen. "With this breakthrough in the value equation, the 21MB Floptical drive enters a wider market."

Chuck Moran, vice president of marketing and sales for Insite, said, "Our volume manufacturing capabilities for Floptical technology, combined with Sysgen's impressive mass marketing network of authorized national distributors, mail order and mass market channels, will enable us to satisfy the ever increasing mass market demand for high capacity storage systems that require downward read/write compatibility with existing 720KB and 1.44MB floppy diskettes."

The 3.5-inch 21MB Floptical disk drive is seen as a superior solution for low cost, removable, very high capacity data storage by the vast majority of systems users. The Floptical drive's read/write compatibility plus the clear migration path to significantly higher capacities assures its place as an affordable mass storage solution.

Sysgen, Inc. has been a leader in data storage products for the PC for the past 10 years. The company currently offers many storage products that address data portability, mobile computing and backup systems for PCs and peer-to-peer LANs. Insite has recently announced a series of OEM pacts worth close to $30 million in total with suppliers to the Macintosh and IBM PC markets via dealer or direct. Sysgen is located at 556 Gibraltar Drive, Milpitas, CA 95035. Phone 408/263-4411, fax 408/263-2727.


Personnel Master 3.0 Human Resource Mgmt Swr
MST Releases New 3.0 Version of PERSONNEL MASTER

November 12, 1992 -- MST Software today released a new updated version of its human resources management software, PERSONNEL MASTER.

PERSONNEL MASTER, first introduced in 1988, provides for management of employee file information, emergency contacts, salary budgeting, benefits administration, vacation, sick, and personal time accruals, EEOC and OSHA reporting, COBRA billing, INS I-9 log, reviews, skills training, and wellness inventories, and over 75 standard reports.

PERSONNEL MASTER 3.0 sports a new user interface designed for speedier access to the system's data and several additional new features.

Added to the previous version are capabilities to record and report Comp Time Off for employees, place employees on Leave of Absence and suspend leave accruals, 're-hire' employees using previously entered data, and export the system's data to standard ASCII data files for manipulation by other programs. Also new are a pop-up appointment calendar and calculator, support for expanded RAM memory to speed operations, and the ability to assign passwords and access level rights for each user.

"Since the initial introduction of PERSONNEL MASTER," said Patrick Dowd, president of MST Software, "we have received many excellent suggestions from users for improvements to the product. We have incorporated many but, until the release of the newest version of PERSONNEL MASTER's programming language (Clipper 5.01 from Computer Associates), we had not been able to efficiently implement some of the more demanding functions. Clipper 5.01 has afforded our programmers with vast new capabilities and has substantially reduced development and maintenance time."

"The new interface allows the user to bring up an employee's information with as few as 4 keystrokes in contrast to the 15-16 required in previous versions of PERSONNEL MASTER. Additionally, the entire on-line HELP system has been substantially expanded and any HELP screen can be easily printed by the user for future reference."

PERSONNEL MASTER 3.0 is priced at $479 and can be purchased directly from MST Software at (714) 837-3664 or through local computer dealers. Existing users of previous versions can update for $99. The multiple-user version will be released in January 1993 at a cost of $795. Other products available from MST are a system manager's utility for PERSONNEL MASTER, priced at $79, and an ad-hoc report writer for $249.

MST Software

25541 Indian Hill Lane #Q, Laguna Hills, CA 92653-6059

714-837-3664, fax: 714-768-0736


Software Grove Messages 1.5 for Windows
SOFTWARE GROVE MESSAGES 1.5 RELEASED BY SOFTWARE GROVE CORPORATION

Software Grove Messages 1.5 enhances message viewing and printing, and more.

November 2, 1992 -- Kirkland, WA -- Software Grove Corporation today released version 1.5 of its software product, Software Grove Messages for IBM PCs running Microsoft Windows. The software is titled Software Grove Messages because it assists in filling out the all-to-familiar pink or blue phone message forms often titled "IMPORTANT MESSAGE." The enhancements included in version 1.5 were based on reactions from users of the first release. The reaction from users include Marina Beehe at Steven Ames Brown, Attorney, who said: "Too cool for words!" and Wendy Gleisner at Web Insurance who said: "I loved your manual!" Enhancements in

Software Grove Messages 1.5 include:

1. Easier searching for messages and easier viewing of messages on screen - especially across multiple days.

2. When viewing on screen, messages can now be displayed tiled either horizontally or vertically.

3. Easier printing of messages for multiple days and nicer looking printed message forms that now include user selectable fonts.

4. New option to have messages editable or password protected and encrypted.

5. New options to control program operation, like optional exit on save or print, presets on message icons, and user selectable colors and fonts.

6. Multiple message icons, so the user can now put multiple flags on a message, such as by selecting both "Important" and "Third Call".

7. The user interface has been changed to follow Windows conventions more strictly.

Software Grove Messages has several key advantages over the use of paper forms, including: never having to search for a pad, never having to decipher scrawled numbers, automatically filling in company and phone numbers fields for regular callers (as well as the date, time and operator's initials), and by effortlessly providing back-up copies and caller reports. The package includes 4-up, pink message forms for use in any standard printer; it can also print one message per page or 4 messages per page or Call Tracker (tm) forms on standard paper.

According to John Grove, President of Software Grove: "In a survey of the market that we did in April of 1992, we interviewed secretaries at 150 California and Washington companies selected from Contacts Influential and the Yellow Pages. We found that over 50% have computers on their desks, and over 50% of those want to have a message pad on their computer screen. This desire for automation by secretaries was independent of the company's size, including companies from 2 to thousands of employees. "

Software Grove Messages 1.5 for Windows is immediately available at $69.95. Software Grove Messages operates under Microsoft Windows 3.0 and 3.1, on any Windows compatible PC, using any Windows compatible monitor and printer. A 60-day money back guarantee is provided. An MS-DOS version and a LAN version (compatible with popular LAN's including Novell Netware, LANtastic and LAN Manager) are also under development, release is scheduled for the 4th quarter of 1992. Distributors for Software Grove Messages include Daiseytec, American Software & Hardware, Tiger Software, Microwarehouse and Global Computer Supplies.

Software Grove, 12525 Willows Rd, Suite 130, Kirkland, WA 98034

(206) 823-0833;  Fax (206) 823-1246;  (800) 793-0040


Auto-Virus Software Customer Loyalty
ANTI-VIRUS SOFTWARE - CUSTOMER LOYALTY ??

Scottsdale, AZ...November 13, 1992. Dr. David Stang, Director of Research for the International Computer Security Association, Washington, DC, expressed surprise when advised by Raymond M. Glath, President of RG Software Systems, Inc., that the site license renewal rate for Vi-Spy is over 95%.

Dr. Stang said, "I've talked to thousands of users of anti-virus products over the last few years, and rarely find much brand loyalty. Users are often disappointed with the product, the gap between performance and vendor claims, and with customer support. Vi-Spy is a solid product and worthy of customer loyalty."

Many of Vi-Spy's Site License customers are in their third contract year. Most anti-virus products haven't been on the market long enough to have a track record.

"Since Vi-Spy was released in 1989, we have experienced a renewal rate of over 95% on site license contracts, and a renewal rate over 40% on individual copy sales.", according to Mr. Glath.

A Fortune 50 customer who has a Vi-Spy Enterprise Site License for its sites worldwide, including all of its wholly owned subsidiaries states: "RG's efforts throughout the 2-1/2 years we have contracted their anti virus software, has continuously been far above the norm, and far better than I ever expected to gain."

The latest Version 10.0 of Vi-Spy Professional Edition, has received Certification by the ICSA's Virus Research Center, which performs in-depth anti-virus product evaluations. In testing

Vi-Spy's effectiveness in detecting computer viruses, Vi-Spy received a perfect performance.

Vi-Spy also received a formal product review by the Communications Security Establishment - Government of Canada, a Canadian agency parallel to the U.S. National Security Agency. In the review, Vi-Spy successfully detected and removed all viruses in the testing process. The review states, in part, "The most important function of a virus detection utility is to detect viruses before they enter a system and certainly before they are executed. Vi-Spy excels in this area."

The affordable Vi-Spy Site License Program includes permission to allow an employee assigned a licensed copy of Vi-Spy to make a copy for his home and/or portable use; permission to allow contract service agencies to use Vi-Spy to prevent infection of PC's during diagnostic services; unique serial numbers for easy tracking of distribution; expert 24 hour hot-line BBS and FAX support, and much more.

A single copy of Vi-Spy Professional Edition retails for $149.95, and includes one year of free, quarterly updates, and full product support. Vi-Spy runs on IBM PC's and compatible systems under PC/MS DOS 2.0-5.0, and comes in dual (notchless) media.

For more information and/or copies of Vi-Spy's formal reviews, contact RG Software Systems, Inc., 6900 E. Camelback Rd., #630, Scottsdale, AZ 85251; (602) 423-8000; FAX (602) 423-8389.


Dauphin DynaDrive Removeable Disk Drive
PORTABLE STORAGE JUST GOT SMALLER, BIGGER, AND FASTER

Dauphin Debuts DynaDrive, 2.5", 85 MB, removeable diskette weighing about an ounce

October 26, 1992, Lombard, IL: Leveraging off one of the largest portable computer contracts ever awarded by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), Lombard, IL based Dauphin Technology, Inc. has taken an aggressive stance in incorporating an amazing breakthrough in removable storage technology into its notebook and pen-based computer lines. The Dauphin DynaDrive will be introduced at the Las Vegas Hilton, Booth #7068 during Fall COMDEX, November 16-21, 1992.

"The DynaDrive" will have a significant impact on the computer industry," according to Alan Yong, Dauphin's President and CEO. "This new generation of storage media will create a whole new meaning for 'removable' and re-define the portable computer."

The Dauphin DynaDrive

The Dauphin DynaDrive is a superior data storage technology that consists of an internal drive utilizing 85 MB, removable 2 1/2" diskettes, weighing about an ounce. It differs from the traditional 1-2 pound removable hard drives in that all electronic and mechanical components are built into the computer, leaving the media or storage diskette independent, free to travel anywhere. With a blazing 14 ms access time, the Dauphin DynaDrive offers infinite storage, ultimate portability, convenient data exchange, unparalleled reliability and ease of use.

The 85 MB, DynaDrive diskette inserted into the Dauphin notebook's internal drive offers enough storage capacity to hold your operating system, several application programs and thousands of client files, maps, manuals, clip art, scanned images and more. "Infinite storage can be achieved by creating a library of diskettes, 12 alone make up a gigabyte," asserts Mr. Yong.

The Dauphin 550 Notebook - DynaDrive

Among the first of the Dauphin products to incorporate the DynaDrive technology is the Dauphin 550 notebook. This 486SLC, 25 MHz system is the world's first dual drive mobile computer to feature a small fixed drive and the DynaDrive removable diskette technology. "Executives can store their operating system and applications on the Dauphin 550's fixed drive and confidential files and high-level documents on their removable DynaDrive diskettes," says Mr. Yong. "Also, as software applications grow bigger and bigger, including operating systems like OS/2 and Windows NT, storage capacity for mobile computer is becoming extremely crucial," notes Mr. Yong. "The DynaDrive means a mobile computer can have inexpensive unlimited storage with an impressive access time of 14 ms."

The Dauphin 5000 Pentop and External Drive - DynaDrive

The Dauphin DynaDrive will also be available internally in the Dauphin 5000 Pentop series, and as an external drive to Dauphin's other notebook and pen-based product lines. The 5000 Pentop, Dauphin's first foray into pen-based computing was followed in September, by the 5500 Color Pentop, the first color pen-based computer ever. Both will incorporate the DynaDrive technology.

Limitless Applications

"It is going to change the way people work," says Mr. Yong. An insurance agent, for example would be capable of storing multiple lines of insurance information using multiple diskettes. Each DynaDrive diskette could contain rating information and forms relating to the specific lines of coverage. During their presentation, they can easily load the appropriate diskette, giving powerful, customized sales presentations. In addition to creating libraries of data, the DynaDrive also offers new possibilities for confidential and top secret documentation in the government sector and other security conscious organizations. "Your most confidential documents can now be locked away to assure maximum security," states Mr. Yong. At a time when computer theft or loss has become a major concern for mobile professionals, the removable diskettes offer alternative security.

This technology is also an ideal substitute for tape backup which is bulky and expensive. "It may make tape backup systems obsolete," expresses Mr. Yong.

Availability

The Dauphin DynaDrive products are slated for First Quarter 1993 production. Dauphin plans to introduce its DynaDrive product line to interested computer companies for private labeling arrangements. "Ability to interchange the diskettes among computers will be essential in creating an industry standard with this revolutionary means of data storage," says Mr. Yong. With its primary focus in R&D, Dauphin has been highly successful in bringing new products to the industry. According to Mr. Yong, "Dauphin is willing to share their technologically advanced products with other computer companies." Dauphin will take the lead in bringing this new removable data storage technology to market and encourage other computer companies to follow.

Dauphin Technology, 1125 East St. Charles Rd, Lombard, IL 60148

708-627-4004; fax: 708-627-7618


Dauphin 550 Notebook with DynaDrive & Ethernet
MOBILE "MUSCLE" FOR SERIOUS USERS

New Dauphin 550 Notebook Offers Infinite Storage, 486 Power, and Internal Ethernet Support

October 21, 1992, Lombard, IL: Dauphin Technology, Inc., one of the leading suppliers of mobile computing technology to the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and a strong contender in the commercial pen-based arena. will introduce the Dauphin 550 at the Las Vegas Hilton, Booth #7068 during Fall COMDEX, November 16-21, 1992.

"Mobile professionals deserve a portable computer with some muscle," says Alan Yong, Dauphin's President and CEO. "With the on-going PC price wars, too many inferior me-too products have been flooding the market. Mobile professionals deserve better and that is why Dauphin is committed to bringing a new generation of mobile computers to fruition. It's time to re-define the personal computer. " Dauphin is poised to exploit emerging technology for its new generation of mobile computers. Packed with a high powered 486SLC CPU, built-in Ethernet support and breakthrough removable storage technology, the 550 is definitely a new generation portable computer.

The Dauphin DynaDrive

The 550 is the world's first dual hard drive mobile computer to feature a small 60 MB fixed drive and the Dauphin DynaDrive removable diskette technology. The Dauphin DynaDrive is a superior data storage technology that consists of an internal fixed drive and an 85 MB removable 2 1/2" diskette, weighing about an ounce. lt differs from the traditional 1-2 pound removable hard drives in that all electronic and mechanical components are built into the computer, leaving the media or storage diskette independent, free to travel anywhere. With a blazing 14 ms access time, the Dauphin DynaDrive offers infinite storage, ultimate portability, convenient data exchange, unparalleled reliability and ease of use.

486SLC Processor

The high performance 486SLC, 25 MHz notebook combines the power of 486 computing with the cost effectiveness of 386-based chips. In addition, while having the power of the 486 generation chips, the 486SLC doesn't have the high power consumption and heat generation of traditional 486-based units. "This means users don't have to worry about short battery life or heat related problems as a trade off for improved performance and reliability," states Mr. Yong.

Internal Ethernet

Today's computer users need to have access to networks, in order to tap into powerful databases, communicate quickly with colleagues, and retrieve and/or send vital information.

The Dauphin 550's built-in Ethernet card gives the unit "plug and play" network capabilities.

It also offers a true portable solution for companies concerned with allocation of office work space and additional desktop space.

Two Hard Drives Better Than One

The Dauphin 550, features a built-in 60 MB hard disk drive and an internal 85 MB DynaDrive with removable diskette. "For starters, this totals 145 MB's of on-line storage," asserts Mr. Yong. "Infinite storage can be achieved by creating a library of diskettes, 12 alone make up a gigabyte."

Executives can store their operating system and applications on the fixed drive and confidential files and high-level documents on their removable DynaDrive diskettes. At a time when computer theft or loss has become a major concern for mobile professionals, the removable diskettes offer maximum security.

Pricing and Availability

The Dauphin 550, slated for First Quarter 1993 production, will range in price from $2500 to $3500, depending on configurations and options. Dauphin also plans to introduce its 550 to interested computer companies for private labeling arrangements. With its primary focus in R&D, Dauphin has been highly successful in bringing new products to the industry. "Dauphin is willing to share their technologically advanced products with other computer companies," according to Mr. Yong.

The Dauphin 530 offers these key features:

* 486SLC, 25 MHz microprocessor

* Built-in 60 MB hard disk drive

* Built-in 85 MB DynaDrive with removable diskette

* Internal 3 1/2" floppy disk drive

* Internal Ethernet

* Internal 9600/2400 baud fax/data modem, or optional 14.4 kbps

* 8.25" x 11.7" x 1.9", weighing 6.9 pounds

* Backlit VGA (640 x 480 x 64 gray scales)

* External analog monitor port with up to Super VGA capability

  (800 x 600 x 256 colors)

* Simultaneous LCD and external CRT display

* Full complement of I/O ports

* Advanced power management

In addition to its other laptop and notebook products, Dauphin will also display the 5000 Pentop and 5000 Color Pentop (the first color pen-based computer) at their COMDEX Booth, #7068 in the Las Vegas Hilton

Dauphin Technology, 1125 East St. Charles Rd, Lombard, IL 60148

708-627-4004; fax: 708-627-7618


Artisoft Five Star Connectivity Reseller Pgm
ARTISOFT ANNOUNCES NEW FIVE STAR CONNECTIVITY RESELLER PROGRAM

Will Specialize In Multiplatforms, Vertical Markets And Workgroup Solutions For Corporate America

(TUCSON, AZ--November 10, 1992)--Artisoft, Inc. announced today that it has developed the Artisoft Five Star Connectivity Reseller Program, a new program for super connectivity VARs (value-added resellers) and systems integrators. In contrast to its Artisoft Authorized Five Star Reseller program (which certifies resellers in basic networking issues and platforms) this new program will support the growing number of VARs who have specialized in larger networks of 20 or more nodes and/or one of the following areas: multiple platforms; high-end businesses; government, education and specialized markets; peer-to-peer resource-sharing in a client-server environment; and specialized client-server applications.

"Watching the rapid growth of our reseller base, it became quite evident that we have a large group of VARs and systems integrators who are specifically oriented towards medium- to high-end connectivity issues," stated Dave Hallmen, Artisoft's Vice President of Sales & Marketing. "We are giving these resellers the highly specialized training, resources and cutting-edge products they need to respond to the demands of the growing multiplatform and workgroup markets."

This program is available to interested Five Star Resellers who have been in good standing for a minimum of six months. Conditional certification will be given immediately upon satisfactory completion of a connectivity knowledge test. Full certification will be awarded within six months after successful completion of specific product training classes.

In return, Artisoft will support its Five Star Connectivity VARs with these unique opportunities: all sales leads involving 20-node opportunities and above (upon expiration of existing certification within the area); access to enhanced technical support; a separate toll-free support number; a modified co-op program for allowing travel and training; individual/company certifications and unique product authorizations; special field support from Business Development Group representatives; beta-test site opportunities; a driver development program; unique regional training conferences; eligibility for Advisory Council membership; and contract administrative assistance.

Artisoft Five Star Connectivity Resellers will also be provided access to all current and upcoming Five Star marketing/support programs including: a media kit; a merchandising catalog; an optional $799 for-resale kit; Artisoft's best reseller prices and payment terms; the Artibucks co-op advertising program; vertical market programs; Reseller of the Month and Year awards; RAM-OGRAMs; the MCI gateway system for lead distribution; Artisoft 201 and 301 training; and Tech Talk seminars.

The initial enrollment fee of $999 is refundable in its entirety within the first six months at a rate of 2% of the VAR's total sales. Each newly-enrolled reseller will receive an Artisoft Five Star Connectivity Reseller Kit which presently includes one LANtastic for Macintosh system, one LANtastic for TCP/IP package, one LANtastic for NetWare kit, the connectivity knowledge test, third-party compatibility charts, the connectivity training manual, a product training schedule, a subscription to the LANual Information Service and access to free regional product training.

Resellers interested in joining the Artisoft Five Star Connectivity VAR program should call Artisoft Inside Sales at 1-800-TINY RAM. This program is subject to minor modifications.

Artisoft remains committed to its existing Five Star Reseller program and offers all newly-enrolled Artisoft Authorized Five Star Resellers the option of purchasing a $799 "for resale" kit during their first three months in the program. Artisoft has also recently enhanced its Five Star Reseller program with the following benefits: a new media kit and merchandise catalog; a revised ArtiBucks advertising co-op program; Artisoft's 401 "Tech Talks" training class; and the option of purchasing the $799 "for resale" kit until the end of the year.

Artisoft develops and manufactures a full line of hardware and software for local area networks including the LANtastic Local Area Network. Recognized as the leader in peer-to-peer networking for DOS and Windows environments, the LANtastic network now offers multiplatform connectivity solutions for NetWare and Macintosh systems. 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 and has won numerous industry awards for its cost-effective features, performance and ease of use. Artisoft distributes the LANtastic network and its other connectivity products in over 70 countries worldwide and maintains international offices in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Latin America, Australia and Japan.

For more information about Artisoft or its product line, contact Artisoft, Inc. at 691 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85704. Sales 800/TINY RAM. Corporate 602/293-6363. Fax 602/293-8065


Dauphin 5500 Color Pentop
DAUPHIN SHOWS TRUE COLORS

The Dauphin 5500 Color Pentop is unveiled at Pen-Based Expo

September 21, 1992, Los Angeles, California: Dauphin Technology, Inc. announced and demonstrated the Dauphin 5500 Color Pentop, the first pen-based computer to offer a color display, at the Pen-Based Expo Show in Los Angeles, September 21-23, 1992.

Dauphin Technology, Inc., one of the leading suppliers of mobile computing technology to the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), has been aggressively developing a series of pen-based computers for professionals in the commercial sector. The Dauphin 5500 Color Pentop is the second pen-based computer Dauphin has introduced in what will be a complete line of pen-based systems. Earlier this year, Lombard, Illinois based Dauphin unveiled the Dauphin 5000 Series Pentop at Spring Comdex in Chicago.

According to Dauphin President and CEO, Alan Yong, color displays make sense for pen-based computers. "Color is the natural next step for pen-based computing," says Yong. "Not surprisingly, pen-operating systems are for the most part extremely graphical in nature. Any graphical operating system, with its mix of icons, gestures, windows and menus is going to benefit from color. Color is more vivid and descriptive, and provides far greater contrast than black and white." Yong adds that this becomes extremely important in custom designed forms where color can be used for color-coding and redundancy to minimize data entry errors.

For the insurance industry, the 5500 becomes the ideal sales tool for one-on-one sales presentations. "Color adds zip to any presentation, especially one-on-one," says Yong. "An insurance agent can give a presentation featuring full color pictures and use the pen for emphasizing and highlighting points, or writing additional notes on the screen." Insurance adjusters will have multiple uses for the 5500 Color Pentop in the field, suggests Yong. "An adjuster can take a digital picture of a damaged car, complete a custom form on the 5500, and use the pen to notate scratched paint, the depth of a dent and additional damage. The form can be completed in minutes and sent via modem to the home office reducing overhead for the insurance company and in turn, lowering costs for the consumer".

The Dauphin 5500 Color Pentop, features a passive-matrix color VGA screen with a resolution of 640 x 480 x 256 colors. Similar to Dauphin's monochrome version of the system, the Dauphin 5500 is armed with an Intel 386SL microprocessor running at 25 MHz and features 4 MB RAM (expandable to 20 MB) and an 80, 130 or 200 MB hard disk drive.

The Dauphin 5500 Color Pentop and Dauphin 5000 Series Pentop are the only pen-based computers with an internal, high-density, 3 1/2" floppy disk drive. A PCMCIA slot in place of the floppy disk drive is an option with the 5500. Ports include serial, parallel, external floppy drive and an external monitor port for simultaneous SVGA display.

The Pentop's unique flip-up/flip-down color display bridges the gap between notebook and pen-based computers. With the screen down, the 5500 functions as a sophisticated pen tablet. Flip up the screen, attach the small external keyboard and use the 5500 as an advanced, powerful color notebook computer. While no pricing has been set, the Dauphin 5500 Color Pentop is expected to ship in the first quarter of 1993.

Dauphin Technology, 1125 East St. Charles Rd, Lombard, IL 60148

708-627-4004; fax: 708-627-7618


Floptical Diskettes Now Available From IOMEGA
FLOPTICAL DISKETTES NOW AVAILABLE FROM IOMEGA CORP.

New 21 Megabyte Diskettes Available To OEMs And End Users Through Iomega's Distribution Channels; Additional Media Source Brings Floptical Technology Closer To Industry Standardization

Cupertino, CA -- November 16, 1992 -- The Floptical Technology Association today announced the availability to OEM and end user markets of the 21-megabyte (MB) Floptical diskette by member Iomega Corp., Roy, Utah. This additional source for Floptical media is another milestone towards acceptance of Floptical technology as the industry standard for very high capacity floppy diskette storage.

Iomega, a manufacturer of high-performance removable mass storage products and a founding member of the Floptical Technology Association, joins major media manufacturers 3M Corp. of St. Paul, Minn., and Maxell Corp. of Tokyo, Japan, as the third company licensed by Insite Peripherals, San Jose, Calif., to develop, manufacture and sell Floptical media products.

The Floptical diskette is designed for use in 3.5-inch Floptical disk drives manufactured by Insite Peripherals, who has also licensed Iomega as a manufacturer. The 21MB diskette is capable of storing over 14 times more data than a 1.44MB disk and 28 times more than a 720KB disk.

The Iomega Floptical diskette is sold in packs of one, five and 25 diskettes at $35.00, $155.00 and $750.00 respectively (suggested retail prices). The product is sold through Iomega's standard distribution channels and to OEM customers as well.

"The Iomega Floptical Diskette provides very convenient, cost-effective secondary storage in a form factor that is highly trusted by end users," said Anton Radman, senior vice president of corporate development for Iomega "The Floptical diskette serves as a medium for data transportability and interchange, software/data distribution and backup for small systems."

A spokesman for the Floptical Technology Association said, "Three available brands of Floptical diskettes, each interchangeable with all Floptical drive products, which are also downward compatible with the six and a half billion floppies already in use, demonstrates FTA member commitment to availability and compatibility. This brings Floptical technology another step closer to being accepted as the industry standard for very high capacity floppy diskette data storage."

Iomega's Floptical diskettes are manufactured through a unique laser etching process to ensure an optical pattern of high contrast while maintaining a smooth surface for accurate tracking. The Floptical diskettes contain 1,245 data tracks per inch, compared to just 135 tracks per inch on conventional floppies, and are factory low-level preformatted and one hundred percent tested and certified. Iomega, headquartered in Roy, Utah, develops, manufactures and sells high-performance mass storage products for desktop and portable computers and workstations.

Floptical Technology Association

21710 Stevens Creek Blvd, Suite 220, Cupertino, CA 95014

408/446-0407;  fax: 407/446-0450


IOMEGA Shipping 21MB Floptical Disk Drives
IOMEGA NOW SHIPPING NEW 3.5-INCH 21MB FLOPTICAL DISK DRIVE

Internal/External Drives for IBM PCs Feature Laser Holographic Optical Tracking (HOT) Technology

Cupertino, CA -- November 16, 1992 -- The Floptical Technology Association (FTA) today announced that Iomega Corp., a manufacturer of high-performance removable mass storage products and an FTA founding member, is shipping its new 21MB 3.5-inch Floptical disk drive and subsystems featuring laser Holographic Optical Tracking (HOT) technology.

The second-generation Floptical Insider internal drive for AT-bus systems and the Floptical PC Powered external drive for IBM PCs and compatibles are up to three times faster than standard floppy drives, with an average seek time of 65ms and data transfer rate to and from the media of 1.6Mbits/second.

Like all Floptical drives, the new Iomega Floptical drives can read and write downward to standard 720KB and 1.44MB 3.5-inch floppy diskettes and are compatible with all Floptical systems and media introduced by FTA members. Included with the drives are free SpeedCache Plus software and a free Iomega 21MB Floptical diskette with shareware. While Iomega has not published either suggested retail or street prices, it is anticipated that street prices will start at $349.00.

"The high capacity of Floptical diskettes brings the floppy back into mainstream use," said Anton Radman, senior vice president of corporate development and president of Iomega's Floptical development group. "Users can transport and manage large amounts of data with fewer diskettes. Those who use Windows and graphics applications will especially appreciate the Floptical drive's capacity and near-line accessibility -- large project and file management is much simpler."

Iomega's new Floptical drives with HOT technology use a laser diode as a light source, plus a hologram rather than only conventional optical elements. Among the benefits of HOT technology is that the laser diodes and optical positioning system can follow multiple tracks on the media simultaneously, making possible a higher signal-to-noise ratio and greater reliability.

Iomega started shipping its new laser-etched media in October. Iomega's Floptical drives and media are sold through Iomega's extensive distribution channels and directly to OEM customers as well.

Iomega's drive manufacturing partner and an FTA member, Chinon Industries of Japan, is one of the world's largest floppy drive manufacturers, currently building over 500,000 floppy drives per month.

Floptical Technology Association

21710 Stevens Creek Blvd, Suite 220, Cupertino, CA 95014

408/446-0407;  fax: 407/446-0450


Maxell Branded Floptical Disks Introduced
INTRODUCTION OF MAXELL FLOPTICAL DISK MOVES FLOPTICAL TECHNOLOGY CLOSER TO INDUSTRY STANDARDIZATION

Major Media Supplier Introduces Quantities Of Very High Capacity 21-Megabyte Floptical Disk To End Users Through Worldwide Distributors

Cupertino, CA -- November 16, 1992 -- The Floptical Technology Association today announced the mass market availability in December of the 21-megabyte 3.5-inch Floptical disk manufactured by FTA member Maxell Corp. of America, Fairlawn, New Jersey. Maxell is a major supplier of magnetic media, and availability of their branded Floptical disks worldwide gives Floptical technology the lead in the race toward industry standardization for very high capacity storage.

The new 3.5-inch BaFe Floptical disks include all the features of Maxell's advanced binder technology, which is designed to enhance reliable operation even under high-density writing and recording. The Floptical disk is capable of storing over 14 times more data than a 1.44MB disk and 28 times more than a 720KB disk.

Designed for use in 3.5-inch Floptical disk drives manufactured by Insite Peripherals and Iomega Corp., the Floptical disk is available next month from all authorized Maxell distributors for a suggested list price of $31.50 each, or $63.00 for a two-pack.

"Floptical technology meets the high capacity needs of end users, providing a more convenient medium for storage of large data files, better value per megabyte and higher reliability than conventional floppies," said Dave Berry, manager of new product development for Maxell's Computer Products division.

A spokesman for the Floptical Technology Association said, "The availability to end users of quantities of Maxell's Floptical disks gives Floptical technology a big lead in the race toward industry standardization. Users are the big winners, with a true migration upward from standard disks to great flexibility in applications, from I/O to near-line storage and backup."

Features of Maxell's new BaFe (Barium Ferrite) Floptical disk include a flex shutter which ensures ultra-smooth opening and closing without shell wear to help maintain a virtually contamination-free environment; a composite shell for optimum head contact; high-output, high-energy magnetic particles to ensure perfect alignment; neo cross-linkage magnetic layers for optimum stability and an improved disk surface for longer life. In addition, the superior data storage capabilities of BaFe will eventually enable the capacity of single disks to be increased up to 100MB and beyond.

Floptical Technology Association

21710 Stevens Creek Blvd, Suite 220, Cupertino, CA 95014

408/446-0407;  fax: 407/446-0450


AST 486SL Notebook with Active Matrix Display
AST RESEARCH ANNOUNCES 486SL NOTEBOOK COMPUTER WITH TRUE 486 POWER AND ACTIVE MATRIX DISPLAY

486SL 3.3-Volt Processor, 200 MB Hard Drive, Upgradeability and PCMCIA Slots Equip Next Generation Notebook for High-Performance Color Computing

IRVINE, Calif., November 9, 1992 -- AST Research Inc., the pioneer in upgradeable personal computers and manufacturer of the award-winning PowerExec 3/25SL notebook, today announced its premier 486 notebook, the PowerExec 4/25SL ColorPlus, a thin-film-transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) 486SL-based notebook computer that provides up to six and one-half hours of battery life through 3.3 volt technology and integrated "intelligent" power management.

Prominent innovative features of the AST PowerExec 4/25SL Color and ColorPlus:

* Fast, high performance 32-bit/3.3-volt Intel 486-SL processor

* Bright, fast color TFT-LCD Active Matrix display measuring

  9.5 inches diagonally

* Two Type II industry-standard PCMCIA slots provide increased

  flexibility and expansion

* Optional AST SmartPoint cableless trackball pointing device

  connects to built-in hot shoe which is ergonomically-designed

  into the front of the keyboard

* Monochrome model 4/25SL 203/W (ruggedized 200-MB hard drive),

  passive color model 4/25SL Color 203/W and active matrix

  4/25SL ColorPlus model 203/W come standard with Windows 3.1

  and SmartPoint cableless trackball

* Battery life of up to 6.5 hours with 60-minute recharge

* Supports optional ALkaline battery pack which CAN provide

  an additional 1.5 hours of battery life

* Heuristic Algorithms provide breakthrough intelligent power

  management features that adapt to the user's work habits

* Removable hard drive provides data security, flexibility of

  multiple hard drives and easy hard drive upgrades

The PowerExec 4/25SL ColorPlus combines the most advanced low-power 9.5-inch color TFT-LCD Active Matrix display technology, exceptional 25-MHz 486SL performance, hard drive upgradeability, intelligent power management and absolute value that provide maximum usability in a portable, lightweight design. Also introduced today, the PowerExec 4/25SL Color features a superior passive (F-STN) color display and the PowerExec 4/25SL has a monochrome LCD display.

"The PowerExec 4/25SL Color and 4/25SL ColorPlus represent the next generation in portable computing. No other notebook offers this level of performance, color capability and expandability," said Dan Sheppard, director of portable systems marketing. "With a fully static 3.3 volt processor and our intelligent power management, the 4/25SL delivers twice the processing speed of 386SL-based notebooks without consuming additional battery life."

The AST PowerExec 4/25SL features a high capacity 200-MB, 160-MB, 120MB, 80-MB or 60-MB removeable hard disk drive, a choice of fast high-contrast monochrome, ultra F-STN passive matrix color or TFT-LCD active matrix color display and maximum expendability using two PCMCIA slots.

First Notebook to Offer 3.3 Volt 32-Bit 486 Processor and Active Matrix Color Display Upgrade

The PowerExec 4/25SL represents a new generation of notebook computers. The system's processor board features Intel's high-performance 486SL 32-bit microprocessor with 3.3-volt technology for longer battery life.

"We've refined the technologic innovations that were so successful for us in the PowerExec 3/25SL and feel that this, our first 486 notebook, provides the end user with a limitless color notebook solution -- one that offers the essentials for a desktop replacement at an affordable price," Sheppard said.

The PowerExec 4/25SL ColorPlus features a brilliant TFT-LCD active matrix VGA-compatible color display providing an easy-to-read screen with superior color saturation and a wider viewing angle with over five times the speed and contrast of standard LCD displays. In conjunction with its VGA-compatible color display with 640 x 480 pixel resolution, the 4/25SL ColorPlus supports SVGA color (256 colors at 640 x 480 from a palette of 185,193 colors) simultaneously on both the internal and external monitor displays, which is ideal for sales and training presentations.

Graphics and color-intensive applications require maximum performance and SVGA color to realistically display scanned color images. With a TFT-LCD active matrix display, SVGA color and a high-performance 25-MHz 486SL microprocessor delivering twice the performance of 386-based systems, the PowerExec 4/25SL ColorPlus is the only notebook computer that truly meets the key requirements for graphics applications.

PowerExec's passive color display offers improved contrast over first-generation color notebooks, as well as an enhanced viewing angle and increased brightness to provide an affordable alternative to TFT-LCD Active Matrix color.

The PowerExec's LCD display is upgradeable. The 9.5-inch monochrome display is easily upgradeable to either 9.5-inch F-STN passive matrix color or 9.5-inch TFT Active Matrix color. The end user who initially selects the passive color display may also upgrade to the new 9.5-inch Active Matrix.

AST's new Flash BIOS provides a fast and convenient way to upgrade the notebook's firmware. End users can now be up and running quickly with new BIOS enhancements.

The First 486SL Notebook to Feature Two Industry-Standard PCMCIA Slots

The PowerExec 4/25SL features two, Type II PCMCIA Expansion Slots. PCMCIA is the new industry standard for portable computer expansion and connectivity solutions which opens up the architecture of the notebook computer and offers innovative options not offered with proprietary expansion slots. Similar to desktop ISA boards, PCMCIA credit card-sized cards offer a variety of options to allow end users to customize their PowerExec 4/25SL. For instance, the increased flexibility provided by the two slots allows end users to configure their notebooks with a modem and SCSI adapter while on the road or a modem and networking card while in the office. AST offers PCMCIA compatible networking options including Token Ring and Ethernet, as well as a SCSI adapter and three modem options.

486SL Processor Provides Significant Increase in Battery Life

The new Inetl-486 SL microprocessor, the first i486-class CPU designed specifically for mobile computing, delivers twice the processing speed of the 386SL microprocessor. With fully static 3.3 volt-CPU and memory and AST's intelligent power management, the Inetl-486 SL microprocessor cuts processor power consumption in half. Longer battery life is a result of improved battery design, system design and power management in the PowerExec 4/25SL. The PowerExec's Nickel Metal Hydride(NiMH) battery pack, more efficient backlight and lightweight power supply designs, the use of lower-power components and a host of intelligent power management features, allow the PowerExec 4/25SL to offer exceptionally long battery life of up to six and one-half hours.

The 3.3 volt 486SL processor consumes 10 to 15 percent less power than a 386SL thereby extending battery life.

AST SmartSleep, an enhanced suspend state, functions as a bookmark by saving a mirror image of memory to the hard disk drive and automatically shutting off the system. When the user resumes working, he will return via a quick-boot to the exact point of activity when the system was shut off. Most importantly, SmartSleep functions within ail operating environments such as DOS, Windows, and OS/2, for instance.

The notebook also provides PowerCharge, a "quick charge" of the battery in merely 60 minutes. The real breakthrough is the intelligent "power-on" charging or SmartCharge which allows the notebook to divert power that isn't being used by the system's components to the charging circuitry, providing an extremely rapid charging time of one to three hours with the system on. This compares to older technology notebooks which required a charge of up to 16 hours.

For emergency use, the notebook can be operated using 12 AA alkaline batteries providing up to one and one-half hours of battery life. A convenient on-screen fuel gauge, built into the BIOS, gives the user an accurate display of battery usage.

HotSwap feature allows the user to exchange the system battery with the system turned on in the suspend mode, without losing any data.

Innovative Power Management Conserves Battery Life by Learning and Adapting to User's Work Habits

The PowerExec uses heuristic algorithms to monitor the user's work habits to learn when to power-off idle peripherals, conserving battery life. Whenever there is keyboard inactivity, hard disk drive and display "time outs" are activated. The system goes back to full-power mode once work resumes. In this sense, the PowerExec is the only notebook computer capable of adjusting its performance based upon what it has learned.

Removable Hard Drive Provides Increased Functionality for the End User

Another innovative feature that the PowerExec offers is the removable hard drive. This feature allows the end user to easily upgrade the system to a larger hard drive whenever necessary. The benefit of added security by removing and storing the hard drive, as well as the flexibility of unlimited space by using multiple hard drives to store software programs and data are provided to enhance the PowerExec's usability. The end user has the convenience of removing and retaining the hard drive during service.

Fast and Convenient Data Exchange with Desktop Computers

An innovative drive bay adapter designed by AST, allows any desktop computer to accept the PowerExec's removable hard drive making data transfer easy and convenient. The receptacle fits into one 5.25-inch half-height drive bay. This $99 (suggested retail price) option provides an affordable solution for Fortune 1000 companies that have automated their salesforce who can just slip their removeable hard drive into the headquarter's desktop system to access the network with the data on their assigned hard drive.

Multiple Levels of Anti-Theft Security Render the PowerExec Useless if Stolen

The PowerExec is the only notebook computer which becomes unusable if stolen. AST provides the ability to establish two unbreakable passwords, one for the end user and another for an MIS administrator. For ultimate protection, AST has eliminated any "hidden" overrides to password protection. There are no hardware jumpers in the system to disable password protection. AST supplies a specially designed ROM security key, SmartKey, with each PowerExec which functions as a third password.

The PowerExec is designed to support the Kensington Microware cable lock for added physical security.

Innovative Quick-Connect and Docking Station Options Provide a True Desktop Replacement

The PowerStation docking unit offers a complete connectivity solution for mobile professionals who require the ease-of-use of one computer. Affordable priced at $449, the PowerStation combines the flexibility of notebook computing with the familiarity of traditional desktop computing.

The PowerStation features two ISA 16-bit slots and provides access to one half-height 5.25-inch drive bay and one slimline 5.25-inch drive bay for extra storage, as well as a drive bay with a tape backup device. The PowerStation features a monitor stand that can accommodate high-resolution monitors weighing up to 70 pounds.

The EasyPort provides an ideal solution for the end user who requires the convenience of a notebook at home and in the office. With an affordable suggested list price of $99, the EasyPort replicates the ports of the PowerExec enabling quick connect functionality without the need to hook-up individual power and port cables.

The PowerExec features a choice of hard drives to suit the end users' particular computing needs. Standard TF-l active matrix color models are the PowerExec 4/25SL ColorPlus Model 83 (80-MB hard drive) with a suggested retail price of $4,495 and 4/25SL Color Plus Model 203/W (200-MB hard drive and bundled with Windows 3.1 and AST SmartPoint trackball) offered at $4,995. Standard passive color configurations are the PowerExec 4/25SL Color Model 83 (80-MB hard drive) with a list price $3,595 and 3/25SL Color Model 203/W (200-MB hard drive and bundled with Windows 3.1 and AST SmartPoint trackball) retail priced at $4,095. The standard monochrome models include the PowerExec 4/25SL Model 83 (80-MB hard drive) list priced at $2,795 and 4/25SL Model 203/W (200-MB hard drive and bundled with Windows 3.1 and AST SmartPoint trackball) with a retail price of $3,295. All models come standard with DOS 5.1.

All PowerExec 4/25SL notebooks are available in Model 3 (no hard drive) configurations and can be purchased by resellers with a choice of 60-MB, 80-MB, 120MB, 160-MB or 200-MB hard drives to customize the units.

AST also offers a PowerExec 3/25SL ColorPlus, a value-priced, active matrix 386SL system for the end user who requires quality color presentation at the affordable price of a 386SL notebook computer.

New ExeCare Plus Provides 48-hour Repair Service

The AST PowerExec 4/25SL notebook is covered by AST ExeCare Plus which features a free one-year warranty including 48-hour repair upon receipt at AST. AST will pay the freight both ways. Optional 24-hour replacement is available.

All AST notebook computer systems include a one-year parts and labor warranty. AST has 11,000 trained service technicians in more that 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 response time) Monday thru Friday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. (PDT) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

AST On-Line!, the largest worldwide PC manufacturing electronic bulletin board service in the industry, provides a 24-hour electronic reference library. AST Info-Fax provides up-to-date technical information sent directly to fax machines through an automated 24-hour service.

AST's product lines include the Power Premium, Bravo, Advantage! and PowerExec families which allow users to choose from a full range of price and performance options. The company is represented in 100 countries and operates 34 subsidiaries and sales offices worldwide.

Corporate Background

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 $286.4 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 1993, ended Oct. 3, 1992, representing a 70 percent increase in shipments over the comparable prior year quarter. Fiscal year 1992 revenues were $944.1 million, 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.


Kodak Dye Sublimation Printer Hwr PostScript
HARDWARE POSTSCRIPT NOW AVAILABLE FOR KODAK DYE SUBLIMATION PRINTERS

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Nov. 13--The Pacific Data Group announced today the availability of the first hardware Postscript compatible RIP for the Kodak XL 7700 and XLT 7720 thermal dye sublimation printers. The FLEXRIP provides the speed and multiplatform support graphics users need in the typical computing environment that includes workstations, Apple Macintosh computers, IBM personal computers, and compatibles. The new RIP employs an AMD 29000 RISC processor that will cut the image processing time on most Postscript files by at least half compared to the current software RIP all XL 7700/7720 users now use.

The FLEXRIP comes standard with 15 MB of DRAM, support for 24-bit color Postscript files, 35 Postscript compatible typefaces and also compatibility with Adobe Type 0, 1 and 3 fonts. Standard interfaces included are LocalTalk, Centronics Parallel and Serial. Options include memory expansion to 38 MB, a SCSI hard disk, and Ethernet or Ethertalk interfaces.

The Kodak XL7700 and XLT7720 have become the industry standard for high quality, continuous tone printing. Both units employ proprietary Kodak technology that produces the best looking transparencies available today. The Pacific Data Group has specialized in color graphics output for ten years and is the largest reseller in the U.S. for the Kodak XL dye sublimation printers. The FLEXRIP is available for $5995, exclusively from Pacific Data Group.

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


WindowPhone Personal Call Management System
WindowPhone (TM) Group of AG Communication Systems introduces version 1.2 of its personal call management system for PCs

PHOENIX, Arizona -- AG Communication Systems Corporation has announced availability of WindowPhone (TM) Version 1.2, an innovative personal call management system that further enhances user productivity with phone book import and export capabilities, a button for quick access to other software programs, a last number redial function and left/right mouse button support.

The new version is available for immediate delivery through MicroWarehouse, Inc., Power Up Software Corporation and The Programmer's Shop.  Current owners of WindowPhone will receive 1.2 at no charge.

WindowPhone 1.2 allows data in other programs to be imported into any of its three phone books.  The new version also allows database information in WindowPhone to be exported into other software applications.

A new function called "Launcher" has been added, giving users quick access to other Windows and DOS applications with just one click.

Version 1.2 also includes a redial function which provides automatic recall of the last number dialed.

After selecting an entry in the call log, phone book or unanswered calls window, users can immediately access the caller's database, delete the entry or initiate automatic dialing to the caller without having to move around the screen.

"We designed WindowPhone 1.2 with the enhancements our customers have been asking for, offering users greater flexibility and increased productivity.  With these upgrades available at the same list price, WindowPhone is an inexpensive, sophisticated call management tool for home or office applications," says Roger Heldt, WindowPhone general manager.

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

Even without Caller ID, WindowPhone automatically logs all outgoing calls from any extension on the line; maintains thousands of 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.

WindowPhone is both a software (requires Microsoft (R) Windows 3.0 or higher) 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.

WindowPhone, which lists for $295, is available for immediate delivery by contacting any of these distributors: MicroWarehouse at 1-800-367-7080, Power Up Software at 1-800-851-2917 and The Programmer's Shop at 1-800-421-8006.

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 developer and manufacturer of advanced telecommunication products.

WindowPhone is a trademark of AG Communication Systems Corporation. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.  All other trademarks referenced here are the proprietary service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective manufacturers.

AG Communication Systems, PO Box 52179, Phoenix AZ 85072-2179


Reference Guide to Phigs 3D Programming in X
O'REILLY RELEASES REFERENCE GUIDE TO PHIGS 3D PROGRAMMING IN X

SEBASTOPOL, CA --  O'Reilly & Associates announces the release of the  PHIGS REFERENCE MANUAL:  3D PROGRAMMING IN X, the reference companion  to the recently released PHIGS PROGRAMMING MANUAL (O'Reilly & Associates).  This 1116-page resource is the reference documentation for the PHIGS/PEX  Sample Implementation.

Edited by technical writer Linda Kosko, it contains all of the  reference pages from the MIT X Consortium release, but in upgraded form. Together with the PHIGS PROGRAMMING MANUAL, it constitutes complete and  accessible documentation for both the PEX-SI and the PHIGS and PHIGS PLUS  standards.

"The PHIGS REFERENCE MANUAL will be useful to the person programming with a version of PHIGS that is not running in the X environment since it documents the PHIGS and PHIGS PLUS graphics standards," said the book's  editor, Steve Talbott.  "It also provides full guidance regarding the use of PHIGS within the X environment, including the interspersing of Xlib calls with PHIGS calls."

The book can be used by everyone who will be programming with the PHIGS (including PHIGS PLUS) 3D graphics standard, which was incorporated  into X in X11 Release 5 along with the PEX protocol extension to the X  server and a PHIGS API library.

     PHIGS REFERENCE MANUAL

     edited by Linda Kosko

     1116 pages

     ISBN 0-937175-91-9

     Price:  $39.95

This and other O'Reilly books are available through bookstores or directly from the publisher.  For a list of our overseas distributors or US bookstores FAX (707/829-0104), phone 707/829-0515 (800/998-9938 in US or Canada) or write O'Reilly & Associates at 103 Morris St., Sebastopol, CA 95472


VoxelBox Volume Renderer for Windows

WINCHESTER, MA, Nov. 1, 1992 -- Jaguar Software Inc. is proud to announce VoxelBox, the first commercially available volume renderer for the PC. Volume rendering is a direct technique for visualizing three dimensional scalar fields(volumes), which often arise in the study of scientific, technical and medical data. VoxelBox's innovative rendering algorithms make it possible to render volumes on a PC at interactive speeds. Until recently, this technology has only been available on expensive workstations and mainframes, now Jaguar Software is making it available on any 386 or higher class PC or compatible running Windows.

VoxelBox allows the user to take data, which was formerly viewed as slices, and view it as a three dimensional cube. Color values can be directly mapped to the scalar values in the volume to visualize the data(such as temperature, bone density, matter density, electron cloud density, etc.). In addition, transparency values can be mapped to the volume, based on ranges in the scalar field, to highlight and display the 3D shape of those ranges. This quantum leap from 2D to 3D visualization of data will give the user a much more intuitive understanding of their data.

VoxelBox was designed with the scientist/technical professional in mind and to that end has a very powerful, yet simple to use graphical user interface. This includes an extensive on-line help system, an intuitive bounding box for manipulating the volume, an easy-to-use color/transparency mapping editor which incorporates histogram and slice displays, a simple key frame system for automatically generating animations and a point-and-click interface for importing custom user data formats. More advanced features include gradient shading for creating lighting effects on the volume and shadows and reflections which enhance visualization, especially in conjunction with animations.

System requirements are a 386 or 486 based cpu running Windows 3.x, at least 4MB of memory(although 8MB is recommended for very large volumes), and a video board capable of displaying at least 256 colors(such as Super VGA). If using advanced rendering features, a coprocessor(i.e., 387 or 486DX) is recommended.

VoxelBox is now available at an introductory price of $325(plus 5% sales tax in MA). Jaguar is the leader in 3D visualization technology on the PC.

For more information, or to order, contact:

        Jaguar Software Inc.

        573 Main St., Suite 9B

        Winchester, MA 01890

        (617) 729-3659


WindowPAGER Software Paging Program
PHOENIX, Arizona -- AG Communication Systems Corporation has introduced WindowPAGER (TM), an innovative software paging program that transforms your IBM-compatible PC and modem into a high-speed alpha-message dispatch center.

Available for immediate delivery from AG Communication Systems at 1-800-424-8559, WindowPAGER retails for $89.95.

WindowPAGER allows users to page one or more individuals or groups from a personal computer simply by selecting who should receive the message, entering a new or repeat message and clicking with a mouse. The software--through the modem--forwards the message to the desired recipients.  The message can be from any ASCII or TEXT file resident on the PC, or a new message can be typed into WindowPAGER.

"WindowPAGER is features ahead of any existing program that simply sends out alpha-numeric pages.  This affordable tool allows you to create a powerful desktop paging and messaging management system on your PC," says Roger Heldt, general manager.

The program is compatible with any paging device and supports multiple terminal paging and multiple paging service protocols.

WindowPAGER can also be programmed with important dates, appointments or messages so that WindowPAGER will page individuals or groups at a pre-determined time, acting as a helpful reminder utility.

The product automatically redials busy pagers, has a customizable database with space for up to 8,000 names, includes detailed on-line HELP and has a customizable ribbon bar to speed messaging activities. Users can directly link and launch applications and documents from the ribbon bar, making WindowPAGER a fully-integrated Windows desktop application.

In addition, WindowPAGER logs the time, date, message, recipients, and connection status for each data transmission.  A task queue lists all pending messages.

WindowPAGER operates on any IBM-compatible PC running Microsoft Windows 3.1, equipped with a standard Hayes-compatible modem and a pointing device.  A minimum of 4 MB memory is suggested, and an internal hard drive is required.  The product ships in a 3 1/2" 1.44 MB floppy disk format.

AG Communication Systems also manufactures WindowPhone, a popular call management tool that links Caller ID from the telephone to the PC using advanced teleconnection features and provides many unique benefits with or without the availability of Caller ID service.

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 developer and manufacturer of advanced telecommunication products.

AG Communication Systems, PO Box 52179, Phoenix AZ 85072-2179


Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters
ACCOLADE RELEASES STAR CONTROL II, GALACTIC CONQUEST SEQUEL ADDS STUNNING FRACTAL-GENERATED GRAPHICS, ROLE-PLAYING, AND "PLOTS WITHIN PLOTS"

SAN JOSE, CA-NOVEMBER 12, 1992--Accolade today announced the release of Star Control II: The Ur-Quan Masters, a hybrid action/role-playing adventure set in the spectacular science fiction Universe established in the original, award-winning Star Control. Created by Paul Reiche III and Fred Ford, this long-awaited sequel once again pits the player against the iron-clawed fascism of the evil Ur-Quan Hierarchy.

"Star Control II combines the strategy and action elements of the original with sophisticated science fiction role-playing," said producer Pam Levins. "There's plenty of stunning space combat, but now it's contained within an intricate plot structure. To win, you still have to plan strategy and fight like a veteran starship commander ... but you also have to talk with alien races like an interstellar diplomat and piece together puzzling scenarios like a senior intelligence analyst."

"There are plots within plots," added Paul Reiche III. "You can't just blast away at things. You have to ask yourself: What do these Aliens really want? Since there are more than 100,000 words of text in this program, the conversations with the Aliens you'll encounter can be different virtually every time," Reiche concluded.

Star Control II lets you travel hyperspace to explore and liberate more than 500 unique star systems, each with a full complement of planets and moons. Visually, the game raises space adventure to a new plateau with its ultra-brilliant 256-color graphics of hyperspace, 3D rotating planets and fractal-generated planet surfaces, as well as its detailed alien portraits and stunning ship-to-ship combat imagery. Add to that a remarkable soundtrack of pure digitized sound and music unlike any heard before on the IBM PC. Star Control II supports most major sound boards including, UltraSound, Soundblaster, Disney Sound Source and Parallel Sound Devices.

The game returns you to the 22rd century star clusters introduced in the original Star Control, chosen Best Science Fiction Game of 1990 by Video Games & Computer Entertainment. The story begins with your character stationed in a vast cave network beneath the surface of Unzervaldt, a beautiful, earth-like planet located on the periphery of what was once Alliance space.

Since the war with the Ur-Quan Hierarchy raged through nearby star systems nearly 20 years ago, your research colony has had no contact with Alliance freedom fighters. Despite the risk of capture, your team of Alliance scientists continues to investigate an ancient underground Precursor installation, hoping to discover technological relics that could turn the course of the war against the Ur-Quan.

Actual gameplay begins with a call to action--you have been chosen to leave the planet and find out what happened to Earth and the Alliance of Free Stars, and, if necessary, aid them against the Ur-Quan. The vessel you command is a huge starship, constructed entirely underground using Precursor designs and fabricators unearthed during the past two decades.

This gigantic, reconfigurable flagship is capable of coordinating a squadron of mixed-race combat vessels, and can be laden with enough weaponry to devastate an entire fleet of Ur-Quan Dreadnoughts. Even with all this awesome firepower you'll face challenge after increasingly difficult challenge in your quest to determine the fate of earth and defeat the Ur-Quan and their vicious new battle slaves.

"So now there are 25 distinctly different spacecraft to master, ships such as the Orz Nemesis, the Druuge Mauler, and the Utwig Jugger," added Levins. "They add new tactical and strategic considerations to your planning."

An additional new feature is the exciting Super Melee Game, where up to 28 starships can battle in ship-to-ship interstellar combat. A player can create, name, and save his own team of up to 14 ships from both Star Control and Star Control II, then challenge a different team of 14 ships created by a friend or the awesome computer opponent.

A clue book for Star Control II will be available in December to assist users with the more than 60 hours of game play available in the program. The offer for the clue book and a one-of-a kind jigsaw puzzle can he found inside specially marked packages Star Control II.

"Fans of Star Control will find Star Control II a more-than-worthy sequel," concluded Levins. "And those who never played the original can jump right into an experience they won't soon forget."

Star Control II is available at local software retailers or can be purchased direct from Accolade by calling 1-800-245-7744.

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

408-985-1700;  Fax: 408-246-1053


Veil of Darkness, Real-Time Gothic Nightmare
SSI UNVEILS A REAL-TIME VISUAL GOTHIC NIGHTMARE INTRODUCING VEIL OF DARKNESS

Game Category: Horror Fantasy Adventure

Versions: IBM PC (March) - $59.95; Clue Book (March) - $14.95

Sunnyvale, CA -- Friday, November 13th, 1992 -- A frightening feast of intricate game play and visual thrills and spills comes to life in Veil of Darkness, a horror fantasy adventure by Strategic Simulations, Inc. (SSI). Developed by Event Horizon, the same team who brought us the critically-acclaimed The Summoning, Veil of Darkness features RealTime Visual technology which provides captivating overhead-view action and a lightning fast interface. The game will ship for IBM PCs this March for $59.95 SRP, and a clue book will be introduced simultaneously for $14.95 SRP.

Captivating players with a finely-crafted plot, Veil of Darkness is the story of a cargo pilot who crash-lands in a haunted valley in Romania's Transylvania Alps in the late 1930s. The player investigates his new surroundings, only to come face-to-fang with a vicious vampire, Kairn, who has feasted on the local villagers for centuries. In the wake of his feeding frenzy, unspeakable creatures of the night now stalk the countryside. The player must stop the blood-letting rampage or become just another drained body in the morgue.

Veil of Darkness shines with striking 256-color VGA graphics, some of which is HiRes artwork that can be displayed on standard VGA configurations. The overhead-view visuals are enhanced by lengthy animated cinema sequences at the beginning and at the end of the game, and pop-up cinematics during the action that advance the story. A spine-tingling music score and eerie sound effects heighten the atmosphere.

Veil's game play features go above and beyond competing adventures. Interaction with dozens of characters couldn't be easier, thanks to the user-friendly point-and-click interface. The puzzles and traps, however, are decidedly unfriendly, with enough trickery to boil over players' brain cells. Complex mazes and deadly combats with ghoulish beasties add to the challenge. However, players can use the versatile auto-mapping and print-out features to record their moves and dialogues, just in case they suffer an untimely demise....

"Our vision of the scariest, but easiest-playing gothic horror story ever for a computer is realized with Veil of Darkness. The game takes interaction to new heights by combining the Real-Time Visual technology introduced in The Summoning with extensive puzzles and a more in-depth story line," stated Kathleen Watson, SSI Director of Marketing.

Strategic Simulations, Inc. is one of the leading computer fantasy role-playing publishers and is most noted for its ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS line of computer products. The company is recognized as the premier war game publisher and, based on industry rankings, is one of the top ten entertainment software publishers worldwide. SSI develops for the leading 16-bit systems, including IBM, Macintosh, Amiga, Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and CD-ROM.

Stragetic Simulations Inc

675 Almanor Ave, Suite 201, Sunnyvale, CA 94086-2901

408-737-6800;  Fax: 408-737-6814


Pixelink 240DS Windows Optimized Doc Display Sys
WINDOWS-OPTIMIZED DOCUMENT DISPLAY SYSTEM ANNOUNCED BY PIXELINK

New Gray Scale System Displays Images At 240 dpi

WASHINGTON, DC, November 9, 1992--The first PC-based display system designed to provide the optimum image quality for both scanned images and the Microsoft Windows desktop was demonstrated here at the Federal Imaging Show by Pixelink Corporation. Called the 240DS, it is the first system to solve the paradox of how to display ultra-high resolution images and to simultaneously display standard Windows icons and fonts at a normal, usable size.

The increasing popularity of Microsoft Windows has caused a major display problem within the document imaging industry. While users prefer the highest possible on-screen resolution in order to see small details, Windows icons and fonts shrink to a difficult to use size as the resolution increases. The Pixelink 240DS solves this problem by providing the best of both worlds image resolutions of 240 dpi to view even 4 point type, and the simultaneous display of the Windows desktop at its optimum resolution, 120 dpi.

The Pixelink 240DS consists of a dual page, gray scale monitor; a PC-bus, Windows-optimized controller; Windows drivers; connector cables and documentation. The complete system price is $3495.00 and shipments will begin in December.

A key feature of the 240DS display controller is Equivalent Resolution Technology (ERT), a patented process of Document Technologies, Inc. (DTI) which enables the simultaneous 120/240 resolution display. The process starts by taking a 200, 300 or 400 dpi scanned image and rendering it to a display bitmap that is comfortable for Windows. The ERT code also instructs the system to split certain pixels in two, thereby doubling the horizontal resolution. An on-board driver runs off-the-shelf Windows applications at 120 dpi. Developers can quickly and easily enable the ERT (240 dpi) functionality for existing applications utilizing either the stretchBLT function within Microsoft Windows or by using a Dynamic Link Library (DLL) from DTI.

"The 240DS means that document imaging users no longer need to compromise on image quality or on Windows convenience," commented Bill Ingraham, Marketing Director of Pixelink. "One look at the screen tells them that their work is about to become a lot easier," he added.

Additional system specifications include a PC-compatible character interface enabling primary DOS display; the ability to display over 4 million pixels at 16 gray levels; a display designed to model the aspect ratio of two paper pages, thereby delivering larger on-screen images; and a paper white display operating at 72Hz refresh rate.

Pixelink is an eight year old provider of high performance display systems. The company specializes in the integration of monochrome and color monitors and video controllers for insurance, financial, engineering, scientific, medical and graphics arts applications. Headquartered in Hudson, MA, the privately held firm services OEMs, systems integrators and corporate users throughout North America.

Pixelink, 8 Kane Industrial Dr, Hudson, MA 01749

508-562-4803;  fax: 508-568-0514


Pixelink High Speed Windows Display System
HIGH SPEED, WINDOWS DISPLAY SYSTEM ANNOUNCED BY PIXELINK

Includes Gray Scale Graphics Controller From Number Nine To Run Windows 10X Faster At 1600 X 1200 Resolution

WASHINGTON, DC, November 9, 1992 -- A new ultra-high resolution, gray scale document display system that can run Microsoft Windows applications 10 times faster than current PC-based offerings was debuted at the Federal Document Imaging Show here by Pixelink Corporation. Called the 120XDS, the display system allows users to view two pages of a document, at 120 dpi, and to double the size of on-screen images at the touch of a key, all while enjoying dramatically accelerated windowing performance and a solid 76Hz CRT refresh rate.

A key component of Pixelink's 120XDS is a new graphics controller designed and manufactured by Number Nine Computer Corporation. An on-board Texas Instruments TMS 34020 graphics coprocessor and two ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) enable the controller to take over the graphics functions normally required by the PC. Performance of both text-based and Graphics applications are improved by an average of 10 times, while the host CPU is off loaded for other tasks. In addition, the controller runs cooler and uses less power because of reduced use of heat producing and costly ICs.

While the 1600 X 1200 resolution provides more document "real estate" on screen, a special HawkEye zoom feature enables the entire screen to be magnified by 2x. Thus if users want to closely examine specific areas of a document, they can zoom in at the touch of a key, then scroll and pan over the magnified document with their mouse.

The complete Pixelink 120XDS system consists of a 20-inch, two-page gray scale monitor operating at 120 dpi, a flicker-free 76Hz refresh rate; and displaying 16 gray shades; the accelerated graphics controller with Windows drivers; cabling, installation software and documentation. The complete system is priced at $2695 and Pixelink will begin shipping in December.

"This represents a major price/performance improvement for Windows-oriented document display applications," noted Bill Ingraham, Marketing Director of Pixelink. "Users can now view more on-screen details, in much less time, for less cost than with current generation systems," he added.

In a separate announcement Pixelink also introduced a UNIX/X Windows version of the 120XDS. Based on the same accelerated coprocessor architecture, the UNIX version delivers up to 70,000 Xstones while displaying 1600 X 1200 images, the industry's highest performance for PC-based X Windowing systems.

Pixelink Corporation is an eight year old provider of high performance display systems. The company specializes in the integration of monochrome and color monitors and video controllers for insurance, financial, engineering, scientific, medical and graphics arts applications. Headquartered in Hudson, MA. the privately held firm services OEMs, systems integrators and corporate users throughout North America.

Pixelink, 8 Kane Industrial Dr, Hudson, MA 01749

508-562-4803;  fax: 508-568-0514

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

About Graphics Coprocessors:

The acceleration claims offered by various document display systems may seem confusing simply because all graphics accelerators are not created equal. Their usefulness and performance depends upon the specifications of the exact processor chip and its support circuitry; the size of the pixel bus; the software supported; the on-screen resolution provided; and whether the performance ratings are for color, gray scale or monochrome monitors. For example: an accelerator designed to run Windows 10-fold faster in black and white may seem fast. But in reality it is typically slower and less useful than a system based on a discrete hardware coprocessor that runs Windows, Unix/X Windows, TIGA, and other graphics software 5 times faster in 16 shades of gray.

The intelligent graphics controller used in the 120XDS comes from an impressive family tree based on the Texas Instruments TMS 34020 graphics coprocessor. Designed and manufactured by Number Nine Computer Corporation, it is a design cousin of the fastest full featured color graphics adapter in the industry--the #9GXi, the largest selling graphics controller in the industry last year (source: International Data Corporation). The controller in the Pixelink 120XDS marks the first gray scale implementation of the respected #9GXi design.


PERFORMER Time & Contact Mgmt, Corporate Edition
PERFORMER Corporate Edition To Interface With WordPerfect, Microsoft Word, and External Data Files

November 12, 1992 -- Performer Systems recently released Version 3.0 of PERFORMER, The Time & Contact Management System, Corporate Edition.

PERFORMER Corporate v3.0 is a quantum leap in contact management software. Hundreds of enhancements were implemented in this new version. Among them:

 o  Revisable Field Lengths and Unlimited User-Defined Fields

 o  Advanced Record Tagging and Grouping

 o  WordPerfect 5.0 and 5.1 Interface

 o  Microsoft Word (both DOS and Windows versions) Interface

 o  Recursive and Prioritized Activity Scheduling

 o  Display and Search Open Time Slot

 o  User/Resource Group Scheduling

 o  Interface with External Report Writers

 o  Built-In Word Processor with Automatic Mail Merge and

    Spell Checker

 o  Extensive and Multi-Level Password and Security Protections

 o  And Much More.

One of the major new features in PERFORMER v3.0, called Xcontact, provides facilities to link its internal contact file with an unlimited number of external data (DBF) files. With Xcontact, third party dBASE/Clipper developers will be able to add PERFORMER's power and efficiency to an existing application such as accounting package, vertical application, or in-house custom program. Thanks to its internal data dictionaries, PERFORMER can work hand-in-hand with an external dBASE/Clipper application transparently and, in most cases, with NO modifications.

PERFORMER v3.0 Single-User Version is priced at $395.00. Upgrade from any previous PERFORMER version is $150. LAN Version is available. For more information or a free demo disk, please contact Performer Systems Inc., 9690 Telstar Suite 224, El Monte, CA 91731, U.S.A. Tel (818) 575-3188, Fax (818) 575-7455


ETC Low-Emission MPR-II Multiscan Color Monitors
ETC INTRODUCES TWO NEW LOW-EMISSION, MPR-II APPROVED MULTISCAN COLOR MONITORS

14 and 15-inch Monitors for IBM PC/XT/AT, PS/2 and Apple Mac II Protect From X-Rays, Extremely Low Magnetic and Alternating Electric Fields, Eliminate Electrostatic Charges, Reduce Monitor Interference

Fremont, CA -- November 16, 1992--- ETC Computer, Inc., a new player in the monitor market, is introducing two new low-emission color monitors which conform to the Swedish MPR II guidelines, the world's toughest very low frequency (VLF) and extremely low frequency (ELF) emission standards. The monitors are being shown in Booth S4056 at Comdex/Fall '92.

The specially-designed 15-inch Model CA-1560L and 14-inch Model CA-1460L offer protection from X-rays, prevent the flux of extremely low magnetic and AC electric fields, eliminate electrostatic charges and minimize interference between closely located monitors. In addition to satisfying all MPR II guidelines, the monitors are approved by UL, CSA, TW, TW/GS, FCC, FTZ, DHHS, and PTB.

"These monitors offer the highest emission protection without the high cost associated with many low-emission monitors on the market toady," said Kent Huang, president of ETC. "In addition to added safety and security, the CA-1560L and CA-1460L can be operated side-by-side with other monitors without producing any interference, and feature a high vertical frequency for an easy-on-the-eyes, flicker-free display."

Designed for high-resolution color applications running on IBM PC/XT/AT, PS/2 and Apple Macintosh II systems, the 15-inch CA-1560L and 14-inch CA1460L feature flat, non-glare anti-static screens, 0.28mm dot pitch, maximum resolution of 1024 x 768 noninterlaced, multiple scanning frequencies from 30KHz to 60KHz and vertical frequencies from 52Hz to 90Hz.

The monitors, with a suggested list price of $519 for the CA-1460L and $669 for the CA-156OL, are currently available separately at list price or at discounted prices in OEM quantities as a branded View Magic or private-label product. The monitors are backed by a limited two-year warranty. These new low-emission monitors feature several unique design features which add to the user's safety, comfort and productivity including:

* An X-ray protection circuit which avoids excessive X-rays caused when the anode potential of the VDU is increased to produce low-emission products.

* A special coating on the surface of the CRT which eliminates electrostatic charges. When switched on or off, these low emission monitors register only +5KV (on) or -5KV (off) and level off to 0KV in five minutes. Conventional monitors peak at 10KV when switched on and drop gradually to 8KV over 20 minutes. When switched off, conventional monitors drop to -10KV and gradually increase to 8KV over 40 minutes. Eliminating electrostatic charges prolongs the life of the monitors' circuitry and protects against data loss and errors.

* Proprietary engineering techniques and a custom cancellation coil prevent the flux of extremely low magnetic and AC fields -- an important safety feature for many users.

* A solid-state deflection yoke minimizes interference between monitors located from 60cm to 15cm apart, allowing ETC's low-emission monitors to be closely spaced with other electronic equipment.

ETC offers a full line of economically priced 10-,14- and 15-inch high performance color monitors, all featuring convenient front-panel controls. Eight new monitors will debut in ETC's Comdex booth this year, including three new microprocessor-controlled monitors.

ETC Computer, Inc. is a subsidiary of the ETC Group, which includes three manufacturing firms producing monitors, systems and auxiliary components and supplies. The ETC Group recently moved into a new, seven floor, 150,000 square foot building in Taiwan. The new facility features ultra-modern automated assembly lines and quality control facilities. ETC Computer monitor products are marketed in the U.S. through its sales and service organization located at 46711 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538, telephone 510/226-6250, fax 510/226-6252. ETC's European sales and service office is located in Dusseldorf, Germany.


ETC 10-inch Color Monitor for Specialty App's
ETC INTRODUCES NEW 10 INCH COLOR MONITOR FOR SPECIALTY APPLICATIONS

Small Footprint Monitor Designed For Financial, Medical, Point of-Sale Applications; Function As Transportable Color Display For Video Presentations, IBM-Compatible Laptops and Notebooks

Fremont, CA -- November 16, 1992 - ETC Computer, Inc., a new player in the monitor market, is introducing the Model CD-1035, a high-resolution color monitor which features a 10-inch non-glare screen, 0.26mm dot pitch, maximum resolution of 1024 x 768 interlaced, horizontal frequencies of 31.5Khz/35.2KHz/ 35.5KHz, vertical frequencies from 52Hz to 90Hz and a low power consumption of 60W maximum. In addition, the monitor features convenient front panel controls for power, contrast and brightness.

Kent Huang, president of ETC, said, "The small footprint of the CD-1035 makes it perfect for medical, dental, financial or business applications requiring a transportable high-resolution color monitor that occupies a minimum of desk or counter space.

The IBM PC/XT/AT- and PS/2-compatible monitor has a suggested list price of $649 and is currently available separately at list price or at discounted prices in OEM quantities as a branded View Magic or private-label product. The monitor is backed by a limited two-year warranty and complies with all major safety regulations including UL, CSA, TW/GS, FCC, FTZ, DHHS and PTB.

"There are very few companies that can satisfy the market demand for high-quality, small screen monitors," Mr. Huang said. "The popularity of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) has encouraged most manufacturers to concentrate on monitors with 15-inch or larger screens at the expense of users still requiring a high quality, easily transportable color monitor. Consequently, ETC's 10-inch CD-1035 is in high demand." The CD-1035 is being used for a variety of applications including:

* A color display of financial information that can be conveniently located in banking windows or drive-up stations.

* A high resolution display of medical records and graphics which can be cart-mounted along with the computer system and transported between medical facilities to connect with various networks and CPUs.

* A component in a turnkey system developed by OEMs for small offices requiring a convenient display of accounting/inventory and patient/customer information, such as dental offices and auto parts outlets.

* A transportable display for tabletop video demonstrations and training sessions.

* A desktop color display for IBM-compatible notebook and laptop computers.

ETC PRODUCT LINE

ETC offers a full line of economically priced 10-,14- and 15-inch high-performance color monitors, all featuring convenient front-panel controls. Eight monitors will debut this year, including three new microprocessor-controlled monitors and two new low-emission monitors.

"Our monitors include the latest high performance features at a fraction of the cost of any other monitor in the industry," said Kent Huang. "We design and build all of the components ourselves. This assures that every ETC monitor performs to the most demanding specifications, the same as all major industry makes."

In addition, ETC's monitors include many innovative features, such as an alphanumeric readout of function parameters located in a front-panel LCD window (Model CA-1565), or the ability to conform to the Swedish MPR II guidelines, the world's toughest very low frequency (VLF) and extremely low frequency (ELF) emission standards (Models CA-1560L and CA-1460L).

ETC Computer, Inc. is a subsidiary of the ETC Group, which includes three manufacturing firms producing monitors, systems and auxiliary components and supplies. The ETC Group recently moved into a new, seven floor, 150,000 square foot building in Taiwan. The new facility features ultra-modern automated assembly lines and quality control facilities.

ETC Computer monitor products are marketed in the U.S. through its sales and service organization located at 46711 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538, telephone 510/226-6250, fax 510/226-6252. ETC's European sales and service office is located in Dusseldorf, Germany.


TRANS Plus Integrates ASCII in Spreadsheets
New Program Automatically Integrates Large ASCII Files Into Any Spreadsheet Application

November 12, 1992 -- Needham. MA: -- Intex Solutions, Inc., the leading provider of spreadsheet enhancements, announced today a new program called TRANS PLUS. TRANS PLUS (Version 1.0), a major extension of Intex's popular TRANS utility, is now shipping. TRANS and TRANS PLUS both save users time and effort by automatically integrating ASCII files, including downloaded mainframe and minicomputer files, or word processing documents and database files into the standard .wk1 spreadsheet format without any manual parsing required.

Aimed at users who have very large files, TRANS PLUS fills the entire spreadsheet with data -- that's up to 256 columns and 8192 rows. This is accomplished with a single command, and can be initiated as needed or incorporated into a batch file to easily process hundred of files in one session.

TRANS PLUS is unique in the way it intelligently interprets patterns of the source file to create a spreadsheet file. Data is automatically parsed into the proper columns and rows. TRANS PLUS even distinguishes numeric entries from labels, and formats each appropriately.

TRANS PLUS integrates data to every major spreadsheet including all DOS and Windows releases of Lotus 1-2-3, Symphony, Quattro Pro and Excel, and is priced at $225, plus $5 shipping.

No Parsing Required!

"Linking one working environment to another is crucial in today's workplace," said Jim Wilner, Vice-President, at Intex. 'TRANS PLUS makes that job effortless no matter how much data needs to be converted."

In addition to TRANS PLUS, Intex also publishes TRANS which operates in a similar manner as TRANS PLUS but on smaller data sets. TRANS handles 50 columns per row and 500 rows of data. TRANS lists for $125, plus $5 shipping.

"Users need to be able to take mainframe data into their spreadsheet where they can manipulate the data and graph it," said Jim Lewis, System Analyst at John Deere. "TRANS gets the job done well."

Technical Requirements/Ordering

TRANS PLUS runs on any IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2 or compatible systems, 386 CPU or higher. The resulting .wk1 files can be directly retrieved into any version of Lotus 1-2-3, Symphony, Quattro Pro, or Excel. TRANS PLUS lists for $225, plus $5 shipping. TRANS users who wish to "trade-up" to TRANS PLUS may do so for $100, plus $5 shipping.

Intex Solutions, 35 Highland Circle, Needham, MA 02194

617-449-6222


FIT KIT Fitting Routines for Numerical Analysis
Fit Kit Software Provides Fitting Routines for Accurate, Efficient Numerical Analysis

November 6, 1992--FIT KIT helps users manipulate and analyze sets of data in the form of x,y pairs, yet requires only a minimal understanding of the internal processes used. It fits a variety of numerical expressions to a set of data, using fitting routines such as linear regression, polynomial fit, multilinear regression, and nonlinear regression. Linear combinations include Legendre and Chebyshev polynomials and Bessel functions.

Developed by Timothy W. Haywood, University of North Carolina, Wilmington, FIT KIT generates the derivative or integral of a data set, smooths data, and takes a cubic spline or fast Fourier transform of the set. It will find the convolution, deconvolution, or correlation between two data sets. In addition, users can adjust entire data sets by an additive or multiplicative constant and can add, subtract, multiply, or divide two data sets.

"Students are usually introduced to simple numerical analysis in their first advanced laboratory, where they may be required to write a simple program," says Haywood. "Unfortunately, their exposure to numerical analysis often stops there, because more complex algorithms are generally not available in course software. Some techniques, such as nonlinear regression, are found only on mainframe computers, where more in-depth programming knowledge is required."

FIT KIT is ideal for advanced undergraduate physics majors, who are expected to adapt established algorithms to their work by writing new programs for new tasks. FIT KIT brings a set of standard analytical procedures together in an accessible interface so that users can see these algorithms at work without necessitating extensive programming experience.

Reviewers agree that FIT KIT supports a wide range of fitting needs. "This is a professionally done program with a modern interface," says Clint Sprott, University of Wisconsin, Madison. "It offers a lot of flexibility in manipulating and analyzing two-dimensional data sets." Mark Williams, Salisbury State University, says, "FIT KIT offers the undergraduate experimenter a good set of fitting routines." And Thurman R. Kremser, Albright College, calls the software "An outstanding data analysis program offering a large variety of linear, polynomial, and nonlinear fits."

FIT KIT is published and distributed by Physics Academic Software, which is a project of the American Institute of Physics in cooperation with the American Physical Society and the American Association of Physics Teachers as part of a continuing series of educational software from PAS.

FIT KIT operates on IBM PC, XT, AT, and PS/2 personal computers with at least 640K of RAM memory and CGA, Hercules, EGA, or VGA graphics. FIT KIT can perform all functions without a graphics card except generating plots. A math-coprocessor and a graphics-capable printer are recommended.

FIT KIT may be purchased from Physics Academic Software for $49.95 plus $3.50 shipping and handling for the first package ($7.50 foreign) and $.75 for each additional package. Lab Packs, which include ten copies of the software and one User's Manual, are available for $149.95.

For a limited time, you can purchase the entire PAS collection, with or without Lab Packs, and save up to 33% off the regular price. Physics Academic Software offers a no-risk guarantee by providing a full refund for packages returned within 30 days.

PAS also offers a Standing Order Plan, which brings the latest in innovative physics courseware to your door, along with exceptional savings. When you join the Standing Order Plan, you will automatically receive each new PAS program, with or without Lab Packs, and save up to 33% off the list price.

Orders and requests for a free catalog of all Physics Academic Software titles should be directed to The Academic Software Library, Campus Box 8202, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-8202. By telephone, call (800) 955-TASL or (919) 515-7447; FAX (919) 515-2682.


TonerSaver Saves Money for LaserJet Users
(Alameda, California, November 16, 1992) Discoversoft Inc., announced today that it has developed TonerSaver, a unique PC software utility for LaserJet and compatible printers that enables existing MS-DOS and WINDOWS programs to:

* Print draft reports using 50 to 75 percent less toner

* Add impact to pages with "super-imposed" custom messages

* Create boxes, lines, shading bars, time/date stamps, and more

Surprisingly, toner is expensive. An $80 (street price) cartridge prints about 4000 pages. That's two cents per page, more than twice the cost of typical laser paper! TonerSaver saves at least a penny a page every time you print draft reports or documents.

TonerSaver works by invoking print patterns that are available with HP's LaserJet III. The patterns are available not only for text, but also for graphics. TonerSaver is a "print filter" program that intercepts print data from any MS-DOS or Windows program and adds the commands necessary to save toner in one of three user-specified densities. These densities save 50 to 75 percent of the original toner. Users can turn TonerSaver off at any time and restore normal toner usage using a hot key or the included Windows Control Panel. TonerSaver can also be used to print an "overlay message" on each page of a document or report. The user enters the message text, font choice, font size, print density and position.

TonerSaver is being unveiled for the first time at COMDEX in Las Vegas, November 16-20, 1992, and will be shipped in December. The suggested retail price is $39.95. TonerSaver is available to dealers and end-users directly from Discoversoft. Other products from Discoversoft include TreeSaver ($89.95), a LaserJet printing utility that "tiles" multiple pages onto one and creates booklets from any document or report. TreeSaver, now in its third revision, was introduced at FALL COMDEX three years ago.

Discoversoft, 1516 Oak St, Alameda, CA 94501

510-769-2902;  fax: 510-769-0149


DPT Providing SCSI Controller OS/2 2.0 Drivers
DPT Provides High Performance Drivers for OS/2 2.0

November 16, 1992 -- Maitland, Florida - Distributed Processing Technology (DPT), maker of high performance SCSI peripheral controllers, today announced it has developed a high performance controller driver for IBM's OS/2 2.0, an advanced 32-bit operating system capable of exploiting the power of 386SX and higher PCs.

DPT is currently distributing the driver for IBM OS/2 2.0 along with its SmartCache Plus SCSI controllers. "DPT has negotiated an agreement with BM to incorporate the SmartCache Plus driver into a subsequent release of OS/2 software," said David Race, DPT's vice president of marketing.

"Corporate users, OEMs and systems integrators are asking for high performance products that are easy to install and support," Race noted. "By incorporating DPT drivers into OS/2, IBM and DPT are providing not just individual products, but the solutions the market wants."

IBM OS/2 2.0 offers true multitasking and will provide the broadest selections of applications in the industry, running DOS, Windows and 16- and 32-bit OS/2 applications unchanged.

DPT is a leading supplier of high performance peripheral controllers and connectivity software for microcomputers. Its technology includes the first caching disk controller for the PC. DPT controllers are sold worldwide through a network of major distributors and OEMs. The privately held company, founded in 1977, is based near Orlando, Florida, with European sales offices located near London, England, and Munich, Germany, and a government sales office in Annapolis, Maryland.

Distributed Processing Technology

140 Candace Dr, Maitland, FL 32751

407-830-5522;  fax: 407-260-5366


DPT Unveils New Reseller Program at COMDEX
DPT Unveils New Reseller Program at COMDEX Support Services to Foster Reseller Success

November 16, 1992 -- Maitland, Florida - Distributed Processing Technology (DPT) today introduced the DPT Preferred Reseller Program, a variety of sales, marketing and technical support services designed to strengthen success among resellers.

"DPT values its resellers because our success is dependent on their success," says Sean McInerney, DPT's channel marketing manager. "The DPT Preferred Reseller Program reinforces our partnership with our resellers by uniquely responding to their service and support needs. "

Resellers who enroll in the program will gain personalized support by having their own individual DPT representative for sales and product information, as well as for marketing assistance. Other program benefits, such as continuing education services that offer DPT's "Technology Focus" and "Competitive Edge" reports will keep resellers abreast of new technology and how to use it to their advantage.

"As a technology leader, DPT wants to arm its resellers with the latest information on SCSI controllers, storage devices and connectivity products so they have a competitive edge in configuring their systems," notes McInerney.

As part of the program, resellers will have access to free technical support and a 24-hour tech support bulletin board. Resellers will also receive qualified end user sales leads, free DPT literature and demo software, regular product update bulletins, advance press announcements and, beginning next year, a Preferred Reseller newsletter.

All resellers, regardless of their sales volume, are invited to join the DPT Preferred Reseller Program. For a Preferred Reseller application and more information, resellers should call DPT's Channel Marketing Department at (407) 830-5522.

DPT is a leading supplier of high performance controllers and connectivity software for microcomputers. Its SmartCache Plus SCSI controller is the only SCSI controller on the market that can be configured as both a non-caching and a caching controller. DPT controllers are sold worldwide through a network of major distributors and OEMs.

Founded in 1977, DPT is a privately held company and is based in Maitland, Florida, with European sales offices located near London, England, and Munich, Germany, and a government sales office in Annapolis, Maryland.

Distributed Processing Technology

140 Candace Dr, Maitland, FL 32751

407-830-5522;  fax: 407-260-5366


Calendar Wise Multi-Subject Planning/Tracking
BLUE CANNON SOFTWARE Releases version 1.11 of CALENDAR WISE, Targeted for Home and Business, Planning and Tracking Applications.

CHARLOTTE, NC -- October 1, 1992 -- CALENDAR WISE cannot be lumped into any predefined notion of calendar programs you may already have. It is NOT an appointment scheduler. Rather it is a multi-subject planning and tracking tool, that simulates a desktop blotter or popular write-on/wipe-off wall calendar. It stands alone in a yet undefined software category!

Because a picture paints a thousand words, a color brochure is included. It is the only way to adequately explain CALENDAR WISE. Please refer to the brochure for an understanding of CALENDAR WISE applications.

MAJOR FEATURES

CALENDAR WISE looks just like a large desktop calendar on your screen. The calendar format can be changed so that different numbers of weeks can be viewed. 100 different calendars allow you to keep unrelated planning separate. Multiple calendars can be referenced at once to view and print together. Great editing features allow ease of use.

VERSION 1.11 MAIN ENHANCEMENTS

New user interface. "Hot Keys" for quickly performing common tasks. Expanded online help. Smooth screen scrolling. European date format support.

BLUE CANNON SOFTWARE, P.O Box 7641, Charlotte, NC 28241-7641

Registrations: 1-800-779-0850

Fax: (704) 398-0928 Ext 22

Support: (704) 398-0850

CompuServe ID: 70372,421


Simply Word for Windows

by Robert Kermish

Osborne/McGraw-Hill announces publication of Simply Word for Windows, a new book that is the easiest introduction to Microsoft's Word for Windows. This new "Simply" explains this popular word processing program in easy-to-understand language, with clear definitions of key words and concepts, and includes a wealth of helpful illustrations.

With Simply Word for Windows, readers can start with absolutely no word processing experience. Readers are introducted through simple illustrated instructions, how to start the program and begin by learning how to use menus for easy and fast access to Word for Windows commands. Author Bob Kermish, a veteran computer training professional, proceeds step-by-step on how to create, save, and print a document, and exit from the program. Readers can use this book to explore exciting options for changing the format and appearance of characters and paragraphs for eye-catching documents; perform quick and easy proofing using the Spelling feature and the Thesaurus; store phrases, names, and addresses with the Word for Windows glossary feature; learn to import graphics and place them in a document for added pizzaz, and much more.

From cover to cover, Simply Word for Windows is designed for those who want to start word processing immediately, with minimum confusion and maximum confidence.

$14.95       ISBN:  0-07-881888-5          240 pages

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

510-549-6600,  Fax: 510-549-6603


AST OBSESSION Ad Campaign
AST UNVEILS NEW "OBSESSION" AD CAMPAIGN TO DISTINGUISH COMPANY AND BREAK AWAY FROM MUNDANE PC INDUSTRY ADVERTISING

IRVINE, Calif., November 16, 1992 -- Sporting a fresh look and feel over traditional industry efforts, AST Research Inc. today unveiled a new advertising campaign that not only communicates product information, but also offers an insight into the personality and culture of the company.

The new campaign, which begins today in leading business and computer trade publications, is comprised of a series of ads that are designed to highlight specific characteristics that distinguish AST from other mainstream PC competitors. The campaign's new tagline is "AST Computer: The Product of Our Obsession."

"Our advertising campaign signals a new marketing direction for AST," said Mike Morand, AST vice president. "It is designed to build brand equity for AST, while differentiating the company from IBM, Compaq, Apple and other first-tier computer manufacturers.

"We want to convey the mindset behind AST products, while reminding PC buyers that AST is an engineering leader, not a follower. We also want to develop a unique, relevant and distinctive brand personality for AST, while establishing a consistent look and feel across all product lines and in all corporate materials."

Developed by El Segundo, Calif.-based Team One Advertising, the campaign's objective is to communicate why and how AST PCs are superior to competitors. The tactics utilized within the ads differ from traditional industry efforts in that each goes beyond customary product photos and specification tables to include lifestyle profiles that emphasize the culture, personality and employee dedication responsible for creating AST's PC systems.

"In developing the campaign for AST, Team One employed the same creativity that has enabled them to successfully distinguish Lexus from competitors in an extremely crowded luxury car market," added Morand.

Following an extensive research effort, the campaign's theme was chosen as a result of reoccurring responses gathered in focus group studies.

"During meetings with customers and resellers, a common element surfaced about how devoted and thorough AST employees are," said Scott Gilbert, executive vice president/account director of Team One. "Over and over, they conveyed the zeal witnessed of AST employees in designing, marketing, producing and servicing PCs. It was from these comments that we decided to anchor and position the campaign with the 'The Product of Our Obsession' tagline."

AST's first ad illustrates employee dedication through a headline that states "Only an AST engineer would choose 200 megabytes over their 1200cc V-Twin." The ad prominently displays a photo of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, with a much smaller photo of the company's new Power Exec notebook computer wrapped by body copy explaining the inherent dedication AST engineers employ to make better products. Information about the notebook's unique selling features take a subordinate position to the headline, body copy and motorcycle photo.

"This ad succinctly blends the culture of AST with an explanation of why the Power Exec delivers extraordinary value," said Morand. "We chose to feature the Power Exec in the campaign's first piece because it is the company's newest product and it incorporates many features that illustrate AST's engineering prowess. Also, notebooks PCs are one of the industry's hottest product categories."

Future ads in the campaign will focus on other aspects of AST's corporate culture, while simultaneously highlighting different products and/or services. A new series of collateral materials also is in development which complement the campaign's look and theme.

Each ad also will prominently feature the "AST Computer" name in larger type than previous campaigns. "This is designed to clearly associate AST with computers, which is our one and only business," said Morand.

AST's media strategy will increase its emphasis on mainstream business publications, while maintaining high visibility in computer trade publications. Initial publications will include Business Week and The Wall Street Journal, in addition to major reseller and end-user PC magazines. Outdoor and other advertising vehicles will also be utilized.

Target audiences include volume buyers and influential purchasers of PC technology, in addition to AST's sales channels, which include value added resellers (VARs), distributors, systems integrators and consultants. Business media will be used to reach corporate influencers such as chief executive officers, presidents, chief financial officers, department heads and the financial community.

Team One Advertising, a division of Saatchi & Saatchi, is a full service agency boasting a track record of brand building experience for clients such as Lexus, Yonex, Beech Aircraft and VCR Plus.

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

AST's product lines include the Power Premium, Bravo, Advantage!, Power Exec and Manhattan which allow users to choose from a full range of price and performance options. The company is represented in 100 countries and operates 34 international subsidiaries and sales offices.

The company reported record sales of $286.4 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 1993, ended Oct. 3, 1992, representing a 70 percent increase in unit shipments over the comparable prior year quarter. Fiscal year 1992 revenues were 944.1 million, 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) 7274141, (800) 876-4278. Fax: (714) 727-9355.


AimTech IconAuthor Player for the Macintosh
AIMTECH CORPORATION ANNOUNCES PLANS TO CREATE AN ICONAUTHOR PLAYER FOR THE MACINTOSH

Nashua, N.H., November 17, 1992 -- AimTech Corporation today announced that it will create a Macintosh player for IconAuthor, its full-featured authoring tool for developing interactive multimedia applications. IconAuthor's Presentation System for the Macintosh will enable multimedia applications created with IconAuthor in either the Microsoft Windows or OSF/Motif environment to run on a Macintosh.

"We've made a firm commitment to fully support platform-independent delivery of multimedia applications," said Usman Ismail, AimTech's president and CEO. "Our support for the Macintosh allows our customers to create applications on a PC or UNIX workstation, and deliver them on a Macintosh."

IconAuthor's Presentation System for the Macintosh will provide users who are developing commercial titles the ability to develop for multiple platforms simultaneously. It will afford those supporting end users in a heterogeneous computing environment the ability to deliver on any installed platform.

IconAuthor is the only full-featured, multi-platform multimedia authoring software available for Windows, UNIX platforms running OSF/Motif, and VMS environments. IconAuthor's Presentation System for the Macintosh will be available in the second quarter of 1993. Its initial release will provide support for native Macintosh file formats and Apple's Quicktime.

IconAuthor allows professional multimedia developers to create advanced, interactive applications combining text, graphics, animation, audio, and full-motion digital and analog video. Its icon-based, visual programming environment allows the nonprogrammer to create applications and titles for computer-based training and learning, performance support systems, simulations, self-service terminals and interactive product presentations.

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

AimTech, 20 Trafalgar Square, Nashua, NH 03063

603-883-0220;  800-289-2884;  fax: 603-883-5582


DPT Offering CorelSCSI Swr with SmartCache Plus
DPT and Corel Form Joint Marketing Pact

Combined Products Deliver Easy-to-Use SCSI Solutions

November 16, 1992 -- Maitland, Florida -- Distributed Processing Technology (DPT) today announced it will offer the CorelSCSI software package for its high performance SmartCache Plus SCSI host adapter as part of a marketing agreement with Corel Corporation.

"With CorelSCSI and the SmartCache Plus, DPT can deliver complete, easy-to-use SCSI solutions directly to resellers," says David Race, DPT's vice president of marketing. "Combined, these products will enable our resellers to support literally hundreds of SCSI devices under DOS, Windows, OS/2 and NetWare."

CorelSCSI's software drivers allow "plug and play" connection of up to seven SCSI peripheral devices off the SmartCache Plus SCSI host adapter. CorelSCSI is designed to make installation virtually worry-free: A user simply has to plug in the SmartCache Plus adapter, daisy-chain the peripherals, load CorelSCSI drivers, and the computer is automatically configured for SCSI support.

The CorelSCSI software is best known for its compatibility with virtually every SCSI CDROM drive on the market. Additionally, CorelSCSI supports a wide variety of other SCSI devices, including optical disk jukeboxes, rewritable optical drives, multifunction optical drives, removable drives, floptical drives, hard drives, DAT drives, WORM optical drives and tape drives. CorelSCSI brings this transparent compatibility to DOS, Windows, Novel Netware file servers and OS/2-based systems.

"DPT is a recognized leader in the SCSI market and its adapters are used by many leading PC manufacturers," says Dr. Michael Cowpland, president and CEO of Corel Corporation. "This alliance builds on the strengths of both companies by providing complete solutions that will further expand the SCSI market. "

The SmartCache Plus host adapter features a unique "grow-as-you-go" design that allows users to build upon the adapter's power to meet their expanding needs. The entry-level SmartCache Plus can easily be converted to a high-end caching controller for faster performance simply by adding DPT's unique plug-on caching module and up to 16 megabytes of cache RAM to the base controller. An add-on mirroring module provides fault tolerance support over multiple mirrored drives.

The scalable architecture of the SmartCache Plus offers price/performance options suitable for systems ranging from standalone workstations and small networks to large multiprocessor-equipped file servers and multiuser systems. Computer manufacturers such as AST, Dell, NCR, NEC, Intel, Siemens, Wang and Wyse have all standardized on SmartCache Plus.

The CorelSCSI software package lists for $99. Resellers can purchase CorelSCSI directly from DPT's Channel Marketing by calling (407) 830-5522.

Incorporated in 1985, Corel Corporation is known internationally throughout the high technology industry as a fast-paced computer software innovator. CorelDRAW, Corel's industry-leading graphics software, is available in nine languages and has to date won over 60 international awards from major trade publications. With a network of more than 80 distributors in 40 countries worldwide, Corel is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSE symbol: COS) and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Automated Quotation National Marketing Systems (NASDAQ - NMS symbol: COSFF).

DPT is a leading supplier of high performance peripheral controllers and connectivity software for microcomputers. Its technology includes the first caching disk controller for the PC. DPT controllers are sold worldwide through a network of major distributors and OEMs. The privately held company, founded in 1977, is based in Maitland, Florida, with European sales offices located near London, England, and Munich, Germany, and a government sales office in Annapolis, Maryland.

Distributed Processing Technology

140 Candace Dr, Maitland, FL 32751

407-830-5522;  fax: 407-260-5366


Interplay & Virgin Sign Key OEM Agreement
INTERPLAY PRODUCTIONS AND VIRGIN GAMES SIGN KEY OEM AGREEMENT

Irvine, CA (November 16, 1992) - Interplay Productions, Inc. announced today it has signed a key OEM contract with Virgin Games, Inc. giving Interplay exclusive rights to bundle all Virgin Games' titles on all software formats. This agreement enables Interplay to enter the OEM market with its own award-winning titles, affiliate offerings from Cineplay Interactive, Inc. and MicroSports, Inc. and such Virgin Game titles as Monopoly Deluxe, Scrabble Deluxe, Dune, Risk, and Legend of Kyrandia.

Jill Goldworn, Interplays Director of Contract Sales, said, "Interplay is making a dedicated push in our OEM efforts. The inclusion of Virgin Games' products adds to our existing focus as a key entertainment resource for hardware companies looking for bundling titles."

Interplay Productions, an Irvine-based entertainment software company produces games for such formats as Macintosh, Amiga, IBM, CD-ROM, Multimedia PC, Super Nintendo & Gameboy. Interplay titles include Battle Chess, Star Trek: The 25th Anniversary and Out Of This World.

Interplay Productions, 17922 Fitch Ave, Irvine, CA 92714

714-553-6655;  fax: 714-252-2820


AST Expands Reseller Channel Beyond PC Roots
AST EXPANDS RESELLER CHANNEL BEYOND PC ROOTS TO INCLUDE MINICOMPUTER/SUPERSERVER RESELLERS AND MASTER VARS

COMDEX, Las Vegas, Nov. 16, 1992 -- Targeting the minicomputer/superserver market, AST Research Inc. is expanding its reseller channel to include resellers and Master VARs who have the breadth of knowledge to sell, service and support its recently introduced Manhattan SMP multiprocessor.

Through a new program, AST is actively recruiting resellers who currently serve the large LAN server, multiuser UNIX and proprietary minicomputer environments. At the same time AST has developed a comprehensive service and support program to ensure that the needs of both the reseller and the end user are met.

"AST's Manhattan provides the right combination of performance, scalability, high availability and serviceability to accommodate the complexity of today's changing computing environments," said Ray Robidoux, AST's director of channel development. "We are looking for resellers with the right combination of expertise, added value and support history to offer the Manhattan as an attractive, cost-effective solution to the $30 billion rightsizing/downsizing market. "

According to Robidoux, purchasers of the Manhattan SMP will be businesses interested in rightsizing and those who need more computing power. With suggested list prices starting at $26,995 for a base machine, it is a more affordable open platform than many mainframe or proprietary minicomputers.

"When a customer commits to purchasing a machine of this class, he wants assurance that the manufacturer and reseller will be around to support it," said Robidoux. "AST's long-term relationships with its current resellers, commitment to reseller and end-user support, sound financial model and leadership in the computer industry make the Manhattan a solid product offering."

Designed with open architecture, the Manhattan SMP fully symmetric multiprocessor is capable of supporting a variety of shrink-wrapped operating systems, including Novell Netware, SCO UNIX, Banyan Vines for SCO, IBM's OS/2, and Microsoft Windows NT and NT LAN Manager when they become available. It incorporates the high availability features required for critical applications: a disk array subsystem; hot replacement of disk drives while the system is in use; ECC memory circuitry for correction of single-bit errors to protect data integrity; and optional redundant power supply for optimal fault resilience.

Resellers who are SCO or Novell certified and can devote two full-time employees to outbound sales, provide added value and a qualified support team member, publish a call escalation procedure and provide a technical liason to AST are encouraged to contact the AST Product Information Group at (800) 876-4AST to request an AST Manhattan SMP authorized reseller package.

Master VARS who are experts in SCO UNIX or Novell Netware, as well as applications and tailored solutions for the multiuser or LAN environment also are being recruited. The Master VAR must be capable of not only selling, but custom-configuring, installing and fine-tuning the hardware and supporting the software.

"This provides a one-stop shop for the reseller who purchases from Master VARS and maintains the level of support required by AST," said Robidoux.

Key Reseller Requirements

To provide the highest level of end-user service and support, AST is requiring its Manhattan SMP resellers who buy direct from AST to become an AST Advanced System Support Center (ASSC) or to sign an agreement with its approved third party maintenance provider to provide that service and support.

AST provides comprehensive training through its product support, advanced technical support, engineering and marketing groups to ensure that its resellers and third party service company have the highest level of product knowledge and technical skills. All Manhattan SMP resellers are required to complete core-level technical and sales training offered by AST at no cost for the initial training of one representative.

"The drive to reduce operating expenses by the end user, save on the cost of spare parts by the reseller and increase the level of service and support overall are factored into this program," said Robidoux.

AST requires its Manhattan SMP resellers to handle the first level of telephone support to the end user. As an ASSC they are required to provide on-site AST hardware maintenance within a 50-mile radius of their offices within the next business day to accommodate the AST Manhattan SMP standard one-year on-site parts and labor warranty. They must maintain sufficient spare parts for the Manhattan SMP to do field repair within eight hours for customers who elect a same-day fix option. They also must be able to offer fee-based upgrades of same-day fix, seven day, 24 hours-per-day coverage or partner with the AST approved third party maintenance company to provide these services.

Additionally, they must have on staff at all times at least one AST trained technician to repair the Manhattan SMP system. The SMP certified technician must also maintain current certification on Novell Netware, SCO UNIX and other leading operating system software.

Key Reseller Benefits

To support and enhance the high qualifications of AST Manhattan SMP resellers, AST is providing its resellers a multitude of benefits, including the following. Additional and/or other benefits may be available to Master VARS through the program.

- AST authorization kit including detailed information on the

  Manhattan SMP, sales brochures, market profiles and a video;

- Advanced Systems Support Center technical training at no cost

  for the first representative at each location;

- AST Flexfunds to develop programs which promote the Manhattan

  SMP through advertising and sales promotions;

- AST custom configuration, with each Manhattan SMP system built

  to a customer's specifications, as well as operating system

  support to the extent of assuring installation and initial

  operation;

- AST On-Line! bulletin board service, a direct link for

  up-to-date news and product information 24 hours per day,

  seven days per week;

- Toll-free connection to a dedicated AST sales representative;

- Demonstration unit discount program;

- InfoFax document retrieval program for product specifications

  and technical information via fax machine;

- End-user leads;

- Sales training, tools and seminars;

- Toll-free technical support for the Manhattan SMP available

  24 hours per day, seven days per week to resellers and end

  users.

AST also provides a toll-free hot line for technical assistance to the end user, as well as AST On-Line! worldwide electronic bulletin board service and AST InfoFAX for up-to-date technical information and assistance.

Also underway to support the-Manhattan SMP is a comprehensive national marketing campaign including advertising, public relations, direct mail and other promotions. Corporate Background

AST Research Inc., a Fortune 500 company, holds a prominent market share of desktop, file server and notebook computers. Product lines include the Manhattan, Premium, Bravo, Advantage! and PowerExec. AST is represented in more than 100 countries and operates 34 subsidiaries and sales offices. In first quarter fiscal 1993, revenues rose 45 percent to $286.4 million from $197.1 million in the comparable prior year quarter, while units shipped were up by 70 percent. Also, AST 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 corporate headquarters is located at 16215 Alton Parkway, Irvine, Calif. 92718. Telephone: (714) 727-4141, (800) 876-4278. Fax: (714) 727-9355


NetWorld 93 Boston Keynote by Elaine Bond
ELAINE BOND OF CHASE TO DELIVER NETWORLD KEYNOTE

Chase Manhattan Executive and Founder of OURS Group, to Open NetWorld 93 Boston, Jan. 12-14, at Hynes Center

(Fort Lee, NJ, Nov. 11) -- Elaine Bond, Chase Fellow and senior technology consultant for Chase Manhattan Bank, and chairman of the OURS Group, will deliver the keynote address at NetWorld 93 Boston, Jan. 12-14, at the John B. Hynes Convention Center in Boston.

Ms. Bond will discuss the struggle between the original promises of ease of use, and the increasing complexity of the latest distributed computing systems, in her keynote speech, entitled, "Users Are Riding the Waves of the Technology Push, But . . . Are We Having Fun Yet?" The keynote will take place on Jan. 12, at 9 a.m., in the Marriott Copley Hotel in Boston.

OURS (Open User Recommended Solutions) is a worldwide not-for-profit group of industry users, vendors and service providers. Its mission is to assist end users through improving multivendor computing. The group focuses attention on tactical issues, provides a forum for user and multivendor cooperation, and creates task forces and workshops for users and vendors to produce solutions -- and provide for their implementation. OURS has already established a process for resolving multivendor computing problems and tactical needs, in areas such as information exchange, multivendor education and software licensing, according to Ms. Bond.

"OURS will continue to foster the multiplicity of vendors -- this is increasingly important to us as end users," said Ms. Bond. "NetWorld Boston certainly provides the group and its members with another opportunity to meet all of the important vendors in one place, and at one event."

In addition to Chase Manhattan Bank, 33 other organizations are members of OURS. They include organizations such as: Brigham Young Univ., DEC, IBM, Levi Strauss & Co., Microsoft, Morgan Lewis and Bockius, Novell, Oracle, Pacific Gas & Electric, Shell Oil, Software A.G., Tandem, Texaco, USWest, Wells Fargo Bank and Ziff-Davis Publishing.

Ms. Bond was instrumental in founding OURS. Before joining Chase in 1981 as senior v.p., corporate systems -- a position she held for more than 11 years -- she was employed by IBM for 24 years. She graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University in 1957.

NetWorld Boston will feature more than 365 exhibitors of computer networking hardware, software and services during the three-day trade show and conference at the Hynes Convention Center and the adjacent Sheraton Boston Hotel & Towers.

Exhibitors will include: 3Com, Artisoft, Banyan Systems, Borland International, Cabletron, Cheyenne Software, Emerald Systems, Hayes, IBM, Intel, Lotus Development, Madge Networks, Microsoft, Novell, Proteon, SMC, SynOptics, Thomas Conrad and WordPerfect.

NetWorld Boston will also include a Seminar Series, featuring more than 80 seminars running concurrently with the show. Nine full-day NetWorld Tutorials will take place on Monday, Jan. 11.

NetWorld 93 Boston is produced by Bruno Blenheim Inc., a trade show management firm, and part of Blenheim Group PLC, an international producer of conferences and exhibitions with more than 250 events worldwide. Bruno Blenheim also produces other information technology events, including NetWorld Dallas, PC EXPO in New York, PC EXPO in Chicago and UNIX EXPO.

Bruno Blenheim

Fort Lee Executive Park, One Executive Dr, Fort Lee, NJ 07024

800-829-3976;  201-346-1400; Fax: 201-346-1532


Multi-Ad Services Acquires Adverkit Int'l
Acquisition of Adverkit International by Multi-Ad Services, Inc.

November 9,, 1992 -- Multi-Ad Services, Inc., of Peoria, Illinois, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Adverkit International, in Maidstone, Kent, UK, as of October 27th.

The newly formed corporation, Multi-Ad Services UK, Ltd., will benefit from Adverkit's well-known position in the newspaper marketplace. Multi-Ad will expand the existing Adverkit product line to create a more complete resource for the professional electronic publishing environment by utilizing the latest technology.

Multi-Ad Services, one of the largest producers of retail advertising materials in the world, is looking forward to expanding its Adverkit operation in the UK market. Roy Endres, executive vice president of Multi-Ad Services, commented, "It is exciting for us to be able to share the technology we have been pioneering since 1988. We hope to use this experience to expand a fine product like Adverkit through its conversion to an electronic format. I feel the synergy created by the merger of our two companies will have a profound effect on both. We look forward to our new relationship with our English partners in 1993 and beyond."

Multi-Ad Services develops and produces a variety of products including the number-one selling display ad makeup software Multi-Ad Creator; along with Multi-Ad Search - a multi-user image database and retrieval software program; ReCAS - a computerized retail advertising co-op database service; CAMS - a classified ad management system; Kwikee - manufacturer-labeled art libraries; Customized Ad Planners - for manufacturers' retail products; and a full line of art and editorial products designed specifically for the newspaper marketplace, available in both print and electronic formats.

Multi-Ad Services

1720 West Detweiller Dr, Peoria, IL 61615-1695

800-447-1950

Multi-Ad Services UK, Ltd.

Bowerdene House, Number One Bower Terrace

Maidstone Kent ME16 8RY

(0622 687654)


FileRunner in PC Sources Top 100 Direct Products
PC SOURCES MAGAZINE SELECTS FILERUNNER FOR ITS TOP 100 DIRECT PRODUCTS AWARD

Arcadia, CA, November 9, 1992..FileRunner from MBS Technologies, Inc. has been awarded a Top 100 Direct Products award by the editors of PC Sources. PC Source' s editors "selected the products they believed to be the best from among the thousands of products reviewed in the past two years of the magazine. " "This Award justifies the good judgment of the thousands of multiple-PC users who have already purchased FileRunner. We are very proud of this achievement," says Bernee D. L. Strom, president of the company.

FileRunner is the best way to move files from office to home to laptop. The program synchronizes your files on multiple computers...desktops, notebooks/laptops, office, home, networks...executing accurate transfers at the push of a button...without cables or modems. It simply uses a floppy disk and proprietary Overwrite Safeguard algorithms to transfer and maintain identical files. Overwrite Safeguard is the exclusive ability to detect when the same critical file has been altered on more than one computer so that you don't accidentally lose good data. To insure safe, accurate and efficient file transfer, it adds data compression and in the PC version, virus checking.

FileRunner has also been nominated by the editors of Compute for one of its yearly 25 Editor's Choice Awards. The nomination is in the category of Best DOS Utility of the Year. This program, on PCs, is compatible with Windows 3.X and ships with an Icon and a PIF (Program Information File). In addition, it is compatible with networked computers and can update files between networked and individual computers. It is so easy to use on a daily basis that, after the initial set up, all you must hit are two keys on the computer...F10 and Y.

A Macintosh version of FileRunner is being introduced at Comdex.

FileRunner for the PC and Mac are the flagship products of MBS Technologies, Inc. The company, founded by Bernee D. L. Strom and Martin M. Batt in 1991, publishes computer software that improves the productivity of users in today's multi-computer environment.

For sales information, contact MBS Technologies, Inc. at 4017 Washington Rd., # 4000, McMurray, PA 15317. Sales phone: 800/860-8700 or 412/941-9076. FAX: 412/941-7076. Technical Support phone: 800/860-8703.


macClaimChek Health Insurance Tracker
macClaimChek - The Health Insurance Tracker

Rated 4 Mice by MacUser

November 16, 1992. Boston, MA--MacUser magazine has awarded macClaimChek a four mice rating in its December 1992 issue. Five mice is the highest possible rating given by the magazine. Each December MacUser highlights 100 "products that don't quite fit the business-productivity mold" usually emphasized by the magazine. macClaimChek is the only Macintosh health insurance tracker, allowing consumers to keep track of health insurance claims. ClaimChek, the PC version, is the only Windows-compatible health insurance tracker.

"We are very pleased to be selected by MacUser--and especially pleased to receive a four mice rating. And the editorial comment by MacUser, 'One of macClaimChek's best features is the helpful tech support' is important information for potential buyers of macClaimChek" said Yukio Endo, president of Te. "During our initial product release, we received valuable feedback from early macClaimChek users. Their feedback enabled us to ship a fully-featured product that addresses the needs of health insurance consumers."

Significant new macClaimChek features include powerful data filters, automatic calculations for tracking paid benefits, and Medicare assignment write-off. Pull-down menus and pop-up shadow boxes have been added for faster navigation. macClaimChek's context-sensitive help has also been expanded.

macClaimChek sells for $44.95 plus $5.00 shipping and handling. macClaimChek is available directly from Te Corporation, PO BOX 140, Campton, NH 03223. Tel: (603) 726-7177 Fax: (603) 726-8818

TE, established in 1972, is known for its innovative software solutions for every day living. In 1988, Te released the world's first Macintosh animal pedigree software, MacPETigree. Still a highly popular program, MacPETigree is the de facto standard animal pedigree software for Macintosh users. This year, Te also introduced DBLogos, a service which converts logos, forms and signatures into software callable in PostScript or PCL5.


Windows NT to Support Floptical Technology
MICROSOFT OCTOBER BETA RELEASE OF WINDOWS NT SUPPORTS FLOPTICAL TECHNOLOGY

Cupertino, CA -- November 16, 1992 -- The Floptical Technology Association (FTA) announced that Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington, is providing driver support for the 3.5-inch 21 megabyte (MB) Floptical diskette technology in its release of Windows NT.

Microsoft disclosed that driver support for Floptical diskette technology is included for the first time in the October beta release of Windows NT. The retail release of Windows NT is planned for the first quarter of 1993.

Steve Timm, technical evangelist for Storage for Microsoft's Systems Marketing group, said, "The Floptical drive's 21MB capacity coupled with its downward compatibility with the installed base of 720KB and 1.44MB floppies offers a good alternative for enhanced on-line storage. SCSI-based devices like the Floptical drive are readily supported by Windows NTs SCSI subsystem."

Jim Milligan, FTA chairman and program manager for advanced diskette technologies at 3M, an FTA charter member, said, "We're gratified by Microsoft's recognition of user needs regarding very high capacity floppy technology. This further reinforces the trend toward Floptical diskette technology. This means today's users can advance floppy disk capacity and performance, helped by Microsoft's leading edge productivity products."

Windows NT provides driver support for a broad range of SCSI peripherals. Microsoft's driver support for Floptical diskette technology complements the range of SCSI host adapters and associated products offered by more than two dozen companies, led by FTA members Adaptec, Future Domain and Rancho Technology.

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.

Floptical Technology Association

21710 Stevens Creek Blvd, Suite 220, Cupertino, CA 95014

408-446-0407;  fax: 408-446-0450


Windows NT MDBS IV Client/Server Database Engine
MICRO DATA BASE SYSTEMS, INC. ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY OF WINDOWS NT CLIENT/SERVER DATABASE

Las Vegas, NV - November 16, 1992 Micro Data Base Systems, Inc. (mdbs) announced today that a Windows NT version of its MDBS IV client/server database engine will be available during the second quarter 1993.

Under Windows NT, MDBS IV is a fully 32-bit multi-processing engine. mdbs will offer two versions of the product-a standalone database supporting multiple applications; and, a client/server version for LAN manager.

"MDBS IV brings the benefits of a high performance client/server database engine to Windows NT' said Kevin Castleberry, President of mdbs Development Tools. "By allowing connections for DOS, Windows, Windows NT and OS/2 client machines, MDBS IV offers tremendous flexibility for developers who are working with this exciting platform. In addition, the NT version of MDBS IV offers significant improvements in performance over the DOS and Windows versions of the product."

Pricing for MDBS IV for Windows NT begins at $7000. Preliminary versions of the product can be made available before the release date. For more details, contact an MDBS IV representative at (800) 445-MDBS.

Founded in 1979, Micro Data Base Systems, Inc. is a pioneer in database management software. The mdbs client/server products include: MDBS IV, an entity-relationship architecture database management system; and, Object/1, an object-oriented development environment Other development tools available include: KnowledgeMan, an object-based relational DBMS; and, GURU, a comprehensive expert systems environment.

Micro Data Base Systems, Inc. Two Executive Drive * Post Office Box 6089 * Lafayette, IN 47903-6089 TEL. (317) 447-1122 * (800) 445-MDBS * FAX (317) 448-6428


AimTech IconAuthor Supports Tandy's VIS Playform
AIMTECH CORPORATION ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR TANDY'S VIS PLATFORM

A New Developers' Program Encourages VIS Title Development Using IconAuthor

NASHUA, N.H., November 17, 1992 -- AimTech Corporation today announced that IconAuthor, its Windows authoring tool for developing interactive multimedia titles, supports Tandy Corp.'s new multimedia player, VIS (Video Information System), running with Microsoft's Modular Windows operating system. AimTech also announced a special program to encourage developers to create VIS titles with IconAuthor.

"Tandy believes that widespread availability of numerous software titles will drive acceptance for VIS," said Dennis Tanner, Tandy Corp.'s director, strategic software marketing. "AimTech's commitment to VIS and response to developer needs have allowed developers using IconAuthor to quickly build lively, sophisticated interactive learning titles for VIS using Modular Windows."

"The market for consumer multimedia titles is in its infancy. It is very important for consumers to quickly see a lot of titles for a new platform," said Usman Ismail, AimTech's president and CEO. "Developing VIS titles with Modular Windows and IconAuthor is fast, easy and reliable; developers can leverage content that is already available and quickly create a series of titles to run on multiple platforms."

AimTech is providing IconAuthor to title developers free of charge. When the title ships, developers pay a fee to AimTech for use of the Presentation System, or runtime version. This allows small developers to create titles quickly, without a capital expenditure.

"AimTech's Developers' Program provided outstanding support and responsiveness," said Kurt Rolland, director of development at Multicom, a member of AimTech's VIS Developers' Program who's currently developing an interactive cookbook for the VIS platform. "IconAuthor's portability allows us to port our titles from the MPC to VIS or vice-versa in the shortest possible timeframe."

IconAuthor allows professional multimedia developers to create advanced, interactive applications combining text, graphics, animation, full-motion video and audio. Its icon-based, visual programming environment allows the non-programmer to create applications and titles for computer-based training and learning, interactive games, performance support systems, simulations, self-service terminals and business presentations. IconAuthor is the only authoring tool of its kind supporting VIS which is based on Modular Windows.

Ideally suited for rapid cross-platform title development, the Modular Windows operating system is based on Windows 3.1 and gives title developers the ability to author an application once and take advantage of multiple platform players, like VIS and MPC players.

VIS title developers use the same version of IconAuthor as they do to develop MPC titles. As a-result, well-designed applications can run on both the MPC and VIS with minimal changes. Development guidelines are provided to account for hardware differences between these platforms.

More than 15 developers are creating titles for VIS with IconAuthor. Among those scheduled for release this year are: "Playing With Language Series," a series of foreign language and early language instruction titles developed by Syracuse Language Systems; and "Meeting of Minds," an educational entertainment game that gives players a series of word, sound, and picture clues to help them figure out who famous people are. Designed by JLR Group, Inc., "The Meeting of Minds" is based on Steve Allen's award-winning The Meeting of Minds television show.

IconAuthor for developing VIS titles requires an MPC, or compatible, and a mouse. IconAuthor is available immediately to VIS developers under a special developers' program.

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

AimTech, 20 Trafalgar Square, Nashua, NH 03063

603-883-0220;  800-289-2884;  fax: 603-883-5582


Assember Inside & Out
Assembler Inside & Out

by Harley Hahn

Osborne/McGraw-Hill announces publication of Assembler Inside & Out, a clear and comprehensive guide for programmers who wish learn to assembly language programming for 80X86-based computers.

Assembler Inside & Out is packed with all the features, program code. examples. and diagrams needed to build a solid foundation in assembly language programming. The book contains detailed coverage of basic assembly language principles; how storage is organized; addressing, creating and processing assembly language programs; the parts that make up an assembly language program; and all the important assembly language instructions. including data definition and control flow.

A nationally recognized author, consultant, and analyst. Harley Hahn also covers important topics such as the best style to use when writing assembly language programs, using procedures, manipulating character strings and bits, interrupts. input/output, creating and using COM files. and much more. Readers will also discover valuable prototypes that can be used for individual projects.

The skills programmers will gain from this book will soon have them writing excellent programs and compiling elegant code.

$27.95              ISBN:  0-07-881842-7           592 pages

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

510-549-6600,  Fax: 510-549-6603


C++ Inside & Out

by Bruce Eckel

Osborne/McGraw-Hill announces publication of C++ Inside & Out, a new, fast-paced book written for programmers who want to master

Bruce Eckel, one of the country's best known C++ programmers, can quickly help turn beginners into pros as he teaches every aspect of C++ including the draft ANSI C++ Standard. Programmers will find out how C++ differs from C and how object-oriented programming can speed up programming time. In addition, readers will discover that every C++ function is described in detail. Experienced programmers will find that Eckel shows how to add many bells and whistles that make C++ programs elegant and quick, along with debugging tips, in-depth discussions of C++ libraries, and the process of making object-oriented design decisions round out this outstanding guide.

Readers will also find fascinating examples of the "Life" simulation, a database language interpreter, a real-time control system, matrices, shapes, and more.

With C++ Inside & Out, programmers will be writing effective C++ programs in no time.

$29.95              ISBN:  0-07-881809-5           776 pages

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

510-549-6600,  Fax: 510-549-6603


C++ Programming for Windows (with diskette)
C++ Programming for Windows

(includes One 3.5-inch Diskette)

by Anthony Porter

Osborne/McGraw-Hill announces publication of C++ Programming for Windows, a new book and disk package devoted exclusively to C++ Windows programming and speeding up applications development.

This practical, step-by-step guide shows programmers how to build more reliable and efficient Windows applications of all kinds, using C++ and object-oriented programming techniques. Windows expert Anthony Porter covers topics that include -- how and when to apply C++ and object-oriented programming techniques; using the software objects included on disk to build industrial-strength Windows applications fast; creating efficient programs consuming less memory and processing power; and much more.

Included with the book is a 3.5-inch disk packed with reusable software objects, tested with the major C++ compilers from Borland, Microsoft, and Zortech. Porter includes software objects that can be linked together to create custom applications for Windows. He shares his insider's understanding of how Windows and objects work, so programmers can develop and implement their own classes for even greater productivity.

C++ Programming for Windows gives programmers all the instructions and examples they need for speeding up C++ programming In the complex Windows environment.

$39.95          ISBN:  0-07-881881-8           464 pages

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

510-549-6600,  Fax: 510-549-6603


C++ The Pocket Reference
C++: The Pocket Reference

by Herbert Schildt

Osborne/McGraw-Hill announces publication of C++: The Pocket Reference, a new instant reference guide that puts all the essential functions and commands of C++ at a programmer's fingertips.

Every C++ programmer will want to keep This book handy as a quick refresher. Organized into 10 alphabetized sections, users will quickly find the essential information they need on C++ keywords, functions, data types, operators, C and C++ libraries, object-oriented I/O, and more.

Programmers will find they can speed up their C++ programming and minimize inconvenience with help from ace C/C++ programmer, Herb Schildt and this new Pocket Reference guide.

As an added bonus, readers will find Osborne's Pocket Reference features a special lay-flat binding that will keep the book open to any page.

Expert programmer Herb Schildt, author of more than 19 books on C and C++ that have sold over one million copies worldwide, is uniquely qualified to help programmers fully understand C programming.

$9.95             ISBN:  0-07-881935-0           224 pages

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

510-549-6600,  Fax: 510-549-6603


OS/2 Inside & Out

by Kathy Ivens & Brian Proffit

Osborne/McGraw-Hill announces publication of OS/2 Inside 81 Out, a practical nuts-and-bolts guide that thoroughly covers OS/2 2.0 so users can get a fast, easy start and learn to take advantage of OS/2's more complex features.

After getting beginners up and running quickly, OS/2 experts, Kathy Ivens and Brian Proffit cover topics that include, installation procedures to help boot OS/2 or DOS selectively; file management techniques that let users get more work done faster; using the Wordplace Shell effectively, including how to handle Windows, organize folders and take shortcuts. Readers can expect to get more from OS/2 as the authors provide thorough coverage of sharing information between OS/2. DOS, and Windows programs with the Clipboard; creating customized user interfaces by selecting the system colors, creating icons, picking favorite fonts and more; learning how to configure DOS and Windows applications under OS/2 so they run faster; troubleshooting OS/2 problems; and much more.

Rounding out this outstanding guide are insider tips, tricks. and techniques used by IBM staffers. consultants, and corporate users for getting the most from OS/2. This exceptional user guide will turn beginners into pros in no time.

$27.95          ISBN:  0-07-881871-0            560 pages

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

510-549-6600,  Fax: 510-549-6603


The King's Quest Companion, Third Edition

by Peter Spear

Osborne/McGraw-Hill announces publication of The King's quest Companion. Third Edition, a new book from Osborne's Silicon Valley imprint of computer game books. The King's Quest Companion is Sierra On-line's official, Authorized Edition on the King's guest series.

Written by Peter Spear, the bestselling author of two previous editions of The King's Quest Companion. Spear has written the one book that can provide all the help and answers needed to successfully complete every King's guest game from I through VI. The newest edition includes complete novelizations of each of the King's Quest games; a comprehensive and handy encyclopedia of all the people, places, and things players encounter in the world of Daventry; new, detailed maps and step-by-step, screen-by-screen walk-throughs of every game; legends and biographies of fabulous characters and creatures; the deepest, most hidden secrets and all the answers to finish the games.

For players captured by the magic of Sierra On-Line's King's Quest series, this is the one book that is a must for guesters everywhere.

Writer, broadcaster, and EMMY award winner, Peter Spear is a computer game tester and consultant who works closely with developers and publishers to bring the very best games to market. He is the co-author with his son Jeremy of The Space Quest Companion.

$19.95           ISBN:  0-07-881841-9           299 pages

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

510-549-6600,  Fax: 510-549-6603


Quicken 2 for Windows Made Easy

by David Campbell and Mary Campbell

Osborne/McGraw-Hill announces publication of Quicken 2 for Windows Made Easy, a new book that will help users get up to speed fast with the Windows version of Quicken, Intuit's popular accounting package.

This step-by-step guide immediately puts Quicken 2 for Windows to work, streamlining personal and business finances. Readers can expect to get results fast through the "Quick Start" section that teaches Quicken's essential features. After learning the basics, anyone using Quicken can set up and manage an accounting system for home or office, organize books for faster tax preparation, keep track of credit card purchases, draw on Quicken's financial planning features, take full advantage of the graphical features offered in the Windows environment, and more.

For quick, practical results, and expert advice on vital aspects of personal business finances, choose the one book that truly makes Quicken 2 for Windows easy.

The Campbells have co-authored three previous bestselling books on Quicken. David Campbell is a CPA and professor of accountancy. Mary Campbell is the bestselling author of numerous widely acclaimed books on Lotus 1-2-3.

$19.95              ISBN:  0-07-881841-9           440 pages

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

510-549-6600,  Fax: 510-549-6603


The Outdoor Athlete: Steve Ilg's Cross Training
NEW CD-ROM PRODUCT ON CUTTING EDGE OF PERSONAL FITNESS

October 19, 1992 -- EVERGREEN, COLORADO: Remember when only encyclopedias came on CD-ROM?  Cordillera Press will become the first electronic publisher to market  a complete personal fitness training program on CD-ROM when it begins  shipping copies of THE OUTDOOR ATHLETE: Steve Ilg's Cross-Training  Guide for Wholistic Fitness and Sport Performance on November 1. The  Outdoor Athlete  CD-ROM combines text, QuickTime video with narration,  and interactive files for journal keeping to provide a personal  training program which can be tailored to individual sports and  ability levels.

The Outdoor Athlete  CD-ROM is designed to take advantage of the  recently released Apple Macintosh Performa 600 CD, part of Apple's  plan to expand its product line among first-time users, and its  high-end counterpart the Macintosh IIvx CD. The CD-ROM features  QuickTime video of thirty-three exercises; sport specific training  programs for many outdoor activities, and Steve's inspirational and  informative essays. The interactive journal files permit one to record  daily workout routines and then total cross-training hours monthly and  annually.

"We certainly don't intend for you to do your workout in front of  a computer terminal," noted Cordillera President Walt Borneman, "but  here in one easily-accessible medium is an incredible amount of  information. You can print out your sport-specific training program or  view the QuickTime video clip of the exercises you want before your  workout, and then enter your journal activities afterwards. It's a lot  easier than carrying around a couple of books, running a video through  the VCR, and then hunting for your journal."

Steve Ilg is one of America's most creative personal trainers.  His total training concept of "wholistic fitness" has been featured in  Outside, Climbing, Triathlete, Rock & Ice, and other outdoor and  fitness magazines. Wholistic fitness blends strength training,  cardiovascular training, kinesthetic (flexibility) training,  meditation, and nutrition into a balanced cross-training program.  Steve's first book, The Outdoor Athlete: Total Training for Outdoor  Performance, was originally published in 1987 and is now in its fifth  printing.

"The Outdoor Athlete is an excellent example of how QuickTime can  be utilized to enrich the interactive learning experience of CD-ROM,"  said David Barwin, Senior Software Engineer for Macsimum Creative  Enterprises and the product manager for The Outdoor Athlete CD-ROM  project. In addition to the Apple Performa 600 CD/Macintosh IIvx CD,  The Outdoor Athlete CD-ROM works with any Macintosh having a 68020,  68030, or 68040 central processor with at least 4 megabytes of memory,  running System 7.0 or higher, a color monitor, a CD-ROM drive, and a  hard drive with at least 2 megabytes of free space. The CD also  contains a black and white version without QuickTime for use on Apple  PowerBook models. The Outdoor Athlete CD-ROM retails for $39.95.

Cordillera Press publishes guidebooks, videos, and multi-media  products about outdoor recreation, adventure travel, and personal  fitness.

For further information contact:

Walt Borneman (303) 670-3010 (re marketing information)

David Barwin  (303) 232-1336 (re program specifications)

AppleLink: MCE.BARWIN

      AOL: DGBARWIN


Advanced English Language Acquisition Program
INTECHNICA ANNOUNCES MULTIMEDIA ADVANCED ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACQUISITION PROGRAM FOR ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNERS

November 25, 1992 -- Oklahoma City, OK--Intechnica International, Inc. announces the Intechnica Advanced English Language Acquisition Program for second language acquisition. The new product line will prepare post-secondary English As A Second Language (ESL) learners for both college and the workplace. Utilizing Intechnica's proprietary--READ, WRITE, LISTEN and SPEAK--individualized learning system, the Intechnica Advanced English Language Acquisition Program will combine several hundred hours of instruction with interactive digitized speech and images to create a multimedia language lab using CD-ROM technology.

The program builds on the success of the Intechnica I Speak English Program and is designed to prepare post-secondary students for the TOEFL (Test of English As A Foreign Language), BEST (Basic Education Skills Test) and other standardized language tests used in higher education and adult basic education programs. The forty+ lesson program is divided into four sections focusing on post-secondary skill building in Vocabulary, Listening Comprehension, Reading Comprehension and Writing Structures. All of the basic English grammar structures are imbedded in the program and taught through advanced language acquisition techniques. The program reading levels range from 8th grade to post-secondary level. When the Intechnica I Speak English Program and Intechnica Advanced English Language Acquisition Program are combined they provide instruction for non-English speakers from zero speaking ability to post-secondary literacy.

An example of lesson content follows:

Unit One--Vocabulary--covers lessons on Traveling to America, American Cultures and Their Histories, Geography of the U.S., Government, Transportation, Housing, Getting a Job, Banking, Healthcare, and Shopping for a Car. All of the basic English grammar structures are imbedded in the program and taught through advanced language acquisition techniques.

Dr. Martha Hayes, Executive Director of the Community Literacy Centers, Inc., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma said, "Intechnica pioneered the development of voice-interactive, multimedia, computer-based language acquisition systems utilizing CD ROM technology with the release of the I Speak English CD-ROM-based ESL Courseware in 1987. Currently being used worldwide in schools, community-based learning centers, correctional institutions and worksite training programs, the Intechnica I Speak English Program--in statistically validated field tests--has been proven to support language learning two times as fast in a third less time than classroom only instruction."

P. Stanley Bolin, President of Intechnica said, "At Intechnica, we believe schools and workplace training programs must enable the efficient acquisition of literacy in English as well as other languages through the creative application of technology and recognized methodologies. One reason that America has not done a good job in achieving fluency levels in its English acquisition programs is due to time restraints imposed on teachers in a traditional classroom. This translates into 'not enough time-on-task for the student'. Computer-based language instruction allows the student to work at his own pace until adequate fluency is achieved and is available at other time for additional practice."

The Intechnica Advanced English Language Acquisition Program can be used on a single PC workstation or in a network environment with the proprietary Intechnica VoxBox2 CD-ROM Client Server--which will allow up to twenty users access to six CDROM databases holding more than 3 gigabytes of information with retrieval speeds of a few milliseconds. General availability for the Intechnica Advanced English Language Acquisition Program is projected for the second quarter 1993.

Intechnica Language Literacy Systems are an integrated hardware, software and curriculum application utilizing Intechnica's proprietary--READ, WRITE, LISTEN and SPEAK--individualized learning system Intechnica Language Literacy Systems use IBM PC compatible microcomputers, a proprietary VoxCard sound digitizer and the VoxBox2 CD-ROM Client Server.

Intechnica International

5600 Liberty Parkway, Midwest City, OK 73110

800-788-8730;  405-732-0138;  Fax: 800-788-8731 or 405-732-4574


Intechnica VoxBox2 CD-ROM Client Server
INTECHNICA ANNOUNCES VoxBox2 CD-ROM CLIENT SERVER for MULTIMEDIA CD-ROM BASED APPLICATIONS

November 25, 1992 -- Oklahoma City, OK--Intechnica International, Inc. announces the next generation of multimedia hardware/software products for voice-interactive, multimedia, computer-based training systems utilizing CD-ROM technology. The proprietary VoxBox2 CDROM Client Server will allow up to twenty users access to six CD-ROM databases holding more than 3 gigabytes of information with retrieval speeds of a few milliseconds.

P. Stanley Bolin, President of Intechnica said, "Currently, traditional Local Area Network technology doesn't provide a robust solution to allow multiple user access to large databases. And, when you add the additional "real-time" burden of multimedia throughput requirements, LAN's perform poorly or not at all."

Intechnica's VoxBox2 CD-ROM Client Server was originally designed to meet performance requirements specific to delivering the 1,000+ hours of Intechnica' voice-interactive language literacy courseware and available only as a vertically integrated application. With the release of the second generation of the VoxBox, an important design goal was to ensure that the client server would run other ISO-9660 CD-ROM applications.

Now, CD-ROM users can purchase the VoxBox2 CD-ROM Client Server separately from the Intechnica courseware. Six logical CD-ROMs can reside on the server bus at one time. Thus, multiple CD-ROM based databases can be offered to the user at the same time. Data transfer speeds in excess of 7 megabits per second access time provide overall system throughput improvements of 20 times over Intechnica's current VoxBox CD-ROM client server.

The VoxBox2 CD-ROM Client Server architecture was designed to solve problems associated with moving voice across a bus or network -- without degradation in quality or a break in continuity. An additional requirement was improvement in the access speed for large graphic and video files. "No longer will users perceive delays when accessing large files containing voice/video formats," said Reg Mason, Intechnica's Chief System Design Engineer. "The performance of VoxBox2 has improved access time from several seconds to a few milliseconds." Beta site testing for the VoxBox2 Client Server will begin in the 1st quarter, 1992 with general availability by the 2nd quarter, 1993.

Intechnica International pioneered the development of voice-interactive, multimedia, computer-based training systems utilizing CD-ROM technology in 1987 with the release of I Speak English CD-ROM-based ESL CourseWare. Intechnica Language Literacy Systems are an integrated hardware, software and curriculum application utilizing Intechnica's proprietary--READ, WRITE, LISTEN and SPEAK--individualized learning system. Intechnica Language Literacy Systems use IBM PC compatible microcomputers, a proprietary VoxCard sound digitizer and the VoxBox2 CD-ROM Client Server.

Intechnica International

5600 Liberty Parkway, Midwest City, OK 73110

800-788-8730;  405-732-0138;  Fax: 800-788-8731 or 405-732-4574


UnixWare OS Supports DPT SmartCache Controllers
UnixWare OS Supports DPT SCSI Controllers

DPT and Univel Join Forces to Provide Total SCSI Solution

November 23, 1992 -- Maitland, Florida - Distributed Processing Technology (DPT), a leading manufacturer of SCSI peripheral controllers, is announcing that it's high-performance SmartCache Plus controllers have been integrated into Univel's UnixWare Operating System. DPT's SmartCache Plus EISA SCSI controllers will allow users to take full advantage of UnixWare's 32-bit capabilities. SmartCache Plus also provides access to a wide range of SCSI peripherals, including disk, tape and CD-ROM.

DPT started working with Univel early in the development cycle of UnixWare to ensure high performance and compatibility with a wide range of peripherals. Performance enhancing features such as support for concurrent I/O processing, which allows multiple read and write requests to be processed simultaneously; scatter/gather data transfer, which increases data throughput; and support for hardware-based disk caching and disk mirroring have been added.

"One of DPT's primary goals is to provide a total SCSI solution with industry-wide compatibility," says Dave Race, vice president of marketing at DPT. "The work we have done with Univel provides UnixWare users with the mass storage connectivity they have been asking for -- that is, the ability to use a wide variety of SCSI mass storage devices such as disk tape and CD-ROM drives."

With the support of vendors like DPT, Univel will provide end users with access to a wide variety of mainstream software and hardware solutions for UnixWare. UnixWare will bring the power of UNIX to the end user, so they can run productivity, custom and semi-custom applications on industry standard hardware with seamless integration to NetWare, as well as existing UNIX networks.

Background information:

SmartCache Plus - Award Winning SCSI controller from DPT

SmartCache Plus is the only SCSI controller on the market that can be configured as either a non-caching or a caching controller. The entry-level-priced, non-caching configuration is converted to a high-end caching controller by simply adding DPT's unique plug-on caching module and up to 16 megabytes of cache RAM to the base controller. An add-on mirroring module provides support for a software-independent array of mirrored drives. This scalable architecture provides manufacturers and integrators a complete range of price/performance options, suitable for systems ranging from standalone workstations and small networks up to multiprocessor-equipped file servers. SmartCache Plus EISA is the SCSI adapter of choice for manufacturers such as AST, NEC, Dell, AT&T/NCR, Intel, Wyse, Wang, and Siemens.

DPT corporate background

DPT is a privately held company founded in 1977. Corporate headquarters are near Orlando, Florida with a government sales office located near Washington, DC. European sales offices are located near London and Munich. DPT manufactures intelligent, peripheral controllers and connectivity software for microcomputers. DPT's revenues make it one of the largest peripheral manufacturers in the world. DPT's technology innovations include the first caching disk controller for minicomputers and PCs, the first software independent disk array solution for the PC, and the first cache-convertible controller for the PC. DPT controllers are sold worldwide through a network of major distributors and OEMs.

Univel corporate background

UNIVEL, founded in December of 1991, is a partnership between Novell, Inc. and UNIX system Laboratories, Inc. The company is chartered with growing the UNIX system and network computing market by providing open system software solutions for distributed enterprise-wide computing. Univel's UnixWare family of products will incorporate the most powerful UNIX operating system available today, seamless integration to NetWare and a graphical user interface which allows access to the broadest range of applications.

Distributed Processing Technology

140 Candace Dr, Maitland, FL 32751

407-830-5522;  fax: 407-260-5366


StatSci S_PLUS V3.1 Data Analysis & Statistics
Now Shipping S-PLUS Version 3.1 Data Analysis and Statistics Software

SEATTLE, Washington--November 18, 1992--Statistical Sciences, Inc. (StatSci) is now shipping Version 3.1 of S-PLUS, the company's successful data analysis and statistics software for UNIX workstations and 386/486 personal computers using the DOS or Windows operating system .

Important improvements and enhancements in S-PLUS 3.1 include: 1) faster performance when analyzing and computing data sets, 2) additional mathematical computing functions, 3) quality control (QC) charting, 4) support of color PostScript, and 5) compatibility with S+INTERFACE, StatSci's new software toolkit for building custom applications with S-PLUS.

StatSci's flagship product, S-PLUS is a revolutionary data analysis tool that combines more than 1,200 statistical, math and analysis functions with an object-oriented programming (OOP) language. It is revolutionizing the way scientists, engineers. economists and other scientific users analyze technical data.

S-Plus enables researchers to move their data analysis off mainframe computers and onto modern, interactive, graphically-oriented desktop computers. Compared with competitive programs, S-PLUS allows users to delve more deeply into their data so they can better understand its meaning and generate higher quality research results.

Typical applications include: NASA analyzing data to determine the effects of clear-cutting in the Amazon, Centers for Disease Control performing advanced AIDS research, and most of the top financial institutions performing a range of studies from market trend analysis to controversial "chaos" theory .

Major New Features--The most important new feature of S-PLUS 3.1 is faster execution speeds with less use of memory. Users benefit because they can analyze larger data sets or perform simulations with less RAM in less time. Depending on the analysis technique used, performance improvements of up to 75% are possible.

A significant new set of mathematical computing functions has been added. These include functions for integration, optimization, finding roots, multivariate minimization with bounds, and nonlinear least squares with bounds. Complex numerical linear algebra is also supported.

With the addition of OC charting, S-PLUS 3.1 can now produce Shewhart and other QC charts of the following types: xbar, s, np, p, c, and u. These functions are of importance to anyone in manufacturing process control, or other applications that require the monitoring and analysis of quality assurance factors.

PostScript color support adds greater control to presentation quality graphics. Using the number-one industry supported graphics standard, S-PLUS users can now determine the colors, fonts, and international character sets in their printed output for a broad range of printers and plotters.

S-PLUS 3.1 is compatible with S+INTERFACE. This new product from StatSci provides users the ability to quickly create custom menu-style interfaces to S-PLUS, or call any of the over 1000 proven data analysis functions of S-PLUS from another C application.

Other enhancements to S-PLUS 3.1 include new robust techniques for ANOVA and related statistics, fractionally differenced ARIMA models, model-based Gaussian hierarchical clustering, new data control functions for manipulating data sets, and better static loading. Also supplied is a new programmer's manual to assist users in developing their own custom analysis functions with S-PLUS's object-oriented data analysis language.

StatSci--Statistical Sciences, Inc. was founded in 1987 to market and support an enhanced and extended version of AT&T's S statistical language. Currently the choice of thousands of academic, research, and data analysis professionals worldwide, S-PLUS is used at AT&T, Boeing, Ciba-Geigy, Hewlett Packard, Merrill Lynch. Oxford University, Texas Instruments, and the University of Illinois.

Free Trial--StatSci offers a free 30-day trial program of the complete product, as well as a free instructional video explaining advanced, modern data analysis. S-PLUS is available for most popular UNIX workstations and 386/486 personal computers. Pricing and upgrade information is available from StatSci Sales at (800) 569-0123 or (206) 283-8802, FAX (206) 2838691, or UNIX email at mktg@statsci.com.

Statistical Sciences

1700 Westlake Ave. N, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98109


Physics Academic Swr Atomic Scattering Simulator
Atomic Scattering Simulates Molecular Beam Scattering Experiments on the Macintosh

Physics Academic Software Releases ATOMIC SCATTERING

November 20, 1992--ATOMIC SCATTERING shows the motion of two atomic particles interacting through central force potentials, including Pauli repulsion and van der Waals, inductive, or Coulombic attraction. It simulates the molecular beam scattering experiments used to probe interatomic potentials and demonstrates physical phenomena such as rainbow scattering, glory scattering, and Rutherford scattering.

Developed by Daniel Lacks, Harvard University, ATOMIC SCATTERING enables you to study the physical interaction between atoms and molecules by simulating classical scattering experiments on the computer screen. Unlike textbooks and lectures, the program allows you to actually see the motion and to examine the effects of changes in the parameters and initial conditions on the behavior of the system.

"Interactions of atomic particles are the underlying reason for many important physical phenomena, such as the deviations from ideal behavior of gases, the formation of liquids and solids, heat transfer, and the viscosity of fluids," says Lacks. "ATOMIC SCATTERING demonstrates many important aspects of these interactions."

Some of the issues explored by ATOMIC SCATTERING include how the attractive and repulsive parts of the potential affect the motion of atomic particles; how the velocities of the particles change with particle separation so as to conserve total energy; and how the outcome of a scattering event depends on the impact parameter and the initial energy.

ATOMIC SCATTERING is ideal for courses in molecular physics, physical chemistry, and classical mechanics. You can choose the initial conditions, vary the physical parameters, and view the simulation in different coordinate frames. You can observe both bound and unbound states and display the trajectory in a variety of ways, including in real-space, center-of-mass, or relative coordinates, or as motion of the radial coordinate in an effective potential.

Reviewer response to ATOMIC SCATTERING has been favorable. "It is an important teaching tool," says David Nairns, Temple University. "The examples are helpful and the physics is good." Perry Rice, Miami University, calls ATOMIC SCATTERING "A powerful visualization tool."

ATOMIC SCATTERING is published and distributed by Physics Academic Software, which is a project of the American Institute of Physics in cooperation with the American Physical Society and the American Association of Physics Teachers as part of a continuing series of educational software from PAS.

ATOMIC SCATTERING operates on any Macintosh Plus computer or later with finder version 6.0 or higher and system software version 6.0 or higher. A printer is recommended.

ATOMIC SCATTERING may be purchased from Physics Academic Software for $24.95 plus $3.50 shipping and handling for the first package ($7.50 foreign) and $.75 for each additional package. Lab Packs, which include ten copies of the software and one User's Manual, are available for $99.95.

For a limited time, you can purchase the entire PAS collection, with or without Lab Packs, and save up to 33% off the regular price. Physics Academic Software offers a no-risk guarantee by providing a full refund for packages returned within 30 days.

PAS also offers a Standing Order Plan, which brings the latest in innovative physics courseware to your door, along with exceptional savings. When you join the Standing Order Plan, you will automatically receive each new PAS program, with or without Lab Packs, and save up to 33% off the list price.

Orders and requests for a free catalog of all Physics Academic Software titles should be directed to The Academic Software Library, Campus Box 8202, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-8202. By telephone, call (800) 955-TASL or (919) 515-7447; FAX (919) 515-2682.


RPlot V2.1 for Dos, Windows and OS/2
RSoft, Inc. Announces RPlot Version 2.1 for DOS, Windows, and OS/2 !

November 10, 1992 -- New York, NY -- RSoft, Inc. is introducing Windows and OS/2 versions of its RPlot technical graphing package for DOS, as well as an upgrade to the DOS product. All three programs share an operating system independent graph file format for complete portability. In addition, all products offer a similar user interface to ease cross-platform use.

RPlot is designed as a tool for direct plotting of scientific and engineering results stored in ASCII data files. The program can handle a wide variety of file formats and includes data transformation and curve fitting ability. Numerous options enable the production of professional, publication-quality technical figures. A basic drawing capability is included for graph annotation.

The upgrade to the DOS command line program includes a new menu-driven integrated graphing environment, similar to the integrated development environments of popular compiler tools. A multi-file text editor allows creation and editing of data files and RPlot command files, and graphs may be viewed by pressing a hot key or clicking the mouse. In addition, there are enhancements to the graphing capabilities of both the command line and integrated environments. These include increased speed, several new options including a dual axis capability, and a new template feature in which data files of a certain type, determined by file extension, can automatically be graphed in a user-configured default manner.

The new Windows and OS/2 products are similar in structure to the new DOS integrated environment, but benefit from the GUI environment in several ways. For example, the command file and graph are simultaneously visible in overlapping windows, the displayed and printed graphs make use of available sealable typefaces (TrueType in Windows and Adobe Type 1 in OS/2), and graphs may be copied to the clipboard for incorporation into other Windows or OS/2 programs. Both versions support a multiple document interface and have drag and drop capability. The OS/2 product is a native 32-bit PM application.

Finally, each product offers a C-language interface to allow custom applications written by the user to generate command files and execute RPlot in "viewer mode" to display the graph.

RPlot Version 2.1 for DOS, Windows, and OS/2 are available separately for only $149.00, and upgrades from any one product to another are available for $49. For educational institutions, RPlot is discounted to $99.00. Product availability is expected late in the 4th quarter of 1992.

For more information contact: RSoft, Inc., 345 Riverside Drive, Suite 2G, New York, NY 10025; or call (212) 666-0959.


SSI Gary Grigsby's Pacific War Strategy Game
SSI ANNOUNCES COMPREHENSIVE PACIFIC WAR SIMULATION INTRODUCING GARY GRIGSBY'S PACIFIC WAR

Game Category: Strategic War Game

Versions: IBM PC (December) - $79.95

Sunnyvale, CA - November 20,1992 -- Fifty-one years ago, on December 7, the Japanese Imperial Navy launched a surprise attack against the U.S. Naval forces stationed in Pearl Harbor, igniting World War II and changing the course of history. Now Strategic Simulations, Inc. (SSI) announces another historical event - the release of Gary Grigsby's Pacific War, the most comprehensive simulation of WW II's war in the pacific ever produced for a home computer. Due in December for IBM PC, the game carries a suggested retail price of $79.95.

Designed by Gary Grigsby, respected author of 21 SSI war games including Carrier Strike and Kampfgruppe, Pacific War makes an historical achievement by including all the ships, planes, and ground troops located in the Pacific theater from 1941 to 1945. Encompassing precise detail, the game offers the stunning drama of five campaigns, two scenarios, and five levels of play. Individual real-life clashes from the war, such as the Battle of Midway and the Battle of Coral Sea, are simulated within campaigns which range in length from months to years. With 78 million square miles of territory and 200 bases, Pacific War gives players the big picture as they command their multitudes of U.S. or Japanese battle forces from their headquarters.

"Gary Grigsby succeeds with Pacific War where no one else has gone before. He has created the only fully-developed simulation of the World War II war in the pacific ever for a home computer. The ability to control the firepower of both the U.S. and Japanese forces will keep players glued to their keyboards," stated Kathleen Watson, SSI Director of Marketing.

Pacific War simulates the true WW II experience with a detailed database listing every land, air, and sea unit under the player's command. Realistic graphics display up-close combat scenes complete with bomb and torpedo explosions. The simulation is uncanny, right down to the impact of a Japanese Kamikaze plane crashing into the deck of an aircraft carrier, the development of Atomic Bombs, and submarine maneuvers. After battle, players can review damage incurred to either side to relive the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat. Designed for one player who fights the computer or two players who face off head-to-head, Pacific War offers 10-100 hours of historical warfare.

Strategic Simulations, Inc. is one of the leading computer fantasy role-playing publishers and is most noted for its ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS line of computer products. The company is recognized as the premier war game publisher and, based on industry rankings, is one of the top ten entertainment software publishers worldwide.

Stragetic Simulations Inc

675 Almanor Ave, Suite 201, Sunnyvale, CA 94086-2901

408-737-6800;  Fax: 408-737-6814


PC EXPO Chicago Attracts Unprecedented Crowds
PC EXPO IN CHICAGO ATTRACTS UNPRECEDENTED CROWDS

(Fort Lee, NJ, Nov. 17) -- The Seventh Annual PC EXPO in Chicago, the premier Midwestern computer trade event, set a new record in attendance during its three-day run, October 27-29, at McCormick Place North. The total number of corporate volume buyers and resellers attending the computer trade show was 29,212. PC EXPO in Chicago focuses on providing products and services as well as a renowned seminar series targeted to the volume buying needs of the Midwest computer industry.

This year, PC EXPO in Chicago has reached an historical turning point and is now poised to become the major computer trade show for the Midwest market. "We were extremely busy at the show. Our new product launch generated excitement and we met with corporate end users looking to buy," said George Carney, trade show specialist, corporate communications department, NEC Technologies, Inc.

"Looking at the leads from PC EXPO in Chicago, it was not just Chicagoland -- corporate buyers came from all over the Midwest. When we compare our cost of exhibiting vs. quality sales leads, PC EXPO in Chicago is much more cost-effective for us than Comdex Fall. PC EXPO in Chicago will definitely be a part of our corporate trade show schedule for years to come," added Mr. Carney.

Vern Tepe, president, Universal Networks, Inc., has been exhibiting at PC EXPO in Chicago, for three years. "The quality of corporate leads has improved every year. Over the past three years, our company image and focus on networking products have been greatly enhanced through the contacts made at the show," said Mr. Tepe.

"We're very excited about the outlook for PC EXPO in Chicago. It is well positioned to become the computer event for Midwest computer professionals," said Peter Brunold. Mr. Brunold was recently appointed the new show manager for PC EXPO in Chicago. "In 1993, PC EXPO in Chicago will be the only large scale computer trade show in the Midwest. Leading technologies, including multimedia and networking will be important features of the show and conference," he added.

PC EXPO in Chicago draws the majority of attendees from a 10 state area in the Midwest, with the heaviest concentration in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. The Midwest is the second largest computer market, after New York, and is headquarters to most Fortune 500 companies, making it a prime location for this type of computer oriented show.

For 1993 PC EXPO in Chicago has expanded to the McCormick Place, East building, and will take place October 19-21, 1993. PC EXPO in Chicago is produced by Bruno Blenheim Inc. (BBI). The company is part of the Blenheim Group PLC, the world's largest independent producer of trade shows and conferences. BBI also produces PC EXPO in New York, NetWorld Dallas, NetWorld Boston, and UNIX EXPO.

Bruno Blenheim Inc

Fort Lee Executive Park, One Executive Dr, Fort Lee, NJ 07024

800-829-3976,  201-346-1400,  Fax: 201-346-1532


POPLINE on CD-ROM Population Studies Database
POPLINE on CD-ROM

(POPulation information onLINE)

Baltimore, Maryland USA - National Information Services Corporation (NISC) is pleased to announce the publication of the world's largest population studies database on CD-ROM. POPLINE on CD-ROM provides convenient access to nearly 200,000 citations and abstracts to worldwide published and unpublished literature on population, family planning, and related health issues. This database is combined with NISC's powerful yet intuitive search and retrieval software "ROMWRIGHT" and is available for access from your Personal Computer at a fraction of the cost and time spent searching by any other means. This NISC DISC has been distributed to over 200 sites in the developing world due to its ease of installation, training, and use. POPLINE is maintained by the Population Information Program of the Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health. POPLINE is supported by the United States Agency for International Development and the United Nations Population Fund.

SEARCH THESE IMPORTANT SUBJECT AREAS

* Family Planning Technology

* Maternal & Child Health

* Practices to Ensure Child Survival

* Safe Motherhood

* Breastfeeding

* Child Immunization

* Infant & Maternal Mortality

* Population Dynamics

* Primary Health Care

* Overpopulation

* Health Care Instruction

* Family Planning Programs

* Methods Used to Regulate Fertility

* Reproductive Performance

* Law/Policy on Reproduction

* Policies on Migration

* Migration Trends

* Sexually Transmitted Diseases

* Health Care Training Materials

* AIDS

* Population & Natural Resources

* Effects of Overpopulation on Ecology

The POPLINE database of nearly 200,000 bibliographic citations and abstracts is drawn from published and unpublished sources from all over the world - a truly comprehensive collection of population and family planning literature gathered from such diverse sources as government reports and publications; international agencies; family planning organizations; sociology, clinical medicine, and health databases; and books, journals, monographs, technical reports, laws, bills, court decisions, conference papers, theses, dissertations, unpublished reports, newspaper articles, training manuals and more.

You may request full-text copies of most of the documents cited in POPLINE from the Population Information Program. A fee of $5.00 per document and 10 per page is charged for this service.

This invaluable reference tool is designed for both the experienced and novice CD-ROM user. POPLINE on CD-ROM provides you with access to this database 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, without telephone charges, disconnects, or busy signals.

POPLINE CAN HELP YOU:

* Identify consultants in specific fields or locations

* Compile individual or organizational publications lists

* Find background population information by country or region

* Review determinants of infant mortality in developing countries

* Compare laws on family size from several nations or regions

* Study demographic trends in migration worldwide or by country

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION:

Title: POPLINE on CD-ROM

Coverage: 1827 - Present, Semi-annual Updates

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

Available: July 1992

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

Price:     $695.00 USD, Annual subscription

LAN Info:  2-10 stations: base price + 50%; 11-20: base + 100%

           21-35: base + 150%

To Purchase: NISC USA, (410) 243-0797, Fax: (410) 243-0982; or contact your distributor

License Info: POPLINE on CD-ROM is available on an annual subscription basis only, and each disc must be returned either on receipt of an update or on the cancellation of a subscription. NISC DISCs are for use through a license agreement; they are not for sale.

National Information Services Corp (NISC)

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

410-243-0797;  fax: 410-243-0982


Micro Kitchen Companion Recipe Reference & Menus
NEW MICRO KITCHEN COMPANION AVAILABLE IN RETAIL OUTLETS

St. Augustine, FL.--November 20, 1992--Lifestyle Software Group announces the newest version of the most advanced cooking reference system ever created. Micro Kitchen Companion simplifies and automates recipe reference and menu planning for under $50. Available for both Windows and DOS, MKC is powerful, useful and fun, with dozens of unique time-savers built in.

Micro Kitchen Companion includes delicious recipes, plus users can add their own. With the home PC and MKC, recipe organization and retrieval becomes a quick task. Recipes can be selected by name, key ingredient, effort, combination of ingredients, preparation method or key word or phrase. MKC helps you plan meals for special diets, and to avoid allergy causing foods.

As well, MKC is compatible with thousands of recipes from the Betty Crocker's Cookbooks, electronic editions, also from LSG. Each title from the Betty Crocker's Cookbooks series can be easily merged into MKC to expand your culinary possibilities.

The TimeSaver Recipe Selector system allows users to efficiently plan time in the kitchen. Complete menus and shopping lists can be created. Nutritional data can be tracked for every recipe selected and meal planned; 14 major nutrients are displayed for each recipe. Users can even recreate complete meal plans or keep a record of guests' preferences and dietary needs.

Micro Kitchen Companion can automatically resize recipes for up to 999 servings. The multimedia Windows versions include on-screen color photographs to illustrate creative presentation and preparation ideas. As well, a talking lexicon helps with pronunciation of foreign cooking terms and ingredients.

LSG is a publisher and developer of home leisure computing products. Micro Kitchen Companion for Multimedia Windows and DOS are available nationwide from software and other retail outlets.

Lifestyle Software Group, 63 Orange St, St. Augustine, FL 32084

904-825-0220


Hewlett-Packard Supports Floptical Technology
HEWLETT PACKARD SUPPORTS FLOPTICAL TECHNOLOGY FOR WORKSTATIONS

Cupertino, CA -- November 16, 1992 -- The Floptical Technology Association (FTA) today announced that Hewlett-Packard Co., Palo Alto, CA, will support 21MB Floptical technology as a high capacity removable storage solution for its PA-RISC workstations.

Under an agreement coordinated by FTA founding member and Floptical diskette manufacturer 3M, St. Paul, MN, Hewlett-Packard will develop the driver software required for compatibility with the HP Apollo 9000 Series 700 workstation family. The two companies have also agreed to a joint marketing effort for the new Floptical product capability.

As part of the agreement with 3M, Maynard Electronics, based in Lake Mary, FL, will manufacture and market an external Floptical subsystem as the first supplier to the HP market.

Maynard, a division of tape drive manufacturer Archive Corporation, will manufacture the Archive SF21e 21MB external subsystem. The external system is expected to be available to Series 700 users in the first quarter of 1993. Maynard's Archive SF21e Floptical storage system will be sold through Maynard's worldwide network of dealers, distributors and value-added resellers and will be covered by the company's comprehensive technical support program.

HP's Mike A. Gallup, worldwide marketing manager for HP's Workstation Systems Group, said, "HP regards the 21MB Floptical diskette technology to be a superior solution for high-capacity floppy diskettes, based on affordability, compatibility and performance. The pairing of 21MB technology with the high-performance Series 700 family will provide users with an even more powerful, versatile tool for both commercial and engineering applications."

Jim Milligan, program manager, advanced diskette technology, 3M, stated, "HP's support of Floptical technology for its workstation product line is an indication not only of its emergence as the widely accepted high-capacity floppy standard, but its appeal to users in a broad range of markets. As users operating in other environments have already found, 21MB Floptical technology meets their most pressing need - greater removable storage capacity in a downward-compatible system."

Capable of storing nearly 14 times more data than a conventional 1.44MB diskette, 3M Floptical Diskettes are designed for use with drives based on Floptical technology developed by Insite Peripherals, San Jose, CA. The diskette capacity allows computer users to easily and cost-effectively manage personal files, distribute software applications and large files, archive infrequently used data and applications, and extend the life of hard drives. Floptical media is ideal for such data-intensive applications as graphics, multimedia, CAD/CAM, desktop publishing and large file text storage. 3M Floptical Diskettes have been available through the company's traditional distribution channels since August of this year.

The Series 700 is a broad family of RISC-based workstations designed for both the engineering and nonengineering applications. The Series 700 workstations are based on HP's superscalar PA-7 100 chip, which delivers up to 147 SPECmark 89. PA-RISC, Precision Architecture-RISC, is HP's reduced instruction set computing technology.

Maynard is a global leader in backup systems with annual sales in excess of $175 million. Maynard offers a complete selection of cassette, cartridge, minicartridge, 4mm DAT, and 8mm tape drives for IBM-compatible PC, PS/2, RISC System/6000, DEC, NeXT, Sun Microsystems and Apple Macintosh computers.

3M is the world's largest supplier of flexible magnetic media 3M manufactures and markets the computer industry's most comprehensive line of removable storage media, including 3.5-inch and 5.25-inch diskettes, quarter-inch data cartridges, half-inch computer tape, IBM and Digital compatible half-inch cartridge media, CDROM and rewritable-optical disks.

Floptical Technology Association

21710 Stevens Creek Blvd, Suite 220, Cupertino, CA 95014

408-446-0407,  Fax: 408-446-0450


Latin American Studies, Volumes I - CDROM
LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES - VOLUME I

-- MULTIDISCIPLINARY --

(BENSON COLLECTION, HAPL & HLAS ON CD ROM)

Baltimore - National Information Services Corporation (NISC) is pleased to publish three of the world's most authoritative databases on Latin America on a single CDROM disc. Multidisciplinary in scope, Latin American Studies - Volume I provides over 550,000 bibliographic citations from: the Nettie Lee Benson Latin American Collection at the University of Texas at Austin; the Hispanic American Periodicals Index (HAPI) at the University of California, Los Angeles; and Vol. 50 onward of the Handbook of Latin American Studies (HLAS), edited at the U.S. Library of Congress. Together, these three leading databases on disc make a ground-breaking and indispensable tool for fast reference and scholarship covering the entire Latin American region: Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, as well as Hispanics in the United States.

LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES VOLUME I SUBJECT AREAS INCLUDE:

* Art & Archaeology

* Economics

* Ecology & Agriculture

* Education

* Indigenous Affairs

* Business & Marketing

* Politics & Government

* Public Administration

* Anthropology & Ethnography

* Literature & Language

* Music, Culture, & Folklore

* International Relations

* Philosophy & Religion

* Geography & Demography

* History & Ethnohistory

* Refugees & Human Rights

* Sociology

* Women's Rights

Latin American Studies - Volume I provides the most comprehensive coverage of Latin America ever compiled, presented in a fast and convenient form. The Nettie Lee Benson Latin American Collection of the University of Texas at Austin is a repository for all types of media by or about Latin Americans, with special emphasis on early and modern Mexico and Argentina UCLA's Hispanic American Periodicals Index, the largest index of journal information from and about Latin America, began in 1970 and continues to add about 8,500 items per year. Prepared by over 130 scholars, the Handbook of Latin American Studies is a selective annotated guide to recent publications in art, music, the humanities, and social sciences. HLAS continues the scholarly tradition of its founding editor Lewis Hanke.

Use this NISC DISC to search all types of materials: books, serials, journals, monographs, theses, dissertations, grey literature, primary and secondary literature, government sources, technical reports, conference papers, pamphlets and bulletins, studies, reports, and manuscripts. Now the invaluable information of these databases, combined with the most powerful CD-ROM search and retrieval software available, can be accessed with your Personal Computer for a fraction of the cost and time required by any other means.

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION:

Title: Latin American Studies - Volume I

Coverage: 1970 - Present

Price: $1195.00 USD - annual subscription

       (with semi-annual updates)

       LANs - 2-10 stations: base price+50%;

              11-20 stations: base+100%; 21-35: base+150%

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

Available: Spring, 1992

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

To Purchase: NISC USA: 410/243-0797, Fax: 410/243-0982;

             or contact your distributor

License Info: Latin American Studies - Volume I is available on an annual subscription basis only, and each disc must be returned either on receipt of an update or upon cancellation of a subscription. NISC DISCs are for use through a license agreement; they are not for sale.

NOTE: NISC also publishes Latin American Studies - Volume II on CD-ROM. This NISC DISC contains over 110,000 citations, abstracts, and detailed summaries of news, current affairs, and legislation from the INFO-SOUTH Latin American Information System of the North-South Center, University of Miami; the Latin America Data Base (LADB) of the Latin American Institute (LAI), University of New Mexico; and the World Law Index, Part I - Hispanic Nations of the Hispanic Law Division, U.S. Library of Congress. Volume II is updated semi-annually and is available at the annual subscription rate of $1195.00/yr. Contact NISC for more information about this and other related tides or to order a copy.

National Information Services Corp (NISC)

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

410-243-0797;  fax: 410-243-0982


Latin American Studies, Volume II CD-ROM
LATIN AMERICAN STUDIES VOLUME II

-- CURRENT AFFAIRS & LAW --

(INFO-SOUTH, LADB, & Hispanic Law Index ON CD-ROM)

Baltimore - National Information Services Corporation (NISC) is pleased to publish three of the world's leading databases on Latin American current events, business, and legislation. Latin American Studies - Volume II provides over 110,000 bibliographic records, abstracts, and detailed summaries from: the INFO-SOUTH Latin American Information System of the North-South Center, University of Miami; the Latin America Data Base (LADB) of the Latin American Institute (LAI), University of New Mexico; and the World Law Index, Part I - Espanic Nations of the Hispanic Law Division, U.S. Library of Congress. The invaluable information of these databases, combined with the most powerful CD-ROM search and retrieval software available, can be accessed with your Personal Computer. Now there is a ground-breaking and indispensable tool for fast reference to the business, political, legal and socioeconomic trends of the entire Latin American region.

Latin American Studies - Volume II brings together the world's major news sources on the business, legal, political, and economic affairs of Latin America. INFO-SOUTH is a database of carefully compiled citations and abstracts from leading journals, news magazines, newspapers, and newsletters, and grows by about 10,000 citations annually. LADB, a full-text database containing the Chronicle of Latin American Economic Affairs, Central America Update, SourceMex - Economic news & analysis on Mexico, and NotiSur - South American & Caribbean Political Affairs, began in 1986 and grows by about 8,500 articles annually. The World Law Index, Part I - Hispanic Nations, covers the laws, decrees, and regulations, etc. of twenty-nine Spanish-speaking nations studied by the Hispanic Law Division of the Library of Congress. With this new NISC DISC, and Latin American Studies Volume I, you now have the most comprehensive coverage of Latin America ever assembled, presented in a fast, convenient form. Subject areas include:

* Banking and Finance

* Commerce, Foreign Trade

* Defense & Intelligence

* Demography & Sociology

* Terrorism, Drug Traffic

* Economics

* Legislation

* Geography & Ethnography

* Agriculture

* Government & Politics

* Foreign Relations

* History & Religion

* Education

* Industry & Marketing

* Indigenous Affairs

* Public Administration

* Refugees

* Science & Technology

Use this NISC DISC to search all types of materials: newspapers, newsletters, legislation, books, serials, journals, monographs, theses, dissertations, grey literature, primary and secondary literature, government sources, technical reports, conference papers, pamphlets and bulletins, studies, reports, and manuscripts. The powerful NISC DISC search and retrieval software lets you pinpoint exactly what you want for a fraction of the cost and time required by any other means of access.

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION:

Title: Latin American Studies - Volume II

Coverage: 1986 - Present

Price: $1195.00 USD - annual subscription

       (with semi-annual updates)

       LANs - 1-10 stations: base price+50%; 11-20: base+100%

              21-35: base+150%

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

Available: Summer, 1992

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

To Purchase: NISC USA: 410/243-0797, Fax: 410/243-0982; or contact your distributor

License Info: Latin American Studies - Volume II is available on an annual subscription basis only, and each disc must be returned either on receipt of an update or upon cancellation of a subscription. NISC DISCs are for use through a license agreement; they are not for sale.

NOTE: NISC also publishes Latin American Studies - Volume I on CD-ROM. This NISC DISC contains over 550,000 bibliographic citations and abstracts from the Nettie Lee Benson Latin American Collection at the University of Texas at Austin; the Hispanic American Periodicals Index (HAPI) at the University of California, Los Angeles; and Vol. 50 onward of the Handbook of Latin American Studies (HLAS), edited at the Library of Congress. Volume I is updated semi-annually and is available at the annual subscription rate of $1195.00/yr. Contact NISC for more information on this and other related titles or to order a copy.

National Information Services Corp (NISC)

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

410-243-0797;  fax: 410-243-0982


Environmental Periodicals Bibliography Jr CDROM
EPBjr

ENVIRONMENTAL PERIODICALS BIBLIOGRAPHY - JUNIOR CD ROM

Baltimore - National Information Services Corporation (NISC), and the Environmental Studies Institute of the International Academy at Santa Barbara are pleased to announce Environmental Periodicals Bibliography Junior (EPBjr) on CD-ROM. This affordable sub-set of the world's most extensive collection of bibliographic records on environmental issues provides access to the most recent five years of literature. EPBjr is published as an alternative to the entire 20 year database on CD-ROM and is recommended for the non-academic user. EPBjr contains more than 100,000 recent citations from over 450 international periodicals focused on Environmental issues and research. The subscription configuration is outlined below:

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION:

Title: Environmental Periodicals Bibliography - Junior

Coverage: Most recent 5-years, Semi-Annual Updates

Price: Annual Subscription starting at $895.00 -

       call for more information

LAN Info: 2-10 stations: base price + 50%; 11-20: base + 100%;

          21-35: base + 150%

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

Available: September, 1992

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

To Purchase: Ms. Peggy Cordero, International Academy, 800 Garden Street, Suite D, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 USA, Tel: (805) 965-5010, Fax: (805) 965-6071

The breadth of topics indexed in EPBjr makes this CD-ROM an essential tool for research on the environment and related disciplines. This disc is now available for direct access by consultants, engineers, scientists, law makers, and students at a price easily afforded by nonprofits, junior colleges, and high schools. Whether you need to complete an environmental impact statement, want to know what chemicals are in the food we eat, study the effects of oil spills on the food chain, or research the abuse of our environment on a global scale, EPBjr can lead you, quickly and efficiently, to current and reliable sources. Thousands of journal articles from more than 450 scientific, technical, and popular periodicals from around the world are referenced in this database, widely respected for the outstanding quality of its indexing.

License Info: Environmental Periodicals Bibliography Junior on CD-ROM is available on an annual subscription basis only, and each disc must be returned either on receipt of an update or on the cancellation of a subscription. NISC DISCs are for use through a license agreement; they are not for sale.

National Information Services Corp (NISC)

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

410-243-0797;  fax: 410-243-0982


North American PC Swr Sales Reach $1.43 Billion
North American PC Application Software Sales Reach $1.43 billion in Third Quarter, 1992

Pricing pressure slows revenue grow to 11.6%

November 23, 1992 (Washington, DC)- The Software Publishers Association announced today that North American personal computer application software sales for the third quarter 1992 increased to an estimated $1.43 billion, measured at retail. Sales of application software grew 11.6% over the third quarter, 1991. For the first three quarters of 1992, North American sales reached $4.15 billion, an increase of 17.5% from the first three quarters of 1991. Although the rate of revenue growth in the latest quarter was lower than in other quarters in 1992, unit sales continued to grow. In the third quarter, unit sales were over 30% higher than in the third quarter of 1991.

Revenue from international sales of US software companies participating in the SPA data program grew 27.4% for the quarter, while combined North American and international sales were up 16.9%. After lagging US sales growth for several quarters, international sales are picking up again. For the first three quarters of 1992, international sales grew 20.6%, while combined international and domestic sales grew 18.6%.

A total of $644 million of DOS applications were sold in the third quarter of 1992, a decline of 16% compared with the third quarter of 1991. Despite the decline, DOS remains the largest-selling format for personal computer applications. Through the first three quarters of 1992, a total of $1.9 billion of DOS applications has been sold in North America.

Sales of Windows applications in North America reached $487 million in the third quarter of 1992, an increase of 91% over the third quarter of 1991. While still growing faster than either DOS or Macintosh applications, the growth rate of Windows applications slowed in the third quarter from 178% in the second quarter of 1992 and 98% in the first quarter.

Sales of Macintosh applications reached $243 million in the third quarter, an increase of 17% from the third quarter of 1991.

Word processors remained the largest application category, with sales of $229 million, an increase of 23% compared with the third quarter of 1991. Spreadsheets was the second largest category, with sales of $206 million in the latest quarter. However, spreadsheet sales decreased 5% in the quarter. A 15% gain in Windows spreadsheets was not enough to offset sales declines for both DOS and Macintosh spreadsheet applications. Sales of utilities software also declined compared with the year-ago quarter, as sales increases in Windows (+86%) and Macintosh (+27%) utilities were not able to overcome a 61% decline in sales of DOS utilities.

Home education software was the fastest-growing category, with sales up 57% over the year earlier period. The sales growth of home education applications was more than 50% in DOS, Windows and Macintosh formats. Entertainment software also shone in the third quarter, with sales up 27%.

"While unit sales growth for the quarter was healthy, pricing pressures in business applications and stronger growth in lower cost segments combined to hold down revenue gains this quarter," said SPA Research Director David Tremblay.

The Software Publishers Association is the principal trade association of the PC software industry. Its 1000 members represent the leading publishers in the business, consumer, and education markets. The SPA has offices in Washington, DC, and Paris, France.

Software publishers Association

1730 M St, Northwest, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20036

202-452-1600,  Fax: 202-223-8756


Fish & Fisheries Worldwide Reference CD-ROM
NEW NISC DISC - AVAILABLE

SUMMER 1992

FISH & FISHERIES WORLDWIDE

Baltimore - National Information Services Corporation (NISC) is pleased to publish the largest and most comprehensive CD-ROM which specifically addresses the world's literature on fish and fisheries. This distinguished collection of bibliographic databases from around the world features citations and abstracts on fish and related literature -- an essential NISC DISC for serious research by scientists and students alike in the disciplines of aquaculture, ichthyology, and fisheries. Fish & Fisheries Worldwide provides access to over 135,000 bibliographic citations on fish and fish-related topics. The major reference tool combines the database equivalent of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's print publication Fisheries Review with the esteemed FISHLIT database from the JLB Smith Institute of Ichthyology at Rhodes University in South Africa, as well as the entire AQUACULTURE file produced by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and FISH HEALTH NEWS abstracts plus more from the U.S. National Fisheries Research Center at Leetown, WV.

Thorough coverage of thousands of journal articles, books, monographs, pamphlets, conference proceedings, symposia, government reports, theses, dissertations, and scientific periodicals, as well as many non-traditional sources which existing commercial databases seldom tap, are instantly available at your fingertips. By combining these four major databases, the gaps which may exist in one bibliographic database have been greatly reduced and in most cases eliminated by the other files. There is extensive keyword indexing to offer flexible subject searches. Taxonomic and geographic identifiers are extremely well done. Searches can be performed on all databases simultaneously, individually, or in groups specified by the user. You may query by species or geographic identifiers which span the globe on a broad, regional basis or narrow your search to a specific locality.

Fisheries Review (1971-present) is compiled by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and currently contains over 76,000 bibliographic citations.

FISHLIT (1985-present), produced by the JLB Smith Institute of Ichthyology at Rhodes Univ. in South Africa, contains approximately 30,000 records of worldwide coverage drawn from over 1,000 fish-related journals. Each reference is keyword-indexed in great detail using the Aquatic Sciences & Fisheries Thesaurus (Fagetti et al, 1986). FISHLIT covers tropical areas, Africa, and developing countries particularly well and it is intended to provide comprehensive coverage of all African freshwater fish. Some coverage dates back to the 1800s!

AQUACULTURE (1970-1984) database from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides over 10,000 citations on marine, freshwater, and brackish organisms.

FISH HEALTH NEWS (1978-1985) is equivalent to the publication produced by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Technical Information Services. This database has not been available for access until now. Fish health references published after 1985 are included in the Fisheries Review database. In addition, NISC is preparing to automate the LIST OF PUBLICATIONS produced by the National Fisheries Research Center - Leetown, West Virginia from 1972-Present as well as other valuable materials on fish diseases and farming.

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION:

Title: Fish & Fisheries Worldwide

Coverage: 1971- Present (Year range varies for each database)

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

Available: Summer 1992

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

Pricing: $695.00 USD. Annual Subscription, Semi-Annual Updates

LAN Info: 2-10 stations: base price + 50%; 11-20: base + 100%;

          21-35: base + 150%

To Purchase: NISC USA, (410) 243-0797, Fax: (410) 243-0982;

             or contact your distributor

License Info: The Fish & Fisheries Worldwide is available on an annual subscription basis only, and each disc must be returned either on receipt of an update or on the cancellation of a subscription. This NISC MSC is for use through a license agreement and is not for sale.

National Information Services Corp (NISC)

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

410-243-0797;  fax: 410-243-0982


U.S. Philatelist Database for Stamp Collectors
U.S. Philatalist Database

A full featured database for US stamp collectors

Keep detailed information about each stamp in your U.S. collection with this comprehensive menu-driven program. A market value database will automatically determine the value of each stamp, postal card and envelope in your collection.

This program includes many user suggested features including:

- full screen browse/edit (up to 47 stamps on single screen)

- 14 data fields including 64K notepad for each stamp

- over 105 context-sensitive help screens

- built-in report editor

- two stamp identifiers

  (by topic and for Washington/Franklin issues)

- user selectable screen colors

- export inventory data to spreadsheets, databases,

  word processors

- backup/restore data flies to multiple disks

- uses overlay caching for FAST execution speed

  (uses EMS/XMS if found)

- supports both laser and dot matrix printers

- Flexible reports allow user to select which data fields

  to include on report

  -- Want-list (both computer generated and manual entry

     of numbers)

  -- Inventory (select which stamps and data fields to include)

  -- Investment Analysis (by grade, stamp type, much more)

  -- Auction/Mailbids (track your bids)

- market value database updates recalculates inventory instantly

- display pictures of your inventory (PCX format) when modifying

  that record

- tied as top rated stamp collectors program in recent evaluation

- responsive technical support via telephone, by mail or

  CompuServe.

US Philatelist Database is priced at $32.50 ($29.50 + $3 shipping). You may send check or mint US postage stamps directly to the author. Credit card orders (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) can be made through Public (software) Library at 1-800-242-4775 (orders only). A fully functional demo is available for $3. When possible, all orders shipped using USPS 2 Day Priority Mail.

Greg Morken, 1648-A 7th Ave, Langley, VA 23665-1702

804-865-0533 (after 5pm EST); or CIS: 70403,2746

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

         U.S. Philatelist Database Fact Sheet

Requires IBM/compatible, 320K RAM, 2.5 MB free hard disk space, supports all printers (laser, inkjet, dot matrix, etc.)

Price $32.50 (includes shipping by USPS 2 day Priority Mail)

written using Clipper v5.01a and Blinker 2.01. Uses expanded memory if available on your system. Uses overlay caching for FAST program speed.

49 page printed users manual 105 context-sensitive help screens

6,250+ stamps priced in several categories (mint, used, plate block, FDC, cover, sheet, PNC). Contains all issues through 1992 including most "back-of-book" issues (revenues, officials, cut squares, etc). Description and year of issue information also built into this file. Updated yearly.

14 data fields to describe each stamp/cover including: catalog number, description, year of issue, date acquired, cost, source, type, gum condition, centering, multiple, market value, lock value flag, graphics file name, and 64K remarks

full screen viewing of your inventory and market value data files. Shows up to 47 stamps on a single screen and you can cut/paste columns in any order.

edit your inventory one entry at a time or use the full screen editor where you edit up to 47 stamps at once. Have a picture of your stamp pop-up when modifying that stamp record (user must enter these pictures themselves).

two stamp identifiers:

1. by topic - enter subject or name on stamp, gives all possible

   catalog numbers (currently has about 1500 entries)

2. Washington/Franklin - enter what you know about the stamp

   (perf, watermark, paper type, printing type, face value,

   portrait, etc.) and identifier tells you all possible catalog

   numbers for your given stamp. Includes pictures that

   graphically shows you the various 2c and 3c types

utilities include:

1. colors - change menu colors using any of 127 color

   combinations

2. backup/restore - save data files, recognizes unformatted

   floppy disks and will format them prior to saving data to

   them. Supports backups to multiple disks.

3. shell to DOS - frees up all but 7K of your original available

   memory

export your inventory data to text files that can be imported into other database, spreadsheet, word processing programs.

when yearly market value database updates are released, re-calculate your inventory values by pressing a single key or you can manually update with your own values

track your mailbids and auction bid activities you can scan in pictures of your inventory and have their picture pop-up

when you are modifying that particular stamp record. Scans must be in .PCX format and following sizes are supported; 640X480X16, 640x350x16 and 320x200x256. Only black and white scans are currently supported.

several reports available (built-in report editor will allow you to edit these reports prior to printing them):

1. Want-list - manual entry or computer generated available. Want-list can include catalog number and/or market values and/or descriptions.

2. Inventory - four types. Standard report with remarks field, standard report without remarks, plate number coil report, and customized report where user decides what kind of stamps and what data columns to include in this report

3. Investment analysis - determine how much you've spent and the current market value of your collection. Includes many detailed statistics by type, source, and centering.

4. Mailbid/Auctions - report includes company name, closing date, lot number, lot description, and your bid amount.

author's policies:

1. If you report an error, you'll receive a free upgrade containing the fix

2. Yearly market value database updates are $10 (late November).

3. Major program version updates are $5 and all registered users are notified 2 weeks before the new version is released.

4. Minor program bug fix updates (not usually advertised) are free if you mail a formatted disk along with an SASE envelope with 52c in postage.

5. Technical support - by telephone (after 5PM EST), by mail (all responses mailed back same day as received) or via CompuServe (all mail answered within hours of you sending it)

6. When sending any payments directly to the author, mint postage stamps are accepted at full face value (please keep the face value of each individual stamp $2.90 or less).

7. Long term support is planned for this product. My software programs are all related to stamp collecting allowing for quality support for collectors. All ideas for new programs are welcomed.


Macworld Guide to Microsoft Works 3
IDG BOOKS SHIPS MACWORLD GUIDE TO MICROSOFT WORKS 3, A TASK-ORIENTED GUIDE WITH EXPERT TIPS AND REAL WORLD EXAMPLES

San Mateo, CA--November 17, 1992--IDG Books Worldwide today announced the publication of Macworld Guide To Microsoft Works 3, a comprehensive yet practical guide to mastering Microsoft Works. Written by Barrie Sosinsky, a bestselling computer book author and a regular contributor to the Boston Computer Society's BCS Update, it's organized by topic, so users can quickly look up information on particular tasks without reading the book sequentially.

"Microsoft Works is like a Swiss Army Knife--there's a tool in it to get every job done," said Barrie Sosinsky, the author. Works 3 is a popular integrated business application which has appeared on Macworld magazine's bestselling software for over 65 months. In his book, Sosinsky teaches users how to master Work's individual modules and integrate them effectively to produce powerful documents. He also describes:

* How to use all Works applications modules: word processing, database, spreadsheet, draw, charting, and communications

* "Real world" examples with over 100 illustrations to demonstrate functions

* How to make all the modules work together, including swapping data between programs

* Easy-to-understand explanations of advanced features, such as Macro Recorder, and working with spreadsheet and database functions

* Using Works on the road with a PowerBook

Macworld Guide To Microsoft Works 3 is the latest title in IDG Books' Macworld series of books, which includes the national bestseller Macworld Guide To System 7, Macworld Guide To Microsoft Word 5, and Macworld Guide To Microsoft Excel 4. Macworld books are the only books licensed by Macworld magazine, the world's most popular authority for Mac users.

"Our Macworld Guide To books work the way you do: They focus on accomplishing specific tasks--not learning random functions. They have the easy-to-follow, step-by-step sections of a manual, the comprehensive coverage you'd expect to find in a long tome, and the brevity you need from a quick reference guide," said David Solomon, Vice President and Publisher of IDG Books.

Sosinsky, a regular contributing editor to the Desktop Publishing Journal and writer for BCS Update, has done product reviews for Macworld magazine and serves as a consultant to businesses in the area of personal computers, specializing in business applications, databases, desktop publishing and graphics.

IDG Books Worldwide publishes high quality computer books that bring extra value and skill-building instruction to the reader. The company applies the technical, market, and editorial knowledge of IDG, the leading publisher of technology periodicals, to provide timely and useful computer books that meet the needs of computer users of all levels. IDG Books Worldwide is the fastest growing computer book publisher with over 40 titles in print and foreign translations in over 17 languages.

Headquartered in Boston, MA, International Data Group is the world's largest publisher of computer-related information and the leading global provider of information services on information technology. International Data Group publishes over 180 computer publications in more than 58 countries, including such titles as PC World, InfoWorld, Macworld, & Computerworld. Thirty million people read one or more IDG publications each month.

Macworld Guide To Microsoft Works 3, by Barrie Soskinsky, Ph.D.

Price: $22.95 USA, $29.95 Canada,

ISBN: 1-878058-42-8 Pub. Date: September '92

Specs: 464 pages, 7 3/8" x 9 1/4"

IDG Books are available wherever computer books are sold or direct from the publisher at (800) 762-2974, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. PST. For reseller discounts and inforrnation, contact IDG Books at (415) 312-0650.

IDG Books Worldwide, 155 Bovet Rd, Suite 610, San Mateo, CA 94402

415-312-0650,  Fax: 415-358-1260


Multi-Tech 10BASET Concentrator
Multi-Tech's New 10BASET Concentrator Features Easy LED Troubleshooting

MOUNDS VIEW, MINNESOTA--NOVEMBER 16, 1992--Multi-Tech Systems Inc., a leading manufacturer of data communications equipment announces a new Ethernet 16-port 10BASET Concentrator with LED indicators designed for easy visual system maintenance. The new concentrator (model # EN516TP/C/A) will be available for shipment in January of 1993, priced at $1595.00.

"When administrating and troubleshooting a small to medium sized LAN, a means to quickly see what's going on over the network can be more important than a detailed report provided by today's powerful network management software", states Raghu Sharma, President of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. "That's why we added a complete LED array to our new 10BASET concentrator. They can quickly tell you what's going on over your LAN similar to the LEDs on a modem rack telling you what's going on over your WAN. In fact, it has a rack design to be used as a companion product to our rack-mounted modems and other LAN/WAN products."

The new concentrator is rack-mountable in existing 19" racks, and it provides sixteen RJ45 10BASET unshielded twisted pair (UTP) ports, one thin Ethernet coax (10BASE2) port, and one thick Ethernet AUI (10BASE5) port. Front panel LEDs include Carrier Sense and Link Integrity for each port. Carrier Sense verifies the presence of the Carrier signal which indicates network activity. Link Integrity reports on the presence or absence of the Link Integrity pulses. The AUI and coax ports include a Carrier Sense LED. There are also LEDs for Power, Traffic, Collision and Jam. "Traffic" indicates network activity. "Collision" indicates a collision between the two banks of eight ports. "Jam" indicates that the concentrator is running in "sense mode".

Multi-Tech Systems was founded in 1970 to manufacture data communications equipment and systems for a global market of network products users. The Minnesota-based company is a well-known leader in dial-up modem technology. The family of Multi-Tech products includes a complete line of 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, and 14.4K bps data/fax modems, statistical multiplexers, DSU/CSUs, 5250, 3780 and 3270 emulation systems, X.25 PADs, computer fax equipment, communications software, UNIX multiport serial products, and LAN products. These products are sold in over 70 countries through a worldwide network of distributors, manufacturer's representatives, system integrators, value-added resellers (VARs) and retailers. Multi-Tech Systems Inc. can be contacted at its headquarters: 2205 Woodale Drive, Mounds View, Minnesota 55112. Voice (612) 785-3500 or (800) 328-9717, FAX (612) 785-9874, International FAX (612) 331-3180, Telex 4998372MLTTC.


MiniArray Turn-Key Data & Fax Gateway for Novell
Multi-Tech Introduces the MiniArray Turn-Key Data and Fax Gateway for Novell LANs

MOUNDS VIEW, MINNESOTA -- November 16, 1992 -- Multi-Tech Systems Inc., a leading manufacturer of data communications equipment headquartered in Mounds View, Minnesota, announces the MiniArray data/fax gateway for NetWare. The new product provides everything (excluding modems) needed for an eight-modem gateway that will send and receive both asynchronous data and fax. The MiniArray comes bundled with MultiComAsyncGateway2 control software, MultiExpress datacomm software and MultiExpress Fax Server software licensed for an unlimited number of LAN PCs accessing the gateway. Depending on the model, the MiniArray comes preconfigured and equipped with a Single Board Computer (SBC), an eight-port Intelligent Serial Interface (ISI) card and the proper network interface card (NIC) for either Ethernet or Arcnet Novell LANs. The MiniArray is priced at $3999 for NIC-equipped models and $3899 for a generic MiniArray without a NIC. The generic MiniArray can be used with any user supplied NIC and will operate with IPX or 100% compatible NetBIOS LANs.

"The new MiniArray tower is an eight-port 'turn-key' gateway, complete with all the hardware (except modems) and software you need for dial-up communications to and from your LAN," states Raghu Sharma, President of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. "The only installation needed is to attach the modems, insert the installation disk, and turn power on. The MiniArray will automatically boot-up as an eight modem gateway that is ready to use. When equipped with Multi-Tech's fax capable MultiModems, it functions as a very cost-effective send/receive data/fax gateway."

The MiniArray comes in a stand-alone tower cabinet containing a 1.44 MB floppy disk drive, a three slot ISA-bus backplane, and power supply. The backplane contains a 386SX Single Board Computer (SBC), an eight port serial card (Multi-Tech's own Intelligent Serial Interface -ISI-with octopus cable) and an optional network interface card (NIC) for the type of LAN being used (e.g., 10BASET Ethernet, twisted pair Arcnet, etc.). Five different models of the MiniArray are available (four come bundled with NICs for various LAN topologies and one model without a NIC). The Intel-based 386SX-16 MHz SBC has expandable memory to 16 MB, and includes two serial ports, one parallel port, a floppy and hard disk controller, and a VGA controller providing 800 x 600 pixel density in a 16-color format.

The MiniArray comes bundled with MultiComAsyncGateway2 software which provides modem sharing on LANs using either the IPX/SPX or NetBIOS protocol. Gateway features include dynamic dial-in and dial-out operation, MCSI (interrupt 6B and 14) software redirection support, Multi-Tech hardware redirection support, remote console and operational statistics reporting.

Site-licensed versions of MultiExpress data communications and MultiExpress Fax Server software is included with each MiniArray. MultiExpress communications software provides popular file transfer protocols and terminal emulations, plus a powerful script language for dial-out, dial-in and remote-control operations. MultiExpress Fax Server gives users two ways to send and receive fax documents. As a network fax program, users can select a modem via the gateway and send or receive faxes as if the modem were directly attached to the PC. Faxes can also be sent or received using the "server" option which reserves a modem on the MiniArray for fax and centralizes all fax traffic.

Multi-Tech Systems was founded in 1970 to manufacture data communications equipment and systems for a global market of network products users. The Minnesota-based company is a well-known leader in dial-up modem technology. The family of Multi-Tech products includes a complete line of 1200, 2400, 4800 9600, and 14.4K bps data/fax modems, statistical multiplexors, DSU/CSUs, 5250, 3780 and 3270 emulation systems, X.25 PADs, computer fax equipment, communications software, UNIX multiport serial products, and LAN products. These products are sold in over 70 countries through a worldwide network of distributors, manufacturer's representatives, system integrators, value-added resellers (VARs) and retailers. Multi-Tech Systems Inc. can be contacted at its headquarters: 2205 Woodale Drive, Mounds View, Minnesota 55112. Voice (612) 785-3500 or (800) 328-9717, FAX (612) 785-9874, International FAX (612) 331-3180, Telex 4998372MLTTC.

The following is a list of the model numbers and prices for the new MiniArray from Multi-Tech Systems.

MA8 -- MiniArray - turn-key eight-port dial-in/dial-out asynchronous communications server when equipped with Multi-Tech MultiModemII fax/data modems. Also operates as a send/receive Fax/Data communications server. Operates on Novell IPX/SPX networks or networks with 100%-compatible NetBlOS emulations. Available in five models. Three-slot, mini-tower case equipped with: 3.5 inch 1.44 MB floppy disk drive, MT386SBC (1 Meg RAM), ISI508PC, power supply, eight-port octopus cable, system boot disk with MultiComAsyncGateway2 software, and site licensed copies of MultiExpress and MultiExpress Fax Server.  -- $3899

MA8ET -- MiniArray with 10BASET NIC, for Ethernet IPX networks.

         $3999

MA8EC -- MiniArray with Coax/AUI NIC for Ethernet IPX networks.

         $3999

MA8AT -- MiniArray with Arcnet twisted pair NIC for IPX networks.

         $3999

MA8AC -- MiniArray with Arcnet coax star NIC for IPX networks.

         $3999


Multi-Tech MultiX25 Switch, X.25 Switch
Multi-Tech Announces X.25 Switch

MOUNDS VIEW, MINNESOTA -- November 16, 1992 -- Multi-Tech Systems Inc., a leading manufacturer of data communications equipment headquartered in Mounds View, Minnesota, announces an X.25 network switch for connecting users over X.25 Public and Private Data Networks. The new MultiX25 Switch supports a total of nine synchronous composite link connections for attaching X.25 PADs locally or remotely using modems, DSUs or other WAN devices. The new MultiX25 Switch will be available for shipments in March, 1993, and is priced at $1699.

"The new X.25 Switch is a natural companion product to our X.25 PAD," states Raghu Sharma, President of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. "Just as our PAD's menus and set-up screens make connection to an X.25 network easy, our new X.25 Switch makes expanding a company's own network just as simple. By using Multi-Tech's X.25 PAD and Switches, a user can create sophisticated networks without having to master complex X.28 and X.29 commands for configuration. Such networks are also a natural for connecting users to LANs via remote-control processors such as those in our MultiArray product. And for central site control of the network and remote troubleshooting, we've included an internal command modem as part of every unit. When Multi-Tech's X.25 PADs and Switches are teamed-up, administrators can provide a very cost-effective way to connect multiple sites with multiple terminal and PC users to each other and to host or LAN resources."

With a combination of Multi-Tech X.25 PADs and Switches, you can have up to 64 async devices accessing an X.25 PDN or build your own small to medium-sized private network. These products fill the niche for organizations that need more than basic access to the X.25 PDN. The Switch allows for connection of up to nine links or PADs via eight RS232 interfaces at 19.2K bps and one V.35 interface at up to 64K bps.

Both devices are compliant with the CCITT 1984 recommendations for X.25 networks. They support X.121 or CUD subaddressing and X.29 commands for configuration of remote devices. The PAD also supports X.28 commands and X.3 parameters, auto call, local calls between channels, inactivity timer and auto X.29 commands on call accept. Both support call request options such as reverse charging, fast select, flow control negotiation, throughput class negotiation, closed user groups, network user identity and more. They also support Q, M and D bits, and any combination of SVCs and PVCs. The Switch can have a maximum of 256 simultaneous virtual circuits.

Configuration of both devices is simplified by user friendly, password-protected menu screens and predefined setups for custom applications. The PAD has pre-defined setups for terminal concentrator, a front-end to a host computer or as a statistical multiplexer. The Switch has a default setup for concentrating PADs which are setup as terminal concentrators or statistical multiplexers, allowing use of a Switch as a 64-channel PAD concentrator or a 64-channel statistical multiplexer. There is a floating command port on all async channels for the PAD. Both the devices can be configured remotely through an internal 2400/1200/300 baud modem or through the X.25 network with the same user-friendly screens.

Multi-Tech Systems was founded in 1970 to manufacture data communications equipment and systems for a global market of network products users. The Minnesota-based company is a well-known leader in dial-up modem technology. The family of Multi-Tech products includes a complete line of 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, and 14.4K bps data/fax modems, statistical multiplexers, DSU/CSUs, 5250, 3780 and 3270 emulation systems, X.25 PADs, computer fax equipment, communications software, UNIX multiport serial products, and LAN products. These products are sold in over 70 countries through a worldwide network of distributors, manufacturer's representatives, system integrators, value-added resellers (VARs) and retailers. Multi-Tech Systems Inc. can be contacted at its headquarters: 2205 Woodale Drive, Mounds View, Minnesota 55112. Voice (612) 785-3500 or (800) 328-9717, FAX (612) 785-9874, International FAX (612) 331-3180, Telex 4998372MLTTC.


ProPhone Multi-Indexed Telephone Directory CDROM
MULTI-INDEXED NATIONAL TELEPHONE DIRECTORY ON CD-ROM

Marblehead, MA. November 30, 1992. ProCD, Inc. announced several significant new features to the 1993 edition of ProPhone. ProPhone is a collection of a majority of the nation's white page listings on CD-ROM. The new features contained within the 1993 edition will enable users to search across the entire United States by telephone number, address, zip code, name, or business headings. The 1993 edition will include more than 70 million residential listings and 7.5 million businesses. Most business listings include an information field that highlights the number of employees and type of business. An unlimited number of listings can be output to a printer or database file at no additional charge. Users can automatically dial highlighted listings or count large ranges of selected listings. The entire national set is priced at only $449. The price is considered a major breakthrough as comparable products are priced at more than $50,000.

Jim Bryant, ProCD's founder and President, commented, "For over 75 years it has been possible to pick up a phone and call anyone in the United States. Today, it is now possible to find almost any business or individual regardless of where they may be listed. Our intention is to enable users to instantly access national directory information by any field they choose and to utilize the information the way they want to. Our product extends light years beyond the services provided by local directory assistance operators or printed directories."

The 1993 edition will provide users with the ability to search for directory listings by:

- entering a telephone number to obtain a name and address;

- entering an address to see every listing on that particular

  street;

- entering a zip code to identify every listing;

- entering a name or a name in combination with any

  other field; or

- selecting a directory category by business headings

  or SIC Codes.

ProPhone will allow users to:

- print an unlimited number of mailing labels at no additional

  charge;

- output an unlimited number of listings to a disk file at no

  additional charge;

- limit searches to business, residential or both categories;

- automatically dial listings with a users' Hayes compatible

  modem; and

- display the number of employees of highlighted businesses.

According to Scott M. Beatty, co-founder of ProCD and Publisher, "The 1993 edition is what people have always looked for in a telephone directory. Jim and I have over 12 years of combined experience in listening to what business and individuals are looking for with directory information. By combining the accepted form of CD-ROM and ProPhone' s open functionality, we believe we have a product that will benefit anyone who has ever used telephone directory information." Charles McDermott, ProCD's Vice President of Sales indicated that "ProPhone' s intuitive interface has been widely accepted as the new standard for accessing directory information. Our product is much faster than other alternatives and requires very little training."

The 1993 edition will be available to registered end users in December for only $129. The 1993 edition will be made available to new users in January 1993. The discs contain listings that have been previously published in white page directories. Listings consist of name, address, telephone number and zip codes, where available. The listings may be used by the registered user for any lawful application. The listings may not be resold, republished or provided to others.

ProCD, Inc., based in Marblehead, MA, currently co-publishes two other fully indexed telephone directories on CD-ROM that ProCD updates monthly. U S WEST SearchDisc is jointly published with U S WEST Direct Marketing Resources Group, Inc. infodirect disc is jointly published with Tele-Direct Publications, Inc., a subsidiary of Bell Canada. ProCD is committed to change the way people access directory information.

NEW MEDIA PUBLISHING

8 Doaks Lane, Little Harbor, Marblehead, MA 01945

(617) 631-9200;   FAX: 617-631-0810


3 New ETC Micro-Controlled HiRes Color Monitors
ETC INTRODUCES THREE NEW MICROPROCESSOR-CONTROLLED HIGH-RESOLUTION COLOR MONITORS

14 and 15-inch Monitors for IBM PC/XT/AT, PS/2 and Apple Mac II Systems Feature Front-Panel Control Of 8 Function Settings Confirmed By LED Display or Alphanumeric LCD Readout

Fremont, CA-- November 16, 1992 --- ETC Computer, Inc., a new player in the monitor market, is introducing three new high-resolution microprocessor-controlled color monitors. The monitors are being shown in Booth S4056 at Comdex/Fall '92.

All three monitors include convenient front-panel control of eight function settings. In addition, the 15-inch Model CA-1565C is one of the first microprocessor-controlled monitors to provide users with a confirmation of function parameters with an alphanumeric readout in an LCD window, also located on the front panel. The 15-inch Model CA-1565E and the 14-inch Model CA-1464 display the same parameter confirmation information on the front panel in a series of vertical LED bars.

"These monitors include the latest high-performance features at a fraction of the cost of any other monitor in the industry," said Kent Huang, president of ETC. "We design and build all of the components ourselves. This assures that every ETC monitor performs to the most demanding specifications, the same as all major industry makes."

Both the CA-1565C and CA-1565E feature flat, 15-inch non-glare screens, 0.28mm dot pitch, maximum resolution of 1280 x 1024 non-interlaced, multiple scanning frequencies from 30KHz to 65KHz and vertical frequencies from 52Hz to 120Hz.

The CA-1464 features a 14-inch non-glare screen, 0.28mm dot pitch, maximum resolution of 1280 x 1024 non-interlaced, multiple scanning frequencies from 30KHz to 65KHz and vertical frequencies from 52Hz to 120Hz.

Designed for high-resolution color applications running on IBM PC/XT/AT, PS/2 and Apple Macintosh II systems, the monitors have a suggested list price of $549 for the CA-1464, $649 for the CA-1565E and $699 for the CA-1565C. All three monitors are currently available separately at list price or at discounted prices in OEM quantities as a branded View Magic or private-label product. The monitors are backed by a limited two-year warranty.

The front panels of all three monitors include a tilt-open panel with three pushbuttons for function select adjustments and memory. The CA-1464 and CA-1565E display the selected adjustment settings for contrast, brightness, horizontal phase, horizontal size, vertical center, vertical size, pincushion and trapezoid on eight vertical bars lighted with LEDs. The CA-1565C displays these same settings in a window with an LCD readout.

"The LCD readout makes it easier than ever for the user to confirm the monitor's settings," said Kent Huang. "For example, one quick glance is all it takes to confirm a resolution setting of 1024 x 768."

ETC offers a full line of economically priced 10-,14- and 15-inch high-performance color monitors, all featuring convenient front-panel controls. Eight new monitors will debut in ETC's Comdex booth this year, including two new low-emission monitors.

ETC Computer, Inc. is a subsidiary of the ETC Group, which includes three manufacturing firms producing monitors, systems and auxiliary components and supplies. The ETC Group recently moved into a new, seven floor, 150,000 square foot building in Taiwan. The new facility features ultra-modern automated assembly lines and quality control facilities.

ETC Computer monitor products are marketed in the U.S. through its sales and service organization located at 46711 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538, telephone 510/226-6250, fax 510/226-6252. ETC's European sales and service office is located in Dusseldorf, Germany.


Walt Disney Stunt Island Flight Simulator Avail.
STUNT ISLAND NOW AVAILABLE

SETS NEW STANDARD FOR FLIGHT SIMULATIONS

November 19, 1992 -- BURBANK, CA --From now on flight simulators are going to fall into two categories --those that came before, and those that came after, Stunt Island. Disney Software is now shipping for IBM/Tandy and 100% compatibles, this combination of flight simulator and movie-making program, that is in a class of one in the crowded field of simulations and destined to change every simulator that follows it.

Stunt Island: The Stunt Flying and Filming Simulator combines a top flight simulator with the facilities to create stunt films rich with music, speech, and special effects (appropriate sound board required). Developed with input from top Hollywood talent, Stunt Island allows players to design, fly, film and edit their own action-packed films in worlds they create. Threading a row of highrises with MiGs in pursuit, emerging from a spectacular explosion in a near-fatal strafing run, landing on a moving train and ducking under a heavily traveled Golden Gate bridge while playing chicken with another plane, are just a glimpse of the creative things the player can do in this powerful and unique simulation.

Players have access to 45 different aircrafts; from WWI classics and modern jets to commercial planes and the space shuttle. The set editor allows the player to modify any of the 34 existing sets or create new ones from scratch. Over 800 complex objects such as vehicles, buildings, plants, animals and famous landmarks can be selected to form the stunt's film location.

Players can even choreograph the motion of props in response to a plane's actions. For example, the user can film a scene that involves a plane crash-landing onto a crowded highway. Players can set "event" parameters that instruct the moving cars to veer away from the plane as it approaches the highway. Some cars can be programmed to roll and crash, others to spin out and stop, and the rest to continue their course down the highway.

After the stunt has been filmed in full 256-color VGA graphics, players can go to the editing room to work on the film footage. Once edited, the user can add the finishing touches of credits, titles, sound effects, music, or voice-over and dialogue (using a Sound Blaster and microphone). Then, it's on to the Stunt Island theater for the film's premiere.

Now available for IBM/Tandy and 100% compatibles, Stunt Island creates a whole new category in the simulator genre with the blending of flying and filming and has a suggested retail price of $59.95. Stunt Island is shipping on six high density 3.5" disks or seven high density 5.25" disks for MS-DOS computers. It supports The Sound Source as well as the Thunder Board, Roland MT-32, IBM PS/1, Tandy, Ad Lib and Sound Blaster sound platforms.

Walt Disney Computer Software is an operating unit of Disney Consumer Products, the merchandising and specialty retail group of The Walt Disney Company. Disney Software releases products on the Disney Software and Buena Vista Software labels and is a developer, publisher and licensor of entertainment, creativity and children's software.

Walt Disney Computer Software Inc

Mailing Address: 500 South Buena Vista St, Burbank, CA 91521-6740

3900 West Alameda Ave, 23rd Floor, Burbank, CA 91505

818-567-5360,  Fax: 818-846-0454


ProActive Customer Info Resource System
ProActive's Customer Information Resource System Available for Motif and Informix

Customer Service Software Offers Native User Interface Support and Cross-Platform Scalability

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA, November 23, 1992 -- ProActive Software, Inc. today announced expanded relational database and user interface support for its client/server Customer Information Resource (CIR) system. ProActive's CIR applications now support servers running the INFORMIX-OnLine relational database under UNIX. ProActive has also added support for PC and workstation clients running the X Windows/Motif graphical user interface.

The company already supports SYBASE and Microsoft Windows 3.1. Today's announcement gives help desk, technical support, and engineering users added flexibility by enabling them to use either Motif or Windows 3.1 with INFORMIX-OnLine or SYBASE.

ProActive's CIR applications are the only customer service software applications to natively support X Windows and Microsoft Windows 3.1 user interfaces on the INFORMIX and SYBASE databases. Support Advantage is the first of six integrated CIR applications from ProActive to support these platforms.

"Our goal is to offer a customer service software solution that helps integrate the enterprise in order to deliver total customer satisfaction," said Steven Goldsworthy, ProActive's chief executive officer. "Today's announcement extends CIR's functionality to the large market of technical support users with Motif workstations and X-terminals on their desktops in mixed PC/UNIX environments. This is particularly important to the users of our upcoming Quality Advantage product which integrates engineering and technical organizations with support. Our expansion to the INFORMIX engine is particularly important because INFORMIX is one of the most widely used UNIX-based databases today."

The Customer Information Resource system is the brainchild of database industry experts and ProActive co-founders Steven Goldsworthy and Roger Sippl. ProActive applications were developed in collaboration with Dr. William H. Davidow, co-author of Total Customer Service: The Ultimate Weapon. Other CIR applications that will support the newly announced platforms are: SLT Advantage (for sales lead tracking), Customer Advantage, Product Advantage (for product marketing), and Field Engineering Advantage.

Roger Sippl, Informix founder and chairman, added, "ProActive is the only company delivering an integrated application for customer support native to the INFORMIX-OnLine engine. Many of the thousands of worldwide companies who have standardized on INFORMIX-OnLine are downsizing to mainframe-equivalent, client/server environments. ProActive's CIR system, running on INFORMIX-OnLine in a true GUI environment, combines a high degree of functionality and an architecture that was designed to work across multiple platforms." About Support Advantage and the Customer Information Resource

ProActive's CIR leverages technology to manage the Customer Information Resource: collectively, all the data from multiple departments about a company's customers, products, and how customers use those products.

Developed with input from over 100 companies and customers, Support Advantage delivers on the four key areas of functionality which companies need to deliver superior support: Comprehensive Customer/Product Database, Problem Solving Help, Active Workflow Management, and Satisfaction Measurement and Reporting. This functionality helps the customer support function become more efficient and ultimately, improves satisfaction and generates revenue.

Support Advantage replaces simple call tracking applications, as well as home grown and paper-based systems that have limited functionality, flexibility, and ease of use. The application is targeted at Technical Support, Customer Service and Help Desk professionals within industries such as high technology, telecommunications, financial, and medical equipment.

The entire CIR family will support multiple SQL relational databases (SYBASE, INFORMIX-OnLine and soon, ORACLE), INFORMIX platforms, and user interfaces (including Windows 3.1, Motif/X-Windows, and soon, Macintosh). Based on this open, client/server architecture, Support Advantage links the customer support function to the rest of the organization. CIR products feature their own active workflow engine that intelligently dispatches cases to users and notifies them of priority cases. A Query-by-Example facility helps users locate solutions from a library of previously solved problems. Developed in C++, CIR is built around a Dynamic Application Dictionary and the ProActive Advantage Toolset, which enables users to customize their applications without changing source code. Pricing and Availability

ProActive is currently accepting orders for Support Advantage for Motif clients and INFORMIX-OnLine servers, which is scheduled to ship the first quarter of 1993. Prices begin at $15,000 for five users. ProActive Software Incorporated

ProActive Software was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Mountain View, CA. The company's mission is to be the leading provider of enterprise-wide Customer Information Resource software solutions. ProActive has received over $5.5 million in venture capital and private funds. Products are sold through the company's own direct sales force, as well as through resellers and systems integrators worldwide. The company is a member of both Sun and Hewlett-Packard marketing programs, and is a value-added reseller for Sybase, Informix, and Oracle.

ProActive Software Inc

1043 North Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA 94043

415-691-1500,  Fax: 415-691-1515


Microsoft Excel Software Development Kit Ver 4
Programmer's Reference Library

Microsoft Excel Software Development Kit

Version 4 for Microsoft Windows and the Apple Macintosh

Now, for the first time, software developers can create custom applications in Microsoft Excel from a high-level, compiled programming language like Microsoft C/C++ with MICROSOFT EXCEL SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT KIT (SDK) from Microsoft Press.

This new book/disk package, developed jointly between the Microsoft Excel group and Microsoft Press, provides the technical information and programming tools to create high-performance custom applications, add-ons, and Wizards for both Windows and the Macintosh using Microsoft Excel.

"Built into the Microsoft Excel 4.0 program is an exposed application programming interface (API) to the macro language," said Dan Williams, a product manager for Microsoft Excel. "This API was used in Microsoft Excel 4.0 to implement the Solver and Crosstab ReportWizard features, and MICROSOFT EXCEL SDK shows independent developers how to take advantage of the same technology."

Performance, control, and productivity are the main reasons to program Microsoft Excel from a DLL or code resource instead of the Microsoft Excel macro language. Using the API, developers can call nearly all the functions built into Microsoft Excel--such as the mathematical functions and user interface functions--that were previously available only in the macro language. Anyone familiar with Microsoft Excel and with programming for Windows or the Macintosh can start building powerful, integrated applications right away. MICROSOFT EXCEL SDK includes:

* The new Microsoft Excel application programming interface

  on disk, for both Windows and the Macintosh

* The API function reference

* The binary interchange file format for worksheets, charts,

  and workbooks

* Apple Events for Macintosh programming

* Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) and XITable format

* The EXCEL4.INI file, plus startup files for all versions

  of Microsoft Excel

* Information on creating custom help displays

A comprehensive index helps readers quickly locate information on any topic in the book, and a free wall poster makes it easy to reference Microsoft Excel API "quick facts" at a glance.

System requirements for Microsoft Windows are an 80286, 80386, or higher microprocessor (80386 recommended); MS-DOS operating system version 3.1 or later, Microsoft Windows version 3.0 or later; 2 MB of memory or 4 MB if creating DLLs; and Microsoft Excel for Windows version 4.0 or later. To create DLLs, a compiler that can generate DLLs for Microsoft Windows such as Microsoft C version 5.1 or later or Microsoft QuickC for Windows is also required.

System requirements for the Apple Macintosh are 1 MB of memory (2 MB if using MultiFinder or System 7.0; 4 MB and a compiler if creating code resources); System 6.0.2 or later, Finder 6.1 or later, or System 7.0, and Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh version 4.0 or later.

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 to make learning and using software easier. 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


4th Annual Help Desk Conference Jan-Feb'93
The Fourth Annual International Help Desk Conference will be the largest gathering of Help Desk and customer support professionals in the world

Colorado Springs, Colorado -- On January 31 to February 4, 1993, Help Desk Institute (HDI) will host its Fourth Annual International Help Desk Conference at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort located in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

"This conference will offer the newest information, products and techniques for the Help Desk/customer service industry," said Help Desk Institute Chairman Ron Muns. "More than 70 sessions will be available to educate and stimulate the Help Desk professional."

The conference is divided into six tracks. The Operations track will cover the day-to-day tasks of a Help Desk; the Tools/Technology track will describe Help Desk information systems, ergonomics and reference materials; the Customer Service track will present sessions on Help Desk etiquette; the Case Studies track will offer global stories on Help Desk operations; the Special Interest track will include general Help Desk information; and the Support Issues track will feature the most common Help Desk software and hardware on the market.

Basic, intermediate, advanced and technical track levels are available for all types of participants. In addition, there will be free-form networking sessions for participants who wish to exchange ideas, problems and solutions in a looser format.

"The conference will also present the International Help Desk Excellence Award. This presentation will be made before the Thursday morning General Session and given to the most outstanding Help desk professional who has gone beyond personal excellence," said Muns.

The 1993 International Help Desk Conference is targeted toward Help Desk managers and supervisors; information center managers; management information systems directors; systems analysts; network support personnel; training managers; computer support managers; data communications managers; operations analysts; project leaders; customer service directors; computer operations personnel; voice communications personnel; office automation personnel; and anyone planning, implementing, operating or supporting a Help Desk.

Price for the 1993 International Help Desk Conference is $845 for members (additional member registrants are $745) and $945 for nonmembers (additional nonmember registrants are $845).

A block of rooms at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort has the special room rate of $155 for single or double occupancy. Although Walt Disney World hotels do not offer government rates, HDI has made arrangements at other hotels to accommodate those who require government rates or other room options.

To make reservations at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort, please call the hotel directly at (800) 227-1500. For information on other hotels or help with travel arrangements, please call HDI at (800) 248-5667 or (719) 531-5138.

HDI is headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It provides training, educational materials and a networking forum for Help Desk professionals. Founded in 1989, the Institute boasts over 2,000 members around the world and 32 local chapters in four countries. Seminars and conferences are offered year round throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe and Australia. All technologies are supported -- including mainframes, PCs, minicomputers and accompanying networks.


Micro Express ME486-VL VESA Local Bus Machine
MICRO EXPRESS INTRODUCES ITS FIRST VESA LOCAL BUS MACHINE

Santa Ana, CA..Building upon its highly successful ME 486-Local Bus, which used a proprietary local bus implementation for high-speed graphics processing, Micro Express introduces the ME 486-VL. This VESA-standard local bus machine contains two VESA slots, one for a graphics processor and the other for a Bus Master disk drive controller. This machine is ideal for use as a graphics workstation, or for anyone who works regularly in a Windows environment.

This machine uses a newly designed Micro Express motherboard containing most of the motherboard circuitry on a single VLSI chip. In addition to the two VESA slots, the motherboard contains 6 additional 16-bit full-size expansion slots.

With a digitally-synthesized clock for setting cpu clock rates, this upgradable system is available in three versions...486DX/33, 486DX/50 and 486DX2/66. Configured with 4-MB of RAM, 256K RAM cache, 200-MB fast hard disk, both 3-1/2" and 5-1/4" high density floppy disk drives, SVGA color local bus graphics card and monitor, a mouse, DOS 5.0 and Windows 3.1, the 486DX/33 version sells for $2155, the 486DX/50 version sells for $2395, and the 486DX2/66 version sells for $2495.

All three machines feature a fully-featured AMI BIOS with password protection and selectable shadowing of both the system and video BIOS, and a motherboard that can accept up to 32MB of RAM and up to 1-MB of direct-mapped, write-back or write-through (selectable in setup) RAM cache. A CMOS clock-calendar is included as are built-in diagnostics. Standard ports are 1 parallel, 1 game and 2 serial.

The ME 486-VL features the new Micro Express FM-360 14" Super VGA Color Monitor. With its 0.28-mm dot pitch and 1024 x 768 pixel resolution, this monitor provides a picture clarity rarely seen on PCs.

This PC is packaged in a compact desktop case, measuring 6.5"[H] x 14.5"[W] x 16.5"[D] that contains a 230-W power supply. The standard case allows for five drive bays, four externally accessed and one internal. If desired, the ME 486-VL can be provided in a super tower case, with room for up to 8 disk drives and a 375-W power supply. A standard 101-type enhanced keyboard with or without audible feedback is offered...or a programmable keyboard can be substituted for just $75.

The Finest Available Customer Support

A full 2-year warranty is included on parts and labor for this PC, with shipping for the first 4 months paid both ways by Micro Express, as well as a 30-day moneyback guarantee. Optional on-site service, through GE, is also available. If a part fails, Micro Express offers 24-hour express board replacement service. As with all other Micro Express computers, this machine is burned in for 72 hours before shipping to eliminate early failures. In addition, a toll-free number is provided for free unlimited technical support. Technical support is available 24-hours per day and 7-days per week as part of the exclusive Micro Express "Always" customer support program. When technical documents are required, Micro Express offers Automated FAX-back Service. Using this service documents can be requested through voice-mail and will be FAXed directly to the customer without human intervention.

The ME 486-VL 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.

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


Visionetics VIGA VGA+ Super VGA Card
VISIONETICS INTRODUCES VIGA VGA+

A SUPER VGA CARD WITH VIDEO OUTPUT CAPABILITIES FOR THE PC

October 1992 -- Visionetics International Corporation (Visionetics) introduces VIGA VGA+, a Super VGA card with video output capabilities designed for the IBM PC/AT, 386 and 486 systems. This Super VGA card provides high quality S-VHS, NTSC or PAL output from IBM PCs and their compatibles.

VIGA VGA+ is 100% register and BIOS compatible in all standard VGA modes. It supports up to 32,768 colors and resolutions up to 1024 x 768. VIGA VGA+ is the ideal choice for users who are getting into desktop video and require a VGA card for their PC. It is the revised version of our VIGA-VGA card, and it also comes with a few improved and additional features.

VIGA VGA+ allows simultaneous display of VGA and video signals, and it provides maximum video resolution of 640 x 480 x 32,768 colors. There is no distortion to the VGA output signal when the board is connected to a video output source. In addition, the circuit is designed to support overscan and underscan, therefore, users can output full 80 column text to NTSC. There are drivers for popular software such as Microsoft Windows, GEM, Ventura, AutoCAD, Lotus and WordPerfect. It also has a driver for the VESA standard.

The highlight of VIGA VGA+ is the multiple boards application. Users can install multiple VIGA VGA+s, up to 16 pieces in the same PC. Each VIGA VGA+ can display different graphics/text simultaneously. This kind of application is especially popular with schools, supermarkets, shopping malls, cable TV stations, bulletin boards, information centers, etc. With popular demand, an anti-flicker filter is installed on the VIGA VGA+ to enhance the crispness and clearness of VGA text/graphics on the television.

VIGA VGA+ can also be used in conjunction with the VIGA Window+ to give a complete video solution including: frame capture, genlock, and overlay.

VIGA VGA+ is listed at $495 and comes complete with utility and driver software. It is available directly from Visionetics, and comes with a full one year warranty.

Visionetics International Corporation was formed in 1983 and is the first manufacturer of microcomputer-based imaging products in Taiwan. It sets out to design products that serve as a link between the video world and the digital computer world.

For additional information, contact Visionetics, 21311 Hawthorne Blvd., Suite 235, Torrance, CA 90503. Telephone: (310) 316-740 or facsimile: (310) 316-7457.

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

                        VIGA VGA+

                        Fact Sheet

Visionetics International Corp.'s (Visionetics') VIGA VGA+ is a Super VGA card with video output capabilities. This revised version has a few additional features which are not found on the VIGA-VGA card. VIGA VGA+ is the ideal choice for users who are getting into desktop video and require a VGA card for their PC

VIGA VGA+ features include:

VGA-to-Video Conversion -- VIGA VGA+ outputs VGA display into S-VHS, NTSC, and PAL signals.

VGA Compatibilities -- VIGA VGA+ is 100% BIOS and register compatible in all standard VGA modes. It supports up 32,768 colors and resolutions up to 1024 x 768.

Video Resolution -- It provides maximum video resolution of 640 x 480 x 32,768 colors.

Simultaneous Display of VGA and Video Signal -- VIGA VGA+ provides simultaneous display of non-interlaced VGA and interlaced composite and S VHS video signals so you can view your production. In addition, there is no distortion to the VGA output signal when the board is connected to the video output.

Multiple VIGA VGA+s Application -- Users can install multiple VIGA VGA+s, up to 16 pieces in the same PC. Each VIGA VGA+ can display different graphics/text simultaneously.

Overscan and Underscan Support -- The circuit is designed to support overscan and underscan, therefore, allowing users to output a full 80 column text on NTSC.

Anti-Flicker Filter -- The installation of the anti-flicker filter enhances the crispness & clearness of the VGA text/graphics on the television.

IBM and IBM-compatible 286, 386 and 486 computers -- VIGA VGA+ is a single-slot, single-board unit designed to work with a wide range of personal computers used in popular desktop publishing applications.

Complete with Utility and Driver Software -- Each VIGA VGA+ card comes complete with utility and driver software. Drivers include: Microsoft Windows, GEM, Ventura, AutoCAD, Lotus, WordPerfect and VESA.

Used with VIGA Window+ -- Video Input, Frame Capture, and Genlock/Overlay.


Multi-Tech Personal Communications System
MULTI-TECH SYSTEMS INTRODUCES THE PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM

(MultiModemPCS/MultiExpressPCS)

MOUNDS VIEW, MINNESOTA--November 16, 1992--Multi-Tech Systems Inc., a leading manufacturer of data communications equipment, headquartered in Mounds View, Minnesota, announces the Personal Communications System, a hardware/software product that integrates all the communication needs of the desktop: it combines a full duplex, hands-free speaker phone with sophisticated fax, data, and voice messaging capabilities. With its powerful "Show & Tell" feature, one can transmit voice and data simultaneously over a single analog phone line.

The MultiModemPCS/MultiExpressPCS supports the V.32bis/V.42bis standards for data communications for effective throughputs of 57.6K bps. It is also fully compatible with the CCITT's Group 3 standards for fax communication and complies with the de facto Class 2 standards for fax modem control. The entire firmware for the MultiModemPCS is stored in flash PROMs which are field upgradeable. The MultiModemPCS/MultiExpressPCS uses a packet protocol to control advanced capabilities that integrate telephone functions, data, fax and voice messaging. The packets can contain commands responses, data streams or voice streams. A header in each packet uniquely identifies its contents and its destination. Specifications of this protocol, called the Multi-Tech Supervisory Protocol(MSP), are available to independent software developers upon request. In its primitive data/fax mode MultiModemPCS supports the AT commands.

The MultiExpressPCS software runs under Microsoft Windows, using all the familiar Windows elements like icons, scroll bars, and Help menus. Used in conjunction with the PCS hardware, it integrates ALL aspects of desktop communication:

Telephone: An On-Screen Telephone with options for headset/handset/speaker phone operation with volume control; features like speed-dial, "Hold", "Mute", and "Flash" (i.e., call forwarding, call transfer, and three-way calling) are all accessed from the "Telephone" window.

Voice Mail: Voice messages can be created with the Voice Editor and broadcast to multiple entries in the "Address Book HS". Incoming voice messages are date- and time-stamped and are queued for listening over the modem speaker.

Fax Manager: Any document created under Windows can be "printed" to the outbound fax queue. Again, each fax can be directed to multiple entries in the Address Book and can be scheduled for transmission at a convenient time in the future. Incoming faxes are date- and time-stamped and are queued for viewing/printing.

MultiMedia Mail: Documents with text and graphics can be annotated with voice segments and then be broadcast to multiple entries in the address book. The recipient can view multimedia documents and play back the annotated voice segments.

Show & Tell: Under Show & Tell, two Personal Communication Systems (PCSs) can be hooked together to form a full-duplex audio link with a full-duplex data link. The voice is digitized and compressed using Multi-Tech's proprietary Vector Quantization algorithm, and multiplexed with the data packets for transmission over one standard analog phone line.

Address Book: You can create, edit, cut, paste, and search through multiple address books. The search through an address book is achieved at a fast rate using the proprietary "Multi-Tech Hyper/Search algorithm

"The Personal Communications System - MultiModemPCS/MultiExpressPCS provides an efficient way for a professional to manage all of his communications needs of today and tomorrow. With its integration of voice, fax and data, including simultaneous voice and data over a normal phone line, users have a functionality similar to ISDN basic rate services without waiting for the ISDN. As a matter of fact, our MultiExpressPCS software with its packet level interface will be the foundation of our future ISDN products", states Raghu Sharma, president of Multi-Tech Systems.

The MultiModemPCS/MultiExpressPCS (Model No. MT1U2PCS) will be available for shipment in March of 1993, priced at $1149.00.

Multi-Tech Systems was founded in 1970 to manufacture data communications equipment and systems for a global market of network products users. The Minnesota-based company is a well known leader in dial-up modem technology. The family of Multi-Tech products includes a complete line of 1200, 2400, 4800 9600, and 14.4K bps data/fax modems, statistical multiplexers, DSU/CSUs, 5250, 3780 and 3270 emulation systems, X.25 PADs, computer fax equipment, communications software, UNIX multiport serial products, and LAN products. These products are sold in over 70 countries through a worldwide network of distributors, manufacturer's representatives, system integrators, value-added resellers (VARs) and retailers. Multi-Tech Systems Inc. can be contacted at its headquarters: 2205 Woodale Drive, Mounds View, Minnesota 55112. Voice (612) 785-3500 or (800) 328-9717, FAX (612) 785-9874, International FAX (612) 331-3180


Wilson Information System Guide & Documentation
Wilson Information System Guide and Documentation

A Comprehensive Source of Information on Wilson Electronic Products and Services

The H.W. Wilson Company is pleased to announce the publication of Release #1 of the Wilson Information System Guide and Documentation. The Guide, which will be shipped automatically to all Wilson Information System subscribers at no charge, provides detailed information on and support for the various electronic products and services that comprise the award-winning System. A total of twenty-six high-quality databases can be accessed through the Wilson System, which consists of the WILSONDISC CD-ROM Retrieval System, the WILSONTAPE Database Licensing Service, the WILSONLINE Online Retrieval System, and WILSEARCH Direct Access Software.

Since its introduction in 1984, the Wilson Information System has steadily grown into one of the most extensive and comprehensive electronic retrieval services on the market. This integrated system of services provides easy, affordable access to some of the world's most widely used bibliographic databases. Thousands of librarians and their patrons use the System to access such renowned Wilson databases as the Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature, Cumulative Book Index, Index to Legal Periodicals, Humanities Index, Book Review Digest, General Science Index, Applied Science & Technology Index, and Wilson Business Abstracts.

In order to provide detailed information on a timely basis, the Guide and Documentation will be released in increments. Release #1, which was shipped in mid-November, contains database descriptions, a sturdy three-ring binder to compile all documentation, and binder tabs to organize the sections. Each section of the Guide and Documentation is separately coded, paginated, and dated so that it can be updated and revised easily.

The Guide and Documentation, developed in accordance with MARS (Machine-Assisted Reference Section) specifications as created by the Reference and Adult Services Division of the American Library Association, will include detailed information on each Wilson database, guidelines for searching in each system, hardware and software requirements, explanations of all data fields, indexing and abstracting policies, examples of search strategies, and easy-to-use end-user sheets.

The unique modular design of the Guide and Documentation makes it useful both as a teaching and user aid, with individual sections that can be copied and distributed as needed. Subsequent installments of the Guide and Documentation will include:

* An overview of Wilson products and policies

* Product-specific sections for WILSONDISC, WILSONLINE,

  WILSEARCH, and WILSONTAPE

* Tables summarizing system functions

* A comprehensive index, with cross-references.

The publication of the Wilson Information System Guide and Documentation is just another example of Wilson's long-standing tradition of providing the finest in service and support to its customers. In addition to the comprehensive Guide and Documentation, Wilson Information System subscribers receive a wide variety of benefits, including generous CD-ROM networking and remote access policies, the privilege of keeping all CD-ROMs, a toll-free technical support hotline, and affordable rates. Wilson's growing network of service and support, like the quality of its databases, serves as a model for the electronic information industry.

H.W. Wilson Company, 950 University Ave, Bronx, NY 10452

800-367-6770


SSI Legnds of Valour Graphics Fantasy Adventure
SSI CREATES A FANTASY WORLD SO REAL IT'S SCARY

INTRODUCING LEGENDS OF VALOUR

Game Category: Graphic Fantasy Adventure

Versions: IBM PC (December) - $59.95; Amiga (January) - $59.95;

          Clue Book (February) - $14.95

Sunnyvale, CA--October 28, 1992--Fantasy becomes reality in Legends of Valour, a single-character graphic adventure announced by industry veteran Strategic Simulations, Inc. (SSI). Set in the mythical city of Mitteldorf, Valour vanquishes its opposition with the smoothest scrolling three-dimensional graphics ever seen in a fantasy role-playing game. Due for an IBM PC launch in December with an Amiga version to follow in January and a due book shipping in February, Legends looks so real players will forget it's only make-believe.

Isolated inside the fortified medieval town, players create their own character by choosing their appearance, occupation, and lifestyle. Personality traits such as strength, memory, manipulation, health, and appeal vary with the character's race. After character generation, the player experiences over 45 exciting quests, each with its own mysteries, plot, and potential outcomes. The non-linear game play enables the player to explore the 28 square miles of town in any direction, including numerous shops, taverns, hostels, temples, and guilds.

Visually, Legends of Valour sets a new standard with fast-moving, free-form graphics that twist, turn, and zoom cleanly without break-ups. Detail is retained even at dose range to objects, and three display modes are possible. Competing software's graphics often slow and jerk when the screen turns, and detail is lost when close to objects. Valour's dynamic and evolving music score adds an eerie sense of realism as players crawl through claustrophobic underground dungeons.

"In creating Legends of Valour, we seek to bring a more enriched, comprehensive first person adventure to the market than players have ever experienced. The advanced 3-D visual presentation and fully-developed cast of characters makes the game our boldest step ever towards a realistic interactive fantasy," stated Kathleen Watson, SSI Director of Marketing.

Designed for single players who can expect over 40 hours of adventure, Valour's icon-driven, point-and-click interface is simple and understandable. As the story unfolds, players will battle a multitude of vicious monsters and interact with town inhabitants, all of whom have their own motives and artificial intelligence. Encounters can be friendly or hostile, depending on daytime or nighttime conditions. Players will be captivated with the real-time combat, auto-mapping feature, and endless mazes and puzzles to solve. The action is so real, players could forget to return to their real world.

Strategic Simulations, Inc. is one of the leading computer fantasy role-playing publishers and is most noted for its ADVANCED DUNGEONS & DRAGONS line of computer products. The company is recognized as the premier war game publisher and, based on industry rankings, is one of the top ten entertainment software publishers worldwide.

STRATEGIC SIMULATIONS

675 Almanor Avenue, Suite 201, Sunnyvale, CA 94086

(408) 737-6800,  (408) 737-6814


Scholastic Bilingual Educational Software
TECHNOLOGY MAKES BILINGUAL EDUCATION MORE ACCESSIBLE; SCHOLASTIC SOFTWARE HELPS LEAD THE WAY

Educational publisher produces new videodiscs and software that allow teachers and students to work in the languages that suit their needs best.

November 23, 1992--New York, NY--For years, Scholastic Inc. has been the largest publisher and distributor of children's books in the English speaking world. Now, the company is leading the way in multilingual publishing as well, by capitalizing on two of the most effective tools in education today--the computer and the videodisc.

"These technologies have created a whole new way to produce high-quality multilingual materials in a timely and cost effective way," said Peter Kelman, Publisher of Scholastic Software. "The costs involved in publishing books in second and third languages may be prohibitive in many cases. But with software and videodiscs, it's relatively inexpensive to include two or more languages on a single product. As a result, we can give teachers the tools to serve all the children in their classrooms--without substantial increases in price to schools."

Scholastic's bilingual offerings now include a Spanish/English edition of SuperPrint for the Macintosh, the best-selling classroom publishing program. This version of SuperPrint provides every menu, help screen, and dialog box in both English and Spanish, and contains a special feature that allows students and teachers to toggle between Spanish and English operation whenever they like. "We want people to be able to switch quickly and easily between languages," said Kelman, "We think that makes the product more flexible for teachers and more supportive for students."

In an even bolder move, Scholastic Software has begun to develop customized bilingual versions of SuperPrint in other languages for school districts that purchase district-wide licenses for the product. According to Kelman, this initiative makes good sense for schools. "Purchasing a district-wide license is most certainly the way to get the most value from a district's software budget. And with customized bilingual versions, teachers will be able to use the software more effectively too, helping districts respond to the special language needs of their particular student populations."

Another in Scholastic's lineup of bilingual products is a Spanish edition of Math Shop Jr. for MS-DOS computers. This product, which helps students in grades 14 develop fundamental mathematics skills, now comes with both English and Spanish disks, so teachers can load the version that meets each student's needs best.

Scholastic is also making videodiscs easier to use in bilingual classrooms. The company will soon introduce the Interactive NOVA Videodisc Library, a collection of Level I videodiscs from the award-winning NOVA series with audio tracks in both English and Spanish. Because each of the segments in the NOVA series is brief (between 2 and 5 minutes?), it's easy for teachers to show them in both English and Spanish, so that Spanish-speaking students can review the content carefully without having to overcome language barriers. Scholastic has also provided English and Spanish language tracks in its new two-volume Science Place series of videodiscs, which are designed for science curriculums in grades K-2.

"We see bilingual education as a two way street," Kelman said. "It's important for students who are new to this country, or to English speaking communities, to develop the language skills they need to learn and work productively in class. But it's also important for English speaking students to develop their facility with other languages. We see our new bilingual and multilingual products as a way to make all students comfortable with that diversity--while still focusing on the curriculum."

Scholastic software products can be ordered through Scholastic Representatives, Authorized Education Dealers, or directly from Scholastic. For ordering information, write or call: Inquiry Department, Scholastic Software, P.O. Box 7502, 2931 East McCarty Street, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102. To order by phone, call 1-800-541-5513.

Scholastic Software is a division of the Instructional Publishing Group of Scholastic Inc., one of the nation's leading publishers and distributors of children's books, classroom and professional magazines, and other educational materials. The Company also produces family-oriented video and television programming. Scholastic operates in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.


DLK 100 PC Voltamettric Analyzer with LabVIEW
Study Electrochemical Behavior of Chemical Systems with the DLK 100 PC Voltammetric Analyzer and LabVIEW for Windows

November 20, 1992 - Austin, TX - Analytical Instrument Systems (AIS), Inc. (Flemington, NJ) and National Instruments (Austin, TX) announced today the DLK 100 PC Voltammetric Analyzer. The DLK 100 is a new LabVIEW for Windows-based system that scientists can use to analyze basic electrochemical behavior of a chemical system-without having to write any programs. AIS, a member of the National Instruments Alliance Program, first introduced the DLK 100 Voltammetric Analyzer for LabVIEW for Macintosh in March 1992.

The DLK 100 PC Voltammetric Analyzer performs all the basic electrochemical techniques including linear sweep, cyclic voltammetry, normal pulse, differential pulse, and square wave techniques as well as all the associated stripping techniques. The DLK 100 system also features a draw-your-own-waveform technique. The DLK 100 PC Voltammetric Analyzer can be used in a variety of applications, including

- Heavy metal analysis of drinking water, waste water,

  and sea water.

- Determination of correct operation parameters for

  electrochemical detectors used in HPLC

- Speciation of chemical systems

- Trace analysis of contamination in pharmaceuticals and food

- Analysis of neuro peptides and catecholamines

- Kinetic analysis of various chemical systems

The system includes all the hardware and software necessary to get the scientist set up quickly and running experiments--electrochemical software (an operate-only LabVIEW program) and the LabVIEW for Windows run-time system, a National Instruments AT-MIO-16X multifunction data acquisition board, potentiostat, electrode stand (including electrodes), cables, and documentation.

About LabVIEW

LabVIEW is a general-purpose programming tool with extensive libraries for data acquisition, instrument control, data analysis, and data presentation. LabVIEW is available for Windows-based PCs, Sun SPARCstations, and Macintosh computers. With LabVIEW, engineers and scientists build software modules called virtual instruments (VIs) instead of writing cryptic text-based programs. LabVIEW features a library of ready-to-use controls, graphs, and strip charts for quickly and easily building custom user interfaces and control panels. With LabVIEW, users build block diagrams as the executable programs.

System Requirements

The minimum configuration for the DLK 100 PC Voltametric Analyzer is a 486 PC with 8 megabytes RAM and 10 megabytes hard disk space.

Price and Availability

The DLK 100 PC Voltammetric Analyzer system will be available from AIS in April 1993 for $6,995. The complete turnkey system with PC included is $9,995. For more information, please contact AIS at P.O. Box 458, Flemington, NJ 08822-0458, (908) 788-7022, fax (908) 788-5617.

The LabVIEW for Windows full development and base packages are available now from National Instruments. The LabVIEW packages are priced at $995 to $1,995 respectively. The LabVIEW for Windows Run-Time System will be available in December. Please contact National Instruments at 6504 Bridge Point Parkway, Austin, TX 78730-5039, (512) 794-0100, fax (512) 794-8411. Or call toll-free (800) 433-3488 (U.S. and Canada).


AST Multi-Channel Disk Array for Servers
AST INTRODUCES HIGH-PERFORMANCE MULTI-CHANNEL DISK ARRAY FOR SERVER AND MULTIPROCESSOR SYSTEMS

FastSCSI Host Adapter Delivers High Speed and Maximum Fault Tolerance

IRVINE, Calif. Nov. 23, 1991-- AST Research today introduced a high-performance, multi-channel disk array subsystem for its server and multiprocessor systems, providing optimum data throughput and fault tolerance for today's demanding networking environments.

AST-is offering the choice of two high-speed hardware disk array options for its Premium SE servers and Manhattan SMP-multiprocessor with multiple FastSCSI channels that allow each hardware installation to be tailored to users' needs.

The new array controllers support FastSCSI-2, delivering 10MB-per-second- data transfer rates, a significant gain in speed over standard SCSI's 5MB-per-second data transfer rate. Also, the controllers support RAID levels 0, 1, 5 and AST RAID 6 for speed and/or data redundancy.

"The AST disk array, by its multi-channel design, offers more performance and flexibility than competing products," said Larry Fortmuller, AST's director of high performance systems. "The AST array dramatically enhances data access speeds and provides fault tolerance with various RAID levels for high system up-time, so critical in the corporate computing environment."

Key to the AST disk array's high performance levels are its I906 CA RISC Processor, FastSCSI support, multi-channel SCSI support, standard 4MB hardware cache and 32-bit EISA bus master controller design.

The array is offered in both five- and three-channel versions, each supporting four FastSCSI devices per channel, with one channel dedicated to backup media such as tape. For maximum efficiency this dedicated channel provides connection to a variety of peripherals, while allowing the other channels to be free to support disk drives.

The five-channel controller, with a suggested retail list price of $3,995, supports up to 16 hard drives. The three-channel board, priced at $2,995 suggested list, supports up to eight drives. Each AST Premium SE or Manhattan SMP system accommodates up to two controllers. The disk array option is scheduled for availability in December.

Every AST Manhattan SMP multiprocessor includes one AST multi-channel disk array as standard equipment, with room for an additional optional controller. Both the Premium SE servers and Manhattan SMP multiprocessor provide a maximum of 32GB of system storage capacity when combined with AST's XP expansion cabinet. This optional companion product ($1,995) also supports up to 16 drives with the same high-level performance and fault resiliency.

End users can configure the controllers to run RAID levels 0, 1, 5 and AST RAID 6 or a combination of those levels to fit customer's needs. When a RAID level supporting fault tolerant data redundancy is used, system operation continues without interruption in the event of drive failure.

RAID 0 (striping) reads and writes data across multiple disks for maximum speed in accessing data. RAID 1 (mirroring) duplicates data onto a second-drive or multiple drives for redundancy.

RAID 5 stripes data and parity information across multiple disks, providing the most efficient and economical fault tolerant solution for the Premium SE and Manhattan SMP systems. Under RAID 5, the AST systems support automatic drive failure detection, hot replacement of a failed drive and on-line rebuilding of a replacement drive. Also, hot standby, an additional feature, is a spare drive in the system that automatically takes the place of a failed drive, all while the system keeps running.

AST RAID 6, a combination of RAID 0 and 1 yields both high speed and redundancy.

The disk array system set-up software, included with each option, is menu-driven for ease in configuration. AST's disk array subsystem supports Novell Netware, SCO UNIX and MPX operating systems. Drivers for Microsoft Windows NT, IBM OS/2 and Sunsoft Solaris will be available from AST in the future.

To complement the disk array option, AST also offers optional FastSCSI hard drives in 200MB, 500MB and 1GB capacities.

"Here again, AST provides more flexibility by offering a wider range of hard drives for its array subsystem than its competition," said Fortmuller.

In aggressive support of the growing server and superserver market, AST offers a complete hardware solution in its Premium SE and Manhattan SMP line. Designed with the latest technology, the Premium SE servers feature up to 8GB of internal hard drive storage, a standard high-performance caching controller or the new optional AST multi-channel disk array; FastSCSI hard drives mounted in slide-out trays for ease in maintenance; SCSI backplanes for cable-free drive installation; AST FlashBIOS; and AST Premium VGA high performance integrated video.

AST's Manhattan SMP fully symmetric multiprocessor offers corporate users a cost-effective alternative to proprietary minicomputers, an open-architecture platform for large multi-user UNIX environments or a means to consolidate or add to critical LAN server environments. It is designed with open architecture and a host of scalability and high-availability features, including ECC circuitry for correction of memory errors to protect data integrity and optional redundant power supply for optimal fault resilience.

Corporate Background

AST Research Inc., a Fortune 500 company, holds a prominent market share of desktop, file server and notebook computers. Product lines include the Manhattan, Premium, Bravo, Advantage! and PowerExec. AST is represented in more than 100 countries and operates 34 subsidiaries and sales offices. In first quarter fiscal 1993, revenues rose 45 percent to $286.4 million from $197.1 million in the comparable prior year quarter, while units shipped were up by 70 percent. Also, AST 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 corporate headquarters is located at 16215 Alton Parkway, Irvine, Calif. 92718. Telephone: (714) 727-4141, (800) 876-4278. Fax: (714) 727-9355


Discovery Comm. New Technology Unit
DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS, INC.! EXPANDS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

November 24, 1992 -- Discovery Communications, Inc., (DCI) is expanding its Business Development Division by creating a New Technology unit and by moving the company's Enterprises Group -- world-wide program sales and home-video sales -- into the Business Development Division. Another of the company's established businesses --Interactive Video, producer of the highly acclaimed Discovery Interactive Library -- will become part of Enterprises. These business units will join International Network Development in the newly configured Business Development Division. The announcement was made today by John Hendricks, DCI's Founder, Chairman and CEO.

The Discovery Communications, Inc., Business Development Division continues to be headed by its Senior Vice President Domenick Fioravanti. Reporting to Fioravanti are Tom Porter, Vice President of the Enterprises Group, Fred Bonner, Vice President of New Technology Development, and Sandy McGovern, Senior Vice President International Sales and Distribution.

"We are aggressively positioning DCI for the third revolution in television, the new era of choice for the consumer," said Hendricks. "With our seven years of rapid growth and success for The Discovery Channel, we've proven that there was pent-up demand in U.S. for high-quality, entertaining non-fiction programming."

Hendricks continued, "Now we've decided to build on our successful core network business by looking beyond our shores and to new technologies in order to explore and build new businesses and channels of distribution, as well as forge new business partnerships. As these products become part of our mainstream business, we must continue to move forward, staying ahead of our competition, ready to provide Discovery's unique brand of programming to whatever new media come to the fore during the next industry."

Fioravanti added, "The consolidation of these business units will position DCI to effectively and efficiently move into an expanding variety of multimedia opportunities. The Discovery Interactive Library is in a position to grow with today's rapidly evolving interactive marketplace. We are particularly optimistic since all of our existing science products were officially adopted by the state of California for purchase with state textbook funds. As we add more titles to The Discovery Interactive Library, we will also look for partners to join us in bringing high-quality, curriculum-based interactivity to our classrooms."

Discovery's Enterprises Group is responsible for worldwide TV sales and pre-sales of original Discovery and Learning Channel productions, including footage sales, The Discovery Interactive Library, and four home-video brand lines --Discovery Video Library, Discovery Collector's Editions, WINGS Aviation Collection and The Learning Collection. The unit will continue to research, develop and test video-on-demand and explore publishing opportunities in the book and audio areas. The Enterprises Group distributes its own product lines and, when appropriate, works will development and distribution partners.

Discovery's New Technology Development Unit will research and explore ways in which the company can best participate in emerging new interactive technologies, such as CD ROM, CD-I and interactive cable.

Discovery Communications, Inc., is a diversified multimedia company anchored by Discovery Networks -- The Discovery Channel and The Learning Channel. DCI operates businesses in home video, interactive multimedia, magazine publishing, merchandising, and international sales and distribution.

Discovery Communications

7700 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814-3522

301-986-1999


MicroSim Design Center Version 5.3
MicroSim Corporation's Design Center Version 5.3

New! - Histograms, HP700 Support, Interface to PADS & Protel, and More!!!

November 30, 1992 -- (Irvine, CA) MicroSim Corporation continues to enhance and strengthen the Design Center by introducing an interface to the PADS and Protel board layout packages, HP700 support, device temperature customization, histograms, multiple plot windows for waveform analysis, hard copy enhancements, tracking/displaying of simulator (PSpice) generated condition messages and editing of model definitions in the schematic capture program (Schematics) to support Monte Carlo analysis.

Designers can now interface the Design Center's schematic capture program to the PADS and Protel board layout packages. The layout netlist can be used as input to the appropriate layout package. During the layout process, changes may be made which the user wants reflected back into the schematic. These changes can be read directly from the PADS ECO file, and used to automatically update (back annotate) the schematic.

Schematics also now supports Monte Carlo, worst-case, and modeling editing by providing a mechanism for direct manipulation of model and subcircuit definitions. Schematics allows the user to edit model definitions, create new models, associate model definitions with symbols, or derive new model definitions from existing ones.

PSpice now allows for the customization of model temperature for passive and semiconductor devices. There are two levels of temperature attributes which can be customized on a model by model basis; the temperature at which the model parameters are assumed to be measured and current device temperatures.

The graphical waveform analyzer (Probe) now displays histograms. The Monte Carlo statistical analysis supported in PSpice results in several "runs" of any DC sweep, AC response, or transient analysis specified for simulation. As each standard analysis is rerun, model parameter values are varied within specified tolerances. The results can be analyzed by user-defined functions to measure any arbitrary characteristic of each waveform. The distribution of this characteristic applied to the waveforms randomly generated by the Monte Carlo analysis can be viewed as a histogram.

With the addition of multiple plot windows, graphical results from different simulations can be displayed simultaneously in different Probe windows. Multiple plot windows is also useful to display different analyses results for the same circuit simultaneously.

When a PSpice generated data file is read into Probe, there is now a facility to check for simulation-time conditions and errors which may have occurred. Probe warns the user of any errors, and gives them the option of examining the details.

MicroSim is pleased to announce its support of the HP700 workstation. Now, all of the functionality of the Design Center System 1 is available on the HP700. With direct program management, the user can enter any combination of analog and digital circuitry for simulation and graphical waveform analysis.

The Design Center continues to be unique in the CAD/CAE industry for its "native" support of both analog and digital circuits at all levels of the design process, including simulation with PSpice. The analog and digital algorithms are tightly coupled within the same program. Hence, only one circuit need be defined, only one simulation need be run, and only one graphical interface is needed to analyze the results of a mixed analog and digital circuit.

There are three Design Center configurations from which to choose. Our full-featured configuration with schematic capture is available on Microsoft Windows and Sun OpenWindows ranging from $8,200 to $15,900 depending upon platform. Two reduced configurations are available without schematic capture. On DOS (the only platform limited to analog design) and DOS/16M platforms, the Design Center is available with a shell manager that coordinates circuit file editing, PSpice simulations, graphical waveform analysis, and stimulus generation.

This configuration ranges from $2,450 to $6,750 depending upon platform. Our final configuration allows for direct management of the Design Center programs, with prices ranging from $4,950 to $17,900 depending upon platform.

Any Design Center configuration can be purchased with these options:

-- Device equations, which supplies partial source code that can be modified to tailor a device's behavior to your application ($350 to $3,600 depending upon platform).

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

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

MicroSim Corp, 20 Fairbanks, Irvine, CA 92718

714-770-3022,  800-245-3022,  Fax: 714-455-0554


Microsoft Guide to Optimizing Windows
Dan Gookin's

Microsoft Guide to Optimizing Windows Creative Configurations for Maximizing Windows Performance

From the author of bestselling The Microsoft Guide to Managing Memory with DOS 5 and DOS for Dummies comes THE MICROSOFT GUIDE TO OPTIMIZING WINDOWS--the dynamite little book from Microsoft Press that's guaranteed to turn a ho-hum PC into a Microsoft Windows 3.1 operating system powerhouse.

"Windows contains lots of treasures, some of which aren't really obvious," says Dan Gookin. "This book explores each of them, showing you ways to make the Windows operating system work better with your hardware and how to make you work better with Windows."

Gookin proves you don't have to be a computer genius to get extra performance. His well-organized guide to simple configuring techniques, tools, and tricks will coax just about any Windows-based machine to a higher performance level. And while Gookin doesn't waste time explaining what a dialog box is or how to click a mouse, the book's valuable information--gleaned from countless interviews with Microsoft Windows developers and product support engineers on the front line--is straightforward, easy to understand and presented without a trace of technobabble. Windows users will quickly discover how to:

* Create the ideal CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT files for

  running Windows

* Optimize memory under Windows with SMARTDrive and RAMDrive

* Work with the SYSTEM.INI and WIN.INI files to maximize

  Windows performance

* Configure Windows to use with a printer and laptop computer

* Control MS-DOS applications so that they perform their best

  under Windows

* Make the most of Windows' multitasking capabilities

* Master Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) and Dynamic

  Data Exchange (DDE)

* Explore networking options, including Microsoft Windows

  for Workgroups

* Prepare PCs for telecommunicating with modem and fax

* Use Windows with a multimedia PC complete with a sound

  card and a CD-ROM drive

Appendixes include a handy command reference and a listing of companies and products mentioned. A comprehensive index helps readers quickly locate information on any topic in the book.

Dan Gookin manages to have one or two computer books on the bestseller list at any given time. His irreverent, friendly style has led to a stint as a host of a popular radio show, assignments for several trade magazines, and invitations to speak at dozens of user group meetings. Two of his bestselling books The Microsoft Guide to Managing Memory with DOS 5 and Dan Gookin's PC Hotline--are published by Microsoft Press.

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 to make learning and using software easier. 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


Running Microsoft Access (Complete Guide)
Running Microsoft Access

The Complete Guide to the Microsoft Database Management System for Windows

RUNNING MICROSOFT ACCESS--the Microsoft guide to the long-awaited Windows-based relational database software--is now available from Microsoft Press.

Database expert John Viescas worked closely with the Microsoft Access development team to bring users this authoritative guide to the most exciting new business application in years. It's an example-packed, hands-on tutorial and user's guide that incorporates tips and strategies not covered in the product documentation.

Information access is a key to success in any business. Microsoft Access provides the tools to facilitate information gathering no matter where data resides in other PC databases or even in SQL databases on mainframes. It's part of Microsoft's corporate vision to place "Information at Your Fingertips" Microsoft Access enables users to design customer lists, inventory tracking records, order entry forms and sales reports that are completely customizable with full calculation and data-entry capabilities. And with Microsoft Access' powerful macro feature, forms and reports can be easily bolted together to create custom-built, specialized database applications.

In RUNNING MICROSOFT ACCESS readers will discover how to use the powerful capabilities of Microsoft Access to build database applications from scratch or to make existing data more accessible. For longtime developers or DBMS newcomers, Viescas provides database concepts and terminology, a comprehensive product overview, and step-by-step instructions on how to import, attach, and export data between Access and other databases. Anyone who needs access to data--from a small business manager to an enterprise-wide information system administrator--will learn how to:

* Design and build a sound relational database with simple, field-tested techniques

* Update, add, delete, and modify data in the database created in Microsoft Access

* Work with external data from other popular databases including dBase, FoxBASE, Btrieve, Paradox, and SQL databases on servers, minicomputers, and mainframes

* Calculate values and update dozens of records with one command

* Design, build, and implement simple and complex forms using Access' special capabilities, including the unique Wizards feature

* Use the major report-generating features

* Bring together tables, queries, forms, and reports to create your customized database application

Appendixes include instructions for installation of Microsoft Access, five sample database schemas, and information on the database analyzer tool. A comprehensive index helps readers quickly locate information on any topic in the book.

John L. Viescas is a specialist in systems analysis and relational database management systems. He has more than 24 years of industry experience and has written several computer books on a variety of topics including Microsoft Quick Reference: The Norton Utilities, the Quick Reference Guide to SQL, and The Official Guide to the PRODIGY Service, from Microsoft Press.

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 to make learning and using software easier. 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


Apple Dividend & Stock Repurchase Plan
Apple Computer, Inc. Declares Quarterly Dividend and Announces Authorization of New Program to Repurchase 10,000,000 shares

CUPERTINO, California--November 17,1992--The board of directors of Apple Computer, Inc. has declared a $.12 per share dividend for the company's fourth fiscal quarter ended September 25,1992. The dividend represents Apple's twenty-third consecutive quarterly dividend and is payable December 18,1992 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on December 4, 1992.

The board of directors also approved a new program to repurchase up to 10,000,000 shares of its common stock in the open market from time to time. This is in addition to approximately 1,400,000 shares remaining to be repurchased under a previous authorization. Since July 1986, Apple has repurchased a total of 38,600,000 shares of common stock.

Apple Computer Inc, 20525 Mariana Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014

408-996-1010


Apple Ships QuickTime for Windows
Apple Ships QuickTime for Windows To Provide Cross-Platform Multimedia Standard

CUPERTINO, California--November 10, 1992--Apple Computer, Inc., today announced plans to bring the world's most sophisticated multimedia technology to people who use Microsoft Windows. QuickTime for Windows, a set of Windows Dynamic Linked Libraries (DLLs), can be installed on any PC and used by any Windows application adapted to QuickTime's application programming interface. Several Windows software and hardware vendors today also announced support for QuickTime for Windows, version 1.0.

With QuickTime for Windows, Apple has developed a cross-platform multimedia standard to provide users with a consistent interface and file format for working with digital video, sound, animation, and other multimedia data. Using QuickTime, authors and publishers will have a simple way to distribute their work in a single file format. QuickTime for Windows will also give multimedia programmers and developers one cross-platform multimedia programming interface.

"QuickTime for Windows clearly demonstrates Apple's commitment to setting the standard for performance and ease of use in multimedia," said John Sculley, Apple's chairman and CEO. "The QuickTime architecture has emerged as the industry's most widely adopted multimedia technology on Macintosh personal computers, and we look forward to making this same award-winning technology available to Windows users."

More than 500 QuickTime applications have been announced since QuickTime was introduced in January 1992, with 300 QuickTime products currently shipping. QuickTime has received worldwide recognition and awards for technical excellence and innovation reinforcing Macintosh as the personal computer of choice for multimedia.

QuickTime for Windows

QuickTime for Windows is an implementation of the QuickTime architecture on Microsoft's Windows environment. QuickTime for Windows provides Windows users with the portions of QuickTime needed to playback and control QuickTime Movie files and compressed still images. With the availability of QuickTime for Windows multimedia authors, developers, publishers, and users can work with QuickTime Movies on Macintosh, Silicon Graphics, and PCs running Windows. Through QuickTime, users on Macintosh and Windows PCs will be able to easily exchange files, rely on a consistent human interface, and use a variety of modular compression technologies for storing multimedia information.

Apple and Intel Work Together to Drive Standards

Apple and Intel today also announced that they are jointly integrating Intel's Indeo video compression technology into QuickTime on Macintosh and Windows. This development provides users with Intel's technology for compression and decompression of QuickTime video data. Intel's support for QuickTime, with the Indeo line of software and hardware products, will offer QuickTime users with accelerated playback capabilities.

"Intel's Indeo video technology represents a key ingredient to standardize video computing on all major computing platforms," said Andrew S. Grove, president and CEO of Intel Corp. "With Indeo technology integrated into Apple's QuickTime for Windows, the ability to play videos on PCs is easy to install, and available to the tens of millions of Intel microprocessor-based computer users."

Third-party Developers Rally to Support QuickTime for Windows

Several software vendors also announced that they will support QuickTime for Windows in their products. Among those announcing are industry leaders Adobe Systems; Corel Systems; Claris Corp.; Lotus Development Corp.; MacroMedia; and WordPerfect Corp. Additionally, several PC hardware and peripherals vendors have announced support for QuickTime for Windows in their products. The list includes Creative Labs; Dolch Computer; and Media Vision. (See attached list of companies planning to support QuickTime for Windows for contact names and phone numbers).

Pricing and Availability

Apple will offer version 1.0 of QuickTime for Windows in a Software Development Kit (SDK) designed for professional programmers, and sold through the APDA, Apple's developer tools distribution group. The SDK is priced at $295 and will be available worldwide Nov. 23,1992. The SDK Bundle for Windows and Macintosh, also available worldwide on Nov. 23, 1992, is priced at $495.

System Requirements

The QuickTime for Windows software requires a 386 or faster CPU, equipped with 4MB of RAM, an 80MB hard disk, and a VGA or better graphics adapter. Movies with sound require installation of a PC sound card. System software requirements include MS-DOS 5.0 and Windows 3.1 or higher.

For Additional Information

To receive a QuickTime Starter Kit for Macintosh, call 1-800-538-9696, extension 175, to contact an Apple software reseller.

For more information about QuickTime for Windows, Macintosh, or the Movie Exchange Toolkit, call APDA--Apple' s mail order service for developers--at 1-800-282-2732 in the United States, or 1-800-637-0029 in Canada. From other international locations call 716-871-6555 or contact the country APDA representative. APDA may be contacted electronically through the following addresses:

AppleLink: APDA

America Online: APDA

CompuServe: 76666,2405

Internet: APDA@applelink.apple.com

APDA

Apple Computer, Inc.

P.O. Box 319

Buffalo, NY 1407-0319

Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Apple Computer, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets personal computer systems for use in business, education, science, engineering and government. A recognized pioneer and innovator in the personal computer industry, Apple does business in more than 120 countries. Apple has redefined computing to mean empowerment of the individual, and has been named first in customer satisfaction among business computer users in the United States for two years in a row by J.D. Powers and Associates. It seeks through technology to provide people with easy and affordable access to information and computing power.


Design Expert Donald Norman Joins Apple

CUPERTINO, California--November 18, 1992--Apple Computer, Inc. today announced that Donald Norman, a leading authority on human-focused design, has agreed to join the company as an Apple Fellow, the company's program for individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to personal computing. Norman's appointment is effective Jan. 1, 1993. He joins Steven Wozniak, Alan Kay, and Gary Starkweather in the Apple Fellows program.

"Professor Norman's association with Apple is a dear signal that we intend to remain at the forefront in the design of products that both are easy to use and bring the greatest value to our customers," said David Nagel, senior vice president for Apple's Advanced Technology Group. "We are thrilled that one of the world's pre-eminent figures in the field of human-centered design will be joining Apple."

"The technological problems today are sociological and organizational as much as technical," Norman said. "In this new age of portable, powerful, fully communicating tools, it is ever more important to develop a humane technology, one that takes into account the needs and capabilities of people."

Norman has had close working relationships with the computer, aviation, and other industries. He has served as a consultant on design, computer interfaces, consumer products, and human error. Many of his former students hold senior positions in industry and academia: a number of them at Apple. Norman also serves on the editorial boards of several professional journals and book publishers.

A fellow of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, the American Psychological Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Norman has also served as an officer of the San Diego Chapter of the Human Factors Society and of the ACM Special Interest Group on Computer-Human Interaction (SIGCHI).

Norman has published extensively in journals and books, and is the author or co-author of 10 books. In the field of design, he is best known for his books "User Centered System Design," and "The Psychology of Everyday Things'' (the paperback version is "The Design of Everyday Things"). His most recent book is "Turn Signals Are the Facial Expressions of Automobiles." "Things That Make Us Smart" is scheduled for publication in May 1993.

"I am delighted to be able to put into practice all that I have studied and written for so many years," Norman added. ''I want to help make Apple's simple, easy to-use products even simpler and easier to use. This is an exciting, vibrant company. With Apple's new directions of products, it has the opportunity to shape the world of technology: These are exciting times, but it is important to make sure that technology is designed from a person-centered point of view, to be appropriate to the people and the task. The best technology is invisible, so easy and natural to learn and use that it fades into the background. Apple can lead the way."

Norman received a bachelor of science degree from MIT and a master's degree from the University of Pennsylvania, both in electrical engineering. His doctorate, from the University of Pennsylvania, is in mathematical psychology. He was a faculty member at Harvard University, leaving to join the newly founded Department of Psychology at the University of California, San Diego. He served as Chair of the Psychology Department from 1974 to 1978.

In 1987, Norman helped establish the Department of Cognitive Science and in July, 1988, became its first chair. He was one of the founders of the Cognitive Science Society and has served that organization as chair, secretary-treasurer, and editor of its journal (Cognitive Science). He has been a Fellow at the Center for Advanced Studies in the Behavioral Sciences. He maintains his affiliation with the University of California as Professor Emeritus.

Apple Computer Inc, 20525 Mariana Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014

408-996-1010


Travel Applications for Newton PDAs
Apple Computer and R.R. Donnelley Announce New Working Relationship to Develop Travel Applications for Newton PDAs

CUPERTINO, California--November 17, 1992--Apple Computer, Inc. and R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company today announced a strategic business relationship aimed at providing a wide range of digital publishing services for Apple's Personal Interactive Electronics (PIE) division.

Apple and R.R. Donnelley, the world's largest commercial printer, and others, intend to develop a broad range of digital information products for Apple's new lines of Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). A PDA is a portable device that enables users to organize and communicate vast amounts of information easily, often using telecommunications and handwriting-recognition capabilities. When combined with third-party products, PDA devices will allow users to easily navigate and access important reference information.

The first project planned by the companies will be undertaken by Apple PIE's Newton group and GeoSystems, a business unit of R.R. Donnelley. The groups and others, will focus on providing travel-based applications using GeoSystems' digital library of street-level maps along with a variety travel data for the United States. For example, Newton PDAs could be used to locate restaurants, sights-to-see, and other travel information on a map and get accurate directions from any starting point.

"This relationship with R.R. Donnelley underscores broad industry support of Newton technology," said Ken Wirt, director of marketing, Apple PIE division. "We see a variety of product and service possibilities in combining R.R. Donnelley's wealth of experience, broad range of capabilities in the information industry, and Apple's emerging PDA platform."

"Apple's new PDA devices will help publishers reach new customers by creating platforms for publishing information," said Bart Faber, group president of R.R. Donnelley's Information Services Goup. "R.R. Donnelley looks forward to working with Apple and content providers to help bring these new products to market."

Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Apple Computer, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets personal computer systems for use in business, education, science, engineering and government. A recognized pioneer and innovator in the personal computer industry, Apple does business in more than 120 countries. Apple has redefined computing to mean empowerment of the individual, and has been named first in customer satisfaction among business computer users in the United States for two years in a row by J.D. Powers and Associates. It seeks through technology to provide people with easy and affordable access to information and computing power.

R.R. Donnelley is the world's foremost printer of catalogs, newspaper advertising inserts, magazines, books, directories, financial printing and computer documentation. Headquartered in Chicago, the company operates printing plants, sales offices, service centers and subsidiaries in more than 130 locations in North America, Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia.

GeoSystems, based in Lancaster, Pa., is a unit of R.R. Donnelley's Information Services Group, serving the government, publishing, and telecommunications, travel, and delivery/distribution industries.

Apple Computer Inc, 20525 Mariana Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014

408-996-1010