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

Prepared & Distributed by:  Baker Enterprises

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

SOFTWARE:	HARDWARE:

Business & Productivity  	PC Systems

Professional/Engineering  	Expansion Products

Personal & Educational  	Peripherals

Games & Entertainment  	Macintosh Specific

System Software & Utilities  	Miscellaneous Hardware

Macintosh Specific

Miscellaneous Software  	GENERAL INTEREST:

Books & Publications

Miscellaneous News

Ordering WinNews

PC Industry Database


About Press Releases
Full Text Press Releases...

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

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


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

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

within the various news articles included in the news archive.

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

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

articles for that company.

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

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


About Baker Enterprises
About Baker Enterprises...

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

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

Ordering WinNews

PC Industry Database


Ordering WinNews
Ordering WinNews...

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

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

BAKER ENTERPRISES

20 Ferro Drive	(609) 582-9203   Voice

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

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

RBakerPC@delphi.com	(Internet)

RBakerPC	(AOL/Delphi)


Free Distribution
FREE News Distribution...

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


PC Industry Reference Database
PC Industry Reference Database...

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

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

EMS Professional Software

4505 Buckhurst Cr.	(301) 924-3594   Voice

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


Business & Productivity Software
Business & Productivity Software News:

Musica Antiqua PostScript Clip Art

25,001 Jokes, Anecdotes & Funny Quotes on CDROM

In His Time Christian Info & Resource Organizer

SQLBase Server for Windows

SalesLink Systems Opens New Headquarters

Proverbs & Quotes for All Occasions on CDROM

PageAhead InfoPublisher Developer's Kit V1.3

ProActive Agreement with Aspect Telecomm.

TAXACCTS Small Business Journals w/Quick Balance

Speaker's Lifetime Treasury on CD-ROM

TEMPRA Media Author - Authoring System

Aldus PageMaker 5.0 Supports Color Mgmt Systems

Aldus PageMaker 5.0 for Windows & Macintosh

TEMPRA Turbo Animator for 16-bit Animations

Intex Solutions Forecast! Add-in for Excel

PeopleSoft Financials, HRMS & PeopleTools

Personnel Master III HRMS With Family Leave

FastTAG 1.2 Document Conversion & Management

Clientele V2.7 Customer Information System

APCAL 3.20 Appointment Calendar

Microsoft Office 3.0 for Windows Upgrade Promo

IBM Signs Major CIIM Contract With Avalon Swr

Business Success Kit to Start/Operate a Business

Approach 2.0 for Windows Gets Three New Honors

Approach Partners Pgm for Trainers/Consultants


Professional/Engineering Software
Professional/Engineering Software News:

MF/FLOW Release 8.1 Plastics Flow Analysis

Oceanographic & Marine Resources on CDROM

chemDIAGRAM 2D Chemical Drawing Package Rel. 2.0

NASA Integrated Composite Analyzer (ICAN)

EASi Engineering Moves to Larger Offices

MathWorks/Waterloo Maple Swr Strategic Alliance

RxEasyView AutoCAD Rel 12 Pop-Up Drawing Viewer

AutoPIPE V4.5 Pipe Stree Analysis Software


Personal & Educational Software
Personal & Educational Software News:

Beat the Bomb, New Shareware Animated Math Game

American Travel Network from Vista Research

Mathematica Enters Education & Game Markets

Tutor by Association for First Time Users

Expert Astrologer from Expert Software

Dr.T's Sing-A-Long Children's Swr for Windows

Beyond The Wall of Stars, Multimedia Adventure

The Family Doctor MPC Version on CD-ROM

Who Killed Sam Rupert? Multimedia Murder Mystery


Games & Entertainment Software
Games & Entertainment Software News:

Sega Denied Re-Hearing by Appeals Court

First Live Transcontinental Chess Tournament

Assorted Video Gaming News

Interplay/Paramont STAR TREK Licensing Agreement

LucasArts Game Titles in Several Versions

Electronic Arts Intros EA Sports Line

Poker Galore! - Learn to Play Video Poker


System Software & Utilities
System Software & Utilities News:

Collaborative Programming for Client-Server Apps

DiskDupe Pro Version 4.0 Disk Copying Swr

NetWare BASIC Programmer's Function Call Library

Andersen FOUNDATION Supports Windows Clients

Artisoft KIVA NetConferencing System

NSA Router for Windows PC-to-AS/400 Connectivity

Software Grove Messages Network 1.0 LAN Software

Scantron to Package Teleform for Windows System

XoftWare/32 for Windows Supports TCP/IP V2.1

Modular Software Systems BOOTCON 2.0


Macintosh Specific Software
Macintosh Specific Software News:

LabTutor Computerized Textbook Using LabVIEW

Link Your LabVIEW Programs Directly to ORACLE

New LabVIEW Pattern Recognition Capabilities

VideoToolkit 2.0 with Added QuickTime Support

Worldwide Availability of Apple Multimedia Pgm

Kodak MACphotographer Teaches Photography

Notator Logic Mac Sequencer/Notation Program

IntelliKeys Overlay Maker Software


Miscellaneous Software
Miscellaneous Software News:

Wilson Databases Now Available on SilverPlatter

Index for C Users & Windows/DOS Dev Journals


System Hardware
System Hardware News:

AST Receives PC Magazine Reader's Choice Award

Casio Previews Pen-Based Technology at CES

Micro Express Mates VESA Local Bus With EISA

AST Cuts Prices on Premium SE Servers

Color to Low-End AST Notebooks & Lower Prices

Micro Express Multimedia Portable PC

NEC Unveils Fastest Graphics PCs in Image Series

Tseng Labs ET4000/W32 in New NEC Video Subsystem


Expansion Hardware
Expansion Hardware News:

OS/2 Support for PCC Intelligent Serial Cards

DOME Announces 34020 Version of Rx Display Board

Logitech SoundMan 16 Stereo Sound Board

Artisoft LANtastic NodeRunner 2000/C Add-On Kits


Peripheral Hardware
Peripheral Hardware News:

Modem Suppliers Support Coming V.FAST Standard

Intecolor Expands Technical Support & Warranty

NEC Unveils MultiSpin CD-ROM Reader Family

How NEC Sets CD-ROM Standard with MultiSpin Tech

Apple Joins EPA's Energy Star Printers Program

Multi-Tech Announces Modem Break Escape Tech.

Pixelink Awarded $1 Million Treasury Contract

Delta Air Lines Using USR Courier V.32bis as Std


Macintosh Specific Hardware
Macintosh Specific Hardware News:

MacWorld Tokyo Intros & 10 Millionth Macintosh

Asante Ethernet Boards for New Macintosh Systems

IOMEGA 150MB Internal Bernoulli Drives

Apple Adds Color to Macintosh Classic Line

Centris 24-bit Accelerated Display Interface

Apple Introduces Macintosh LC III

Macintosh Centris Midrange Line

Macintosh Quadra 800

Color Introduced to PowerBook Line

Macintosh Duo System Configurations

LaserWriter Select Series Midrange Printers

New LaserWriter Pro 600 Standard Config

Shiva Bundling Remote Access Swr with LanRovers


Miscellaneous Hardware
Miscellaneous Hardware News:

Flight Simulator Helmet/Headset

NSSI Reduces Intelligent UPS Prices up to 25%

Low Cost SF-4600 CASIO B.O.S.S. is PC Linkable

Weitek Power 9000 User Interface Processor


Books & Publications
Books & Publications:

Build Your Own Low-Cost PC & Save a Bundle

Understanding Network Management

Outrageous DR DOS Batch File Programming

The CD-ROM Directory 1993 with Multimedia CD's

Running Microsoft Works 3 for the PC, 2nd Ed.

Multimedia: Making It Work (includes disk)

OS/2 2.0 Programming, Accelerated Guide to OS/2

Norton Desktop for Windows 2.0 Illus Tutorial

Osborne/McGraw-Hill Bundling With TEMPRA Swr

America Online for Windows Membership Kit & Tour

Microsoft Windows 3.1 Developer's Workshop

Cobb Group's Word 5.1 Companion

Using Proof Animation from Wolverine Software

Building A Better Mousetrap, Pgmr's Mouse Guide

ORACLE 7: The Complete Reference

FoxPro 2.5 for DOS Made Easy


Miscellaneous News
Miscellaneous News:

NetWorld'93 Boston Boasts Scores of New Products

FBI Raids Major Ohio Computer Bulletin Board

National Instruments March User Symposium

News Archives Now Available on Disk via Mail

Apple USA's Catalog Contest Winners Announced

PC EXPO Chicago Attracts Loyal Audience

DPT to Host SCSI Technology Conference


Build Your Own Low-Cost PC & Save a Bundle
Users Can Get to Know Their Computers Inside and Out

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA -- Now updated to include the latest information on hardware sources, components, and prices, Build Your Own Low-Cost PC and Save a Bundle contains all the hands-on guidance users need to assemble an AT-compatible 286 or 386SX PC for a fraction of the market price.

Packed with close-up photographs, lay-flat binding, and Aubrey Pilgrim's clear, step-by-step assembly instructions, this book tells readers what to look for and what to avoid in today's disk drives, display monitors, keyboards, mice, plug-in boards, printers, modems, and online services. In addition to explaining how the components work once they're connected, Build Your Own Low-Cost PC and Save a Bundle describes a variety of word processing, database, spreadsheet, and disk management programs, including the latest versions of DOS and Windows.

Ideal for anyone who's looking for an inexpensive but full-featured computer that runs today's most popular software products, this well-illustrated guide shows how easy, satisfying, and fun it can be to Build Your Own Low-Cost PC and Save a Bundle.

About the Author:

Named one of the 100 most influential leaders in the computer industry by MicroTimes magazine for two consecutive years, Aubrey Pilgrim is the author of Windcrest's Build Your Own 386/386SX Compatible and Save a Bundle--2nd Edition, Build Your Own 486/486SX and Save a Bundle--2nd Edition, Upgrade Your IBM Compatible and Save a Bundle--2nd Edition, and Build Your Own LAN and Save a Bundle.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill

Build Your Own Low-Cost PC and Save a Bundle

Order No. 4209 * Available: December 1992

Paper $18.95 ISBN 0-83064087-8, Hard $29.95 ISBN 0-83064086-X

224 pp., 67 illus., 7" x 10"

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

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


Musica Antiqua PostScript Clip Art
MUSICA ANTIQUA

THE SIXTH VOLUME IN A SERIES OF MEDIEVAL AND RENAISSANCE POSTSCRIPT CLIP ART

January 31, 1993 -- BBL Typographic has released its sixth volume of medieval and Renaissance graphic images in digitized form for the Macintosh and IBM PC compatible computers.

Similarly to the previous five volumes, the new volume contains a complete alphabet of initial letters (31 in total, with some repetitions), and forty ornaments, all with a musical theme. Thus the title--Musica Antiqua.

The alphabet is based on the 16th century Italian design created in Venice by Cresci. The letters are very ornate and calligraphic in appearance. The structure of the letters is often distorted and elaborated, but they are recognizable by a modern reader with a few exceptions for which alternative designs were provided.

The ornaments include musicians playing and singing, a wide variety of the instruments of the Renaissance (citterns, harps, lutes, organs, pipes, etc.), and some musical scores and notations of the period. All are reproductions of the authentic 15th and 16th century typographic art form Italy, France, Germany and England.

We have attached a high resolution copy of a few letters and ornaments in the volume. On the first page, a figure of a boy under the trees is based on a vignette from the title page of Scelta di Madrigali, published in Florence in 1582, which is a collection of madrigals by various Italian composers. The table of Gamma vt is taken from A Short Introduction into the Science of Music printed in London in 1564. The book says: (...) in this table of Gamma vt, is contayned all what is necessary to y knowledge of singing: Wherefore it must be diligently wayed, & must also be perfectly commited to memory, so that ye can redely say it without booke, both forward and backward, that is upward and downeward (...). The musical score comes from The New Interlude probably published in England in 1539.

The elaborate border on the second page comes from Symphoniae Iucundae, published in Wittenberg in 1538--a collection of Protestant church music. The border is separated into seven images, which can be used to form the original design (as shown) or in various combinations to create different borders. The images can be further separated into single instruments etc.

All the images were created as clusters of single elements which can be ungrouped and then used as individual illustrations. New illustrations can be easily created by separating complex pictures, modifying single elements, and combining modified elements from various pictures into new groups. The extent of manipulations depends only on the capabilities of the application program used. In general terms, graphics programs will allow for full scope of editing, while word processing and page layout applications typically provide only image sizing capability.

The collection is available in two formats for Macintosh computers:

* EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) saved in Adobe Illustrator 3

  with PICT screen preview

* native Aldus Freehand 3 Illustration and in three formats

  for IBM PC compatible computers:

  * .EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) with 75dpi screen preview

  * .CDR, native CorelDRAW! format editable in CorelDRAW!

    versions 2.x and 3

  * .YAL, Arts & Letters Editor symbol library

The other five volumes in the series are:

* vol. 1, Westminster Abbey, based on XV century monuments

  at the Westminster Abbey

* vol. 2, Pontificale of John II, based on late XV century

  French manuscripts

* vol. 3, The Golden Bible, based on XV and XVI century

  printed bibles from Germany

* vol. 4, St Mary of Soest, based on XIV century embroidered

  altar cloth from Germany

* vol. 5, Paris Book of Hours, based on XVI century woodcuts

  from France

All six volumes in the series include a full set of initial letters and decorative elements, borders, grotesques, etc.--over 70 images per volume. The letters and illustrations are suited for many different kinds of display purposes--advertising, flyers, newsletters, books, brochures, letterheads, various occasional prints etc. Formats available offer full compatibility with almost every modern application software, like word processors, page layout, graphics programs, etc.

All volumes can be ordered directly from BBL Typographic. The price of a single volume is US$90, or US$80 for orders of three or more volumes. Full library of six volumes (over 430 images) is available at a special price of US$460. A demo diskette containing 18 sample images (3 images from each volume) is available for US$10, credited to the first purchase. All prices include Air freight.

THE COMPANY PROFILE

BBL Typographic was established in 1990. We are a small family owned and operated company located in Australia. Our goal is to preserve old typographic art and facilitate its use by modern graphic artists and typesetters.

Currently our collection of clip art consists of six volumes of digitized images. Each volume offers a complete alphabet of ornate initial letters and matching typographic ornaments--in total over 420 images. Each volume has its distinct style. All our images are faithful reproductions of medieval and Renaissance letterforms and embellishments created by various artists in bronze, stone, wood and other materials. The images are hand-drawn with meticulous attention to detail. When the original letterforms or ornaments are incomplete we recreate the missing sections. In some cases we provide an original letterform, and a letterform modified by us for readability.

It is our intentions to produce more volumes in the future. We are constantly researching new sources and materials. Our growing library provides the customers with images which are different, sometimes curious, but always historically acurate and applicable to their needs. We also make sure that the formats offered by us are and remain compatible with all the accepted standards for Macintosh and IBM PC compatible computers.

BBL Typographic

137 Narrow Neck Rd, Katoomba

NSW 2780 AUSTRALIA

Tel: 011-61-47-826111;  Fax: 011-61-47-826144


Understanding Network Management
Managers Learn Practical Strategies for Effective Network Operation

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--Part of Windcrest's Applied Networking Series, Understanding Network Management: Strategies and Solutions provides PC network planners and managers with all the hands-on information they need to design and maintain an efficient, cost-effective network.

After an overview of today's communication systems and the latest trends in modem, satellite, and microwave technologies, Stan Schatt lists key design principles and criteria that are crucial to a network's efficiency. Readers will also find helpful guidelines on network security and disaster recovery, as well as valuable suggestions for choosing hardware and software tools used to troubleshoot and repair network problems.

In addition, Understanding Network Management: Strategies and Solutions contains the latest information on network protocols, such as SNMP, TCP/IP, OSI, GOSIP, Frame Relay, and ISDN. Other topics covered include what to look for when purchasing bridges, routers, and gateways, how the latest wide area network technology (WAN) works, and why these new technologies are important to WAN managers.

The final section of this practical guide shows how the various pieces of network management systems developed by IBM, AT&T, and DEC are starting to come together and what these systems promise to deliver in the future.

About the Author:

Stan Schatt tracks the LAN industry for InfoCorp., a leading computer industry market research firm. A former chairman of the telecommunications management department at DeVry Institute of Technology, he is the author of more than 20 books, including Windcrest's Linking LANs: A Micro Manager's Guide, also in The Applied Networking Series.

Other books in The Applied Networking Series: TOPS: The IBM/Macintosh Connection and Networking with Banyan Vines--2nd Edition.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill

Understanding Network Management: Strategies and Solutions

Order No. 4085 * Available: December 1992

Paper $19.95 ISBN 0-8306-3727-3 Hard $29.95 ISBN 0-8306-3757-5

320 pp., 113 illus., 7" x 10"

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

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


25,001 Jokes, Anecdotes & Funny Quotes on CDROM
25,001 JOKES, ANECDOTES & FUNNY QUOTES

Baltimore - National Information Services Corporation is pleased to publish a treasure-trove of truly funny materials. These are great for spicing up opening remarks in speeches, presentations, and communiques. Browse for fun or search this giant collection by any word or topic. Select the perfect joke for your next occasion - choose the funniest or most appropriate item to drive home a point! Or just enjoy terrific humor on something you like. It's the greatest thing on mirth!

Jokes, riddles, short stones, puns, quips, satire, boasts, jests, funny dialogues, and the all-important one-liners are all here. Search by any word or phrase in the actual jokes' text. Or select from over 1,000 subject areas include business, art, politics, and sports. Includes two calendars of amusing sports events and sports figures, and a 366-day calendar of historic political events. Even if you have no funny bone, you'll still enjoy the wealth of revealing wisdom about human nature. Speakers, don't overlook the value of humor - as provided here by such renowned humorists as Gene and Linda Perret. Win 'em over with yuks and grins! Only the best from:

* Braude's Treasury of Wit and Humor

* Speaker's Treasury of Sports Anecdotes, Stories, and Humor

* Funny Business: Speaker's Treasury of Business Humor for

  All Occasions

* Encyclopedia of Ad-Libs, Crazy Jokes, Insults, and Wisecracks

* Complete Speaker's Galaxy of Funny Stories, Jokes, and

  Anecdotes

* Galaxy of Funny Gags, Puns, Quips, and Putdowns

* Handbook of Inspirational and Motivational Stories, Anecdotes,

  & Humor

* I Shoulda Said...(one-liners)

* Speaker's Treasury of Political Stories, Anecdotes, and Humor

* Complete Book of Insults, Boasts, and Riddles

* 5,000 One and Two Liners for Any and Every Occasion

Minimum PC system required: IBM PC/XT/AT, PS/2 or compatible; 460k RAM available, any CD-ROM drive with MS-DOS CD-ROM Extensions, monochrome or color monitor

Price: $69.00 - special introductory price good through March 31, 1993 (regularly $99.00)

NISC - National Information Services Corp

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

410-243-0797;  fax: 410-243-0982


LabTutor Computerized Textbook Using LabVIEW
LabTutor Computerized Textbook Uses LabVIEW and HyperCard to Teach Data Acquisition and Laboratory Control on the Macintosh

January 27, 1993 - Austin, TX - John K. Eaton, a professor of mechanical engineering at Stanford University and a member of the National Instruments Alliance Program, announced today LabTutor, a new Macintosh-based instructional tool for teaching concepts and techniques about computer-based data acquisition, laboratory system control, and data analysis. LabTutor includes a HyperCard-based textbook (hardcopy and softcopy) and extensive programming examples and practice exercises developed using the Macintosh and the LabVIEW graphical programming software from National Instruments.

The LabTutor textbook begins with an introduction on how to interface computers to programmable instruments and data acquisition hardware, and explains what hardware is needed for setting up a typical laboratory computer system. Subsequent sections describe using conventional laboratory instrumentation, digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion, analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion, parallel digital interfacing, GPIB instrument interfacing, and data analysis techniques. Each section contains a general overview and application examples, a description of how the interface hardware works, and a discussion of how to use the LabVEW programming examples and exercises.

LabTutor was developed with partial funding from Apple Computer and the National Science Foundation. The package is designed for use as either undergraduate or graduate college-level courseware or as a self-paced tutorial for use in either an academic setting or private industry for employee training or continuing education programs. Professors may consider using the LabTutor package as a required textbook, which can be purchased through university bookstores.

LabTutor is already in use in several college-level engineering courses and labs, including Stanford University, University of Minnesota, and Tufts University.

System Requirements

LabTutor will run on any Macintosh computer capable of running HyperCard with at least 2M of disk storage. To work the exercises provided, users need a Macintosh NuBus computer with LabVEW, Version 2.0 or higher, and at least SM of memory. The NBMIO-16 and NB-GPIB interface boards from National Instruments are also required to perform the data acquisition exercises with LabTutor.

Price, Availability, and for More Information

LabTutor is available now from John Eaton for $35. Site licenses are available. For more information, please contact John K. Eaton, 635 Salvatierra Street, Stanford, CA 94305, (415) 329-1171.

LabVIEW is available now for $1,995 from National Instruments. For more information, please contact National Instruments 6504 Bridge Point Parkway, Austin, TX 787305039, (512) 7941011, fax: (512) 7948411. Call toll-free in the U.S. and Canada at (800) 433-3488.

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

From the author:

LabTutor is multipurpose courseware which can be used as a traditional textbook or can double as a laboratory guidebook. The main body of the work covers the basic principles, concepts, and techniques of computer interfacing and data analysis. LabTutor goes beyond this to describe use of LabView, National Instruments graphical programming language for laboratory computers. This language is an excellent tool for students as well as working scientists and engineers. LabTutor provides extensive worked examples and functions as a very effective tutorial for LabView. Students are able to set up and program the hardware exercises entirely on their own.

LabTutor has been used extensively at Stanford University for undergraduate and graduate laboratory courses. In addition, many users have worked through the tutorial independently learning the entire subject without an instructor.

The present version of LabTutor runs under Hypercard on Apple Macintosh Computers. A Microsoft Windows version will be available in mid 1993. Development of LabTutor was partially supported by grants from Apple Computer and the National Science Foundation.

LabTutor is new courseware which was developed to fill the need for a modern textbook on computer-based data acquisition, laboratory system control, and data analysis techniques. It was designed for use either as a course textbook or alternatively as a self-paced tutorial.

LabTutor is computer-based so it can be read on the computer and includes text, graphics, animation and sound providing a stimulating and easy to understand presentation. LabTutor includes extensive hands-on examples guiding the student through a fully interactive laboratory experience.

LabTutor may be purchased in single quantities for $35 which includes the hardcopy volume and two diskettes. Site licensing is also available.

John K. Eaton, 635 Salvatierra St, Stanford, CA 94305

(415) 723-1971


Outrageous DR DOS Batch File Programming
PC Users Learn How to Write Powerful DR DOS Batch Files and Utilities

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA-- Outrageous DR DOS Batch File Programming is perfect for the growing number of DR DOS users who want to customize their PC systems and simplify many of their most time-consuming computer tasks.

This clearly written guide takes DR DOS users far beyond batch file basics. After a quick review of fundamental batch file programming techniques, Harley Bjelland and Dan Gookin provide complete code--included on the enclosed disk--for programs that readers can use to modify displays and work environments, set system parameters and variables, launch multiple applications, configure directories, and much more.

Other topics covered range from using batch files to manage hard disks more efficiently to boosting batch file productivity using macros and control languages. In addition, Outrageous DR DOS Batch File Programming includes a handy DR DOS command summary and usage encyclopedia.

About the Authors:

Harley L. Bjelland is the author of Windcrest's Using Online Scientific and Engineering Databases and Writing Better Technical Articles. Dan Gookin is a computer consultant and author of Windcrest's bestselling Stacker: An Illustrated Tutorial and Advanced Batch File Programming--3rd Edition.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill

Outrageous DR DOS Batch File Programming

Order No. 4288 * Available: January 1993

Paper $34.95 ISBN 0-8306-4243-9

488 pp., 131 illus., 7" x 10" * 3.5" disk included

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

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


Collaborative Programming for Client-Server Apps
GUPTA INTRODUCES COLLABORATIVE PROGRAMMING FOR CLIENT-SERVER APPLICATIONS

Gupta SQLWindows 4.0 and Quest 2.0 Feature Team Programming, OOP Environment and Ease-of-Use

Menlo Park, Calif., January 18, 1993--Gupta Corporation introduced collaborative programming to the PC client-server market with the announcement today of Gupta SQLWindows 4.0 and Quest 2.0. The announcement represents a major leap in PC-based client-server application development for the enterprise.

Gupta SQLWindows is the leading client-server application development tool for corporate programmers and Gupta Quest is the leading end-user data access, query and reporting tool. Both award-winning products are popular client front-ends for a host of back-ends including Gupta SQLBase Server, Oracle, Microsoft/Sybase SQL Server, IBM DB2, AS/400, Informix and many others.

The primary additions to SQLWindows include TeamWindows, a brand new component that facilitates teams of programmers of varying skills to work together on enterprise-wide client-server application projects; QuestWindow, which brings the ease-of-use features of Quest to the SQLWindows developer, and a complete Object Oriented Programming (OOP) environment for SQLWindows developers interested in object oriented programming. These features significantly improve the productivity of application programs while giving managers increased control and coordination of application projects.

Other enhancements to SQLWindows include increased support for SQL backends, complete support for Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) and Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) and richer reporting options in Gupta's uniquely powerful Report Windows, a completely integrated full-featured report writer.

Umang P. Gupta, president and CEO said, "With SQLWindows 4.0 we have lowered the bar and raised the ante. We have lowered the bar for our users by making it even easier to build client-server applications than ever before. We have raised the ante for our competitors by introducing features to the PC client-server market that, up to now, were only available on larger mainframe-based systems."

TeamWindows

SQLWindows 4.0 now supports collaborative programming through a brand new component called TeamWindows which provides the ability for teams of developers to work together on large, client-server application projects. While facilities for supporting groups of developers working together on applications have long been common in the mainframe world, until now such facilities have not been available for client-server computing on PCs.

TeamWindows offers a multi-programmer development environment with a dictionary driven application generator, check-in and check-out facilities, security, project management features and source-code and version control so that developers can share and re-use portions of a SQLWindows application during its entire life-cycle. TeamWindows initially uses Gupta SQLBase server as its LAN-based data dictionary and repository. Future versions will support third party repositories including Oracle and Sybase.

The primary benefits of TeamWindows for client-server application programmers are:

* Specialization - TeamWindows allows for task specialization. For example, a programmer experienced in building application templates may become the specialist for that task, allowing less-experienced team members to use those templates for generating and coding their application screens.

* Code reusability-- screens, templates, report programs, object classes and other application objects can be developed once and stored in the repository. other programmers can then build applications more rapidly by pulling together objects from the repository.

* Management Control-- Project managers can monitor every aspect of an application during its entire life cycle and coordinate the work of all programmers on the project.

Thus TeamWindows increases individual productivity and ease-of-use, team productivity and coordination, and managerial productivity and control.

Neal Hill, a senior analyst at Forrester Research said, "The features that Gupta has introduced with SQLWindows 4.0 are addressing the client-server development needs that users are crying out for. This product should help further propel the already fast-growing market for client-server software."

QuestWindow

Another major addition to SQLWindows is the QuestWindow, providing increased ease-of-use for the client-server developer.

QuestWindow goes a step further than PowerBuilder's Data Window to make application development easier and faster by integrating the entire functionality of Gupta Quest within SQLWindows 4.0. All of Quest's noted abilities for point-and-click data access and querying become completely available from SQLWindows, without programming or knowledge of SQL. The QuestWindow is a boon to developers new to client-server and graphical programming because they will become more productive faster, and with less training.

Here's how it works: A programmer drops a fully functional Quest Window -- such as a Browse and Edit Table or Form Window Object directly from the Tool Palette into a SQLWindows application. Then Quest's point-and-click interface enables the programmer to quickly and easily produce a database query (without coding in SQL) and link this query to QuestWindow. The functionality of this query automatically becomes part of QuestWindow in the SQLWindows application, enabling the developer to create forms and tables which can be used to browse, change and add data without writing a single line of SQL code.

Object Oriented Programming (OOP) Environment

SQLWindows 4.0 also now includes a completely object oriented programming (OOP) environment with multi-level inheritance, polymorphism and encapsulation. The object oriented features in SQLWindows have been introduced in a unique new way so that developers not interested in using OOP features are not required to use them. They are optional and "hidden" within the SQLWindows Application Outliner. When a developer is ready to begin using the OOP facilities, they are available with extensive on-line Help facilities and step-by-step options. With this approach Gupta is offering OOP with "training wheels," providing "learn as you go" object oriented programming.

Some of the classes of objects that can be built with SQLWindows 4.0 include both user-defined and custom window classes as well as functional classes. Once created, classes can be utilized directly from the tool palette or browsed via a full-featured class browser.

An introductory set of object classes will ship with SQLWindows 4.0. Additional class libraries will become available later from Gupta and from third parties.

Additional SQLWindows Features

SQLWindows 4.0 also has more than 40 significant functional enhancements made in direct response to broad customer feedback. These enhancements include full Multiple Document Interface (MDI) and Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) support and advanced report writing capabilities in Report Windows including support for Cross Tab and Two Pass Totaling reports.

The SQLWindows Application Language (SAL) has many new enhancements ranging from a complete set of object oriented extensions to multi-dimensional arrays and support for functions and parameters in Top-Level Windows. SQLWindows 4.0 also has improved debugging capabilities.

A new tool called Edit Windows is available for easily translating and customizing SQLWindows applications to various national languages without modifying the application source code.

New Versions of Quest

The new versions of Quest include support for data management and querying using Forms, increased security features, the ability to install and de-install individual Quest activities, Query templates, support for Microsoft's OLE standard as both a client and a server, enhanced support for SQL through a new SQL Activity, increased business reporting power with cross-tabular and two-pass totaling reports, and new back-end support for Informix, AS/400 and HP Allbase/SQL.

The addition of the Forms activity to Quest lets end users do data entry and querying through a more familiar forms-oriented interface, rather than the current table interface only. End-users can now easily create forms-based data management interfaces automatically from SQL data and customize them using graphical painting tools, menus and dialog boxes. Multi-record table views are available, making master-detail forms easy to implement.

Quest 2.0 includes all the above enhancements except the Forms activity and will be available at the same time as SQLWindows 4.0. Quest 2.1 includes the Forms activity and will be available 90 days later to all Quest 2.0 purchasers free of charge.

Quest 2.0 and 2.1 also have a new SQL Activity feature that allows power users more comfortable with SQL syntax to enter SQL statements directly, rather than through the menu interface, and execute them against any Quest-supported database.

Pricing and Availability

Gupta SQLWindows 4.0 will ship by March 31. It will be offered in two configurations--the Standard Edition and the Corporate Edition. The Standard Edition is priced at $1,995 and includes the SQLWindows 4.0 Application Design Module, Report Windows, SQLTalk/Windows, SQLBase for Windows and the SQLBase Single-User Engine. The Corporate Edition is priced at $3,495 and includes the SQLWindows 4.0 Standard Edition plus Quest, TeamWindows and EditWindows.

Gupta Quest 2.0 will ship March 31 for $595. Quest 2.1 will be a maintenance release available in June and provided free of charge to purchasers of Quest 2.0.

All prices are U.S. suggested retail prices only.

U.S. customers interested in upgrade information should call 1-800-876-3267.

U.S. Seminar Series

Gupta will hold a series of free, invitation-only seminars demonstrating collaborative programming with SQLWindows 4.0 and Quest through a live dramatization of real-world application development. Umang Gupta will be the featured speaker at the seminars to be held in San Francisco, New York and Chicago on March 15, 18 and 19, respectively.

About Gupta Corporation

Gupta Corporation, founded in 1984 and based in Menlo Park, Calif., is the world's leading provider of client-server database systems for PC networks. Its mission to enable the downsizing/rightsizing of corporate information systems to PC-LANs with client-server software solutions. Gupta's products are widely used by Fortune 1000 companies and have been instrumental in the fast growth of the emerging market for PC-based client-server software.

The complete Gupta SQL System consists of database servers (Gupta SQLBase), end-user and application development tools (Gupta SQLWindows and Gupta Quest) and SQL connectivity software (Gupta SQLNetwork) for connecting Gupta tools to a host of back ends including IBM DB2, Oracle, Sybase/Microsoft SQL Server, OS/2 Database Manager, Informix, AS/400, HP Allbase and TurboImage, Cincom Supra Server and NetWare SQL

Gupta Corp, 1060 Marsh Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025

415-321-9500;  Fax: 415-321-5471


In His Time Christian Info & Resource Organizer
In His Time Bridges the Gap Between Business, Home and Spiritual Life

Kirkland, Wash. -- Colonnade Technologies introduced the first comprehensive Christian information and resource organizer, In His Time, at the International Christian Booksellers Association convention in Dallas. In His Time is an intuitive and enjoyable Windows program designed to integrate Christian disciplines and inspiration with everyday organizational tools.

In His Time helps people bridge the gap between business, home and Christian life, combining the needs of each into a single, helpful desktop organizer. In His Time has more than 28 features for time planning and integration of the Bible into daily activities.

"In this fast-paced world it can be difficult to nurture your Christian walk--developing your relationship with the Lord," said Jerry Taylor, chief executive officer and president of Colonnade. "With In His Time we offer a new and exciting way to pursue Christian beliefs while bringing greater fulfillment and productivity."

A Complete, Easy-To-Use Desk Organizer

In His Time offers daily, weekly, monthly and yearly calendar displays, as well as many other useful functions:

*     Daily scripture verses with practical life applications-- Every day In His Time shares a scripture verse with a short, relevant application in one of several Bible translations. It makes learning and applying the Bible each day easy and enjoyable.

*     Personal prayer diary--In His Time's personal prayer diary allows space for recording prayers, including room for noting how prayers were answered.

*     Bible reading plan--In His Time suggests the daily scripture readings for a personalized program.

*     Scripture topics for guidance and motivation--Relevant scripture references are listed for topics such as compassion, love, forgiveness, anger, depression and anxiety to help people find spiritual truth in areas where they need direction.

*     Christian-oriented cartoons--Entertaining and enlightening Christian cartoons are an exclusive feature of In His Time. The cartoons can be set to appear first thing every morning, or brought up anytime a little humor is needed during the day.

*     Complete address book--Keep frequently used names, addresses, phone numbers and notes handy for quick reference.

*     Things-To-Do checklists--In His Time will list daily things-to-do by priority to help people use their time more efficiently. Also, items not completed will automatically be moved to the next day.

*     Events To Remember--In His Time will give reminders in advance of upcoming events, such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, conferences or seminars as well as tasks for the day.

*     Other helpful functions such as the capability to print any calendar or activity and an alarm system for important appointments to increase personal productivity.

Information and resource organizers are "in tune with what the market is looking for--a low-cost, intuitive product," according to Mary Conti Lofreddo, an analyst for International Data Corp., a market-research firm in Framingham, Massachusetts. In His Time provides end-users with a specialized Christian product that will fill that need.

Pricing and Availability

Colonnade's In His Time Christian information and resource organizer will be available in August directly from Colonnade Technologies, through the Parable Group association of Christian retailers, at local Christian bookstores and through the InterVarsity Press book club at a list price of $99.95. The company also plans to offer In His Time through computer and software stores nationwide.

System Requirements

*  IBM-compatible 286/386/486

*  DOS 3.1 or higher

*  Windows 3.0 or higher

*  2 MB system memory

*  1.2 MB 5 1/4" or 1.44 MB 3 1/2" disk drive

*  3 MB available disk space

Breaking New Ground in Christian Products

Colonnade Technologies specializes in developing PC software for the Christian marketplace. Colonnade plans to offer additional software products to enlighten and entertain Christians. Future releases will include full-featured Bible study software and Christian oriented on-line services all using In His Time as a common entry point, and other daily inspirational thoughts to accompany In His Time. Colonnade Technologies' mailing address is 11410 N.E. 124th St., Suite 171, Kirkland, Washington 98034-4399. The phone is (206) 869-8838.


Modem Suppliers Support Coming V.FAST Standard
V.Fast Vs. V.32terbo

Modem Suppliers Support Forthcoming V.FAST Standard

SUNRISE, FL. -- Racal-Datacom and several other leading modem manufacturers announce their continuing support for the forthcoming "V.Fast" standard and the formation of an industry Interoperability Forum for V.Fast-type dial modems at speeds up to 28,800 bits per second. The group rejects an interim "V.32terbo" specification being circulated by some vendors.

"We believe the evolving high-speed V.Fast standard under discussion by CCITT (Consultative Committee International for Telegraphy and Telephony) serves the best interests of the data communications industry and our users," said Julio Siberio. RacalDatacom's vice president of Analog Products. "Now is not the time to offer a modification of the existing V.32bis when we are nearing the adoption, probably in 1993, of a new, globally accepted, new standard for high-speed modem operations."

Taking note of the exploding demand for high-speed dial modem technology in such applications as facsimile transmission, LAN interconnectivity and videophones, the group expressed its belief that the V.Fast standard now being developed by CCITT will provide users with the best feasible performance as early as possible. The cooperative activities announced today are in support of that goal.

Members of the group make the following specific points:

1. The CCITT V.Fast standard is expected to become firm during 1993. V.Fast will be a true international standard, available to all. In contrast, "V.32terbo" is not a CCITT standard but simply embodies a proprietary modulation technique for 19,200 bps which apparently is supported by a few vendors.

2. The CCITT V.Fast standard, when it is finalized, will allow transmission of data at rates up to 28,800 bps, doubling the current top speed of 14,400 bps (CCITT's V.32bis standard). In contrast, "V.32terbo" will go up to only 19,200 bps. At the 19,200 rate, V.Fast will provide about 6 dB (a factor of four) more noise margin than V.32terbo. This is because V.32terbo uses V.32 technology (dating from 1984), whereas V.Fast uses the latest high-speed modem technologies. V.32terbo modems will in general not be upgradeable to be compatible with V.Fast.

3. While an upgrade from 14,400 to 19,200 bps may satisfy some specific applications and might have made sense several years ago, there seems little point in a general offering of such an interim upgrade now when a substantially superior standard will be available in about a year.

INTEROPERABILITY FORUM FORMED

The manufacturers announced the formation of an Interoperability Forum. Many of these manufacturers have V.Fast-type modems either announced or in the laboratory. The purposes of the Interoperability Forum will be:

1. To verify the performance of early implementations of the modem technologies that are being included in V.Fast.

2. To provide data and recommendations to the CCITT V.Fast Rapporteur Group which is developing the V.Fast standard, so as to ensure completion of a firm V.Fast draft recommendation in 1993.

3. As the V.Fast standard becomes firm, to ensure compatibility between V.Fast modems built by different manufacturers.

Racal-Datacom announced in late 1992 its software downloadable ALM 3239 standalone and ALM 3268 dual density central site card, operating in transmission speeds up to 21,600 bps in point-to-point two/four wire leased line or dial applications. Both will be compatible, if not compliant, with the new CCITT V.Fast standard when it is issued. The company anticipates CCITT issuance of the actual standard now nicknamed V.Fast to be during 1994, if not 1993.

Racal-Datacom is a leading independent provider of data communications products, systems and services designed to meet the business objectives of corporations and government organizations. The company is represented in more than 80 nations, and offers solutions for the implementation, integration, management and support of enterprise networks from the desk top through local area and wide area networks. RacalDatacom offers the broadest range of LAN/WAN products in the industry. all managed by a single network management system and all supported by a full range of network services. The company reported revenues of more than $606 million for the fiscal year 1992.

Racal-Datacomm, 1601 N. Harrison Parkway, Sunrise, FL 33323-2899

Mailing Address: PO Box 40744, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33340-7044

305-846-1601;  Fax: 305-846-3935


DiskDupe Pro Version 4.0 Disk Copying Swr
Ease-of-use, Quality Assurance Focus of DiskDupe Upgrade

CUPERTINO, CA - February 1993 - Micro System Designs has released a new version of its disk copying software, DiskDupe Pro, version 4.0. New features make the program more intuitive and help produce perfect disks, benefitting users who simply want to spend less time copying floppy disks as well as software developers and others who need to push the duplicating process to its limits.

DiskDupe formats, copies, and compares disks using mouse-driven pull down menus that make arcane DOS commands obsolete. Version 4.0 automatically senses the disk type and the configuration of the A: and B: drives.

Users can also set up DiskDupe from the DOS command-line, whether they want to change several features or specify a complete configuration file. Using DiskDupe batch files, even computer novices can run complex duplicating jobs. "We have written batch files, scripts, and macros that incorporate the command-line switches and have greatly reduced the time, effort, and errors associated with creating masters and producing product," says DiskDupe user Dale Quigg of Applied Microsystems Corp.

DiskDupe is as fast as it is easy-to-use, up to six times faster than DOS, in fact. DiskDupe reads the source disk in a single pass and uses RAM (including EMS/XMS) and virtual memory to make an unlimited number of copies without rereading the master disk. Disks that are copied frequently can be stored on a hard disk as image files to speed duplication further and save wear-and tear on masters. Image files are read just once and, stored on a network, make disk distribution simple.

Bad disks that could otherwise cause irrecoverable information loss are detected by DiskDupe's Verify feature, a rigorous error-checking mechanism which performs a CRC (Cyclical Redundancy Check). Verify now also performs a byte-by-byte comparison with the original data as the copy is made to ensure 100% accuracy.

To detect pitfalls lurking inside the computer, DiskDupe 4.0 has advanced diagnostics to monitor the disk drive and drive controller for failures during the copying process and provides a special head cleaning cycle for floppy drives to remedy what Micro Systems Designs' President Max Dunn calls "a major undiagnosed cause of bad floppy disks." Disks copied in dirty drives, according to Dunn, often behave erratically and cannot be read in some computers.

DiskDupe provides specialized features that allow users to complete in a single step duplicating tasks they would otherwise deal with in lengthy, roundabout ways. Laptop users, for example, can quickly convert between 5.25" and 3.5" size disks to fit their laptop's 3.5" drive. And DiskDupe will copy even Unix, Midi, and high density Mac disks, to name a few.

The Relay feature copies each write-protected master disk to every non-write protected disk inserted after it, making backups of large software packages a breeze and allowing shareware distributors to easily duplicate their libraries. Relay can also be combined with Cascade, which copies to up to four drives in a cycle before pausing while the user changes the disks.

Software developers can use DiskDupe to serialize their disks and in version 4.0 can also print out disk labels complete with the volume name, serial number, and first line of a file on the disk. DiskDupe interfaces with copy protection and other programs for complete flexibility.

The Set feature allows users to copy authorized groups of image files in either set or disk order. And database and information services can use DiskDupe's special RAM disk to transfer various combinations off frequently changing files from CD-ROMS and mainframe computers to floppy disks.

DiskDupe Pro works with the latest technology on the market today, including 2.8 Mb, double-speed, and SDS (Simultaneous Double-Sided) drives. It supports up to four drives at a time and enhanced controllers that work at the 1Mb data rate.

In addition to DiskDupe Pro, Micro System Designs also provides a streamlined edition, DiskDupe, which provides basic duplicating functions with the same speed and reliability, and a more advanced edition DiskDupe Auto Pro, which adds support for autoloaders for hands-free duplication

DiskDupe Pro Works on any IBM PC, PS/2, or compatible running DOS 2.0 or later and is available direct from Micro System Designs for $179. Upgrade pricing is also available to registered users.

Micro Systems Designs

10062 Miller Ave, Ste 104, Cupertino, CA 95014

408-446-2066;  fax: 408-446-2095


SQLBase Server for Windows
GUPTA SHIPS FIRST MULTI-TASKING DATABASE FOR WINDOWS

SQLBase Server For Windows Ships

Menlo Park, Calif., December 28, 1992 -- Gupta Corporation announced today that it is shipping SQLBase Server for Windows, the first multi-tasking database for Microsoft Windows. The multitasking ability of Gupta SQLBase Server for Windows lets users simultaneously run different client-server applications accessing a local SQLBase database, while concurrently accessing a remote SQL database server. Previously, users could have only one application at a time accessing data from a single SQL database.

Gupta SQLBase Server for Windows is currently shipping and is priced at $595.00. Gupta is running an introductory promotion through December 31,1992, offering SQLBase Server for Windows to customers with valid SQLWindows or Quest licenses for $195.00 per existing license. Additional copies of SQLBase Server (beyond the number of SQLWindows or Quest licenses the customer currently has) can be purchased for $495.00 each.

SQLBase Server is Gupta's high performance SQL database server designed for the full range of desktop operating system platforms: WS (in single and multi-user versions), Windows (in single-tasking or multi-tasking, single-user versions), NetWare (as a NetWare Loadable Module, or NLM, OS/2, and Sun UNIX. Gupta has also announced that it is porting SQLBase Server to Univel's UnixWare and Microsoft Windows NT.

SQLBase Server pioneered the market for PC client-server databases when it was introduced in 1986, and is the only SQL database server that has been designed expressly for PC networks and graphical environments. It is well-known for its speed, simplicity and sophistication. SQLBase Server for NetWare is currently the price/performance leader among PC client-server databases, benchmarked at 102 transactions per second.

Gupta Corporation, founded in 1984, is the leading vendor of client-server database software for PC networks. Gupta's products are widely used by major corporations to downsize/rightsize their applications to PC LANs. In addition to SQLBase Server, Gupta SQLWindows has been instrumental in the growth of applications developed for client-server networks. Quest is a data access, query and reporting tool for end-users, and SQLNetwork is a family of software products (SQLGateway and SQLRouter) for connecting Gupta tools and servers to other server data sources including DB2, ORACLE, Sybase and Microsoft SQL Server, Informix, AS/400 Database, HP/ALLBASE and HP/TurboIMAGE, Cincom SUPRA Server and others.

Gupta Corp, 1060 Marsh Rd, Menlo Park, CA 94025

415-321-9500;  Fax: 415-321-5471


THE CD-ROM DIRECTORY 1993

with Multimedia CD's

63 % more titles available worldwide !

Explosive Market Growth

January 1993 -- The 9th edition of The CD-ROM Directory has seen the greatest ever increase in the number of CD-ROM and Multimedia CD titles, a staggering 63% ! There are now well in excess of 3,500 titles available worldwide, with 1,870 new titles (52% of those in the directory!) having appeared over the last 12 months. Taking into account those titles that are no longer available, this amounts to an overall increase of nearly 1,400 compared with 1991.

1992 has seen an explosion in the rate of market growth as established disc publishers broaden their range of titles and new publishers enter the marketplace. "This is just a small taste of things to come", says editor, Matthew Finlay. While multimedia continues to occupy column inches and maintain a high profile, the real growth, in numbers terms, is in fact coming from the established formats within the vertical markets for business and professional titles.

New Multilingual CD-ROM Version

The 9th edition of the directory ON DISC now uses CD Answer retrieval software from Dataware Technologies, Inc. A multilingual interface allows the international users to select the retrieval software in different languages (currently English, French, Spanish and German). "CD Answer will also provide two other features that our subscribers have been eagerly awaiting," says editor Matthew Finlay, "the ability to link searches (using a windowing system) across several databases, without needing to exit the database currently in operation, and a list display of retrieved search items, enabling quick access to any record in a selection."

Growth of Multimedia CD's

Reflecting the developing technologies within the industry, the directory contains a section devoted entirely to multimedia CD titles. This section includes all titles in the CD-I, CD-ROM XA, and CDTV formats, and has full cross references to those CD-ROM titles that have been defined as multimedia. Also included are details of titles designed for the new Tandy Video Information System (VIS) launched in the latter half of 1992. Multimedia CD Titles now comprise 25% of all those available, compared with nearly 20% a year ago. It is interesting to note that many of the consumer oriented multimedia titles are becoming available on a number of different formats.

Who should read this directory

For anyone with a CD-ROM drive, the directory is the perfect guide to what titles are now available within this fast-changing environment. For companies wishing to publish their own title or for those already established in the industry, the directory remains the bible on what's happening within the CD-ROM & multimedia CD business.

Publication Schedule

In order to keep fully up-to-date with this fast-changing business, a completely new edition of The CD-ROM Directory is published every six months (Dec & July). The latest edition (the 9th), launched this very month, is available both ON DISC and as a BOOK VERSION. Subscribers to the CD-ROM VERSION automatically receive two editions as part of their annual subscription ($220 for both editions), and the BOOK VERSION is published in December of each year ($165 per copy).

TFPL, 1301 Twentieth St NW (#702), Washington, D.C. 20036

202-296-6009;  202-296-6343


Beat the Bomb, New Shareware Animated Math Game
Play a new animated math game!  -- BEAT THE BOMB

Beat the Bomb is a new animated math game that uses fast, high-resolution EGA/VGA color graphics to help students learn their addition facts. Students race against a clock, a bomb, or a snail, or build castles with correct answers. The simple instructions make the program easy to use. Extensive options allow the game to be tailored to a student's needs.

Beat the Bomb requires:

- a Microsoft compatible mouse

- true EGA/VGA color graphics

- 512k of memory (400k free)

- DOS 2.1 or later

When you register Beat the Bomb you receive these additional features:

- Addition              - Subtraction

- Multiplication        - Division

- Combined (mix of addition, subtraction etc.)

- More graphics         - More options

The registration price for Beat the Bomb is $15 US (+ $3 S&H US, $5 foreign) and includes a disk with the latest revision and telephone support for 90 days. Credit card orders are accepted via an 800 number (through PsL).

ASP approved BBS and catalog vendors may distribute Beat the Bomb in accordance with ASP regulations. Rack, CD-ROM, and other vendors may not distribute this program without permission.

First Magnitude

175 E. Alex-Bell Rd. Suite 220-316, Centerville, OH 45459

First Magnitude is a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP).


SalesLink Systems Opens New Headquarters
SalesLink Systems Opens New Headquarters in Schaumburg, IL

Schaumburg, IL, February 1 - SalesLink Systems, a developer of customizable sales force automation software systems, today opened new headquarters offices here in the Schaumburg Corporate Center.

The company will conduct its sales, marketing, product development, technical services, training and financial operations at the new facility. SalesLink Systems moved to its new headquarters from the Business and Technology Center at the Northwestern University/Evanston Research Park, Evanston, IL, where the company had been located since its formation in 1990.

SalesLink Systems is a unit of The Strategic Marketing Group (SMG), founded in 1988 to provide information systems and consulting services that increase sales force productivity. SMG formed SalesLink Systems to develop and market customized sales force automation solutions for companies engaged in business-to-business selling of products or services characterized by a complex, information-intensive selling process.

The SalesLink Solution, installed at such companies as Ameritech, American Airlines SABRE Travel Information Network, Independence Blue Cross, NEC America and Joseph E. Seagram & Sons, consists of the "front-end" SalesLink for Windows data-collection and sales reporting system running on portable notebook computers, the "back-end" SalesLink for WlndowsManager's Edition data-aggregation and analysis system running on powerful standalone personal computers, and the SalesLink for Windows/Toolkits for customizing and administration.

The SalesLink Solution uniquely and conveniently captures the outcome of every competitive selling opportunity and the reasons for those outcomes, and facilitates the graphical analysis of the aggregated information, a process SalesLink Systems describes as "deriving knowledge from information."

For more information contact SalesLink Systems, Schaumburg Corporate Center, 1515 Woodfield Rd., Suite 660, Schaumburg, IL 60173, 708/517-1100 (fax: 708/517-7575)


OS/2 Support for PCC Intelligent Serial Cards
OS/2 Support Announced for PCC Intelligent Serial Cards

February 1, 1993 -- I-Concepts, Inc., the U.S. distributor of the PCC series of intelligent serial communications controllers, today announced support for OS/2. The new software device drivers for the 8 and 16-port models are available immediately.

Ron Moore, Vice President of Development for I-Concepts commented, "We are pleased that OS/2 is now one of the operating environments we support along with OS/2 derivatives such as Citrix. The PCC cards employ unique 'communications management' techniques by reducing host processor load, thus providing an increase in overall multi-user system performance."

The PCC series incorporates "front-end processor" technology to greatly increase data throughput by utilizing an on-board 16 MHz. 80186 processor and 512 Kbytes of dual-ported memory. No host interrupts are used by the PCC's, and multiple cards can be utilized within each multi-user PC. Surge protection on each port is included to prevent damage to the circuit board and attached peripherals. All ports are individually configurable to 76.8 Kbps, and serial connections are made via 9-pin "D" connectors on an external distribution box.

The PCC series supports ISA, EISA and MCA bus standards. Other supported operating systems include Unix System V, SCO Unix and Xenix, AIX, Interactive Unix, DR Multi-user DOS, CDOS, OS-9000, and several others. Software drivers are supplied with each card along with a user manual and diagnostic software.

The PCC series cards are manufactured by Technology Concepts, Ltd., one of Europe's leading suppliers of serial communications devices. I-Concepts, Inc. of Dallas, Texas serves as the exclusive U.S. distributor of the cards manufactured by TCL. The entire product line includes standard, buffered, and intelligent asynchronous serial cards, along with several models for synchronous communications.

The PCC/8 is priced at $1,295, while the PCC/16 is $1,795. For more information, contact I-Concepts, Inc. at 2607 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX 75229 or (214) 956-7770.

I-Concepts, Inc. 2607 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX 75229

(214) 956-7770


Proverbs & Quotes for All Occasions on CDROM
PROVERBS & QUOTES FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Baltimore - National Information Services Corporation is pleased to publish two great lifetime reference works on CD-ROM:

The Prentice Hall ENCYCLOPEDIA OF WORLD PROVERBS: A Treasury of Wit and Wisdom Through the Ages

Dr. Wolfgang Mieder, renowned folklorist and editor of Proverbium: Yearbook of International Proverb Scholarship, has collected 18,520 of the world's true proverbs. By far the largest single volume of its type, it is not diluted by maxims, aphorisms, and other common phrases. Proverbs provide the wit, colorful imagery, and the cultural authority that marks interesting writing and engaging speaking. A truly democratized form of expression, the proverbs on this CD-ROM reveal the wisdom of the world's cultures, and charmingly shed light on human nature and the human condition.

WHAT A PIECE OF WORK IS MAN!:

Camp's Unfamiliar Quotations from 2,000 B.C. to the Present

Dr. Wesley D. Camp's amazing compendium of rare quotations features hundreds of literary and philosophical gems from Sophocles to Groucho Marx to Russell Baker. Output these insightful quotations to your word processor and make your next presentation brilliant. You'll discover plenty of fresh eloquence from a host of everyone's favorite commentators.

The CD-ROM Master Index is drawn from the original, extensive indexes developed by the authors. Search both works simultaneously by keyword or topic. Output to a favorite word processor for your convenience.

Minimum PC system required: IBM PC/XT/AT, PS/2 or compatible; 460k RAM available, any CD-ROM drive with MS-DOS CD-ROM Extensions, monochrome or color monitor

Price: $39.00 - special introductory price good through March 31, 1993 (regularly $59.00)

NISC - National Information Services Corp

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

410-243-0797;  fax: 410-243-0982


DOME Announces 34020 Version of Rx Display Board
DOME Announces 34020 Version of Rx Board for the PC/AT

Waltham, MA - February 2, 1993- DOME imaging systems, inc. announced that its Rx20 display board for the PC/AT is now available. The Rx20 board is the second generation of the industry-leading Rx16 board, first introduced by DOME imaging systems in 1989. The Rx16 board has been used successful in a variety of medical imaging applications, including radiology, nuclear medicine, CT, mammography, and radiation oncology.

The Rx20 board adds to and improves upon many of the features of the Rx16 board. The new board includes a 34020 TMS processor, MDA emulation, 8 Mbytes of offscreen memory and up to 8 independent 12-bit lookup tables. The Rx20 board, like the Rx16, has a resolution of 1280 x 1024 pixels, in either portrait or landscape, has extremely fast image downloads, and comes with a 4-bit nondestructive overlay. The Rx20 board is backward-compatible with the Rx16 board, therefore guaranteeing a seamless software transition between old and new products. While providing significant board performance over the Rx16 board, the Rx20 board price is $500 less expensive. The Rx20 board is priced at $3,995.00 and is available from DOME imaging systems, inc.

All of DOME's imaging products come complete with an extensive graphics and image processing library at no extra cost. This library includes a wide variety of graphics primitives, image processing routines, sample source code, and full documentation.

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

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

617-895-1155;  fax: 617-895-1133


PageAhead InfoPublisher Developer's Kit V1.3
PageAhead InfoPublisher Developer's Kit version 1.3

PageAhead's InfoPublisher Developer's Kit version 1.3 allows consultants, VARs (Value Added resellers) and database developers to provide clients with easy-to-use database publishing applications tailored specifically to their needs. With InfoPublisher users can generate a wider variety of high-quality reports using industry-standard word processors and desktop publishers with database management systems. Version 1.3 of the Developer's Kit includes an application programming interface (API) that allows database applications to drive InfoPublisher in a way that is transparent to end-users. Developers can then provide their clients unlimited runtime applications royalty-free.

The API enables database developers to write applications that launch InfoPublisher, load a setup file, modify the query, transform the data, export the formatted data into a word processor, and then shut down InfoPublisher. The API also enables developers to create a dynamic link to a word processor's functions, such as page setup or printing. A corporate developer can write a Visual Basic program that serves as a front end to the database and automates the entire data-gathering and data-formatting process via InfoPublisher. For example, a database developer's client who needs to create a proposal with an updated price list on a frequent basis can use this Visual Basic program and not even be aware that InfoPublisher is being used. The client can simply open the word processor or PageMaker file containing the proposal and price list, and be assured of always having the most up-to-date information.

Programming Tools:

The Developer's Kit 1.3 allows developers to use any programming tool that can load Microsoft Windows Dynamic Linked Library (DDL) and call its functions.

* Visual Basic

* C and C++ programming languages

* Oracle Card

* Object Vision

* ToolBook

* PowerBuilder Macro languages

* Microsoft Word for Windows

* Microsoft Excel

Powerful Formatting and Layout Options:

Users can arrange information any way they want with InfoPublisher's extensive format and layout options.

* single spreadsheet-like user interface

* data selection using query-by-example, allows users to join

  multiple dBASE files or SQL tables.

* automatic text formatting

* data clean-up and enhancement

* heading control with conditional suppression

* computational capabilities

* text replacement

* typographical sorting

* indexing

* auto capitalization - with exceptions

* graphics support

* character style overrides

System Requirements:

* IBM PC or compatible: 286/386/486

* Microsoft Windows 3.0 or 3.1, standard or enhanced modes

* Word Processors and Desktop Publishers: WordPerfect for

  Microsoft Windows or DOS, Microsoft Word for Windows or DOS,

  Ami Pro or Aldus PageMaker

* Databases: dBASE, Paradox, FoxBASE, FoxPro, ASCII, Sybase,

  Oracle or Microsoft SQL Server

* 2 MB RAM required, 4 MB memory recommended

Suggested Retail Price:

* The InfoPublisher Developer's Kit 1.3 is $495; the

  client/server edition of the Developer's Kit 1.3 is $995; and

  the end-user edition of InfoPublisher 1.2 is $295

Availability:

* Available through various resellers and direct from PageAhead

  Software Corporation. Contact PageAhead at 1-800-967-9671 for

  further information.

Corporate Information:

PageAhead Software Corporation is a Seattle-based software company specializing in products for database publishing. The company has strategic relationships with Microsoft Corporation, Aldus Corporation and Oracle Corporation. PageAhead has a contract with Microsoft to develop ODBC drivers for future Microsoft products. Under this agreement PageAhead has developed drivers for dBASE, Paradox, Btrieve, ASCII, Excel, Oracle, and Rdb. Aldus packages a PageMaker-specific version of InfoPublisher called Aldus PageMaker Database Edition. Oracle and PageAhead are working together on several end-user and reseller co-marketing programs. PageAhead Software is headquartered at 2125 Western Avenue, Suite 301, Seattle, WA 98121. Telephone is (206) 441-0340. Sales: 1-800-967-9671. The fax number is (206) 441-9876.


Running Microsoft Works 3 for the PC, 2nd Ed.
Running Microsoft Works 3 for the PC

Second Edition

The Practical Guide to Using Microsoft Works in Business

RUNNING MICROSOFT WORKS 3 FOR THE PC, now available from Microsoft Press, is the fast and easy way to get up and running with Microsoft's award-winning integrated software.

This easy-to-understand guide by Charles Rubin is the perfect home office and small business companion. Readers learn how to use the word processing, database, spreadsheet, graphics, and communications productivity tools in Works to perform hundreds of everyday business and personal tasks. With this book, almost anyone--including computer newcomers--can learn to:

* Produce professional-looking documents

* Create form letters and mailing labels

* Develop mailing lists and labels

* Develop error-free spreadsheets

* Transform spreadsheet numbers into easy-to-understand

  charts and graphs

* Create an efficient database to store and retrieve information

* Set up a complete business records system

* Communicate with other computer users, using online services

* Share information among the Works productivity tools

In Chapter 1, readers learn to use the program itself--how to move around the Microsoft Works screen, choose commands, create and manage files, use the Works accessories, and employ built-in macros. The rest of the chapters describe the individual Microsoft Works word processing, spreadsheet, database, and communications tools in detail. Each chapter is packed with helpful screen illustrations and handy tips. An overview of each tool contains a series of exercises followed by general tips designed to help readers get the most out of each application. Sample projects include a form letter, a budget, an amortization schedule, and an appointment calendar.

Appendixes show how to install Microsoft Works and start the program automatically when the computer is turned on. The book also features a quick primer covering basic MS-DOS operating system concepts and commands as well as a complete list of Microsoft Works specifications. A comprehensive index helps readers quickly locate information on any topic in the book.

Charles Rubin has written about microcomputers since 1981. He has written hundreds of articles, reviews, and columns about microcomputers for technology and general-interest magazines and newspapers, including The Wall Street Journal, MACWEEK, PC Week, MacWorld, InfoWorld, and the San Jose Mercury-News. He has also written over a dozen books about personal computer hardware and software, including Running Microsoft Works 3 for the Apple Macintosh 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. Tides ranging from streamlined tutorials for first-time computer users to technical references for professional programmers are distributed to book and software retailers worldwide. Consumers in the United States can also order directly from the publisher at 1-800-MSPRESS.

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

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

206-882-8080


Sega Denied Re-Hearing by Appeals Court
SEGA DENIED RE-HEARING BY NINTH CIRCUIT APPEALS COURT

SAN JOSE, CA-JANUARY 25, 1993 --The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals today denied both of Sega's requests for re-hearing in the landmark Sega vs. Accolade case. In its request for a re-hearing before the original three judge panel, and its subsequent request for a hearing before all twenty-eight judges of the Ninth Circuit, Sega sought to reverse the Court's original decision of August 28, 1992, which dissolved the District Court's injunction against Accolade, the only independent videogame manufacturer for the Sega Genesis.

In its unanimous decision to deny a re-hearing, Circuit Judges Canby, Reinhardt and Leavy noted, "The panel has voted to deny (Sega's) petition for rehearing and to reject the suggestion for rehearing en banc. The full court has been advised of the suggestion for rehearing en banc and no active judge has requested a vote on whether to rehear the matter en banc."

"Today's announcement further strengthens the ability of American companies to compete in the worldwide video game and computer software industries," stated Accolade Chairman, Alan R. Miller. "The Court recognizes that competition spurs innovation, which ultimately benefits consumers and society."

Peter M.C. Choy, Chairman of the American Committee for Interoperable Systems and Deputy General Counsel of Sun Microsystems, Inc., commented, "The unanimity of the Ninth Circuit's decision indicates the court's understanding of the importance of and support for competition in the computer industry. The decision validates ACIS' participation as a "friend of the court" in this and several other recent important cases involving copyright issues applied to computer software."

In its lawsuit, Sega alleged that its copyright and trademarks were infringed when Accolade studied a Sega Genesis game system and several Sega game cartridges to learn how to make Accolade games compatible with the system. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, however, concluded that disassembly of copyrighted object code is, as a matter of law, a fair use. On the trademark issues, the Ninth Circuit stated that Sega's conduct-was "clearly unlawful" and "inconsistent with the Lanham Act" when it knowingly caused the message "Produced by or Under License from Sega of America," to appear on-screen when Accolade's cartridges were inserted into the game console.

Miller concluded, "Accolade continues to move ahead in its development of quality games for the Sega Genesis. We look forward to the release of several games this year, including such already highly acclaimed Products as Al Michaels Announces HardBall III, Jack Nicklaus Power Challenge Golf, and our soon to be released original character based platform game, Bubsy In Claws Encounter of the Furred Kind, which critics have predicted will be the hottest new video game of 1993."

Accolade, with headquarters in San Jose, California, is a leading developer and marketer of entertainment software for leading personal computers and for leading videogame machines including Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Nintendo Gameboy and Sega Genesis.

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

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


Multimedia: Making It Work (includes disk)
Multimedia: Making It Work

(Includes One 3.5-inch Disk)

by Tay Vaughan

Osborne/McGraw-Hill announces publication of Multimedia: Making It Work, a new book and software package covering everything on multimedia, from concept to creation.

Multimedia pioneer Tay Vaughan has written a straightforward, illustrated guide to creating professional multimedia presentations -- from choosing sound boards to selecting CDs, from ROM drives and picking the best fonts, to selecting the right software.

Multimediaphiles working in a variety of platforms will get clear and concise explanations of hardware requirements for making and displaying multimedia; designing and building multimedia projects from the ground up; differentiating and selecting the right text, sound, graphic and video elements to create a unique presentation; and perfecting ideas by following the sample project plan.

Readers also receive a special bonus worth over $350 -- software from Mathematica on a 3.5-inch disk including TEMPRA.GIF, an image-editing program, and TEMPRA SHOW. a multimedia authoring program.

Written for anyone interested in getting the inside track on multimedia, Tay Vaughan provides help with making the power and impact of multimedia.

$27.95              ISBN:  0-07-881869-9           477 pages

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

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


OS/2 2.0 Programming, Accelerated Guide to OS/2
OS/2 2.0 Programming

by Herbert Schildt & Robert Goosey

Osborne/McGraw-Hill announces publication of OS/2 2.0 Programming, a new accelerated guide to OS/2 that will help programmers get up to speed fast with this advanced operating system from IBM.

Experienced programmers Schildt and Goosey have distilled months of research into a well-organized and highly readable discussion of OS/2. Programmers will save countless hours of poring through thousands of pages of OS/2 documentation.

OS/2 2.0 Programming begins with an overview of OS/2 and quickly guides readers through the basics of programming the Presentation Manager, and then onto more advanced topics of this complex operating system. Programmers will learn how to write multitasking programs, communicate between multiple tasks, build and use dynamic link libraries, write custom menus and dialog boxes, use graphics to enhance programs, read and write to disk files like an expert. and much more.

This book is a step-by-step companion to the volumes of OS/2 technical information. With OS/2 2.0 Programming, programmers will soon learn how to program for and utilize the power of OS/2 2.0.

$29.95       ISBN:  0-07-881910-5           360 pages

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

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


MF/FLOW Release 8.1 Plastics Flow Analysis
MOLDFLOW ANNOUNCES UPGRADED FLOW TECHNOLOGY

(Shelton, Connecticut -- January 27, 1993) Moldflow is now delivering a significant upgrade of its plastics flow analysis technology in the form of MF/FLOW Release 8.1 which contains several major new capabilities for users. First of all, CAD interfacing capability within MF/FLOW has been significantly improved by the addition of an IGES translator. The Moldflow modeling program MF/VIEW can now import an IGES generated surface file and export a finite element mesh suitable for Moldflow analysis. MF/VIEW can also output this mesh in Patran neutral file format turning MF/VIEW into a powerful CAD to CAE interfacing tool. As a result, a single model can now be used for CAD and CAE analysis, reducing model time and modeling errors, while only requiring an understanding of a single modeling system. Several tools have been provided to check and correct any imperfections in the translated model.

Furthermore, hard copy support of screen displays is now available within Moldflow's modeling and results display program MF/VIEW for HPGL/2 and Postscript format printers. MF/VIEW 3D analysis results display now includes sink mark prediction. Light source shading provides a realistic visualization of sink marks while color-scaled displays show predicted sink mark depth. 3D flow analysis programs now use an improved solver, giving shorter analysis time and more accurate pressure prediction. Automatic 3D graphical runner balancing has been improved, with annular, tapered, circular and rectangular runner cross sections now being supported. Extra pressure control options have been added to MF/FLOW, allowing the user to switch over to packing pressure based on PVT/Compressability data. This simulates the mold shop practice of stopping the molding machine ram before the cavity is completely filled, allowing the melt to expand into the remaining area. Clamp tonnage prediction accuracy will be improved using this method.

Finally, Moldflow's interactive 2D flow analysis has a new graphical user interface based on the same Motif standards as the full Moldflow 3D flow analysis product. All commands are selected via a mouse from pull down menus, commands do not need to be memorized. Only relevant menu options are active when a task is selected, making the software intuitive to use, without requiring specialist skills. Simple 3D modeling requires only the representative flow path to be created, while on-line recommended material processing conditions guide analysis inputs. Instantaneous graphical analysis results include graph plots of melt properties such as pressure and temperature, while automatic re-dimensioning of runner and cavity sections gives balanced flow pressures.

Moldflow has pioneered computerized analysis of plastic injection molding, which improves product performance, reduces scrap, shortens design leadtimes and lowers design and manufacturing costs. Independent market surveys have determined that Moldflow has a dominant market share. Products include: MF/FLOW -- which predicts flow patterns and characteristics within the mold; MF/COOL --- which analyzes the vital role of heat exchange and temperature control in the mold; and MF/WARP software which analyzes the net distortion of the actual molded part and helps determine its mechanical properties.

Moldflow, 2 Corporate Dr, Suite 232, Shelton, CT 06484

203-925-0552;  fax: 203-925-1175


ProActive Agreement with Aspect Telecomm.
ProActive Software Signs Agreement with Aspect Telecommunications

CallCenter System Users To Leverage ProActive's Enterprise-Wide Functionality

ORLANDO, FL, International Help Desk Conference, Booth #326, February 2, 1993 -- ProActive Software and Aspect Telecommunications announced today an agreement that enables customers to link ProActive's Customer Information Resource (CIR) system, a family of client/server customer support software, with the Aspect CallCenter automatic call distributor. As part of the agreement, ProActive has joined the Aspect Applications Partnership Program. This announcement extends ProActive's commitment to providing a complete integrated solution for call centers.

Under terms of the agreement, ProActive is developing an interface between the CIR system and Aspect's CallCenter product using Aspect's Application Bridge, a high functionality telephone-to-computer system link. The interface will enable users to combine Aspect's call distributors with ProActive's robust customer satisfaction software. This announcement is made in conjunction with ProActive's participation in the 1993 International Help Desk Conference in Orlando, Florida.

"By linking our CallCenter to ProActive's CIR system, a wealth of call center data can be integrated into other functions throughout a company," said Robert Tate, Aspect director of field marketing. "Our CallCenter users will move from being an 'island' of information to becoming integrated with the rest of the enterprise."

"Our goal in creating the Customer Information Resource system is to deliver an open, user-friendly system which can collect and manage customer-related data from virtually every available source," noted Steve Goldsworthy, ProActive president, CEO and co-founder. "The integration of automatic call distributor technology with our comprehensive call tracking and customer management software will dramatically enhance the productivity of sales and support organizations."

About Aspect's CallCenter and ProActive Software's CIR System

The Aspect CallCenter system is a fully featured, stand-alone automatic call distributor (ACD) designed for sales and support departments of companies handling up to half a million incoming and outgoing calls per day. Aspect's Application Bridge enables CallCenter users to achieve enhanced productivity by interfacing to computer systems and business applications, such as ProActive's CIR system.

ProActive developed the CIR system to support a company's entire operation -- including quality assurance, technical support, sales, marketing, and engineering -- as it re-orients itself to the customer. The CIR system provides comprehensive functionality in the four key areas required to deliver superior support: comprehensive customer and product data management; problem solving help; active workflow management; and satisfaction measurement and reporting.

ProActive's first CIR application, Support Advantage, is targeted at technical support, customer service, call center, and help desk professionals. The CIR system will also include: Quality Advantage, SLT Advantage (for sales lead tracking), Product Advantage, Customer Advantage, and Field Engineering Advantage. CIR applications are based on popular relational databases (SYBASE, INFORMIX, and ORACLE), graphical user interfaces (MS Windows 3.1 and X Windows), a client/server architecture, object-oriented programming (C++), and automated workflow management.

Aspect Telecommunications, based in San Jose, CA, specializes in development, marketing, support, and manufacturing of applications-specific telecommunications systems. The company's products are sold in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.

ProActive is headquartered in Mountain View, CA, and was founded in 1990. Its products were developed in collaboration with Dr. William H. Davidow, author of Total Customer Service: The Ultimate Weapon. ProActive is funded by co-founder Roger Sippl, as well as Mohr Davidow Ventures, Menlo Park, CA; Mayfield Fund, Menlo Park, CA; Grace Horn Ventures, Cupertino, CA; Weiss, Peck & Greer Venture Partners, San Francisco, CA; and Stanford University, Stanford, CA. Products are sold through the company's direct sales force and through resellers and systems integrators worldwide. ProActive is a member of Hewlett-Packard Value Added Business program, the Sun Catalyst program, and is an IBM Development Partner. The company is also a value-added-reseller for Informix, Sybase, and Oracle.

ProActive Software Inc

1043 North Shoreline Blvd, Mountain View, CA 94043

415-691-1500;  fax: 415-691-1515


NetWare BASIC Programmer's Function Call Library
BASIC Programmer's Function Call Library for NetWare

January 20, 1993 -- CINCINNATI, OHIO--Automation Software Consultants, Inc. (ASCI) announces the release of the Network BASIC Library for NetWare version 2.0 scheduled for February 15, 1993.

The Network BASIC Library is a collection of over 250 functions valuable for writing utility programs or commercial applications for NetWare that need direct access to NetWare services. The Network BASIC Library provides the programmer with access to NetWare services for accounting, bindery management, connection services, directory and file management, locking, messages, printing, queue management, security and rights, semaphores, transaction tracking and workstation services. Functions are provided for all versions of Advanced NetWare including versions 2.X and 3.X.

The Network BASIC Library includes over 300 pages of comprehensive documentation explaining the use of each function and providing general discussions of software development with NetWare. Over 80 sample programs are included in the manual and on disk to illustrate the use of each function.

Version 2.0 enhancements provide nearly 50 new functions including the addition of NetWare 386 specific features such as support for encrypted passwords, file trustees and NetWare 386 rights. Functions providing IPX peer to peer message capabilities have also been added.

The Network BASIC Library for NetWare supports Microsoft Quick BASIC and Microsoft BASIC and is available for $295. Upgrades from version 1.0 and 1.1 are available for $75.

Sample Programs!

The Network BASIC Library is packed with sample programs that can be used as stand-alone utilities or imbedded into application code. Many of the samples are work-alikes for the NetWare command line utilities such as castoff, caston, chkvol, flag, flagdir, holdoff, holdon, login, logout, map, ncopy, ndir, nver, purge, rendir, salvage, send, setpass, systime, tlist, userlist and whoami.

In addition there are utilities that provide the functions of pconsole, fconsole or syscon from the command line. For instance utilities are provided to list the print jobs in a printer queue, remove all jobs from a queue hold all jobs in a queue, viewing and setting the status of a queue, and bump a job to the beginning of a queue. Bindery management capabilities include listing users, groups or any other type of object, getting a user's account balance, renaming a user, removing a user adding a user, setting a user's trustee rights and managing group memberships. Console user utilities capabilities include shutting down a server, clearing a connection, disabling and enabling login and sending a message to the file server console.

Many other useful utilities are available for instance to perform a networkwide file find, a file server directory tree display, a utility to set the user name, station id number and connection number as environment variables, and a utility to assign directory ownership.

All utilities are provided with source code and may be down loaded from our bulletin board or are available on disk for pre-sale evaluation.

Contact ASCI at 8188 South State Route 48, Maineville, OH 45039, call 1-800-669-0842 or 513-677-0842, or fax 513-677-3123 for more information.


First Live Transcontinental Chess Tournament
Englewood, CO, January 29...The world's first live, transcontinental scholastic chess tournament was recently announced. A match between an American and a German team will be played via electronic computer transmission using Masque Publishing's new ChessNet Club Edition 2.0 for Windows software.

ChessNet Club Edition is a communications package for playing chess that allows clubs to play up to eight boards simultaneously using one computer on each end, one modem and one data or phone line. The minimal hardware requirements drastically reduce on-line costs associated with remote play. For example, a US team can now play a live match against a club across

town for the cost of a local call, challenge a team from any other US town for about 25 cents a game, or play against a team from Europe for less than $1 per hour per board!

The upcoming match will pit Bradford Scholastic Chess Team from Jefferson County, Colorado USA against the Dr. Emanuel Lasker Schule Team from Strobeck Germany on February 6, 1993 at 9:30 AM Mountain Time; 17:30 German Time.

The Bradford Team Page 2

* Bradford Elementary School has 885 students, 80 are members

  of the chess club.

* Bradford Scholastic Chess Team won 1st place in the Elementary

  Division of the 1992 Colorado Scholastic Chess League and tied

  for 1st place in the 1992 Colorado State Elementary Team

  Championship games.

* Ryan Umari, Bradford's strongest player, tied for 8th place at

  the 1992 US National Elementary Scholastic Championship games.

* Bradford's chess club organizer is Marilyn Umari,

  Dr. Harry J. Morgan is the school principal.

The Dr. Emanuel Lasker Team

* Strobeck, located in former East Germany, is well known for its

  chess enthusiasm. Of the town's 1,100 residents approximately

  800 play chess.

* The local chess club ran succesfully as a political entity in

  the most recent local elections. They in fact won 6 of 15 seats

  on the town council. The ensuing clout enabled them to vote in

  one of their own members as Burgermeister (mayor).

* Strobeck is the only town in Germany that has chess as part of

  the school curriculum. Their goal is for chess to be fun and

  benefit the masses, not a search for potential grandmaster

  material.


TAXACCTS Small Business Journals w/Quick Balance
TAXACCTS Small Business Journals with QUICK BALANCE Integrated Check Register

Fat Elk Software has announced the release of Version 1.10 of the TAXACCTS Small Business Journals program that interfaces with a new Fat Elk product, QUICK BALANCE.

QUICK BALANCE is an easy-to-use but many-featured check register that may be run separately for personal checking or fully integrated with the TAXACCTS program.

Integrated operations permit business checking transactions to be entered simultaneously into the business check register and the TAXACCTS business accounts.

QUICK BALANCE features automated reconciliation with error messages, including a prompt for probable transposition errors, a daily printed register option for large users, register reports, personal income and expenditure accounts and personal income and expense reports.

All original features of TAXACCTS are retained, including complete editing of business transactions, printing of a variety of useful business reports and user-created monitoring of critical business conditions.

A single-entry bookkeeping system designed especially for non-accountant business owners, TAXACCTS is packaged ready to use with the most often used income, expense and purchases accounts pre-programmed. Adding or customizing accounts to specific user requirements is simplified by a type over utility.

A set of special accounts that are not calculated for profit and loss greatly extend user bookkeeping capabilities for recording tax-sensitive or special business expenditures, such as office-in-home, business use of personal vehicles and purchases and sales of depreciable equipment.

Unlike most single-entry systems, TAXACCTS will calculate and report a true cost of goods sold. Business reports are printed in accounting rather than spreadsheet format, a feature that makes reports much cleaner and easier to read and understand.

The TAXACCTS documentation provides a wealth of complementary bookkeeping information based upon a co-author's lengthy experience in professional tax and business consulting. It helps the user understand both rudimentary requirements and to appreciate situations where special handing - or professional assistance - may be advisable.

The TAXACCTS-QUICK BALANCE package is regularly priced at $75, but Fat Elk Software is offering an introductory price of $50. Non-business users my purchase the QUICK BALANCE program alone for the introductory price of $20.

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

1-800-358-2036


NetWorld'93 Boston Boasts Scores of New Products
NETWORLD BOASTS SCORES OF NEW PRODUCTS, AND SOLID ATTENDANCE DESPITE WINTER WEATHER; SHOW RETURNS AS NETWORKS EXPO IN 1994

(Fort Lee, NJ, Jan. 27) -- NetWorld 93 Boston showcased scores of new product introductions from 365 exhibitors, and attracted 30,663 attendees, despite snowstorms in the Boston area. The show, produced by Bruno Blenheim Inc., took place Jan. 12-14, at the Hynes Convention Center and the adjacent Sheraton Boston Hotel.

The event affirmed its importance as the premier Northeast show to reach corporate and reseller executives who make volume purchasing decisions of computer networking technology. It will keep its focus in 1994, but return under its new name, Networks Expo 94(TM). Next year, the show is scheduled for February 15-17, and will return to the Hynes Center.

Scores of companies made announcements of new products, services and strategic alliances for the networking and interoperability sector of the computer industry. Exhibitors making announcements included: 3Com, Artisoft, Banyan, Cabletron, Core International, Digital Equipment Corp., Emerald Systems, Frye Computer Systems, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, Lotus, Microsoft, Novell, Proteon, SMC, Ungermann-Bass and WordPerfect Corporation.

Exhibitors at Blenheim's Boston show contracted for 70 percent of the exhibit space for next year under the new name - Networks Expo.

The state-of-the-art show network at the show, ShowNet, was a success offering more than 1,900 users with online access to complete exhibitor, product and conference information. ShowNet also provided attendees with electronic mailboxes, and communication links to other attendees and the outside world through MCI Mail.

Elaine Bond, Chase Fellow and senior technology consultant at Chase Manahattan Bank delivered the keynote address, entitled, "Users Are Riding the Waves of the Technology Push, But . . . Are We Having Fun Yet?" on Jan. 12, at the Marriott Copley Hotel. Ms. Bond is also chairman, and founder of OURS (Open User Recommended Systems), an organization of users working with companies on multi-vendor computing.

The keynote opened both the exhibit and conference portions of the show. The seminar series featured more than 80 sessions, running concurrently with the show. The conference program also included nine tutorials, on Jan. 11.

Adam Torres, group vice president of Bruno Blenheim, said that the large attendee turnout and the number of exhibitors who have contracted for exhibit space, indicates the overwhelming support for the Boston show in the Northeast marketplace. The Northeast technology corridor is the second largest region in the U.S., as measured by purchasing power -- according to a major newspaper.

"There will be only one event -- Networks Expo(TM) -- where manufacturers of the entire spectrum of computer networking hardware, software and services can reach the largest possible Northeast audience with its huge buying power," said Mr. Torres.

The next Bruno Blenheim networking show, NetWorld 93 Dallas, will take place Oct. 5-7, 1993, at the Dallas Convention Center and feature more than 500 exhibitors. Blenheim will also produce NetWorld Europe scheduled for May 25-27, 1993 at the Frankfurt Messe in Frankfurt, Germany.

Bruno Blenheim Inc., is a part of Blenheim Group PLC, the world's largest international producer of conferences and exhibitions with more than 250 events. In addition to Networks Expo 94 and NetWorld, Blenheim also produces other computer technology shows in the U.S., including PC EXPO in New York, PC EXPO in Chicago and UNIX EXPO, in addition to more than 25 others in Europe.

Bruno Blenheim Inc

Fort Lee Executive Park, One Executive Dr, Fort Lee, NJ 07024

800-829-3976,  201-346-1400,  Fax: 201-346-1532


FBI Raids Major Ohio Computer Bulletin Board
FBI Raids Major Ohio Computer Bulletin Board Action Follows Joint Investigation With SPA

February 1, 1993 (Washington, DC)- The Federal Bureau of Investigation on Saturday, January 30, 1993, raided "Rusty & Edie's," a computer bulletin board located in Boardman, Ohio, which has allegedly been illegally distributing copyrighted software programs. Seized in the raid on the Rusty & Edie's bulletin board were computers, hard disk drives and telecommunications equipment, as well as financial and subscriber records.

For the past several months, the Software Publishers Association ("SPA") has been working with the FBI in investigating the Rusty & Edie's bulletin board, and as part of that investigation has downloaded numerous copyrighted business and entertainment programs from the board. The SPA investigation was initiated following the receipt of complaints from a number of SPA members that their software was being illegally distributed on the Rusty & Edie's BBS.

The Rusty & Edie's bulletin board was one of the largest private bulletin boards in the country. It had 124 nodes available to callers and over 14,000 subscribers throughout the United States and several foreign countries. To date, the board has logged in excess of 3.4 million phone calls, with new calls coming in at the rate of over 4,000 per day. It was established in 1987 and has expanded to include over 19 gigabytes of storage housing over 100,000 files available to subscribers for downloading. It had paid subscribers throughout the U.S. and several foreign countries, including Canada, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

A computer bulletin board allows personal computer users to access a host computer by a modem-equipped telephone to exchange information, including messages, files, and computer programs. The systems operator (Sysop) is generally responsible for the operation of the bulletin board and determines who is allowed to access the bulletin board and under what conditions.

For a fee of $89.00 per year, subscribers to the Rusty & Edie's bulletin board were given access to the board's contents including many popular copyrighted business and entertainment packages. Subscribers could "download" or receive these files for use on their own computers without having to pay the copyright owner anything for them.

"The SPA applauds the FBI's action today," said Ilene Rosenthal, General Counsel for the SPA. "This shows that the FBI recognizes the harm that theft of intellectual property causes to one of the U.S.'s most vibrant industries. It clearly demonstrates a trend that the government understands the seriousness of software piracy." The SPA is actively working with the FBI in the investigation of computer bulletin boards, and similar raids on other boards are expected shortly.

Whether it's copied from a program purchased at a neighborhood computer store or downloaded from a bulletin board thousands of miles away, pirated software adds to the cost of computing. According to the SPA, in 1991, the software industry lost $1.2 billion in the U.S. alone. Losses internationally are several billion dollars more. "Many people may not realize that software pirates cause prices to be higher, in part, to make up for publisher losses from piracy," says Ken Wasch, Executive Director of the SPA. In addition, they ruin the reputation of the hundreds of legitimate bulletin boards that serve an important function for computer users."

The Software Publishers Association is the principal trade association of the personal computer software industry. Its over 1,000 members represent the leading publishers in the business, consumer, and education software 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


Andersen FOUNDATION Supports Windows Clients
ANDERSEN CONSULTING'S FOUNDATION CLIENT/SERVER CASE TOOL NOW SUPPORTS CREATION OF WINDOWS CLIENTS

Florida Power Builds Advanced Energy Audio Application

CHICAGO, Feb. 1, 1993 -- Andersen Consulting's FOUNDATION software organization today announced its FOUNDATION for Cooperative Processing (FCP) client/server application development product now can create enterprise-wide systems that incorporate Windows-based personal computers, allowing organizations to leverage their investments in Windows.

FOUNDATION customers can deploy Windows clients within strategic client/server applications, rather than discrete departmental systems that are not tied in with the enterprise. The new Windows capability advances FOUNDATlON's ongoing client/server product strategy, which is to develop enterprise-wide systems that accommodate the broadest range of software, network and hardware environments.

The new capability, called Windows Client Option, is incorporated within FCP Version 1.2, an updated version of the product that also features performance enhancements.

"By bringing Windows workstations into the enterprise-wide systems environment, we are helping customers leverage their existing investments -- a key benefit of our approach to client/server computing," said Don Dall, Managing Director of Andersen Consulting's FOUNDATION. "In addition, accommodating the growing Windows user community is an important step toward realizing our mission of supporting client/server development for heterogeneous environments."

According to Framingham, Mass.-based International Data Corp., Windows accounted for more than 28 percent of all desktop operating systems shipped in 1992, with Windows running on a total of more than 15 million desktop PCs.

With FCP Version 1.2, users can automatically generate enterprise-wide client/server applications -- from the same design specifications -- for both the Windows Version 3.1 and OS/2 Presentation Manager environments. At generation time, users can select the Windows radio button to generate Windows clients, and can provide the application with both PM and Windows user interfaces.

FOUNDATION also announced today that Florida Power Corporation is now on-line with its first client/server application built using FCP. The advanced energy audit application, which automates how field auditors perform and report energy efficiency analyses, takes particular advantage of FCP's new Windows Client Option.

"FCP's Windows client capability was critical for developing our new energy audit application, which needed to take advantage of our existing PC hardware," said Mitch Hull, Manager of Florida Power's Customer Service Development. "We designed the application for more than 150 field auditors, who carry laptops that run Windows. One advantage of Foundation is the choice of deploying on either Windows or OS/2."

Florida Power is a leading electric power utility using FCP in a three-year, $48 million strategic client/server development project to revamp and revitalize their customer service system.

FCP Version 1.2 also offers other portability and performance enhancements, such as improved application programming interfaces (APl's) for moving between OS/2 and Windows environments; increased support for data translation between C and COBOL; and new configuration and security features for improving CICS program development and streamlining communications between CICS servers and OS/2 or Windows.

FCP moves beyond the development of graphical user interfaces and supports the construction of enterprise-wide client/server information systems. Its powerful features -- including distribution services, data translation and data routing -- shield developers from the complex communications tasks required for developing systems that share processing and data across servers and workstations.

FOUNDATION for Cooperative Processing was introduced in January 1991, and has been implemented at more than 50 sites, including Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation, the State of North Carolina and British Columbia Gas.

The integrated FOUNDATION products, which also support development of mainframe-based information systems, support the entire software development life cycle and are among the most widely installed application development environments worldwide.

The FOUNDATION software organization also provides a comprehensive set of services and training targeted at helping companies plan, design and implement enterprise-wide client/server information systems. These services include its Cooperative Application Development School, a four-day training session covering everything from cooperative architectures and hands-on product training to partitioning of data and processing and message design.

FOUNDATION also offers its Starter Kit, a low-cost suite of tools, training and support services designed to help develop pilot client/server systems before expanding implementation and migration throughout an organization. In addition, FOUNDATION provides CASE Enablement Services, covering CASE implementation issues, such as cultural change management, structured technique adoption and pilot project selection.

FCP Version 1.2 is available immediately through FOUNDATION direct sales organization, operating from Andersen Consulting's more than 150 offices worldwide.

Andersen Consulting has helped organizations apply technology competitively since 1954, when it installed the first computer application for commercial use. The firm helps clients use technology in all phases of their management activities -- strategic, operations and financial. Andersen Consulting's worldwide client base has access to more than 21,000 high trained consultants serving clients through 151 offices in 46 countries.

Andersen Consulting, 69 West Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602

312-580-0069


Norton Desktop for Windows 2.0 Illus Tutorial
PC Users Can Make Windows More Efficient With the Norton Desktop Utilities

BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA--Norton Desktop for Windows 2.0: An Illustrated Tutorial provides Windows users with all the hands-on guidance they need to tap into the full power of the Norton Desktop utilities.

Written by well-known Norton expert Richard Evans, this book describes each program library in detail, so readers can get the results they want quickly and easily. Evans' step-by-step, illustrated instructions demonstrate how to use every feature of Norton Desktop, including Quick Access, the Drive Windows, SuperFind, KeyFinder, Sleeper, SmartErase, Shredder, and Scheduler.

Much more than just a quick-reference guide to program commands, Norton Desktop for Windows 2.0: An Illustrated Tutorial also shows readers how to automate almost everything using the Batch Builder programming language, as well as use Norton Disk Doctor and Norton Backup.

About the Author:

Richard Evans is a system assistant on DELPHI and a frequent contributor to Directions, Computer Shopper, and Ti Computing magazines. He is the author of Windcrest's Norton Utilities 6.0: An Illustrated Tutorial and Norton Utilities 5.0: An Illustrated Tutorial, which together have sold more than 50,000 copies.

Windcrest/McGraw-Hill

Norton Desktop for Windows 2.0: An Illustrated Tutorial

Order No. 4208

Available: January 1993

Paper $19.95 ISBN 0-83064085-l Hard $29.95 ISBN 0-8306-4084-3

224 pp., 109 illus., 7" x 10"

TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850

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


SPEAKER'S LIFETIME TREASURY ON CD-ROM

Baltimore - National Information Services Corporation is pleased to announce a unique collection of speaker's and toastmaster's materials on CD-ROM. Use the power of a personal computer to locate the perfect quotations for any occasion: speech or written presentation. Take just seconds to search these proven attention grabbers by any keywords or special topic - choose the item that best makes your point with style and panache. The most sought-after public speakers don' t spend all their time developing their oratorical abilities; they use the very best resource other speakers! Every speech needs a creative spark: use this carefully assembled collection to reflect your own style and originality - with confidence.

The CD-ROM master index lists every word used in the texts and uses the original authors indexes. Search thoroughly for specific words and topics or browse entire headings casually. When you find what you like, simply output to a printer or your favorite word processor, text editor, or other software. Why retype?

Speaker's Lifetime Treasury on CD-ROM includes:

Speaker's Lifetime Library: Four Volume Set

Volume 1: Speaker's Reference Guide - thousands of quotes,

          definitions, epigrams, stories

Volume 2: Apt Comparisons - similes, metaphors, and symbols from

          literature, mythology, and comedy

Volume 3: Day and Date Book - events for each day plus

          appropriate "lead-ins" for speeches

Volume 4: Special Occasion Book - helpful "angles" for special

          events (anniversaries, distinguished visitors)

Complete Speaker's Almanac

Calendar of 1,464 "anniversary" topics and themes for every day in the year...easily adapted to a speech on almost any subject delivered on any date from January 1st through December 31st

Complete Speaker's and Toastmaster's Desk Book:

Featuring "Kirk" Kirkpatrick's Audience Control Techniques

Indispensable practical guide to handling any speaking situation from the famous National Speakers Association charter member and publisher of Quotes magazine.

Handbook of Business Quotations

Excellent! 515 famous business names -at their most quotable- from Elizabeth Arden to Darryl Zanuck. Over 350 subject areas from Accountability to Zeal. Author George Thomas Kurian's previous works have been cited as Outstanding Reference Books by the American Library Association.

Speaker's Handbook of Successful Openers and Closers

Humorous -plus more sober- anecdotal words of wisdom from select contemporary and historical sources on a variety of significant topics

The Speaker's Sourcebook:

Quotes, Stories, and Anecdotes for Every Occasion

A rich trove of anecdotes, quotes, poems, aphorisms, and proverbs to make your speeches sparkle

Don't waste time on skimpy books that turn up nothing. The busiest speakers require an inexhaustible supply of material. Use the power of CD-ROM to find instantly what the moment requires. Those elusive words are probably here: from the delightful eloquence of past oratory to the concise expression that will illuminate your latest, greatest idea.

PURCHASE INFORMATION:

Title: Speaker's Lifetime Treasury on CD-ROM

Minimum PC System Required: IBM PC/XT/AT, PS/2 or compatible; 460k RAM available, any CD-ROM drive with MS-DOS CD-ROM Extensions, monochrome or color monitor

Price:  $99.00 - special introductory price good through March 31, 1993 (regularly $129.00)

NISC - National Information Services Corp

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

410-243-0797;  fax: 410-243-0982


Oceanographic & Marine Resources on CDROM
OCEANOGRAPHIC & MARINE RESOURCES - VOLUMES I

Baltimore - National Information Services Corporation is pleased to publish the world's leading marine and oceanographic bibliographic databases on CD-ROM:

Oceanographic Literature Review (OLR)--1976 to Present

Over 110,000 abstracts and citations covering all fields of oceanography: from geology and mathematical modeling to policy, laws, economics, and resource management Material is gathered from approximately 3,500 journals and other serial publications, including valuable non-oceanographic sources in the basic sciences. Approximately 7,500 records are added per year. Equivalent to the print versions of OLR and Deep-Sea Research, Part B, published by Pergamon Press.

Institute of Oceanographic Sciences Deacon Laboratory (IOSDL)

Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory (POL)

Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) -- 1985 to Present (each)

Approximately 240,000 records from this U.K consortium of major oceanographic institutes. The Marine Pollution project covers worldwide marine and estuarine pollution, including detection, remote sensing, monitoring, and analysis of pollutants; pollutant levels in seawater, sediments, and organisms; biological effects; fate of pollutants; and control and removal of pollutants. Records are drawn from Marine Pollution Research Titles, which references approximately 2,500 papers published each year. British Waters covers the scientific, technical, and environmental literature on estuaries. coastal waters, and major sea areas of the British Isles and Republic of Ireland from Estuaries and Coastal Waters of the British Isles: a bibliography of recent scientific papers.

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION:

Features: Standard NISC DISC User Interface and context-sensitive help, NOVICE and EXPERT search modes, powerful search software with full Boolean, proximity, and text-retrieval capabilities. Unparalleled search speed, field-specific index browsing, and record display. Intended for either new or experienced CD-ROM users who need basic or sophisticated search access, ability to compose powerful queries, and to perform extensive analysis.

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

Price: $970.00 USD - annual subscription including semi-annual update. LANs (maximum simultaneous access): 2-10 stations: base +50%; 11-20: base +100%; 21-35: base +150%. Price subject to change with expansion of coverage.

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

OCEANOGRAPHIC & MARINE RESOURCES - VOLUME II

Baltimore - National Information Services Corporation is pleased to publish the world's leading marine and oceanographic bibliographic databases on CD-ROM:

Sea Grant Abstracts--1968 to Present

Over 30,000 bibliographic records covering the technical reports, handbooks, journal reprints, manuals, and other holdings of the National Sea Grant Depository, University of Rhode Island The 29-college National Sea Grant College Program database includes research on pure and applied science, engineering, business management, law and policy, shipping and navigation, fisheries, economics, recreation, and education concerning the use and conservation of U.S. ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)--1807 to Present

Approximately 135,000 records from the NOAA Library and Information Network's collection covering hydrographic surveying (from 1820), oceanography, meteorology, and hydrology (from 1870), living marine resources (from 1970 with selected coverage from 1870), and meteorlogical satellite applications (from 1960). Citations are drawn from over 9,000 serial titles, 1,500 active journal subscriptions, 35,000 Reports, meteorological data publications from roughly 100 countries, and a prized 1,000 volume rare book collection. NOAA's predecessors include the Coast & Geodetic Survey and the Weather Bureau Library.

SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION:

Features: Standard NISC DISC User Interface and context-sensitive help, NOVICE and EXPERT search modes, powerful search software with full Boolean, proximity, and text-retrieval capabilities. Unparalleled search speed, field-specific index browsing, and record display. Intended for either new or experienced CD-ROM users who need basic or sophisticated search access, ability to compose powerful queries, and to perform extensive analysis.

System: IBM PC/XT/AT, PS/2 or compatible; 512k RAM available, any CD-ROM drive with MSDOS CDROM Extensions, monochrome or color monitor

Price: $445.00 USD - annual subscription including semiannual update. LANs (maximum simultaneous access): 2-10 stations: base +50%; 11-20: base +100%; 21-35: base +150%. Price subject to change with expansion of coverage.

NISC - National Information Services Corp

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

410-243-0797;  fax: 410-243-0982


Link Your LabVIEW Programs Directly to ORACLE
Link Your LabVIEW Programs Directly to ORACLE with New Medium VIs

January, 27, 1993 - Austin, TX - National Instruments and Ellipsis, Inc. (Boston, MA) today announced Medium, a new LabVIEW for Macintosh add-on that links LabVEW directly to ORACLE databases. Ellipsis, Inc. is a member of the National Instruments Alliance Program.

Medium, a virtual instrument (VI) library, adds technical data management capabilities to LabVIEW by linking the package directly to local or remote ORACLE databases. Until now, engineers and scientists had to use cumbersome flat file storage methods to keep track of data and processed results. With Medium, LabVIEW users can now create programs for information-intensive applications, such as computer-integrated manufacturing, laboratory information management, distributed processing and/or control, quality control systems, and heterogeneous multi-user client/server architectures.

Originally developed at C.S. Draper Laboratory Inc., a leading research and development facility, Medium Interface VIs transparently embed the full ORACLE Call Interface (OCI) programmatic command set within LabVIEW code interface nodes (CINs). These low-level VIs are available to the programmer for direct structured query language (SQL) interaction with the database.

Medium also includes high-level Access VIs that intelligently encapsulate common database operations into easy-to-use modules for logging on to the database and writing or retrieving data. Also, a Utility VI is included for ad-hoc database queries. Database Manager can interactively log on to an ORACLE database, create and delete tables, determine the names and data types of table columns, and perform simple search, insert, and retrieve operations. Comprehensive Example VIs are also included.

About LabVIEW

LabVIEW is a general-purpose programming tool with extensive libraries for data acquisition, instrument control, data analysis, and data presentation. With LabVIEW, engineers and scientists build software modules called virtual instruments (VIs) instead of writing 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 LabVEW, users build block diagrams as the executable programs. Icon libraries include Data Acquisition, GPIB, VXI, and Instrument Driver VI libraries for controlling the company's plug-in data acquisition, DSP, and signal conditioning hardware. LabVIEW has over 260 GPIB, VXI, and RS-232 instruments using the company's interface hardware, along with Analysis VI libraries for performing data analysis, with routines ranging from simple statistics to advanced digital signal processing (DSP).

Availability and for More Information

Medium is available now from Ellipsis, Inc. for $495. Medium requires a Macintosh computer with a minimum 10M RAM, LabVEW (Version 2.2), and SQL*Net (Version 1.5 - with appropriate networking) or ORACLE (Version 2.0). Quantity discounts and special discounts for government agencies are available. For more information, please contact Ellipsis, Inc., 92 Worcester Street, Boston, MA 02118, (617) 236-0141 (phone or fax). Call toll-free in the U.S. at (800) 633-4866.

LabVIEW for Macintosh is available now from National Instruments for $1,995. For more information, please contact National Instruments, 6504 Bridge Point Parkway, Austin, TX 78730-5039, (512) 794-0100, fax: (512) 794-8411. Call toll-free in the U.S. and Canada at (800) 433-3488.


New LabVIEW Pattern Recognition Capabilities
New Programmable Pattern Recognition Capabilities Now Available for LabVIEW for Macintosh

40 Percent Educational Discount Offered to Colleges and Universities

January 27, 1993 - Austin, TX - GenIAS Corporation (Lowell, MI) and National Instruments (Austin, TX) announced today GENMATCH, a new programmable pattern recognition process virtual instrument (VI) add-on package for LabVIEW for the Macintosh.

GENMATCH is the first measurement system of its kind to measure an entire pattern, as opposed to a single point measurement, such as voltage or frequency. It provides unprecedented capabilities for feature extraction of signals requiring observation in either  the time or frequency domain. GENMATCH measures signals from all frequency portions of the acoustic and electromagnetic spectrum, in addition to optical signals. It treats complex time/frequency patterns the same way that a programmable voltmeter treats voltage measurements, nominal values +/-, and user selected tolerance. GENMATCH is used in a variety of military and commercial application areas, including communications and signal measurement, robotics/optical signal measurement, chemical composition analysis, acoustic analysis, ultrasonics, seismic analysis, and physiological signal measurement.

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 engineers and scientists build software modules called virtual instruments instead of writing 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.

Price and Availability

GENMATCH is available now from GenIAS for $3,500. A 40 percent academic discount is offered to colleges and universities. For more information, please contact GenIAS Corporation at 2006 Woodrun SE, Lowell, MI 49331, (616) 897-5252, fax (616) 897-0306.

The LabVIEW for Macintosh full development package is available now from National Instruments, and is priced at $1,995. For more information, 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).


National Instruments March User Symposium
March User Symposium To Bring National Instruments Customers Together to Share Ideas and Future Goals

January 29, 1993 - Austin, TX - National Instruments announced today its 1993 User Symposium scheduled for March 28-30 at the Marriott At The Capitol hotel in Austin, TX. The company expects over 200 attendees at the User Symposium, which is designed to bring its customers together to share ideas, relate success stories, and learn about the future direction of the company. The symposium will feature fundamental and advanced technical sessions, as well as special sessions on the company's software and hardware instrumentation products, a "Crosstalk" panel session, and a User Fair.

The keynote speaker for the User Symposium will be Tom G. Whiteside, IBM manager for Somerset, the PowerPC RISC microprocessor design alliance with Motorola. Tom has been with IBM since 1982, and worked in both the RT Processor and RT Hardware Architecture areas prior to assuming responsibility for the RT processor chip area in 1984.

Attendees can mix and match tutorials from four technical sessions to meet their special application needs -Technical Fundamentals, Advanced Techniques, Advanced LabVIEW, and Advanced LabWindows. A panel discussion, "Crosstalk," will give attendees the opportunity to ask questions about products and the future direction of the company. The symposium will conclude with a User Fair, featuring the Software Shootout, with an opportunity for attendees to test their software skills, and a Test Drive Center where attendees can try out new prerelease products. Attendees can also evaluate third-party products from the company's Alliance Program members, who will have exhibits set up during the symposium.

Pricing, Registration, and More Information

Registration for the User Symposium is $395 before March 1, and $450 thereafter. The registration fee includes admission to all sessions and exhibits, a copy of the conference proceedings, lunches, and the Monday night dinner.

For more information, or to register for the 1993 User Symposium, please contact National Instruments, 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.


MacWorld Tokyo Intros & 10 Millionth Macintosh
Apple's Largest Product Intro Opens MacWorld Tokyo and Celebrates 10 Millionth Macintosh

Apple Unveils Five New Desktop Systems, Color PowerBook and Two Laser Printers

MACWORLD, TOKYO--February 9, 1993--Celebrating the largest product introduction in the company's history, Apple Computer, Inc. today announced the shipment of its 10 millionth Apple Macintosh computer and unveiled eight new personal computer products, including five Macintosh desktop systems, a color PowerBook, and two low-cost laser printers. The announcements--made in conjunction with MacWorld Tokyo, the largest MacWorld Exposition in the world with more than 100,000 attendees--mark the first time Apple has launched products for the international market at a venue outside of the United States.

"The shipment of the 10 millionth Macintosh underscores the effectiveness of our market-share strategy, the widespread acceptance of the Macintosh platform, and growing momentum behind the industry's most useful personal computing technology," said John Sculley, Apple's chairman and chief executive officer. "Today's introduction in Japan--one of our fastest growing markets-- reinforces our commitment to increase Macintosh market share all around the world."

To commemorate the 10 millionth Macintosh milestone in his MacWorld Tokyo keynote address on Feb. 10, Sculley will dedicate a newly introduced Macintosh Color Classic to Apple-Japan, where Apple is also celebrating its 10th anniversary in business.

Products introduced today include the Apple Macintosh Color Classic, the Apple Macintosh LC III, the Apple Macintosh Centris 610 and 650, the Apple Macintosh Quadra 800, the Apple Macintosh Powerbook 165c, and the Apple LaserWriter Select 310 and 300 laser printers.

"Apple is introducing more products this year than in any two years combined in its history," said Fred Forsyth, senior vice president of Apple's Macintosh Systems Division. "This means our users have more choice than ever before. We're listening carefully to what our customers tell us they value most, and we're moving quickly to incorporate these features into the product line. Today, we're bringing the power of the Motorola 68040 microprocessor to a new midrange desktop line, and adding color to our award-winning PowerBook and popular compact Classic design. And, we're breaking new ground in price-performance with our Select laser printer series."

The following is a summary of today's product introductions:

Apple Macintosh Color Classic

An enhanced version of Apple's popular, all-in-one computer design, the affordable Color Classic offers exceptional color, greater expandability and new ease-of-use features, including Macintosh LC expansion capability and an energy-saving feature. Its suggested retail price (SRP) in the United States is $1,389.

Apple Macintosh LC III

A fast, versatile and affordable slim-line computer, the new Macintosh LC III delivers increased performance and new features that improve upon Apple's best-selling Macintosh LC II. The LC III provides nearly twice the performance of the LC II. The U.S. SRP of the base configuration of the LC III is $1,349.

Apple Macintosh Centris Line

The new Macintosh Centris line includes midrange personal computers that offer fast performance, flexibility, and expandability to mainstream business and professional users. It includes two new systems--the Macintosh Centris 610 and Macintosh Centris 650--that feature the high performance Motorola 68040 microprocessor at lower price points. The base configuration of the Macintosh Centris 610 has a U.S. SRP of $1,859. The Macintosh Centris 650 has a U.S. SRP of $2,699.

Apple Macintosh Quadra 800

The newest member of its high-performance line of computers, the Macintosh Quadra 800 becomes Apple's most affordable Quadra ever. It features a new mini-tower desktop or deskside design and delivers more than a 30 percent increase in performance over the current entry-level Quadra system. The base configuration of the Macintosh Quadra 800 has a U.S. SRP of $4,679.

Apple Macintosh PowerBook 165c

The PowerBook 165c combines high performance and a sleek ergonomic design with an innovative passive matrix display that provides the sophisticated color computing capabilities users expect from a Macintosh. The PowerBook 165c shares the distinctive, all-in-one design of the PowerBook 145, 160 and 180. Its base configuration has a U.S. SRP of $3,399.

Apple LaserWriter Select Laser Printers

This new midrange laser printer line features the LaserWriter Select 300 and the LaserWriter Select 310. The line brings a new level of price and performance to customers seeking professional quality printing and advanced features such as Apple PhotoGrade and FinePrint, and Adobe PostScript imaging technologies. The printers are designed to provide high-quality printing, convenient paper handling, and greater affordability. The LaserWriter Select 300 has a U.S. SRP of $819 and the LaserWriter Select 310 has a U.S. SRP of $1,079.

Apple LaserWriter 600 and Macintosh Duo System Upgrades

Apple also announced today that it is upgrading the standard configuration of the Apple LaserWriter Pro 600 to include 8MB of RAM. This move makes 600 dot-per-inch (dpi) resolution and Apple's PhotoGrade technology standard, built-in features of the printer. At its introduction on Jan. 6,1993, the Apple LaserWriter Pro 600 shipped with 4MB of RAM on the controller board, and was bundled with another 4MB of RAM as a special introductory offer.

Apple has also added two new configurations to its award-winning Apple Macintosh Duo System. These include a new PowerBook Duo 230 with an internal PowerBook Express Modem, and a new Macintosh Duo Dock equipped with a 230MB internal hard disk drive and math coprocessor and, in the United States and Canada, file reconciliation software. The new PowerBook Duo 230 model has a U.S. SRP of $3,219. The new Duo Dock has a U.S. SRP of $1,975.

Pricing and Availability

All of the new products will be offered worldwide through Apple authorized resellers. The Macintosh Color Classic will also be offered through the Apple Catalog in the United States. Product configurations, pricing and availability may vary worldwide. Suggested retail prices, configurations, and availability in the United States are as follows:

Macintosh Color Classic

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

Macintosh Color Classic 4MB/80HD, Keyboard                $1,389

Macintosh LC III

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

Macintosh LC III, 4MB/80HD, Keyboard                      $1,349

Macintosh LC III, 4MB/160HD, Keyboard                     $1,499

Macintosh Centris Line

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

Macintosh Centris 610 68LC040, 4MB/80HD                   $1,859

Macintosh Centris 610 68LC040, 4MB/80HD, Ethernet         $1,969

Macintosh Centris 610 68LC040, 8MB/230HD, Ethernet        $2,519

Macintosh Centris 610 68LC040, 8MB/230HD, CD,

                                Ethernet, 1MB VRAM        $2,899

Macintosh Centris 650 68LC040, 4MB/80HD                   $2,699

Macintosh Centris 650 8MB/80HD, Ethernet                  $3,189

Macintosh Centris 650 8MB/230HD, Ethernet                 $3,559

Macintosh Centris 650 8MB/230HD, CD, Ethernet, 1MB VRAM   $3,939

Macintosh Centris 650 8MB/500HD, Ethernet, 1MB VRAM       $4,379

Macintosh Quadra 800

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

Macintosh Quadra 800, 8MB/230HD, Ethernet                 $4,679

Macintosh Quadra 800, 8MB/500HD, Ethernet                 $5,429

Macintosh Quadra 800, 8MB/500HD, CD, Ethernet, 1MB VRAM   $5,829

Macintosh Quadra 800, 8MB/1000HD, Ethernet, 1MB VRAM      $6,399

Macintosh PowerBook 165c

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

Macintosh PowerBook 165c 4MB/80HD                         $3,399

Macintosh PowerBook 165c 4MB/120HD                        $1,975

Note: Apple expects availability to be limited

      during initial stages of manufacturing.

Macintosh PowerBook Duo System

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

Macintosh PowerBook Duo 230 4MB/120HD w/Express Modem     $3,219

Macintosh Duo Dock w/230HD                                $1,975

Note: Apple expects availability to be limited

      during initial stages of manufacturing.

LaserWriter Printers

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

LaserWriter Select 300                                    $  819

LaserWriter Select 310                                    $1,079

LaserWriter Pro 600 w/8MB of RAM                          $2,099

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. Apple's Macintosh computers and LaserWriter printers have been ranked highest in user satisfaction among business users in recent studies by J.D. Power and Associates. Apple seeks through technology to provide people with easy and affordable access to information and computing power.

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

408-996-1010


Assorted Video Gaming News
Assorted Video Gaming News for Various Toy Industry Sources:

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

-- Nintendo Adds Scope Video Game

-- T.HQ Develops Sports Illustrated Video Games

-- Accolade Creates Bubsy Bobcat Game

-- Capcom Introduces New Games

-- Absolute Introduces Video Games

-- Konami Showcases Games

-- Galoob Introduces Video Enhancer for Super NES and Game Boy

-- Sega Introduces The Activator and More New Video Games

-- Atari Debuts New Games for Lynx

-- Nuby Introduces Six Products for '93

-- Irwin Introduces The Barcode Battler Hand-Held Video Game

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

Nintendo Adds Scope Video Game

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

Nintendo of America Inc has addd its first stand-alone video game exclusively for use with the Super NES Super Scope accessory. Battle Clash is a game featuring rapid background scrolling and demonstrating the high speed potential of the Super NES. Battle Clash makes use of the Super Scope's turbo fire function, giving players the ability to fire with amazing speed.

"We believe the excitement of Battle Clash, our first Super Scope title which features enormous characters and fast-paced action, stems from the challenge Super NES players will feel as they plan strategy for their battles and take aim at quickly moving targets to emerge victorious," says Nintendo vice president of marketing Peter Main.

Battle Clash challenges one or two players with nine levels and two modes of play: Time Trial Mode or Battle Mode.

T.HQ Develops Sports Illustrated Video Games

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

Sports Illustrated, published by Time Warner Inc. has reached an agreement in principle granting T.HQ Inc. a license to produce a line of Sports Illustrated and Sports Illustrated for Kids video games. T.HQ will produce the video games for Nintendo and Sega. The inaugural product is a single Super Nintendo cartridge which includes both a football and baseball game. SI said the game is expected to reach markets by August.

Accolade Creates Bubsy Bobcat Game

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

Accolade has announced its release of the interactive cartoon adventure Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind, starring Bubsy the Bobcat. The game will be available for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and the Sega Genesis.

"Bubsy is one cool cat. He's a state-of-the-art feline who's got a digitalized voice, American style cartoon animation, realistic sound effects and his own original movie-style musical score," says the game's producer John Skeel.

Also new from Accolade is Centipede for Nintendo Game Boy. The Game Boy version of the popular video arcade game contains all the thrills and chills with the hand-held convenience. Centipede includes four levels of difficulty from novice to expert and multiple modes of game play, including single player, two player alternating, or, with Game Link, connect two Game Boys for two player competitive and two player cooperative.

Capcom Introduces New Games

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

With the Star Wars game for Game Boy, players will experience 3-D space flight-simulation and combat sequences as they navigate through an asteroid field and fly an X-Wing fighter into battle. Star Wars is a completely non-linear title that allows unrestricted travel through all levels.

Capcom's first Disney-based title for Super NES, The Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse, has great graphics and high-energy antics. Players will join Mickey through seven levels.

Adding to the popular Mega Man Series, Capcom introduces Mega Man 4 for NES. In Mega Man 5, players will join Mega Man using a brand new generation of super robots and a host of special weaponry and traveling through 16 game levels.

Capcom also introduces Mega Man III for Game Boy, where players will move through nine levels of action.

Absolute Introduces Video Games

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

Absolute Entertainment has introduced six new video games for 1993; three for Super Nintendo Entertainment and Sega Genesis, tow for Nintendo's Game Boy, and one for Sega's Game Gear.

The 16-bit games available for either Nintendo's Super NES or Sega's Genesis include Toys, based on the Fox film starring Robin Williams; Amazing Tennis, with simulation play for one or two players with 22 different planes of depth and motion-picture quality animation; and Super Battletank: War in thee Gulf, with M1A1 tank-combat challenge and 10 missions based on the Persian Gulf War of 1991.

New for Game Boy are Star Trek: The Next Generation, based on the syndicated tv series; and Tun & Bum, a military F-14 Tomcat simulation game with 99 missions.

For the Sega Game Gear, Absolute has created R.C. Grand Prix, which gives up to four players the thrill of radio remote-control car racing.

Konami Showcases Games

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

Konami Inc. has expanded for 1993 with new games for Nintendo, Super NES, Game Boy, Sega Genesis, computer software and LCD hand-held lines.

New game titles for 1993 include Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster Busts Loose, Buster's Hidden Treasure and Cartoon Workshop, and Tiny Toons Adventures 2: Trouble in Wackeyland; Batman Returns; Rocketknight Adventures; and NFL Video Pro.

Galoob Introduces Video Enhancer for Super NES and Game Boy

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

Lewis Galoob Toys Inc. has introduced the Game Genie video game enhancer for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System more than six months earlier than it had expected. The company has also introduced Game Genie for Nintendo's Game Boy. Galoob is the exclusive distributor of Game Genie products in the United States and Western Europe.

Similar to the Game Genie for the NES and Sega Genesis, the Super NES and Game Boy Game Genies let players temporarily change and customize their favorite games to have more power, more energy, run faster or go to any level of the game.

Featuring more powerful technology, Game Genie for Super NES enables players to add up to five special effects at a time, two more than possible in the Genie for NES. A highlight of Super NES Game Genie is its switching capability that allows players to turn Game Genie's special effects on and off at will.

Game Boy Game Genie comes with a matchbox-sized codebook with codes for over 100 games.

Sega Introduces The Activator and More New Video Games

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

At the 1993 Winter Consumer Electronics Show, Sega showcased new technological advancement with the introduction of The Activator, as well as introducing new video games for Sega CD, Genesis and Game Gear.

Unlike traditional finger controllers, The Activator is a full-body interactive controller that pioneers the new frontier of "whole body intelligence" and movement, letting players control and respond to on-screen action. Connecting easily to Genesis, The Activator is compatible with Sega's existing library of video games as well as new software for gameplay with this controller. It consists of eight interlocking modules equipped with infra-red, or "smart beam" technology, that form a three and a half foot circle. By standing in the circle, players control the characters with their own body movements. With the addition of a second Activator, players can go head to head.

Video games available for 1993 include three CD-ROM games, four games for Genesis and two new Game Gear games. CD games include Virtual VCR - Prince, which combines a virtual VCR and Sega CD to turn the TV into a short film, music video, cartoon or educational document.

Joe Montana's NFL Football features 3-D action plus real motion video and audio; and Batman Returns, based on the movie, has simultaneous vehicle and background scaling to provide unrivaled racing, realism.

Sega Genesis games for 93 include X-Men, based on the Marvel comic; Cyborg Justice, with capabilities of creating 216 different cyborgs; Shinobi 3; and Dinosaurs for Hire, based on the comic book series.

Games for Game Gear include Vampire - Master of Darkness, with five rounds and 13 stages; and The Land of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse, which is based on the game Castle of Illusion.

Atari Debuts New Games for Lynx

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

Atari has introduced nine new games for its Lynx entertainment system, including four new sports games.

Lynx NFL Football packs hard-hitting action into great graphics and digitized voices for all the realism a player is used to. Players can play against the computer or use the Complynx cable and challenge a friend.

Baseball Heroes offers the fun and excitement of Major League Baseball. Game allows players to check baseball player stats, strengths and abilities before calling plays.

Players choose teams from countries around the world for World Class Soccer play. As many as four players can be linked up, or play take place head-to-head.

Basektbrawl is a different kind of basketball game. The objective of this one or two player game is to win the Basketbrawl tournament. There are no rules, so players can do whatever it takes to win.

In addition to sports games, Atari offers five other games: Shadow of the Beast, Steel Talons, Kung Food, Pinball Jam, and Switchblade II.

Shadow of the Beast has the fastest animation of any Lynx game, according to the company. The game features 96 monsters and more than 200 sound effects.

Steel Talons has the objective of surviving dangerous obstacles and out maneuvering the enemy.

Kung Food is a different kind of food fight. The player is shrunk to the size of a bean and has to survive a food battle against mutated food.

Atari's Pinball Jam combines Elvira, the Party Monsters, and Police Force to give players portable pinball action.

After 200 years in exile, the evil Ninja Lord Havok has returned to threaten Cyberworld in Switchblade II. The Player is Hiro the warrior whose mission is to save the empire in six different levels of this futuristic world.

Nuby Introduces Six Products for '93

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

Nuby Manufacturing Co. expands its video-gaming accessory line for 1993 by adding six products.

The Nuby Snap "N" Power is a newly designed, more compact poser supply for Nintendo Game Boy. It snaps directly into the battery compartment and can power Game Boy for up to 12 hours.

The Nuby Converter allows players to play Master System games in their Game Gear, by sliding the Converter into the cartridge game slot on Game Gear and inserting the Master System game.

"New systems are being developed so quickly, many consumers still own older video game systems," says Greg Iaquinto, Nuby president. "Devices that enable players to interchange the games between systems will help protect their investment as the games become more versatile and the useful life of the game is extended."

New for the Sega Game Gear, the Nuby Power Pak eliminates the need for batteries and powers Game Gear for up to four hours of play. To recharge, the players swings our the built-in, two-prong plug and inserts it into any standard AC outlet.

Also for Game Gear is the Game Gear Magnifier, which is designed to enhance the fun by enlarging the screen and bring the action closer to the player.

Nuby introduces two Universal bags for '93 -- Universal Home System Bag and Universal Home System Bag. The Home System Bag will hold any of the video game systems, including Nintendo, Super NES, Sega Genesis, PAL and Super Famicom.

The Universal Hand Held System Bag will hold any of the hand held games, including Nintendo Game Boy, Sega Game Gear, and Atari Lynx. The bag is foam padded to protect the components.

Irwin Introduces The Barcode Battler Hand-Held Video Game

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

Irwin Toy Limited introduces the latest hand-held electronic game, The Barcode Battler. The Barcode Battler decodes barcode data and converts this information into energy points, attack factors, defense factors and the ability to use magic. Kids can affix barcodes from everyday household products to blank cards included in The Barcode Battler package and do battle.

The Barcode Battler has three game modes and can be used as a two player game. Thirty-two cards are included with each set: six heroes, ten mega-monsters, ten weapons/accessory cards and six blank cards. The key to the success of this item is the accessibility of barcodes in today's marketplace and the fact that each barcode will generate a different set of circumstances for the players to overcome.

Irwin plans to add several sets of licensed playing cards to the line.


TEMPRA Media Author - Authoring System
TEMPRA Media Author Ships This Month

Full-fledged Authoring System Includes Video Production, Database Management Capabilities

(COMDEX--Las Vegas, NV--Nov. 16, 1992) Mathematica, Inc. expands multimedia from the confined realm of presentations into the front office with DBF file compatibility for database users, onto the factory floor with RS232 device control, and into the marketing and sales office with information gathering variables. TEMPRA Media Author, a high-end authoring system from the Lakeland, Florida-based software company's TEMPRA desktop video/ multimedia line, provides a complete multimedia solution comparable to more costly programs like Authorware Pro and Quest. TEMPRA Media Author features more user control in creating interactive productions and provides multiple deck sourcing and database functions, making it ideal for any multimedia need from courseware to video production, and allowing users to integrate multimedia into their current work requirements.

"TEMPRA Media Author provides capabilities that are critical to the needs of professional multimedia authors who can't afford--or don't want to buy--similar programs costing as much as $3,000. It gives corporate and independent multimedia developers the speed, power, and flexibility previously found only in the most sophisticated and expensive systems," said Derek Hodges, President of Mathematica, Inc. "These features target advanced-level videographers and multimedia producers who need sophisticated tools, especially for interactive desktop video, . computer-based training, and point-of-sale-kiosk applications."

TEMPRA Media Author begins shipping this month at a retail price of $995 and includes a copy of TEMPRA PRO (image editor) and TEMPRA Turbo Animator (32-bit accelerator/animation editor). This product combination gives users a low-cost solution to produce high-quality courseware, desktop videos, and presentations.

TEMPRA Media Author includes all the features of the best-selling TEMPRA SHOW desktop video and multimedia software that makes it a powerful desktop video program, including the ability to integrate audio, full-motion video, animation, graphics, and special effects into interactive presentations.

TEMPRA Media Author includes a royalty-free playback system for distribution of productions and has the following features:

* Multiple Sony VISCA support, which allows users to daisy-chain several VISCA devices (Vdecks, CD-ROMs, laserdiscs, camcorders, and NTSC monitors) together for video editing through the computer. Database management functions.

* Timeout, which allows users to designate a specified length of time for viewers to press a key or select a menu before advancing to a predetermined branch. Videodisc Control, which allows users to control access to sounds, images, and scenes stored on a videodisc. TEMPRA Media Author extends laserdisc control with support of Sony and Pioneer videodisc players.

* Variables, for such uses as scorekeeping, giving weights to different answers, and creating simulations. Subroutines, self-contained groups of lines used repeatedly from different places in the same or separate sequences. Track, which allows users to monitor the activities of viewers. The track can be saved to an ASCII file for later analysis. Serial device control.

Since 1986, Mathematica, Inc. has been developing computer graphics and imaging software on MS-DOS and Unix-based PCs and RISC systems for AT&T Bell Labs, AT&T's Software Labs, and Fuji Optical Systems. The complete line of TEMPRA products are available to dealers through Merisel, Ingram Micro, Tech Data, and Kenfil in the U.S.; Neidermeier Data Systems in Germany; Lako Vision in Australia; and Phase 3 Communications in the United Kingdom.

Mathematica, 402 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801

813-682-1128;  FAX 686-5969


VideoToolkit 2.0 with Added QuickTime Support
VideoToolkit is Having a Birthday

Abbate Video Inc. Ships VideoToolkit 2.0,

Adding Support for QuickTime, Infrared Control and More.

January  6, 1993, (Millis, MA) Abbate Video Inc. will ship  VideoToolkitx 2.0, its $279 videotape logging and editing application  for the Macintosh. Version 2.0 extends the product's patented machine  control capabilities even further with infrared control hardware and  support for new protocols, such as Sony's ViSCA. In addition,  VideoToolkit now can assemble a QuickTime production from analog tape  sources, based on an edit decision list.

"With enhancements for supporting QuickTime 1.5, VideoToolkit is the  only low-cost solution to provide full-size, 30-frame/sec. QuickTime  movies independent of any specialized hardware," said Philip Palombo,  Product Manager.

"Several panelists scheduled for this week's MacWorld Expo used  VideoToolkit right out of the box to prepare their QuickTime  presentations," Palombo said. "In the cases where they were already  using VideoToolkit, all they had to do was reload their original logs  and specify QuickTime as the recorder to begin digitizing."

VideoToolkit 2.0 no longer depends on a specific digitizing card for  snapshots that identify clips visually in videotape logs.

"Now, VideoToolkit can use any QuickTime-compatible digitizing card  to digitize the opening and close of a video sequence, with the option  of going back later to digitize everything in between," said Mark  Abbate, Founder and Chief Designer.

CueTrackx, the logging, editing and moviemaking software in the  VideoToolkit package, no longer requires HyperCard to operate. It is  now a standalone application.

Entering its fourth year of providing video software and consulting  services for a broad range of customers, Abbate Video has a long list  of achievements. Abbate received a U.S. Patent in 1991 for developing  direct cable control of consumer video equipment from a personal  computer.  Also a first was the company's delivery of Mac-based  support for Sony's ViSCA (Video System Control Architecture), used in  the company's Vdeck and Vbox products, along with exclusive software  support for Mitsubishi's high resolution S-VHS deck designed for the  medical industry, the BV2000, and for the  NEC PC-VCR.

"We believe another leap forward for VideoToolkit is the addition of  infrared control for the recorder," said Abbate. "Despite our long  list of support for VCRs, we saw an increased demand from the European  market and felt that a natural response was with infrared control."

The addition of  infrared control permits virtually any VCR to  operate effectively as the recording machine.

VideoToolkit is a robust software package that offers extensive  features for logging and assembling videotape rough cuts, plus the  ability to create exportable Edit Decision Lists (EDL) that conform  with both CMX and Video F/X formats. All of this is possible with most  VCRs and nearly any Macintosh or Windows computer.

With Apple's QuickTime and a digitizing card, an EDL can be  transformed into a digital movie either in real time or frame by  frame.

VideoToolkit 2.0 will be available as an upgrade to all registered  VideoToolkit owners for a cost of $59 with shipping and handling  included.  It is available free, with a $6 shipping and handling  charge,  to anyone who purchased the product on or after October 1,  1992.

The basic VideoToolkit package includes control for logging and  assembling tape with Sony's Vdeck and Vbox, RS232- driven machines  such as the Mitsubishi BV2000 and the NEC PC-VCR, plus a patented,  custom cable for controlling Sony's Control-L (LANC), Control-S and  Control-P machines, or Panasonic's Control-M devices,  or most  infrared VCRs. A cable for controlling RS-422 decks is also available.

VideoToolkit supports selected Sony units - Video8, Hi8, VHS, and  S-VHS machines - plus Canon, Nikon, Yashica, Ricoh, and Kyocera Video8  and Hi8 equipment.

The retail price for VideoToolkit 2.0 remains at $279, and will ship  on February 5.

VideoToolkit requires a Macintosh System at level 6.0.5,  or greater,  with at least 2 MB of RAM and a hard disk. The software is System  7.0-compatible and 32-bit clean.

VideoToolkit and its supporting products are economical tools for enthusiasts.

Abbate Video Inc., 14 Ross Ave., Millis, MA. 02054.

508-376-3712;   fax: 508-376-3714

E-Mail to AppleLink: ABBATE.VIDEO, America Online: ABBATE  or  CompuServe: 74040,2563.


Asante Ethernet Boards for New Macintosh Systems
Asante Delivers High-Speed Ethernet Networking for New Macintosh LCIII, Color Classic, PowerBook 165c, Centris 610 and Centris 650

Reinforces Commitment to Provide Ethernet for Growing Macintosh Line

San Jose, CA, 2/10/93--Asante Technologies, the worldwide market share leader in highspeed networking for the Apple Macintosh, today announced that its family of Ethernet cards and adapters allows users of Apple Computer, Inc.'s newly announced Macintosh platforms to connect their machines to a high-speed Ethernet network.

Asante Ethernet cards and adapters support the new Macintosh LC III Color Classic, color PowerBook 165c, Centris 610, and Centris 650.

"Apple has announced a powerful new line of Macintosh computers," said Wilson Wong, Asante president and CEO. "All that's needed is Ethernet connectivity to make them the perfect workstations. Immediate high-speed networking support for all new Apple machines is another reason why Asante is number one in high-speed Macintosh connectivity."

Asante Has More Ways Than Anyone To Network Your New Macintosh

Asante cards and adapters offer the industry's most flexible range of options for connecting the new Apple platforms to Ethernet and Token Ring networks.

Backward compatible with all Macintosh LC platforms, the MacCon LCIII, MacCon LCIII/TN, and MacCon LCII/10T adapters will be available starting March 15. All other cards are available now.

About Asante

Founded in 1988, Asante Technologies, Inc. manufactures the industry's most complete line of high-performance networking products for departmental networks, including Ethernet and Token Ring adapters for both PCs and Macs, intelligent and non-intelligent 10BaseT hubs, and network management software. According to a 1992 IDC report, Asante leads the industry in Macintosh Ethernet adapter sales, accounting for 35% of worldwide shipments in 1991, up from 19% in 1990.

Asante products are distributed in the U.S. through Ingram Micro, Merisel and Tech Data and in Japan through Marubeni Electronics. Asante is located at 821 Fox Lane, San Jose, CA 95131. Phone: 800/662-9686 or 408/435-8388.


IOMEGA 150MB Internal Bernoulli Drives
IOMEGA OFFERS NEW 150MB INTERNAL BERNOULLI DRIVE FOR MACINTOSH IIvx, PERFORMA 600 AND CENTRIS 650

ROY, Utah, February 9, 1993.--With the recent introduction of its new Bernoulli MacInsider MultiDisk 150 internal drive, Iomega Corporation now offers an expanded family of removable mass storage products to complement Apple Computer, Inc.'s product line. The new internal Bernoulli drive is designed to fit inside the new Apple Macintosh Centris 650 computer, which is being announced today as well. In addition, the new Bernoulli MacInsider drive is designed for use with the Performa 600 and Macintosh IIvx, which Apple introduced last fall. All of these Macintosh models feature half-height, 51/4-inch removable storage drive bays, in which users can install the Bernoulli MacInsider MultiDisk drive. Iomega already offers a 150MB internal drive for the Macintosh Quadra 900 and 950.

The Bernoulli MacInsider MultiDisk drive comes with everything end users need to get up and running. Included in the package is the internal drive, mounting rails and bezel, Iomega driver software and a 150MB shareware disk. Effective access time for the new drive is 18ms. The sustained transfer rate is 13.33Mbits per second.

"Iomega is pleased to offer an internal Bernoulli drive for the newest Apple personal computer. As business users increase their employment of multimedia, QuickTime, graphic and desktop publishing applications, their storage needs will accelerate dramatically ' said Mike Joseph, vice president of marketing for Iomega. "Macintosh users will now enjoy removable mass storage at the capacity of magneto-optical drives, with hard drive performance--but with the unique benefits of Bernoulli Technology. In terms of capacity, the Bernoulli MacInsider MultiDisk is the largest internal removable disk drive available for Macintosh host systems today."

The unique new benefit end users will enjoy with the new Bernoulli MacInsider is its MultiDisk feature--the ability to read and write disks of various capacities: 35MB, 65MB, 105MB and 150MB. The drive is downward compatible with existing Bernoulli products: it reads, writes and formats Bernoulli 90MB disks and reads Bernoulli 44MB disks.

"The MacInsider's ability to read and write 90MB disks and to read 44MB disks protects a user's investment in Bernoulli Technology," said Steve Wise, Apple product marketing manager for Iomega. "Users will also enjoy the same ruggedness and reliability that Bernoulli is famous for.

"The MultiDisk capacity gives end users greater flexibility: they can use different sized disks for different jobs. For example, users may utilize the 150MB disk to make a bootable backup of their main hard drive and for capturing content for large multimedia projects. At a lower cost, they can use the 35MB disk to transport files to service bureaus and clients."

Business users will find the Bernoulli drive useful for archiving and distribution as well. Because the drive is a random access device, back-up and retrieval from archives are simple. It also means copying disks for distribution purposes is easy.

While Iomega does not publish suggested street prices, it is anticipated that end users will be able to purchase the drive at a street price of approximately $775. It is also anticipated that end users will be able to purchase 150MB Bernoulli media at $99 per disk. The drive is available now through Iomega distributor, reseller and mail order channels. Also available for Macintosh users is the MultiDisk Transportable and Dual drives (external drives, which are compatible with Macintosh, IBM PCs and compatibles and workstation computers).

Iomega Corporation, headquartered in Roy, Utah, develops, manufactures and sells high-performance removable mass storage products for desktop and portable computers and for workstations. Iomega's patented Bernoulli Technology provides unlimited data storage capability by combining the removability and security of floppy drives with the high capacity and performance of rigid drives. Iomega's unique Tape250 minicartridge tape drives read both QIC-80 and Irwin-formatted tapes. Iomega's new Floptical drive uses Iomega's unique second-generation holographic technology. Iomega's stock is listed on the NASDAQ National Market System under the symbol IOMG. For additional information you can call their Customer Service number at 1-800-777-6179


Apple Adds Color to Macintosh Classic Line

Color Classic Delivers Exceptional Color, Greater Expansion and New Ease-of-Use Features to Popular Compact Design

MACWORLD, TOKYO--February 9, 1993--Apple Computer, Inc. today introduced the Apple Macintosh Color Classic, an enhanced version of its popular, all-in-one computer design. The Macintosh Color Classic offers exceptional color, greater expandability, and new ease-of-use features, including Macintosh LC expansion capability and an energy-saving feature.

Like the Macintosh Classic II, the Color Classic delivers a uniquely designed and affordable personal computer that is particularly well-suited for home, education and business customers who value the "plug-and-play" simplicity, small footprint, and transportability of the Classic design. Continuing its drive to make Macintosh accessible to more people, Apple is pricing the base configuration of the Color Classic at $1,389 U.S. suggested retail price (SRP).

"Almost a decade after the original compact Macintosh introduction, the Classic remains one of our most attractive and valued designs, and has become an industry icon," said Eric Harslem, vice president of Apple's Desktop Products division. "With the addition of color and expandability, we believe the Classic line will continue to attract new users to the Macintosh platform."

Performance

Featuring a 10-inch Sony Trinitron display with 512 x 384 pixels, the Color Classic supports 256 colors to deliver "best-in-class" color. Like the Macintosh LC II, it is based on the 16 MHz Motorola 68030 microprocessor and delivers comparable performance to the Classic II and Macintosh LC II. The Color Classic comes with 4MB of DRAM standard, expandable up to 10MB.

Easy to Use and Expand

Beyond color, the Color Classic extends Apple's leadership in ease-of-use by adding new built-in features and expansion options. Most notably, the Color Classic incorporates the expansion capabilities of the Macintosh LC. The LC processor direct slot (PDS) gives Color Classic users the option to immediately take advantage of all expansion cards available for the modular Macintosh LC line -- such as NTSC video-out and video capture, Ethernet for high-speed networking, and Apple IIe emulation.

The Color Classic is particularly easy to upgrade because it has a new and uniquely designed back panel that allows users to reach the expansion slot easily to extend their computing options. Although customers won't necessarily upgrade their systems themselves, this new feature makes it easier than ever for Apple authorized service providers to upgrade the system. Upgrade options include memory (DRAM), video memory (VRAM), a math coprocessor (FPU) and Macintosh LC-style PDS cards.

In addition to the traditional built-in Classic features such as LocalTalk networking, even the microphone is integrated on the Color Classic. Other new features include power on/off from the keyboard, and front panel controls for sound and display, which make the Color Classic even easier to use.

The Color Classic comes with a SCSI port for connecting up to six external peripheral devices. It also has two serial ports, two Apple Desktop Bus ports, and sound-in and sound-out ports.

Energy Efficient

The Macintosh Color Classic is the first Apple desktop computer that automatically reduces power consumption to less than 25 watts when it is idle, a feature that could cut by more than 50 percent the electricity used by the system. Through the Screen Control Panel, users simply define the period of time that the computer can be inactive before the power-down feature starts.

The Color Classic's energy efficiency complies with the guidelines established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through its recently formed Energy Star Computers program. "Apple supported the Energy Star effort from the very beginning as a charter participant and is already translating its commitment into real products," said Brian Johnson, manager of the EPA's Energy Star Computers. "Energy-efficient personal computers not only help reduce electricity bills, they also cut greenhouse gas and acid rain pollution from electricity generation, which benefits us all."

Pricing and Availability

The Macintosh Color Classic will be offered through Apple authorized resellers and through the Apple Catalog in the United States. Outside the United States, Macintosh Color Classic pricing and availability will vary. U.S. suggested retail prices are as follows:

Macintosh Color Classic 4MB/80MB, Keyboard       $1,389

Macintosh Math Coprocessor                           79

Macintosh VRAM Expansion Kit (256K)                  99

Apple Ethernet LC Card                              165

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

408-996-1010


Centris 24-bit Accelerated Display Interface
Radius Announces First 24-Bit, Accelerated Display Interface for New Apple Macintosh Centris Computer

First fully featured 7-inch graphics display interface works with all NuBus Macintosh Computers

SAN JOSE, Calif., February 9, 1993 -- Radius Inc. (NASDAQ-RDUS) today announced two new PrecisionColor interfaces for Apple Macintosh computers that provide fully featured graphics display functions in a 7-inch NuBus-sized card. The new cards provide full 24-bit video and graphics acceleration at a variety of resolutions and are the first to conform to the 7-inch NuBus form factor first used on the Macintosh Centris 610 computer system from Apple Computer, Inc..

This new space saving form factor requires a smaller NuBus card than any of those currently on the marketplace. Radius' new PrecisionColor interfaces also use less power and produce less heat than conventional cards.

"Apple continues to innovate computer platforms with the introduction of new machines including the Macintosh Centris 610, which requires a smaller NuBus card size," said Mary Coleman, Radius vice president of marketing. "Our advanced ASIC design has allowed us to pack all the performance of an accelerated 24-bit video card into this new form factor, delivering photorealistic display capabilities to users of both current and future Apple systems. These new interfaces save space within the computer, require less power for operation and run cooler than any other card available with their capabilities."

Specific features of the new cards include:

* 24-Bit Color -- Displays up to 16.7 million colors on-screen for stunning photo-realistic images.

* Complete NuBus Compatibility -- The PrecisionColor boards work with all Apple Macintosh, Macintosh Quadra, and Macintosh Centris computers with NuBus expansion capability.

* Instant Resolution Changing -- "On-the-fly" resolution switching allows 640x480 detail or 1152x870, 2-page viewing with a single mouse click.

* Universally Compatible -- Support for virtually any 14-inch to 21-inch monitor at resolutions ranging from 640x480 to 1152x870 with minimum screen flicker and highest quality image.

* On-Board Acceleration -- Custom ASIC circuitry accelerates commonly used QuickDraw functions to enhance screen performance many times over non-accelerated graphics boards.

* System Performance Acceleration -- Provides major system performance improvements when used in tandem with the Radius Rocket accelerator by providing display-list processing, CPU and graphics acceleration, as well as QuickDraw acceleration.

Price and Availability

The PrecisionColor interface cards are scheduled to be available starting March 1, 1993. The PrecisionColor 24X/1152, which provides display resolutions of up to 1152x870 carries a U.S. list price of $1849, while the PrecisionColor 24XK/1024, supporting resolutions of up to 1024x768, has a U.S. list price of $999.

Radius Inc. is a graphics systems company that enables Macintosh and graphical interface-based PC users to dramatically increase the power and performance of their personal computers. The company maintains its leadership position by focusing on its customers, designing innovative, leading-edge software and hardware, and offering superior service and quality. Major Radius markets include electronic color publishing and desktop video. Radius' award-winning products are available through a worldwide network of Radius Authorized Resellers and System Integrators. Radius is listed on the NASDAQ National Market under the symbol RDUS.

Radius Inc, 1710 Fortune Dr, San Jose, CA 95131

408-434-1010;  fax: 408-434-0770


Aldus PageMaker 5.0 Supports Color Mgmt Systems
Aldus to support several color-management systems

SEATTLE, January 19, 1993--Aldus Corporation today expanded on the announcement earlier this month of its proposal for working with the industry's leading color-management systems.

At the January 6 launch of Aldus PageMaker 5.0, Aldus announced a technology partnership with KEPS Inc., a Kodak company, whereby Aldus will make available the KEPS Precision Color Management System with future versions of PageMaker, the world's leading desktop publishing program; Aldus PhotoStyler, a Windows-based image-processing program; and, eventually, other Aldus products.

"Color management is a big concern for our customers, so we're very excited that we will be able to both provide and support a variety of solutions in our product lines," said Skip Walter, Aldus vice president of engineering. "We are committed to the idea of the open desktop."

The KEPS solution provides end-to-end color matching, from image capture through display to final output. Offered for both Apple Macintosh and Microsoft Windows systems, it provides one of the truest forms of WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) color currently available.

Walter added that Aldus also plans to support EfiColor, the Electronics for Imaging Inc. (EFI) color-management technology, as well as Apple Computer's ColorSync solution and Agfa's FotoFlo, in the Aldus line of products for the professional graphics market. Details on availability, pricing, and distribution will be announced later.

Aldus Corporation (NASDAQ:ALDC) creates computer software solutions that help people throughout the world effectively communicate information and ideas.

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

(206) 622-5500


Aldus PageMaker 5.0 for Windows & Macintosh
Aldus announces PageMaker 5.0 for Windows and Macintosh

NEW YORK, January 6, 1993 -- In a satellite-linked, multicity event Aldus Corporation today announced Aldus PageMaker 5.0 in versions for both Microsoft Windows and the Apple Macintosh. Virtually identical on the two computing platforms, these major releases will each offer more than 100 new features and enhancements that give new publishing power to the creative professional. PageMaker 5.0 will offer major advances in precision and control, integration with other software and hardware, and versatility in the wide range of printed communications it can produce--while maintaining the familiar pasteboard-based interface that has helped make it the world's leading desktop publishing program.

"PageMaker 5.0 will provide the accuracy and control that professional graphic designers, writers, editors, and production specialists need to create publications that meet the highest publishing standards--even for the most complex multicolored print job," said David Roberts, director of publishing products. "Many of the new features are in direct response to customer requests for professional-level tools and controls. Their inclusion will make version 5.0 the strongest upgrade in the product's history."

Precision and control

One of the top-requested features has been the ability to freely rotate text and graphics. PageMaker 5.0 will offer rotation and skewing in 0.01-degree increments, along with horizontal and vertical reflection. Users will also be able to edit rotated text and crop rotated graphics directly in the page layout.

The Control palette--new in the Windows version, and significantly enhanced for the Macintosh version--will afford precise placement and sizing of both text and graphics on the page. For setting text and paragraph attributes such as font, style, size, baseline shift, indents, and alignment--the palette will now be visible in both layout and story editor views. Numeric positioning and "nudge" buttons will facilitate easy and precise movement of objects around the page.

Designers will be able to zoom in on and magnify any part of a page up to 800%, assign custom line weights from 0.1 to 800 points, and use the improved Colors palette to specify separate line and fill attributes.

Aldus has completely rewritten the PostScript printing code in PageMaker 5.0, so printing speeds, including those for background printing, will be significantly faster than before (depending on system resources and the complexity of the file). The print dialog box has been redesigned, to allow the printing of nonconsecutive pages, in any order--a significant time saving. Crop, registration, and plate identification are among the printers' marks PageMaker 5.0 will now offer.

Service bureaus and end users alike will benefit from new custom print options. For example, it will be possible to define and save print settings and to simultaneously send multiple files with different settings to an output device.

Further integration with other products

Both versions of PageMaker 5.0 will include many new or improved import and export filters, as well as support for the industry's key software and hardware. New filters will include Kodak Photo CD, DXF, WordPerfect Graphics, and Metafile/PICT conversion. PageMaker will include support for OLE (as a client application) on Windows as well as the Macintosh; the PANOSE font mapper, which identifies a publication's missing fonts between both Windows and Macintosh files and then substitutes other, available fonts; and the new TWAIN standard for direct scanning.

Links-management controls have been improved to include the option to unlink files (which first appeared in PageMaker 4.2 for the Macintosh). And both versions will allow the user to embed EPS files in a publication or leave them out, but still retain the link for ease of updating.

PageMaker has offered Macintosh/Windows file compatibility since 1987. With the advent of version 5.0, product functions will be virtually identical on either system--so much so that Aldus will provide the same set of user manuals for both packages.

New versatility in publishing tasks

Aldus Additions technology, introduced in PageMaker 4.2 for the Macintosh, lets users tailor PageMaker operations to meet their specific publishing needs--automating routine and time-consuming tasks, adding new capabilities, or even running the program from other applications.

End users can work with the more than 20 Aldus Additions that will be included with each version of PageMaker 5.0. They can also create their own PageMaker scripts, while third-party developers can use the technology to create Additions that give PageMaker new capabilities.

Common tasks addressed by in-the-box Additions include grouping objects, sorting pages, and creating running headers and footers in long documents. And users will be able to enhance PageMaker's typesetting precision by using Additions for such professional typographic controls as "expert" kerning, which automatically adjusts the spacing between characters, and track editing.

For the first time, both versions of PageMaker will have built-in ability to produce process-color separation of PageMaker text and graphics, as well as imported CMYK, TIFF, DCS, and EPS images.

The number of proprietary color libraries included with the product will increase to include such vendors as Trumatch, Focoltone, and Dainippon, in addition to the PANTONE spot, process. and Euroscale definitions. Users will also be able to create custom color libraries.

PageMaker is renowned for its intuitive interface and general ease of learning and use. Version 5.0 will reinforce that tradition with the ability to open virtually any number of publications at once. Tile and cascade capabilities will organize the publications on screen, and such aids as a list of all open publications will help the user navigate among them.

Customers will also be able to "drag and drop" text and graphics between open publications saving a significant amount of time and effort. The new Library palette will store frequently used images, again with drag-and drop capability.

Worldwide leadership

PageMaker is the world leader in the market for professional page-layout software, for both the Windows and Macintosh operating environments. As a result, more than 30 books and training manuals about PageMaker 5.0 are already being produced, and when the product is released, some 100 Authorized Trainers in the United States alone will offer certified training courses for users at all levels. Meanwhile, many third-party developers are readying a wide variety of new Aldus Additions that will continue to extend PageMaker's professional publishing capabilities.

System recommendations

For running on an IBM or compatible computer, Aldus PageMaker 5.0 will require Microsoft Windows 3.1 or later and Windows 3.1-compatible hardware. A 486- or 386-based PC is recommended, with 4MB of RAM, an 80MB hard drive, a high-resolution graphics adaptor card, and a mouse.

On the Apple Macintosh, PageMaker is System 7 savvy. It will also run under System 6.0.7 with Finder 6.1.7. Any Macintosh II series, Quadra, or SE/30 computer is recommended, with 5-8MB of RAM and an 80MB hard drive.

Availability, support, and pricing

Aldus PageMaker 5.0 will be available in the United States and Canada in the first half of 1993. The Windows version will be shipped first, the Macintosh version approximately 30 days thereafter. Aldus Europe and Aldus Pacific Rim will announce localized language versions and support and upgrade policies for other markets later.

With the release of version 5.0, first-time purchasers of PageMaker 5.0 will be able to take advantage of an innovative product-support program: For 90 days from their first telephone call for technical assistance, support will be available to them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. After the 90 days, 24-hour telephone support for PageMaker 5.0 will continue to be available to customers who subscribe to the Aldus Customer First extended support program.

The suggested retail price of PageMaker 5.0 will be $895 (U.S.). Customers who purchase PageMaker 4.2 (Macintosh) or 4.0 (Windows) after January 1, 1993, will be eligible to receive a free upgrade to version 5.0, once it's available, if they return their product registration card and the dated original proof of purchase.

Registered PageMaker users can upgrade to version 5.0 for $150 (U.S.). Upgrades will be available directly from Aldus or from Aldus dealers. Customers who upgraded to version 4.2 for the Macintosh can upgrade to version 5.0 for $75 (U.S.); this special price will be available only through Aldus. Greater discounts will apply for customers who have a service contract with Aldus. The company will notify current customers when shipment of the product begins. Customers can place advance credit card orders by calling (800) 627-8880.

Aldus Corporation (NASDAQ:AIDC) creates computer software solutions that help people throughout the world effectively communicate information and ideas. In addition to PageMaker--the company's flagship program the Aldus product line includes Aldus Digital Darkroom, Aldus Fetch, Aldus FreeHand, Aldus Gallery Effects, Aldus IntelliDraw, Aldus Personal Press, Aldus Persuasion, Aldus PhotoStyler, Aldus PrePrint, Aldus PressWise, Aldus SuperCard, and Aldus SuperPaint. The company distributes its products through an international network of more than 16,000 dealers and distributors.

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

(206) 622-5500


Apple Introduces Macintosh LC III
Apple Introduces the Macintosh LC III

Apple Extends its Macintosh LC line with Fast, Versatile, Affordable Slim-line System

MACWORLD, TOKYO--February 9, 1993--Building on the strong foundation of its best-selling Apple Macintosh LC II personal computer, Apple Computer, Inc. today introduced the Macintosh LC III, a fast, versatile and affordable slim-line computer. The new system delivers increased performance and new features that improve upon the popular Macintosh LC II.

"In 1992, the LC II ranked as the No. 1 seller in the Macintosh family. Our research also suggests it was one of the top-selling personal computers in the entire industry," said Eric Harslem, vice president of Apple's Desktop Products division. "The versatile Macintosh LC line has been extremely successful because it appeals to a broad range of customers in homes, education and business."

Added Harslem, "We continue to listen to our customers, and today we are responding with the Macintosh LC III, which incorporates the features our customers value most. First, we improved performance; second, we provided additional display options; and finally, we increased memory expansion."

Affordable

In keeping with Apple's corporate goal to make Macintosh accessible to more people, the Macintosh LC III base configuration has a U.S. suggested retail price (SRP) of $1,349. To ensure customer satisfaction and protect customers' investments, Apple is also offering a Macintosh LC III Upgrade Kit for $599 U.S. SRP for Macintosh LC and LC II customers who wish to upgrade.

Fast

The Macintosh LC III provides nearly twice the performance of the LC II. Powered by a 25MHz Motorola 68030 microprocessor, the LC III features a 32-bit bus architecture that improves performance beyond what its clockspeed suggests.

Versatile

The Macintosh LC III comes with 4MB of DRAM standard, and offers significantly increased RAM expansion--36MB vs. a maximum of 10MB on the LC II. This means that customers can work with larger documents and multiple applications simultaneously. Customers also have the option to install a math coprocessor on the logic board. In addition, the Macintosh LC III can be purchased with an 80MB or 160MB hard drive.

The Macintosh LC III offers an LC processor direct slot (PDS) for specialized expansion capabilities such as high-speed Ethernet networking, Apple IIe emulation, and NTSC video-out and video capture. In addition, the LC III comes with on-board sound input and output, and a SCSI port for connecting to many types of peripherals such as external hard drives, scanners, and CD-ROM drives.

The Macintosh LC III supports a wide array of displays, including the Macintosh 12" Monochrome Display, the Macintosh 12" RGB Display, the Macintosh 14" Color Display, the Macintosh Portrait Display and the Macintosh 16" Color Display. The LC III comes standard with 512K of VRAM to support up to 256 colors on displays as large as 16 inches. LC III customers can work with 32,768 colors on the Macintosh Color Display by adding an optional 256K VRAM SIMM.

Pricing and Availability

The Macintosh LC III will be offered worldwide through Apple authorized resellers. Pricing and availability may vary outside the United States. The LC II will continue to play an important role in the education market in the United States and in all markets outside the United States. The U.S. suggested retail prices for the Macintosh LC III are as follows:

Macintosh LC III, 4MB/80MB HD, Keyboard             $1,349

Macintosh LC III, 4MB/160MB HD, Keyboard            $1,499

Macintosh LC III Logic Board Upgrade Kit            $  599

Macintosh Math Coprocessor                              79

Macintosh VRAM Expansion Kit (256K)                     99

Apple Ethernet LC Card (Transceiver Required)          165

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

408-996-1010


American Travel Network from Vista Research
February 8, 1993 -- Vista Research, Inc., provider of travel information, proudly introduces their latest product The American Travel Network. This is an on-line computer service specializing in data valuable to the frequent traveler. Users can dial up the system from any computer with a modem from anywhere in the world. Up to the minute information is available on frequent flyer programs, the best hotels and restaurants in hundreds of cities, news stories relating to travel, and more. The American Travel Network also lets users talk and share opinions with other travelers around the nation via computer, shop for travel related items in the on-line shopping mall, and download files from an extensive library.

As an introduction, Vista Research is offering a trial three month standard subscription to the service, a usual $21 value, for free to those who join ATN before April 15, 1993. To join, simply dial (704) 567-0893 with a computer that has a modem ( 12009600) baud. Any communication software should work.

Vista Research is a provider of travel information located in Charlotte NC. Other products include TRAVEL-MATE, Software for the Frequent Traveler.

Vista Research, PO Box 667545, Charlotte, NC 28266


Macintosh Centris Midrange Line
Apple Introduces Macintosh Centris: Affordable, New Midrange Macintosh Line

MACWORLD, TOKYO--February 9, 1993--Apple Computer, Inc. today introduced the Apple Macintosh Centris line new midrange personal computers that offer fast performance, flexibility, and expandability to mainstream business and professional users at an affordable price. The new line includes the Macintosh Centris 610 and Macintosh Centris 650, which deliver the power of the high performance Motorola 68040 microprocessor at significantly lower price points.

"Our goal with the Macintosh Centris line is to deliver a good balance of performance, expandability and affordability," said Eric Harslem, vice president of Apple's Desktop Products division. "We are delivering systems designed to meet the requirements of a broad range of professional and business users who need a personal computer that will get the job done in a demanding environment. These users want systems that are flexible enough to grow with their needs.

"With the introduction of these systems, Apple is aggressively migrating 68040 processor performance down the Macintosh product line," Harslem added. "Until now, the entry-level 040 offering in the Macintosh family was a $4,000 investment. Today we are unveiling an 040 system for less than $2,000--delivering 040 power at half the price."

The Macintosh Centris 610 base configuration is priced at $1,859 U.S. suggested retail price (SRP). The Macintosh Centris 650 base configuration is priced at $2,699 U.S. SRP.

This product announcement also marks the debut of a new identity for the midrange of the Macintosh family. Today, Macintosh Centris becomes the line name for the Macintosh midrange. At the same time, Apple announced that the Macintosh IIvx and IIvi computers will take their place in the Macintosh Centris line as Apple's entry-level, multislot systems. They retain their current names, and prices have been reduced significantly. Apple is also offering a Macintosh Centris 650 Logic Board Upgrade consisting of a Macintosh Centris 650 logic board with Ethernet and 8MB of DRAM. This upgrade allows Macintosh IIvx and IIvi users to obtain the full capabilities of the Macintosh Centris 650.

Performance

The Macintosh Centris 610, which features a new low-profile industrial design, is powered by a 20MHz Motorola 68LC040 microprocessor. The Motorola 68LC040 is a new low-cost member of the 68040 processor family that does not include a floating-point unit. The Centris 610 offers up to two times the performance of the Macintosh IIvx or IIci, and is ideally suited for people who value a highly responsive computer more than extra expansion slots.

The Macintosh Centris 650, based on the same flexible industrial design as the Macintosh IIvx and IIvi, offers the highest levels of performance and expansion in the Macintosh Centris line. Powered by either a 25MHz 68040 microprocessor or 68LC040, the Centris 650 performs up to three times as fast as a Macintosh IIvx or IIci. With the Macintosh 650 computer's accelerated video architecture, high-speed SCSI and optional on-board Ethernet, Apple continues to offer its customers a wealth of built-in features.

Expandability

Both Macintosh Centris systems come with an 8K cache and 4MB of DRAM standard. The 610 is expandable to 68MB of DRAM and the 650 is expandable to 132MB of DRAM. Both systems also offer a wide range of expansion slot options. The Macintosh Centris 610 offers a processor direct slot (PDS) that accommodates either a PDS card, or a 7-inch NuBus card when combined with a special adapter. The Macintosh Centris 650 has three NuBus slots and one PDS. Both the Centris 610 and the 650 have a high-speed SCSI port, two serial ports, and an internal 5.25-inch drive bay. This bay can accommodate devices such as an internal CD-ROM drive, or other high-capacity removable devices such as a SyQuest drive.

Video Support

The Macintosh Centris 610 and 650 systems have built-in accelerated video to support all Apple displays. Both the 610 and the 650 come standard with 512K of VRAM to render up to 256 colors on monitors as large as 16 inches. Both new computers can be upgraded to 1MB of VRAM for displaying up to 32,768 colors on monitors up to 16 inches, and up to 256 colors on 19-inch and 21-inch monitors. The built-in video also allows both new Macintosh Centris computers to drive many VGA and Super VGA monitors (commonly used with DOS PCs) in 32,768 colors up to 800 x 600 resolution.

More Flexibility

The Macintosh Centris is "media-ready," with full stereo sound-out and mono sound-in. With an optional internal CD300i CD-ROM drive, users can have access to the hundreds of exciting CD-ROM titles currently available. And, with optional on-board Ethernet, interacting with other users on the network is faster than ever. Both the Macintosh Centris 610 and 650 can be purchased with an 80MB, 230MB or 500MB hard drive.

Pricing and Availability

The Macintosh Centris 610 and 650 will be offered worldwide through authorized Apple resellers. The Macintosh IIvx also continues to be offered worldwide, and the Macintosh IIvi continues to be offered in selected markets outside the United States.

Pricing and availability may vary outside the United States. U.S. suggested retail prices are as follows:

Macintosh Centris Configurations

Macintosh Centris 610 68LC040, 4MB/80HD                    $1,859

Macintosh Centris 610 68LC040, 4MB/80HD, Ethernet          $1,969

Macintosh Centris 610 68LC040, 8MB/230HD, Ethernet         $2,519

Macintosh Centris 610 68LC040, 8MB/230HD,

                            CD, Ethernet, 1MB VRAM         $2,899

Macintosh Centris 650 68LC040, 4MB/80HD                    $2,699

Macintosh Centris 650 8MB/80HD Ethernet                    $3,189

Macintosh Centris 650 8MB/230 HD, Ethernet                 $3,559

Macintosh Centris 650 8MB/230HD, CD, Ethernet, 1MB VRAM    $3,939

Macintosh Centris 650 8MB/500HD, Ethernet, 1MB VRAM        $4,379

Macintosh IIvx Logic Board Upgrade

$1,199 for units ordered within the first 90 days of introduction, $1,599 thereafter

Macintosh Quadra VRAM Expansion Kit                        $  159

Macintosh IIvx Configurations            New U.S. SRP    Previous

Macintosh IIvx 4MB/80HD                       $1,899       $2,949

Macintosh IIvx 5MB/80 HD, CD, 1MB VRAM        $2,339       $3,219

Macintosh IIvx 4MB/230 HD                     $2,269       $3,319

Macintosh IIvx 8MB/230 HD                     $2,459       $3,599

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

408-996-1010

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


TEMPRA Turbo Animator for 16-bit Animations
Revolutionary 16-bit Animation: TEMPRA Turbo Animator

Support for Sony VISCA Provides Single Frame Accuracy Control for Movie Files Stored on Disk

(COMDEX--Las Vegas, NV--Nov. 16, 1992) Mathematica, Inc. announces an upgrade of its TEMPRA Turbo Animator product to include 1 6-bit animation capability and Sony VISCA support. Mathematica's new FLX file format extends FLI and FLC specifications to give animators more flexibility in creating photo-realistic animations. In addition, users can control Sony VISCA and other single-frame accuracy decks through the computer in TEMPRA Turbo Animator to create and save to hard disk movie files that will play back in realtime (30-frame-per-second) motion. The upgrade begins shipping: Nov. 23,1992, and retails for $295 (as an add-on to TEMPRA PRO and $495 (as a stand-alone product that includes TEMPRA SHOW interactive multimedia presentation program).

"This ability to control and capture video frame-by-frame and store to disk compensates for general hardware inability to handle full-motion video storage," says Derek Hodges, president and CEO of Mathematica, Inc. "It opens up a new world of possibilities for animators, videographers, and hobbyists, bringing true 'Hollywood' effects to the desktop."

"With the introduction of 16-bit TEMPRA Turbo Animator for real-color modes, multimedia presenters will no longer be confined to the aggravating limits of 8-bit pseudo-color productions," said Robert Schneider, vice president of development at Mathematica, Inc. "Multimedia developers will now be able to develop presentations with full color video. This will lead to better presentations, since video will be fully integrated with TEMPRA Turbo Animator. Compromising with cartoon presentations will become a memory, much like vacuum tubes."

TEMPRA Turbo Animator is a dynamic program that includes two powerful features: the Turbo Charger, a 32-bit protect mode accelerator that enhances TEMPRA PRO's editing speed from 5 to 14 times over other imaging products. The Animation Editor/Movie Maker lets users edit existing 8-bit FLI and FLC animation files created in other animation packages and create original 8-bit FLC and 1 6-bit FLX animation files. With the Movie Maker, animators and video producers can capture video from any supported video source, including the Cardinal SNAPplus and the Creative Labs Video Blaster, ranging from realtime to a 16-hour-per-frame delay. With Sony VISCA support, users can control incoming video in TEMPRA Turbo Animator using a Sony Vbox with any compatible video peripheral or a Sony Vdeck.

TEMPRA Turbo Animator provides animation functions and the full range of TEMPRA PRO imaging features, including all geometry tools, filters, color flexibility, masking and color protect, for creating high-quality animation and video files.

Since 1986, Mathematica, Inc. has been developing computer graphics and imaging software on MS-DOS and Unix-based PCs and RISC systems for AT&T Bell Labs, AT&T's Software Labs, and Fuji Optical Systems. The complete line of TEMPRA products are available to dealers through Merisel, Ingram Micro, Tech Data, and Kenfil in the U.S.; Neidermeier Data Systems in Germany; Lako Vision in Australia; and Phase 3 Communications in the United Kingdom.

Mathematica, 402 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801

813-682-1128;  FAX 686-5969


Mathematica Enters Education & Game Markets
Mathematica, Inc. Enters Education and Game Markets with New TEMPRA Vision Product Line

(COMDEX--Las Vegas, NV--Nov. 16, 1992) Mathematica, Inc. begins shipping TEMPRA Vision, a new product line which allows children and students to express their imagination and vision. The TEMPRA Vision product line brings the power of the TEMPRA painting, animation, and multimedia tools to the mass market. Priced at $49.95, the product begins shipping to dealers, distributors and mass markets this month. A CD-ROM version will be available in the first quarter of 1993. The first edition, to be released Nov. 23, will include an interactive coloring book ("Buzz Takes a Vacation") and interactive story book ("A Day on the Farm"). Kodak Photo CD support is integral in the product.

"Mathematica is proud to bring its multimedia products to the educational and children's markets," says Derek Hodges, president and CEO of Mathematica, Inc. 'We believe that providing a product with so much power to children will tap their enormous creative vision and talent, stimulating them in a way that static games and educational devices can't."

The TEMPRA Vision product is a special edition of the TEMPRA GIP and TEMPRA SHOW products, providing easy to use painting, animation, and multimedia tools for students or children. Each edition of the TEMPRA Vision product features a specific multimedia sequence for children to play with, investigate, and expand using their own images, sounds, and animations. TEMPRA Vision's strength over other children's interactive computer games and books is the ability for children to modify sequences almost endlessly, providing a higher interest-level and return rate. Children's varied interpretation of their world and surroundings will come through in their sequences. School study projects can be completed and stories can be tailored for particular audiences (international character support is provided for international markets).

Since 1986, Mathematica, Inc. has been developing computer graphics and imaging software on MS-DOS and Unix-based PCs and RISC systems for AT&T Bell Labs, AT&T's Software Labs, and Fuji Optical Systems. The complete line of TEMPRA products are available to dealers through Merisel, Ingram Micro, Tech Data, and Kenfil in the U.S.; Neidermeier Data Systems in Germany; Lako Vision in Australia; and Phase 3 Communications in the United Kingdom.

Mathematica, 402 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801

813-682-1128;  FAX 686-5969


Intecolor Expands Technical Support & Warranty
INTECOLOR EXPANDS TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND WARRANTY PROGRAMS TO ADDRESS CHANGING CUSTOMER BASE

Duluth, GA (February 8, 1993) -- Intecolor Corporation announced today it has changed its customer support services to more rapidly respond to the demands of its changing customer base. David Deans, president of Intecolor, said the company has expanded and upgraded its Technical Support Services and Product Warranty Programs, and has established a Customer Relation Support System.

"We have chosen to realign our customer support services so that we can more rapidly respond to our customers' needs and changing requirements in the industrial computer market," said Deans. "Our technical support was structured for large OEMs, which were previously the foundation of our customer base. As our customer base has expanded, we have become more directly involved with end-users and their concerns. While we have always provided support for both groups, these enhancements demonstrate our ongoing commitment to improved customer service."

Changes to Intecolor's Technical Support Services include an increased number of telephone lines and personnel to assist customers. The added telephone lines help ensure that calls are answered directly, rather than routed to a voice mail system. In addition, an after hours hotline number (404/393-5904) has been added to respond to customers in all time zones or who have equipment operating around-the-clock.

The support department team has been expanded from two to five people, including two systems engineers prepared to assist customers with product problems and questions. To assist the technical specialists, a computer-based Customer Relation Support System was developed to record customer contacts and provide an audit trail of previously experienced problems and solutions.

In addition, Intecolor has changed its warranty program in keeping with its commitment to end-users. The new program provides faster service and extended warranties not previously included. The 12-month warranty offers seven-day maximum turnaround service and extended two- and three-year product warranties. Special programs have been developed to provide faster turnaround times, such as factory-spare and on-site, hot-spare programs, for customers who can tolerate little or no down time.

"Intecolor's warrantees always have added value to the industrialized computer systems we manufacture," said Stan Jessen, product manager at Intecolor. "Because our customer base and product lines expanded to encompass a wider range of applications, a more broadly defined warranty program was required.''

Founded in 1973, Intecolor is a leading manufacturer of human-machine interface systems for the industrial control industry. Its complete line of industrial workstations, monitors and terminals is available in a wide range of enclosures and resolutions.

For more information regarding Intecolor's Technical Support Services, the after hours hotline service or its new extended warranty program, contact: Intecolor, 2150 Boggs Road, Duluth, GA 30136. (404) 623-9145. Fax: (404) 623-9163.


Interplay/Paramont STAR TREK Licensing Agreement
Interplay Productions and Paramount Licensing Group Sign STAR TREK Licensing Agreement

Irvine, CA (February 10, 1993) Interplay Productions today announced it has signed with Paramount Licensing Group an eight year multi-product, multi-platform STAR TREK licensing agreement. This multi-platform agreement enables Interplay to exclusively develop a line of STAR TREK products for the PC, Macintosh, CD ROM and cartridge arenas.

Interplay previously released the best-selling STAR TREK: 25th ANNIVERSARY, an action/adventure game that was certified gold by the Software Publishers Association for more than 100,000 copies sold. Interplay now plans a line of eight more Star Trek products including an enhanced CD-ROM version of STAR TREK: 25th ANNIVERSARY.

Interplay's President and founder, Brian Fargo, said, "This agreement allows Interplay to take a long-term, strategic approach to working on a very special project, like the STAR TREK series."

"We are tremendously pleased that the classic STAR TREK series will enjoy the excellent programming and marketing resources that Interplay has to offer. This agreement will help ensure that STAR TREK continues to stand for the ultimate in gaming products, whatever the platform," said Neil Newman, Director of Business Development for Paramount Licensing Group.

Interplay plans to release the CD-ROM version of STAR TREK: 25th ANNIVERSARY in the third quarter of 1993. This title can be purchased directly from Interplay Productions at 1-800-969-GAME or from most major retailer nationwide.

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

Interplay Productions, 17922 Fitch Ave, Irvine, CA 92714

714-553-6655, Fax: 714-252-2820


Intex Solutions Forecast! Add-in for Excel
INTEX INTRODUCES THE FIRST FORECASTING ADD-IN FOR EXCEL

Popular Enhancement Now Available For All Spreadsheets

February 2, 1993 -- Needham. MA: Intex Solutions, Inc., the leading publisher and reseller of spreadsheet enhancements, today released a new version of its Forecast! add-in designed specifically for Excel spreadsheet users. The award-winning forecasting enhancement, which turns users' spreadsheets into a complete forecasting system, is designed for anyone who needs to forecast and wants the convenience and benefits of their favorite spreadsheet program.

"Forecast! has long been one of our best-selling programs for all versions of Lotus 1-2-3, including Lotus 1-2-3 for DOS and Windows. Over the past year, as more and more of our customers have moved towards the Windows environment, we have experienced tremendous demand for an Excel version of Forecast!. We have answered this demand with this new version of Forecast! for Excel, designed with the same rich functionality and easy-to-use features of our previous versions," said Marjorie Smith, Product Manager at Intex.

Smith added that forecasting in general is one of the most common applications among spreadsheet users, and Forecast! in particular has been so popular because it's fast, easy to use and flexible. "Forecast! allows all spreadsheet users -- regardless of their type of business or the level of their forecasting skill -- to turn their raw spreadsheet data into highly accurate forecasts in just seconds."

Powerful Features in a Familiar Environment

Whether users want to forecast sales, expenses, or any of thousands of other applications, Forecast! gives them the power to make important decisions faster and with more confidence than ever before.

Forecast! includes three categories of analytical techniques: time-series analysis, multiple regression and statistical analysis; the latter two methods are usually found only in high-end forecasting programs. Within each category, Forecast! users may choose the most appropriate forecasting model, including linear, exponential, hyperbolic or S-curve trends, exponential smoothing, single or Brown's decomposition analysis and moving averages. Advanced features, like seasonal adjustments and confidence intervals, add greater accuracy and reliability. At all times, the program's automatically-generated diagnostics and graphics keep users in control and make it easy to determine the optimal model.

One longtime user of Forecast! who appreciates the program's modeling capabilities is Mitch Jones, Power Optimization Engineer for Amoco Pipeline Company. Mr. Jones uses Forecast! to generate volume and cost projections in preparation of a $25 million annual power budget for 75 different pipelines. Volume and power are exponentially related, while power and cost are linearly related. "An accurate forecast is essential to budgeting and control of power costs, and Forecast! provides an easy solution for obtaining quick results," says Mr. Jones. "I just enter volumes of oil pumped, energy used and the costs, while Forecast! does the math. The graphics are excellent, illustrating the actual data points, as well as the regression curve. In addition, the degree of accuracy of the forecast is clearly indicated from the many model summary statistics and correlation factors in the program, so I know which pipeline segments have optimizing potential and which pipeline power budgets need further study."

Besides being a powerful forecasting tool, Forecast! provides an added benefit to Excel and other spreadsheet users by fitting effortlessly into their spreadsheet environment. Forecast! offers users familiar spreadsheet-like menus, an easy way to import information from existing worksheets and also allows them to use Excel's builtin spreadsheet publishing features to create presentation-quality forecasts and reports. Users can combine their graphs and statistics on one page, change fonts, and lines, bolding or shading, making their forecasting results more persuasive, easier to understand and easier to analyze.

Intex Serves the Entire Spreadsheet User Community

With the release of Forecast! for Excel, Intex again demonstrates its leadership in supporting the full range of today's popular DOS and Windows spreadsheets.

In addition to Forecast! for Excel, Intex also has versions of Forecast! compatible with Lotus 1-2-3 Release 2.0, 2.01, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 3.1, 3.1 +, 3.4, 1-2-3 for Windows and Symphony.

System Requirements, Pricing and Upgrades

The Excel version of Forecast! requires Windows 3.0 or higher and Excel 4.0 or higher and runs with IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2 and compatibles. 49K RAM is required.

Forecast! for Excel is priced at $165, plus $5 shipping. Registered users may upgrade for $45. Proof of purchase required.

Intex Solutions, Inc. is a privately-owned software company located in Needham, MA. Founded in 1985, Intex has established a reputation as the leading provider of templates, add-ins and other complimentary products for Lotus 1-2-3, Excel and other popular spreadsheet programs. Intex develops, publishes, or distributes over 50 enhancement products addressing business needs from budgeting and forecasting to spell checking and file recovery, as well as specialized fixed-income security analysis. Spreadsheet users world-wide look to Intex Solutions as their "One Stop Shop" for enhancements for every spreadsheet application.

Intex Solutions, 35 Highland Circle, Needham, MA 02194

617-449-6222


Macintosh Quadra 800
Apple's New Macintosh Quadra 800 Delivers Quadra Power for less

MACWORLD, TOKYO--February 9, 1993--Apple Computer, Inc. today introduced a new member of its highest performance line of computers, the Apple Macintosh Quadra 800. As the most affordable Macintosh Quadra ever, the Quadra 800 delivers more than a 30 percent increase in performance over the current entry-level Macintosh Quadra 700, and does so with greater functionality.

The Quadra 800 is powered by a 33MHz Motorola 68040 microprocessor. Featuring a new minitower industrial design, the Quadra 800 is highly expandable and is equally at home on the desktop or at the deskside. With a U.S. suggested retail price of $4,679, the Quadra 800 becomes the lowest cost member of the high-performance Macintosh line, while offering increased performance, built-in capabilities and expansion options for the most demanding personal computer customers.

"We believe the Quadra 800 delivers the key improvements requested by Quadra 700 users--more expansion slots, better RAM expansion, access to 5.25-inch devices, higher levels of performance, and a lower entry price," said Eric Harslem, vice president of Apple's Desktop Products division. "With its built-in features and performance capabilities that equal those of the Quadra 950, the Quadra 800 offers a superior high-speed graphical computing solution and is able to handle the most intensive computing tasks--especially in production-level computing environments for publishing and graphics professionals."

Integration and Speed

The Quadra 800's performance is the result of balanced system integration; specifically, newly developed memory and video subsystems. The Quadra 800 employs sophisticated engineering that reduces the number of application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) on the logic board from 10 to three, which in turn gives Apple the opportunity to provide its customers with lower pricing.

The Quadra 800 features accelerated graphics capabilities made possible because its video subsystem is directly connected to the 68040 processor bus. This enables data to travel at high speeds between the processor and the graphics system. As with all Quadras, the 800 supports all Apple displays. It offers up to 1MB of VRAM for rendering up to 32,768 colors on displays up to 16-inches and 256 colors on 21-inch displays. The Quadra 800 also automatically senses which monitor is connected and will configure the monitor to display the proper resolution and color depth. In addition, the video architecture supports most VGA and SVGA monitors.

Expandability

The Quadra 800 also offers a wide range of standard features and expandability, including 8MB of DRAM expandable to 136MB of interleaved memory. Users can increase the performance of the Quadra 800 by 5 to 10 percent by interleaving the memory or logically treating two banks of memory as one. Hard disk options include 230MB, 500MB and 1GB drives.

The Quadra 800 has three highspeed, 32-bit NuBus slots and one processor direct slot (PDS). The new mini-tower product design provides three standard expansion bays, including one 5.25-inch bay for an internal CD ROM or other removable device, such as a magneto-optical or SyQuest drive. It also incorporates two 3.5-inch bays for hard drives or removable media and one additional bay for an Apple 1.44MB SuperDrive

With an optional highspeed internal CD300i CD-ROM drive, full stereo sound-out and mono sound-in, the Quadra 800 makes a premier media-authoring station. A 32-bit direct memory access (DMA) Ethernet controller is a standard on-board feature. Flexible connections for thick or thin coax and twisted pair cabling are available at affordable prices.

Pricing and Availability

The Quadra 800 will be offered worldwide through authorized Apple resellers. Pricing and availability may vary outside the United States. U.S. suggested retail prices are as follows:

Macintosh Quadra 800

Quadra 800, 8MB/230 HD, Ethernet                   $4,679

Quadra 800, 8MB/500 HD, Ethernet                   $5,429

Quadra 800, 8MB/500 HD, CD, Ethernet, 1MB VRAM      $5,829

Quadra 800, 8MB/1000HD, Ethernet, 1MB VRAM         $6,399

Macintosh Quadra VRAM Expansion Kit                $  159

Macintosh Quadra 950             New U.S. SRP     Previous

Quadra 950 8MB/SuperDrive            $5,609        $6,539

Quadra 950 8MB/230HD                  6,099         7,359

Quadra 950 8MB/500HD                  6,849           N/A

Quadra 950 16MB/1000HD                8,149           N/A

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

408-996-1010


Artisoft KIVA NetConferencing System
ARTISOFT PREMIERES NEW KIVA NETCONFERENCING SYSTEM AT DEMO '93

New Flexible Multimedia Meeting System Will Connect Participants On Networked PCs

(TUCSON, AZ--February 1, 1993)--The KIVA NetConferencing system (patent pending), a PC LAN-based electronic meeting system, was announced today by Artisoft, Inc. To be introduced as the solution to the common problems and limitations of traditional meetings, the KIVA system was selected as a premier product for DEMO '93 and is being demonstrated at the Palm Springs conference this week.

The KIVA system will combine a flexible rule-based system with real-time, fully-interactive voice conferencing and the ability to distribute multimedia handouts. The result will be a computer-administered conference that can be conducted automatically and moderated precisely, ensuring the best possible dissemination of information using networked computers.

"Anyone who has ever participated in regular meetings knows how frustrating it can be. There are the constant interruptions of participants, confusion over who said what, and a general lack of control over the means and methods of the conference," commented Jack Schoof, Artisoft's Chairman & CEO.

With the KIVA system, a moderator will set a defined order, format and time frame for member participation. Entire conferences will be archived and compressed in a comprehensive voice and text file which can be transcribed via the ArtiScribe NetMedia system. Participants will be able to monitor their place in the queue; access the conference archive "faster than real-time" to catch up to a meeting in progress; participate in an anonymous, on-line vote; electronically "raise their hand" to speak; or simply monitor the activities of other participants.

Future developmental goals of the KIVA NetConferencing system include an electronic white board, multi-language support, off-line voice notes, conference voting, user voice scrambling, and multiplatform support.

This product is still in the developmental stage and is subject to change without further notice. Accordingly, Artisoft cannot predict the final feature set, release date or revenue contribution of this product.

Artisoft develops and manufactures a full line of innovative, cost-effective network communication solutions 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, Macintosh and TCP/IP 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 its products in over 70 countries worldwide and maintains international offices in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Latin America, Canada, Australia and Japan.

For more information about Artisoft or its product line, contact Artisoft Inc. at 691 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85704. Sales 800/846-9726 (US & Canada). Corporate 602/293-6363. Fax 602/293-8065.


Color Introduced to PowerBook Line
Apple Introduces Color to Its Award-Winning PowerBook Line

MACWORLD, TOKYO-February 9, 1993-Apple Computer, Inc. today introduced the Apple Macintosh PowerBook 165c, the first color notebook in its popular PowerBook line. The 165c combines high performance and a sleek ergonomic design with a technically innovative display that provides the quality color capabilities users expect from a Macintosh.

"Many computer users are attracted to color because it offers a richer interface and better represents the real world," said Randy Battat, vice president of Portable Computing. "But these users can't sacrifice performance. The PowerBook 165c offers the performance and speed of our top-of-the-line PowerBook along with a highly refined, color display that delivers more standard on-screen colors than any notebook in its class."

Award-Winning Design

The PowerBook 165c shares the distinctive, all-in-one design of the PowerBook 145,160 and 180. All-in-one PowerBook computers combine high performance processing power, rich video and audio capabilities, standard SCSI connections, and built-in AppleTalk networking, enabling users to work when they -- want to, where they want to, and how they want to. The PowerBook features an integrated center trackball, palm rests, and a compact design.

With this introduction, all-in-one PowerBook models include the 145,160,165c and 180. Modular PowerBook models include the PowerBook Duo 210, 230, Duo Dock and Duo MiniDock.

Improved Color Display

The Macintosh PowerBook 165c is equipped with a new passive matrix color display, which offers improved brightness and more uniform and vibrant colors than passive matrix displays offered by competitors. The display produces richer, more fully saturated colors, yielding unmatched color quality on screen.

The 640 x 400 backlit display supports a standard 256 colors from a palette of 4,096 colors. Comparatively, other color notebooks come standard with only 16 colors.

Fast and Powerful

In addition to the new color display, the PowerBook 165c is equipped with a high-performance Motorola 68030 microprocessor, running at 33MHz, delivering power and speed that is identical to the PowerBook 180. This speed and power, combined with the capability to display bright, vivid colors, allows PowerBook 165c users to work easily with high-quality graphics and images such as those needed to create and deliver professional presentations.

The 165c also has a 68882 math coprocessor that speeds up complicated numerical calculations. The system comes standard with 4MB of RAM, and will be expandable to 14MB when 10MB memory expansion cards for the 165c become available from third-party developers.

Flexible Video Capabilities

Like the PowerBook 160 and 180, the PowerBook 165c offers flexible video-out capabilities, enabling users to connect the 165c to external monitors and display up to 256 colors. The on-board video of the 165c supports the Macintosh 16" Color Display, other Apple color and monochrome monitors, some VGA and SVGA displays, and large projection monitors.

The 165c supports video mirroring and dual monitor mode. Video mirroring allows users to view material on their PowerBook display and an external monitor simultaneously. Dual monitor mode enables the PowerBook screen to display one set of data while the external monitor displays another. These features are particularly beneficial to mobile professionals, enabling them to use the 165c to develop an on-the-fly color presentation and the ability to deliver the presentation in a professional manner on-site.

Each PowerBook includes a rechargeable nickel-cadmium battery, AC adapter, video-out cable, System 7.1 software, training software, complete set-up, learning and reference documentation, and a one-year limited warranty. The 165c also features Apple's EverWatch battery saver technology, which turns off power-hungry components such as the microprocessor, hard disk, modem and backlighting when not in use, thus extending battery life. With normal use, a typical battery will last from 1.5 to 2 hours. EverWatch will extend battery life when all or most of its features are used. All accessories for all-in-one PowerBook models are compatible with the new PowerBook 165c, including the new PowerBook Express Modem.

Award-Winning PowerBook Line

The PowerBook line recently received Product of the Year awards from Fortune, BusinessWeek and Time magazines. Additional awards came from MacUser and BYTE magazines. MacUser named the PowerBook Duo as its Breakthrough Product of 1992-1993, and BYTE gave the PowerBook 180 its highest honor, the prestigious Award of Excellence.

Pricing and Availability

Two PowerBook 165c models will be offered worldwide through authorized Apple resellers. The PowerBook 165c equipped with 4MB of RAM and an 80MB hard drive has a suggested retail price in the United States of $3,399. A 165c equipped with 4MB of RAM and a 120MB hard drive will carry a suggested retail price of U.S. $3,759. (Prices will vary outside the United States.) Both models will ship Feb. 9,1993, however, Apple expects availability to be limited during initial stages of manufacturing.

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

408-996-1010


Macintosh Duo System Configurations
Apple Adds High-Performance Macintosh Duo System Configurations

Dateline: MACWORLD, TOKYO--February 9, 1993

Product Description:

Apple Computer, Inc. has added two new configurations to its award-winning Apple Macintosh Duo System. These include a new Macintosh PowerBook Duo 230 with a high performance internal modem, and a new Macintosh Duo Dock equipped with an internal hard disk drive. The new Duo 230 model has 4MB of RAM and a 120MB hard disk drive, and comes with a built-in internal PowerBook Express Modem that can transfer data at up to 14,400 bits-per-second (bps), and send and receive faxes at 9600 bps. Combined with V.42bis data compression capabilities of up to 4:1, the Express Modem has an effective data throughput of up to 57,600 bps.

The new Macintosh Duo Dock features a 230MB hard disk drive, a Motorola 68882 math coprocessor and 1MB of VRAM. This configuration provides users with faster video and support for up to 32,000 colors on Apple displays up to and including the Macintosh 16" Color Display. In the United States and Canada, this Duo Dock configuration will also include a file reconciliation software package (PowerMerge by Leader Technologies). File reconciliation applications such as PowerMerge enable users to automatically update files contained on the PowerBook Duo, the Duo Dock hard drive, or a network server to the latest version.

Significance:

These new configurations extend the capabilities of the Macintosh Duo System, giving users more value, performance, and flexibility in the same compact, easy-to-use design.

The Macintosh Duo System combines the benefits of notebook and desktop computing, and comprises three main components: a PowerBook Duo notebook computer, the Macintosh Duo Dock, and PowerLatch docking technology. Together, these components deliver a smooth transition between the worlds of desktop computing and notebook computing.

Pricing and Availability:

Both new configurations will be offered immediately through authorized Apple resellers worldwide. In the United States, the new PowerBook Duo 230 model will carry a suggested retail price of $3,219, and the new Duo Dock configuration will carry a suggested retail price of $1,975. Apple expects availability of the Duo Dock to be limited during initial stages of manufacturing. Pricing, availability, and distribution will vary outside the United States.

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

408-996-1010


LaserWriter Select Series Midrange Printers
Apple Introduces LaserWriter Select Series of Midrange Laser Printers

MACWORLD, TOKYO--February 9, 1993--Apple Computer, Inc. today continued to expand its family of high-quality laser printers with the introduction of the Apple LaserWriter Select series of midrange printers. The LaserWriter Select 300 and the LaserWriter Select 310, the first printers to debut in this line, bring a new level of price and performance to customers seeking professional quality printing. They are designed to provide advanced print quality, convenient paper handling, and greater affordability.

The LaserWriter Select 300 is Apple's lowest, expandable laser printer for individual users. It has a U.S. suggested retail price (SRP) of $819. The LaserWriter Select 310 is Apple's personal PostScript printer. It has a U.S. SRP of $1,079. With the introduction of these printers, Apple has enabled every printer in its LaserWriter family with sophisticated grayscale capabilities so that users at every level can easily incorporate images into everyday documents.

"In bringing this new line to market, Apple had one primary goal in mind--to combine the sophisticated capabilities of our high-end printers with the affordability of our entry-level printers," said John Moon, vice president of Imaging Products at Apple. "The result is a line of printers that balances our customers' needs for professional looking documents with the constraints of their budgets."

"We've also targeted the Select 310 beyond our traditional base of Macintosh users. Like the LaserWriter Pro 600 and 630 before it, the LaserWriter Select 310 is a smart choice for Windows-based computer users, too, because it's designed from the ground up to be easy to use in both Macintosh and Windows environments."

LaserWriter Select Series

Both products are powered by a Fuji Xerox 5-page-per-minute laser engine and share the same compact industrial design. The printers come standard with a letter cassette tray that holds 250 sheets of paper for automatic printing of large jobs, and a manual paper feed for small jobs requiring personal attention. An optional 250- or 500-sheet paper tray can be added to the LaserWriter Select series printers for added convenience. A 50-sheet multipurpose tray is also available that holds up to 50 sheets of paper or up to five envelopes. With all the paper feed options in use, the printer can hold up to 800 sheets of paper. And, like all other LaserWriter printers, the Select series features the all-in-one toner cartridge for easy and clean maintenance.

LaserWriter Select 300

The LaserWriter Select 300 is an expandable laser printer for individual users. Its 300 dot-per-inch (dpi) resolution, combined with FinePrint edge-smoothing technology and 39 scalable TrueType fonts, ensures high-quality, professional looking results in letters, reports, memos, and charts. For users who want more sophisticated capabilities, the printer can be upgraded to support Apple's advanced PhotoGrade technology, which produces near-photographic quality grayscale images. PhotoGrade provides the equivalent of 1,000 dpi printing with 91 levels of gray--30 percent more than was previously available in other printers. Or, for users who require PostScript compatibility, the printer can be upgraded to support Adobe PostScript.

With Apple's new GrayShare software, users can share the printer with other Macintosh computers. GrayShare allows the LaserWriter Select 300 to be shared among users over an AppleTalk TokenTalk or EtherTalk network.

The LaserWriter Select 300 can be used with any Apple Macintosh personal computer with at least 1MB of RAM, System 6.0.7 (with TrueType INIT) or higher, and a hard disk drive. For optimum performance, Apple recommends using 4MB or more of RAM with System 7 or higher.

LaserWriter Select 310

The LaserWriter Select 310 is the most affordable PostScript printer Apple has ever introduced. Powered by Advanced Micro Device's AM29205 RISC processor, it offers fast, efficient output for documents with both text and graphics. It's designed for individual users in either Macintosh or Windows environments with general productivity needs. Because it has Adobe's PostScript software, it is also an affordable choice for individuals who require PostScript compatibility. The printer comes standard with 13 scalable Adobe Type 1 fonts in ROM and the same 13 TrueType fonts on disk so that users get great looking type on their display and on the printed page. It is also compatible with any other of Adobe's Type 1 PostScript fonts.

Macintosh or Windows users can connect easily to the printer via either its built-in serial or parallel connections. Additional interface cards or software drivers are not needed.

The LaserWriter Select 310 can be used with any Apple Macintosh personal computer running System 6.07 (with TrueType INIT) or higher, any version of System 7, or any personal computer running Windows.

Pricing and Availability

The Apple LaserWriter Select 300 and Apple LaserWriter Select 310 will be offered through authorized Apple resellers worldwide. Prices and availability may vary by country.

LaserWriter Select 300                              $ 819

LaserWriter Select 310                               1079

LaserWriter Select Toner Cartridge                     89

LaserWriter Select 250 Sheet Legal Cassette            79

LaserWriter Select Multipurpose Tray Option            25

   (50 sheets or 5 envelopes)

LaserWriter Select 30 Envelope Cassette                89

LaserWriter Select 250 Sheet Letter Cassette           79

LaserWriter Select 250 Sheet Feeder w/Cassette        149

   Supports letter, A4 and B5 size paper.

LaserWriter Select 500 Sheet Feeder w/Cassette        299

   (Letter only)

LaserWriter Select 300 PhotoGrade Upgrade             269

LaserWriter Select 300 PostScript Option              349

LaserWriter Select 300 1MB Upgrade Kit                 89

LaserWriter Select 310 1MB Upgrade Kit                 89

LaserWriter Select 310 4MB Upgrade Kit                269

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

408-996-1010


New LaserWriter Pro 600 Standard Config
Apple Announces New Standard Configuration for LaserWriter Pro 600

Dateline: February 9,1993

Product Description:

In response to strong customer demand, Apple Computer, Inc. is upgrading the standard configuration of the Apple LaserWriter Pro 600 to include 8MB of RAM. This move makes 600 dot-per-inch (dpi) resolution and Apple's PhotoGrade technology standard, built-in features of the printer. At its introduction on Jan. 6, 1993, the Apple LaserWriter Pro 600 shipped with 4MB of RAM on the controller board, and was bundled with another 4MB of RAM as a special introductory offer.

The 600 dpi Apple LaserWriter Pro 600 offers superior grayscale image quality, high-performance throughput, extensive paper-handling capabilities, and ease of setup and use in Macintosh Windows or mixed environments. It is based on the 25MHz Motorola 68030 microprocessor and includes Adobe PostScript Level 2. It is designed for small- and large-business users seeking a cost-effective, high-volume workgroup laser printer with excellent print quality.

Significance:

Equipping the LaserWriter Pro 600 with 8MB of RAM allows users to take advantage of the printer's 600 dpi high-resolution printing capabilities or PhotoGrade, Apple's advanced printing technology for near-photographic quality grayscale images. PhotoGrade provides the equivalent of 1,000 dpi printing with 91 levels of gray--30 percent more than was previously available in other printers. This means that even high-end graphics professionals can use the printers for proofing, and often final output.

Pricing and Availability:

The U.S. suggested retail price of the 8MB configuration Apple LaserWriter Pro 600 remains the same--U.S. SRP $2,099. Pricing and availability of this configuration may vary in other countries.

Availability:

The Apple LaserWriter Pro 600 is currently offered through authorized Apple resellers worldwide.

System Requirements:

The Apple LaserWriter Pro 600 requires a Macintosh computer running System 6.0.5 or greater, or an MS-DOS-based personal computer running Windows 3.0 or 3.1.

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

408-996-1010


Worldwide Availability of Apple Multimedia Pgm
Apple Announces Worldwide Availability of the Apple Multimedia Program

MACWORLD, TOKYO--February 12, 1993--Apple Computer, Inc. today announced the worldwide availability of the multimedia developer program through APDA, Apple's source for developer tools. The worldwide Apple Multimedia Program is designed to spur the development of multimedia products. The program provides marketing and technical information that enable Apple's partners all over the world to prosper in the growing areas of multimedia creation and playback.

The Apple Multimedia Program has been well received in the United States and Canada since its inception in December 1992. Currently, over one hundred members have joined the program, representing the developer, consultant, producer, and systems integrator/VAR communities.

There is a growing number of multimedia developers that take 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 availability of the Apple Multimedia Program worldwide represents Apple's continuing commitment to fulfilling the needs of the worldwide developer community," said Kirk Loevner, vice president of Apple's Developer Group.

"The Apple Multimedia Program will provide our global multimedia community with critical resources for building profitable new media businesses," said Satjiv Chahil, vice president of Apple's New Business Initiatives Group. "We are pleased to be bringing our successful program to developers worldwide and reaffirming our leadership in multimedia."

Apple Multimedia Program

Apple Multimedia Program starter kit and quarterly mailings include the following:

Market Research Reports

* Multimedia Developers and Producers: Industry Assessment

* CD-ROM and Laserdisc Trends

* Future reports on emerging Multimedia market opportunities

  and important industry trends

Multimedia Design, Human Interface, and Production Video Series

(in PAL and NTSC format) Guidebooks

* The Best of The QuickTime Forum

* Apple CD-ROM Handbook

* Apple CD-ROM Technical Guidebook

* The World of Macintosh Multimedia

* Demystifying Multimedia

* More guidebooks to help developers create multimedia products

QuickTime 1.5 Developer CD-ROM

Pricing and Availability

The Apple Multimedia Program materials will be available in mid-March, 1993 through APDA. For specific price and availability information in your region, please refer to the attached list of international APDA offices.

The Apple Multimedia Program is currently available in the United States and Canada. A special introductory discount is available to those who join before July 31, 1993. For more information about joining the program in these two countries, call (408) 974-4897, 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


Flight Simulator Helmet/Headset
ONUR6 Enterprises has a new flilght simulator product available. The first one of its kind. The company is very excited about the potential of The Flight Sim Communications Helmet/Headset! There has been enormous reaction to it over the various online bulletin boards, that's what got them started.

The idea and design is based on a real F16 flight helmet. They were after a product that would be lightweight, comfortable, adjustable, attractive and versitile. From the feedback they have received they believe they have achieved those goals and more!

Includes:

-- Your callsign on your helmet

-- Choice of silver or Stealth Black Frame

-- Choice of Clear or Smoke Tint Visor

You have simulation joysticks, simulation flight games that put you in the cockpit of the aircraft of your choice. NOW you can slip on the Best Flight Simulator Headset Communications Helmet made for REAL Hands-Free Flying Action! Lead your Wingmen into battle, give commands through phone link up! Simply plug the helmet into your phonejack and you are on your way!

Retail price is $139.95

Requires second phone line other than modem.

Phone dialer available for those who have princess type phones for $39.95

ONUR 6 ENTERPRISES, PO Box 763, Aberdeen, MD 21001-0763

410-272-1858


Wilson Databases Now Available on SilverPlatter
Now Available--Wilson Databases on SilverPlatter

An Additional Option for Access to Wilson Data on CD-ROM

The H.W. Wilson Company is pleased to announce the availability of 17 of the renowned Wilson databases through SilverPlatter Information. With the addition of the Wilson databases to the SilverPlatter roster, more users than ever before will have access to high quality, affordable information. The databases will continue to be available on WILSONDISC CD-ROM and through the WILSONLINE Online Retrieval System.

The Wilson databases, created and maintained by librarians and subject area specialists, set the standard for accuracy, quality, and reliability. Regarded worldwide as core reference tools, the databases cover such areas as business, law, science, technology, art, the humanities, literature, and the social sciences.

SilverPlatter, a leading CD-ROM publisher since 1985, offers more than 100 databases covering a broad range of subjects. Four Wilson databases--Readers' Guide Abstracts, Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature, Business Periodicals Index, and Wilson Business Abstracts--will be available through SilverPlatter by early 1993. All 17 databases will be accessible through SPIRS, SilverPlatter's acclaimed search software, by the end of 1993.

Frank W. Miller, H.W. Wilson's Vice-President of Marketing and Sales, commented, "SilverPlatter's CD-ROM platform offers librarians another option for access to Wilson data in CD format. This arrangement with SilverPlatter is part of our ongoing effort to make reliable, affordable data available to the library community in the format of choice."

As part of its commitment to libraries, Wilson has arranged to make the WILSONDISC databases available through a number of systems, including SilverPlatter and OCLC's FirstSearch reference service. The Wilson databases continue to be available through the Wilson Information System--WILSONDISC, WILSONTAPE, WILSEARCH, and WILSONLINE.

H.W. Wilson Company, 950 University Ave, Bronx, NY 10452

800-367-6770


chemDIAGRAM 2D Chemical Drawing Package Rel. 2.0
MOLECULAR ARTS CORPORATION ANNOUNCES NEW RELEASE OF 2D CHEMICAL DRAWING PACKAGE

Anaheim, California, February 1, 1993--Molecular Arts Corporation (MAC), has announced today the availability of chemDIAGRAM for Windows (Release 2.0), a PC software tool for 2D chemical diagram drawing. It offers sophisticated 2D chemical drawing capabilities designed specifically for researchers, scientists, engineers, academics, and students in the chemistry field. With chemDIAGRAM chemists can easily create complex structure diagrams, move, scale, stack, and rotate them, add labels and text, create illustrations for their research documentation, produce publication-quality output, and share research results with colleagues.

Molecular Arts Corporation's Vice-President of Marketing, Laura Voyles says of the new release, "chemDIAGRAM is a productivity tool that provides scientists advanced capabilities for documenting their chemical research activities." She went on to say, "What makes it so exciting is that chemDIAGRAM provides advanced 2D diagramming tools, graphic illustration tools, a text processor, and page layout tools in an affordable desktop package. With chemDIAGRAM, scientists can draw accurate diagrams, illustrate their research, and present their work to their peers quickly and easily."

GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE

By utilizing the popular Microsoft Windows graphical user interface (GUI), chemDIAGRAM takes full advantage of this intuitive working environment, making chemDIAGRAM easy to learn and use. Additionally, by integrating all the necessary drawing and documentation tools under a single user interface, chemDIAGRAM saves scientists time and money.

TOOL ENHANCEMENTS

Version 2.0 of chemDIAGRAM marks the addition of 50 new or upgraded capabilities including:

Diagram Templates

Create and use standard or template structures.

Enhancement: Unlimited number of templates possible. Library added.

Text Processor

Full featured text processing.

Enhancement: Line & Paragraph attribute controls added.

User Interface

Menu Driven interface fully supports Windows protocols.

Enhancement: New Windows Common Dialogs and Hot Keys added.

chemGRFX

Import and Export Vector- and Rasterbased molecular graphic images via graphics files and the Windows Clipboard.

Enhancement: Support added for an additional 12 common graphics file formats.

Drawing Tools

Advanced tools for creating sophisticated drawings.

Enhancement: New Arrow Tool Palette offers faster arrow creation.

Object Controls

Advanced tools for creating and arranging objects on a page.

Enhancement: Object stacking and grouping capabilities added.

Page Controls

Advanced tools for creating detailed page layouts.

Enhancement: Additional Page and Object zooming tools.

When added to the popular chemDIAGRAM program, these new features provide chemists with an unparalleled set of capabilities for creating 2D molecular structures in an affordable desk-top package.

PRODUCT FEATURES

The chemDIAGRAM package features a complete palette of diagram drawing tools including 12 bond tools (with over 20 bond styles), 12 ring tools (3 to 8-sided rings including aromatics, boat, and chair conformations), 3 atom tools (with automatic label superscripts and subscripts, adjustable label positions, stereo dots and automatic white space around labels), and 12 orbital tools.

Plus chemDIAGRAM offers advanced capabilities like adjustable "snap to" drawing guides for atom positions, bond lengths, bond angles, and labels. Bonds, atoms, and labels will automatically pop into place so that creating accurate diagrams is a "snap."

Diagram features are also customizable. Bond widths, bond spacings, line weights, fonts, colors, bond stacking, and many other parameters are user-adjustable.

But chemDIAGRAM is more than just a full-featured diagram drawing program. Included is a complete graphics drawing tool set so that complex illustrations can be created. And there's also a complete text editor, special math and symbol libraries, and advanced page layout tools. Visually attractive documents can be designed with a clean professional look.

Full support for cut-n-paste operations (plus graphics file import/export) allows users to transfer their illustrations into many-other Windows and DOS-compatible applications including word processors, spreadsheets, databases, etc. With chemDIAGRAM, users also have access to super display graphics with: real time 2D transformations (translate, Z-axis rotate, and zoom), plus support for high-resolution graphics display cards.

Users also have access to quality hardcopy output provided with support for Hewlett-Packard LaserJet printers, color printers, PostScript devices, HP plotters - virtually all Windows-compatible output devices. Chemists can create everything from slides and transparencies to oversized posters, lab notebook annotations, and paper-based documentation.

AVAILABILITY

The commercial release of chemDIAGRAM (v2.0) is concurrent with this announcement. A single-user industrial license is available for $349. This release will operate on IBM PC's and PC-compatibles that support Microsoft Windows 3.x. Included is a 90 day money-back guarantee and FREE technical support for the first 3 months of ownership. Extended Support Plans are available.

chem VISION is available directly from :

Molecular Arts, 1532 East Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92805-6627

(714) 634-8100 * FAX (714) 634-8100

BIT (UK) Ltd.

Alderny House, 58 Normandy St, Alton, Hants, GU34 lDE (UK)

420-83 11 - FAX 420-80657

BIT GmbH

Niederkassler Stral3e 4, W-400 DUsseldorf, 11 (GERMANY)

(211) 578-001 - FAX (211) 578-003

SAI Information Technology,

Via del Castagni, 4, 00045 Genzano di Roma (ITALY)

(06) 964-0305 * FAX (06) 964-1913

Molecular Arts Corporation, Anaheim, California, is a supplier of desk-top visualization, documentation, and analysis software 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 under the chemSERlES line of software tools.


PeopleSoft Financials, HRMS & PeopleTools
PeopleSoft Launches 1993 with Major Product and Corporate Announcements

Client/Server Business Software Vendor Makes Announcements for PeopleSoft Financials, PeopleSoft HRMS, PeopleTools and International Division

WALNUT CREEK, CA, February 8,1993 -- PeopleSoft, Inc. (NASDAQ: PSFT) today made four product and corporate announcements that underscore the company's commitment to leading the market for client/server business software.

The company released delivery dates for three new client/server accounting applications to be added to its PeopleSoft Financials product line, and Version 3.0 of its popular client/server human resource management system PeopleSoft HRMS. PeopleSoft also announced plans to extend the availability of PeopleTools, a family of client/server application development tools. Further, the company formally announced the expansion of its overseas operations with the formation of PeopleSoft International.

Dave Duffield, president, founder, chief executive officer of PeopleSoft commented, "Since PeopleSoft was founded in 1987, our goal has been to deliver a new generation of business application software based on a foundation of technology standards-- client/server computing, relational databases, graphical user interfaces, and open systems. Today's announcements reinforce our strategy to lead the business software market with innovative uses of technology, superior product functionality, and an unsurpassed commitment to customer service."

PeopleSoft Financials Delivery Plans

Formally introduced in April, 1992, PeopleSoft Financials is an integrated family of four client/server accounting software products designed for the Fortune 1000 marketplace. PeopleSoft began production shipments of the first PeopleSoft Financials product, PeopleSoft General Ledger (PS/GL), in October, 1992.

PeopleSoft today announced delivery dates for three new PeopleSoft Financials products--PeopleSoft Accounts Receivable (PS/AR), PeopleSoft Accounts Payable (PS/AP) and PeopleSoft Asset Management (PS/AM). Both PS/AR and PS/AP are planned for beta release in April 1993, and PS/AM is planned for beta release in the third quarter of 1993. All three products are slated for production shipments by the end of this year.

* PS/AR manages cash collection and customer receivables for a wide variety of industries and provides valuable data to improve cash and credit management. Features include automatic assessment of a customer's payment habits and generation of dunning letters, automatic tape lock box processing for electronic processing of high volume transactions, and cash position projections.

* PS/AP authorizes and records the obligation and payment of invoices, while providing additional tracking features to allow managers to make key decisions resulting in more efficient use of corporate resources. Features include support for multiple currencies, flexible payment policies, and cash requirements analysis and planning.

* PS/AM provides the features necessary to record the acquisition, depreciation, and retirement of capitalized assets. It also manages "non-traditional" asset information such as maintenance contracts and schedules, upgrade options, resale schedules, insurance coverage, replacement options, budgets, and lease terms.

PeopleSoft is currently signing beta customers for the new PeopleSoft Financials products, and recently completed a major contract with NCR Corporation for the purchase of the entire PeopleSoft Financials product suite. Customers already using PS/GL include Calgary General Hospital; Goldman, Sachs; Ontario Hydro; and Western Michigan University.

Introducing PeopleSoft HRMS 3.0

PeopleSoft HRMS is an integrated family of client/server human resource applications. Available immediately, PeopleSoft HRMS 3.0 includes two new Benefits applications--Benefits Administration (PS/Benefits) and Flexible Spending Accounts Administration (PS/FSA)--in response to customer demand for sophisticated benefits management capabilities. PeopleSoft HRMS 3.0 also contains new functionality within the PeopleSoft Human Resources (PS/HR) and PeopleSoft Payroll applications.

PS/Benefits is designed for companies with both flexible and non-flexible benefit programs that have complex requirements for eligibility checking, open enrollment processing, automatic enrollment, and termination of coverages. PS/FSA provides complete flexible spending accounts claims processing including tracking of submitted, paid, and pending claims, and check preparation.

PS/HR includes expanded international support for an unlimited number of currencies. It includes career planning extensions to support career path networks as well as force and ranking career potential. PS/Payroll contains new functionality for concurrent run controls, user-defined disposable earnings and exemption calculations for garnishment processing, control over grouping earnings, and more.

Announcing PeopleTools Availability

Based on customer demand, PeopleSoft has announced plans to market and support PeopleTools, an integrated suite of client/server application development tools, as a separate product line. PeopleTools, which runs in the Microsoft Windows graphical environment, enables analysts to build mission-critical business applications using components that maximize development productivity. PeopleSoft has been using PeopleTools since 1987 to develop its leading-edge client/server PeopleSoft HRMS and PeopleSoft Financials applications, which are used in some of the largest organizations in the world.

Announcing the Expansion of PeopleSoft International

Based on market demand and PeopleSoft's global product strategy, the company has formed PeopleSoft International, an expansion of the company's current International efforts outside North America. PeopleSoft International is dedicated to the strategic marketing, development, sales and support of PeopleSoft's client/server business software products into Europe, Asia/Pacific, and Latin America. Responsible for expanding and developing this operation is Richard H. Hess, 35, Managing Director, International Operations.

During the past two years, PeopleSoft developed the foundation for an International operation with the opening of a European office in Amsterdam, as well as International product development and extensive sales activities targeted at U.S.-based multi-national corporations. Since 1992, PeopleSoft has completed International sales contracts with such blue-chip customers as Eli Lilly; Goldman, Sachs; Hewlett-Packard; Malaysia Airlines; Microsoft; and Monsanto.

PeopleSoft International consists of two regional, wholly-owned subsidiaries, PeopleSoft Europe, which is headquartered in PeopleSoft's current Amsterdam office, and PeopleSoft Asia/Pacific, based in Singapore. PeopleSoft has already developed and delivered multi-language and multi-currency capabilities through PeopleTools.

Platforms and Pricing

PeopleSoft Financials and PeopleSoft HRMS are designed to operate on Microsoft Windows 3.1 PC clients and a wide range of PC, midrange, and mainframe relational database server platforms. These platforms include Microsoft SQL Server (OS/2), Gupta SQLBase (OS/2), HP Allbase/SQL (MPE), ORACLE (several UNIX platforms and VMS), Digital Rdb (VMS), and DB2 (MVS).

Pricing for PeopleSoft Financials products ranges from $100,000 to $300,000 per module. Pricing for PeopleSoft HRMS ranges from $130,000 to $800,000, depending on modules purchased, number of users, and hardware configuration.

About PeopleSoft, Inc.

Founded in 1987, PeopleSoft's mission is to be the market leader in client/server business software. PeopleSoft develops and markets PeopleSoft Financials and PeopleSoft HRMS, integrated families of client/server business software, as well as PeopleTools, a family of client/server application development tools. The company differentiates itself on the basis of superior product functionality, technological innovation, and outstanding customer service. PeopleSoft has more than 175 world-class customers in the manufacturing, transportation, technology, financial services, pharmaceutical, utility, transportation, education, and government sectors. PeopleSoft employs approximately 200 professionals and has revenues of $31.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1992.

Products are marketed through direct sales offices across the United States, Canada, and Europe. PeopleSoft has marketing and development alliances with major hardware and software vendors including Digital Equipment, Groupe-Bull, Gupta, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Microsoft, NCR, Oracle, Sequent, Sun, and Sybase. The company also has partnerships with major system integrators and consulting firms.

PeopleSoft, 1331 North California Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA 94596

510-946-9460;  fax: 510-946-9461


NASA Integrated Composite Analyzer (ICAN)
COMPOSITE ANALYSIS ON A PC

The Integrated Composite Analyzer (ICAN) from NASA Lewis Research Center is a computer program designed to carry out a comprehensive linear analysis of multilayered fiber composites. The analysis contains the essential features required to effectively design structural components made from fiber composites. ICAN includes the micromechanical design features of the Intraply Hybrid Composite Design (INHYD) program to predict ply level hygral, thermal, and mechanical properties. The laminate analysis features of the Multilayered Filamentary Composite Analysis (MFCA) program are included to account for interply layer effects. ICAN integrates these and additional features to provide a comprehensive analysis capability for composite structures.

Two machine versions of ICAN are available. The IBM 370 series version (LEW-14468) is written in FORTRAN IV for the IBM 370 series computers running OS/TSS. The new IBM PC version (LEW15592) is written in FORTRAN 77 for use on the IBM PC series computers running MS-DOS and Microsoft FORTRAN 5.1. Program $1,150; documentation $22.

COSMIC, The University of Georgia

382 East Broad St, Athens, GA 30602-4272

(706) 542-3265;  Fax: (706) 542-4807


EASi Engineering Moves to Larger Offices
EASi ENGINEERING MOVES TO NEW LARGER, MORE CENTRALLY-LOCATED OFFICES.

(Bingham Farms, Michigan -- February 4, 1993) EASi Engineering today announced that it has moved its main office from Auburn Hills to a larger facility in Bingham Farms, Michigan. At about 10,500 square feet, the new facility is about 60% larger than the old one. The additional space was made necessary by the company's substantial growth over the past several years. Another advantage of the new location is that it is very centrally located with respect to the company's major customers in the automobile industry.

Founded in 1981, EASi Engineering has a staff of over 100 professionals and is one of the largest suppliers of computer-aided engineering services to the automobile industry. EASi's capabilities include structural crash simulation, occupant simulation, biomechanics, linear and nonlinear finite element analysis, optimization, kinematics and dynamic analysis. Additional capabilities includes analysis of noise, vibration and harshness, and alternate materials evaluation including structural plastics and composites.

In the last several years, EASi has released several software products targeted towards specialized automotive applications. EASi-BUMPER is an advanced computer-aided engineering tool that provides a practical method for the bumper designer to determine the relative effectiveness of different materials and geometries without going into the time-consuming and costly process of detailed finite element analysis or physical testing. EASi-SEAL is a personal-computer-based software package that can greatly simplify the process of optimizing the design of air-tight seals by providing all the information needed to determine the seal tightness, durability and closure force of the design.

EASi Engineering

30800 Telegraph Rd, #3700, Bingham Farms, MI 48025

313-901-4800;  fax: 313-901-4818


Personnel Master III HRMS With Family Leave
Clinton "Family Leave" HR software ships

February 9, 1993 -- MST Software of Laguna Hills, CA is shipping an updated version of its PERSONNEL MASTER III human resources management software which keeps employers in compliance with the new Family Leave legislation signed by President Clinton on February 5th.

MST president Patrick Dowd said, "Compliance with the requirements of the new Family Leave legislation is critical for employers. PERSONNEL MASTER III now includes automatic checking to determine if an employee is entitled to take family leave or not, exports data to accounting and payroll services to alert them that the employee is on approved leave, and appropriately adjusts vacation and sick leave accruals for the employee."

"Because of the manner in which the December 1992 release of PERSONNEL MASTER III was written, we were able to offer a 'Family Leave' enhancement within a few days. PERSONNEL MASTER III is the FIRST human resources management software package to offer employers compliance with Family Leave provisions", said Dowd.

PERSONNEL MASTER III is a full-featured human resources management software package designed for the PC. It includes employee reviews, employee benefits administration, salary budgeting, emergency contact information, OSHA, EEOC, and INS reporting, COBRA billings, automatic leave accrual, skills and training inventories, a leave scheduler, pop-up calculator and appointment calendar, and over 75 reports.

PERSONNEL MASTER 111 sells for $479 for the single-user version or $795 for the networked multiple-user version.

MST Software

25541 Indian Hill Ln #Q, Laguna Hills, CA 92653-6059

714-837-3664;  fax: 714-768-0736


Logitech SoundMan 16 Stereo Sound Board
Logitech Announces SoundMan 16

CD-Quality, Stereo 16-Bit Board Features High-End Synthesized & Digitized Sound for Multimedia, Recreation, Music, and General PC Audio

Fremont, Calif.--February 8, 1993 --Logitech today announced SoundMan 16, a CD-quality, 16-bit stereo audio card for the IBM PC. Shipping this month, SoundMan 16 brings full-featured, high-quality digitized and synthesized sound at an affordable price to a market expected to double in size this year.

SoundMan 16 incorporates all the features consumers expect from high-end sound today: 20-voice MIDI support, 44 KHz digitization, 16-bit digital audio playback and recording, guaranteed SoundBlaster 1.5 compatibility, and a variety of software and hardware enhancements designed to optimize and streamline installation and use. The product carries a suggested retail price of $289, yielding a street price under $200. Logitech expects SoundMan 16, with its full feature set and aggressive pricing, to quickly assume market leadership.

Logitech chose the Yamaha OPL-3 chip for synthesized sound and the Media Vision 16-bit Spectrum chip set, both of which provide optimal sound quality and compatibility with prevailing industry software and hardware standards. In a separate statement today, Logitech also announced the formation of a multimedia partnership with Media Vision.

"The PC audio market holds tremendous opportunity for Logitech," says Pierluigi Zappacosta, Logitech president. "Nearly two million sound cards were shipped in 1992, and about four million are forecast to ship this year. Logitech is committed to providing high-quality sound products to fit a variety of customer needs ranging from business audio to multimedia and entertainment, and SoundMan 16 is a flagship product."

Logitech brings significant value to the sound market, offering company size, brand recognition, established channel penetration, and a variety of customer programs including seven-day-a-week technical support, fax-back, BBS, a CompuServe forum. guaranteed 100-percent compatibility, and liberal warranty policies.

A key advantage of SoundMan 16 is its "intelligent installation" process. 'We leveraged our vast experience from scanner and mouse bus board installation and design to produce a board virtually anyone can install," says Dave Pelton, SoundMan 16 product marketing manager. 'The board features completely software-selectable IRQ, DMA, and IO address, meaning the user sets no jumpers or DIP switches."

'We spent more than six months on the installation process alone," says Pelton. 'The intelligent installation program actually examines the system for existing in-use channels before making a setting recommendation; the user can then test and reset the settings, guided and assisted throughout the process by the software."

SoundMan 16 features jacks for stereo input, such as from a CD player, and amplified (4-watt) output, such as to speakers or headphones. There is also a mono microphone jack and a combination MIDI/joystick port. On the board, an array of pins provides connectivity with virtually any type of internal CD-ROM audio. A hardware mixer offers individual control of FM, line-IN, internal CD-audio IN, digital audio, and microphone audio.

For software, SoundMan 16 supports both Windows 3.1 and DOS, with separate controls and drivers for each. Both drivers set and retain board settings and "talk" with each other, so that settings in one environment are the same as the other. SoundMan 16 features a Windows "Pocket Mixer" applet that allows fine control of all channel volumes, bass, treble, balance, and other features in a small but sophisticated format. The "Pocket Recorder" allows high-level (16-bit, 44 KHz stereo) recordings in Windows, along with a variety of software editing enhancements for digitized (.WAV) files such as softening, echo/reverb, and tonal changes. DOS utilities include a mixer program and a program for playing and recording .WAV files. WAV and MIDI sample files are shipped with the package.

SoundMan 16 requires an IBM PC/AT or compatible with a 386SX processor or higher, DOS 3.3 or higher, Windows 3.1 or higher for Windows use, 640K RAM (2 megabytes recommended), one 16-bit (full) slot, a hard drive, and speakers or headphones for output and a microphone or other audio device (e.g., a CD player) for input. A separate, optional cable will be available for connecting a MIDI device or internal CD-ROM drive.

In addition to SoundMan 16, Logitech recently introduced and shipped AudioMan, a desktop audio device incorporating a speaker and microphone connecting by cable to the parallel port. AudioMan is targeted at and optimized for business audio applications such as voice annotation to spreadsheets and word processing.

Founded in 1981, Logitech achieved worldwide revenues of $218.8 million during FY 1992 (which ended March 31, 1992). Retail and OEM Senseware products of the company and its affiliates include pointing devices (such as mice and trackballs), handheld 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.

For more information about SoundMan 16 or other products, call Logitech Sales at (800) 231-7717 or check the question & answer information below!

Logitech Inc, 6505 Kaiser Dr, Fremont, CA 94555

510-795-8500;  Fax: 510-792-8901

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

Logitech and the Sound Market Questions and Answers

Why is Logitech entering the sound market when there are already a fair number of strong players?

The sound market is one of the most exciting places to be in today's high-tech marketplace. Its potential is enormous, with plenty of room for additional players--especially when the entrant is a company with Logitech's strengths: strong brand recognition, established channels, extensive customer support programs, and a track record of bringing quality products to market at an affordable price. Logitech has an additional compelling reason for entering the sound market: the significance of sound as key component in our family of "Senseware" products designed to enhance the human/machine interface by giving human-like senses to the computer.

Why did Logitech choose Media Vision as its technology partner for the SoundMan 16 product?

Compatibility and quality are key issues for Logitech, which is aggressively pursuing the sound market, both as it exists today, and in its potential for the future. Media Vision has produced a successful chip set that adheres to prevailing market standards. What's more, the fact that Media Vision has a legal right to incorporate SoundBlaster compatibility at the hardware level is an important factor for a product being introduced now. The high quality of Media Vision's sound was also a factor in Logitech's choice.

What does the Media Vision/Logitech alliance mean with respect to Logitech's interest in Advanced Gravis?

Because we are seriously committed to sound, and all directions that this market can take, we are maintaining our interest in Advanced Gravis' technology as an important element in our potential product evolution. Gravis' wave-table synthesis capability is at the cutting edge of sound technology. Logitech believes that wave-table synthesis will assume a greater mainstream position as the sound market matures. In fact, we are assisting Advanced Gravis to be a leading manufacturer in the European sound market.

Logitech already has a sound product--AudioMan--on the market. This seems to be in keeping with the general "look and feel" of other Logitech products, i.e., an elegantly designed desktop accessory. Why a board?

AudioMan addresses a different market: Business Audio. If we are to truly continue our commitment to the "Senseware" concept, then we need to explore and produce a variety of "audio" senses--in the same way that our ScanMan and FotoMan products address different aspects of computer "sight," while mice and trackballs provide choices in the computer's sense of "touch."

What sound technology is Logitech ultimately supporting?

Logitech is keeping pace with all major evolving technologies in the sound market.

Why did you choose not to incorporate a CD-ROM hardware interface in your product?

To limit a product to one single CD-ROM interface standard can cause as many problems as it solves. Proprietary interfaces limit the customer's choice to one brand of CD-ROM, while SCSI interfaces add significant cost to the product and force customers to buy more expensive SCSI CD-ROM drives. Since Logitech's goal was to produce a high-quality, flexible product at an affordable price (under $200 street price), we chose to provide our users with high-quality sound while leaving them free to configure their systems according to their personal needs and preferences. The hardware does include a CD audio port, which accepts input from internal or external CD-ROM drives.

What about future compatibility?

Logitech is guaranteeing 100-percent compatibility between the SoundMan 16 product and any SoundBlaster-compatible software on the market. In addition, the more a chip is used, the better the chance for industry-wide compatibility. Software publishers will determine the longevity of standards by creating a critical mass of applications and driving the market.

What about potential copyright infringement?

Media Vision's agreement with Creative Labs has addressed the copyright issue. We are limited only by our imagination.

Why have you chosen to compete with Microsoft, which is also producing a soundboard?

Microsoft's soundboard, like Logitech's AudioMan, is targeted at the business market, where Windows-based software has a formidable toehold. Because the Microsoft product is neither SoundBlaster- nor DOS-compatible, it is not appropriate for the huge DOS-based PC game environment, which today represents 90 percent of the total sound market


Index for C Users & Windows/DOS Dev Journals
February 2, 1993 -- LAWRENCE, KS: R&D Publications has released their On-Line Magazine Index (1988-1992) for articles in The C Users Journal and Windows/DOS Developer's Journal published during 1988-1992. The Index, which runs under Microsoft Windows 3.1, is currently shipping and retails for $29.95.

The Index allows searches by author, title, and keyword. All articles, columns, editorials, reviews, product user reports, and readers' letter with technical content are indexed. The Index also includes information about the C User's Group Library new releases, bug fixes, and updates.

The Index provides the professional developer with a quick way of identifying and retrieving detailed information from the two magazines on such topics as C, C++, Windows, and DOS. The Index also allows grouping and printing of searched records.

The Index was compiled by Stephen Bach, edited by Bernard Williams, and programmed by Kenji Hino.

On-Line Magazine Index (1988-1992)

(requires Windows 3.1)

Price: $29.95

available on 3-1/2" or 5-1/4" diskettes

R&D Publications, 1601 W. 23rd St., Suite 200, Lawrence, KS 66046

913-841-1631;   FAX  913-841-2624


Tutor by Association for First Time Users
NEW IDEA FOR INTRODUCING THE COMPUTER TO FIRST TIME USERS OF IBM AND COMPATIBLE COMPUTERS

(or for those who've never ventured out into DOSland)

Tutor by Association by Don Pierce is the first computer tutor that helps the beginning user become familiar with the computer without being overwhelmed. Using entertaining graphics and brilliant colors, it is impossible for the user to become bored while learning the basics of DOS. The program first explains the hardware and functions of the computer. Second it shows many different ways in which the computer can be used. Finally it covers files, disks, DOS commands and much more. The program even shows step by step how to install a new program onto the hard drive.

This fantastic DOS tutor would make an excellent tutor for children as well as adults. Professionals who need to start using a computer in their business, but do not have the time for in depth training, will find Tutor by Association to be a great program to give them the basic overview and reference needed to be confident operators.

The program shows the two basic types of screens that may appear when the computer is first started; a friendly menu or the prominent DOS prompt. It explains the keys and functions of the computer keyboard. The program describes different types of programs and the many ways that they can make a computer useful; it shows what programs and files are; types of floppies and disk drives; how to set up directories and copy new programs into them; the program also gives explanations and usage of the most used DOS commands and lists the most common DOS error messages with their possible causes.

The program uses a format that relates DOS functions and computer hardware to things that people are familiar with. The visual effects make learning fun and easy. Everything to get a new user, or someone new to using DOS, started is included in Tutor by Association.

System Requirements: any IBM or compatible computer with 256K RAM and a color monitor, DOS 2.11 or later and a 5-1/4" disk drive. (3-1/2" disks may be ordered for $1.00 extra).

Tutor by Association is available for $19.95 plus $3 P&H within the U.S. and Canada, $5 P&H for foreign (All payments in U. S . currency) . Michigan residents must add 496 sales tax. Visa/MC is available for U. S . orders . From: AJOY Software - P.O. Box 764 - Marshall, MI 49068 (616)-781-3764.


LucasArts Game Titles in Several Versions
LucasArts Games, the interactive entertainment division of LucasArts Entertainment Company, has introduced four new games for CD-ROM, PC and Super Nintendo systems: Day of the Tentacle: Maniac Mansion 2, Indiana Jones and The Fate of Atlantis, "Talkie" Star Wars 3-D (working title), and Super Empire Strikes Back.

Day of the Tentacle: Maniac Mansion 2 is available for PC CD-ROM and PC formats. This interactive cartoon adventure sucks players into a wacky cartoon world to save the planet from Dr. Fred Edison's mutated pet tentacles. The CD game will feature full voice throughout, and the PC version will have a "talkie" introduction.

Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis is Indiana Jones' first original interactive adventure. In this full-voice "talkie" version of the award winning adventure, Indy is in a worl-wide race with the Nazis to find Atlantis and the potent magic hidden in its rings. This game is available for PC CD-ROM.

Star Wars 3-D is a screaming arcade-action game with 15 heart palpitating levels of fast flying and fighting. The entire game is rendered in astoundingly realistic 3-D art using the most sophisticated software available and features full-voice and full-motion video cut scenes inspired from Star Wars. This game is available for PC CD-ROM and Mega CD.

Available for Super Nintendo si Super Empire Strikes Back, the first 16 megabit Super Nintendo game from JVC/LucasArts team.


Electronic Arts Intros EA Sports Line
Electronic Arts has announced the creation of EA Sports line of sports software for video games and computers. EA Sports replaces Electronic Arts' EASN brand, which was established in 1991. EA Sports will market "Real Sports Games for Real Sports Fans," says the company. Releases for 16-bit game systems include John Madden Football '93, Bulls vs. Blazers and the NBA Playoffs and NHLPA Hockey '93. Other video game releases for 1993 include Tony La Russa Baseball and PGA Tour Golf II. Michael Jordon In Flight will also be released for the PC.


Osborne/McGraw-Hill Bundling With TEMPRA Swr
Osborne/McGraw Hill to Bundle TEMPRA Software with Multimedia Book

"Multimedia: Making It Work" by Tay Vaughan to Include Special Edition of TEMPRA Products

(COMDEX--Las Vegas, NV--Nov. 16, 1992) Mathematica, Inc. announces that a special edition of its TEMPRA software will be bundled in a new multimedia book from Osborne/McGraw Hill of Berkeley, CA. "Multimedia: Making It Work" by Tay Vaughan will be available in January 1993 at $27.95 and will include a special edition of the TEMPRA GIF image editing and TEMPRA SHOW presentation software. Vaughan, a well-known multimedia pioneer, is president of Timestream, a company recently formed to produce and distribute multimedia titles. He will be in the Mathematica, Inc. suite at COMDEX to discuss the book.

"I am pleased that TEMPRA GIF and SHOW software will be bundled with the book," he says, "because the book takes a very hands-on approach and is full of detailed advice, tips, and tricks for beginners and experts alike; TEMPRA GIF and SHOW immediately add real-world value to the reader's multimedia toolkit."

The Osborne division of McGraw-Hill publishes business, professional, and technical books and book/disk packages on microcomputer-related topics, including user guides to popular software, hardware, and operating systems, in addition to programming manuals and technical reference books. Osborne's publishing list includes a wide range of popular products and topics including Lotus 1-2-3, WordPerfect, DOS, Paradox, game software, and more. Osborne/McGraw Hill is well-know for its bestselling "Made Easy," "Complete Reference," and "Pocket Reference" series, which combined have sold millions of copies worldwide.

Since 1986, Mathematica, Inc. has been developing computer graphics and imaging software on MS-DOS and Unix-based PCs and RISC systems for AT&T Bell Labs, AT&T's Software Labs, and Fuji Optical Systems. Its TEMPRA graphics and multimedia products have gaining rapid popularity in the PC computer industry since the introduction of its TEMPRA image editor in 1990. The TEMPRA software product line ranges from low-end painting and imaging to high-end authoring and video production. The complete line of TEMPRA products are available to dealers through Merisel, Ingram Micro, Tech Data, and Kenfil in the U.S.; Neidermeier Data Systems in Germany; Lako Vision in Australia; and Phase 3 Communications in the United Kingdom.

Mathematica, 402 S Kentucky Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801

813-682-1128;  FAX 686-5969


News Archives Now Available on Disk via Mail
Due to many requests, the monthly news archives from this news service are now available via mail on diskette at the end of each month. Cost is $60 for twelve monthly issues mailed via first class mail to anywhere in the USA, $75 for elsewhere via airmail. Individual copies for any month are $7.50 or you can continue to download copies from America Online or various Internet archive sites. International orders please include payment in US dollars via International money order or checks drawn on a US bank.

News archives are created using PKZIP and shipped on 3.5" low density (720K) diskettes. You'll need a copy of PKUNZIP and your favorite text file viewing utility. Each archive includes all PC and Macintosh news articles distributed electronically via our America Online news service during the previous month. There are typically 200 or more articles each month, but volume does vary. We normally include the FULL TEXT of ALL relative press releases received for both commerical and shareware products!

Each monthly news archive includes a quick introductory text file with a brief overview of the news structure. A handy index file provides a listing of the news included in each archive. Each line of the index file provides the news category, article heading, and the associated file where the article can be found. The index has all articles of each news category grouped together for added convenience.

Individual articles are provided in standard ASCII text files formatted for 80 column output (without page breaks). Use your favorite text file utilities to view or print articles of interest. Alternately, use the -CM option of PKUNZIP to view the articles directly from the news archive .ZIP file without unzipping!

All orders for news archives, or submissions of news for free distribution & inclusion in our reference database, should be addressed to:

   Baker Enterprises                   Phone: 609-582-9203

   20 Ferro Dr                           Fax: 609-582-9204

   Sewell, NJ 08080                      AOL: RBaker PC

                                    Internet: rbakerpc@aol.com

Just a reminder that our PC industry reference database is also available for only $25 (within the USA) through:

   EMS Professional Software

   4505 Buckhurst Ct                   Phone:  301-924-3594

   Olney, MD 20832                       Fax:  301-924-2708

The PC Products Database distributed by EMS is a licensed copy of our PC Vendor Database that appears as an online searchable database on America Online and includes nearly 40,000 product entries from over 14,800 companies and authors. Includes mailing addresses, telephone/fax/BBS numbers, E-mail addresses and more.

For information on subscribing to the America Online service, you can call toll free within the US at 1-800-827-6364 for details.


FastTAG 1.2 Document Conversion & Management
Avalanche Launches; FastTAG 1.2

Early this year Avalanche is releasing a new version of FastTAG, its flagship document conversion and management product. AS many readers already know, FastTAG is used to recognize different kinds of structures in documents, including headings, lists, notes, tables, and other kinds of document objects. Once FastTAG has identified an object, it can write it out with special tags or codes. The nature and format of this output is controlled by the enduser through a simple procedural language called "Louise."

Originally released in 1990, FastTAG has been widely used within a broad variety of applications. New capabilities allow FastTAG 1.2 to be even more powerful. Here are some of its enhanced features:

* FastTAG now runs under Microsoft Windows 3.1. This is important not only because this is such a broadly used platform, but also because, through Windows, FastTAG has access to more memory, enabling more complicated processing.

* The new FastTAG includes an easy to use, windowed interface for use with Windows and with Motif on UNIX systems (Sun Sparc version).

* Microsoft's Rich Text Format (RTF) is now among the supported input types. This means that FastTAG can process documents produced with Microsoft Word for Windows or with Word for DOS.

* Users can now tell FastTAG to recognize objects in the input file on the basis-of a style name or another incoming identifier. This is a tremendously important feature, since documents increasingly make strong use of word processor-style capabilities to enforce consistent formatting. Rather than describing an object's formatting and running the risk of confusing it with other document elements that h-ave similar formatting, as was the case with earlier versions of FastTAG, users can now simply tell FastTAG to identify things by name, whenever that is possible. Further, if the style name is not enough to uniquely identify the document element (for example, you have a style called "indented para" that you use for both Warnings and Notes), then FastTAG 1.2 allows you to combine style names with other features of the text, such as keywords or special numbering schemes. Finally (and this is often the case in practice), if styles are supposed to be used consistently but in fact aren't (i.e. some of the elements just "look right), FastTAG can be configured to recognize on the basis of style when appropriate and visually when appropriate.

* Embedded graphics in WordPerfect and RTF files are supported in the new version of FastTAG. As a result, it is now possible to read in a compound document, text and graphics, and to use FastTAG to create different compound document forms or, if necessary, to separate the graphics from the text.

* FastTAG 1.2 permits users to direct output to more than one file at a time. This is an extremely important addition, given the new capabilities for handling graphics. Users can send graphics--or graphic references--to one file, and text to another. They can also use the feature to send text to one file and tables to another. This feature greatly extends the range of things FastTAG can do in a single pass.

* Users can now tell FastTAG to recognize crossreferences inside text, just as they can specify rules for recognizing headings or different kinds of paragraphs. This new cross-referencing capability makes FastTAG a much more powerful tool for feeding hypertext systems.

* Tables are now treated as a "text object" category that can be named and described, just as older versions of FastTAG have supported the naming and description of paragraphs. Consequently, users can differentiate between, say, two-column tables and more complex tables as well as provide different output instructions for each table type.

* FastTAG 1.2 will support an optional DocumentAnalyzer tool that works through the input to find and classify the different kinds of objects used in the document. This can save large amounts of time that would otherwise be spent in manually analyzing and describing your documents for subsequent FastTAG processing. The Document Analyzer actually creates a first cut of the "INSPEC" file, which is used to control FastTAG.

In addition, FastTAG 1.2 includes new functions to make better use of the Louise language, including greater flexibility, bug-fixing capabilities, new options for running from the command line, and many other features making this a true "new version" of the product.

FastTAG 1.2 will be moving into field testing on the Microsoft Windows and Sun Sparc platforms by the end of this month. General availability on a broader variety of platforms will occur in the following months. The fully supported, final release of 1.2 is scheduled for the end of March.

Avalanche Development Company, 947 Walnut St, Boulder, CO 80302

303-449-5032


AST Receives PC Magazine Reader's Choice Award
AST RESEARCH RECEIVES READER'S CHOICE AWARD FOR SERVICE AND RELIABILITY FROM PC MAGAZINE

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 10, 1993 -- PC Magazine, the largest personal computer magazine, has distinguished AST Research Inc. with an award for Service and Reliability in its latest Reader's Choice survey. AST, one of 35 manufacturers of desktop systems considered in the semi-annual survey, ranked significantly above average for overall system reliability and customer satisfaction. Results are featured in the publication's Feb. 9 issue.

"Desktop computers from AST stood out from the crowd," said editors. "They earned results that significantly exceeded the average rating for system reliability and customer satisfaction with repair experience and technical support."

PC Magazine editors sent surveys to 17,000 randomly selected subscribers asking them to rate the overall reliability and satisfaction with repair and technical support services of each PC they have used during the past two years. They had a 50 percent response rate, and considered 50 responses per vendor the minimum needed for an accurate analysis of each company's performance.

"AST has always provided us with good products. Everything we get from them gets an "A" Grade for reliability," said Dwayne Neagle, sales manager for Direct Computer Super Stores, one of AST's largest resellers in the Dallas region. "The corporations and companies which buy from us regard the AST systems as the industry standard."

AST's industry-renowned service and support efforts are directed by Donald R. Leighton, who was recently appointed to the position of vice president, worldwide product services. AST sells its corporate notebooks, desktops, servers and multiprocessors exclusively through the reseller channel and supplements its reseller service programs with direct end-user support. Under his direction, AST will continue to develop new service and support programs to further distinguish its reseller and end-user offerings from competitors.

"AST's obsession with customer satisfaction is very apparent in the outstanding quality we build into our products and our continuing aggressive expansion of customer support and service programs," said Leighton. "We intend that AST service becomes an increasingly important factor in our customer's decision to purchase an AST product."

AST provides one of the industry's highest levels of support, including toll-free service six days a week and two 24-hour services -- "AST On-Line" bulletin board and "AST Info-FAX", which allows access via facsimile machine to a broad selection of technical support documentation. AST's award-winning service supplements the customer's localized support of more than 5,000 reseller locations nationwide. Further support is provided by 1400 AST Authorized service Centers throughout the country.

AST also provides on-site service for selected models at more than 300 locations nationwide, including AST's Advanced System Support Centers. In addition to its corporate programs, AST's nationwide reseller network offers end users a variety of services and support plans, including 2-hour on-site response.

Corporate Background

Ranked number 431 on the Fortune 500 list of America's largest industrial companies, AST Research, Inc. is a prominent market share holder in notebook, file server and desktop computers. Revenue for calendar year 1992 totalled more than $1.1 billion.

AST's product lines include the Power Premium, Bravo, Advantage!, the PowerExec notebook, PC LapTop Magazine's "Newcomer of the Year", and the Manhattan SMP, LAN Magazine's "Product of the Year", which allows 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.

AST, 16215 Alton Parkway, PO Box 57005, Irvine, CA 92718

714-727-4141;  800-876-4278;  fax: 714-727-9355


MathWorks/Waterloo Maple Swr Strategic Alliance
THE MATHWORKS, WATERLOO MAPLE SOFTWARE ENTER STRATEGIC ALLIANCE

NATICK, MA/WATERLOO, ONTARIO -- Feb. 8, 1993 -- The MathWorks, Inc. and Waterloo Maple Software (WMS) today announced a strategic marketing and development alliance designed to produce an unprecedented technical computing environment. This advancement, based on both companies' flagship products -- MATLAB and Maple V -- will bring together the best in symbolic mathematics and the best in numeric computation to dramatically expand the computing capabilities of engineers, scientists, mathematicians, educators, and other technical professionals.

MATLAB, developed by The MathWorks, is the most powerful interactive numeric computation environment available today, providing a broad range of mathematical functions, numeric and matrix computation, sparse matrix support, visualization capabilities, sound output, graphical user interface controls, and more.

Maple V, developed by Waterloo Maple Software, is a comprehensive mathematical software package for performing symbolic and numeric computations. It offers more than 2,500 functions for all levels of computation, from exploratory learning in math education to research problems in quantum chemistry. Maple V also provides an open architecture that lets users see how results are determined.

"Our two firms will jointly answer the computing needs of all technical users," said Ron Neumann, chief executive officer of WMS. "We will combine the theoretical and practical foundation needed in the world of academia, with the application-specific tools and industrial-strength performance demanded by the technical professional, to create an advanced computing solution. We will do this without any compromise to the numeric or symbolic excellence our users have come to expect from MATLAB and Maple V," he said.

According to John N. Little, president of The MathWorks, "The MathWorks and Waterloo Maple Software are well regarded for the quality, robustness and accuracy of their products in numeric and symbolic computation and visualization. By not compromising on any capability -- speed, application-specific tools, breadth of functionality, accuracy or ease of use -- we will leverage off our respective strengths to provide a complete technical computing solution."

Waterloo Maple Software is a private company founded in 1988 to market, distribute and support MAPLE symbolic math software. The Maple software program was created in 1980 when Professors Gaston Gonnet and Keith Geddes of the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada joined together to produce the first symbolic math software product for minicomputers. Maple V is currently used by more than 100,000 engineers, scientists, mathematicians and students worldwide, and installations include some of the most prestigious universities in the world. Maple V is available for many UNIX platforms, Microsoft Windows, DOS, Macintosh, NeXT, VAX/VMS, and AmigaDOS systems.

The MathWorks, Inc., based in Natick, Mass., develops markets and supports high-performance software for interactive numeric computation, visualization and dynamic system simulation. The MathWorks' products are used worldwide by more than 100,000 users at leading commercial and government research laboratories and organizations, as well as at hundreds of educational institutions. MATLAB is available for MS-DOS, Apple Macintosh; Sun, HP, Digital, IBM, and Silicon Graphics workstations; VAX/VMS computers; and Convex and Cray supercomputers.

The MathWorks Inc, 24 Prime Park Way, Natick, MA 01760

508-653-1415;  fax: 508-653-2997; Internet: info@mathworks.com

Waterloo Maple Software

160 Columbia St W, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3L3

519-747-2373;  fax: 519-747-5284;  Internet: info@maplesoft.on.ca


NSSI Reduces Intelligent UPS Prices up to 25%
NSSI REDUCES PRICES ON INTELLIGENT UPSes UP TO 25 PERCENT

New Prices Provide Affordable Intelligent UPSes to Networking Market

SAN DIEGO, Feb. 15, 1993 - Network Security Systems, Inc., (NSSI) today announced price reductions on its entire line of intelligent power supply (IPS/A.I.) hardware. The new lower prices on the NSSI IPS/A.I. models are effective immediately and provide administrators affordable network specific UPSes for backing up critical network components such as workstations, bridges and file servers. The new list prices are as follows:

IPS/A I.  300 (210Watts) - $ 299.00 (formerly $ 399.00)

IPS/A.I.  450 (315Watts) - $ 449.00 (formerly $ 549.00)

IPS/A.I.  600 (480Watts) - $ 599.00 (formerly $ 699.00)

IPS/A I.  800 (640Watts) - $ 799.00 (formerly $ 899.00)

IPS/A.I. 1200 (960Watts) - $1199.00 (formerly $1299.00)

As standalone systems, the IPS/A I. units provide full power protection against surges, spikes, brownouts, over and under voltages and power outages.

Combining the IPS/A.I. units with NSSI's LanSafe II power management software, network administrators can centrally manage, monitor, and control the local and wide area power conditions that affect the network, reducing the risk of an unplanned shutdown and increasing data integrity. Unlike competing systems that only monitor UPSes on servers, LanSafe II provides interactive management and control of NSSI's IPS/A.I. devices on all key network components, including bridges, database and communications servers, critical workstations and file servers.

The entire IPS/A.I. product line is backed by a full two year warranty which may be extended up to five years. NSSI's commitment to total customer satisfaction includes a 90-day product guarantee, express delivery service and express repair service.

NSSI is recognized as the leading market innovator in network power management. Its award-winning Intelligent Power Supply hardware and LanSafe management software support Novell, OS/2, Windows, LAN Server, LAN Manager, UNIX and other leading operating systems. NSSI's products are available through value-added resellers and major distributors. For additional product information, contact NSSI at (800) 755-7078.

NSSI, 9401 Waples St, San Diego, CA 92121

(619) 587-7950;  (800) 755-7078;  Fax: (619) 552-9162


Low Cost SF-4600 CASIO B.O.S.S. is PC Linkable
CASIO INTRODUCES "LOW COST" B.O.S.S. THAT'S PC LINKABLE AT CES

NEW SF-4600 PRICED AT $109.95 SUGGESTED RETAIL

LAS VEGAS, Nev., Jan. 7--Casio, Inc., of Dover, N.J., today introduced a low cost B.O.S.S. (Business Organizer Scheduling System) that is PC linkable at the Winter Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that opened here today. It will retail at the suggested price of $109.95 and will be available in February, 1993.

The SF-4600 has a unique function that includes world and home times which are selectable with daily alarm. According to Bruce Mendel, Director of Marketing of Casio's Personal Communications Division, "No matter where you are, the SF-4600 keeps the time in your home city and shows it at the touch of a button. The user can display the time from any one of 29 time zones around the world."

The Casio SF-4600 features a large 64KB memory that can store approximately 2,800 phone numbers. In addition, it has a 16 character by four line display with graphic icons, making data entry and retrieval easier than ever before. The unit has a raised keyboard that is "finger friendly."

This latest B.O.S.S. has numerous other functions including: a telephone directory that stores and alphabetizes thousands of names and numbers for quick retrieval, a calendar that displays a full month at a time - up to December, 2099; a schedule keeper that automatically sorts your appointments for each day and displays them in chronological order; a schedule alarm that reminds you of important appointments; a reminder function with an audible alarm that reminds the user of daily, weekly or yearly events like birthdays or paydays; and a memo area where you can enter your memos, notes, lists and reminders.

Mr. Mendel said, "you can connect your SF-4600 B.O.S.S. to your computer using Casio's optional computer link. The PC-Link Plus (FA-120) will let you link your B.O.S.S. to your IBM PC-compatible computer to form a fully integrated, up-to-date information network. You can also send data to and from compatible organizers with the optional SB-60 transfer cable."

Casio, Inc., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. Casio is a leading manufacturer of watches, electronic keyboards, calculators, business organizers, hand-held televisions, music systems, cash registers and other products.

CASIO, 570 MT. PLEASANT AVE, P.O. BOX 7000, DOVER, NJ 07801

201-361-5400;  FAX #201-361-3819


Casio Previews Pen-Based Technology at CES
CASIO PREVIEWS NEW PEN-BASED TECHNOLOGY AT WINTER CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW

LAS VEGAS, Nev., Jan. 7--At a press briefing here today, Casio, Inc. revealed plans for its new Personal Information Processor, the Zoomer, which is scheduled to be released this summer.

The Zoomer hand-held unit combines the power of electronics with the familiarity of pen and paper. "Consumers are moving towards smaller, more personal devices, while at the same time demanding functionality, flexibility, and features. This product will combine breakthrough technology that is user friendly, with an affordable price," said Kazuo Kashio, President of Casio Computer Co., Ltd.

The Zoomer's pen-based technology offers an intelligent mixture of handwriting recognition and graphics capture. The Zoomer couples "anytime, anywhere" information management with a consumer price point; this will enable Casio to be at the forefront of the next wave in consumer electronics.

"We have carefully defined our mission, and stayed true to the goal that we set out with: to design and market the type of product that consumers will embrace. Not fairy-tale technology, but the real thing," said John J. McDonald, President of Casio, Inc.

The Zoomer will include reference, personal information management, and many other features, making it a compelling consumer product. Developers supporting the Zoomer platform include: Geoworks, Palm Computing, America-On-Line, and Intuit. Casio plans to have a selection of third-party applications available for the product, and is working closely with popular software vendors to gain support for this new platform.

Casio, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. Casio manufactures watches, calculators, electronic business organizers, cash registers, electronic musical instruments, mini TVs and music systems.

CASIO, 570 MT. PLEASANT AVE, P.O. BOX 7000, DOVER, NJ 07801

201-361-5400;  FAX #201-361-3819


RxEasyView AutoCAD Rel 12 Pop-Up Drawing Viewer
Expert Graphics announces RxEasyView: Fully featured pop up Drawing Viewer for AutoCAD Release 12

RxEasyView, the latest AutoCAD utility product from RASTEREX, takes the best features of AutoCAD viewers and integrates them into a dialogue box utility package for AutoCAD Release 12 users.

Using the latest Proteus programming interface from Autodesk, RxEasyView is accessible from the AutoCAD command line. A full directory structure is displayed and any drawing or slide file can be viewed instantly in a window within the dialogue box. Viewing features include:

* List of all drawing files (wild cards can be set)

* Ability to search for any drawing on any specification

  (i.e. file name, directory, etc.)

* Optional small, quick view or full screen display

* The selected drawing can be opened or inserted into your

  existing drawing or used as a template for a new drawing.

* Viewing 16 different drawings simultaneously - great for

  block searching

* Zooming and Panning of viewed drawing is greatly accelerated

  by using a 32 bit display list independent of the current

  drawing.

* Full support for Release 11 and 12 DWGs, Reference files

  (XREFS), and Paperspace.

* Works with any graphics board, VGA through high-resolution!

"AutoCAD Release 12 has finally given us the programming tools to create utilities that can truly run inside AutoCAD -- RxEasyView is a must for users who are ted up with having to shell out of AutoCAD simply to view a drawing or block," commented Darrell Knight, president of Expert Graphics, Inc., on the release of RxEasyView.

RxEasyView is currently available for both the DOS and SUN platforms for $295.00. A Windows version will be released in conjunction with AutoCAD Release 12 for Windows. Expert Graphics is the sole distributor for RASTEREX products in the U.S. and Canada.

Expert Graphics

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

404-320-0800;  fax: 404-315-7645;  800-648-7249


NSA Router for Windows PC-to-AS/400 Connectivity
PC-to-AS/400 Connectivity with New NSA Router for Windows Replaces IBM's Troublesome DOS PCS/400 Router.

LAGUNA HILLS, CA, February 16,1993--Network Software Associates, Inc. (NSA) today introduced their new NSA Router for Windows, the industry's first native Windows router software for PC-to-AS/400 connectivity. The new NSA software replaces IBM's DOS-based PC Support/400 (PCS/400) Router, which is difficult to install and use. The NSA Router also offers significant network security advantages.

The NSA Router for Windows is a high-performance, PC-based router for use with NSA's Elite/400 line of PC-to-AS/400 connectivity solutions. Elite/400 provides IBM 5250 emulation encapsulated within an LU6.2 Advanced Program-to-Program Communications (APPC) data stream. The NSA Router has been implemented as a Low Entry Networking (LEN) node within IBM's Advanced Peer-to-Peer Networking (APPN) architecture.

"Other 5250 Windows emulators such as Wall Data's 5250 emulator must run on top of the DOS-based PCS/400 Router which is difficult to install, cumbersome to use and maintain, and imposes serious security risks," said NSA Product Manager Martin Smith. With the growing popularity of Windows, users have been searching for an easier-to-use alternative. Until now, no Windows router solution has been available."

Previous versions of Elite/400 already allowed users the option of eliminating IBM PCS/400 programs running on the AS/400. Now, the PCS/400 software on the PC side of the connection, which has often proven to be the most troublesome, can be eliminated as well.

"Elite/400 with the new NSA Router is a complete and intuitive Windows solution," said Mr. Smith.

"Windows-based installation, configuration and operation make the product far easier to use than any other solutions. Windows clients can now dynamically link to multiple AS/400 computers in a distributed client-server environment as intuitively as they access other LAN resources.

A TRUE WINDOWS SOLUTION

The NSA Router for Windows is the first AS/400 router to be fully implemented as a true Windows Dynamic Link Library (DLL) application.

"It leverages the Windows graphical environment to the fullest extent," said Mr. Smith. "For example, the PC user can start an AS/400 session by simply drawing an AS/400 server icon from the routers inactive area and dropping it into the active area with the mouse. The NSA Router is the industry's first dynamic APPC management tool. PC clients can easily change AS/400 connections on the fly.

PCS/400--AN INADEQUATE SOLUTION IN 1993

IBM's PCS/400 Router has proven difficult to use in today's Windows PC-to-AS/400 connectivity environments because:

* It was originally designed as a DOS application and later modified for Windows. Difficult to install and configure, it requires indepth experience and the use of up to nine IBM technical manuals.

* It cannot be dynamically loaded, unloaded or reconfigured from Windows. The user must close down applications and exit Windows to manipulate the PCS/400 Router directly from DOS, a laborious and time-consuming process.

* Implemented as Terminate and Stay Resident (TSR) DOS extensions, it takes up valuable DOS memory below 640k, which often precludes the user from running other applications.

* In LAN configurations, the popular NetBlOS and NetWare IPX/SPX environments are not supported forcing the user to use NDIS/ODI drivers.

* It assumes the Shared Folders feature is used which introduces security risks.

* Diagnostics are DOS-based, difficult to use, and buried within Shared Folders on the AS/400.

Since the NSA Router is implemented as a suite of Windows DLLs rather than DOS TSRs, it eliminates many PCS/400 drawbacks. The NSA Router is fully configurable and loadable within Windows. It provides trace features and diagnostics at the APPC level. And n comes with a simple Quick Installation Guide.

"We let the PC user dynamically link to any AS/400 session and we provide compete Windows feedback," Mr. Smith added. "Consider the activities of a typical Windows user during a work day. He needs access to information from AS/400s. Using IBM's solution, with each new connection he must shut down his applications, exit Windows, then edit a batch file and bad IBM's router from DOS. And H anything should then go wrong, he must again leave Windows in order to deal with it. There is no Windows feedback."

Many SNA enterprise customers want to use AS/400s as database servers while using existing NetWare LANs tor tile access, e-mail and other LAN services, an arrangement not easily supported by PCS/400. Elite/400 and the NSA Router is the ideal solution. By supporting Novell's NetWare for SAA server or NSA's optional Elite/400 LAN Gateway server, Elite/400 clients have Windows-based AS/400 access, retain the benefits of NetWare LAN services, and have system overhead, security risks and administrative burden of PCS/400 removed.

SECURITY CONSIDERATIONS

As readily admitted by IBM, PCS/400 features such as Shared Folders create security risks by causing the PC-to-AS/400 APPC session to remain active and open at all times. This makes the AS/400 extremely vulnerable to unauthorized access via tile transfers should the authorized user leave the PC unattended.

With the NSA Router, the Shared Folders feature is not necessary. AS/400 sessions are not established until the user clicks on and drags the appropriate icon using the mouse, and then links via a valid password. If the AS/400 drops a connection due to inactivity, the NSA Router provides an easy yet highly secure reconnection from within Windows.

TWO CLIENT PRODUCTS

Two Elite/400 client software products are available, both include the new NSA Router: Elite/400 DSP and Elite/400. Elite/400 DSP provides 5250 display emulation using Display Station Passthrough (DSP) technology. Elite/400 DSP has always eliminated the need to run IBM PCS/400 programs on the AS/400. Now the NSA Router can be used to eliminate PC-resident PCS/400 software as well.

Elite/400 provides both 5250 display and printer emulation. This product works in conjunction with PCS/400 partner programs on the AS/400. The NSA Router is used on the PC instead of the PCS/400 tor enhanced performance, security and productivity.

AVAILABILITY AND PRICING

The NSA Router is now available as a standard module within Elite/400 and Elite/400 DSP version 2.0. Users can now select any of the following routers when configuring Elite/400 or Elite/400 DSP:

* The NSA Router for Windows.

* The IBM PCS/400 Router.

* Third-party router repacements such as Novell's NetWare

  for SM Router.

The addition of the NSA Router for Windows does not effect current Elite/400 pricing. Elite/400 DSP is still priced $295, while Elite/400 remains at $395. Network and corporate licenses are available. All registered Elite/400 users can receive free upgrades to version 2.0 by contacting NSA.

Network Software Associates, founded in 1980, develops, markets and supports a wide range of PC connectivity products for IBM networking environments. NSA is a strategic business partner of both IBM and NCR/AT&T, and is an authorized Novell Professional Developer. The company is headquartered at 39 Argonaut, Laguna Hills, CA 92656. Phone: (714) 7684013.


Kodak MACphotographer Teaches Photography
KODAK SOFTWARE TEACHES PHOTOGRAPHY TO MACINTOSH COMPUTER USERS

ATLANTA, Feb. 18--Macintosh computer users now have a new software program that teaches photographic skills right on the screen. Kodak MACphotographer, announced today, simulates an advanced 35 mm single-lens reflex camera and lets the user "take" photographs electronically.

The Kodak MACphotographer software program lets users select a scene, film, camera position, adjust camera settings for a picture. The program "develops" photos and displays them in an on-screen photo album. The album evaluates photos and displays the exposure settings, film, and lighting used to take the picture. Users can see the effects of exposure on screen and experiment with different settings, noting the effect of each change.

The program leads beginners through basic techniques while challenging more advanced amateurs to improve skills. A Basic 35 mm SLR or more advanced simulated model with extra capabilities can be selected. With the advanced model, users practice metering, bracketing, controlling depth-of-field, and working with both fixed and zoom lenses. A built-in review mode supplies detailed information and tips for improving picture-taking skills.

The Help/Reference menu provides easy access to an on-board encyclopedia of photography. Users can access it to learn about exposure, film, lenses, focusing, action, flash, composition, depth and perspective, and much more. A database offers a wealth of technical data on existing-light exposures, Kodak film characteristics, filters, f-stop and shutter-speed selections, and reciprocity characteristics.

Photography students can turn to the included Photo Workshop book to learn about shutter speeds, the relationship between light and exposure settings and more. It teaches specific photo techniques in a memorable and entertaining way.

There are 15 interactive lessons that allow the user to learn at his or her own pace.

System Requirements

Kodak MACphotographer software needs at least a Mac Plus, SE, or Classic with 2 MB of RAM, a monochrome or color monitor and System 6.07 or higher. It requires a hard disk with at least 2 MB of free space. The program is available through photo retailers and computer software outlets. The suggested retail price is $59.95. The package includes a User's Manual, Photo Workshop book, warranty and quick start instructions. Call 1-800-242-2424 for additional information.

Professional School Photographer Promotion

Free copies of Kodak MACphotographer or its companion program for IBM compatibles, PCphotographer, are available to schools whose professional school photographer specifies Kodak professional color film and Kodak professional color paper for school portraits. For further information contact Eastman Kodak Company, Department 412L, P.O. Box 92894, Rochester, New York, 14692-9931.

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


NEC Unveils MultiSpin CD-ROM Reader Family
NEC UNVEILS ENTIRE FAMILY OF MULTISPIN CD-ROM READERS:

New Readers Have MultiSpin and Multisession Technology

Wood Dale, Ill., February 15, 1993 -- Building on the phenomenal success of its proprietary MultiSpin technology, which first doubled the data transfer speed of CD-ROM readers, NEC Technologies, Inc. today launched the complete MultiSpin family of CD-ROM readers. Each member of the NEC MultiSpin family of readers, including the new MultiSpin 38 portable CD-ROM reader, is equipped with a host of features, including 300KB/second data transfer rates, SCSI 2 settings and Multisession Kodak Photo CD M capabilities.

The NEC MultiSpin family of CD-ROM readers includes the MultiSpin 38 (portable), the MultiSpin 74 (external) and 84 (internal) CD-ROM readers. NEC's versatile multi-platform interface kits allow NEC CD-ROM readers to be attached to both IBM PC compatible, Macintosh and PS/2 computers. Users can also connect their readers to portable computers with NEC's Parallel-to-SCSI Interface Kit, which brings added versatility and powerful multimedia computing to portable computers.

"Until we introduced MultiSpin technology last year, CD-ROM computing was not considered a completely viable technology because of its slow speed," explained Marc Miller, vice president and general manager of NEC's Advanced Media Group. "MultiSpin changed the way users looked at CD-ROM computing by erasing the speed objection. To continue our leadership in the marketplace, we have taken our award-winning MultiSpin technology and added several other useful features to make the MultiSpin family of CD-ROM readers the most multimedia capable yet."

The NEC MultiSpin 38 -- Making MultiSpin CD-ROM Computing Portable

As the first shipping light-weight portable CD-ROM reader with a 300KB/second data transfer rate, the MultiSpin 38 portable CD-ROM reader has the power of a standard desktop dual-speed CD-ROM reader. Not only does it have the technology necessary to run demanding multimedia applications, but the MultiSpin 38 has a small footprint and weighs only 2.2 pounds (without battery), providing the most multimedia computing power-per-pound on the market. Its optional battery pack, changeable SCSI 1 and SCSI 2 settings and switchable termination feature bring added flexibility to CD-ROM computing.

In addition to its speedy 300KB/second data transfer rate, the MultiSpin 38 is Multisession Kodak Photo CD capable and sports an average access time of 400 milliseconds. Another important feature is its flow-through cache memory of 64KB, which provides smooth motion video by eliminating the information bottleneck and allowing data to flow immediately to the screen.

"The launch of the MultiSpin 38 marks the first time the power of a 300KB/second data transfer rate has been made portable," explained Miller. "Many of our customers take CD-ROM computing on the road to give presentations to their clients and keep large amounts of information easily accessible. As the company that pioneered mobile computing with the first UltraLite computer, we are dedicated to giving mobile professionals the power and flexibility they demand -- The MultiSpin 38 continues in that tradition."

The MultiSpin 74 and 84 Offer Added Features

The MultiSpin 74 external and MultiSpin 84 internal CD-ROM readers contain the same award winning technology that established NEC as the CD-ROM leader last year. With an access time of 280 milliseconds and a data transfer rate of 300 KB/second, the MultiSpin 74 and 84 have the power and speed to handle all CD-ROM applications with ease.

In addition, the MultiSpin 74 and 84 are Multisession Kodak Photo CD capable and offer changeable SCSI 1 and SCSI 2 settings, socketed firmware, double doors for added dust protection and a 256K cache memory, big enough to handle any current multimedia application.

A Brief History of NEC's MultiSpin Technology

As the first company to double the data transfer rate from 150 to 300KB/second last year, NEC called its breakthrough proprietary technology "MultiSpin" in reference to the two speeds the readers transfer different types of data.

For instance, the technology gives the new MultiSpin 38, 74 and 84 the ability to transfer data at 300KB/second when retrieving text, graphics and video information from a disc. When playing only audio information, however, the readers automatically adjust to transfer the sound at 150KB/second to preserve the intended sound quality.

NEC's MultiSpin readers can transfer twice as much data as readers that have only a 150KB/second data transfer rate. This additional speed provides smooth motion video from a CD, eliminating the annoying time lags that were once associated with CD-ROM computing.

Warranty, Shipping, Upgrade and Pricing Information

The new MultiSpin 38, 74 and 84 CD-ROM readers all come with an aggressive two-year warranty, making them some of the best supported CD-ROM readers on the market today.

The entire new family of MultiSpin readers begin shipping immediately and can be purchased through NEC's nationwide network of authorized dealers.

In addition, the MultiSpin 74 can be purchased as part of NEC's Multimedia Gallery, a complete multimedia solution with CD-ROM reader, speakers, sound card and six premium software titles.

Users who purchased the InterSect CDR-74, CDR-84 and CDR-37 and require an upgrade to read the Multisession Kodak Photo CD format, can send their working readers to NEC and receive a new MultiSpin/Multisession reader back. The reader exchange program costs $249 for the CDR-74, $229 for the CDR-84 and $179 for the CDR-37. End users can find out more detailed information about the upgrade program by calling 1-800/388-8888.

The U.S. and Canadian estimated selling prices of NEC's new MultiSpin line of CD-ROM readers and Interface Kits are as follows:

                                       U.S. Pricing    Canadian

MultiSpin-38 Portable CD-ROM Reader        $465          $605

MultiSpin-74 External CD-ROM Reader         615           800

MultiSpin-84 Internal CD-ROM Reader         550           715

Optional MultiSpin-38 Battery Pack           85           111

XT/AT Interface Kit                        $ 80          $104

Macintosh Interface Kit                      35            46

PS/2 Interface Kit                          130           169

Parallel-to-SCSI Interface Kit               95           124

NEC Technologies, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of computers and peripherals for the North American market. Product lines include, award-winning MultiSpin CD-ROM hardware, MultiSync monitors, Silentwriter and Colormate printers, ProSpeed laptop computers, UltraLite notebook computers and PowerMate Image , Powermate Express and Ready systems products. NEC Technologies, Inc. is a subsidiary of NEC Corporation.

NEC Technologies

1255 Michael Dr, Wood Dale, IL 60191

708-860-9500


How NEC Sets CD-ROM Standard with MultiSpin Tech
How NEC Sets the CD-ROM Standard With MultiSpin Technology

(Wood Dale, Ill., February 15, 1993) -- Until NEC raised the data transfer rate performance standard, the speed of a CD-ROM reader was measured solely by the time it took to access information. With the launch of the NEC InterSect M Series of CD-ROM readers in January 1992, NEC Technologies, Inc. created a new CD-ROM performance standard by being the first company to dramatically improve the data transfer rate as well.

Now, NEC's entire new line of MultiSpin M CD-ROM readers -- the MultiSpin 74 external, MultiSpin 84 internal, and MultiSpin 38 portable CD-ROM readers -- are armed with NEC's proprietary MultiSpin technology, giving them an impressive data transfer rate of 300KB/second. In addition, all members of the MultiSpin family of CD-ROM readers are Multisession Kodak Photo CD compatible and have switchable settings for SCSI 1 and SCSI 2 interface standards.

What is MultiSpin Technology?

NEC's MultiSpin technology enables the MultiSpin 74, MultiSpin 84 and MultiSpin 38 to transfer data at 300KB/second when retrieving text, graphics and video information -- doubling the industry standard rate of 150KB/second. When playing only sound, the readers automatically adjust to spin at 150KB/second.

"Without a high-performance data transfer rate, users are not getting full performance from their CD-ROM readers, regardless of how fast their access times might be," explained Marc Miller, NEC vice president and general manager of NEC's Optical Media and Multimedia Group. "NEC's proprietary MultiSpin technology and significantly improved data transfer rate provide top performance and the smoothest motion video available in CD-ROM multimedia computing."

Why Do End Users Need MultiSpin Technology?

In the past when CD-ROM drives accessed mainly textual data, the old standard of measuring CD-ROM reader speed by access time was sufficient. With the development of the Multimedia PC (MPC) and Apple Quicktime M specifications and CD-ROM applications offering motion video from a CD, NEC realized that the performance standard needed to be raised in anticipation of the progress and changes in the industry.

"We recognized early on that end users were requiring more performance from their CD-ROM readers than just fast access times," explained Miller. "In response to increasing performance demands, NEC was the first company to develop double throughput capability and MultiSpin technology, eliminating the time-lags once associated with CD-ROM computing and demonstrating our commitment to providing our customers with state-of-the-art technology solutions."

How Did NEC Do It?

Using part of the $3 billion NEC spends annually on new product research and development, NEC engineers began their quest to double the 150KB/second data transfer rate over two years ago. Their first step was to double the speed of the CD-ROM drive spindle motor, which in turn spun the disc twice as fast. The engineers also had to speed up the transport motor to work in sync with the faster spindle motor. The transport motor moves the read head on the disc to locate desired information.

Spinning the disc faster sounds easy enough, but in order to fully realize the true benefits of MultiSpin technology, NEC also had to find a way to handle the information. While spinning the disc faster released twice as much data from the disc, most existing CD-ROM readers were only able to transfer the data at the old rate of 150KB/second. NEC engineers had to develop a way for the CD-ROM readers to process the data twice as fast as well.

NEC Team Improves Decoding Chip's Performance

To manage the increased amount of data, NEC had to dramatically improve the performance of the Error Correction Code (ECC) decoding chip. If the ECC decoder chip is not optimized, an information bottleneck occurs due to the increased influx of information. Unless the information bottleneck is addressed, simply spinning the disc faster will not improve drive performance.

NEC's research and development team responded to the data transfer rate challenge by developing the first ECC decoder chip to transfer data at 300KB per second. It was nearly a year before any other CD-ROM manufacturer was able to produce a similar chip. While NEC's drives are capable of spinning twice as fast as standard 150KB per second CD-ROM readers, it is NEC's ECC decoder chip that gives the MultiSpin family of CD-ROM readers their 300KB/second data transfer rate and true MultiSpin functionality.

NEC's Product Line Now Available With MultiSpin Technology

Starting February 15, NEC's entire Advanced Media product line, including Multimedia Gallery and the NEC Multimedia Upgrade Kit are available with the new NEC MultiSpin 74.

NEC Technologies, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of computers and peripherals for the North American market. Product lines include, award-winning ProSpeed laptop computers, UltraLite notebook computers, MultiSync monitors, Silentwriter and Colormate printers, PowerMate, Image, PowerMate Express and Ready systems products, and MultiSpin CD-ROM hardware. NEC Technologies, Inc. is a subsidiary of NEC Corporation.

NEC Technologies

1255 Michael Dr, Wood Dale, IL 60191

708-860-9500


Micro Express Mates VESA Local Bus With EISA
MICRO EXPRESS MATES VESA LOCAL BUS WITH EISA FOR HIGH-END USERS

Santa Ana, CA..Micro Express debuts a powerful PC designed for use as a high-end graphics or engineering workstation, but with EISA features for multi-user applications. Called the ME 486-VE/66, this computer mates EISA with VESA-standard local bus, and includes a VESA/local bus video card for high-performance graphics. Running at 66-MHz, and including 8-MB of RAM, a 300-MB hard disk drive with an EISA/caching SCSI controller, a high-performance color monitor, a mouse, both 5-1/4" and 3-1/2" high-density floppy disk drives, DOS 5.0 and Windows 3.1, this computer sells for a very reasonable $3250.

This machine uses a Micro Express motherboard that can hold up to 128-MB of RAM, packaged in SIMM modules. Using an Intel i486DX2-66 cpu, this PC gets extra performance through the use of 256K of direct-mapped, write-back cache RAM and zero wait-state operation. Although the cpu includes a math coprocessor, an additional socket is provided if a Weitek 4167 math coprocessor is also desired. The high-performance hard disk drive is enhanced through the use of a caching EISA SCSI disk controller with 4-MB of on-board cache memory.

For system expansion, the motherboard contains two VESA-standard local bus slots, two 32-bit EISA slots, and 4 additional 16-bit full-size ISA slots. Three DMA (direct memory access) channels are provided for 16-bit DMA transfer, and four DMA channels are provided for 8-bit DMA transfer.

The machine offers a fully-featured AMI BIOS with password protection and selectable shadowing of both the system and video BIOS. A CMOS clock-calendar, with a rechargeable battery is included, as are built-in diagnostics. Standard ports are 1 parallel and 2 serial.

A Tseng Labs ET4000 VGA chip is featured on the VESA Local Bus video card. This extremely high-performance video card supports a 72-Hz vertical refresh rate up to a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels. Hi-color graphics, with 32,768 available colors is provided up to a resolution of 800 x 600. And True-color graphics, with 16.7 million simultaneous colors is available at resolutions up to 640 x 480.

The ME 486-VE/66 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-VE/66 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-VE/66 is available now, direct from Micro Express.

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

Micro Express, 1801 Carnegie Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92705

(714) 852-1400 or (800) 989-9900


Artisoft LANtastic NodeRunner 2000/C Add-On Kits
ARTISOFT BEGINS SHIPPING LANTASTIC NODERUNNER 2000/C ADD-ON KITS WITH SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER

Limited-Time Offer On Single & 6-Pack Kits

(TUCSON, AZ - February 15, 1993) - Artisoft, Inc. announced today that it has started shipping its LANtastic NodeRunner 2000/C add-on kit with "LANtastic On Board"- the first of four new add-on kits in the LANtastic NodeRunner 2000 series. The 2000/C add-on kit is being offered at a special introductory price of $259, down from the new list price of $279. Multi-packs of six LANtastic NodeRunner 2000/C add-on kits are specially priced at $1,499, reducing the average cost per node to approximately $249. The 2000/C is also available in a multi-pack of 12 nodes for the suggested retail price of $2,899, reducing the average cost per node to $241.

The LANtastic NodeRunner add-on kits incorporate the new ALICE controller, a completely software-configurable Ethernet Integrated Circuit designed and developed by Artisoft.

The 2000/C has a BNC connection for thin coax cable and includes a one-user LANtastic network license.

"We have developed these new add-on kits with the needs of our customers and resellers in mind," said Dave Hallmen, Artisoft's Vice President of Sales & Marketing. "Because they also use the ALICE controller, they are completely software-configurable for easy, one-step installation into a LANtastic network."

The ALICE controller is one of the smallest Ethernet Integrated Circuits (ICs) on the market, measuring less than one square inch, and is the only IC to support both ISA and MicroChannel bus architectures. In addition, it is software-compatible with these major industry-standard Ethernet designs: Artisoft's AE-series of adapters and Novell's NE1000, NE2000 and NE/2 adapters.

The LANtastic NodeRunner 2000 series add-on kits include a one-user LANtastic network license for each of the models: the 2000/C, 2000/T, 2000/A and 2000M/TC. Each of these models contain 16-bit Ethernet adapters in 100% compliance with the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standard. They come with 32K onboard buffer RAM and autosense between 8- and 16-bit slots.

The 2000/T model has an RJ-45 connection for 10BASE-T, unshielded twisted pair cable and can be connected internally to an Artisoft Peer Hub 10BASE-T internal concentrator or used with standard 10BASE-T hubs from other vendors. The 2000/T model is scheduled to ship at the end of this month and is also included in the special introductory offer of $259 each, with 6-node multi-packs specially priced at $1,499. The 2000/T will also be available in a multi-pack of 12 nodes for $2,899.

The 2000/A model has AUI, BNC and RJ-45 connections for use with thick and thin coax and unshielded twisted pair cable respectively. It is user upgradable to 64K RAM and can also be connected internally to a Peer Hub 10BASE-T concentrator. The 2000/A has a suggested retail price of $329. The 2000M/TC model is made for MicroChannel systems and includes both BNC and RJ-45 connections for use with coax and unshielded twisted pair cable. It has a suggested retail price of $379.

The 2000/A and 2000M/TC models in the LANtastic NodeRunner 2000 series add-on kits are scheduled to ship later this quarter.

This introductory pricing on the LANtastic NodeRunner 2000/C and 2000/T add-on kits is for a limited time and is subject to discontinuation without notice.

The LANtastic NodeRunner add-on kits are also the first Artisoft products to embody the LANtastic On Board concept - products, from Artisoft and other manufacturers, that are easily installed because they are network-ready to operate on LANtastic networks. LANtastic On Board products are easily identified by the LANtastic On Board logo, a yellow diamond, on their packaging.

Artisoft develops and manufactures a full line of innovative, cost-effective network communication solutions 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, TCP/IP 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, Canada, Australia and Japan.

For more information about Artisoft or its product line, contact Artisoft, Inc. at 691 E. River Road, Tucson, AZ 85704. Sales 800/846-9726, ext. 611. Corporate 602/293-6363. Fax 602/293-8065


Clientele V2.7 Customer Information System
New Version of Clientele, Customer Information System, Takes Users Beyond Traditional Customer Information Tracking

Cupertino, CA -- Feb. 15, 1993 -- AnswerSet Corporation has released version. 2.7 of its top-selling customer information management package, Clientele, the company announced today.

The new version goes beyond traditional information tracking by adding features that make a broad array of customer information immediately available to all departments within a business. The new version enables each department to easily customize the type and flow of customer information it needs to stay ahead of customer and product issues, yet keep this information central via Clientele's distributed database. In addition, version 2.7 adds specific support for hard goods handling and for the special requirements of volume buyers or resellers.

"Until now, most companies have relied upon stand-alone systems developed for each department, " said Bill Mulert, president of AnswerSet. " With Clientele's new distributed database capabilities, companies can eliminate redundant databases and maintain a single, central source of customer information that can be shared by technical support, customer service, sales, marketing, engineering and operations."

New customization features include a macro language and smoother navigation throughout Clientele functions. Besides simplifying modification of input screens and field names, the macro language enables departmental users to tailor or flow repetitive functions in a way that uniquely supports a particular environment. The macro language can also be used to create handy shortcuts for common functions.

New hard goods handling features enables users to better integrate information commonly managed by customer service and tech support departments. Major features include the ability to assign and use Return Material Authorization (RMA) numbers to track product shipments, defects, warranty repairs and replacements, and the ability to automatically register products to customers at shipment. Because 2.7 will support AnswerSet's inventory control option, this information can be linked to inventory control requirements. The inventory control option automates reorders, back orders and forecasts based on orders shipped.

New features have also been added to simplify product handling and tracking for volume buyers and resellers. Multiple products or orders from one company can now be listed under a single RMA screen versus in separate orders. In addition, service agreements have been expanded to include umbrella-type agreements in which agreements not assigned to a specific product are assumed to cover all products.

Clientele is a distributed database system that runs on PC's connected to a LAN. It uses the latest database technology to maintain and track customer and product information for instant, immediate response. Clientele tracks call histories, product data, service agreements, profiles, orders, RMA's and customer feedback. A library of modifiable standard reports is provided along with a sophisticated, easy-to-use report writer for generating custom reports.

Clientele's Extended Edition lists for between $1,495 and $29,995 depending on the number of concurrent users. Clientele's Standard Edition, a limited version of the Extended Edition, lists for between $795 and $9,995. For more information contact AnswerSet at 21771 Stevens Creek, Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014, 408-996-8683.


Expert Astrologer from Expert Software
Expert Astrologer A Good Sign For PC Users

Supply your birth place, date and time and program will peer into your future

CORAL GABLES, Florida (February 17,1993) - The next time you engage in a friendly conversation and ask the popular question, "What's your sign?" be prepared for a lengthy reply because that person probably invested in Expert Software's latest release, Expert Astrologer, a program that plots and interprets your astrological chart and horoscope. Expert Astrologer's Suggested Retail Price is $14.95.

"Before developing Expert Astrologer, we did some research and found that one out of four people read their daily horoscope and it is the second most popular section in the newspaper behind only the sports page," said Sue Currier, president of Expert Software, Inc. "After discovering this information, it became apparent that there was an obvious need for a comprehensive astrology program for your PC like Expert Astrologer."

Expert Astrologer's extensive astrological data base contains thousands of interpretations. Expert Astrologer can assess and interpret your personality traits such as values, skills, and attitudes. Plus no other Astrology program allows you to plot 3D charts showing trends in biorhythms, intellectual awareness, health, romance, and success in business or social affairs, except Expert Astrologer.

Expert Astrologer is the perfect program for people interested in learning more about themselves. It will tell you whether you are an extrovert or introvert, a domesticate or traveler, or a pessimist or optimist. The program will even recommend career paths with a list of occupations that best suit you.

The program also allows you to compare your chart with others to analyze your level of compatibility. See where past relationships went wrong and what type of person you should be looking for, plus as an extra, Expert Astrologer allows you to compare your astrological chart with dozens of celebrities and historical figures like Madonna and Albert Einstein.

Expert Astrologer is based on a sophisticated and comprehensive system used by professional astrologers to analyze and predict the human condition and is accurate to within one degree for the years 1900 through 2100.

Additional Expert Astrologer Key Features:

* Plots and displays your personalized daily horoscope.

* Prints your personality profile.

* Calculates planet positions and life points.

* Prints chart wheels, profile interpretations, and chart

  data interpretations.

* Includes a written guide, "Introduction to Astrology."

Expert Software, Inc., is the developer of over 40 MS DOS. Windows, and Macintosh titles which have appeared on numerous best selling lists. Expert Software is located at 800 Douglas Road, North Tower, Suite 355, Coral Gables, FL 33134-3128. For consumer product information contact 1-800-759-2562.


Software Grove Messages Network 1.0 LAN Software
SOFTWARE GROVE MESSAGES NETWORK 1.0 RELEASED

New LAN software from Software Grove Corp. enhances phone message delivery, viewing and printing.

February 16, 1993 -- Kirkland, WA -- Software Grove Messages Network ("the phone messaging system everyone already knows how to use") was today released by Software Grove Corporation of Kirkland, Washington.

The new software is titled Software Grove Messages because Windows users can simply fill out a "MESSAGE" form on their PC screens (the form looks just like the pink or blue forms often titled "IMPORTANT MESSAGE") and the messages are automatically delivered across the network. The new software runs under Microsoft Windows on IBM compatible PCs with most popular LANs (Novell, LANtastic, Microsoft, Banyan and others) and Microsoft's Windows for Workgroups.

Software Grove Messages Network has key advantages for both people who receive phone messages and for people who take phone messages. People who receive phone messages never have to wonder if they got messages while on the phone, they don't have to go to the message center to pick up messages, and they don't have to decipher quickly scrawled names and numbers. People who take phone messages never having to search for a pad, don't have to leave their computer, can be automatically building a company "Rolodex" for regular callers, and can effortlessly provide back-up copies and caller reports. For users not on the network, Messages Network can print on standard paper or on the four-up, perforated pink message paper supplied with the package.

Messages Network provides the following important capabilities:

1. Instantaneous visual and/or audible notification of

   waiting messages.

2. Notes capturing important follow-up details can be

   added to messages.

3. Easy searching for back up copies of messages, either

   printed or on-screen.

4. Messages can be sent to individual recipients or groups.

5. Easy entry of messages with automatic filling of fields

   (date, time and message taker, and company name and

   telephone number for repeat callers).

6. For users not on the network or when special occasions

   arise, messages can be printed in formats including

   four-per-page, one-per-page, Call Tracker forms, compact

   listings, and full caller reports.

7. Messages can be taken and sent from any node on the network.

8. Messages can be editable or password protected and encrypted.

The October 1992 issue of Secretary Magazine says: "If you've ever scribbled a phone message that you were later unable to decipher, or had one of those little pink message slips disappear from your desk just when you needed it, then [Software Grove Messages] may be for you."

According to John Grove, President of Software Grove: "We've all seen how message passing is enhanced by E-mail, but we also all know how little time there is for training, so we saw an opportunity to provide the interface that everyone already knows for message passing - the all-to-familiar phone message form - and make the secretary's and everyone else's life easier. We have, simply put, provided a message pad on everyone's computer screen. The results of automating phone message taking is far greater than just improved productivity for secretaries and everyone else who takes messages, but for companies from 2 to thousands of employees, everyone who receives a message will be more productive. And managers will appreciate the caller reports and back-up message copies. "

Software Grove Messages Network operates under Microsoft Windows 3.0/3.1. Messages Network is compatible with Client-Server and Peer-to-Peer networks, including Novell Netware and Netware Lite, Artisoft LANtastic, Microsoft LAN Manager and Windows for Workgroups and Banyan Vines. Mixed Windows and DOS networks are fully supported.

Software Grove Messages Network for Windows is immediately available at $249.00 for a five node package, $399.00 for a 10 node package, or $599.00 per server. The single-user version (supporting paper output) is priced at $69.95. A 60-day money back guarantee is provided. Distributors for Software Grove Messages include Ingram Micro, 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


APCAL 3.20 Appointment Calendar
APCAL 3.20

The first PC based appointment calendar you will actually use.

Fort Collins, CO - February 16, 1993 - Since the goal of any time management system is to make better use of your time, it does not make sense to have to spend hours learning that system. APCAL provides the functionality you require in an extremely easy to use format. It is easy to use because the screens are set up in ways with which you are already familiar. For example, APCAL has a monthly calendar screen which can be used just like a wall or desk calendar. You simply type notes into the day blocks of the calendar. The appointment schedules are set up like most appointment books, just type your appointment next to the desired time.

So why should anyone use APCAL instead of the traditional printed appointment books? There are many reasons. You can customize the appointment times to match your schedule. You can use the speed of your computer to search for an appointment. You can easily move appointments to a different time. You can set reminders so you don't forget an important meeting. Best of all, with APCAL you don't have to buy new pages for your appointment book every year.

Why use APCAL instead of one of the other appointment calendar programs on the market? Because you won't find any other program which gives you the functionality and ease of use of APCAL at anywhere near the price. At $25 it may be the best software deal ever!

With the quick scan display, at the right, you can easily locate an appointment. As you highlight different dates in the calendars on the left, the appointment file for that date is displayed on the right. This allows you to quickly scan through you schedule for the week or month. It also allows you to review your previous appointments. You may find a particular appointment by entering a search string and asking the program to locate the next or previous appointment which contains that string.

APCAL also features a modern, easy to use interface with pull down and pop up menus. On-line context sensitive help is available.

The program contains a wide range of configuration options so you can customize the program to your liking. The default configuration is sufficient for most people, however, so a lengthy setup process is not required when you first run APCAL. Configuration options include the following.

Program colors.

* The appointment schedule.

* Printer options.

* Alarm / reminder parameters.

* TSR parameters.

* International time and date formats.

* Holidays in the monthly calendars.

* Auto save option.

* Start screen.

Holidays, anniversaries, birthdays and other special events can be configured so they appear in all monthly calendars which contain them. You can also type notes directly into the day blocks of the calendar.

APCAL can be run as a TSR and popped up whenever you desire, no matter what program you are in at the time. It is popped up via a user specified hot-key. It swaps to EMS or XMS memory or disk when not active so it takes up less than 10k of conventional memory.

The appointment edit screen allows you to create and edit your schedule. The times can be configured to match your typical schedule. They can also be edited to allow for daily variations.

Appointments can be:

* Moved

* Copied

* Erased

Alarms can also be set to remind you of important appointments. These reminders will pop up at the designated time, no matter what program you are in at the time, as long as APCAL is run in TSR mode.

Alarms can also be set, which are not associated with an appointment, in the alarm edit screen. The program also contains a unique feature called boot alarms which are displayed when you first boot up your computer. These are great for reminding you of birthdays, anniversaries, etc.

Printouts of your schedule can be created so that you can take it with you when you are away from your computer.

Gamma Software is committed to providing you with quality software at affordable prices.

System Requirements

* IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2 or compatible.

* 512k ram.

* DOS 2.0 or later.

* Monochrome or color monitor.

* Floppy drive.

* Hard disk recommended.

Key New Features in Version 3.20

* APCAL can now be run as a TSR and popped up via a hot-key.

* The separate alarm TSR is no longer required.

* The whole program is loaded when an alarm sounds,

  not just a message.

* Alarms pop up even in graphics mode.

* International time and date formats are supported.

* Auto save feature added.

Gamma Software, PO Box 8191, Fort Collins, CO 80526

303-490-2928;  800-747-9960;  CIS: 73737,1721


Notator Logic Mac Sequencer/Notation Program
NOTATOR LOGIC FOR THE MACINTOSH SHIPS

February 19, 1993 -- Malvern, PA--ENSONIQ Corp is now shipping NOTATOR LOGIC, the long awaited sequencer/notation program for the Macintosh platform, designed by EMAGIC. NOTATOR LOGIC's software uniquely offers the integration of sequencing and notation, while simultaneously assisting in controlling MIDI set-ups.

The same people who were responsible for the design of Notator SL, the award-winning sequencing and notation program (for the Atari platform) have started fresh in designing NOTATOR LOGIC using the latest programming techniques. Due to the merging of this wisdom and innovation, LOGIC offers unlimited tracks (any length), unlimited sequences, unlimited polyphony per track, 960 PPQ resolution (auto-dynamically set) and a tempo range from 0.05 to 9999.99 BPM.

LOGIC also allows the user to carry out editing steps in real time, using reversible non-destructive playback parameters. LOGIC offers control over the look of the program by allowing unlimited windows to be opened and manipulated to suit the user needs. This look can be programmed as a screen set, 90 of which are available for each song. In addition the user can look at and edit sequences in real time using the event list, matrix or hyper edit, or notation - all at the same time!

In the notation department LOGIC has automatic triplet recognition, unlimited number of staves, unlimited number of styles, unrestricted text input anywhere on score page, WYHIWYG (What You Hear Is What You Get) performance, and much more.

EMAGIC plans to have LOGIC available for the Atari platform in April 1993. When LOGIC comes to the Atari platform it will support the 1040 series, the TT, and the Falcon 030.

For more information on NOTATOR LOGIC or other products available from EMAGIC, please call ENSONIQ's Musical Instrument Customer Service at 215-647-3930.

Headquartered outside of Philadelphia, PA, Ensoniq Corp is one of the leading innovators in the field of sound technology. Using advanced custom microchip design in sound producing devices, Ensoniq provides the consumer with genuine breakthrough technology at affordable prices.

ENSONIQ Corp Worldwide Headquarters

155 Great Valley Parkway, Malvern, PA 19355

(215) 647-3930;   FAX (215) 647-8908


Apple USA's Catalog Contest Winners Announced
Apple Contest Rewards Individuals Who Have Helped "Change the World"

The premiere Apple Catalog contest celebrates making the world a better place.

CAMPBELL, California--January 26,1993--Making the world a better place can often seem like an impossible task. But last month, more than 2,000 people entered Apple USA's Catalog contest to tell the company how they've changed the world using their Apple personal computers. Of those, ten winners were selected and were awarded Macintosh PowerBook 145 notebook computers. The winners range from a marine biologist who tracks whale sightings and behaviors on his Macintosh computer to a disabled teacher who uses her Macintosh in conjunction with an overhead projector to display her lessons where the whole class can see them.

The contest was promoted in the premiere edition of The Apple Catalog which was mailed in October to more than 1 million customers. The Apple Catalog, developed to improve Apple's customer service and enhance Apple's communication with customers, contains Apple products, accessories, supplies, peripherals, and third-party products.

The contest winners are:

* Katherine Anderson,

  low-income housing development coordinator, Ithaca, NY

* Robert B. Baker, M.D.,

  physician for sexually abused children, Bonita, CA

* James Boulden, childrens' author, Weaverville, CA

* Barbara Cordell, AIDS grant writer, Nacogdoches, TX

* Pieter Folkens, marine biologist, San Francisco, CA

* Jennifer Laurence, student teacher, Tempe, AZ

* Joseph H. Mondello, AIDS foundation co-founder, New York, NY

* David B. Phillips, medical device inventor, Annapolis, MD

* Phil West, executive director,

  common cause of Rhode Island, Providence, RI

* Susan Wolfe, production coordinator,

  partnership for Organ donation, Boston, MA

"Our goal with Apple computers is to empower users to be their best," said Maureen Loeb, manager of the Apple Catalog for Apple USA. "Judging by the overwhelming response to our 'Change the World' contest, many Macintosh users are doing just that. It's gratifying that we can celebrate their successes through these awards."

The contest called for customers to send Apple their story of 750 words, together with photographs or samples of their work, by December 15, 1992. An independent judging firm evaluated and scored the entries. A team of Apple catalog representatives and the Apple Catalog design firm, Humbert-Clark of San Francisco, then selected the top 10 winners. The winning stories will be featured in future editions of The Apple Catalog.

The Apple Catalog takes all orders and catalog requests at 1-800-795-1000, 24 hours per day, seven days a week. Apple Computer, Inc. is a leading supplier of computers to business, consumer, education, and government markets in the U.S. and a recognized innovator in the personal computer industry. Apple utilizes a network of multiple distribution channels in the U.S. to serve its broad base of customers, including computer specialty dealers, computer superstores, and consumer outlets, which make up the bulk of authorized U.S. resellers; Apple Education Sales Consultants in the K-12 market; Campus Resellers in Higher Education, and Government resellers. Apple received top marks in PC customer satisfaction for 1991 and 1992 from J.D. Powers & Associates.

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

408-996-1010


Apple Joins EPA's Energy Star Printers Program

CUPERTINO, California--January 28,1993--Apple Computer, Inc. will participate in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Energy Star program to build and market new computer printers that use less electricity. Announced today, the EPA's printer initiative is an expansion of Energy Star Computers, a cooperative effort between government and industry that seeks to create a market for energy-efficient office equipment and thereby reduce air pollution caused by power generation.

Apple and other manufacturers worked with the EPA to develop the technical criteria for the Energy Star printers program. Printers that comply with the program's criteria will automatically enter a low-power mode after a period of inactivity, reducing power consumption up to 50 percent. Beginning June 1993, units sold in the U.S. may display the Energy Star logo, which alerts customers to the products' environmental benefits. Apple printers developed under the program will be available worldwide.

"Apple wants to minimize the environmental impacts of our products throughout their life cycles," said Fred Forsyth, senior vice president and general manager, Macintosh Systems Division. "The Energy Star program helps our customers make a positive environmental contribution and reduce their energy costs at the same time."

In June 1992, Apple became a charter participant in the EPA's Energy Star Computers program. Apple will introduce a range of products this year that are expected to display the Energy Star.

It is Apple's corporate policy to do business in a manner that conserves the environment and protects the health of its employees, customers and the communities in which it operates. Apple believes that a comprehensive environmental program is an essential component of business. Current corporate programs include product grants to environmental groups, internal recycling, environmental volunteer and education programs for employees, a worldwide chlorofluorocarbon elimination policy, battery and toner cartridge recycling programs for customers, environmentally sensitive packaging, and energy-efficient products.

(For more information on Energy Star programs, contact Brian Johnson in EPA's Global Change Division at 202-233-9114.)

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

408-996-1010


AST Cuts Prices on Premium SE Servers
AST RESEARCH CUTS PRICES ON PREMIUM SE SERVERS BY AS MUCH AS 23 PERCENT

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 10, 1993 -- Setting new levels of price/performance for the server market, AST Research Inc. today significantly reduced prices of its Premium SE servers.

Effective immediately, suggested list prices have been dropped from 10 to 23 percent with prices now ranging from $3,295 for a base model Premium SE 4/33 (486DX/33MHz) to $7,535 for a fully configured Premium SE 4/66d (486DX2/66MHz). AST also today lowered prices on its Premium SE 4/66d Cupid FASTboard and 500MB and 1GB FastSCSI hard drives. The FASTboard is AST's one-board solution to upgrading to faster processing power.

AST's Premium SE server family has been engineered to provide the performance, expandability and fault tolerance required for sophisticated networking and multiuser environments. A recent independent server evaluation conducted by InfoWorld, a leading computer-industry publication, noted AST's Premium servers outperform its most noteworthy competitors by as much as 23 percent.

"Feature for feature, AST's Premium SE product line is now priced at or below most comparable products on the market," said Larry Fortmuller, director of high-performance system marketing. "AST's record volume shipments over the past year have provided the avenue for us to offer customers a dramatically high value at a very low cost. n

AST's world-class manufacturing capabilities, quality assurance and audit and certification labs provide the foundation to produce a highly reliable system. Also, AST's servers undergo stringent qualification and compatibility testing through the industry's top operating system suppliers' certification programs.

AST servers support up to 8GB of internal hard drive storage. An optional single-channel high-performance caching controller or an optional AST multi-channel disk array equipped with the I960 Risc processor manage multiple hard drives independent of the host system for speedy network responsiveness and data redundancy. Both 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.

FastSCSI hard drives mount in slide-out trays to make it easy to upgrade or "hot" swap in a disk array environment. Also, a SCSI backplane design provides cable-free drive installation.

Additional features include AST FlashBIOS allowing the BIOS to be upgraded through software and AST's Premium VGA integrated video for accelerated video performance.

AST's Premium SE server family is available through AST's network of qualified resellers.

Award-Winning Service and Reliability

AST recently received a Reader's Choice award for Service and Reliability through magazine as noted in the Feb. 9, 1993, issue. "This award is a testimony to AST's commitment to provide overall system reliability and customer satisfaction," said Fortmuller.

AST's servers are backed by one of the industry's most comprehensive support programs, including a toll-free technical hotline, AST On-Line 24-hour bulletin board service and AST Info-FAX to access a broad selection of technical support documentation. AST has more than 1,400 Authorized Service Centers nationwide, as well as 300 Advanced System Support Centers to provide a high-level of localized Service.

AST has fostered solid partnerships with the leading operating systems vendors, including Novell, SCO, Banyan and IBM, and participates in technical cross training programs with those vendors to more fully support its customers.

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 a leading market share holder of desktop, file server and notebook computers. Revenue for calendar year 1992 totalled more than $1.1 billion.

AST's product lines include the Premium SE servers, Power Premium, Bravo and Advantage! desktop systems, PowerExec notebooks and Manhattan SMP multiprocessor, LAN Magazine's "Product of the Year." The company is represented in 100 countries and operates 34 subsidiaries and sales offices worldwide.

AST, 16215 Alton Parkway, PO Box 57005, Irvine, CA 92718

714-727-4141;  800-876-4278;  fax: 714-727-9355


Color to Low-End AST Notebooks & Lower Prices
AST RESEARCH BRINGS COLOR TO LOW-END NOTEBOOKS AND REDUCES PRICES ON POWEREXEC LINE

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 8, 1993 -- AST Research Inc., the pioneer in upgradeable personal computers, today announced the immediate availability of passive color matrix displays and new hard drive models for its PowerExec EL family. The company has also reduced pricing on selected models of its PowerExec line of notebook computers by up to 16 percent.

"As always, it is our goal at AST to maintain our competitive position in the changing market by expanding our offerings. We believe the new PowerExec EL Color will lead the competition in providing entry-level portable computing users with exemplary functionality at attractive prices," said Dan Sheppard, director of portable systems.

Powered by the Intel 25-MHz 386SL microprocessor, the PowerExec EL is now available in four models, featuring a choice of monochrome or passive color matrix displays and a variety of hard drive models. Suggested retail pricing ranges from $1,499 for the entry-level monochrome model to $2,799 for a fully functional passive matrix display with removable 120-mb drive, Windows and AST's Smartpoint cableless trackball.

Standard features of the PowerExec EL include a Type II PCMCIA slot, allowing for the full range of options including modems and LAN adapters; 3.5-inch diskette drives and DOS 5.0.

Weighing just 5.9 pounds, one of the lightest notebooks in its class, the PowerExec EL family comes standard with a NiCad battery that provides up to three hours of battery life. The removable hard drive provides added security for users as well as the flexibility of virtually unlimited storage upgradeability.

The PowerExec line of notebooks, winner of PC LapTop Magazine's 1992 Newcomer of the Year award and Portable Computing's 1993 Product Excellence award, was designed to make notebook computing hassle-free for office-to-home end users and business travelers. AST has targeted users who require a cost-effective, fully-functional notebook that provides unsurpassed ease of use and increased productivity for a variety of business applications, including word processing, communications and personal productivity.

ExeCare Plus Provides 48-hour Repair Service

The AST PowerExec EL family of notebooks are covered by a free one-year warranty. The optional ExeCare Plus program includes 48 hour repair upon receipt at AST. AST will pay the freight both ways.

All AST notebook computer systems include a one-year parts and labor warranty. 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 available Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. (PDT) and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.

AST PowerExec Pricing -- As of February 8, 1993

PowerExec EL Family                   New Price      Reduced

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

PowerExec EL Model 63/2                 $1,499        $246

PowerExec EL Model 83/2                  1,699         NEW

PowerExec EL Model 123/W/4               2,099         196

PowerExec EL Color Model 123/W/4         2,799         NEW

PowerExec 386SL Family

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

PowerExec 386SL Model 63                $2,099        $296

PowerExec 386SL Model 83/W               2,399         NEW

PowerExec 386SL Model 123/W              2,599         196

PowerExec 386SL Color Model 83           2,999         196

PowerExec 386SL Color Model 163/W        3,499          96

PowerExec 386SL ColorPlus Model 83       3,399         296

PowerExec 386SL ColorPlus Model 203/W    3,899         296

PowerExec 486SL Family

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

PowerExec 486 Model 83                  $2,499        $296

PowerExec 486 Model 203/W                2,999         296

PowerExec 486 Color Model 83             3,199         396

PowerExec 486 Color Model 203/W          3,699         396

PowerExec 486 ColorPlus Model 83         4,199         296

PowerExec 486 ColorPlus Model 203/W      4,699         296

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 a leading market share holder for desktop, file server and notebook computers. Revenue for calendar year 1992 totalled more than $1.1 billion.

AST's product lines include the Power Premium, Bravo, Advantage!, PowerExec families and the Manhattan--LAN Magazine's Product of the Year--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.

The company reported record sales of $346.3 million for the second quarter of fiscal year 1993, ended Jan. 3, 1993, representing a 64 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, 16215 Alton Parkway, PO Box 57005, Irvine, CA 92718

714-727-4141;  800-876-4278;  fax: 714-727-9355


Scantron to Package Teleform for Windows System
CARDIFF SOFTWARE SIGNS OEM AGREEMENT WITH SCANTRON CORPORATION

(Tustin, Calif, February 15,1993) Scantron Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of J.H. Harland Company (NYSE:JH) and a recognized leader in mark recognition scanning systems, will sell a turnkey software and hardware system featuring a version of Cardiff Software's widely acclaimed Teleform for Windows. The Scantron product consists of a complete forms processing system, which includes an Intel workstation, high speed scanner, fax/modem and software to read handwritten, typed and preprinted, or marked information from forms faxed or scanned into a PC workstation. The software automatically writes completed information from forms into leading databases or spreadsheets without rekeying.

"The Scantron product offers a full solution for automated data entry. Scantron offers customers form design services, printing services, maintenance and a pre-configured hardware and software solution that is ready to use upon delivery," says Dennis Clerke, vice president of marketing & sales at Cardiff Software.

"The system brings Scantron to the imaging market with a competitive product offering recognition capabilities beyond the traditional mark-reader systems," says Tom Hoag, president of Scantron.

Scantron is targeting business applications, including benefits enrollment, employee surveys, product registrations, market research, payroll and customer satisfaction surveys. In each case, Scantron offers a complete solution that will optimize the data collection process and save the customer money.

"The relationship between Scantron and Cardiff Software provides a new opportunity for each company, and will bring the forms recognition technology to customers that require a complete integrated solution," says Joseph C. Larson, president of Cardiff Software.

Cardiff Software develops and markets software products that provide facsimile and computerized productivity solutions for corporate and small business users. Cardiff's premier product, Teleform for Windows, is used for automated data entry applications using fax machines or scanners. Teleform is a recognized market leader and has won numerous industry awards including Best of Comdex Fall '91 Finalist, PC Sources Top 100, and 1992 PC Magazine Software Gem.

Scantron designs, manufactures and markets turnkey data entry systems. The company, which was founded in 1972, is one of the world's leading providers of scannable forms, software and computer products. The company's annual sales exceeded $60 million, with sales and service offices in 51 cities in the U.S., Canada and Switzerland.

Cardiff Software Inc

531 Stevens Ave, Bldg. B, Solana Beach, CA 92075

619-259-6430;  fax: 619-259-6450


America Online for Windows Membership Kit & Tour
VENTANA OPENS THE WINDOW TO AMERICA ONLINE'S LATEST RELEASE

This year's dramatic upsurge in the sale of Windows applications signals the real acceptance of Windows by everyday computer users. America Online stands ready with a full-featured Windows interface, a new service showcased by Ventana Press's The Official America Online for Windows Membership Kit & Tour Guide, by Tom Lichty.

The Ventana kit is the first opportunity for retail customers to purchase a complete Windows-based online package, including software and support. It includes operating software and a bonus of ten free hours of online time, the only such offer available for current as well as new members.

The 410-page Tour Guide, by veteran America Online scout Tom Lichty, escorts members through America Online's "countryside," pointing out the Windows landmarks along the way: new multi-tasking capabilities, support of tiling and cascade features, pull-down menus, tool bars and more.

"America Online's Windows-like format has always been its great appeal, and as a full-featured Windows product, it can only become more attractive," says Ventana president Josef Woodman. "Our package serves two markets: it introduces current members to the new Windows capabilities while showing new members the impressive range of services for which America Online is known." These services include electronic mail, conferencing, computing support, online classes, news, stock quotes, travel and shopping, and hobbies.

Author Tom Lichty's America Online Tour Guides have been favorites among America Online members since the introduction of the Macintosh and PC versions in 1992. The Official America Online for Windows Membership Kit & Tour Guide is softcover, 7 3/8" X 9 1/4", 410 pages, with accompanying America Online membership disk. Suggested retail price, $34.95. ISBN 1-56604-013-2.

America Online, Inc. (NASDAQ symbol: AMER), based in Vienna, VA, is the leading independent provider of online services to consumers in the United States. Services can be accessed from a broad range of personal computers using America Online's proprietary, icon-based windowing software. Founded in 1985, the company has established strategic alliances with a wide variety of leaders in the personal computer industry, including IBM, Tandy, Microsoft and Ventana Press.

Ventana Press publishes books and other materials that help computer users become more productive, including Voodoo DOS, Looking Good in Print, Windows, Word & Excel Office Companion, Desktop Publishing With Word for Windows and Voodoo WordPerfect for Windows. All titles are available in bookstores and through Ventana Press, P.O. Box 2468, Chapel Hill, NC 27515; 919/942-0220; FAX, 919/942-1140


Multi-Tech Announces Modem Break Escape Tech.
Multi-Tech Announces Break Escape Technology

MOUNDS VIEW, MINNESOTA--February 5,1993--Multi-Tech Systems Inc., a leading data communications technology company, announced today that all of its modem products now support Multi-Tech's <BREAK> AT <CR> escape sequence as an option. The use of the BREAK signal, which is an "out of band signal," provides a mechanism for changing from data to command mode during a data communications session with zero probability of accidental escapes during file transfers.

"The issue of what modem escape technique is best has had a lot of publicity lately, and the resulting confusion may have created some doubt in users' minds about the security of their data transmission," states Raghu Sharma, President of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. "The Multi-Tech <BREAK> AT <CR> escape technique is the best technique possible. In contrast to in-band escape sequences, it is an out-of-band escape sequence. An out-of-band escape sequence, as the name implies, cannot and does not occur in the data streams. We have incorporated the Multi-Tech <BREAK> AT <CR> escape sequence in our modems as one of two techniques. We are making no proprietary claims to the technology and offer full documentation on its implementation to any interested parties."

The purpose of an escape technique is to change the modem's operational status from On-line to Command mode. In fact, escape methods primarily exist so that upon completion of a call a modem can be hung up. The process of hanging up a modem can be accomplished in many ways, one of which is to drop the DTR signal, which is a specific pin on the RS232 interface, and another way is to escape or change the modem from On-line mode to Command mode, so that a hang up command can be issued (e.g., ATH <CR>). If your data session is interactive, you can enter the escape sequence on your keyboard. However with most PC-based communications software, the software sends the escape sequence to the modem.

Escape sequences can be referred to as "in-band" or "out-of-band." An in-band escape sequence is a pattern that is made up of characters that individually can exist in the data (i.e. they are in the data band). The <BREAK> AT <CR> escape sequence is an out-of-band escape sequence. An out-of-band escape sequence is a pattern that cannot and does not occur in the data stream. The <BREAK> AT <CR> escape sequence occurs by sending the "break" signal followed by the letters A and T, an optional sequence of commands and a carriage return. The break signal is a constant space of a certain minimum duration (e.g. CCITT defines this minimum as 135 milliseconds).

In a related event, AT&T Microelectronics will support the <BREAK> AT <CR> escape sequence as an option in their complete high speed modem chip set products. According to Bob Rango, Marketing Manager of AT&T's Microelectronics division, "The reason that we are incorporating the <BREAK> AT <CR> escape sequence into our devices is that it gives our customers another option in implementing means of escape. Our goal is to give our customers as many options as possible. This new escape technique will be going into all of our future complete high speed modem chip set products. By complete chip sets we mean those that include the controller subsystem and a data pump subsystem". With over 30 modem manufacturers using these chip sets the <BREAK> AT <CR> escape sequence will provide an attractive alternative for software developers and users alike.

Multi-Tech Systems, which reported sales of $81 million for 1992, was founded in 1970 to manufacture data communications equipment and systems for the global market of networking product users. The Minnesota-based company is a well-known for its MultiModem line of dial-up communications products. Multi-Tech's family of products include a complete line of data/fax modems, MultiMux statistical multiplexers, DSUs, 3270/3780/5250 emulation systems, X.25 PADS/switches, UNIX serial interfaces, communications software, LAN/WAN connectivity products, and most recently, the MultiModemPCS, a voice/data/fax personal communications system. These products are sold in over 70 countries through a worldwide network of distributors, manufacturer's reps, systems 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


Poker Galore! - Learn to Play Video Poker
Announcing POKER GALORE!

Are you a serious gambler?

Do you have plans to visit Las Vegas this year??

Do you want to WIN this time???

The best way to win is to know how to play. The way to know how to play is to practice and get good at gambling before you go on your vacation. Poker Galore will help you learn how to win at Video Poker.

There are currently a variety of video poker games being played in Las Vegas, and six machines have emerged as the most popular: Jacks or Better, Joker Poker, Deuces Wild, Double Down, Second Chance and Multi-Meter Progressive Poker. Serious gamblers know the difference between these machines and how to play each one.

It is possible to beat video poker machines! Unlike regular slot machines, the "one-arm bandits", video poker machines offer favorable odds, IF you know how to play correctly. Real gamblers know there is a statistical basis to video poker strategy. If you consistently make the correct playing decisions and play the right machines then based on a statistical analysis of actual video poker machine play, the odds of winning can, in fact, be favorable to the player.

You CAN beat the house!

What's the secret? The secret is knowing which machines to play, and how to play those machines, based on the expected value of each hand played. Poker Galore will give you tips on calculating the expected value of each hand, and will allow you to practice on the most popular video poker machines and keep track of the relevant data: How much money you have put in (the "action"), how many hands you have played, the amount you have won, and the percent payback. Poker Galore keeps track of this information for up to 10 players on six different video poker machines.

The documentation for Poker Galore is full of gambling tips and strategies. This information was obtained by interviewing professional gamblers who live in Las Vegas and play video poker every day. Many hours were spent on research, including hours of actual casino play. The author of Poker Galore has a degree in mathematics and spent three years as a blackjack dealer at a major Las Vegas hotel. Poker Galore is an authentic simulation of casino gambling, intended for serious players!

But more than that, Poker Galore is fun to play. It features beautiful EGA/VGA graphics, keyboard, mouse and Sound Blaster support. The face cards are individually hand-drawn, and months were spent perfecting the graphics and playability of this game.

Poker Galore will be a marvelous addition to your gambling game collection. You can download the shareware version of Poker Galore or call Ted Gruber Software to order the registered version. The registered version contains two games that are not in the shareware version: Deuces Wild and Multi-Meter Progressive Poker. The shareware version is fully functional for the other four games, and fully documented.

Get your copy of Poker Galore today!

Ted Gruber Software, P.O. Box 13408, Las Vegas, NV 89112

(702) 735-4603 (FAX) -- (702) 796-7134 (BBS)

(702) 735-1980 (voice orders)

Registration: $20 - (VISA and MasterCard accepted)

Disclaimer: Diana Gruber, and Ted Gruber Software, are absolutely not responsible for anybody's gambling losses. If you gamble with real money, you do so at your own risk. Poker Galore is intended for amusement purposes only.


Dr.T's Sing-A-Long Children's Swr for Windows
Dr.T's ANNOUNCES Dr.T's SING-A-LONG, A NEW CHILDREN'S SOFTWARE TITLE FOR WINDOWS

BOSTON - February 12, 1993 - Dr. T's Music Software announces an exciting new and innovative children's software title for computers equipped with a sound card and Microsoft Windows 3.1.

FUN

Dr.T's Sing-A-Long is a unique children's program combining music, animation, music notation, and song lyrics in an entertaining and educational format to make singing loads of fun. It contains over 25 of the most popular children's songs that everyone knows and loves such as Row Row Row Your Boat, Down By The Station, This Old Man, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Three Blind Mice, I've Been Working On The Railroad, and more. (Additional disks of songs and animations will be available in the first quarter of 1993.)

EDUCATIONAL

Dr.T's Sing-A-Long combines the whole-language approach with music note-reading in a method which integrates content area learning with language skill development. It also incorporates TPR (Total Physical Response) and the Natural Approach methods. It's so much fun kids don't even know they are learning!

MULTIMEDIA

Each song is accompanied by a delightful animation which illustrates the song. While the music and animation are playing, the lyrics and notes of the music are displayed on the screen and a moving icon keeps time. Older children will improve their reading skills and learn to read music before they know it. Younger children will find the animations and music in Dr. T's Sing-A-Long entertaining and humorous.

FEATURES INCLUDE

* Big Buttons designed specially for kids.

* Speed of the music can be increased or decreased at any time.

* Intuitive MIXER applet is integrated in the program to adjust

  the volume and balance between music and the microphone.

* Lyrics and notes of the melody scroll in-time to the music.

* Colorful moving icons makes it easy to follow the lyrics and

  melody.

* Juke Box option plays the songs in any order you desire.

* The lyrics and notation can be printed using any Windows

  supported printer.

* The manual explains music notation and provides easy

  instructions on connecting the sound card to a microphone and

  cassette player (not included) for setting up a kids karaoke.

Support for all popular sound cards supported by Windows including Windows Sound, SoundBlasterl6, Sound Blaster Pro, SoundBlaster (standard), Pro Audio Spectrum, Pro Audio Spectrum 16, Thunderboard, Ad Lib Gold, AdLib, and ATi VideoFX.

A CD ROM version of the program will be available in mid-March. This will include full audio performances of the songs both with and without vocals. (Price is yet to be announced.)

The manufacturer's suggested retail price of Dr.T's Sing-A-Long is $59.95.

Dr. T's Music Software, 124 Crescent Rd, Needham, MA 02194

617-455-1454


XoftWare/32 for Windows Supports TCP/IP V2.1
AGE LOGIC ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR IBM'S TCMP VERSION 2.1 FOR DOS NETWORK SOFTWARE

San Diego, CA. March 1, 1993 - AGE Logic, Inc. announced that its 32-bit PC X server software, XoftWare/32 for Windows, now supports IBM's TCP/IP Version 2.1 for DOS through IBM's new Windows Socket interface. XoftWare/32 for Windows enables PC users to concurrently access and display MS Windows and network-based Unix applications from 386/486 PCs. Based on X11R5 server code, XoftWare/32 for Windows is the industry's first 32-bit X Window server software for Microsoft Windows-based PCs.

According to Craig A. Schmidt, vice president of marketing, "AGE is committed to supporting the industry's leading TCP/IP networking software. The combination of XoftWare/32 for Windows and IBM's TCP/IP Version 2.1 for DOS provides customers with a reliable, performance-oriented PC-to-Unix connectivity solution."

By providing full compatibility with IBM's Windows Sockets API (Application Program Interface), XoftWare/32 for Windows supports IBM Token Ring Network environments, as well as IBM PC Networks, Ethernet Version 2 Networks, and IEEE 802.3 local area networks. Support is also provided for communications via coaxial cable and asynchronous lines with SLIP (Serial Line Internet Protocol).

"We are pleased that AGE's XoftWare/32 for Windows supports our TCP/IP Version 2.1 for DOS," said Jim Holland, IBM's TCP/IP product manager. "The demand for TCP/IP networking software and PC X server software is increasing rapidly in heterogenous environments," he said.

XoftWare/32 for Windows is available through AGE's worldwide network of distributors and resellers. List price is $495 (US).

AGE Logic, Inc., a privately owned corporation founded in 1984, is a supplier of X Window System software that enables PCs, terminals, workstations and embedded systems to access X applications residing on Unix-based hosts. Marketed under the XoftWare brand name, AGE offers a full family of PC packaged products for distributors/resellers, systems integrators and OEMs, as well as customized embedded X products for the world's leading terminal, computer and systems companies. XoftWare packaged products support industry standards such as Microsoft Windows, DOS, TIGA, 8514, and Unix. AGE has alliances with major silicon, terminal, and workstation companies to develop highly optimized, hardware-specific X servers tailored to their specifications. AGE is located in San Diego, California and can be reached at (619) 455-8600.

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


Pixelink Awarded $1 Million Treasury Contract
AT&T FEDERAL SYSTEMS AWARDS $1 MILLION TREASURY CONTRACT TO PIXELINK FOR DOCUMENT IMAGING DISPLAYS

February 22, 1993 -- HUDSON, Mass. -- Pixelink Corporation today announced that it has won a $1 million contract from AT&T's NCR Federal Systems division in Oakton, Va., to supply document imaging display monitors. AT&T will integrate and install these monitors as the desktop display component of networked workstations in the offices of the Internal Revenue Service, and at other U.S. Department of the Treasury locations nationwide. The contract falls under provisions of the Treasury Multiuser Acquisition Contract, or TMAC--the largest single equipment contract ever awarded by the federal government won by AT&T's NCR Federal Systems in June 1992.

John Stevens, AT&T's NCR Federal Systems Project Manager, explained that his company chose Pixelink "because they're field-proven experts at planning and integrating displays for document imaging systems. They specified just what high-definition monitors would be needed for the IRS document imaging tasks, and we were glad for their guidance."

This order is the first in a series of TMAC-driven AT&T sales for Pixelink--an 8-year-old privately-held small business headquartered in Hudson, Mass. that provides high-performance display systems to OEMs, system integrators and corporate users throughout North America. Pixelink specializes in integrating grayscale and color monitors with video controllers, to deliver high-resolution document imaging systems that meet challenging customer requirements in government, business, science, engineering, medical, and graphic arts applications.

The TMAC contract is a sweeping effort by Treasury and the IRS to modernize their computer information systems, and to share information between departments more efficiently via open, networked multiuser systems.

The TMAC agreement enables AT&T to offer Treasury Department information system managers and users a shopping list of workstations, software, printers, and network equipment-- plus expert system integration and support designed to streamline the IRS' records-keeping and response to taxpayers' requests.

NCR, an AT&T subsidiary company, develops, manufactures, markets, supports and services enterprise-wide information systems for worldwide markets. AT&T's NCR Federal Systems services U.S. government clients nationwide.

Pixelink, 8 Kane Industrial Drive, Hudson, MA 01749

508-562-4803;  fax: 508-568-0514


PC EXPO Chicago Attracts Loyal Audience
INDEPENDENT SURVEY PROVES PC EXPO IN CHICAGO ATTRACTS A LOYAL AUDIENCE OF MIDWESTERN COMPUTER BUYERS

Attendees Come to PC EXPO to Purchase New or Specific Products; Keep Informed of Latest Technological Advances

(February 19, 1993, Fort Lee, NJ) -- PC EXPO in Chicago is strategically positioned as the key trade show for Midwest computer professionals and resellers, according to a recently released independent research report by Waterman Associates in San Rafael, California.

The trade show, now in its eighth year, will take place October 19-21, 1993, at McCormick Place East in Chicago, Illinois. As many as 162 of the Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in the Midwest, and business professionals from these companies attend PC EXPO in Chicago because it is the only comprehensive computer trade show in the region. The 1992 show had record attendance of 29,212 corporate volume buyers and resellers.

A written survey was mailed to a random sample of 1992 PC EXPO in Chicago attendees. The industries they represent include finance, government, education, engineering, medical/healthcare, and manufacturing.

"The purpose of the survey was threefold: to ascertain why computer professionals attend PC EXPO in Chicago, to find out if they would attend the show again, and to determine the hottest products and services in demand by these buyers," said Peter Brunold, show manager for PC EXPO in Chicago.

According to the research findings, 94 percent of the attendees came to PC EXPO in Chicago to "purchase/see new products/keep current," while 63 percent "wanted to find out about specific products."

The report also revealed that 90 percent of the corporate computer professionals who attended PC EXPO in Chicago in 1992, plan to attend the show again in 1993.   In addition, an astounding 100 percent of volume buyers from government, education, finance, insurance and real estate industries indicated they would attend the 1993 show. Even more impressive, less than 10 percent plan to attend any other show (including Comdex Spring or Fall) in 1993.

Among the software products that were of high interest to buyers were: networking/LAN products, database software, Windows and OS/2 applications, and multimedia products. In the hardware category, attendees expressed prominent interest in printers, laptop/notebook/palm PCs. desktop/workstation computers, scanners, and imaging products.

"In 1993, the eighth annual PC EXPO in Chicago will be the only major computer show that targets the information technology needs in the heartland of Corporate America," said Mr. Brunold. "These research findings substantiate that the show has successfully been meeting the needs of the second most important market in the country."

PC EXPO in Chicago is produced and managed by Bruno Blenheim Inc. (BBI), a trade show management firm. BBI is part of Blenheim Group PLC, the world's largest producer of trade shows and conferences. In addition to PC EXPO in Chicago, BBI also produces PC EXPO in New York, NetWorld/Networks Expo, and UNIX EXPO among its high-tech events.

Bruno Blenheim Inc

Fort Lee Executive Park, One Executive Dr, Fort Lee, NJ 07024

800-829-3976,  201-346-1400,  Fax: 201-346-1532


Microsoft Windows 3.1 Developer's Workshop

Experienced developers now have detailed technical data about specialized programming issues at their fingertips with the MICROSOFT WINDOWS 3.1 DEVELOPER'S WORKSHOP.

Written by seasoned programmers who are experts in their fields, this one-of-a-kind resource from Microsoft Press is packed with advanced programming information and insights on the Windows operating system. Topics include:

Internationalizing Software for Windows--Localization expert William S. Hall offers a definitive essay on programming for the international market. He takes up everything from character sets to country-dependent parameters to internationalization support functions.

Manipulating Graphics Images--Graphics wizard Bob Chiverton explores the mysteries of zooming, coordinate spaces, and transformations with the Windows version 3.1 and the Win32 APIs.

Creating Applications for Pen Computing--Dr. John Butler, long-time developer of Windows-based programs, shows how to modify an application to make it pen aware and explains the interaction of PENWIN.DLL, the RC data structure, character and shape recognizers, and dictionaries.

Writing Network-Aware Programs--Microsoft Developer Alok Sinha navigates the difficult waters of NetBIOS protocols and programming techniques and demonstrates how to use them in Windows-based programs.

Developing Virtual Device Drivers Ray Patch, a Microsoft programmer, explores this complex topic and produces a template virtual device driver that developers can use to build their own drivers.

Using Visual Basic as a Professional Tool--John Clark Craig, author of the bestselling Microsoft Visual Basic Workshop, demonstrates the use of the Visual Basic programming system as a powerful adjunct to the Microsoft Windows Software Development Kit (SDK).

The accompanying 1.44-MB 3.5-inch disk includes all the sample programs shown in the book and much more. Ordering information for one 1.2-MB 5.25-inch disk is also included. An 80386 or higher microprocessor, Microsoft Windows operating system version 3.1, and the Microsoft Windows Software Development Kit (SDK) are required.

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


Cobb Group's Word 5.1 Companion
The Cobb Group's Word 5.1 Companion

The Cobb Group's WORD 5.1 COMPANION from Microsoft Press is the ultimate, all-in-one guide to versions 5.0 and 5.1 of the world's most powerful and popular word processing program for the Apple Macintosh

Written with the clear, easy-to-read style that is The Cobb Group's trademark, WORD 5.1 COMPANION contains a wealth of tips and tricks that make learning and using Microsoft Word faster, easier, and more enjoyable. Hundreds of screen shots, practical examples, and in-depth explanations let new users, occasional users, and power users master every facet of this sophisticated word processor.

After covering the essentials--creating, designing, editing, formatting, and printing a document--the book progresses to advanced formatting techniques, using Word's built-in utilities, and ways to customize Word. Readers discover how to take advantage of the extraordinary improvements and added features of version 5.1, including:

* Moving words, sentences, and even paragraphs by simply

  clicking on highlighted text and dragging it to a new location.

* Creating tables and modifying existing tables in a snap!

* Customizing the new Toolbar to display buttons for the commands

  and features used most.

* Printing envelopes, adding bullets, formatting text, and

  creating graphs with a click of the mouse.

* Using the new Movie command to add Apple QuickTime movies

  to Word documents.

* Creating even the most complex, personalized form letters

  in a simple, step-by-step fashion using Print Merge helper.

* Creating and sizing illustrations, combining text with

  graphics, and importing graphics created in other applications.

Appendixes offer a summary of keyboard and mouse techniques, a table of ASCII codes, ways to use PostScript commands, and ways to use the Equation Editor program. A comprehensive index helps users quickly find information on any topic in the book.

The Cobb Group, a leader in computer training and support, is well known for its bestselling, high-quality computer books and for its series of critically acclaimed newsletters that cover popular software. Gena B. Cobb is vice president of The Cobb Group, Inc., where she serves as an author and editor-in-chief. Judy Mynhier is a free-lance technical writer; and Allan McGuffey is an assistant author at The Cobb Group. Mark Nieker is a technical writer and consultant specializing in Macintosh applications.

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


Using Proof Animation from Wolverine Software
Wolverine Software Corporation publishes Using Proof Animation

Wolverine Software Corporation announces the publication of its latest book - Using Proof Animation. This book is a 374-page tutorial and reference guide for Proof Animation, Wolverine's PC-based simulation animation software. Using Proof Animation includes a copy of Student Proof Animation Release 1.0 software, a fully functional version of Proof Animation that is limited to smaller animations. Using Proof Animation is an economical, yet comprehensive way to learn all about Proof Animation and a worthwhile addition to any simulation library

According to Dan Brunner, who authored many of the chapters in Using Proof Animation, "This is the book our users have been waiting for. In addition to being a useful learning aid, Using Proof Animation is the complete reference manual for the commercial Proof Animation and Proof Professional products. All menu options, commands, and file formats are fully documented in this single volume."

Using Proof Animation covers the major aspects of working with Proof Animation:

* The User Interface Using Proof Animation explains the entire Proof Animation framework and shows the reader how to run an animation. Chapters cover topics such as Input and Output file formats, the scalable coordinate system, running an animation, and defining named views.

* Defining the Layout Chapters detail how to draw a layout background, create bar graphs, define Object classes (shapes), define paths, fine tune the color palette, and work with imported CAD layouts.

* Using Simulation Software to Drive Proof Animation Topics include creating and destroying objects (icons), setting and changing an object's color and shape, guided vs. unguided motion, accumulating paths, rotating objects, adding sound to an animation, varying the speeds of objects on paths and generating animation input using GPSS/H, SIMAN, SIMSCRIPT or SLAM.

* Creating a Presentation Readers learn to incorporate animated segments and static slides into a menu-based presentation to be shown to a group or used by a non-expert individual.

Five appendices detail all menu options, animation trace file commands, presentation script file commands, and layout file format specifications.

Using Proof Animation is priced at $29.50 plus shipping. It can be ordered directly from Wolverine Software Corporation at 4115 Annandale Road, Annandale, VA 22003. (703) 750-3910. FAX (703) 642-9634


Weitek Power 9000 User Interface Processor
Weitek Power 9000 User Interface Processor Crushes Competitors In Leading Publications' System Comparisons

Winner of PC Magazine Editor's Choice Award Drops S3 in Favor of Weitek

SUNNYVALE, Calif., February 24, 1993--PC Magazine and PC/Computing recognized the Weitek Power 9000 user-interface processor's spectacular performance over competitors in recent comparisons of systems based on 66 MHz 486DX2 personal computer systems.

PC Magazine gave the Weitek Power 9000 user-interface processor credit for "dazzling video performance" in the ZEOS model 486DX2-66 in the publication's latest comparison of 486 systems, which included machines by more than 70 vendors. The ZEOS 486DX2-66, the only tested system powered by the Weitek Power 9000 user interface processor, easily emerged as the top graphics performer among the competing systems.

On PC Magazine's Winmark 3.1 scale for measuring graphics performance, the ZEOS system, which uses the Weitek Power 9000 in a VL local-bus configuration, scored more than twice as high as its nearest competitor--a VL-bus configured chip by ATI Technologies Inc. The Power 9000's performance advantage was even greater when compared with processors from S3 Inc., Tseng Labs Inc., and Western Digital Corp. In fact, the Weitek Power 9000's score of 42.64 megapixels was nearly four times higher than the previous best ever performance on the Winmark scale.

Further recognition of the Weitek Power 9000's unsurpassed graphics performance came from Micron Computers Inc., formerly Edge Technology, which won the coveted Editor's Choice award for its 466VL Magnum in the PC Magazine systems comparison. Micron has chosen to replace the system's original video card with a Weitek Power 9000-based Viper card from Diamond Computer Systems Inc. By doing so, Micron remedied the only flaw editors noted in the Magnum's design: "Only the DOS video score was low, a characteristic of the S3 graphics accelerator," they wrote.

David Bates, vice president of marketing at Diamond Computer Systems Inc., said, "Our Viper accelerator boards have received a tremendous response in the marketplace, largely because vendors like ZEOS, Compuadd and Micron recognize the value of the Weitek Power 9000. Viper boards set new standards for Windows enhancement, and the Weitek Power 9000 user interface controller is at the heart of its tremendous graphics performance."

PC/Computing, which awarded the ZEOS 486DX-66 "Best Value" honors in its March 1993 issue, also acknowledged the Weitek Power 9000's contribution to system performance. The ZEOS machine "proved particularly fast at handling video-intensive tasks," the magazine reported.

Greg Herrick, Chairman and CEO of ZEOS International, said the company is proud of the 486DX2-66's standing in the recent magazine surveys, and that the Weitek Power 9000 played an important part in the system's success. "Users of 66 MHz 486 DX2 machines demand the utmost in performance," he said, "so we built a system that includes only the best components. When it comes to user interface controllers, the Weitek Power 9000 is the logical choice."

Both PC Magazine and PC/Computing measure graphics performance using the Winmark 3.1 benchmark scale. which is a part of Ziff-Davis Labs' proprietary WinBench 7.0 benchmarking system for evaluating systems running Microsoft Windows. The Winmark scale measures graphics performance as an aggregate of many common graphics functions.

In the unprecedented graphics performance provided by PC Magazine the Power 9000 was a key to the ZEOS system's off-the-chart position on the "Bang for the Buck" performance index. Editor Brad Grimes wrote that the system "blew away our Windows graphics test routines."

Bob Butchko, Weitek's director of marketing, attributed the Weitek Power 9000's high level of acceptance to evolving user needs: "Today's Windows-based desktop systems require sophisticated graphics processors that historically belonged only to engineering workstations. With the Power 9000, Weitek draws upon its expertise in the workstation arena to deliver unsurpassed Windows performance."

The Weitek Power 9000 can be configured for EISA, VL-bus and PCI-bus implementations and is priced at $70 in quantities of 1,000 units.

Weitek Corporation makes processors and controllers that enhance the performance of standard operating systems, user interfaces and application software. The company's products are used to build faster, more intuitive desktop computers and peripherals.

Weitek Corp, 1060 E. Arques, Sunnyvale, CA 94086

408-738-8400; Fax: 408-739-4374


Building A Better Mousetrap, Pgmr's Mouse Guide
Building A Better Mousetrap: A Programmer's Guide to the Mouse

(Includes One 3.5-Inch Disk)

By Jeffrey S. Donovan

Osborne/McGraw-Hill announces publication of Building A Better Mousetrap: A Programmer's Guide to the Mouse, a new mouse programming encyclopedia in one handy volume.

Programmers looking for elegant solutions for specific tasks in real-time applications can turn to this new book. Included with the book is one 3.5-inch disk of packed with sample code that works with Borland and Microsoft compilers, along with a global event handler and processor, a new sprite driver, and more.

Donovan begins with the basics of showing and hiding the mouse cursor, all the way through intermediate and advanced topics. Programmers will discover the best way to build a mouse function library and use it in applications; discover how to work with horizontal and vertical menus; overcome graphics cursor limitations; interface with the mouse in a windows environment; save hours of time by consulting the appendixes covering all mouse functions, specifications, and mouse-related messages; and much more.

There's no other book on the market containing so much valuable, up-to-date information on the mouse In one source. Building A Better Mousetrap show every programmer how to make their mouse roar.

$29 95        ISBN:  0-07-881930-X           525 pages

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

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


ORACLE 7: The Complete Reference

by George Koch and Robert Muller

Osborne/McGraw-Hill announces publication of ORACLE 7: The Complete Reference, an encyclopedic desktop reference ideal for every ORACLE 6&7 user.

Written by George Koch, senior vice president of ORACLE Corporation and Robert Muller, engineering manager at Symantec, ORACLE users will find a comprehensive source book that clearly defines and explains all the capabilities and complexities of ORACLE. By including ORACLE products, concepts, commands, functions, key words and definitions, Koch and Muller make it possible for every ORACLE user and developer to become productive and proficient.

New users and developers will find an easy-to-understand review of critical database concepts and an overview of Structured Language Query. Developers can use this book to gain insight into key methods for creating successful user-based applications; discover new tips and techniques for developing ORACLE products; deepen an understanding of ORACLE with extensive examples on the effective use, design, and maintenance of databases; and much more.

Authoritative and up-to-the-minute, this Complete Reference is like having a personal consultant on hand to answer every conceivable question on ORACLE's expansive capabilities at a fraction of the cost.

$34.95              ISBN:  0-07-881919-9            1000 pages

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

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


FoxPro 2.5 for DOS Made Easy

by Edward Jones

Osborne/McGraw-Hill announces publication of FoxPro 2.5 for DOS Made Easy, a new guide covering the latest release of Microsoft's top-selling FoxPro database.

In this third edition of the acclaimed FoxPro Made Easy. database expert Ed Jones provides a complete step-by-step guide that is simple, yet thorough. Beginners will find easy-to-follow step-by-step chapters on database creation, data manipulation and entry form creation that will get productive results in no time. Plus, hands-on lessons and helpful exercises will help build skills and confidence.

FoxPro users upgrading to This new release or switching from another database program, will appreciate Jones' discussion of all the new features of release 2.5. Intermediate users can take advantage of This book to gain mastery in file management, customizing applications. learning how to effectively integrate FoxPro 2.5 with other software programs including WordPerfect and Lotus, perfecting programming skills, and much more.

After two highly successful editions, FoxPro users have made Jones' book not only a bestseller, but have recommended it as a guiding source book on this high-powered database manager.

$24.95  ISBN:  0-07-881897-4            700 pages

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

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


Micro Express Multimedia Portable PC
MICRO EXPRESS INTRODUCES MULTIMEDIA IN A PORTABLE PC

Santa Ana, CA..Micro Express introduces a true Multimedia Portable PC, with VESA standard local bus graphics and a high-resolution (0.26 mm dot pitch) Sony Trinitron color CRT. This PC is based on the i486DX 33-MHz cpu and features 4-MB of RAM, a 250-MB IDE fast hard disk drive, both 5-1/4" and 3-1/2" high-density floppy disk drives, a Creative Labs Sound Blaster card, two external powered stereo speakers, an internal Hi-Fi speaker, a Sony CD-ROM drive, a mouse, Windows 3.1 and DOS 5.0. Best of all, it sells for only $3250. And...you can take it with you to make presentations anywhere you go.

With a digitally-synthesized clock for setting cpu clock rates, this upgradable system can also be ordered with 486DX/50 and 486DX2/66 CPUs. The monitor can provide up to 1024 x 768 pixel resolution, is 8.5" diagonal measure, and has adjustable brightness and contrast controls.

The Micro Express Multimedia Portable PC offers 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 32-MB of RAM and up to 1-MB of direct-mapped, write-back or write through (selectable in set-up) RAM cache. A CMOS clock-calendar is included as are built-in diagnostics. Standard ports are 1 parallel, 1 game and 2 serial.

This PC is packaged in a 17-1/2" x 14" x 6-3/4" portable case with integral handle. In addition, a durable carrying bag is included at no extra charge. A full-size 101-key keyboard is detachable, and includes 12 function keys. The weight of the system is just under 30 pounds. The case includes a hefty 200-W power supply.

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. By using this service, documents can be requested through voice-mail and will be FAXed directly to the customer without human intervention.

The Micro Express Multimedia Portable PC 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.


Microsoft Office 3.0 for Windows Upgrade Promo
Microsoft Announces Limited-time Upgrade Promotion for The Microsoft Office Version 3.0 for Windows

Special Promotion Makes It Easy to Upgrade User Desktops

REDMOND, Wash.--Feb. 22,1993--Microsoft Corporation today announced a special promotional upgrade edition of The Microsoft Office version 3.0 for Windows, the best-selling business software solution. This promotion enables users to increase productivity by upgrading from a single application to a desktop of four programs designed to work together. From March 1 through June 30,1993, The Microsoft Office, Upgrade Edition will be offered for a suggested retail price of $569; the suggested retail price for The Microsoft Office is regularly $750. (Reseller prices may vary.) A user who has a licensed copy of a qualifying spreadsheet, word processing, or presentation graphics program for the MS-DOS or Microsoft Windows operating systems will qualify for The Microsoft Office, Upgrade Edition. As a benefit to Microsoft customers, users who are upgrading from Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint or previous versions of The Microsoft Office for Windows qualify for an additional $50 rebate.

The Microsoft Office version 3.0 for Windows contains four leading business applications, including the Microsoft Word word processing program version 2.0, Microsoft Excel spreadsheet program version 4.0, Microsoft PowerPoint presentation graphics program version 3.0 and a Microsoft Mail workstation license version 3.0.

"Until now, most users have been upgrading to applications for Windows one at a time. With this offer, we wanted to make it easier for users to upgrade to the full set of leading applications for Windows in one step," said Pete Higgins, vice president of desktop applications at Microsoft.

Growing Interest in a Complete Applications Solution

As the move to the Windows operating system has accelerated, users are increasingly moving from an environment in which they use one application at a time to an integrated desktop environment in which they use several programs together to produce a document or accomplish a task. According to the industry research firm InfoCorp, today's user of Windows currently utilizes more than seven programs on his or her desktop.

"Concurrent with users' migration to the Windows environment, there has been a shift in emphasis from productivity tools toward the tasks for which the tools are being used," said Krystyna Filistowicz, director of the business applications group at Dataquest, Inc., an industry research firm. "Users are no longer as concerned with word processors, spreadsheet programs and presentation graphics programs, they are more concerned with the "documents" that these tools are being used to produce--the more integrated the tools, the better the resultant document. The Microsoft Office addresses both of these dynamics."

Customers Choose The Microsoft Office

The tremendous growth in The Microsoft Office sales over the past year reflects the growing interest users have for a family of applications that work well together.

"Sales of The Microsoft Office for Windows have been outstanding. The product has been a best seller in its category since the product was released over two and a half years ago," said Nathan Morton, president and CEO of CompUSA, a leading applications reseller. "With our customers increasingly asking for a complete applications solution, this upgrade promotion comes at a perfect time."

Conditions of the Promotion

To qualify for the promotional upgrade, buyers must supply proof of licensing of a qualifying word processing, spreadsheet or presentation graphics program. Proof of licensing can be the original setup disk or the original first page from the program manual. A $50 rebate coupon is available to licensees of any version of Word, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint or previous version of The Microsoft Office for Windows. The Microsoft Office, Upgrade Edition is available through resellers from March 1 through June 30, 1993. For more information or to find a reseller near you, please contact Microsoft Customer Service at (800) 228-7007.

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

206-882-8080; fax: 206-936-7329


DPT to Host SCSI Technology Conference

Industry Leaders to Address Mass Storage Trends

Maitland, Florida (2/22/93) - Distributed Processing Technology (DPT) will bring key industry leaders together to highlight mass storage technology and future trends as part of the 1993 DPT SCSI Technology Conference, to be held May 12-14 at Walt Disney World Village near Orlando, Florida. This unique event offers attendees the opportunity to discuss the latest in SCSI technology face-to-face with the industry's leading product planners and market strategists in an informal, "rub elbows" setting.

DPT has assembled an impressive array of speakers for this event, including conference keynote speaker Rick Inatome, chairman of the board of InaCom Corp., who will address worldwide trends in PC distribution channels. The technical keynote speaker, John Lohmeyer, chairman of the ANSI X3T9.2 SCSI Committee, will discuss the evolution of SCSI and its new directions, including SCSI-3.

Other speakers include: Jack Boyce, IBM's lead architect of OS/2; David Bernstein, SCO's director of technology; Darren Major, chief designer of Novell's NetWare Peripheral Architecture; Mike Glass, Microsoft's designer of Windows NT SCSI architecture; Gene Milligan, Seagate's director of product strategy; Bernie Wu, director of Maynard's workstation product group; Rob Wight; general manager of Conner Software; Peter Jones, DEC's RAID subsystem project leader; and Bob Conway, HP's DDS product manager.

"This conference is designed to bring the most up-to-date information on SCSI technology and mass storage products to system integrators, resellers, distributors and manufacturers," said David Race, DPT's vice president of marketing, "and it promises to be the year's most exciting and comprehensive technology summit."

The Technology Exhibit portion of the conference will provide an inside look at the most recent developments in SCSI, enabling attendees to speak with development/design engineers on a "nuts-and-bolts" level. Over 25 hardware and software suppliers including IBM, Microsoft, DEC, NCR, SCO, Seagate, Maynard, Hewlett Packard, Novell, Archive, Conner, Sony, Corel, Cheyenne, Sytron and Corollary will demonstrate their latest products. Look for some new product introductions from participating companies as well.

The third day of the conference will be a hands-on technical certification course for DPT integrators covering installation, performance, troubleshooting and configuration of SCSI subsystems, as well as training on the next generation of DPT products.

The 1993 DPT SCSI Technology Conference will take place at the Grosvenor Resort at Walt Disney World Village in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Registration fees are $795 for general attendees and $395 for DPT Preferred Resellers. To receive more information or to make reservations, contact DPT's Channel Marketing Department at (800) 322-4DPT.

DPT is a leading supplier of high performance peripheral controllers and connectivity software for microcomputers. Founded in 1977, DPT is a privately held company 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


IBM Signs Major CIIM Contract With Avalon Swr
IBM Signs Major Contract With Avalon Software

Client/Server Application Software Chosen for Two World-Class Plants

TUCSON, AZ, February 23,1993 -- Two IBM manufacturing facilities in Austin, Texas, have jointly signed a major licensing agreement with Avalon Software, Inc., for the implementation of its CIIM client/server manufacturing software. The two IBM business units are the Advanced Workstation Systems (AWS) plant, which build the RISC System/6000 product line, and the Electronic Card Assembly and Test plant (ECAT), which supplies cards to the RISC System/6000 as well as to the IBM personal Computer products assembled in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Under the terms of the contract, the AWS and ECAT business units have purchased a suite of CIIM, Avalon's fully integrated family of manufacturing, distribution, and financial software applications. This agreement reflects a significant step towards the overall Austin goal of becoming the IBM model of client/server, distributed computing, and will enable the plants to showcase the products designed and/or built on the Austin site.

Both plants will run the Avalon CIIM product in an open systems environment utilizing the Sybase relational database (RDBMS) in an OS/2 and AIX client/server architecture. The hardware configuration will include RISC System/6000-980 PowerServers and PS/2 application servers. End user clients will consist of a mixture of RISC System/6000 workstations, PS/2s, and X-stations.

"IBM's competitive strategy involves an ever quicker response to our customer," remarked Bill Amelio, ECAT plant manager for IBM in Austin. "After a thorough study of open systems products on the market, we selected Avalon for two main reasons. The first was their process-oriented approach to software development. The second was the rich functionality of their manufacturing applications which will enable us to aggressively expand our OEM service offerings."

According to Gary Gibson, Avalon's president and chief executive officer, "We are delighted to have IBM, a company recognized world-wide for its excellence in manufacturing, as a customer. IBM will give Avalon valuable input into developing additional world-class functionality that will benefit all our open systems customers."

ABOUT CIIM AND IBM MANUFACTURING

ECAT and AWS will work jointly on separate installations of Avalon's manufacturing software. ECAT will use CIIM first to create a stand-alone environment to support its fast-growing OEM business. ECAT is building electronic cards for other non-IBM manufacturing customers, as well as providing an assemble-to-order process for personal computers designed outside of IBM. Both ECAT and AWS plan to have CIIM supporting full production by first quarter 1994. CIIM will drive a re-engineering of many processes, including order entry, configuration, repetitive logistics, build-to-order, distribution, procurement, and inventory management.

The ECAT and AWS plants are looking to the Southeast Region of the IBM Information and Telecommunications Systems Services business (I&TSS) to provide the system management and network management services for the distributed computing environment in which the CIIM product will operate. Included in these services will be LAN support, TCP/IP support, bridges/routers support, backup, performance, fault isolation, security, help desk, and application development/ maintenance.

About IBM Austin

The IBM Austin site is an integral member of the IBM Personal Systems Line of Business. The AIX and OS/2 development labs are on site. The Advanced Workstation Systems line of business has its hardware lab and manufacturing plant on site. The Technology Products Printed Wire Board plant is on site. The IBM PC Company has its ECAT plant on site, which makes the PS/2 motherboards for its sister plant in Raleigh, NC.

About Avalon Software and CIIM

Avalon Software's CIIM is the only advanced manufacturing solution to support multiple SQL-based RDBMSs -- including SYBASE and ORACLE -- a client server architecture, CASE, and a wide range of hardware and operating platforms.

Avalon developed its SYBASE version of CIIM in Sybase's fourth generation language (4GL) environment, APT Workbench, to deliver a more tightly integrated solution than other manufacturing systems which are linked to SYBASE through an interface or gateway. CIIM on SYBASE delivers client/server architecture, high OLTP performance, and connectivity to companies moving towards open, integrated manufacturing environments. CIIM currently operates on Version 4.8 of the SYBASE SQL Server.

Avalon has over 100 blue-chip customers worldwide spanning diverse industries such as automotive, pharmaceutical, electronics, and aerospace/defense. Customers include two AT&T sites, AutoLite (a division of Allied Signal), Volkswagen de Mexico, General Dynamics, Procter & Gamble, SAAB-Scania (Sweden), and Hoechst-Roussel. CIIM is sold through a direct sales force as well as through distributors in Europe, Asia/Pacific, and Latin America.

Avalon Software, 3716 East Columbia, Tucson, AZ  85714-3414

(602) 790-4214;   Fax: (602) 750-0822


Business Success Kit to Start/Operate a Business
Recession Fighting Software - helps people create their own jobs

The BUSINESS SUCCESS KIT is here for people who would like to spend more time with their family, for people who would like to work the hours they choose, for people who have already lost their jobs or are worried about that possibility, and for people who want to become financially independent. This smart software makes it possible for people to live their dreams by helping them start, operate, and grow a business working from home.

The power of using the BUSINESS SUCCESS KIT is generated by a low profile marketing methodology called stealth marketing. This is a strategy for becoming a bigger business while doing less advertising. It utilizes the uplifting effect obtained by combining several marketing media in proper sequence with proper timing and relentless follow-up. "In some cases businesses have increased sales 250-1,200%," says John Mortz, the software developer and president of WorkSmart Technology.

"The intelligent software is your partner in success - asking you questions and offering advise and analysis of what you want to accomplish," says Mortz. Using the BUSINESS SUCCESS KIT is simple. Answers appear on the screen at the stroke of a key. On-line HELP makes it unnecessary to read the manual. The learning curve is measured in minutes instead of days.

WorkSmart Technology cares about each user's success and goes beyond the usual expectations in software support. Included with each kit is an individualized support and business consulting package to help everyone reach their personal goals.

Mortz's 28+ years of experience in the business consulting trenches plus eight years of R & D have honed the BUSINESS SUCCESS KIT into an efficient, easy to use stepping stone for running a successful business. Listening to the needs and desires of people already operating their own businesses is the controlling hand behind it's design.

The BUSINESS SUCCESS KIT is available directly from WorkSmart Technology for $495.00 plus $25.00 Shipping & Handling. All orders shipped two-day Priority Mail. To place an order or to get more information call 1-800-422-1722, or write WorkSmart Technology, 247 E. Colorado Blvd., #383, Pasadena, CA 91101.

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

FACT SHEET The BUSINESS SUCCESS KIT

* NOT an accounting program.

* IBM Compatible. Runs under MS-DOS 3.0 or higher.

* Requires 640 K RAM and a hard drive.

* Develops a personalized start-up plan and a personalized marketing plan. This means that each user can immediately place their attention where it belongs: on their clients and customers.

* Contains 3 separate software programs:

-- Career Advisor software helps each user find the business which suits their business, technical, and thinking skills. This means that everyone can start the business which is best for them. People always do best doing the types of things they are good at doing.

-- Top Dollar software helps each user organize and focus on daily activities. The PORTFOLIO feature, for example helps develop a showcase of each users talents. This means that the job of persuading people to become customers is made simple. The COMPETITOR SURVEY feature helps the user to use their competition to get an edge. It automatically generates an analysis of what the competition is doing right and should be copied for success. It also shows what doesn't work and should be avoided.

-- Marketing Maverick software helps the user focus on the customer. Using customer surveys to identify customers wants and desires, each user can position their products and services to solve problems and deliver high levels of customer satisfaction. This means that long-term marketing is enhanced by word-of-mouth. Stealth marketing is employed to find customers.

* On-line HELP is the equivalent of two 200 page 8 -1/2 x 11 books.

* Strong-as-Steel Satisfaction or Money Back Guarantee: No Questions; No Time-limit; No Hassle; No Delay; No Exceptions. Period.

* Cost: $495.00 plus $25.00 Shipping & Handling. Shipped 2-day Priority Mail.

* Available from WorkSmart Technology, 247 E. Colorado Blvd. #383, Pasadena, CA, 91101. Call 1-800-422-1722 to order or obtain more information.


Beyond The Wall of Stars, Multimedia Adventure
CMC Introduces MPC Beyond The Wall Of Stars--A New Multimedia Adventure By R. A. Montgomery

LAS VEGAS, NEV., NOVEMBER 16, 1992--CMC today introduced the Multimedia Personal Computer (MPC) version of Beyond the Wall of Stars, the first in CMC's Taran Trilogy of CDROM-based multimedia interactive adventures. R. A. Montgomery, author of Beyond the Wall of Stars, is the author and creator of the Choose-Your-Own-Adventure series of books published by Bantam. The series has become popular with children and young adults because it allows them to explore the consequences of different plot twists and endings--hence the "choose your own adventure" series title. Since their initial publication in 1980, the world-wide sales of Montgomery's books now exceed 40 million copies. The series has been translated into 38 languages. One of Montgomery's adventures, Case of the Silk King, has been produced for ABC television.

"CD-ROM is a fantastic way to enhance the experience of the adventure," noted Montgomery. "The ability to provide animation, high-quality graphics and multiple options that simulate different twists and turns in the story give an author an entirely new kind of medium in which to work. It also stimulated my creativity, and Beyond the Wall of Stars is a richer and more challenging product as a result."

Simulated journey to a planet beyond recently discovered galaxies

Beyond the Wall of Stars involves the user in a perilous future journey to the planet Tara. The explorer's existing planet-Celadon-is in trouble and needs help. Tara is a recently settled planet far beyond the Great Wall of Stars, a belt of galaxies only recently discovered by new, high powered radio telescopes, that provides a potential source of help. In the multimedia animated adventure, each user becomes involved in an expedition team to reach Tara--a source of hope and leadership.

Early in Beyond the Wall of Stars, participants "qualify" for the voyage by describing their personal characteristics, which the program then factors into the situations that develop for participants during the voyage. Along the way, the voyager faces a series of critical decisions about direction, strategy, tactics and teamwork in the form of decisions, games, puzzles and other problem solving techniques. The choices produce results ranging from positive to drastic.

Beyond the Wall of Stars introduces new kind of multimedia adventure

Beyond the Wall of Stars is the first CMC product to include three-dimensional animation, powerful full color graphics, sound, games, simulations and text to involve the user in the adventure. Beyond the Wall of Stars introduces a new vocabulary and extensive references to concepts of science and mythology. It also includes an "Electronic Bookmark" that allows the user to save the adventure at any point along the journey. Thus, users can experiment with various options and still return to a particular decision point.

"We believe Beyond the Wall of Stars combines the benefits of books and television to create a new form of adventure," noted John A. Calhoun, CMC's president. "Beyond the Wall of Stars users develop vocabulary, learn scientific concepts, and simulate strategies while engaging in challenging and stimulating play."

Beyond the Wall of Stars is the first in the planned Taran Trilogy. The second title, currently in development, will cover the participant's adventures on Tara: the third will deal with the return from Tara.

Beyond The Wall Of Stars will be shown at CMC's booth-- #B742--at COMDEX/Fall in Las Vegas November 16-20, 1992.

Beyond the Wall of Stars has a suggested list price of $49.99 (U.S.). It is being marketed to consumers, schools and institutions through CMC's growing network of distributors and retailers. Beyond the Wall of Stars complies fully with the MPC specification. The minimum PC configuration is a machine with at least a 386SX processor, 2 MB of RAM, a 30 MB hard disc, and a VGA or VGA+ display. A CD-ROM drive is required. Microsoft Windows 3.1 or 3.0 with Multimedia Extensions is required and serves as the interface for the MPC specification. An Apple Macintosh version of the CD-ROM is also available.

Founded in 1987, CMC provides a range of multimedia compact disc read-only-memory (CD-ROM) products for use with personal computers and products for Sony's Data Discman "electronic book". Other CMC products include Who Killed Sam Rupert?, a multimedia murder mystery; Total Baseball, the first CD-ROM-based complete history of American Baseball; Shakespeare; John James Audubon's Multimedia Audubon's Birds and Multimedia Audubon's Mammals (also sold together as The Complete Audubon); Sherlock Holmes (sold with Shakespeare as The Complete Works); and The Family Doctor, a comprehensive and easy-to-access home medical guide written and edited by Dr. Allan H. Bruckheim, a nationally recognized physician and medical expert.

Creative Multimedia Corp

514 N.W. Eleventh Ave, Portland, OR 97209

503-241-4351 or 800-776-9277


The Family Doctor MPC Version on CD-ROM
New MPC Version of CMC's The Family Doctor Offers Richer Information, Easy-To-Use Interface

LAS VEGAS, NEV., NOVEMBER 16, 1992--Creative Multimedia Corporation (CMC) today announced a new PC version of The Family Doctor, CMC's best-selling home medical guide on CDROM. The new version features additional information and operates within the Multimedia Personal Computer (MPC g') specification, which includes Microsoft Windows(3.

New features expected to enhance strong product acceptance

The most significant feature of the MPC version is the illustrated human anatomy. This provides three different views of five different body systems: muscular and skeletal, digestive, respiratory and circulatory, urinary and reproductive, and nervous. While viewing the illustrations, the user can also call up voice-over pronunciations of 250 body systems and parts, and supporting text explaining the significance of particular portions of the anatomy. To hear how the word femur is pronounced, for example, the user merely clicks the mouse button when the cursor is over that portion of the anatomy. Clicking the mouse activates explanatory text. All relevant images and text in the entire work are linked to the anatomy by body part.

The new Family Doctor also features updated information. Nearly 500 items have been added to the Question and Answer section, giving advice on almost 2,000 of the most commonly asked health questions. Almost 300 color illustrations simplify explanations, and a glossary of more than 100 medical terms provides valuable reference information. Other reference capabilities include comprehensive data on more than 1,600 prescription drugs, and health update booklets and local and national resource listings and support groups.

The MPC interface enables the user to access the information in The Family Doctor in a more natural, integrated manner that is complemented by the expanded content of the disc. Al Rowley, Director of Sales for CMC, said, "The new interface and new content make an already good product into a great one. Combining images and sounds with more questions and answers, and then linking them all via the anatomy, makes this an all-star medical reference work that every family should have."

The Family Doctor will be shown at CMC's booth --#B742--at COMDEX/Fall in Las Vegas November 16-20, 1992.

The Family Doctor complies with the MPC specification. The minimum PC configuration is a machine with at least a 386SX processor, 2 MB of RAM, a 30 MB hard disc, and a VGA or VGA+ display. A CD-ROM drive is required. Microsoft Windows 3.1 or 3.0 with Multimedia Extensions serves as the interface for the MPC specification. A DOS version of The Family Doctor is included on the CD-ROM. and uses CMC's DiscPassage software.

Price remains unchanged; upgrades available to current Family Doctor users

The suggested list price for the new version of The Family Doctor remains at $79.99, even with the additional information and the expanded, interactive human anatomy section. "Our continuing goal is to provide excellent value," said John A. Calhoun, president of CMC. "We believe that CD-ROM publishers have an obligation to provide high value in order to support our channel partners' efforts to expand the use of CD-ROM technology, and The Family Doctor typifies our efforts in this area. Some products with just a few of the features of The Family Doctor cost more than twice as much. Yet sales of this product indicate how well our strategy of high value is succeeding."

To support its high value strategy, CMC is providing upgrades of the new version of The Family Doctor to current Family Doctor disc owners for only $29.99, plus shipping and handling. Customers can upgrade by telephoning 1-800-776-9277 in the U.S., or 503-452-5933 from outside the U.S. Fax upgrade orders may be sent to 503-452-5930. VISA, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards may be used.

The Family Doctor is based on the work of Dr. Allan Bruckheim. physician, educator, and author of the Tribune Media's syndicated "Family Doctor" column. In July, 1992. the New York chapter of the American Medical Writers Association awarded Bruckheim its Vincent Downing Award for his achievements in authoring and editing. Nearly 50.000 copies of The Family Doctor have been sold during its first year of availability.

Founded in 1987, CMC provides a range of multimedia CD-ROM products for use with personal computers; products for Sony's Data Discman "electronic book"; and professional medical journals on CD-ROMs. Other CMC products include Who Killed Sam Rupert?, a multimedia murder mystery, Total Baseball TM, the first CD-ROM-based complete history of American Baseball; Beyond The Wall Of Stars, a multimedia discovery and problem-solving voyage; Shakespeare; John James Audubon's Multimedia Audubon's Birds and Multimedia Audubon's Mammals (also sold together as The Complete Audubon); and Sherlock Holmes (also sold together with Shakespeare as The Complete Works).

Creative Multimedia Corp

514 N.W. Eleventh Ave, Portland, OR 97209

503-241-4351 or 800-776-9277


Who Killed Sam Rupert? Multimedia Murder Mystery
New Multimedia Murder Mystery CD-ROM From CMC Challenges Wits Of Crime Solvers

LAS VEGAS, NEV., NOVEMBER 16, 1992--Creative Multimedia Corporation (CMC) today announced the availability of Who Killed Sam Rupert?, the first of an ongoing multimedia mystery series called Virtual Murder. This new CD-ROM presents a vivid, interactive murder mystery within the context of multimedia technology. Full-motion color video, sound, and animation are used to present a murder case that the player attempts to solve in the shortest time possible. Users of both IBM PCs (and compatibles) and the Apple Macintosh can try their hands at solving the mystery of Sam's death.

Here's the mystery: A handsome, well liked, and wealthy restaurateur has been killed-- rather delicately--in his wine cellar after hours. No cash or valuables have been taken, and initially there is no obvious reason for his murder. But the investigator, by exploring the game's many ways of presenting and revealing information, discovers that many people would have liked to see Sam Rupert dead. Possible suspects include a bartender caught stealing from the till, a prima donna chef who was in the midst of bitter contract negotiations, the women Sam Rupert had affairs with and wronged, and his long-suffering wife who watched it all.

Shannon Gilligan, author of Sam Ruper and the series, said, "Multimedia technology allowed me to develop and present the intellectual twists and atmosphere of the traditional murder mystery in a new way. I tried to recreate the actual environment that a detective faces when trying to solve a case. With only the most basic facts to go on, detectives sift through the statements, the forensic tests, and the hundreds of minute clues that eliminate some suspects and zero in on others. Much of how this mystery unfolds has to do with the player's own ability to think, deduce, and detect an overall pattern. It's exactly the situation a real professional faces. Video, sound, and animations have enabled me to do all that."

Story features and multimedia technology produce a fascinating game--even for non-mystery buffs

In solving the crime, the player is called upon to develop and check the validity of various types of information, but in accord with the player's own approach. The player has many options to choose from, but each activity that helps solve the crime carries with it a time penalty. In case the sleuth is interrupted before solving the murder, an electronic bookmark allows the player to continue from the previous session's stopping point. If the real killer is arrested, he or she will confess.

Sam Rupert begins with an opening flash about Sam and his restaurant. The player is able to review a "Report of the Murder" prepared by Detective Lucie Fairwell, the player's assistant. Lucie has already videotaped initial suspect statements, reviewed the work of the crime scene team, and double-checked alibis.

Other aspects of the game include:

* a view of the murder scene that lets the player explore it

  and examine objects within it in detail

* a battery of forensic tests

* a data bank of other sources--including a phone log,

  a reservations book, and a wine encyclopedia

* an alibi section in which Lucie explains what checks out

  and what doesn't for each suspect

* a press conference in which the player addresses the media

  to explain who the suspects are, and to answer questions

* a case notebook in which the player can keep key facts, make

  observations and deductions, and keep other material--

  and consult it without a time penalty

Eric Pozzo, publisher of CMC, said, "Who Killed Sam Rupert? brings the excitement and immediacy of multimedia technology to the witty and intellectually challenging world of the murder mystery. For us, Sam Rupert represents a new CMC mystery category that we expect to generate avid fan support. We see it in the same tradition as the game of Clue, 'Murder, She Wrote,' 'Colombo,' and other popular mystery formats. As publishers, we believe Sam Rupert represents further evolution of the mystery form, and we look forward to introducing the other parts of this series."

Who Killed Sam Rupert? will be shown at CMC's booth--#B742--at COMDEX/Fall in Las Vegas November 16-20, 1992. The suggested list price for Who Killed Sam Rupert? is $39.99, and the disc is available from CMC's network of distributors and dealers.

Customers can also order direct by telephoning 1-800-776-9277 in the United States, or 503-452-5933 from outside the United States. Fax orders may be sent to 503-452-5930. VISA, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover credit cards may be used.

Who Killed Sam Rupert? is available for both the IBM PC and compatibles and for Apple Macintosh computers. The PC version runs on the DOS operating system.

Shannon Gilligan, author of Who Killed Sam Rupert?, is an experienced author and producer/editor of interactive fiction. She has written more than 20 books for children, including fourteen in the well known interactive fiction series, Choose-Your-Own-Adventure g). One of her books, The Case of the Silk King, was adapted as an hour-long primetime special for ABC and is scheduled to air during December 1992. Gilligan's mystery work includes The History Mystery Series, which deals with unsolved natural or historical mysteries, and a mystery series (entitled Our Secret Gang) about fifth and sixth graders who start up a detective agency. More than 2 million copies of her books are in print.

John A. Calhoun, president of CMC, said, "Who Killed Sam Rupert' is our first offering in a new product category that we believe represents significant market potential. It is one more example of how we are working to accelerate the acceptance of CD-ROM technology by providing innovative products for a wide range of users."

Founded in 1987, CMC provides a range of multimedia CD-ROM products for use with personal computers, products for Sony s Data Discman "electronic book," and professional medical journals on CD-ROMs. Other CMC products include The Family Doctor, CMC's bestselling family medical resource; Total Baseball, the first CD-ROM-based complete history of American Baseball; Beyond The Wall Of Stars, a multimedia discovery and problem-solving voyage; Shakespeare; John James Audubon's Multimedia Audubon's Birds and Multimedia Audubon's Mammals (also sold together as The Complete Audubon); and Sherlock Holmes (also sold together with Shakespeare as The Complete Works).

Creative Multimedia Corp

514 N.W. Eleventh Ave, Portland, OR 97209

503-241-4351 or 800-776-9277


IntelliKeys Overlay Maker Software
Overlay Maker Software Available

IntelliTools Announces Newest IntelliKeys Product

February 22,1993--Richmond, Calif.--IntelliTools, Inc., manufacturer of the award-winning IntelliKeys keyboard, has announced the availability of the new IntelliKeys Overlay Maker software program. IntelliKeys is an alternative to standard computer keyboards and comes with six interchangeable, preprogrammed overlay "faces." When the user places one of these overlays on the keyboard, the keyboard automatically recognizes the overlay and interacts with the computer in the appropriate manner.

With IntelliKeys Overlay Maker software, the user can design and create custom overlays for IntelliKeys. Two versions of the software--one for the Macintosh computer and one for the Apple II family of computers are now available from IntelliTools.

Using IntelliKeys Overlay Maker for the Macintosh, overlays are drawn on the computer screen, allowing customization of key size and location as well as the addition of text, pictures, decorative lines, and colors. Keys can be defined to type any combination of keyboard characters or mouse actions. Additionally, keys can be designed to instantly change IntelliKeys settings, allowing adjustment of special features for persons with disabilities. When overlay information is sent to IntelliKeys and the overlay is printed out, a customized overlay is available for IntelliKeys users.

"Never before has there been a product which allows you to create overlays so easily and have them come to life instantly," said Arjan Khalsa, president of IntelliTools. "With Overlay Maker, IntelliKeys can have special 'faces' for special circumstances," explained Khalsa. "Teachers can create custom keyboards for various science, math, or writing projects. A retail clerk can have a keyboard especially designed for use at the point of sale. And people with disabilities will find Overlay Maker helps adapt IntelliKeys to best meet their specific needs."

IntelliKeys Overlay Maker for the Macintosh comes with a library of approximately 200 common and useful Picture Communication Symbols from the Mayer-Johnson Company. The Overlay Maker program runs on all Macs except the Mac Plus and Mac 512. Overlays created on a Mac can also be used on IntelliKeys plugged into any Apple or IBM/PC-compatible computer.

The Apple version of IntelliKeys Overlay Maker lets the user choose from 20 predefined layouts. Key content is typed in, allowing the creation of special keys for disability access. This version runs on Apple IIe, IIGs, and Mac LC in the IIe mode. A free upgrade, available later this year, will give IntelliKeys Overlay Maker for the Apple more of the advanced features of the Macintosh version.

IntelliKeys, which won first place in the prestigious 1992 Johns Hopkins University National Search for computing to assist persons with disabilities, has also proved itself as a learning tool in educational settings for young children. It was selected by Dr. Stevanne Auerbach as one of The 100 BEST Picks for 1992, featured in Early Childhood News, as a product to meet " . . . high standards for design, durability, quality, and price."

IntelliKeys Overlay Maker, for either Macintosh or Apple, is available for $69.95 from IntelliTools and its authorized dealers. IntelliKeys, a touch-sensitive alternative keyboard which plugs into any Apple, Macintosh / or IBM/PC-compatible computer, sells for $395.00.

IntelliTools is the new name for Unicorn Engineering, which was founded in 1979. The privately held company designs and manufactures the IntelliKeys and Unicorn keyboards and software for the early childhood, education, business, and disabilities markets.

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

510-528-0670


Approach 2.0 for Windows Gets Three New Honors
Approach 2.0 for Windows Captures Three New Honors from Windows Magazine and InfoWorld

* "Win 100" award from Windows Magazine

* "1993 Windows Recommended" from Windows Magazine

* "Buyers Assurance Seal" from InfoWorld

Redwood City Calif., February 22--Approach 2.0 for Windows was recently recognized as a superior database product by two publications. First, Approach won the prestigious "Win 100" award in the database category from Windows Magazine and received the "1993 Windows Recommended" seal after scoring an impressive straight-A report card in a variety of categories including ease of learning, ease of use, speed and power.

According to Windows Magazine, "Approach was easier to learn and is easier to use [than FileMaker Pro]...I found myself moving back to Approach when I needed to get things done quickly and efficiently."

Additionally, Approach received the InfoWorld "Buyers Assurance Seal."

"Approach 2.0 for Windows is a well-thought-out piece of software. Its designers not only understand real world data applications, they obviously spent some time studying how to make a database usable," said InfoWorld.

"It is very gratifying that both Windows Magazine and InfoWorld recognize that Approach is uniquely qualified to meet the needs of business users, who require ease-of-use, high performance and compatibility with existing DOS, SQL and mainframe standards," said Kevin Harvey, President of Approach Software Corporation.

Approach for Windows Background

Approach for Windows is an end user database--designed to make managing and reporting on information easy even for novices. Because of its outstanding ease of use, Approach for Windows appeared on bestseller lists shortly after it shipped in March 1992. Easy, relational and very fast, Approach for Windows is also 100% compatible with dBASE, Paradox, FoxPro, Oracle SQL, SQL Server and DB2.

More than 15 Awards and Accolades

Approach has captured more than 15 awards and accolades in the past year, including the prestigious "Best Software" award at COMDEX/Spring 1992 from BYTE, the COMPUTE Choice Award for "Best Database Product of 1992," the WindowsMagazine "Win 100" award, the BYTE "Award of Distinction" and the "Best Buy" award from Which? Computer in the UK. Other accolades include being named one of three finalists for "Technical Excellence in Applications" from PCMagazine, "Best Value" Windows Database by PC Computing and receiving a perfect 5.0 score in "Ease of Use" and "Performance" from PC Week Labs. Additionally, Approach was the only database named a "Top 50 Best Buy for 1993" by Corporate Computing and has received the Buyers Assurance Seal from InfoWorld and the 1993 Windows Recommended Seal from Windows Magazine

Approach Software Corporation

Approach Software Corporation was founded in 1990 with the objective of making database power accessible to a broad range of business professionals. Approach Software Corporation is headquartered in Redwood City, California with European headquarters in Munich, Germany.

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

415-306-7890;   Fax: 415-368-518


Approach Partners Pgm for Trainers/Consultants
Approach Software Corporation Launches the Approach Partners Program for Trainers and Consultants

Redwood City, Calif., February 22,1993--Approach Software Corporation today announced the Approach Partners Program--the premier support program for the growing ranks of Approach trainers and consultants.

"When our trainers and consultants are successful our customers are successful. Therefore, we've developed a high impact partnership program," said Kevin Harvey, President of Approach Software Corporation. "Because we see this as a benefit to Approach users, we're offering Partners Program members an extensive package of support materials and services at the low price of $99 per year."

"I've been a database consultant for years, but because Approach has taken off so quickly my business has more than doubled in the past year," said Bonnie Doyle, a database consultant. "With the Approach referral service, I've landed some very big accounts. "

Trainers and consultants joining the Approach Partners Program will receive the Approach Training Course for Business Users (sold separately to non-members for $399), referrals through a listing in the Approach Partners Directory, access to the exclusive Partners Program Bulletin Board System (BBS), the TechNote database and discount pricing for training labs. The TechNote database, used internally by Approach Technical Support Analysts, contains hundreds of records which explain concepts, solve problems, and walk through the steps to complete common tasks. The cost to join is only $99 for a one year membership. Trainers or consultants interested in finding out more about the Approach Partners Program can call Approach Customer Service at (415) 306-0650.

Approach for Windows Background

Approach for Windows is an end user database--designed to make managing and reporting on information easy even for novices. Because of its outstanding ease of use, Approach for Windows appeared on bestseller lists shortly after it shipped in March 1992. Easy, relational and very fast, Approach for Windows is also 100% compatible with dBASE, Paradox, FoxPro, Oracle SQL, SQL Server and DB2.

More than 15 Awards and Accolades

Approach has captured more than 15 awards and accolades in the past year, including the prestigious "Best Software" award at COMDEX/Spring 1992 from BYTE, the COMPUTE Choice Award for "Best Database Product of 1992," the WindowsMagazine "Win 100" award, the BYTE "Award of Distinction" and the "Best Buy" award from Which? Computer in the UK. Other accolades include being named one of three finalists for "Technical Excellence in Applications" from PCMagazine, "Best Value" Windows Database by PC Computing and receiving a perfect 5.0 score in "Ease of Use" and "Performance" from PC Week Labs. Additionally, Approach was the only database named a "Top 50 Best Buy for 1993" by Corporate Computing and has received the Buyers Assurance Seal from InfoWorld and the 1993 Windows Recommended Seal from Windows Magazine.

Approach Software Corporation

Approach Software Corporation was founded in 1990 with the objective of making database power accessible to a broad range of business professionals. Approach Software Corporation is headquartered in Redwood City, California with European headquarters in Munich, Germany.

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

415-306-7890;   Fax: 415-368-518


Modular Software Systems BOOTCON 2.0
Modular Software Systems Announces BOOTCON 2.0.

MS-DOS 6.0 Compatible, Mouse Support and More

(February 22, 1993) -- BOOTCON 2.0, a new version of the popular boot-time configuration utility, will be available April 1, 1993 from Modular Software Systems of Kent, Washington.

New version, BOOTCON 2.0, is compatible with Microsoft's MS-DOS 6.0, supports a mouse, and is easier to use than the previous version.

Now BOOTCON 2.0 lets users create up to 100 different system configurations and easily choose between them at boot-time. Previously, users were able to select up to 26 different user-defined system configurations. Users no longer have to juggle multiple AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files to create the perfect operating environment for a given task. With BOOTCON 2.0, a user can employ one configuration for a laptop, one for Microsoft Windows, one for running graphics applications, and one for specialized hardware -- without manually reconfiguring the system for each task.

In addition to providing MS-DOS 6 compatibility, BOOTCON 2.0 can serve as a front-end for the DOS 6.0 configuration manager and is fully compatible with Stac Electronics Stacker and AddStor, Inc.'s SuperStor. The new version reduces memory usage and in most cases uses no memory. BOOTCON 2.0 also allows users to manipulate files other than CONFIG.SYS and AUTOEXEC.BAT and allows password protection of individual configurations in addition to system-level password protection.

BOOTCON 2.0's new menu-based front end simplifies the process of adding, renaming, copying, deleting, and editing configurations. Users can now create a standalone configuration, which is useful for installing new software or working with programs such as Quarterdeck's Optimize. For ease-of-use, BOOTCON 2.0 automatically integrates and maintains changes made to the standalone configuration into a master configuration. Another time-saving new feature is the ability to name sections of code (called INCLUDEs) and to load INCLUDEs by name in several different configurations.

BOOTCON 2.0 retains the basic functions, simple installation, and ease-of-use that were popular in the original version. Like its predecessor, BOOTCON 2.0 lets users pre-define different system configurations for different tasks. A user boots the machine and selects the desired configuration from the BOOTCON menu. BOOTCON 2.0 then loads the appropriate configuration. To switch to a task requiring a different configuration, the user simply reboots, selects a new configuration, and is back up and running with a new system configuration in seconds.

BOOTCON 2.0 also simplifies troubleshooting and system integration by allowing users to isolate individual applications or devices. The program includes an auto-boot utility so users can easily set up automated procedures (such as batch files) to reboot, and then auto-select a specific configuration. New version BOOTCON 2.0 also has the ability to switch between both MS-DOS and OS/2 operating systems, and is compatible with the DR-DOS operating system.

BOOTCON 2.0 has a suggested retail price of $79.00 and is available directly from Modular Software Systems. Registered users can upgrade for $28.00, plus shipping/handling directly from Modular Software Systems.

Modular Software Systems

25825 104th Ave. SE, Suite 208, Kent, WA 98031

(800) 438-3930 or (206) 631-5781;  FAX: (206) 631-5779.


Delta Air Lines Using USR Courier V.32bis as Std
DELTA AIR LINES SELECTS U.S. ROBOTICS' COURIER V.32bis Fax AS CORPORATE STANDARD 14.4Kbps MODEM

SKOKIE, Ill., -- February 9, 1993 -- U.S. Robotics, Inc., today announced that Delta Air Lines, Inc., selected the U.S. Robotics Courier V.32bis Fax modem as the corporate standard for 14.4 Kbps modems. The Courier V.32bis Fax will be used for standard end user, asynchronous dial-up communication, and will be recommended in any future installations at all Delta offices both domestically and worldwide where asynchronous communication becomes a requirement.

Atlanta-based Delta, one of the world's largest airlines, evaluated many 14.4 Kbps modems and chose the CCITT compliant Courier V.32bis Fax. "We selected the U.S. Robotics' modem for a number of reasons," said Rick Wood, manager in Delta Air Lines Information Technologies Dept. "Most significant is that U.S. Robotics modems are certified in a number of countries throughout the world. Since Delta serves 34 countries and has approximately 65 international offices, this was a serious consideration."

Wood added that the Courier's remote configuration feature was important to the Information Technology Dept.'s efficiency. Having the ability to configure the modems by dialing in rather than trying to talk the end user through the process obviously saves a lot of time.

"Being selected by Delta Air Lines continues our commitment to provide the world's leading data communication users with products of the highest quality, performance and reliability," said Jon Zakin, U.S. Robotics executive vice president, sales and marketing. "U.S. Robotics is equally dedicated to protecting these same users' investment by having the option of upgradability."

The high-speed Courier modems provide the most cost-effective upgrade path to the forthcoming CCITT 28.8 Kbps standard. Field upgrades will be available when the CCITT 28.8 Kbps recommendation is completed. Official approval of the standard is not expected until January, 1994.

U.S. Robotics, Inc., (NASDAQ:USRX), is a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of data communications systems and products. Both corporate headquarters and manufacturing operations are based in Skokie, Ill. U.S. Robotics owns and operates U.S. Robotics Ltd., Slough, England, and U.S. Robotics, s.a., Lille, France. The company markets its products to business, industry, government agencies and original equipment manufacturers.

U.S. Robotics, 8100 North McCormick Blvd, Skokie, IL 60076

800-DIAL-USR;  708-982-5010


Shiva Bundling Remote Access Swr with LanRovers
SHIVA BUNDLES APPLE'S REMOTE ACCESS SOFTWARE WITH LANROVERS

Burlington, MA -- February 22, 1993 -- Shiva Corporation announced today it is bundling Apple Computer's AppleTalk Remote Access (ARA) client software with LanRover/L and LanRover/E for AppleTalk Remote Access remote networking servers. Using the ARA software, PowerBook and System 7 Macintosh users can dial into the LanRover over standard telephone lines and use network resources exactly as if the remote computer were connected directly to the network.

For millions of PowerBook users, the combination of LanRover and AppleTalk Remote Access lets them bring their office on the road. For Macintosh users who work at home, the office network is just a few keystrokes away. Electronic mail, databases, spreadsheets and documents that reside on computers in the office now, through Shiva's bundle, are all easily available.

Shiva (Burlington, MA) is the first and only third-party vendor to bundle the AppleTalk Remote Access client software with an ARA server. The bundle includes ARA software for a single remote Macintosh client.

Says Director of Marketing Mike Feinstein: "With this bundle, Macintosh and PowerBook users have everything they need to try out remote networking and learn how easy and powerful it can be. It makes portable computing more productive because you have access to the network anywhere and anytime. "

About LanRover LanRover/L, the first dedicated remote networking server for Macintosh computers running AppleTalk Remote Access, debuted in 1992. Designed for small companies and workgroups with LocalTalk networks, LanRover/L preserves the ease of use of Apple's standard software. It also provides network managers with the security, centralized management and cost efficiency to support several users dialing into the company network.

LanRover/L recently won major industry awards for product excellence, including the 1992 MacUser Magazine Eddy Award for Best Connectivity Hardware, the 1992 MacWeek Diamond Award for Best Networking Hardware, and the 1992 Byte Magazine Award of Merit.

LanRover/E for AppleTalk Remote Access is the first entry in a family of multiport remote networking servers targeted at enterprise-wide networks with dozens or even hundreds of remote users. For network managers, LanRover/E offers the lowest cost per port, along with enhanced security and management. LanRover/E comes in four-port and eight-port versions, with support for NetWare and AppleTalk Remote Access, and connects directly to an Ethernet network.

Pricing and Availability: Complimentary ARA Software

The bundle is available now from Shiva Corporation and from distributors and resellers worldwide. Suggested U.S. list price for LanRover/L is $699. Suggested U.S. List price for LanRover/4E for AppleTalk Remote Access is $1999. Suggested U. S. list price for LanRover/8E for AppleTalk Remote Access is $2999. The AppleTalk Remote Access client software comes on two 800K floppy disks and is included at no additional cost.

Customers who purchased a LanRover/L or LanRover/E after November 11, 1992 can get a complimentary copy of the ARA software by sending proof of purchase to Shiva.

Shiva Corporation Founded in 1985, Shiva Corporation is a leading supplier of remote networking products. The company was named 25th in the 1992 Inc. 500 listing of the fastest-growing private U.S. companies. Shiva Corporation is located at Northwest Park, 63 Third Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. Telephone 617/2708300 or 800/458-3550. Fax 617/270-8852.


AutoPIPE V4.5 Pipe Stree Analysis Software
EDA ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF NEW VERSION OF AUTOPIPE PIPE STRESS ANALYSIS SOFTWARE

(Berkeley, California -- February 15, 1993) Engineering Design Automation announces the release of AutoPIPE Version 4.5. AutoPIPE is one of the industry's leading pipe stress analysis programs, developed to meet the needs of companies involved in industrial piping system design.

The new release adds mouse support to AutoPIPE's easy to use interface, making it even easier to select commands and piping components for manipulation and reviewing data associated with these components. The new dynamic rotation and zoom capabilities can be used to interactively select the best working view. AutoPIPE now also supports several Europan, Japanese and Canadian piping codes, in addition to ASME piping codes. The capability to analyze and design pipe flanges and nozzles has also been added.

AutoPIPE offers a user friendly graphical interface to both occasional and power users to build piping systems for stress analysis. Capabilities include automatic hanger selection, advanced Static and dynamic analysis. Code compliance and review of analysis results can be performed interactively using the mouse.

Also released with AutoPIPE is an updated link to EDA's AutoCAD based AutoPLANT plant design package. The link transfers complete piping geometry, including components and supports, from models generated in AutoPLANT. The modes can be downloaded from AutoPLANT DESIGNER and ISOMETRICS, saving the substantial task of generating stress models from paper drawings. Links from several other CAD and mainframe based piping analysis programs are also available.

AutoPIPE is available for the IBM compatible personal computers in DOS and 386 versions. AutoPIPE is also available for Sun, HP Series 700 and other UNIX workstations. For more information, call EDA at 510-848-7080.

Engineering Design Automation (EDA)

1930 SHATTUCK AVE, BERKELEY, CA 94704

(510) 848-7080;  FAX (510) 486-1245


NEC Unveils Fastest Graphics PCs in Image Series
NEC TECHNOLOGIES UNVEILS THE FASTEST GRAPHICS PCs; EXTRAORDINARY FEATURES SET OF 15 IMAGE SERIES PCs SURPASSES THE COMPETITION AND SETS A NEW PRICE/PERFORMANCE PRECEDENT

(Boxborough. Mass.. February 23, 1993)--Bolstered by outstanding features such as ImageVideo graphics technology, OptiBus for optimized I/O throughout, integrated SCSI, and Intel Overdrive upgradability supporting future Pentium core microprocessors, NEC Technologies, Inc. today laid claim to providing the fastest graphics PCs with the introduction of the Image Series of desktop computers.

Comprised of 15 modular systems based on Intel's 486SX/25, 486DX/33, and 486DX2/66 microprocessors, the Image Series offers advanced business users faster graphics performance than systems currently available in the marketplace. The new Image Series will replace NEC's existing PowerMate "i" Series, but is priced up to 15% lower.

"The introduction of the Image Series represents a major milestone in NEC's laser approach to marketing desktop systems, whereby the company offers products such as Ready systems for the small/home office, the PowerMate Series for general business users, and the Image Series for advanced business users," said Denny Lane, NEC's director of Desktop Marketing. "In developing the Image Series for advanced business users, we incorporated all of the features our customers told us was needed in such a product--superior graphics performance, integrated SCSI, network-readiness, optimized I/O, and investment protection--all part of a balanced system design with each subsystem optimized to improve overall system performance."

ImageVideo for Outstanding Graphics Performance

Developed to provide users with a total graphics solution that enhances the overall video performance of the system, NEC's ImageVideo consists of three components--local bus video, a graphics accelerator, and true color.

Local Bus Video

With the introduction of the PowerMate "i" Series in 1991, NEC introduced the industry's first PC to take advantage of local bus video technology, a concept which has since become widely adapted throughout the industry. The new Image Series represents NEC's second generation of local bus video technology, offering users yet another quantum leap in video performance.

ImageVideo's 32-bit wide dedicated local bus carries data directly to the CPU for processing at the speed of the CPU, eliminating the bottleneck commonly associated with placing an image into video memory.

Graphics Accelerator

Addressing yet another bottleneck--moving images once they're in video memory--NEC has implemented a graphics accelerator into the design of the Image Series, resulting in more than a 200% increase in graphics performance as opposed to non-accelerated implementations. The graphics accelerator enhances graphics performance by executing BitBLT operations such as speeding large data transfers, increasing the performance of pattern fill operations, accelerating graphics text scrolling, and amplifying pixels to speed up text printing and color expansion. As a result, bus traffic is minimized by offloading the tasks normally performed by the CPU.

True Color

Further enhancing ImageVideo is the ability to display photo-realistic images. The Image Series includes 24-bit True Color, allowing for 16.8 million colors to be displayed simultaneously, adding photo-realism to desktop publishing and technical illustrations.

With the introduction of Photo CD technology, the use of true color images for importing color photographs into applications, and the ability to edit and save such files, is becoming increasingly important to organizations such as insurance companies, human resource departments, law firms, and low enforcement agencies. For instance, an insurance company could import a photograph of a damaged vehicle and place that photo into the accident report for future claim reference.

Paving the way for the expected infiltration of Photo CD technology within corporate computing environments, NEC bundles MicroGrafx' PhotoMagic software, which enables users to easily display, file, and edit photo-realistic True Color images.

The Image Series also offers users a full 1MB of video memory for resolutions up to 1024 X 768 X 256 colors non-interlaced. NEC's exclusive ImageSync technology, a standard feature of the Image Series, enables the system to sense when it is connected to one of NEC's MultiSync FG monitors and automatically adjusts to the highest possible refresh rate--up to 72Hz--providing clear, flicker-free information display.

"With the use of GUls now commonplace among the advanced business users, the demanding graphics performance needed to operate these applications dominates a user's impression of system performance. To optimize graphics performance, we've designed ImageVideo as a total graphics solution, combining a 32-bit local bus, BitBlt graphics accelerator, and 24-bit True Color to enhance the overall video performance of the Image Series. We believe this combination represents the best graphics performance technology available in the industry," added Lane.

OptiBus for Optimized I/O Throughout

To optimize the data transfer rate between the CPU and the hard drive of the Image Series, NEC has developed OptiBus, an architecture that provides up to a 30% increase in I/O performance for typical Windows-based applications.

To achieve the fastest I/O throughout possible, NEC's OptiBus architecture is implemented in two stages. The first stage occurs on the ISA bus, where OptiBus transfers data by using two clock cycles, rather than three clock cycles. As a result, the data from either the IDE or SCSI controller travels across the bus at a faster rate, providing a 33% increase in raw data throughout.

Unique to OptiBus is the use of Block Mode PIO, a technology found in the second I/O stage which significantly reduces CPU overhead by instructing the IDE hard drive controller to collect eight sectors of data before issuing an interrupt to the CPU. Without the implementation of Block Mode PIO, a typical IDE hard drive controller sends data to the CPU at a mere one sector at a time. OptiBus technology provides faster I/O throughout without compromising device compatibility.

Integrated SCSI: The Fastest Way to Connect Peripherals

To provide high performance and connectivity to a broad range of devices via an intelligent standard interface, NEC includes "on-board" SCSI II directly on the Image Series' main logic board. The integrated SCSI feature of the Image Series enables users to connect internal devices such as SCSI hard drives and CD-ROM, and up to seven external devices to the SCSI bus. NEC's integrated SCSI implementation offers a true "plug and play" SCSI solution that is device independent, alleviating the problems commonly associated with peripheral expansion.

Realizing the increasing popularity of SCSI devices, especially CD-ROM, among the advanced business computing community, NEC has included EZ SCSI, easy-to-use software for hard drives and CD-ROM devices. "With the inclusion of EZ SCSI, NEC offers a complete hardware and software solution, not just technology," commented Lane.

Image Series PCs are Network Ready

Using an optional 10BaseT Ethernet network interface card, NEC offers Image Series users a high-performance network interface that doesn't consume an extra expansion slot. The 16-bit masters are 100% software compatible, eliminating the need for switches and jumpers. Since the majority of PCs used by advanced business users are part of networked environments, NEC has designed the Image Series to be compatible with Novell, Banyan, Digital Equipment Corporation, and Microsoft LANs, thereby providing users with the peace-of-mind associated with working with one, rather than multiple, vendors.

Pentium Overdrive Upgradability and Modular Design Offer Superior Investment Protection

To prevent premature product obsolescence and protect a user's investment, the Image Series is easily upgradable, via a new 238-pin Overdrive socket, to Intel's upcoming Pentium microprocessor. For ease of upgradability, the Image Series' 238-pin zero insertion force socket has an extra row of pins that will be required to support the next level of the Intel Overdrive processor based on the Pentium core. This zero insertion force socket offers easy upgradability and provides a superior alternative to low insertion force sockets.

With the introduction of the Image Series, NEC continues its use of the modular, ergonomically designed chassis first used with the PowerMate "i" Series in 1991, and since imitated by other PC vendors. The Image chassis is constructed of lightweight, durable plastic and features include snap-in/snap-out rails for quick device release, easy front installation/removal of diskette/tape backup and CD-ROM readers, an internal removable dual hard drive cage, and mouse and keyboard ports easily accessible from the front of the chassis.

Since the modular chassis design of the Image Series is the same as the PowerMate "i" Series, it offers excellent investment protection for existing NEC customers who can easily upgrade to the advanced feature set of the new Image Series via a quick motherboard swap.

NEC PC Product Families: American Designed and Manufactured

All NEC PC products are designed and developed at the company's extensive Boxborough, Massachusetts Research and Development facilities, and manufactured at a state-of-the-art manufacturing complex in nearby Northborough.

With today's introduction, the Image Series becomes the latest NEC PC product family, and is positioned to meet the needs of the advanced business user. Other NEC PC lines include the Ready family of desktop systems for the small office/home office (SoHo) user, the PowerMate Series for the general business user, and the Express line of powerful, EISA-based desktop and client/server systems for mission critical applications.

Pricing, Distribution, and Service Information

The Image Series is available immediately from NEC's extensive nationwide network of authorized resellers. The following price chart exemplifies how NEC was able to implement an extensive series of technological advances--32-bit local bus, graphics accelerator, True Color, on-board SCSI, and network-ready configurations--in the new Image Series while pricing the line up to 15% less than its predecessor--the PowerMate "i" Series. Although actual dealer prices may vary, it is estimated that the Image Series well sell at or near the following retail prices:

                                       Image     "i"      Cost

                                       Series   Series   Savings

Image 425

4MB, 1.44 FD, NO    HDD                $1,449   $1,699     15%

4MB, 1.44 FD, 170MB HDD                 1,769    2,049     14

4MB, 1.44 FD, 340MB HDD                 1,989    2,249     12

4MB, 1.44 FD, 170MB HDD, 10baseT Ether  1,869     NEW

4MB, 1.44 FD, 340MB HDD, 10baseT Ether  2,089     NEW

Image 433

4MB, 1.44 FD, NO    HDD                $1,849   $2,099     12%

4MB, 1.44 FD, 170MB HDD                 2,169    2,449     11

4MB, 1.44 FD, 340MB HDD                 2,389    2,649     10

4MB, 1.44 FD, 170MB HDD, 10baseT Ether  2,269     NEW

4MB, 1.44 FD, 340MB HDD, 10baseT Ether  2,489     NEW

Image 466

4MB, 1.44 FD, NO    HDD                $2,209   $2,499     12%

4MB, 1.44 FD, 170MB HDD                 2,529    2,849     11

4MB, 1.44 FD, 340MB HDD                 2,749    3,049     10

4MB, 1.44 FD, 170MB HDD, 10baseT Ether  2,629     NEW

4MB, 1.44 FD, 340MB HDD, 10baseT Ether  2,849     NEW

An industry-leading three-year warranty on all parts and labor, including first-year on-site service and second and third-year return-to-depot service, is included with the Image Series.

NEC Technologies, Inc.

NEC Technologies, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of computers and peripherals for the North American market. Product lines include award-winning ProSpeed laptop computers, UltraLite notebook computers, MultiSync FG monitors, Silentwriter and Colormate printers, Image, Express, PowerMate and Ready systems products, and MultiSpin CD-ROM hardware. NEC Technologies, Inc. is a subsidiary of NEC Corporation.

NEC Technologies

1414 Massachusetts Ave, Boxborough, MA 01719-2298

508-264-8000


Tseng Labs ET4000/W32 in New NEC Video Subsystem
NEC RELEASES NEW IMAGE SERIES

Tseng Labs' ET4000/W32 Provides Maximum Performance for New Video Subsystem

Newtown, Pennsylvania, February 23, 1993 - NEC Technologies, the pioneer in the design and development of local bus video architecture, today introduced the Image Series of 486-based PCs featuring ImageVideo, the company's second generation of local bus video technology. At the heart of ImageVideo is Tseng Labs (NASDAQ/NMS:TSNG) video controllers. Image Video integrates Tseng's ET4000/W32 graphics accelerator to solve the video bottleneck in managing data within a GUI environment, resulting in lightning fast performance in DOS and Windows environments . Referred to by NEC as a video subsystem, Image Video fully integrates 32-bit local bus, Tseng's graphics accelerator and true color into a total graphics solution greatly enhancing the overall video performance of the system.

According to Jack Tseng, President of Tseng Labs, "As a partner to NEC in developing local bus technology, we are gratified by the outstanding performance of the new Image Series, which is the fastest video subsystem yet for NEC. NEC has always been on the leading edge of systems graphics and was instrumental in promoting local bus by releasing the first local bus PC. Tseng's DRAM based ET4000/W32 provides NEC with maximum performance at a reasonable price." Jon Newman, Vice President of Product Planning and Management at NEC Technologies, Inc. noted, "Our long-term, solid working relationship with Tseng Labs was instrumental in NEC becoming the first PC vendor to feature a local bus video design. Engineers at NEC's Massachusetts research facilities are relying on the strong performance of the new ET4000NV32 video controller to be an integral component of NEC's second generation local bus systems."

As the ET4000/W32 is directly mated to the local bus it attains local burst transfers of up to 25MB/Sec accelerating memory to screen transfers by up to 400% over standard ISA bus operation. Video data within the frame buffer is accessed at rates exceeding 91 MB/Sec permitting even faster CPU access for high resolution/high refresh rate modes. Complimenting this, a robust accelerator feature set further enhances Windows operations. Bit Block Transfer (Bit Blt) speeds the commonplace movements of objects and windows on the screen substantially. Pixel Amplification assists text printing and area fill operations by up to ten times. All 256 rastor operations provided by Windows 3.1 are included in hardware, freeing up the CPU from time consuming data manipulation. Three MMU's (memory management units) supervise these operations for optimum performance. Additionally these MMU's control a memory aperture allowing linear video memory access for fast image data transfer. This combination of local bus and hardware acceleration provides a snappy Windows environment.

Additionally the ImageVideo sub system supports refresh rates of up to 72Hz. NEC ImageSync automatically and transparently optimizes refresh rates on NEC FG series monitors to simplify user installation and provide clear, flicker-free images. All of these features combined with color depths of up to 24 bits (16.8 Million colors) allow extended applications such as manipulation of photo-realistic images in desktop publishing and photo CD.

According to Joe Curley, Director of Marketing with Tseng Labs, "the newest members of NEC's ImageSeries of PCs shows that the company remains at the forefront of local bus video development the video feature set provides a powerful solution to the graphics problems posed by the user interfaces available today at a very reasonable price."

Tseng Labs, headquartered in Newtown, Pennsylvania, is a manufacturer of custom VLSI graphics chips which serve the microcomputer industry. Formed in 1983, Tseng Labs has consistently proven to be a supplier of high performance graphics products.

Tseng Labs, 6 Terry Dr, Newtown, PA 18940

215-968-0502;  fax: 215-860-7713