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

Prepared & Distributed by:  Baker Enterprises

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

SOFTWARE:	HARDWARE:

Business & Productivity  	PC Systems

Professional/Engineering  	Expansion Products

Personal & Educational  	Peripherals

Games & Entertainment  	Macintosh Specific

System Software & Utilities  	Miscellaneous Hardware

Macintosh Specific

Miscellaneous Software  	GENERAL INTEREST:

Books & Publications

Miscellaneous News

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About Press Releases
Full Text Press Releases...

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

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About Baker Enterprises
About Baker Enterprises...

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

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

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PC Industry Reference Database
PC Industry Reference Database...

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

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

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Business & Productivity Software
Business & Productivity Software News:

Folio Delivers Cross-Platform Elec Publishing

XSoft Announces Reseller Alliance Program

Cardiff Increases Teleform for Windows Price

ScreenExtender V3.0 WordPerfect Screen Utility

AWARE! Customer Service Program

Macromedia Supports NEC SSP Program

American Business Info Maximizes MultiSpin 3X

HRIS-Pro and ATS-Pro HR Software

Tribal Software TribalDraw 2.1 for Windows

SilverPlatter Info Directory of Elec Resources

Sybase is World Cup USA'94 Database Supplier

Project Navigator Document Management System

Mondial World Class Accounting Software

Aldus Forms Developers Cooperative

Aldus InfoPublisher Database Addition 2.0

Intex Forecast! for 1-2-3 Rel 4 for Windows

ReportWare 1099 Reporting Software

BMDP/DIAMOND Statistical Software for OS/2

Intuit Shipping DOS Version of QuickBooks

New CD-ROM Tax Form Service From Prentice Hall

XSoft to Offer InContext Publishing Swr

XSoft Acquires Agfa CAPS Products

Hire Right Personnel Screening/Evaluation Swr

Microsoft Word Assistant

ProApp Accounting/Distribution/Retail POS Sys

Impulse! Prints Letters, Orbit Scans Signature

Kodak Shoebox Software for Windows $99 Intro


Professional/Engineering Software
Professional/Engineering Software News:

PRO-PIPE V12.1 More Flexible In ADS

TSCA Chemical Information Database

Alpine Image Systems Bridge to VICTORY

AIS & Teradyne Boundary-Scan Marketing Deal

Atlas of Linkage Design & Analysis

The Periodic Table for Windows

Maxwell Spicelink V1.2 Seminars Oct 27th

SilverPlatter Hospital Collection CDROMs

MOLDFLOW/TSETS Thermosets Flow Analysis

Moldflow/Flow-E Entry Level Flow Analysis

Control AEG/Modicon PLCs with BusVIEW Swr

Mendelian Inheritance in Man CDROM Edition

Auto Process Ctl Swr for Allen Bradley PLC-5

WINtelligent VISION for CVIM Inspection Sys

ICOM WINtelligent DCS Process Control Swr

WINtelligent VIEW/RECIPE Graphical Interface

WINtelligent QUALITY Statistical Process Ctl

SilverPlatter Adds 11 New Database on CDROM

SilverPlatter SEC Healthcare Databases

Excerpta Medica Embase & Embase Alert CDROM

Environmental Quality (E-CD) SilverPlatter

Newtonian Sandbox for Classical Mechanics

The Real Logic Analyzer Version 2.0

AFiS Graphical Software for Adaptive Filtering

Add-On Analysis Toolkit Enhances LabVIEW

LOGIVOLVE Neurogenetic Toolkit


Personal & Educational Software
Personal & Educational Software News:

MPC National Parks of America

Learn to Speak Spanish 4.0 with QuickTime

Grolier Signs Strategic Swr Partner with NEC

Lottery Expert & Holiday Fonts for Windows

Fingers for Windows Language Educ/Typing Tutor

Tom Snyder Teaching & Technology Seminars

Victor Vector & Yondo, The Last Dinosaur Egg

Windows Music Sculptor

Oscar Wilde's Selfish Giant for MAC & MPC

Books That Work Desk Design Contest

10 Media Vision Multimedia CDROMs for Xmas

The Ugly Duckling - Interactive Story

Morgan Interactive Entertainment

Computer Jockey's Customized Workout V1.4

Magic Quest LEARNING2 School Swr Donation Pgm

Math Ace Educational Arcade Game

Compton Interactive Encyclopedia w/NEC Ready

Knowledge Adventure OEM Agreement with NEC

SuperMemo Breakthrough Speed-Learning Swr

Sigma Designs Expands Reelmagic Product Line

EA*Kids Peter Pan: A Story Painting Adventure

EA*Kids School Promo, Special Teacher Offer

Annuity Ace Financial Planning Software

Home Survival Toolkit Do-It-Yourself Swr Pgm

Media Vision Multimedia Cinema Premiere

New Tom Snyder Productions Catalog & Prod's


Games & Entertainment Software
Games & Entertainment Software News:

Kasparov's Gambit

SEAL TEAM Special Forces Combat Simulation

NHL Hockey Realistic Hockey Action

Eat Fire Bug-Eyed Scum! Strike Squad on Patrol

Trilobyte XIth Hour - The 7th Guest Part II

Spectrum Holobyte to Support NEC SSP Program

EA Sports NHL'94 for Sega Genesis & SNES

Pop Rocket Joins NEC Strategic Swr Partnership

Broderbund to Participate in NEC SSP Program

Super Baseball 2020 for Sega Genesis

Haunting Starring Polterguy for Sega Genesis

HardBall III: Diamond Collection

Video Cube: Space - Multimedia CD-ROM Game

Under A Killing Moon - Interactive Movie

The Labyrinth of Time, First CDROM from EA

Homongous Ent. Putt-Putt Titles for 3DO

LINKS Firestone Country Club SVGA Course

Sanctuary Woods 3DO Software on the Shelf


System Software & Utilities
System Software & Utilities News:

Multi-Tech Enhances Fax Server Software

Trinzic Joins Lotus Notes Partner Programs

TALKShow Desktop Document Conferencing Swr

STB PowerStar Power Management Utility

Complite Intellilgent File Comparison Utility

Instant-C v5.4 Released with Enhanced Debugger

VisionGraphics Document Conferencing

Rosenthal WINLITE Windows Program Compressor

Artisoft ArtiSave Backup Software Series

LANtastic for Macintosh Connectivity System

NSSI LanSafe II v3.0 for Novell/Netware 4.0

Artisoft & VisiSoft LANtastic Network Mgmt Swr

MS-Windows Sound Sys 2.0 Hwr Independent

Win, What, Where Time & Usage Monitor for Win

Sybase Ships SQL Monitor Performance Monitor

NSSI LanSafe II NMS 2.0 Power Mgmt Swr

Yggdrasil LINUX/GNU/X Operating System

WinEdit 3.0 for Windows NT & Windows 3.1

HLPDK Help Development Kit Version 9.5

Israeli Univ Uses NCD's PC-Xware

Dolphin Encrypt - Data Security Tool

Dolphin Encryption Library

EZ-Crypt Data File Encryption

CEnvi Scripting Tool for OS/2, DOS & Windows

C++ Compiler for UnixWare at $349

Verimation Memo Best Host-Based E-Mail Pckg

Habitat for Netware Windows Management Swr

iniSCRIPT NetWare Aware Windows INI File Mgr

U.S. Robotics Adds SNMP to Total Control

Forst & Trees Now Supports Informix

Forest & Trees Supports PICK OS Databases

Forest & Trees Supports Microsoft ODBC API

UUCODE V3.0 Uuencode/Decode Tool for Windows

AGE XsoftWare/32 V3.0 PC X Server Software

Forest & Trees Supports Email Integration

ImgFun V1.01 Image Compression & Enhancement

Grumpfish Speller for CA-Clipper

Forwarn & Fortran Development Tools

ImageFX Visual Basic Multimedia Effects Tool

Xerox Grants Compaq TabWorks Rights

mdbs Ships Object/1 V3.0 Object-Oriented Dev

M/4 Report Windows-based MDBS IV Reporting Tool

Grumpfish Library V4.0 for CA-Clipper

Simply Lantastic Entry Level Network

SYBASE Establishes Subsidiary in Mexico

BlueRithm Aeris Automates File Processing

SYBASE Ships System 10 Client/Server Interfaces

SYBASE System 10 Version of SA Companion

VORAMS V6.0 Automated Voide Mail System

Common Ground for Windows Document Dist. Swr

Sybase Ships System 10 Core Products

Extrasensory Clipper Tools for ExoSpace/Blinker

Gupta & SQA Sign Marketing Partnership

Gupta/Novell Agreement Boosts AppWare SQL Dev

Leading CASE Products from Gupta

Sydex CopyQM 3.10 & CopyQM Plus Released

QRead Text File Viewer V1.2

Gupta Support Forum on CompuServe


Macintosh Specific Software
Macintosh Specific Software News:

Gen. Chuck Yeager Co-Designs Macintosh Game

Page Overtures 1: Background Textures on CDROM

VTK Plug In Pack for Adobe Premiere

Enterprise-Wide Email for MobileComm

Ready, Set, Go! Version 6.0 Ships

SoundViewer & LabQD Speech Analysis Tools

CoSA After Effects 2.0 Ships by Year End

Open Sesame! 1.0 Learning Agent


Miscellaneous Software
Miscellaneous Software News:

ConversionMaster Converts US and Metric Units

Air Dispatcher Monitors Aircraft in Flight

BUS DATABASE Directory of Bus Prods & Tech.

QBALL Small Arms Exterior Ballistics

AXS Cart Machine Replacement

ARC Available for Most UNIX Systems

CompuServe WinCIM Pre-Installed on NEC Ready

Mendel Cooper Shareware/Freeware Offerings

IVS-Interactive Voice System Applic Generator


System Hardware
System Hardware News:

Badger 486-P Outdoor Pen-Based Handheld Computer

New Color EL Flat Panel Computer Package

Multi-Tech 486SX/486DX Single Board Computers

Microflex-VL/D50 1st Cyrix 486DX Local Bus Sys

NEC Intros Ready Series of Multimedia PCs

AST Expands Premmia Line w/Pentium Desktop

New Sharp Color Notebook Computer Family


Expansion Hardware
Expansion Hardware News:

STB Ergo MCX Graphics Accelerator for MCA

STB Ultra Hign-End 24-Bit Graphics Accelerator

STB 24-Bit Pegasus PCI Graphcis Accelerator

STB MVP4X 4 Monitor Accelerator Card

STB MVP2X Dual Monitor Accelerator Card

STB Channel One NTSC/PAL Multimedia Board

RangeLAN/PCMCIA Wireless LAN for IBM ThinkPad

NEC 16-bit & Enhanced Parallel Port SCSI Intf.

ComputerEyes/LPT Parallel Port Frame Grabber

DAQCard-700 PCMCIA Data Acquisition Card

High Performance Data Acq Board w/Rugged Conn.

Ikon DR11-W Emulator Board

SpectrumWare Dynamic Signal Analyzer w/Brds

AIRLAN/PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter

DOME 16-Bit Wind 3.1 Driver for Graphics Brds


Peripheral Hardware
Peripheral Hardware News:

Portrait/15 Plus Portrait/Landscape Monitor

NEC CD-ROM With 3X Performance

NEC Targets Power Users with 4X CD-ROM Reader

NEC Unveils MultiSync 3V and FGp Monitors

Coming of Age in Multiple Resolution Computing

OptiClear Monitor Surface from NEC

TruScan Large Format Scanning Systems

Ricoh Dual-Access Laser Fax/Printer

Economical Ricoh Desktop Laser Fax/Printer

Multi-Tech Ships V.32terbo Modems/Reduces Cost

Xante Accel-A-Writer Price Reductions

Spectra-Com P192mx Pocket Fax/Modem

Sharp Ships Affordable JX-9400 Laser Printer

USR Lowers WorldPort Portable Modem Prices

P.C.T. LaserJet High Capacity Envelope Feeder

Pixelink 120XDS Monitors for Document Imaging

Logitech AudioMan Bundle with Text-to-Speech

Next Generation AudioMan from Logitech

Integrated Laser/Bar-Code Reader From Percon

High Performance E-Size 800 dpi Scanners

Fountain Hills Systems Ergonomic Keyboard

Three New ViewMagic Color Monitors


Macintosh Specific Hardware
Macintosh Specific Hardware News:

(No entries for this newsgroup)


Miscellaneous Hardware
Miscellaneous Hardware News:

MiLAN Low-Cost Intelligent Ethernet Hubs

EmPower Link Ethernet-Ready Processor Pwr Mgmt

Multi-Tech Remote Node Gateway Family

Multi-Tech MiniArray Turn-Key Novell Gateways

Multi-Tech Video/Keyboard Multiplexer/Switch

Remote Node & TCP/IP Added to MultiModemLAN

SCXI Signal Conditioning Product Line

SCXI Module Moves Data Acq Out of the PC

SCRAMNet Network Switching Center

Advanced UPS Provides Unique Capabilities

VCR Plus+ With CallSet Telephone Control


Books & Publications
Books & Publications:

New Video Courseware for Lotus 1-2-3 Windows

ORACLE Performance Tuning

The X Window System in a Nutshell

Voodoo NetWare from Ventana Press

The X Resource: Issue 8 from O'Reilly & Assoc.

Network Administrator Magazine Launched

CD-ROM Directory, Nearly 5,000 Titles

Microsoft Publisher by Design

Advanced Windows NT, Developer's Guide

PC Graphics & Video Magazine Signs Consultant

QuickStart Windows NT Video & CD-ROM Training

Advanstar Purchases High Color Magazine


Miscellaneous News
Miscellaneous News:

Controlling G&A Costs Key to Profitability

SPA Doubles Gov't Affairs Staff

STB Announces Lifetime Warranty

ZByte High Tech Playing Cards

NSF High Tech Expertise Helps Clinton Admin

NSF Expands Commitment to Technology Transfer

SPA Supports NAFTA Ratification

Supra Acquires PSI Integration

Global Network Navigator Launched

NEC Partners with Leading CD-ROM Swr Dev's

Software Co-op National Product Referral

SPA Partners with Gifts In Kind America

SPA Gives $100,000 to Computer Skills Training

Baker's Newsbits (10/13/93)

SPA Says Export Controls Harm US Swr Industry

RE*STORE Data Recover Service

National Instr. Joins ISP Fieldbus Foundation

EDGAR Database Freely Available On Internet

Copyright Changes Recommended by SPA

US Robotics Sells Comm Research Group Swr

NASA Astronauts Test Intelligent Computer

EDI Multi-Level Training, 1994 Schedule

New Shareware Info System Gets ASP Sanction

Mobile Forum Mfg's Info Center

LabVIEW Goes Into Space Onboard Columbia

Baker's Newsbits (11/1/93)

Verdix Combining with Rational


Badger 486-P Outdoor Pen-Based Handheld Computer
BADGER COMPUTERS INTRODUCES FIRST FULL 486 OUTDOOR PEN BASED HANDHELD COMPUTER

New Badger 486-P Preloaded With DOS/Windows; Reliable In All Harsh Environmental and Industrial Conditions

Tampa, FL -- October 4, 1993 -- Badger Computers is introducing the Badger 486P, the first pen-based outdoor handheld computer with all the functionality of a full-sized 486 PC, also able to withstand any harsh environmental or industrial field conditions. The small, 3.0-pound Badger 486P is also one of the first pen-based handheld computer featuring factory-installed MS DOS 6.0, Windows 3.1 and Windows for Pen Computing software. The Badger 486P is the second product introduced by Badger Computers, a division of $250 million Group Technologies Corporation.

"The Badger 486P is the first handheld pen-based computer that can brave the elements, and also provide the data crunching power of a 486 PC and yet run familiar, off-the-shelf software," said Jim Jones, sales manager for Badger Computers. "The Badger 486P can be used in the field as a standard notebook, or as a portable tablet with an electronic cordless pen for note taking, drawing, and capturing signatures."

The unit's ruggedness meets the mobile data collection and processing demands of outdoor users in agriculture and forestry; chemical, petroleum, gas and mining; defense; industrial and manufacturing; law enforcement; marine; surveying and construction; transportation and shipping; utility companies and wholesale/retail distribution. Plus the powerful processing and versatile communication capabilities also meet the specialized needs of the health care industry and marketing, sales and legal professionals.

The highly-reliable 9-inch by 5.5-inch by 1.3-inch Badger 486P uses a 25MHz Cyrix 486SLC microprocessor and comes with choices of 20MB to 40MB hard drives and 4MB to 6MB of RAM. The unit features a detachable mini-keyboard, a 6-inch backlit VGA (640 x 480) display, a full complement of I/O ports, pen input, plus built-in communication capabilities including an internal fax modem and optional Ethernet adapter.

In addition to being a rugged outdoor computer, the Badger 486P can also serve as the core of a desktop system, with integrated standard I/O ports that seamlessly connect to a full-size keyboard, external super VGA monitor, floppy drive, hard drive and printer.

The Badger 486P features a two-hour internal battery and an external 8-hour battery pack that doubles as a cover to conceal the computer's ports in the field, and protect the computer's screen when not in use. An optional 3.5-inch, 1.44MB external floppy drive is also available.

The Badger 486P will be marketed through value-added resellers (VARs) specializing in outdoor applications, who will bundle the unit with software designed for particular usage. Evaluation units will ship in the fourth quarter of 1993. The unit will be available in volume in early 1994 for under $3,800.

Based on the Dauphin Technology, Inc. family of portable pen-based DTR computers, the Badger 486P's ruggedness and high reliability are due to extensive use of advanced surface mount technology in the manufacturing process and hermetic packaging developed for harsh military conditions. These conditions include extreme temperatures, rain, humidity, fungus, salt fog, blowing sand, chemicals, vibration, drop shock, explosive atmospheres, solar radiation and electromagnetic fields.

The Badger 486P is the second handheld computer to meet rugged standards for resistance to all environmental conditions, the first being the Badger GT-110 handheld computer introduced earlier this year. The Badger GT-110 was the first true rugged handheld computer available for under $2000. It is also marketed to outdoor users through VARs.

Badger Computers, a division of Group Technologies Corp., is located at 10901 Malcolm McKinley Drive, Tampa, Florida 33612. Formed in 1989, Group Technologies Corp. also holds the tide to being the world's leading supplier of key management system solutions for communication security. The company employs 2,200 people at three sites. The company was founded 28 years ago as Honeywell's Defense Communications and Production Division.


STB Ergo MCX Graphics Accelerator for MCA
STB INTRODUCES MICRO-CHANNEL GRAPHICS ACCELERATOR

Ergo MCX will offer Micro Channel users 10x faster graphics acceleration than standard VGA

August 5, 1993 -- Richardson, Texas - STB Systems, Inc. has announced the release of a full featured graphics accelerator for Micro Channel Architecture systems. The product, named the Ergo MCX, is capable of delivering ten times more speed than a standard VGA video adapter.

Powered by the Tseng Labs ET4000-W32 video controller, the product will be configured with one megabyte of fast DRAM. The ET4000-W32 controller will provide full hardware support for BitBlock-Transfers (BitBLT) and other graphical operations and will maintain compatibility with previous generations of ET4000 video controllers. The Ergo MCX will support a wide range of software drivers including Windows, Windows NT, OS/2, Unix and CAD/CAM applications.

The Ergo MCX provides 16.7 million colors at a resolution of 640x480 (72Hz) and up to 65 thousand colors at 800x600 (72Hz) and 256 colors at 1024x768 (76Hz). The Ergo MCX supports non-interlaced, interlaced and ergonomic monitors and supports a maximum interlaced resolution of 1280x1024 running 16 colors.

The exclusive STB design of the Ergo MCX adapter allows the use of any software written for the IBM VGA, IBM 8514-AI, STB ERGO-VGA, STB ERGO-VGA/MC, Tseng ET4000, ET4000W32, or VESA SuperVGA standards without special drivers or pre-loads.

STB has positioned the Ergo MCX against slower and more expensive Micro Channel products like IBM's XGA. "The Ergo MCX will allow IBM PS/2 and other MCA-bus system users to significantly increase their graphics performance over slower competing Micro Channel products," said Gary Kellar, STB Product Manager.

The Ergo MCX will begin shipping in August. The suggested retail price of the Ergo MCX is $359.

Established in 1981, STB Systems manufactures a complete line of video adapters ranging from standard VGA, SuperVGA, and Graphics Accelerators to multiple-video-port (MVP) adapters for PCI, VL-Bus, ISA, and Micro Channel Architecture systems. STB Systems, Inc. is the third largest manufacturer of video adapter products. Its products are available from distributors, resellers, and retail locations worldwide.

STB Systems Inc

1651 North Glenville, Richardson, TX 75081

214-234-8750,  fax 214-234-1306


Kasparov's Gambit
LEARN FROM THE WORLD'S BEST KASPAROV'S GAMBIT

Suggested Retail Price: $59.95

SAN MATEO, Calif., September 24, 1993--Electronic Arts announces its entrance into the computer chess market with the release of Kasparov's Gambit. World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov acts as both your personal coach and your toughest opponent in the most comprehensive chess program ever.

What sets Kasparov's Gambit apart from worthy competition already on the market is the program's unique approach to chess tutorial. The long-standing World Champion worked closely with EA's developers to devise an intricate system of move-by-move evaluations of the player's strategy. Mr. Kasparov actually appears on the screen via video and coaches you in simple language he helped to prepare. His dedication to the development of the program's tutorial mode accords with his well-known efforts to bring chess into main-stream culture, and reflects his deeplyheld belief that chess is good for the mind.

But it's much more than a tutorial game. The algorithm at the heart of the game is one of the strongest ever offered to the public on a PC, and even the most advanced players will find an extremely challenging opponent at the higher levels. In addition, the game features numerous styles of play which vary in aggressiveness, creativity, and focus. These enable the player to customize the program to suit specific human tendencies and approaches.

Kasparov's Gambit includes all the essential features that computer chess enthusiasts have come to expect: extensive tutorials, a running game analysis, 2-D and customized 3-D boards, an extensive 500-volume library of history's most famous games, a battery of illustrative quizzes, tournament play, and a rating system. All these features are presented in Hi-Res Super VGA graphics and startlingly crisp digitized sound. In all areas, Kasparov's Gambit is truly the most advanced chess game ever invented for the personal computer.

Electronic Arts

1450 Fashion Island Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94404


Multi-Tech Enhances Fax Server Software
Multi-Tech Announces Enhancements for Fax Server Software

MOUNDS VIEW, MINNESOTA--October 5, 1993--Multi-Tech Systems, Inc., a leading data communications technology company, announced today enhancements to its MultiExpressFax Server (MEFS) software for use with external or internal Multi-Tech data/fax modems directly attached to the fax server or to an asynchronous communications server (ACS). The enhancements include PCL4 printer support, automatic receive fax printing, remote administration and support for 250 users on Novell LANs. The enhanced version of MEFS will ship in November of this year at a retail price of $99.00 (U. S.) for a single user license or $249 (U.S.) for a 250 user site license. A site license of MEFS comes bundled with all Multi-Tech data/fax gateway products.

According to Multi-Tech Systems president Raghu Sharma, "MultiExpressFax Server is designed to work with Multi-Tech data/fax modems and networking products like MultiModemLAN, MultiComAsyncGateway and MiniArray. MultiExpressFax Server software turns a node PC into a Fax Server with powerful broadcast and scheduling capabilities. You can also use MultiExpressFax Server and our data/fax MultiModems with any industry standard ACS and turn it into a combination data/fax gateway. That means you don't need to buy separate expensive fax servers. With these latest enhancements you can send faxes from any application as simply as printing a document to a laser printer. On Novell LANs you can manage a server from any node PC, and any number of LAN users can share the fax server's modem."

MultiExpressFax Server gives LAN users two ways to send and receive faxes. First, as a network fax program, a user can reserve a modem via any INT6B or INT14 ACS software and send or receive faxes just as if the modem were attached directly to the node PC. Since MEFS is equipped with DOS client software, DOS-based PCs can send and receive faxes. Windows client software is available with MultiTech's MultiExpressFax for Windows software. Using the second send fax option, faxes can be sent or received via the MEFS "server" option. In this mode, MEFS runs on a non-dedicated node PC, which sends and receives faxes as required through any available modem on an ACS or via a modem attached directly to one of its serial ports. The non-dedicated fax server runs a TSR (Terminate Stay Resident) program which sends and receives faxes on behalf of all other network users. The client portion of the software runs on node PCs across Novell NetWare, 3Com, or Microsoft LAN Manager networks. For optimum productivity, the node PCs and fax server can all run different applications in the foreground while MultiExpressFax Server will work across a variety of LANs including Novell NetWare, 3Com and Microsoft LAN Manager networks. The feature supporting up to 250 users is available on Novell LANs only. The print fax option enables the automatic printing of all received faxes on any network printer by loading a special TSR into the selected printer controller.

With the new enhancements just announced, administration of the fax server on Novell LANs can be done from any PC on the LAN. In addition to managing the Network Fax Directory and monitoring and controlling fax operations, the administrator is responsible for the following: Set up, modify, and update network configuration; install client software and establish procedures for exchanging information with the server; create, maintain, and manage user accounts; route incoming faxes to respective users; manage and maintain a global phone book available to all network users; monitor network efficiency.

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 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, main numbers (612) 785-3500 or (800) 328-9717, Technical Support (800) 972-2439, BBS (612) 785-9875 or (800) 392-2432, U. S. FAX (612) 785-9874, International FAX (612) 331-3180.


ConversionMaster Converts US and Metric Units
Survival of American Business and Industry in a Mixed Unit Society

September 28, 1993 -- Hillcrest Software Products, Inc. proudly announces the release of ConversionMaster - a comprehensive and efficient software program for use in converting U.S. customary and metric (SI) units of weights and measures. As the U.S. struggles to revitalize its economy at home, as well as regain its competitive edge abroad, the need for metrication in America has been recognized, resulting in numerous changes in government policies. Gradually, all American companies are being faced with the task of converting from use of our traditional inch-pound system to the use of the International System of Units (SI), more commonly referred to as the metric system. Such a transition effects every facet of business and industry, from new product design, purchasing of supplies and materials, design, maintenance and retrofitting of equipment and machinery, packaging and distribution to preparation of bids and proposals, sales and marketing and re-education of employees. Because of the magnitude of the conversion process and its slow implementation, we are forced to live and work in a mixed unit society for an indefinite period of time. Thus, ConversionMaster has been designed to serve as an electronic aid and reference in an effort to reduce costs, minimize interruptions in normal business activities and ease frustrations, during the transition period. As recommended by the U.S. Department of Commerce, rules and factors for conversion of units have been derived from numerous publications, including standards published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (ANSI/IEEE Std 268-1992) and the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM E380-91). The program contains conversions for over 500 units of measurement, in 10 general classifications and 70 physical quantities. The program has also been designed with a variety of customization features, three styles of unit selection menus, two printout formats and on-screen explanations to simplify its use and provide the answers you need -- how and when you need them. Reliable, accurate and affordable, ConversionMaster is a must in every company's strategic plan for survival during the conversion process.

ConversionMaster is available for only $49.00 (plus $3.50 shipping and handling) from Hillcrest Software Products, Inc., P.O. Box 6047, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6047. Multiple user and network licenses are also available. To obtain additional information or place an order, call toll free, 1-800-793-0841, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (EST), Monday through Friday or FAX us at (615) 483-0454.

Background Information

Trends Toward Compatibility and Standardization in Foreign and Domestic Policies

In the recent past, American business and industry have met with great challenges, as well as unique opportunities. Not only have foreign governments been overthrown, geographic borders been redefined and names of nations been changed, but international economic, political, military, technological and trade policies have undergone radical changes as well. A common theme inherent in these changes is the need for cooperation, compatibility and standardization amongst the nations of the world. Thus, all industrialized countries, with the exception of the U.S., have independently and voluntarily committed to convert or have already implemented plans to use the International System of Units (SI) as their standard system of weights and measures. Such a transition has also promoted the standardization of metric specifications for goods and services bought and sold in the world marketplace. In an effort to alleviate the barriers to foreign trade of U.S. products, and ultimately improve our economy, the federal government has taken measures which serve as the catalyst to stimulate voluntary conversion by private industry. Such measures include the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (the trade bill) which amended the Metric Conversion Act of 1975, as well as the signing of Executive Order 12770 by President Bush on July 25, 1991. Sections 2 and 2(a) of that order state that " . . . each executive department and agency shall use, to the extent economically feasible by September 30, 1992, ... the metric system of measurement in Federal Government procurements, grants, and other business-related activities." Although many industries have already begun this transition, most are uncertain as to when and how to convert. To maximize the benefit and minimize costs of conversion, companies must begin now and proceed in a slow, methodical manner. Thus, employers and employees must contend with the use of a dual set of units until the process has been completed. As American business and industry struggles not only to survive in today's economy, but also to begin growing in tomorrow's, and the U.S. continues to lead and unite with the nations of the world in global economic, environmental and social causes, it is imperative that we all speak the international language of weights and measures.


Trinzic Joins Lotus Notes Partner Programs
TRINZIC CORPORATION JOINS KEY LOTUS NOTES PARTNER PROGRAMS

TRINZIC BECOMES LOTUS NOTES BUSINESS PARTNER AND NOTES PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPER

Palo Alto, CA, September 28, 1993--Trinzic Corporation (NASDAQ:TRNZ) announced today that it is now a member of two major Lotus Notes partner programs. Trinzic is now part of the Lotus Notes Professional Developers and Business Partners Programs, integrating its InfoPump "middleware" product with Lotus Notes. The combination of InfoPump and Lotus Notes delivers a sophisticated workflow computing solution that allows Lotus Notes-based workgroups to extend their Notes applications to provide access to strategic data stored in external database management systems, and vice-versa.

"Trinzic is a leader in building applications that add value to Lotus Notes and we are very pleased to welcome Trinzic into our Business Partners and Professional Developers programs," said Jeff Papows, Vice President of the Lotus Notes Product Division. "InfoPump is a strategic tool that expands the reach of Notes for customers who want to use Notes with transaction processing applications."

"Notes is a high growth computing platform. Many of our customers and prospects already use Notes or are planning to in the near future. It is a highly productive integrated environment for automated workgroup activities," said Jim Gagnard, Trinzic's Chief Executive Officer. "Trinzic's InfoPump is an easy, effective way for companies to integrate their document-oriented Notes applications with information stored in the transaction-oriented databases maintained by the IS organization. InfoPump users can connect their Notes applications with DBMS servers throughout the organization, enabling an integrated client/server environment," added Gagnard.

Trinzic is a charter member of the Lotus Professional Developers Program. Through this program developers have access to the Lotus Notes API and other Lotus software and are able to consult with Lotus experts on application architecture and design. Trinzic will also receive access to technical assistance from Lotus, early access to pre-release versions of Notes, and various marketing support programs. Additionally, Trinzic's products will be listed in the quarterly Lotus Notes Guide, shipped with all copies of Lotus Notes.

As a Lotus Business Partner, Trinzic joins an elite group of value added resellers, systems integrators, consultants and application developers who provide solutions and services to their customers using Lotus Notes technology. Trinzic will participate with Lotus in key industry trade shows and cooperative marketing programs.

One customer that adopted the Lotus Notes/InfoPump approach was Bankers Trust Co., a large New York financial institution. Using InfoPump to link Lotus Notes to their server databases, Bankers Trust created a method to ensure that customer requests are answered in a timely and accurate manner. "We needed an automated way to escalate client requests and route them to other employees if someone didn't act within a reasonable amount of time," said David Osbourne, VP of Technology for the Bankers Trust retirement division. The solution was Lotus Notes and InfoPump. "This saved us a lot of time and money," concluded Osbourne.

Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, Trinzic Corporation has more than 275 employees and a combined installed base of more than 5200 customers representing more than 35,000 product licenses. Trinzic's products--InfoHub, InfoPump, Forest & Trees, KBMS, Aion Development System (AionDS), and Intellect -- are distributed by a direct sales force and key marketing partners, as well as distributors throughout North America, Europe, the Pacific Rim, and South America. Trinzic maintains a major facility in Waltham, Massachusetts, and has offices worldwide.

Lotus Notes is the industry standard client server platform for developing groupware applications. It allows people to access, track and share and organize information in ways never before possible, even if they are only connected to a network. Since its introduction, more than 2000 companies and nearly half a million people have used Notes to improve business processes, including customer service, sales and account management and product development. By reducing the time and improving the quality of these processes, Notes has helped organizations achieve an average return on investment of 400%.

Lotus Development Corp. (NASDAQ:LOTS), founded in 1982, provides software products and support services that meet the business needs of individuals, workgroups and enterprises. Lotus' extensive range of products form the foundation for the company's Working Together strategy, which focuses on integrating applications, platforms and people. The company's first product, 1-2-3, is the most popular personal computer software application in the world, with more than 20 million users. Lotus markets its products in more than 80 countries worldwide and provides numerous support services both from its consulting division and its award-winning 24-hour support center.

Trinzic Corporation

404W Wyman St, Suite 320

Waltham, MA 02254

617 891-6500,   617 622-1544 Fax


Air Dispatcher Monitors Aircraft in Flight
Open Windows on Air Dispatching

TLC Communications announces release of Air Dispatcher, a new Windows-based system for monitoring aircraft in flight, creating flight plans, and tracking cargo. Pull-down menus allow easy selection and modification of plane, pilot, and route information. Flights in progress are displayed against a background map showing the airline system routes, and the status of each flight can be checked with a click of the mouse.

Designed to be constantly in operation, Air Dispatcher facilitates resource management by providing the current locations of pilots and aircraft, and automatically updates maintenance schedules and pilot flying hours by adding current flight data to existing information for easy FAA and CAB reporting. All data can be manually updated to change arrival and departure times, dynamically reroute flights using the mouse, or enter custom flight plans for charter flights and tours.

System Requirements:

4 MB memory, Windows 3.1 or higher, Excel 4.0, and Access

List price: Air Dispatcher, Version 1.0, $15,000 complete. TLC Communications, Inc., 1045 Wildwood Blvd SW, Issaquah, WA 98027; 206-392-9592.


TALKShow Desktop Document Conferencing Swr
FUTURE LABS, INC. ANNOUNCES TALKShow, A DESKTOP DOCUMENT CONFERENCING SOFTWARE PACKAGE FOR WINDOWS

June 28, 1993 -- Cupertino, California. Future Labs Inc. announces TALKShow Version 1.0. This interactive desktop document conferencing software for Windows is an affordable alternative communication solution. At $199, TALKShow is just a fraction of the cost of video conferencing.

Utilizing a modem, network, or ISDN line, TALKShow allows multiple users to simultaneously review, discuss and annotate changes on TALKShow White Board from the comfort and convenience of their desk. The introduction of desktop conferencing software eliminates the need to travel and meet in person and avoids multiple exchanges of fax documents.

TALKShow is a revolutionary way of communicating and doing business. It is designed to help individuals save time and be more productive. In real time, users can interactively review any document, spreadsheet, schematic, CAD design or bitmap picture. TALKShow can be used in conjunction with any DOS or windows applications and incorporates easy-to-use tools and intuitive menus. The annotating tools are similar to those utilized in any meeting room: the standard white board, colored markers, pointers and eraser.

"Future Labs developed TALKShow to allow busy professionals to quickly and effectively discuss and finalize details visually as a compliment to their telephone conference. With this revolutionary software, people can communicate and collaborate on decisions more conveniently," said John Chua, President and CEO of Future Labs. "With TALKShow decisions can be made faster, without the routine delays involved in exchanging hardcopy documents," he concluded.

"It's a whole new way of working," said Dean Villegas, CAD Administrator of LSI Logic Corporation and Executive Director of South Bay AutoCAD Power Users. "One major application that I can see for this product is in the product design and quality assurance areas. Anyone who uses a CAD system understands the need to communicate effectively and to shorten design-cycle times." he stated.

"TALKShow helps the company speed up the review cycle between clients, vendors and editors," said Sandy Dhuyvetter, President of Electronic Pen, Inc. "Our clients can review and approve graphics and video images all in one TALKShow conferencing session," she added.

The requirements for TALKShow are: DOS 3.3 and Windows 3.1 or later, a 386 or 486 platform with a 4MB memory. TALKShow can be used with any communications link, including: NetBIOS compatible network, Hayes compatible modem and ISDN link. TALKShow also supports Microsoft Object Linking and Embedding (OLE). Complete documentation and technical support are provided by Future Labs from its Cupertino Headquarters. TALKShow is available today at $199.00 per single license. Multiple license agreements are also available.

Future Labs, Inc., founded in 1989, is the market leader in the design and development of software only desktop document conferencing solutions, which allow multiple users to conduct remote electronic meetings from various locations and platforms using the communications vehicle of choice.

Future Labs, Inc.

19925 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA

(408) 973-7228,   Fax: (408) 736-8030


PRO-PIPE V12.1 More Flexible In ADS
ADev's New PRO-PIPE 12.1 is More Flexible in ADS

ADev is pleased to announce the release of a new version of PROPIPE for the process and plant design industry. This new version takes advantage of the advanced features available to developers in AutoCAD R12 including AutoCAD's Advanced Development System (ADS), new SQL interface and AME functionality. The result is a more productive package for orthographic and 3D piping construction drawings, models and materials reports. It is also SQL database driven which means editing and reports generation hr OSHA and EPA compliance, ISO 9000 certification and HAZOP studies are easier than ever. ADev's management believes that no other AutoCAD 3rd party program for any discipline compares in it's sophisticated use of ADS, SQL and AME

New Feature Benefits

"Allowing users the flexibility to work the way they want to work has always been the key to the success of ADev's PRO-PIPE package," says ADev's President Jeff Neumeyer. "And that's true now more than ever. With a new environment for component generation and customizable material Reports, the newest release of PRO-PIPE enables piping designers to create new components that are specific to their company's needs. It opens PRO-PIPE to entirely new markets, in addition to the petrochemical industry, including plant design for food processing plants, pulp and paper factories, environmental and waste water management, pharmaceutical facilities, biotech and much more. "

New Feature Functionality

In addition to the more than 30,000 standard components available in PRO-PIPE's electronic catalogs, PRO-PIPE 12.1 now features an environment for creating customized components and materials schedules. The user-created components are recognized and functional for PRO-PIPE automated features including Auto-Sections and Auto-Iso. An easy to follow, well documented system allows the user to add new components or modify existing components by simply editing or creating text files. The user does not need to learn or use complicated programming techniques.

PRO-PIPE 12.1 also allows the user to customize the appearance of the BOM which is automatically generated from the information associated with each component on a PRO-PIPE drawing. The user can choose whether the material information will be counted top-down or bottom-up; the user can adjust the width of the columns in the BOM; and the BOM will now allow word wrapping so that long descriptions will continue on the next line for ease in readability.

Other new features include a conversion routine for AutoCAD's Advanced Modeling Extension (AME); rolled components that function in Auto-Sections and Auto-Iso; the new SQL link means PRO-PIPE gives you flexibility to use any database that AutoCAD supports; extensive use of user-friendly dialog boxes; auto-weld gapping; and much more.

This new release marks the initial migration between ADev's PRO-SERIES for AutoCAD-based plant design and ADev's OMNI-SERIES for Intergraph MicroStation-based plant design. Because the database piping specifications and customized components are now used interchangeable between both lines of software, companies that use both CAD solutions can save valuable front-end project time.

Company Background

Founded in 1986, ADev is the only developer of plant design solutions for both MicroStation and AutoCAD. Applications are available for 2D and 3D piping isometric piping, process and flow diagrams, structural steel, plant and equipment arrangements, and electrical diagrams, plans and details. For further information, contact ADev at (504) 835-1627; 3850 N. Causeway Blvd., Suite 900; Metairie, LA 70002-7251.


BUS DATABASE Directory of Bus Prods & Tech.
Announcing the BUS DATABASE in an all-new format

The BUS DATABASE is a major database and directory of information on bus products and bus technologies. The new, redesigned BUS DATABASE is published on disk (initially only Microsoft Windows data format is supported--other formats will be added according to demand). In addition to its extensive directory of bus products, the BUS DATABASE now includes easy-to-access articles and technical references on the major buses. Here's the full scoop:

* Covers all buses--VME, Futurebus+, ISA, EISA, PCI, Micro Channel, STD, SBus, Multibus, and all others.

* Includes interactive articles and tutorials on bus topics and technology. All editorial is fully illustrated with figures, diagrams, tables, etc.

* Includes the latest news on bus products and bus technology development.

* Accepts full-screen-graphics advertisements from bus product vendors.

* Each issue contains an exhaustive directory of bus product vendors and individual bus products (boards, backplanes, enclosures, etc.).

* Available in Regular and Professional editions. The main difference being that the Professional edition contains a synopsis of each company and a description of each product listed. Information about thousands of bus products is at your fingertips.

* The BUS DATABASE is self-running with built-in software to read articles and to do product searches, keyword searches, cross-references, etc.

Published three times per year in January, May, and September. Each issue will be available 1-2 months before the formal publication date. The January 1994 edition will be available November 1993.

Essential for all Board Buyers and anyone who wishes to have an Updated and Complete Source of Information on Bus Products and Bus Technology.

Regular Edition is $25 for single copy, $65 for annual subscription (3 issues); Professional Edition is $99 for single copy, $199 for annual subscription ( 3 issues).

SUPERMICRO PUBLICATIONS

1275 N University Ave, Suite 7, Provo, UT 84604

(801) 373-0696,   FAX (801) 373-0695


SEAL TEAM Special Forces Combat Simulation
SPECIAL FORCES COMBAT SIMULATION: SEAL TEAM

SAN MATEO, Calif., September 24, 1993 - Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS) announces the release of Seal Team, a hyper-realistic 3-D simulation of US Navy SEAL combat operations.

A Seal Team team jumps from a Huey and bellies through 200 yards of mud while rounds from an AK47 shriek overhead. Now their flanker is hit. They radio for air support and a dust-off, and suddenly the night is ablaze with tracers and the percussive shock waves of mortar fire. Welcome to the "Forest of Assassins," Vietnam's Mekong Delta,--the reptile-infested jungle that is the sanctuary of the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army.

The player is the point man who leads a crack team of combat specialists deep into enemy territory, to complete high-risk missions of reconnaissance, ambush, rescue, and demolition-all experienced through the multiple views of an advanced 3-D engine. The enemy lies in ambush, and he is their prey.

The FIRST truly realistic 3-D battlefield for the PC, Seal Team is a unique simulation of the US Navy SEAL's war against the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese Army from 1966-69. Seal Team gives the player leading edge 3-D simulation technology with unique 1st and 3rd person player perspectives, and multiple external views for unparalleled control and views of the battlefield. Designed in conjunction with the UDT-SEAL Museum Association Inc. for unmatched depth and authenticity, Seal Team has four separate tours with 80 historical missions based on actual combat reports.

With real-time tactical command, the player gives orders to his SEAL Team or to individual soldiers for maximum combat flexibility. They can command different formations, fields of fire, approach routes, and firing orders. The player can use an arsenal of 19 realistically different weapons: M-16s, AK 17s, Ithaca Shotguns, grenades, M60s, Stoners, RPGs, LAWs, and more! If these weapons can't dislodge the enemy, then they can call in jet, helicopter gunship, and armored gunboat strikes to take them out.

Seal Team is rendered in 256-color VGA graphics for stunning realism and offers digitized sound effects for a realistic battle experience. A stirring musical sound track sets the mood and is supported by the major soundboards.

Seal Team is available on IBM PC and compatibles now. It is priced at $59.95

Electronic Arts

1450 Fashion Island Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94404


NHL Hockey Realistic Hockey Action
NHL HOCKEY REALISTIC HOCKEY ACTION - NOW FOR THE PC

SAN MATEO, CA, September 22, 1993 - EA SPORTS, a division of Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) announces the release of NHL Hockey for the PC. NHL Hockey combines the hot-arcade action of previous Sega Genesis/Super NES versions with a new in-depth layer of coaching strategy. The suggested retail price of the game is $69.95.

Licensed by both the NHL and the NHLPA, the game features team names, team logos, player names and faces, and season schedules. The full-season mode allows players to simulate the actual 1992 NHL season comprised of 84 games. In addition, players can compile team and player stats throughout the season and compete for end-of-the-season awards like the Hart and Ross trophies. They can also play in a number of different modes including two player head-to-head, 1 player against the computer, or a coaching mode that pits computer vs. computer

Choose from one of 24 actual teams, with a complete roster of 28 actual players, and take them through the playoffs in an effort to win the Stanley Cup. Control all the action from slap shots to body checks. Simplified rules and strategy decisions make the game enjoyable for both novices and seasoned experts looking to take their teams all the way to the finals.

EA SPORTS announcer Ron Barr's digitized voice sets up every game and introduces starting lineups. Real player animations, sound effects and a digitized rink announcer make it feel like you're watching a game on TV.

Skills of players such as Luc Robitaille, Brian Leetch, Paul Coffey, Adam Oates, Chris Chelios and Jeremy Roenick are measured by 15 skill attributes - including shot power, skating speed and stick handling. Game players will now have to take into account the personal skills and attitudes of their team members--and the opposition--when playing the game.

"For the first time in video game history, the two biggest powers in the world of hockey nave joined forces to design the most realistic hockey simulation ever created for the PC. The sound along with the digitized video make you feel like you're right in the rink," commented Rich Hilleman, Electronic Arts vice president and NHL Hockey designer.

Electronic Arts

1450 Fashion Island Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94404


New Video Courseware for Lotus 1-2-3 Windows
NEW VIDEO COURSEWARE FOR LOTUS 1-2-3 FOR WINDOWS

LOS GATOS, Calif.--September 27, 1993 -- Anderson Soft-Teach announces it will ship a complete video training course for Lotus 1-2-3 for Windows Release 4. Shipments of the training package will begin October 29, 1993.

Training courseware includes three volumes covering the essentials of 1-2-3. Volume 1 provides a general introduction to the worksheet including editing and formatting. Volume 2 addresses chart creation and modification. Students will also learn how to work with named ranges, functions, and macros. Volume 3 offers instruction in large worksheets, multiple worksheets, and databases. Detailed course outlines can be obtained directly from Anderson Soft-Teach.

Each training volume includes an instructional videotape, a step-by-step student workbook and practice disk for hands-on learning (disk duplication license also included), a self-test to measure learning retention, and a new Classroom Guide. This guide outlines how instructors can incorporate Anderson Soft-Teach courseware into their classroom training programs. Step-by-step instructions provide for smooth and effective classes.

Student workbooks include additional exercises at the end of each lesson to reinforce skill development. Unique "In-Practice" and "Extra for Experts" segments help users apply the training to real business situations. Anderson Soft-Teach will also send a certificate of completion to each student who successfully completes the self-test. Videotapes are also closed captioned for the hearing impaired.

The complete three-volume course will be sold for $995. Anderson Soft-Teach also offers an upgrade program for courseware previously purchased. A 50% discount is offered when upgrading courseware purchased within the last six months, a 25% discount on courseware purchased within 7-12 months, and a 10% discount to upgrade courseware 1 year or older.

Anderson Soft-Teach, currently celebrating its 10th anniversary, produces the industry's largest library of video courseware for personal computer software. Its products are sold both domestically and internationally. Anderson SoftTeach's current line of courseware topics includes: Windows, Word for Windows, Excel for Windows, PowerPoint, WordPerfect for Windows, MSDOS, Lotus 1-2-3, WordPerfect, dBASE IV, Introduction to PCs, Introduction to LANs and others.

Anderson Soft-Teach

983 University Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030

800-33-VIDEO,  408-399-0100,  fax 408-399-0500


Gen. Chuck Yeager Co-Designs Macintosh Game
GENERAL CHUCK YEAGER CO-DESIGNS MACINTOSH GAME

San Mateo, Calif., September 24, 1993--Chuck Yeager--one of the greatest pilots of all time and the first man to fly faster than the speed of sound-has teamed up with Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) to design Chuck Yeager Air Combat for the Apple Macintosh and Powerbook. Electronic Arts' series of Chuck Yeager products have already sold over 500,000 units worldwide--Chuck Yeager's Air Combat having proven to be one of the company's biggest hits to date in the PC marketplace.

General Chuck Yeager's input to the game was crucial to the design team, who wanted to recreate a wide range of aviation history; highlighting the exciting progression of air combat from prop-driven aircraft in World War II to the jet-powered dominance of Korea and finally to the modern-day guided-missile combat introduced in Vietnam. Yeager serves as co-pilot, providing instructions and advice before, during and after combat missions set in these three historic eras of modern air combat.

The player may choose from more than fifty historically-accurate missions. The option to fly on either side is provided, as is a tactics screen with combat technique advice from General Yeager himself. Players can also create flights of fantasy of their own, with the Create Mission option allowing the mixing and matching of planes from different eras. For the first time, an F-4 can be flown against a World War 11 Focke-Wulf 190 and Korean era Mig-15, as well as planes normally allied to its own side.

New to the Macintosh version is a Head-to-Head mode that allows two competitive gamers to play via network, flying their choice of six aircraft against each other at chosen altitudes and ranges. Also new is Campaign mode, which allows the player to act out the career of a pilot through a series of historical missions in a chosen era. Multiple Monitor support allows the player to set additional monitors to different views for dogfighting.

A variety of help features make the game user-friendly for the novice. Four information windows provide invaluable data on the status of the aircraft, the enemies in the locality and the combat environment. An 'Envelope Window' displays accurate flight envelopes drawn up by Yeager, and helps the player identify when he is pushing the limits of his craft's performance.

A VCR-style instant replay allows the player to relive past missions, and re-savor those special moments of aviation victory from a variety of angles, including the enemy's cockpit! Flight recordings can be saved to disk and be replayed, or can be saved in Apple's popular QuickTime movie format.

Electronic Arts

1450 Fashion Island Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94404


Controlling G&A Costs Key to Profitability
Controlling G&A Costs Is Key to Profitability

Operating Expenses the Difference Between High-Profit and Low-Profit Software Publishers According to New SPA Study

October 4, 1993 (Washington, DC)- Small software publishers spend three times as much of their net revenues on general and administrative costs as do large firms according to a study by the Software Publishers Association. The difference in general and administrative expense is one of the primary factors causing the difference in profitability of the groups.

In a recent study of software publisher profitability conducted by the Software Publishers Association (SPA), median G&A of the smallest publishers was 25% of net revenues, while it was only 8% of net revenues for the largest. Profitability for the same groups, measured as median net profit before taxes as a percent of net revenue, was 12% for the largest publishers, but was a 10% loss for the smallest.

"The study shows that regardless of company size," said David Tremblay, SPAIs Research Director, "controlling operating expenses, particularly G&A, is what separates high and low profit performers."

The SPA recently released the results of its 1993 Software Industry Financial Survey. The Survey collected information on approximately 40 categories of income statement revenues and expenses from 24 public and 57 private SPA member companies. The information was collected and tabulated for the SPA by Management Foresight, a unit of Arthur Andersen based in Schaumburg, IL The information collected covered the last four fiscal quarters ending March, 1993 The report contains median expenditures relative to net sales, which are grouped and tabulated by the revenue size of the participating companies and by profitability quartiles

Among the highlights of the report are

* Profitability, measured as net profit before tax as a percent of net revenue (NPBT), varied among the revenue size classes. Median NPBT for publishers with revenues under $2 million was a loss of 10 4%, while the median publisher in the $2 to $5 million range operated at about break-even Median NPBT for three of the other four revenue categories was 11% to 13%

* Within operating expense categories, median total research and development expenses clustered around 15% of net revenues, and ranged from 10% to 17% Median total sales and marketing expenses clustered around 37%, with a range of 30% to 40% of net revenues Among the three components of operating expenses, only general and administrative expenses varied in relation to company size. The smallest companies, with under $2 million in sales, had median G&A expense of 25% The medians steadily decreased as the size of the company increased until, for publishers with over $100 million in revenues, median G&A was only 8%

* There has been much discussion of industry profitability recently, and how it has changed and will change This study was able to provide some insights into that discussion About half of the participants in this year's study also participated in the SPA's 1992 study The report compared these publishers' median results in 1992 and 1993 NPBT in the group declined from 10 7% in 1992 to 7.5% in 1993, largely due to a jump in median sales and marketing expenses from 33.3% to 37.0% of net revenues

* The report also provides some insight on personnel productivity differences among the companies The analysis divided companies into four groups (quartiles) based on their Net Profit Before Taxes as a percent of net revenues (NPBT), The 25% of publishers with the highest NPBT, which comprise the high quartile, were called high profit publishers Compared with the overall median publisher, the median high profit publisher had a higher gross margin per employee, and a higher net contribution per employee They also paid their average employee better than did the median participating company.

"The SPA conducts this study to provide members with hard to obtain information which they can use to benchmark their companies," said SPA Research Director David Tremblay "While the primary use is for participants' benchmarking, it can also be used to provide some insights on the state of the industry While the net profit before taxes is down somewhat from 1992, the study shows that publishers can still do well The key seems to be expense control--keeping operating expenses low relative to net revenues."

The detailed report for this study is available only to SPA members companies that participated in the survey and was mailed- to participants the week of September 20.

The Software Publishers Association is the principal trade association of the PC software industry Its 1,000 members represent the leading publishers in the business, consumer, and education markets The SPA has offices in Washington, DC, and Paris, France.

Software Publishers Association

1730 M St, Northwest, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20036

202-452-1600,  Fax: 202-223-8756


SPA Doubles Gov't Affairs Staff
SOFTWARE PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION DOUBLES GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS STAFF

Increase Reflects Government's Diverse High-Technology and Export Agenda

September 29, 1993 (Washington DC) - The Software Publishers Association (SPA), the principal trade association representing business, consumer, and education software publishing companies, today announced the addition of two lawyers to the organization, effectively doubling its government affairs legal staff.

The expansion will enable the SPA, the PC software industry's premier trade group, to effectively address a full agenda of high-tech and export issues currently under consideration by the executive branch, Congress and the international organizations.

The hiring of Mark E. Nebergall and Mark Traphagen will give the SPA added depth in taxation, intellectual property, and trade policy. "These individuals will enable SPA to serve better the exploding needs of the software industry in the domestic and international arenas," said llene J. Rosenthal, SPA's general counsel. "They underscore SPA's commitment to policy issues in the US, Europe, and other countries, and complement the SPA's very successful anti-piracy program.'

Nebergall will apply his expertise to advocate effectively the position of the SPA and its members on tax legislation and Internal Revenue Service administrative pronouncements. He also will represent the SPA and its members in an upcoming revision of Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code, the body of law which regulates the sales of goods ill every state except Louisiana.

Traphagen will represent the SPA in domestic and international affairs regarding copyright and other intellectual property, including US legislation, multilateral conventions, and trade policy. His immediate domestic focus will be on NAFTA, the National Information Infrastructure, and the copyright reform. On the international front, Traphagen will work to improve software protection in multilateral negotiations on copyright protection, the European Community, and in proceedings before the U.S. Trade Representative.

For the past 11 years, Nebergall served with the Tax Division of the US Department of Justice in Washington, DC. As Special Trial Counsel, he was responsible for handling tax cases of the greatest magnitude and importance, involving large sums of money, technical and difficult questions and statutory construction, and requiring the development of novel and complex principles of law. Nebergall received Outstanding Attorney Awards in both 1990 and 1991.

Before joining the SPA, Traphagen was a lawyer with the Washington law firm Finnegan Henderson, where he specialized in copyright and trademark law. He represented a major toy maker in a precedent-setting 1991 case barring the import of goods suspected as infringements under the Copyright Act of 1976, and he also has advised award-winning independent film makers. In 1987, Traphagen was a legal consultant for the World Intellectual Property Organization, where he recommended comprehensive revisions to Malaysian trademark law and, from 1985 to 1989, was an assistant managing attorney with the US Patent and Trademark Office.

Currently, Traphagen is an assistant to the Advisory Committee on Copyright Registration and Deposit, which recommends copyright policy to the Library of Congress. He also is vice president of Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts, a nonprofit legal assistance organization.

The Software Publishers Association is the principal trade association of the PC software industry. Its 1,000 members represent the leading publishers in the business, consumer and education markets. The SPA has offices in Washington, DC and Paris, France.

Software Publishers Association

1730 M St, Northwest, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20036

202-452-1600,  Fax: 202-223-8756


MPC National Parks of America
Take a photographic tour of National Parks with National Parks of America.

Multimedia program offers over 970 photographs by renown

nature photographer, David Muench.

Seattle, WA - August 30, 1993 - Multicom Publishing announces MPC and Macintosh versions of National Parks of America contained on one CD-ROM disc.

National Parks of America allows users to interactively explore all of America's 230 National Parks. Regional and State maps allow users to explore specific areas of the country. Parks can also be located and selected by name, geographic region, or custom criteria such as Camping or Hiking facilities. Many park listings feature seasonal climate and other park information. In addition to Muench's photographs, the program contains 21 video clips, and 160 animated climate tables.

"Multicom is honored to be working with David Muench on this project" said Tamara Attard, Multicom's President. "David's photos are exquisite, and we have over 970 of them illustrating National Parks of America" continued Attard.

National Parks of America is ideally suited for nature enthusiasts and for anyone planning a trip through the National Parks. In addition, fans of photographer David Muench will appreciate quick access to hundreds of examples of his work. National Parks of America makes a perfect gift.

National Parks of America has an SRP of $69.95, and will be available at retail outlets August, 1993. It requires a color Macintosh with CD-ROM drive, or an MPC-compliant PC running Windows 3.1 or higher.

Multicom Publishing is a leading developer and publisher of multimedia CDROM titles. Multicom titles are distributed through Electronic Arts, and currently support the Multimedia PC (MPC), Macintosh, and personal multimedia players.

MULTICOM Publishing Inc

1100 Olive Way, Suite 1250, Seattle, WA 98101

206-622-5530,  fax 206-622-4380


STB PowerStar Power Management Utility
STB INTRODUCES POWER MANAGEMENT UTILITY

PowerStar power management utility reduces monitor power consumption by 75%

Richardson, Texas - STB Systems, Inc. will begin shipping a new power management utility that will automatically shut down a monitor during periods of inactivity. Using this utility, users specify how much time of inactivity occurs before the utility is activated.

PowerStar, the power management utility, is the first software that offers users a way to automatically reduce the amount of energy their monitor consumes during times of inactivity. The software was designed to meet requirements set by the EPA's Energy Star program and will conform to standards defined by VESA for power down mode monitors.

According to Jeff Bobzin, SystemSoft Corporation, computer systems account for 5% of the commercial sector's electricity consumption and may grow to 10% by the year 2000. Using the PowerStar utility with a VESA compatible monitor (that supports a shut down mode) will reduce a monitor's power consumption by approximately 75%.

PowerStar comes with two modes of power reduction. The first mode will put the monitor in an inactive mode, blanking the monitor screen but still keeping the red/blue/green electron guns active and ready to fire. The second mode is a shut down mode and is comparable to turning the monitor completely off. Both modes are controlled through a user interface that operates similar to a screen saver. The user defines the amount of time before each mode is activated.

The PowerStar will begin shipping as an added-value utility with all STB products at the end of July. The suggested retail price of the PowerStar if purchased separately is $99.

Established in 1981, STB Systems manufactures a complete line of video adapters ranging from standard VGA, SuperVGA, and Graphics Accelerators to multiple-video-port (MVP) adapters for PCI. VL-Bus, ISA, and Micro Channel Architecture systems. STB Systems, Inc. is the third largest manufacturer of video adapter products. Its products are available from distributors, resellers, and retail locations worldwide.

STB Systems Inc

1651 North Glenville, Richardson, TX 75081

214-234-8750,  fax 214-234-1306


STB ANNOUNCES LIFETIME WARRANTY

STB will offer a limited lifetime warranty on all branded retail products

August 12, 1993 -- Richardson, Texas - STB Systems, Inc. announced July 1, 1993, that the warranty on all existing retail branded products will be extended from a two year warranty to a limited lifetime warranty.

STB has one of the lowest product failure rates in the video board business, less than 1/10 of 1%. The low failure rate can be attributed to the many levels of quality control implemented during STB's manufacturing process. In accordance with the National Bureau of Standards, all tools, gauges and electronic test equipment undergo strict calibration measurements at least twice a year. STB also uses a quality assurance inspection stamp to measure and track each employee's quality control record.

Strict quality assurance programs that measure reliability and performance allow STB to consistently produce quality products. "Building the best product allows us the extra advantage of offering our customers the best warranty in the video card business," said Robert Hoskins, Marketing Communications Manager.

STB uses high quality components, innovative engineering concepts and advanced manufacturing facilities to consistently produce quality video solutions. STB has maintained a total quality assurance program for the past twelve years.

The limited lifetime warranty was implemented on July 1, 1993.

STB Systems Inc

1651 North Glenville, Richardson, TX 75081

214-234-8750,  fax 214-234-1306


STB Ultra Hign-End 24-Bit Graphics Accelerator
STB INTRODUCES ULTRA HIGH-END 24-BIT GRAPHICS ACCELERATOR

Pegasus VL to offer 16.7 million colors at 1024x768, 76 Hz refresh rate

Richardson, Texas - STB Systems, Inc. has announced the release of the Pegasus VL graphics accelerator card. The Pegasus VL is a VESA Local Bus compatible graphics accelerator that is capable of displaying 16.7 million colors at resolutions of 640x480, 800x600 and 1024x768.

Based on the S3 86C928 video controller, the product will come in two standard configurations. The base configuration will be configured with 4 MG of VRAM and will support resolutions up to 1024x768 at 16.7 million colors and up to 65 thousand colors at 1280x1024. The product will also be offered in a 2 MG configuration providing 65 thousand colors at 640x480 through 1024x768 resolutions and a maximum of 256 colors at 1280x1024 resolution. Refresh rates supported are 60, 72 and 76 Hz.

To simplify installation and provide easy access to configuration menus, the Pegasus VL comes with a Winstall utility that makes it possible to change monitor resolution and color settings from a windows menu accessed by double clicking on an icon.

The product will come standard with a BNC-style RGB connector and VGA 15-pin D-sub connector. The RGB connector transmits high integrity video signals and offers compatibility with high-end desktop publishing monitors. Both connectors will support variable and fixed frequency monitors.

The product will include drivers to support applications for Microsoft Windows 3.x and Windows NT, IBM's OS/2, SCO Open Desktop, Uniware, X-Windows, as well as major CAD/CAM platforms.

The Pegasus VL was scheduled to begin full production runs at the end of July and to begin shipping during the middle of August.

The powerful features and capabilities of the Pegasus VL position this board against high-end boards based on the TI 34020 co-processor, which cost well over $2,000. The suggested retail price for the Pegasus VL (VESA Local Bus) version is $799 for the 2MB version and $999 for the 4 MB version.

The Pegasus VL offers users a higher level of performance than standard 1 and 2 MG DRAM graphics accelerators. "The Pegasus VL provides the right combination of performance, color depth and open systems compatibility for users who expect more than hyped up Winmark scores from tests performed in 256 color modes", said Gary Kellar, Product Manager. Kellar defines the Pegasus VL, "...as a board designed for power users who need maximum performance while working with 24-bit images at high resolutions".

Established in 1981, STB Systems, Inc. is the third largest manufacturer of video adapter products. STB manufactures an entire line of video adapters ranging from standard VGA, Super VGA and graphics accelerators to multiple video port (MVP) video adapters. STB products are available from Ingram Micro, Merisel, Tech Data, CompUSA, Computer City and authorized dealers worldwide.

STB Systems Inc

1651 North Glenville, Richardson, TX 75081

214-234-8750,  fax 214-234-1306


STB 24-Bit Pegasus PCI Graphcis Accelerator
STB INTRODUCES 24-BIT PCI GRAPHICS ACCELERATOR

Pegasus PCI to offer 16.7 million colors at 1024x768, 80 Hz refresh rate

Richardson, Texas - STB Systems, Inc. has announced the release of the Pegasus PCI graphics accelerator card. The Pegasus PCI is a PCI Local Bus compatible graphics accelerator that is capable of displaying 16.7 million colors at resolutions of 640x480, 800x600 and 1024x768.

Based on the S3 86C928 video controller, the product will come in two standard configurations. The base configuration will be configured with 4 MG of VRAM and will support resolutions up to 1024x768 at 16.7 million colors and up to 256 colors at 1600x1200 (non-interlaced). The product will also be offered in a 2 MG configuration providing 65 thousand colors at 640x480 through 1024x768 resolutions and a maximum of 256 colors at 1280x1024 resolution. Refresh rates supported are 60, 72, 76 Hz and 80 Hz.

To simplify installation and provide easy access to configuration menus, the Pegasus PCI comes with a Winstall utility that makes it possible to change monitor resolution and color settings from a windows menu accessed by double clicking on an icon. The product will also include a PowerStar power management utility that will allow a user reduce their monitor's power usage after a specified time period. This utility works with monitors that support the new VESA specification for power reduction.

The Pegasus PCI will come standard with a BNC-style RGB connector and VGA 15-pin D-sub connector. The RGB connector transmits high integrity video signals and offers compatibility with high-end desktop publishing monitors. Both connectors will support variable and fixed frequency monitors.

The product will include drivers to support applications for Microsoft Windows 3.x and Windows NT, IBM's CS/2, SCO Open Desktop, Uniware, X-Windows, as well as major CAD/CAM platforms.

Pegasus PCI was available in limited quantities in August and was scheduled to begin full production in September.

The powerful features and capabilities of the Pegasus PCI position this board against high-end boards based on the ISA-based TI 34020 co-processor (if they had a PCI version), which cost well over $2,000. The suggested retail price for the Pegasus PCI (PCI Local Bus) version is $799 for the 2MB version and $999 for the 4 MB version.

The Pegasus PCI offers users a higher level of performance than standard 1 and 2 MG DRAM graphics accelerators. "The Pegasus PCI provides the right combination of performance, color depth and open systems compatibility for users who expect more than hyped up Winmark scores from tests performed in 256 color modes", said Gary Kellar, Product Manager. Kellar defines the Pegasus PCI, "...as a board designed for power users who need maximum performance while working with 24-bit images at high resolutions".

Established in 1981, STB Systems, Inc. is the third largest manufacturer of video adapter products. STB manufactures an entire line of video adapters ranging from standard VGA, Super VGA and graphics accelerators to multiple video port (MVP) video adapters. STB products are available at major distributors, computer retailers and authorized dealers worldwide.

STB Systems Inc

1651 North Glenville, Richardson, TX 75081

214-234-8750,  fax 214-234-1306


STB MVP4X 4 Monitor Accelerator Card
STB INTRODUCES A FOUR MONITOR ACCELERATOR CARD

MVP4X provides Windows 3.1 acceleration that is 60 times faster than standard VGA video.

September 10, 1993 -- Richardson, Texas - STB Systems, Inc. has announced the release of the MVP4X graphics accelerator card. The MVP4X is a graphics accelerator card designed to drive four monitors at the same time by integrating four video channels versus the standard single channel. The MVP-4X supports a full suite of Windows 3.1, OS/2 and DOS applications.

Based on four Tseng Labs ET4000-W32 video controller chips, the MVP4X allows users to view four different monitors at the same time via four independent video ports. Windows and OS/2 users can work in a virtual screen environment, which provides one virtual screen across all monitors. Windows, OS/2 and DOS users can utilize a port switching mode that permits four different applications to run at the same time, one on each monitor. The MVP4X is backward compatible with all existing STB MVP video cards based on the Tseng ET4000 video controller chip.

Each video port utilizes 1 MG of fast 60 ns DRAM and its own digital analog converter (DAC). Each monitor supported will have a maximum resolution of 1280x1024 and can provide up to 16.7 million colors at 640x480 resolution. The MVP-4X is compatible with Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) and Micro Channel Architecture bus types (both have VESA compatible modes). A feature connector is included for compatibility with other windowing and overlay cards, up to eight MVP-4X installed in one system will provide 32 separate video output signals.

The product supports applications for Microsoft Windows 3.x, Windows NT, IBM's OS/2, Solaris, SCO ODT and Unixware.

The MVP4X will be available in limited quantities in October and is scheduled to begin full production runs in November 1993. The suggested retail price is $1,999.

The MVP4X offers users a choice of viewing multiple screens of information at a higher performance level than single or four port video cards based on the Tseng ET4000 chipset. "The MVP4X provides the right combination of performance, color depth and acceleration for those who need to view multiple sources of information simultaneously," said Product Manager, Greg Martin. Martin defines the MVP4X, "...as a product of choice for financial traders or anyone who views large amounts of information because it provides them with four times as much information as a single channel solution."

Established in 1981, STB Systems, Inc. is the third largest manufacturer of video adapter products. STB manufactures an entire line of video adapters ranging from standard VGA, Super VGA and graphics accelerators to multiple video port (MVP) video adapters. STB products are available at major distributors, computer resellers and authorized dealers worldwide.

STB Systems Inc

1651 North Glenville, Richardson, TX 75081

214-234-8750,  fax 214-234-1306


STB MVP2X Dual Monitor Accelerator Card
STB INTRODUCES DUAL MONITOR ACCELERATOR CARD

MVP-2X provides Windows 3.1 acceleration that is 60 times faster than standard VGA video.

August 18, 1993 -- Richardson, Texas - STB Systems, Inc. has announced the release of the MVP-2X graphics accelerator card. The MVP-2X is a graphics accelerator card designed to drive two monitors at the same time by integrating two video channels versus the standard single channel. The MVP-2X supports a full suite of Windows 3.1, OS/2 and DOS applications, including AutoCAD release 12.

Based on two Tseng Labs ET4000-W32 video controller chips, the MVP-2X allows users to view two different monitors at the same time via two independent video ports. Windows and OS/2 users can work in a virtual screen environment, which provides one virtual screen across both monitors. Windows, OS/2 and DOS users can utilize a port switching mode that permits two different applications to run at the same time, one on each monitor. The MVP-2X is backward compatible with all existing STB MVP video cards based on the Tseng ET4000 video controller chip.

Each video port utilizes 1 Meg of fast 60 ns DRAM and its own digital analog converter (DAC). Each monitor supported will have a maximum resolution of 1024x768 and can provide up to 32,000 colors at 640x480 resolution. The MVP-2X is compatible with Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) and Micro Channel Architecture bus types (both have VESA compatible modes).

The product comes standard with drivers to support applications for Microsoft Windows 3.x, Windows NT and IBM's OS/2. Panacea's DLD386-VGA Deluxe AutoDesk drivers are available as an upgrade option for CAD/CAM users.

The MVP-2X will be available in limited quantities in September and is scheduled to begin full production runs in October 1993. The suggested retail price is $1,099.

The MVP-2X offers users a choice of viewing multiple screens of information at a higher performance level than single or dual port video cards based on the Tseng ET4000 chipset. "The MVP2X provides the right combination of performance, color depth and acceleration for those who need to view multiple sources of information simultaneously," said Product Manager, Greg Martin. Martin defines the MVP-2X, "...as a product of choice for financial traders and AutoCAD users because it provides them with twice as much information as a single channel solution."

Established in 1981, STB Systems, Inc. is the third largest manufacturer of video adapter products. STB manufactures an entire line of video adapters ranging from standard VGA, Super VGA and graphics accelerators to multiple video port (MVP) video adapters. STB products are available at major distributors, computer resellers and authorized dealers worldwide.

STB Systems Inc

1651 North Glenville, Richardson, TX 75081

214-234-8750,  fax 214-234-1306


STB Channel One NTSC/PAL Multimedia Board
STB INTRODUCES NTSC/PAL MULTIMEDIA BOARD

The Channel One displays vivid computer graphics on composite NTSC/PAL television sets and VGA monitors

September 17, 1993 -- Richardson, Texas - STB Systems, Inc. has announced the release of the Channel One, a composite NTSC/PAL multimedia video card. The Channel One is an add-in video card that allows users to display or output computer generated data and graphical images to any device that supports VGA, SVHS and composite NTSC/PAL video signals, including a standard television set or VCR.

The Channel One is based on the Cirrus Logic 5426 video controller chip and comes with up to 1 meg of 60 ns DRAM video memory. The CL 5426 will supply up 16.7 million colors at a resolution of 640x480 and 16 colors at a resolution of 1280x1024. To add to the VGA video capabilities, a Sony CXA1145 RGB encoder enables this board to convert VGA signals to NTSC/PAL video formats. To provide support for a wide range of peripheral devices, the Channel One comes standard with a 15-pin connector for VGA, F connector, S-VHS and a VESA compatible feature connector.

The Channel One is designed to provide corporate, finance, transportation and education industries with the ability to display computer generated data and graphical images on regular NTSC/PAL television sets. The data can be delivered for immediate presentation on a television set, or output straight to a VCR to record high quality video tapes. Using a multiple frequency VGA monitor, the Channel One can display the same video signal on the VGA monitor and a NTSC television set, simultaneously. Multiple Channel One's in a system provide multiple screen operations in VGA or NTSC environments.

The Channel One adapters come with an easy-to-use installation utility, Cirrus Logic VGA drivers for popular software packages and a STB NTSC/PAL driver for Windows 3.1. A line-averaging utility supplies flicker free operations for static images being displayed in NTSC or PAL modes.

The Channel One will be available in limited quantities in September and is scheduled to begin full production runs in October 1993. The suggested retail price is $459.

In the past, users who wanted to display great computer graphics on a television set had to invest in a high-end graphics/character generator that cost thousands of dollars. Today the synergy of personal computers and the evolution of the television industry has allowed STB to design a better and more cost effective solution for producing vivid graphics for composite NTSC/PAL formats.

"STB has designed the Channel One to deliver outstanding computer graphic capabilities for professional and novice PC users who desire the option to output their work to composite NTSC/PAL monitors," said Greg Martin, Product Manager. "The quality of the graphics that the Channel One produces equals or surpasses the quality of systems that only production houses could afford two years ago. The introduction of the Channel One places professional quality computer graphics within the reach of the average computer user at a fraction of the cost associated with expensive television studio graphics/character generators."

Established in 1981, STB Systems, Inc. is the third largest manufacturer of video adapter products. STB manufactures an entire line of video adapters ranging from standard VGA, Super VGA and graphics accelerators to multiple video port (MVP) video adapters. STB products are available at major distributors, computer resellers and authorized dealers worldwide.

STB Systems Inc

1651 North Glenville, Richardson, TX 75081

214-234-8750,  fax 214-234-1306


Complite Intellilgent File Comparison Utility
Complite(tm) is an intelligent file comparison utility for programming language source files,  designed to make comparison results readable and useful to the real world programmer.

o - Word-by-Word comparison,  words are separated by programming

    language delimiters as well as blanks.  Changed words are

    highlighted on the screen and printouts.

o - Split-Screen, 132 column displays are supported on common

    SVGA video adapters.

o - Automatic,  Correlated Scrolling maintains alignment of

    corresponding lines.

Complite handles files up to 100,000 lines and individual changes up to 12,000 items,  with no practical limit on the total number of changes. Parameter files may be customized for different applications or different stations on file-server networks.  Complite supports dot-matrix, laser, and PostScript printers.

Complite runs on an IBM compatible PC under DOS 3.3 or later, and will use extended memory under an XMS 2.0 memory manager.  Complite may be run in a full screen DOS session under OS/2,  or Windows.

Single User Licenses are available for $40,  site licenses are available.

For more information,  contact the author below:

     Jim  Veale

     150  Buckminster Drive,  #108

     Norwood,  Massachusetts  02062

     phone:  (617) 762-1714

     email:  jdveale@world.std.com

Product History:  Complite is built upon an algorithm which the author has developed over a period of fifteen years,  and implemented on a variety of computer platforms.  Development of the PC-based Complite began over two years ago,  user beta testing began in May '92,  and limited sales in January '93.


ZByte High Tech Playing Cards

Playing cards continue to be the foremost tool of the game player.  This is proof of the grandeur of the original design--basically unchanged for 500 years.  ZByte is a revolutionary idea in playing cards that improves the ancient design with modern concepts of computers while preserving compatibility for playing all the wonderful games that have evolved over the centuries.

ZByte cards have binary elements and high-tech suits with functional meaning derived from nineteenth-century logic and twentieth-century technology.  The suits of ordinary playing cards were invented in fifteenth-century France: trefle (club), carreau (diamond), pique (spade), and coeur (heart).  Their meanings, if any, play no role in card games today--the four ancient suits function only as separators.  In contrast, ZByte suits not only serve as separation signs but also have universal meanings of their own that open up the possibility for a new generation of card games.

ZByte players may engage in traditional games, such as Solitaire, Black Jack, Poker, and Gin Rummy, or may create and play ZByte games. ZByte's 52 cards include the standard "two" through "ten" number cards, aces, jacks, queens, and kings, but also include four special suits and two robot "IF" jokers.  The enclosed 32-page book has rules for eleven new games that demonstrate the special suits and it has instructions for ZByte game designers.

The ZByte deck provides both entertainment and education in the fundamentals of computers and basic logic.  ZByte also features fractal computer art and its face cards are the following historical figures from the world of science and computers: Agnesi, Germain, Lovelace, Somerville, Babbage, Boole, Leibniz, and Pascal.

The sharpening of logic and math skills is critical for any high-tech culture. ZByte supports this goal in a novel way.  Thus, ZByte may be the playing card deck of choice for twenty-first-century players.

CURRENT AVAILABILITY:

   The Computer Museum, Boston, Massachusetts

   The Tech Museum of Innovation, San Jose, California

   Game Gallery Stores, San Francisco Bay Area, California

 or by mail from:

   ZByte Games, P.O. Box 27676, San Francisco, CA 94127

 PRICE:

  $6.95 in stores or $7.95, postpaid, from ZByte.

 CONTACT:

   ZByte Games

   P.O. Box 27676

   San Francisco, CA 94127 USA

                             phone: (415) 661-6958


Instant-C v5.4 Released with Enhanced Debugger
INSTANT-C 5.4 RELEASED WITH ENHANCED DEBUGGER, ONLINE HELP

Rational Systems, Inc. has released version 5.4 of Instant-C, the integrated C development/debugging environment for DOS, adding more automatic error detection,  a new "locals" window, and context- sensitive online help.

Instant-C features a full suite of standard editing and debugging tools, plus true incremental compilation, automatic recompilation of all code affected by edits, an interpreter-like immediate mode for prototyping and testing, and automatic error detection and diagnosis (of both syntax and runtime errors) well beyond what traditional compilers can do.

Instant-C is designed to complement your existing toolset. It concentrates on shortening the development cycle, leaving final code creation to your existing optimizing compiler.

In version 5.4, the new locals window displays values for all variables in a function whenever code execution is suspended. The locals window also offers stronger object code support, by  displaying register and stack values for functions loaded as object code. (Reconstructed assembly source also appears, in Instant-C's debug window.)

Version 5.4 now detects over 700 distinct syntax and run-time errors, and also supports larger code, effectively twice as large as that handled by the previous version.

The new context-sensitive on-line help system provides full descriptions of all menu commands. Other ease-of-use enhancements include new tool-access hotkeys and new window controls.

Instant-C 5.4 for DOS is available immediately and is priced at $2,995. A maintenance plan is available for $450. Rational Systems is located at 220 North Main Street, Natick, MA 01760, 508-653-6006 or 800-666-2585.


VisionGraphics Document Conferencing
InVision Introduces VisionGraphics(tm) Document Conferencing

OEM Agreement with Future Labs Gives InVision Interactive White Board Technology to Support Video and Audio Conferencing System

DALLAS -- At Networld Dallas 93 today, InVision Systems Corporation  announced that the company has signed an OEM agreement with Future Labs, Inc.,  under which InVision will be able to offer Future Lab's TALKShow(tm) interactive white board technology with its product InVision(tm), Video Conferencing for Windows.

InVision Systems will be demonstrating both InVision, the company's real-time audio  and video conferencing system for Windows workstations and VisionGraphics(tm),  InVision's new interactive document conferencing systems, in booth 3862.

"After we started shipping InVision last June, it became clear that network  video conferencing is primarily used for project and task collaboration," said James  Geddes, President and CEO of InVision Systems.  "Then we began actively searching  the marketplace for an interactive white board application.  It  soon became clear that Future Labs had the best technology on the market to truly  compliment InVision, since it supports both TCP/IP and the Windows Sockets API  Standards.  With the signing of this OEM agreement, we can now offer our customers a  more versatile solution that allows them to not only establish  face-to-face video conferences, but also provides them the flexibility and freedom to  collaborate on documents, drawings, charts, spreadsheets, etc., and exchange ideas  during the same network session."

"We are very excited about the possibilities we can now offer network users  by combining our document conferencing technology with InVision's video conferencing  for Windows product," said John Chua, President and CEO of Future Labs.  "The  combined power of these two technologies now allows users to conduct truly productive  and interactive meetings across any computer network using Windows as the interface.

The combined technologies could easily become as important to office communications  as the telephone."

InVision's VisionGraphics incorporates TALKShow's interactive white board  system for Microsoft Windows that allows multiple users to collaborate on the same  document and files.  VisionGraphics comes with a wide range of annotating tools,  including a freehand pencil, color markers, arrows, pointers, circles, rectangles, text, and  eraser, so each member of a document conference session can give his or her own  comments about the shared text or image.  VisionGraphics can support documents,  spreadsheets, graphics, or other images generated using either DOS or Windows  applications.  What's more, VisionGraphics operates independently of individual  applications, so users don't need to be running the same software applications to take  advantage of VisionGraphics.  The document conferencing system can use TCP/IP,  NetBIOS, ISDN, or serial connections as the transport mechanism, and it supports the  new Windows Sockets 1.1 API.

When used in conjunction with InVision, Video Conferencing for Windows,  users have a powerful interactive tool that allows them to both set up a live full-motion  video conference and to collaborate on documents and spreadsheets with the  VisionGraphics option.  By using both InVision and VisionGraphics, busy executives can  save hundreds of hours resolving complex business issues which normally would require  travel and lengthy meetings.  All they have to do is establish an Audio and Video  teleconference with InVision, open a document using VisionGraphics, and get to work.   InVision's combined video, audio, and document conferencing solution is ideal for use  at corporate campuses, hospitals, engineering departments, training facilities, and in a  host of other environments.  And both InVision and VisionGraphics can operate over  any LAN/WAN infrastructure.

InVision, Video Conferencing for Windows, is a real-time, audio and video  conferencing solution for Windows-based network workstations.  InVision consists of   InVision 1.0 Software and Documentation.  InVision Compatible Hardware components  are also available from InVision and they include an Intel*  Action-Media II* Codec (compression/decompression) board, Telephone Handset  Assembly and a miniature, monitor-mount color video camera.  Using Microsoft  Windows 3.1 as the interface, InVision supports full-motion, bi-directional audio and  video packets across any conventional computer network architecture, including  Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI, Frame Relay, ATM and ISDN.  InVision can also take full  advantage of Windows' scalable images and multitasking so users can access files and  data while conducting a teleconference.  InVision is compatible with all off-the-shelf  network adapters and a wide variety of network drivers.  As part of its interface, InVision  includes an on on-screen "mute" button and adjustable volume, contrast, brightness,  and tint controls.

"InVision is the first company to 'get-it', said Paul Callahan, senior analyst for  Forrester Research of Cambridge, Mass.  "At the desktop, video conferencing has to  rely on PC LAN technology as the distribution mechanism.  It's not an easy problem to  solve, but that's the reality."

InVision is compatible with any TCP/IP networking system for the PC, and has  been thoroughly tested with TCP/IP solutions from Beame & Whiteside, NetManage,  The Wollongong Group, FTP Software, Frontier Technology, InterCon Systems Corp.,  and other vendors.  It has an adjustable transmission rate so information can be sent at  256, 384 or 512 Kbps, to optimize the network load.  InVision can also generate from  10, 15 to 22 Frames-per-Second respectively.

Both InVision and VisionGraphics can be installed on any IBM 386, 486 or  Pentium personal computer running Microsoft Windows 3.1.  InVision Software is priced  at only $1,195 and the associated InVision Compatible Hardware components  consisting of the Codec, Telephone Handset and Video Camera is priced at $2,200.   VisionGraphics begins shipping this week as a Value-Added upgrade for InVision.

Future Labs, Inc. founded in 1989, is the market leader in the design and  development of desktop document conferencing software.  Future Labs can be  reached at 19925 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014; telephone (408)  973-7228; FAX: (408) 736-8030.

InVision Systems Corporation specializes in developing and marketing  desktop video conferencing software technology for computer networks.  InVision  Systems is located at 8500 Leesburg Pike, Suite 300, Vienna, VA 22182; telephone  (703) 506-0094; FAX: (703) 506-0098; electronic mail: CompuServe 72002,1677;  Internet info@invision.com


ORACLE Performance Tuning

By Peter Corrigan & Mark Gurry

642 pages, ISBN: 1-56592-048-1, $34.95 (US)

We have just released this book that pulls together the  experiences of many ORACLE system users and administrators who  have learned how to tune their ORACLE systems --running either  RDBMS Version 6 or Version 7--to best advantage. It answers  questions like:

   - "I've been waiting 30 minutes for a response to my query--

      what's going on?"

   - "My system administrator says our system is I/O-bound--

      what can I do?"

   - "Our application ran fine in testing, but the response is

      terrible now that we're in production--help!"

   - "Our backups take too long--how can we speed them up?"

It is written for managers, designers, programmers,  database  administrators, and system administrators, interested in dramatically  increasing the performance of existing ORACLE system.

   Chapter 1: Introduction to ORACLE Performance Tuning

   Chapter 2: What Causes Performance Problems?

   Chapter 3: Planning and Managing the Tuning Process

   Chapter 4: Defining System Standards

   Chapter 5: Designing Your Data Model for Performance

   Chapter 6: Defining Indexes

   Chapter 7: Tuning SQL

   Chapter 8: Tuning PL/SQL

   Chapter 9: Tuning SQL*Forms

   Chapter 10: Selecting a Locking Strategy

   Chapter 11: Tuning a New Database

   Chapter 12: Diagnostic and Tuning Tools

   Chapter 13: Monitoring and Tuning an Existing Database

   Chapter 14: Tuning the Data Dictionary

   Chapter 15: Tuning Long-running Jobs

   Chapter 16: Tuning in the Client-server Environment

   Chapter 17: Capacity Planning

   Chapter 18: Tuning for Specific Systems

   Appendix A: Planning for Version 7

   Appendix B: Hot Tuning Tips

   Appendix C: Tuning ORACLE Financials

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

This and other O'Reilly products are available in the Americas and Japan through bookstores, or directly from the publisher. Access our gopher catalog by "telnet gopher.ora.com" (log in as "gopher"). To contact us: telephone 707-829-0515 (800-998-9938 in US & Canada); FAX 707-829-0104; email order@ora.com; or write O'Reilly & Associates, 103A Morris St., Sebastopol, CA, 95472, USA.  GSA # GS-02F-6095A.

Our international distributors are:

*  Europe (except German-speaking countries), Middle East, and Africa through International Thomson Publishing, Berkshire House, 168-173 High Holborn, London WC1V 7AA, UK.  Telephone 44-71-497-1422; FAX 44-71-497-1426; or email samantha.jones@itpuk.co.uk

*  German-speaking countries through International Thomson Publishing, Konigswinterer Strasse 418, 53227 Bonn, Germany. Telephone 49-228-445171; FAX 49-228-441342; or email 100272.2422@compuserve.com

*  Asia through International Thomson Publishing, 221 Henderson Rd., #05-10 Henderson Building, Singapore 0315. Telephone 65-272-6496; FAX 65-272-6498

* Australia and New Zealand through WoodsLane, Unit 8, 101 Darley Street, Mona Vale, NSW 2103, Australia.  Telephone 61-2-979-5944; FAX 61-2-997-3348; or email woods@tmx.mhs.oz.au

O'Reilly & Associates

103A Morris Street, Sebastopol CA 95472

707-829-0515, Fax 707-829-0104


NSF High Tech Expertise Helps Clinton Admin
NSF'S HIGH TECH EXPERTISE HELPS CLINTON ADMINISTRATION "RE- INVENT" GOVERNMENT

September 13, 1993 -- Vice President Gore's National Performance Review (NPR) recommends that  the National Science Foundation (NSF) expand its use of innovative  technologies in order to improve productivity, contain costs, and better  serve its "customers."

As part of the NPR initiative, NSF plans to further automate its  electronic information processing capabilities which enable it to  receive, award, review, and administer research grants.  In addition,  implementation of NPR recommendations will enable NSF to empower more  grantees with greater decision-making authority over their grants, and  streamline certain procedural and reporting requirements for merit  review panels.   The agency will also implement changes proposed  government-wide in personnel management and procurement.

According to Frederick M. Bernthal, acting NSF director, the agency has  always been at the "cutting-edge" among federal agencies in using  innovative technology to fulfill its mission.  "We've worked hard to  develop a reputation for being creative and resourceful in minimizing  the burdens placed on our grantees and our staff," he added.

The NPR report recommended two areas in which NSF, because of its past experience in implementing innovative procedures, should concentrate its  efforts. Expand the Automation of Grant Processing Functions and Information  Dissemination

Bernthal said that a task group at NSF is planning the move toward  "paperless" processing of federal research grants through the use of  innovative information technologies.  He said the agency will expand its  capabilities to receive, review, and process grant proposals  electronically.  The improvements will also enable NSF to disseminate  more information associated with grants administration as well as  improve financial transactions with grantees.

The NPR report recognized NSF's leadership role in using innovation and advanced technologies to enhance its productivity in reviewing and processing  proposals and awards, which has enabled staff to focus its efforts on improving  the quality of their work.  Since the early 1980s, NSF's workforce has remained  about the same size while the number of grant proposals received has more than  doubled and its research budget has tripled.  NSF now receives annually more  than 30,000 proposals.  The burgeoning workload has been handled, to a great  degree, from increased automation.

Bernthal said the agency has also developed a model electronic financial management system that enables it to transfer funds quickly to grantees and  improve its ability to account for and monitor expenditures.

Expand the Federal Demonstration Project

In another area related to the streamlining of the processing of  proposals and awards, Bernthal said that NSF will help identify  additional procedures and regulations relating to the Federal  Demonstration Project (FDP), and seek to expand the number of federal  agencies and universities participating in the FDP.

NSF conceptualized and implemented the FDP in the mid-1980s as an  experiment to increase researchers' productivity by empowering them to  identify and modify burdensome administrative procedures while  maintaining accountability to the government.  The changes include  managing and reprogramming research budgets, sharing research equipment,  and enabling grantees to carry forward unobligated grant funds to the  next funding period and authorizing grantees to incur certain pre-award  costs at their own risk.  Bernthal said that because of the FDP model  there is more effective use of federal research funds and administrative  time and costs have been reduced.

Other Agency Improvements

Bernthal said that NSF will also implement a number of other reforms,  some of which are specific to the agency.

For example, NSF is required to maintain information on the nature,  function, and operation of advisory committees.  It is also required to  publish announcements of these meetings in the Federal Register even  though by statute they are closed to the public because they review  grant proposals and make funding decisions.  Elimination of the  regulations requiring the publication of announcements will help NSF  reduce its administrative burdens.

Bernthal noted that the proposed overhaul of the federal personnel  management system should make it easier for then agency to hire the  scientists and engineers it needs, many of whom are "detailed" to the  agency from colleges, universities, and other institutions.  Revised  procurement requirements will also enable NSF to be more flexible in  automating further its innovative information processing capabilities,  specifically in the purchase and installation of the newest computers  and other equipment.

The National Science Foundation is an independent agency of the federal government established in 1950 to promote and advance scientific progress in  the United States.  NSF accomplishes its mission primarily by competitively  awarding grants to educational institutions for research and education in the  sciences, mathematics, and engineering.


NSF Expands Commitment to Technology Transfer
NSF EXPANDS COMMITMENT TO TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER BY LINKING SMALL BUSINESSES TO UNIVERSITY RESEARCHERS

September 23, 1993 -- To accelerate the transformation of ideas into marketable products, the National Science Foundation is joining a new federal program that links entrepreneurs to the academic research community.

Called the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) pilot program, the effort will encourage commercialization of government-funded research by the private sector. Four other agencies--National Institutes of Health, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Departments of Energy and Defense--are participating.  The program calls for each agency to devote 0.05 percent of its extramural research budget to STTR in fiscal year 1994, 0.1 percent in 1995, and 0.15 percent in 1996.

NSF will announce approximately $1.2 million in awards next spring. Merit review will be integral to the selection process.  Each project will receive up to $100,000 in its first year to explore its feasibility and refine its focus.  A subsequent award--of up to $350,000 over two years--may be made to foster design and development.  With about a dozen awards expected initially, NSF will focus on analytical chemical instrumentation, a field that has broad impact, a large potential market, and a short marketing time period.

The STTR program requires that small businesses originate the proposals, collaborate with researchers from a university or non-profit institution, and present a model agreement that details the rights of the partners.

"By coupling research institutions to technology developers, this program puts effective innovation on a fast track to the marketplace," said Acting NSF Director Frederick Bernthal.  "At NSF, it reinforces our efforts to encourage entrepreneurial research and complements the highly regarded Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program pioneered by NSF."

NSF initiated the country's first SBIR program in 1977.  Five years later the effort was expanded by Congress to include 11 federal agencies. According to the General Accounting Office, SBIR-derived product sales exceeded $1 billion by July 1991 and will surpass $3 billion by the end of 1993.  NSF's Division of Industrial Innovation Interface oversees the agency's participation in both the SBIR and STTR programs.

According to Joseph Bordogna, head of NSF's Directorate for Engineering, "At NSF, we've seen tremendous achievements arise from our SBIR support of business ideas that were sound both scientifically and commercially, from advances in fish-farming to the development of durable, palm-sized, portable microcomputer-based science laboratories for schoolchildren. The STTR program complements these efforts with its call for synergistic partnerships between small businesses and the scientific community. And we're ready to help."

On Oct. 13-15 in Arlington, Va., NSF and the Department of Defense will sponsor the first of three national conferences that will provide detailed sessions on how small businesses can participate in the SBIR and STTR programs.

Other conferences will be held in Seattle, Wash., Nov. 15-17, and in Houston, Texas, April 26-28, 1994.  For conference details, call (407) 791-0720.


Portrait/15 Plus Portrait/Landscape Monitor
Portrait Display Labs Announces Portrait/15 Plus Monitor

Only Full Color Portrait Monitor for Windows

(Fremont, CA) Portrait Display Labs today announced the Portrait/15 Plus, a 15" full color portrait and landscape monitor designed specifically for IBM compatible PCs running Microsoft Windows. The Portrait/15 Plus will begin shipping in May. Suggested list price is $999, and the product will be available direct from Portrait Display Labs at an introductory price of $799 plus shipping and handling at (800) 858-7744. The monitor is sold with a 30 day money back guarantee and one year limited warranty.

The Portrait/l S Plus is the only full color portrait display available for IBM compatible PCs and is also the only color display for PCs that combines both portrait and landscape in a single monitor. The user physically rotates the monitor from a portrait (vertical) view to a landscape (horizontal) view, while software re-maps the screen display to match the new orientation.

Optimized for 800 x 600 and 1024 x 768 resolution at non-interlaced refresh rates above 70 hz, the Portrait/15 Plus works with all popular accelerated graphics cards and onboard video suitable for Windows, including those based on chips from Tseng Labs, S-3, Radius SVGA, ATI, Video Seven, and XGA II.

The Portrait/15 Plus features a .28mm dot pitch, super-fine coat etch anti glare screen, swivel and tilt for ergonomic viewing, and full controls for vertical and horizontal image sizing, brightness and contrast. The Portrait/l S Plus also meets Sweden's MPR II standard for reduced electronic and magnetic emissions.

Portrait Display Better for Windows Document Preparation

Portrait display is preferred for Windows word processing and desktop publishing applications because it permits the user to display and work with a full 81/2" x 11" document without reducing the image to fit a horizontal screen. This eliminates the need, required in a landscape display, for users to continually scroll up and down to see the top, middle, or bottom of a full document, significantly increasing speed of data input, document, table, and forms preparation and formatting.

"The growth of Windows and use of WYSIWYG document preparation and word processing software is driving strong interest in portrait displays for PCs," said Bruce Cummings, President & CEO of Portrait Display Labs, "because you get to see more of the document on screen. A portrait monitor is just plain better, faster, easier to use with Windows word processors and desktop publishing packages than a landscape monitor ."

"Over 15% -- and that number is growing fast -- of all monitors sold for the Macintosh, which has always been WYSIWYG, are portrait monitors," Cummings said. "Now that PCs have a graphical user interface we expect to see similar demand for portrait monitors for PCs."

According to Cummings, a portrait-only monitor is superior to a landscape-only monitor because the primary application of most Windows users is word processing. Landscape monitors typically display only about 50% of an 81/2" x 11" document, with full page display possible only if the image is reduced to a level where fonts are virtually unreadable. "After all, the only reason monitors have been horizontal is that television sets were horizontal -- its got little to do with the real 81/2" x 11 " world we live in," he said. "If you do a lot of document processing, and had to make a choice of a landscape-only monitor or a portrait-only monitor, you're better off with portrait."

Portrait & Landscape in a Single Monitor

Cummings acknowledged that landscape view is more suitable for display of horizontal 11" x 8 1/2" documents such as full-year spreadsheets and presentation graphics where the horizontal screen matches that document size. "So, the best of all worlds is to have a monitor that flips vertically to portrait display for 8 1/2" x 11" or 8 1/2'' x 14" word processing and document preparation work, then flips back to a horizontal display when you need to do a spreadsheet or slide presentation. Only the Portrait/15 Plus does that on a PC," he said.

The Portrait/15 Plus has a suggested list price of $999, but is sold direct by Portrait Display Labs to end users for an introductory price of $799. "In terms of quality, dot pitch, anti-glare, emission standards, and compatibility with popular Windows graphics cards, the Portrait/15 Plus is directly comparable in either portrait or landscape mode to high quality multi-frequency landscape monitors from NEC and Sony," explained Cummings. "By pricing it against their 15" monitors, we are in effect selling a very competitive landscape monitor, and giving the customer portrait for free."

Proprietary Technology

Portrait Display Labs and San Jose, California based Radius Inc. -- a leader in graphics and displays for Macintosh computers, including pioneering portrait displays for the Macintosh -have previously announced a strategic business relationship.

Portrait Display Labs has developed its own driver software and monitor from core proprietary Radius technology for pivoting the screen image and display from portrait to landscape. Portrait Display Labs' product is specifically designed for IBM compatible PCs and Windows, while Radius uses the technology to produce similar products specifically designed for Macintosh computers.

Fremont, California based Portrait Display Labs is a privately held company which focuses on the development and marketing of portrait-capable computer displays for IBM compatible PCs.

Portrait Display Labs

46712 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA 94538

510-249-0444,  fax 510-249-0445


Rosenthal WINLITE Windows Program Compressor
Rosenthal Engineering recently released the latest shareware version of their Rosenthal WINLITE compression program for MS-Windows programs. Check your favorite online service, local BBS or shareware vendor for copies.

Rosenthal    WINLITE   compresses   MS-Windows    programs,    to  dramatically    reduce  their  size.  Programs   compressed    by  Rosenthal  WinLite are functionally identical to  the  originals,  only  smaller. For example, consider the 180k  "Solitaire"   game  that   is  bundled  with  MS-Windows  3.1.   Rosenthal    Winlite  compresses  this file to less than 77k, or 43% of  its   original  size.   The smaller, more efficient programs save   disk   space,  LAN   overhead, disk caching resources and   discourage   reverse  engineering.

Rosenthal  WinLite inputs a big program... and outputs  a   small  one.   The  process  is  totally  automatic  and   requires    no  additional   drivers  and  no modification to  source   code   or  linking. (WINLITE1.ZIP).

Rosenthal Engineering

P.O.Box 1650, San Luis Obispo, CA USA 93406


New Color EL Flat Panel Computer Package
New Color EL Flat Panel Computer

October 1, 1993 -- Greer, SC . . . Computer Dynamics announces the introduction of the first flat panel computer to feature the new multi-color electroluminescent (EL) display. The "DisplayPac-Color EL" combines a brilliant 9-color EL display, a complete 486DX single board PC at 66 MHz, and a capacitive touchscreen in a sturdy 12.6" x 8.6" x 3" OEM frame. It is designed for operator interface applications which require the color, wide viewing angle, extended temperature range and powerful computing which this DisplayPac can deliver. Medical instrumentation, industrial process control, test and measurement, and transportation are ideal markets.

The multi-color EL display features 640x350 resolution and nine colors (red, yellow, green, intermediate shades, and black). Its high contrast and 160 degree viewing angle make it easy for operators to differentiate on-screen data. The display allows the full package to meet 0-55 degree-C temperatures.

The DisplayPac-Color EL is powered by a 486DX single board computer at up to 66 MHz. Other processor options are offered, including a 25 MHz 486SX and 33 MHz DX, a 486SLC and a 386SX. The 486DX features 32-bit local bus video for maximum throughput and faster graphics, plus Windows accelerators. Also up to 32M DRAM, 1.5M semiconductor disk (including Flash ROM), hard and floppy disk interfaces, PC bus and SBX expansion, and all the standard PC functions.

For easy operator interface and maximum resolution, the DisplayPac-Color EL features a glass capacitive touchscreen. Also offered are an analog resistive touchscreen and an infrared touchscreen with NEMA 12 bezel.

The DisplayPac-Color EL's software support makes it easy to use in embedded applications. Computer Dynamics' "ROM Tools" software takes your application code from your DOS development environment to semiconductor disk, allowing you to eliminate disk drives. An extensive range of touchscreen driver tools are also available to simplify touchscreen implementation.

The DisplayPac-Color EL is priced at $4929 for the 33 MHz 486DX version with color EL flat panel display and capacitive touchscreen, quantity 100. Delivery is stock to 30 days. For more information, contact the Sales Department, Computer Dynamics, 107 S. Main Street, Greer, SC 29650. Phone 803-877-8700 or FAX 803-879-2030.


TSCA Chemical Information Database
NEW Chemical Information Software

The TSCA Software Database details EVERY chemical manufactured, imported or sold in the United States.

The Software is cross-indexed by Chemical Abstract Registry Number (CAS), Chemical Name, Molecular Formula and Synonym.

The TSCA Software Database provides an essential cross-reference tool for Environmental, Engineering, Purchasing and Laboratory personnel.

The TSCA Database utilizes an integral software "hypertext engine" that provides quick and convenient access to vital chemical data. The TSCA Database contains OVER 244,000 dynamic links and 40 million bytes of data.

The TSCA Software Database will operate on any PC compatible Computer, Network, Mainframe or DOS emulating Macintosh system.

The TSCA Chemical Information Database was engineered by SOLUTIONS Software Corporation, one of the worlds leading developers of environmental software.

FREE Detailed information is available upon request.

SOLUTIONS Software Corporation

1795 Turtle Hill Rd, Enterprise, FL 32725

(407) 321-7912,  FAX: (407) 323-4898,  BBS (407) 321-6119 [8-N-1]


Artisoft ArtiSave Backup Software Series
ARTISOFT ANNOUNCES SCALABLE BACKUP SYSTEMS FOR LANTASTIC LOCAL AREA NETWORKS

Backup Solutions Being Jointly Developed With Mountain Network Solutions

(TUCSON, AZ - September 28, 1993) - Artisoft, Inc. announced today an agreement with Mountain Network Solutions, Inc. to jointly develop a comprehensive backup and recovery system for LANtastic Local Area Networks. The first in the ArtiSave Backup software series will be available this fall as a software-only solution compatible with industry standard SCSI tape backup drives for $339. A software/hardware bundle with the Mountain Network Solutions' SideCar II parallel port tape backup drive will also be available this Fall at $699. Additional packages will be available in early calendar year 1994.

"We are pleased to be working on this new series with one of the leaders in tape backup subsystems," commented Artisoft's Vice President of Sales & Marketing Dave Hallmen. "The software will offer our customers an excellent option for backing up their mission-critical data and will add to Artisoft's total solution approach to a customer's networking needs."

Mountain President, Dr. William E. Kunz, added "With the broad range of features that we are building into ArtiSave, LANtastic users no longer have to worry about the security of the data on their mixed platform peer-to-peer networks. Backup and recovery will be fool-proof."

ArtiSave Backup Software Features

For DOS and Windows users, the ArtiSave Backup software can be run directly on any server to backup the drive and will also provide a backup solution to any server across the network. This new software offers selective (file-by-file) and automatic backup modes. Features include automatic installation, easy-to-use menus, on-line context sensitive help screens, automatic scheduling of backup events, and simultaneous backup of the server while users are on the network.

Windows users can save valuable administration time with the ArtiSave software's powerful Librarian feature that provides easy-to-use data management features which allow automatic tracking of archived files for easy location and restoration. Users can catalog every backup and view all instances of a file, enabling users to choose which version of the file they wish to restore.

Selective Backup

The ArtiSave Backup software supports large directory structures and defragments files that are backed up file-by-file, allowing individual files to be quickly restored. The selective backup features allow rapid tagging of disks, subdirectories and files with a single click. The ArtiSave Backup software also provides the ability to backup files that have been modified since the last complete backup, files between a specified date range or by archive bit.

Automatic Backup

The ArtiSave Backup software can automatically perform an image or selected file backup. The Windows software includes an integrated job scheduler feature which allows users to schedule unattended backups to run at specific times, while the DOS version takes advantage of DOS batch file capabilities.

Users with an 80386-based computer can take advantage of the Windows 386 enhanced mode background operation. This will allow them to begin other tasks while the backup/restore process runs concurrently in the background.

Backup Sessions

This new software will recognize when a file is in use and will log such files into a tape log which can be used as the basis for a later backup. Users can set up a backup session with error-level checking and error reporting and will be able to check the status of the backup through a supervisor feature that displays how many files are left, what percentage of the jobs are remaining and the size of the backup. Users can also access a log file that records any files that were skipped during the backup and indicates why they were skipped. This log file can be sent to a printer or other output device.

Software-Only Versions

The ArtiSave Backup software will be available as a software-only solution that supports industry standard SCSI interface tape backup drives. This version is scheduled to begin shipping in November 1993 and will be priced at $339.

A version that will support Mountain's TD 250 and Colorado Memory System's Jumbo 250 backup drives is scheduled to be available early in calendar year 1994. The ArtiSave Backup software for these drives will be priced at $249.

Hardware Bundle

The ArtiSave Backup software will be bundled with Mountain's SideCarII 305Mb portable backup drive. The SideCarII connects directly to the PC's parallel port with no additional interface card required. The ArtiSave Rescue feature will constantly monitor the drive volumes and the tape cartridges that are used to backup the drive.

In the event of data loss, the combination of the ArtiSave Backup software and the Mountain SideCarII parallel port tape drive provides a unique remote disaster recovery capability. An administrator has the ability to take the portable SideCarII drive to the disabled PC and invoke the Rescue command to quickly and completely restore the data. This bundle is scheduled to begin shipping in November 1993 and will be priced at $699.

Artisoft develops and manufactures a full line of innovative, cost-effective network communication solutions including the award-winning LANtastic Local Area Network. Recognized as the leader in peer-to-peer networking for DOS and Windows environments, the LANtastic network also offers multiplatform connectivity solutions for NetWare, TCP/IP and Macintosh systems. It allows up to 500 users on one network to connect and share information and peripheral devices such as printers, hard drives and CD-ROMs. Artisoft maintains nine international offices and distributes the LANtastic network and its other connectivity products in over 70 countries worldwide.

For more information about Artisoft or its product line, contact Artisoft, Inc. at 2202 N. Forbes Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85745. Sales 800/233-5564. Corporate 602/670-7100. Fax 602/670-7101.

Founded in 1977, Mountain is a leading producer of computer and network tape backup systems. For more information, contact Mountain Network Solutions, Inc. at 360 El Pueblo Road, Scotts Valley, CA 95066. 408/438-6650, Fax 408/461-3047


LANtastic for Macintosh Connectivity System
ARTISOFT ANNOUNCES ENHANCEMENTS TO LANTASTIC CONNECTIVITY SERIES

New Windows-Based LANtastic For Macintosh Connectivity Software; Free Update To LANtastic For TCP/IP Connectivity Software

(TUCSON, AZ - September 28, 1993)- Artisoft, Inc. announced today a new Windows-based version of the LANtastic for Macintosh connectivity system. The new LANtastic for Macintosh Windows Gateway software allows a non-dedicated Windows PC to act as a gateway that provides interconnectivity between Macintosh AppleShare and LANtastic networks. The LANtastic for Macintosh Windows Gateway software is priced at $649 and is scheduled to begin shipping in fall 1993. Artisoft is also offering a free update to the LANtastic for TCP/IP connectivity software, which will be available to registered end-users and Artisoft Five Star Connectivity Resellers in October 1993.

"We have based the new LANtastic for Macintosh Windows Gateway software on the award-winning features of our original LANtastic for Macintosh system. This new software, which takes advantage of the easy-to-use Windows environment, saves valuable network resources because it allows a non-dedicated PC to be accessed while it acts as the gateway between platforms," stated Dave Hallmen, Artisoft's Vice President of Sales & Marketing.

The LANtastic for Macintosh Windows Gateway Software

Artisoft will continue to sell its original LANtastic for Macintosh connectivity system for DOS users along with this new Windows-based product. Both LANtastic for Macintosh products are the result of a joint development agreement with Miramar Systems. The original LANtastic for Macintosh connectivity system and the new LANtastic for Macintosh Windows Gateway software use a PC as a gateway to provide networked Macintosh users with transparent access to the LANtastic network resources, while enabling LANtastic users to transparently access PostScript printers on the Macintosh network. For example, files that are created on the PC by a cross-platform application such as Microsoft Word or Excel can be directly accessed by Macintosh users. In order for LANtastic network users to have access to Macintosh file resources, Macintosh users must copy these resources onto the gateway PC.

Software Differences

While these two products both provide interconnectivity between LANtastic and Macintosh networks, they differ in two ways: the operating environments that they support and the manner in which the gateway computer is set up. The original LANtastic for Macintosh connectivity system, which runs on DOS, uses a dedicated network PC to serve as the gateway computer, while the LANtastic for Macintosh Windows Gateway software runs under Windows and allows a non-dedicated LANtastic Windows PC to act as the gateway computer. The remaining LANtastic workstations on the LANtastic for Macintosh Windows Gateway network can run a mixed environment of DOS and Windows.

Hardware Requirements

The non-dedicated gateway PC requires two adapters: one to connect the Macintosh network, and one to connect the LANtastic network. The LANtastic for Macintosh Windows Gateway software includes software drivers that are compatible with a variety of popular industry standard Ethernet network adapters, including Artisoft's AE-series, NodeRunner and NodeRunner/SI series. This software also requires Apple's System 6.0 or greater, and DOS 3.3 or greater.

The LANtastic for TCP/IP Connectivity Software

The LANtastic for TCP/IP software, which was jointly developed with The Wollongong Group, Inc., allows a workstation on a LANtastic network to access a wide range of systems throughout the network, including DEC VAX, HP and Sun workstations, IBM mainframes, and NCR and AT&T minicomputers. The free update to this software offers improved features that allow users to easily access TCP/IP resources from a seamless Windows environment.

Software Enhancements

Enhanced features include:

* Compatibility with applications written for the Sockets for Windows (WINSOCK) application programming interface

* A Windows-based script compiler that allows common telnet terminal emulation tasks - such as logging into a remote host or starting an application to be automated for on-line execution

* On-screen function keys for VT340 and TN3270 terminal emulations

* Enhanced printer functions that allow users to locate and mount a remote NFS printer, view all available printers on the server, view all the print jobs in the queue for a redirected printer, and delete print jobs from a print queue

* Displays that show users all internal information about a mounted network device as well as determine if an NFS server is available on the network

Software Features

The LANtastic for TCP/IP software provides powerful terminal emulators that enable users to access applications, share printers, and transfer and manipulate files residing on remote hosts, just as if the users were directly connected. The LANtastic for TCP/IP software also supports many TCP/IP applications, terminal emulations, printing services, and protocols; is compatible with Microsoft Windows and any host TCP/IP product; and offers low RAM overhead.

The LANtastic for TCP/IP software allows a network operating system to be configured so that the keyboard and screen can emulate one of the following terminals: VT100, VT220, VT240, VT320, and VT340; IBM 3270 Models 2,3,4 and 5.

Artisoft develops and manufactures a full line of innovative, cost-effective network communication solutions including the award-winning LANtastic Local Area Network. Recognized as the leader in peer-to-peer networking for DOS and Windows environments, the LANtastic network also offers multiplatform connectivity solutions hr NetWare, TCP/IP and Macintosh systems. It allows up to 500 users on one network to connect and share information and peripheral devices such as printers, hard drives and CD-ROMs. Artisoft maintains nine international offices and distributes the LANtastic network and its other connectivity products in over 70 countries worldwide.

For more information about Artisoft or its product line, contact Artisoft, Inc. at 2202 N. Forbes Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85745. Sales 800/233-5564. Corporate 602/670-7100. Fax 602/670-7101


MiLAN Low-Cost Intelligent Ethernet Hubs
MILAN ANNOUNCES FAMILY OF LOW-COST, INTELLIGENT ETHERNET HUBS

Six New Hubs Provide Choice of Number and Type of Ports

Sunnyvale, CA (October 4, 1993)--MiLAN Technology today broadened its line of networking solutions by introducing a family of intelligent Ethernet hubs that feature SNMP management capability at an industry-leading price as low as $73 per port. The 4400 Series and 4500 Series include six different models that offer a wide choice of the type of Ethernet media (10BaseT, 10Base2, or 10BaseFL) and number of ports supported. An inter-hub communication bus lets an administrator link multiple hubs together to easily support expanding workgroups. An optional SNMP management module allows an administrator to manage the new MiLAN hubs via standard SNMP management systems.

The MiLAN 4400 And 4500 Series

The MiLAN 4400 Series hubs offer either 6 10BaseT, 5 10Base2, or 4 10BaseFL ports plus one modular uplink port for AUI, 10BaseT, Thinnet, or fiber connection. The 4500 Series hubs are available in the same three configuration options, but provide twice the number of 10BaseT, 10Base2, or 10BaseFL ports. An administrator can connect multiple hubs together to support large workgroups. For example, up to 16 of the Model 4410H hubs can be connected to provide a maximum of 112 10BaseT ports.

The 4400 Series hubs are packaged in a small 7.5" x 8" x 1.75" cabinet and the 4500 Series hubs are enclosed in a standard 19" rackmount package; both the 4400 and the 4500 Series can be rackmounted with an optional set of brackets. All the MiLAN hubs contain their own 110-220 VAC power supplies.

Management Features Make MiLAN Hubs Easy To Use

The MiLAN 4400 and 4500 Series hubs feature easy-to-read LEDs for each port that indicate termination; receive; global, local, and remote collision; jabber; and power status. All models offer an optional SNMP management module that allows an administrator to monitor status and configuration information remotely using any standard SNMP management system. MiLAN's SNMP module is compliant with the Internet Advisory Board's RFCs 1155, 1157, 1213 and RFC 1368. In addition, this module supports Mib-II, traps, and is get and set operational with all the popular SNMP management stations.

An SNMP module installed in one hub can control multiple hubs when they are linked together via the inter-hub communication bus, thereby lowering the effective price per port for SNMP management functionality. The SNMP module can be purchased with the MiLAN hub, or added on later as desired.

Pricing and Availability

The new MiLAN hubs, including the optional SNMP module, will be available as of November, 1993. U.S. pricing for the various configurations is as follows:

Model         Ports                                       Price

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

MIL-44lOH     6 10BaseT ports plus one configurable       $475

              uplink port

MIL-4420H     5 10Base2 ports plus one configurable        875

              uplink port

MIL-4430H     4 10BaseFL ports plus one configurable      1500

              uplink port

MIL-4510H     12 10BaseT ports plus one configurable       975

              uplink port

MIL-4520H     10 10Base2 ports plus one configurable      1500

              uplink port

MIL-4530H     8 10BaseFL ports plus one configurable      2750

              uplink port

The optional SNMP management module is priced separately at $600.

About MiLAN Technology

Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, MiLAN Technology offers a full line of networking products including Ethernet transceivers, converters, repeaters, fanouts, hubs, and print servers. MiLAN has quickly grown from its founding in 1991 to become a major provider of compact, power-efficient, affordable Ethernet products. MiLAN's products are sold under the terms of OEM agreements and by distributors and VARs worldwide.

MiLAN Technology

894 Ross Dr, Suite 101, Sunnyvale, CA 94086

408-752-2770,  fax 408-752-2790


Folio Delivers Cross-Platform Elec Publishing
Folio Delivers Cross-Platform Electronic Publishing

Folio VIEWS 3.0 for DOS is Now Shipping

PROVO, Utah, September 27, 1993 -- Folio Corporation is now shipping the DOS version of its newly designed Folio VIEWS 3.0 electronic publishing software, delivering on its promise of cross-platform paperless publishing. The Windows version of Folio VIEWS 3.0 was released in May; Macintosh support will be added in late 1993 or early 1994.

Folio VIEWS is ideal for sharing information across an enterprise network that includes both DOS and Windows users. Companies do not need to create a different Folio Infobase for each platform. Users can stay with their platform of choice (DOS or Windows) to create, access, manage and share the same Folio Infobases across either platform.

The product includes a royalty free viewer for distributing non-commercial Folio Infobases to people who do not have Folio VIEWS. Both the DOS and Windows versions are priced at US$495. A limited version, called Folio VIEWS Lite, allows corporate users to search, print, and annotate but not author and is priced at US$195. These products are available through Folio resellers.

Paperless Publishing Reduces Costs

Companies who use Folio VIEWS save substantial sums of money by replacing paper manuals and documents with electronically produced and delivered information. For example, Aetna Life and Casualty Company of Hartford, Conn. saved $6 million in 1992 with Folio VIEWS by converting printed manuals to on-line format and sending out the updates across their network.

Delivers Mission Critical Information Quickly

Folio VIEWS 3.0 is designed for businesses that use large amounts of information that must be archived or updated and shared frequently. By converting the information from paper to a Folio Infobase, companies can deliver the latest information quickly and effortlessly across a network to the decision makers who rely on it.

Does More Than Transport Information

Folio VIEWS 3.0 goes several steps beyond other products that merely imitate paper on screen or that specialize in transporting information from one computer to many. Folio VIEWS 3.0 lets people . . .

* conduct extremely fast, sophisticated searches within huge unstructured Folio Infobase files (up to 16 terabytes),

* navigate the internal structure of large Folio Infobases using tables of contents and fields,

* personalize the information with hypertext links, bookmarks, highlighters, popup notes, etc.

* update and edit the information on the fly with groups of people simultaneously entering changes,

* include embedded objects, graphics, multi-media, and text in an infobase.

About Folio Corporation

Folio Corporation, the leading developer of electronic publishing software for personal computers, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mead Data Central, Inc. provider of the LEXIS-and NEWS- on-line information services. Folio VIEWS is used by thousands of major corporations, government agencies, and educational institutions.

Folio also offers commercial publishing products used by over 100 publishers to create more than one thousand titles distributed on CD-ROM and diskette. With the wide adoption of Folio Infobases as the publishing platform of choice, Folio VIEWS is rapidly becoming a de facto publishing standard in several industries including legal, tax, and accounting.

Folio Corp

2155 North Freedom Blvd, Suite 150, Provo, UH 84604

801-375-3700


Eat Fire Bug-Eyed Scum! Strike Squad on Patrol
EAT FIRE, BUG-EYED SCUM!

STRIKE SQUAD IS ON PATROL.

TORRANCE, Calif.--September 28, 1993 -- Experience the clever wit of Strike Squad as you command an unruly, but talented, group of mercenary warriors in the battle against the K'kistiks to save the Consortium, just released from Mindcraft Software.

The plot...

The ruthless K'kistiks, a race of six feet tall, bug-eyed, cockroach creatures from the planet Kotrae have infiltrated the Consortiums small array of worlds They are oppressing the fair races within the Consortium alliance. You have fought K'kistiks in the past, stopping their fiendish plot to enslave earth's population, but now you have vowed to wreak vengeance for their attack on Bao, your once beautiful home.

Your mission...

Get ready to exterminate! Comprise a squad of four intergalactic warriors from a group of thirty individuals of nine different races. Drop-shuttle your way among four unique planets as you stomp, shoot, bribe, and burn a path through numerous remote, backwater locations. Rescue and recruit shell-shocked veteran mercenaries and graying ex-shuttle mechs to assist your cause. Procure exotic weapons, devices, and even a chameleon named Boog from the handful of planet-side shopkeepers.

Futuristic battle strategy combined with unique role-playing components add interest and support a well developed storyline. Animated scenes dynamically depict the storyline as it unfolds as well as provide clues for subsequent missions. The two-player, split-screen option is available so you can square off against your companion, or combine forces against the common enemy. Intense digitized sounds accompany animations and gameplay. It's sci-fi role-playing strategy action with just the right dose of humor. Strike Squad has a suggested retail price of $59.95.

Mindcraft titles are distributed exclusively in North America by Electronic Arts Distribution under its Affiliated Label program.

Electronic Arts

1450 Fashion Island Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94404


RangeLAN/PCMCIA Wireless LAN for IBM ThinkPad
PROXIM'S RANGELAN/PCMCIA SPREAD SPECTRUTM-BASED WIRELESS LAN ADAPTER COMPATIBLE WITH IBM THINKPAD

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., October 4, 1993 -- Proxim, Inc., the world's leading supplier of spread spectrum wireless networking products, announced today that its RangeLAN/PCMCIA wireless LAN adapter is compatible with the IBM ThinkPad 710T and 720.

Proxim's RangeLAN and RangeLAN2 families of wireless LAN adapters provide low cost wireless solutions for LAN environments and the industry's only PCMCIA-based capability for wireless networking of mobile computers. Proxim conducts in-house compatibility testing at its lab in Mountain View, Calif

"Proxim's RangeLAN/PCMCIA provides a seamless, wireless LAN interface for mobile computing environments," said David King, president and CEO of Proxim. "IBM ThinkPad users will now be able to harness Proxim's innovative wireless technology with our RangeLAN/PCMCIA, the industry's first and only shipping spread spectrum-based wireless LAN adapter for PCMCIA slots."

ID June 1993, Proxim introduced RangeLAN2, a family of high performance wireless systems designed for the corporate LAN market. Based on frequency hopping spread spectrum technology in the 2.4-2.483 GHz band, RangeLAN2 offers the longest range and lowest power consumption of any wireless LAN product in its class. RangeLAN2 delivers an uncompressed data rate of 1.6 Mbps per channel over 10 independent channels. RangeLAN2's data rate exceeds the performance requirements of most standard PC applications, making it an ideal wireless system for high speed LAN environments. The RangeLAN2 family includes RangeLAN2/PCMCIA for notebook and handheld computers, RangeLAN2/ISA for desktop PCs and servers, and RangeLAN2/BridgeTIA for plug-and-play network access to standard wired LAN environments. All RangeLAN2 systems come bundled with Proxim's unique RangeLAN2/Roaming software, a breakthrough capability developed for Proxim's original RangeLAN family of adapters. RangeLAN2/Roaming allows mobile computer users the unprecedented ability to move seamlessly from one LAN access point to another without ever losing connection to the network, effectively creating "microcellular" in-building wireless networks.

Proxim's original award-winning RangeLAN family of products, which began shipping in early 1992, is designed for less data-intensive LAN applications such as Email, printer-sharing and file transfer, as well as many industry-specific mobile computing applications. Operating at a data rate of 242 Kbps per channel across three independent channels, the original RangeLAN family has a range of 300-500 feet in normal office environments and 800-1000 feet in outdoor or open space environments. The RangeLAN family includes RangeLAN/PCMCIA for portable computers, RangeLAN/ISA for desktop PCs and servers, RangeLAN/LT for Compaq Computer's Contura and LTE notebook computers, RangeLAN/Parallel for connection to the parallel port of any PC, and RangeLAN/Roaming, which allows mobile computer users to automatically switch from access point to access point within a Novell network.

Founded in 1984, Proxim, Inc., headquartered in Mountain View, Calif, is the world's leading supplier of spread spectrum wireless networking products for end users, systems integrators, VARs and OEMs. The company designs, manufactures and markets an industry leading family of off-the-shelf wireless LAN adapters for desktop and portable systems, as well as spread spectrum radio modules and wireless RF modems for custom applications. To date, Proxim has shipped over 50,000 spread spectrum radio products.

Proxim, Inc.

295 North Bernardo Avenue

Mountain View, CA 94043

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


XSoft Announces Reseller Alliance Program

Xerox division discloses new channel marketing

and support strategy for VARs, system integrators

PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 4, 1993 -- XSoft, a division of Xerox Corporation, today announced the XSoft Alliance Program, a new channel marketing program for value-added resellers and system integrators of XSoft's workflow, publishing, office automation, and document management software. Through an array of marketing support, training and support benefits, and financial incentives, the program is designed to provide XSoft's reseller partners with a strategic advantage in delivering solutions for the electronic document management market.

XSoft established the new distribution channel program to address the growing need for electronic document management software and collaborative services in the UNIX and PC markets, fueled by the broad market migration to client-server systems. XSoft sales managers will work closely with channel partners to identify target markets, develop and implement marketing plans, generate new business leads, and provide support for customizing sales solutions.

Barry Obrand, XSoft vice president of worldwide marketing and North American sales, stated, "A strong distribution channel program is critical to success in the client-server software industry. XSoft is dedicated to helping resellers and system integrators profit from expanding opportunities in the document management arena, and the XSoft Alliance Program provides an progressive framework in which to do this. We designed the program to maximize returns for our channel partners and create the best possible foundation for delivery of XSoft products to

corporations."

XSoft Alliance Program Features

Key features of the new education and support programs include:

* Product Initiation Kits. Provide the basic tools needed to familiarize program members with XSoft products. They include demonstration scripts, product licenses, documentation, training, telephone support, and customer evaluation software.

* Exclusive lead generation, qualification, and referral services. Provided to resellers based on geographic region or vertical market focus.

* Market education seminars and support materials. Enable resellers to develop and conduct professional corporate presentations and solution briefings for customers.

* Partner Marketing Funds. In addition to discounts on products and services, Partner Marketing Funds will be offered to program members for advertising, seminar delivery, direct mail campaigns, and other marketing activities that highlight XSoft products.

* Performance rebates. Based on the total of XSoft products and services purchased, these rebates provide additional financial incentives.

* XSoft Software Evaluation Program. A software trial kit which resellers may offer to their corporate accounts.

XSoft will qualify and train resellers to sell XSoft's products and services and to offer their own service and support options. In addition to valuable discounts for the resale of software products, program members will be offered financial incentives for sales of XSoft's product training classes, offered at authorized training centers nationwide, and for XSoft's numerous service and support options.

XSoft technical experts will support channel partners to develop a wide range of document-oriented solutions such as purchasing and procurement, regulatory documentation, intelligent forms, office automation, and multi-language applications.

Opportunities for XSoft systems solutions cross horizontal and vertical market segments, including manufacturing, utilities, state and local government, engineering, transportation, service industries, insurance, pharmaceutical, and aerospace.

Resellers and system integrators interested in the XSoft Alliance Program can contact XSoft at 800-428-2995.

XSoft

3400 Hillview Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94304

415-424-0111,   fax 415-813-7162


Cardiff Increases Teleform for Windows Price
CARDIFF SOFTWARE INCREASES PRICE OF TELEFORM

(Solana Beach, CA, September 15, 1993) Viewed by users and resellers as undervalued from the start, effective November 15, 1993, the price of Teleform for Windows will increase from $995 to $1495. The price change will affect only the single-user version. The price of Teleform MultiUser will remain at $2990 for a 2-Pack and $7475 for a 5-Pack.

Teleform for Windows software automates forms data entry using fax recognition technology. With Teleform, users design and print professional forms and distribute these forms via fax broadcast. The form is filled in and faxed or scanned into a PC running Teleform. The program then reads the information from the form and automatically enters it in a database.

With the price change, new functionality will be added to the single-user version of Teleform to at low automatic interpretation of forms from a directory of PCX images. This feature, previously available only in the MultiUser versions, will allow Teleform to operate with a greater number of faxboards and scanners.

Users and resellers praise the value of Teleform. "Even at $1495 Teleform is easy to sell. Rather than piecing together more expensive technology, Teleform offers a complete solution that will pay for itself in no time at all," says Steve Hatajlo, a certified reseller for Cardiff Software.

Cardiff Software develops and markets software products that provide fax productivity solutions for business. Contact Cardiff Software at (619) 259-6444 or (800) 659-8755 for additional information.

Cardiff Software Inc

531 Stevens Ave, Bldg B, Solana Beach, CA 92075

619-259-6430,  fax 619-259-6450


ScreenExtender V3.0 WordPerfect Screen Utility
New Version 3.0 of ScreenExtender from Stairway Software Inc.

Stretching WordPerfect Better Than Ever.

(October 1, 1993) -- ScreenExtender 3.0, a major upgrade to the popular, award winning WordPerfect screen utility by Stairway Software Inc., will begin shipping October 11, 1993.

ScreenExtender continues to dramatically increase productivity by eliminating the left/right screen scrolling that occurs while editing a document containing proportionally spaced, scalable or compressed fonts. ScreenExtender 3.0 supports WordPerfect 5.0/5.1, as well as the new WordPerfect 6.0 for DOS.

Although WordPerfect 6.0 contains an optional graphical interface, users who want speed and readability find ScreenExtender a necessary addition. ScreenExtender is far faster and more readable than 6.0's graphics mode.

According to James O'Connell, president of Stairway Software, "WordPerfect 6.0 users have been ringing our phones off the hook demanding the speed and readability of ScreenExtender. The reality is that to be fully productive with WordPerfect 6.0, YOU need ScreenExtender more than ever."

ScreenExtender 3.0 supports expanded, extended and upper memory and now requires up to 52% less conventional memory than previous versions. New version 3.0 continues to support SuperVGA (800x600), VGA, EGA, CGA, Gas Plasma (640x400) and Hercules graphics standards.

ScreenExtender 3.0 contains new font display technology using hand-crafted, bitmapped fonts for optimal clarity. This new technology allows users to see the entire WordPerfect multinational and typographic character sets as they edit. This new technology also displays dozens of popular attribute combinations such as bold, italics, and underline italics. ScreenExtender continues to display bold, italics, underline, double underline, bold underline, SMALL CAPS, superscript, subscript, strikeout, fine, small, large, very large, and extra large attributes, all on-screen while editing.

ScreenExtender 3.0 allows the user to choose from up to 25 screen sizes, display up to 144 characters per line and change screen sizes on demand while inside WordPerfect. With ScreenExtender 3.0 the user can work with up to an entire page of fully-readable text, on-screen, without bouncing from the edit screen to print preview.

ScreenExtender 3.0 also lets the user choose one of six display fonts while editing. Display fonts are easily changed while inside WordPerfect via ScreenExtender's pop-up menu, giving screen text a whole new look with just a few keystrokes. ScreenExtender's display fonts are particularly useful on laptops and portables, which generally have poor display capabilities without ScreenExtender.

ScreenExtender was awarded the #1 WordPerfect Add-On in June 1992 and the #1 WordPerfect Productivity Enhancement in June 1993 by WordPerfect Magazines readers.

ScreenExtender 3.0 is available in single and network/multi-user packs. Network/multi-user packs are compatible with all networks supported by WordPerfect. Network/multi-user versions of ScreenExtender can be installed on network servers and allow each network user to customize their own options, including screen size, screen fonts, colors and more. Network/multi-user licenses may be used on any combination of stand-alone or networked machines.

ScreenExtender 3.0 is priced at $99.95 (single-user). Network/multi-user packs are available in 3-user, 5-user, 10-user and 20-user packs, selling for $199.95, $299.95, $499.95 and $799.95 respectively. Licensed users of previous versions of ScreenExtender may upgrade to version 3.0 for $29.95 plus $5.00 shipping and handling. Stairway products are distributed by Software Resource and Kenfil Distribution, and are available at all popular retail outlets.

Stairway Software Inc., 913 First Colonial Road, Ste. 102, Virginia Beach, VA 23454. Telephone (800) 782-4792 (U.S.A.), (800) 992-4792 (Canada) or (804)437-7000, FAX (804) 437-7077


NSSI LanSafe II v3.0 for Novell/Netware 4.0
NSSI ANNOUNCES LANSAFE II 3.0 FOR NOVELL; NETWARE 4.0 SUPPORT

Enhancements Enrich UPS Network Capabilities

SPECIAL TO NETWORLD, October 5, 1953 - Network Security Systems Inc. (NSSI), a recognized leader in network and standalone power management solutions, today announced an enhanced version of its network power management software, LanSafe II 3.0 for Novell. New features include NetWare 4.0 support, multiple file server support from a single uninterruptible power supply (UPS), multivendor UPS support, enhanced security, extended scheduled shutdowns and graphing capabilities. Available now. LanSafe II for Novell with DOS or Windows workstations is priced at $ 135 (US).

According to Stephen Nye, vice president of sales and marketing for NSSI, these enhancements are a direct result of NSSI's continuing quest to develop real solutions that address real concerns. "When it comes to product research, we go the extra mile," said Nye. "Instead of telling our customers what they want, or worse yet, trying to second guess what's on their wish list, we actively seek out their input early on. Not surprisingly, we have a lot of satisfied customers. Obviously, its a strategy that works."

Nye went on to note that NSSI is the only UPS manufacturer to provide multi-vendor UPS support with an orderly system shutdown. "We feel it's important to offer our customers a power management solution that will work in a mix-and-match UPS environment," he continued. "Realistically, this is the situation facing most network-administrators today, so we've eliminated a few of their headaches by making sure our LanSafe software works with whatever type of UPS. device they have in place." Nye went on to note that the new software also includes an adjustable distortion sensitivity feature which allows users to customize utility power thresholds, resulting in a better waveform.

Another example of the flexibility LanSafe II affords users is the ability to protect individual as well as multiple network devices from a single UPS. While it makes good sense to protect critical nodes with a dedicated IPS, there are instances where multiple-node protection may be a more cost-effective choice. Workstations used primarily for word processing are a good example. Typically, a power outage in this situation would result in a minimal loss of data since users generally "save" data on a regular basis. Regardless, NSSI puts the decision to use dedicated or shared UPSs on the network in the user's hand

NSSI has also eased both maintenance and security concerns with a single feature--extended shutdown capabilities. Users can now schedule a convenient network shutdown over a holiday period, weekend or longer period of time, preventing unauthorized network access during company downtime. Additionally, companies with a "green" concern for power conservation can use this option to save power, a particular concern for European customers faced with increasing power costs and decreasing resources.

Network security has also been addressed. As the size and complexity of networks increases, administrative responsibility for various network segments is often divided between several individuals, raising the possibility of unauthorized configuration changes. Consequently, an additional layer of password protection has been included in the new release, limiting system access to those individuals possessing a specific UPS access code.

As an added benefit, managers can now chart and graph voltage log information using Microsoft Excel or Lotus 1-2-3, further easing power trend analyses.

NSSI's power management system is comprised of a family of intelligent UPSs and LanSafe II network power management software. The company's award-winning products support Banyan, DOS, LAN Manager, LAN Server, Microsoft Windows, Novell Netware and NMS, OS/2, 3COM and UNIX.

Network Security Systems Inc

9401 Waples St, San Diego, CA 92121

619-587-7950,  800-755-7078,  fax 619-552-9162


EmPower Link Ethernet-Ready Processor Pwr Mgmt
NSSI INTRODUCES ETHERNET-READY PROCESSOR FOR INTERNET POWER MANAGEMENT

EmPower Link Delivers Computing and Communications Capabilities to Non-intelligent Devices

SPECIAL TO NETWORLD, October 5, 1993 - Network Security Systems Inc., (NSSI), a recognized leader in network and standalone power management solutions, today introduced EmPower Link, an ethernet-ready processor that provides non-intelligent hubs, routers and bridges with computing and communications capabilities. Designed to provide a platform for future applications, EmPower Link will first be offered as a power monitoring software application for uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and LanSafe II network power management. Available now, EmPower Link is priced at $599.

EmPower Link acts as the interface between the UPS and the protected network device, enabling system administrators to manage any network device, intelligent or not, with an attached UPS from a single console. In essence, EmPower Link acts as a CPU for "dumb" devices, providing a communications link between the LanSafe II console and the UPS used to protect the hub. This allows NSST's LanSafe II software to perform power management tasks (e.g. real-time UPS configuration changes) as if the hub, bridge or router were a file server or workstation.

"This is a revolutionary approach to network power management," said Stephen Nye, vice president of sales and marketing for NSSI. "Communication devices, intelligent or not, are active links in transmitting data across the network. If they're not protected, you're putting yourself at risk for lost or corrupted data With EmPower Link you can ensure that data transmissions throughout local and wide area networks are complete."

EmPower Link supports up to two UPSs through two 9600 baud, RS-232 communication ports. An ethernet LAN attachment is available for both 10BaseT (unshielded twisted pair) or 10Base2 (thinnet).

NSSI's power management system is comprised of a family of intelligent UPSs and LanSafe II network power management software. Operating systems supported include Novell NetWare and NMS, UNIX, MS/DOS, Microsoft Windows, OS/2, LAN Manager, LAN Server, Banyan and 3Com. NSSI's products are available through many leading value-added resellers and distributors including Ingram Micro, Tech Data and Vitek. For additional product information, contact NSSI at (800) 755-7078.

Network Security Systems Inc

9401 Waples St, San Diego, CA 92121

619-587-7950,  800-755-7078,  fax 619-552-9162


AWARE! Customer Service Program
Integritech Software Announces AWARE! Customer Service Program

Easily tracks customer service problems

Available in both single and network versions

(June 22, 1993) -- AWARE!, a problem management application that gives customer service and support users a platform for recording and tracking customer problems, will begin shipping August 1, 1993 from Integritech Software.

"AWARE! allows service professionals to track customer service progression from the initial problem-call assignment through the various representatives and departments until completion," says Integritech's President, Jeff Rodgers. "This will allow managers to ensure that their company's most important sales tool, outstanding service to the current client base, is maintained equally as well as their sales lead platforms."

lntegritech's AWARE! has the unique ability to import data from a plethora of business software including contact managers and accounting programs such as: ACT!, 1st ACT, Telemagic, DacEasy, Pacciolli 2000.

AWARE! provides user definable pick-lists for commonly used data entry fields, reducing keyboard time to a minimum. Default pick-list categories include the Customer's I.D. number, industry, and title, as well as commonly used service fields such as category, department, representative, priority, and RMA number assigned to the customer.

AWARE! also includes an expert help system based upon a user-defined search pattern. Users can easily search for quick solutions to common customer problems and experienced service personnel can input solutions to new problems for future reference.

Other Major Features of AWARE! include:

* 100% compatibility with current NetWare, Lantastic,

  Banyan Vines, and 3Com Network software

* Context sensitive help screens

* Encrypted password protection

* Shells to contact managers

* Automatic phone dialer

AWARE! is available directly from Integritech Software and priced at $99.00 for the single user version, and $399.00 for the network version (unlimited users).

Integritech Software

3332 Harwood Rd, Suite 173, Bedford, TX 76021

(800) 942-6499 or (817) 267-3163,  Fax: (817) 354-6202.

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

FEATURES and BENEFITS

AWARE! is a problem-management application that gives customer service and support professionals a means of recording and tracking customer problems.

AWARE! allows service professionals to track the progress of customer service from the initial call through all subsequent stages until completion. AWARE! can import data from a number of business applications, including ACT!, Telemagic, DacEasy, and Paccolli 2000. If you use a commercial accounting or contact management application that AWARE! does not currently support, we will set up an interface for that application for FREE.

Major Benefits

Service is the most important component in many customer's buying decisions. Therefore, managers must ensure that service, as a critical sales tool, is as well maintained as their direct sales efforts. If your company maintains an internal customer service and support department, AWARE! is the tool to help you guarantee service success.

Major Features

* allows users to import data from many popular business

  applications

* provides user-definable pick-lists for commonly used data

  entry fields

* includes an expert help system based on a user-defined search

  pattern

* allows users to search quickly for solutions to common customer

  problems

* allows users to add solutions to new problems for future

  reference

* 100% compatible with NetWare, LANtastic, VINES, and 3Com

  network software

* context-sensitive help screens encrypted password protection

* shells to contact management applications

* automatic phone dialer

System Requirements

Single-User

* IBM-compatible computer

* PC-DOS or MS-DOS 2.1 or higher, or DR DOS 5.0 or higher

* Windows 3.0 or higher (optional)

* 640Ks memory

* 3MB available on the hard disk

* modem (for automatic phono dialer)

* printer

Multiuser

* networking software requirements

(100% compatibility):

Novell: NetWare v2.2 or v3.11

3Com: 3+Share v1.60 or 3+Open v2.0

Artisoft: LANtastic v4.0

Banyan: VINES v4.01

Diskless workstations an option


SPA Supports NAFTA Ratification
US Software Publishers Support Ratification of NAFTA

Major Trade Group Endorses Agreement

October 5, 1993 (Washington, D.C.) - The Software Publishers Association (SPA) has come out in favor of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Executive Director Ken Wasch announced today. The SPA is the principal trade association of the personal computer software industry, with a membership of over 1,000 large and small companies that develop and market business, consumer, and education software products.

"NAFTA will result in significant new protection for copyrighted computer software in Mexico, while cementing improvements Mexico has made unilaterally to open its economy," said Wasch. "It would encourage further expansion of the Mexican market, and establish a framework for safeguarding software from piracy in other parts of the world."

Mexico is the third largest and fastest-growing market for US exports, according to the office of the US Trade Representative, and it promises to be an increasingly important market for software. A recent SPA survey of 15 companies reported that combined sales of their software in Mexico topped $10 million in the first quarter 1993 alone. The passage of NAFTA would eliminate many restrictions on the sale of US products, including software.

The SPA is encouraged by the NAFTA requirements that will ensure that Mexican law will protect software publishers from the potential for widespread piracy. According to Wasch, NAFTA will do just that by requiring Mexico to:

(1) Continue protecting computer programs as literary works;

(2) Protect databases and other compilations in machine readable or other form by virtue of their selection or arrangement;

(3) Provide businesses with a minimum of 50 years of copyright protection for works made by employees in the course of their jobs;

(4) Give software publishers the exclusive right to distribute copyrighted software, including the right to prohibit unauthorized rental and importation.

NAFTA would also, under some circumstances, entitle copyright owners to a highly effective weapon against software piracy -- the preliminary injunction. This court order, which forbids the marketing of allegedly infringing products soon after an infringement suit is brought, is often granted by US courts, but has traditionally been refused by Mexican courts. Under NAFTA, Mexican courts would be required to grant copyright owners preliminary injunctions under conditions similar to those under US law.

"In recent years, Mexico has significantly improved copyright protection for computer software," said Wasch. For example, in 1991, Mexico updated its copyright law, and now computer programs enjoy copyright protection as literary works, just as they do in the US. "NAFTA should be ratified to cement these legal changes, and prevent a return to the protectionist environment of the past," Wasch concluded.

The advantages for software owners are not limited to Mexico. Canada would also be required to make changes in its copyright law, including granting software owners a rental right, which would prevent unauthorized lending of software, which can contribute to piracy.

According to Ilene Rosenthal, general counsel of the SPA, "NAFTA should also be ratified to maintain US credibility in ongoing international negotiations in intellectual property and overseas trade. The intellectual property provisions of NAFTA embody many of the principles software publishers consider vital to protect and enforce their rights, including national treatment for foreign works and customs procedure for blocking imports of unauthorized software." NAFTA would provide the US with a stronger negotiating position with international competitors, such as the European Community and Japan.

The Software Publishers Association is the principal trade association of the PC software industry. Its 1,000 members represent the leading publishers in the business, consumer, and education markets. The SPA has offices in Washington, DC, and Paris, France.

Software Publishers Association

1730 M St, Northwest, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20036

202-452-1600,  Fax: 202-223-8756


Supra Acquires PSI Integration

ALBANY, OR, SEPTEMBER 29, 1993--Supra Corporation announced today that it has reached an agreement to acquire the assets of PSI Integration, a modem manufacturer based in Campbell, CA.

"We anticipate that the PSI name will continue to have a solid reputation within the Macintosh market," said John Wiley, president of Supra. "Supra plans to continue to sell and support the PSI product line."

Best known as a supplier of internal modems for the Macintosh PowerBook computer in the U.S. market, PSI also has a full range of external modems. Additionally, PSI products are widely distributed in international markets.

Owners of PSI modems can continue to receive support by calling the former PSI customer service number: 408-369-5700. For the immediate future, Supra will maintain an office in California for sales, marketing, and product development.

"We anticipate that core PSI personnel will be hired by Supra to ensure the continued development and support of the PSI product line," Wiley said. However Supra will take strong role in shaping product direction. As examples, Wiley cited improved manufacturing procedures and the financial strength to better support the fast-growing communications markets.

Supra's acquisition of the PSI inventory, intellectual property, trade names and receivables occurred after Silicon Valley Bank foreclosed on PSI's secured assets. Because of the size of PSI's secured debt, it is unforeseeable that any unsecured creditors will receive payment following liquidation.

Wiley also said that he sees more consolidation in the modem market in the near future. "I expect we will see several more companies with single-platform support or who do not add substantial value to their products fall out of the market this next year."

Supra manufactures a full line of communications products for Macintosh, DOS and Windows operating systems, including exciting new PCMCIA, V.FAST class, and Macintosh voice products. Supra has headquarters in Albany, OR; a marketing and distribution facility in Vancouver, WA; and a European facility in Cologne, Germany. Supra's Macintosh products are widely available in the U.S. through companies such as Computer City, Fry's Electronics, MacWarehouse, MacZone, Mac's Place, MacConnection, and many others.

Supra Corp, 7101 Supra Dr SW, Albany, OR 97321

503-967-2400;  fax: 503-967-2401


Page Overtures 1: Background Textures on CDROM
Form and Function releases Page Overtures One; A Library of High Resolution Background Textures on CD-ROM

Boston, Mass. (Tuesday, August 3, 1993) - Form and Function today released Page Overtures One, the first in a new series of CD-ROM libraries of high-resolution, full-page, background textures for color printing, multimedia, and slide production. The disc contains 100 royalty-free, professionally photographed images that provide exquisite backdrops for the users own text and art. The images cover a wide variety of themes including; Food, Rock, Wood, Metal, Granite, Marble, Fine Paper, Clouds, Water, Fabric, Fire, Concrete & Stucco, Industrial Grunge, Electronics, Masonry, and Foliage. Each image comes in 24-bit color and is supplied in four different resolutions: a High-Resolution version ( 9x12 in. @ 266 DPI) for high resolution printing; a Low-Resolution version (9x12 in. @ 72 dpi) that can be used as a placement graphic for the Hi-Res version in page layout applications; a Slide version (1850 x 1250 pixels @ 266 dpi) for slide production, and a Multimedia version (640 x 480 pixels, 13-inch monitor size) for use as a multimedia, video, or presentation background. In addition, the product ships with electronic and printed browsers that show thumbnail representations of the images for quick search and retrieval.

Careful planning and production went into the creation of the images on the Page Overtures One CD-ROM. Each image was scanned at 48-bits per pixels and then was carefully retouched to provide a clean image that is ready for immediate use. Since each image comes in 9 x 12 at 266 DPI, the images are perfectly sized for use as an 8x11 page background with 1/2-inch of bleed on each side. The images are in JPEG compressed (loss-less) PICT format using Apple's QuickTime compression and are 22 MB files when decompressed. "When Q.T. 1.6 is installed, the images are seen as regular PICT files and can be decompressed by any PICT reading application" stated Jonathan Gibson president of form and function. "With all the research and development Apple has put into making this compression visually loss-less, and the fact that decompression is transparent, we saw no better option than to use the JPEG QuickTime compression. It really is phenomenal.", he continued.

The Page Overtures line of High resolution textures for printing compliments Form and Function's Wraptures line of seamless textures for 3D modeling and multimedia. "We had a lot of requests from customers who loved Wraptures, but wanted the textures in a higher resolution for 4-color printing projects and slide production. So, we decided to begin a Hi-Res line with the same type of texture content that is on our Wraptures CD's" stated Jennie Gale, v.p. of R&D at Form and Function.

Form and Function plans to release several more volumes of the Page Overtures One library series to fill the professional's need for high-resolution background textures.

System Requirements: Color Macintosh II class machine,, 4 MB RAM, CD-ROM Drive, QuickTime 1.6 (included on this disk) or greater, and System 6.07 or later (System 7.1 recommended).

Price: 129.00 retail

EDUCORP, 7434 Trade St, San Diego, CA 92121-2410

ORDERS: 1-800-843-9497,  Dealer: 1-619-536-9999

Fax: 1-619-536-2345

Form and Function

1595 Seventeenth Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122

415-664-4010,  fax 415-664-4030


The X Window System in a Nutshell

Edited by Ellie Cutler, Daniel Gilly & Tim O'Reilly

424 pages, ISBN: 1-56592-017-1, $9.95

We have lowered the price of this book to $9.95 from $24.95. It contains essential information in a boiled-down quick-reference  format that makes it easy to find the answers needed most often:

 - Command line options and resources for the standard MIT X clients.

 - Calling sequence for all Xlib and Xt functions and macros.

 - Detailed description of structures, enums, and other X data types

   used as arguments or return values in Xlib or Xt functions.

 - Description of the code inside a basic widget.

 - Quick reference to the event structures.

 - Font name syntax, color names, resource file and translations table

   syntax, and cursors.

 - Xlib and Xt error messages.

The descriptions of the functions have been expanded and clarified,  with improved cross-referencing to important related functions. Includes material on Xcms and the internationalization features of R5.

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

This and other O'Reilly products are available in the Americas and Japan through bookstores, or directly from the publisher. Access our gopher catalog by "telnet gopher.ora.com" (log in as "gopher"). To contact us: telephone 707-829-0515 (800-998-9938 in US & Canada); FAX 707-829-0104; email order@ora.com; or write O'Reilly & Associates, 103A Morris St., Sebastopol, CA, 95472, USA.  GSA # GS-02F-6095A.

Our international distributors are:

*  Europe (except German-speaking countries), Middle East, and Africa through International Thomson Publishing, Berkshire House, 168-173 High Holborn, London WC1V 7AA, UK.  Telephone 44-71-497-1422; FAX 44-71-497-1426; or email samantha.jones@itpuk.co.uk

*  German-speaking countries through International Thomson Publishing, Konigswinterer Strasse 418, 53227 Bonn, Germany. Telephone 49-228-445171; FAX 49-228-441342; or email 100272.2422@compuserve.com

*  Asia through International Thomson Publishing, 221 Henderson Rd., #05-10 Henderson Building, Singapore 0315. Telephone 65-272-6496; FAX 65-272-6498

* Australia and New Zealand through WoodsLane, Unit 8, 101 Darley Street, Mona Vale, NSW 2103, Australia.  Telephone 61-2-979-5944; FAX 61-2-997-3348; or email woods@tmx.mhs.oz.au

O'Reilly & Associates

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707-829-0515, Fax 707-829-0104


Global Network Navigator Launched
Global Network Navigator *Launched*

An Internet-based Information Center

O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.

Free Subscription (send mail to info@gnn.com)

The Global Network Navigator (GNN), our free Internet-based  information center, is up and running.  GNN consists of a regular  weekly news service, an online magazine, The Online Whole Internet  Catalog, and a global marketplace containing information about  products and services.

Global Network Navigator is an application of the World Wide  Web (WWW), developed at CERN in Switzerland.  Most of the current  development on World Wide Web technology is centered at the National  Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) in Champaign, Illinois.    NCSA's Mosaic is a World Wide Web browser available for UNIX systems  with beta versions for PC Windows and the Macintosh also available.  Any World Wide Web browsers can be used to access GNN as well as other network services such as gopher and WAIS.

What's in the first issue

The premier issue of GNN Magazine assesses the public interest  in tapping the potential of the Internet. The U.S. Government seems  to be looking at the Internet as the model for a National Data  Superhighway. This infrastructure can work for many people, including  businesses, but just how will it work and who will pay for it?

Some interesting factoids

 *  GNN has 600 (not around, not approximately, but 600 on the

    nose) outside links

 *  GNN has 5,088 internal and external links

 *  GNN has 44,978 lines, 230,703 words, and 1,918,553

    characters.  If we printed this out on a printer getting 60

    lines per page, we'd see a stack of 749 pages, probably about

    3 inches thick.

How To Subscribe

To subscribe to Global Network Navigator, send email to  info@gnn.com.  If you are interested in space in GNN's Marketplace,  send mail to Linda Walsh at linda@ora.com.

O'Reilly & Associates

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707-829-0515, Fax 707-829-0104


Trilobyte XIth Hour - The 7th Guest Part II
Trilobyte, the creator of The 7th Guess, is the leader of multimedia software development. Founded by industry veterans Graeme Devine and Rob Landeros, Oregon-based Trilobyte incorporates rendering techniques which are unsurpassed in the industry with high quality audio and composited video.

Introduced in April 1993, The 7th Guest is set in a spooky 3D Victorian mansion. As players explore the house, they meet a cast of ghosts, uncover clues and solve a series of puzzles.

More than two years in development, the PC-based multimedia Game blends video sequences of actors with 3D computer effects to create an interactive haunted house so chillingly real that PC World called it "a multimedia horror story that will tingle the spines of even the most cynical adults," adding "the game looks, sounds, plays--arld scares-like a Technicolor Surround Sound Hollywood Epic."

Praise for the product has been almost universal. Game Players magazine said The 7th Guest "is the new benchmark against which all other games will be measured." And PC Home gave the game high compliments, saying "Multimedia has arrived, and its name is The 7th Guest."

Responding to the game's tremendous success, creative director Rob Landeros said, "The phenomenal sales and critical success has been very exciting, but the most gratifying reward was getting the highest rating in the Computer Gaming World Reader's Poll. By voting us #1, the players have affirmed that The 7th Guest is much more than flashy graphics and pre-release hype. It has substance and entertainment value that lasts far beyond the point of sale. It also indicates that even amongst the hart-core gaming elite, there is an audience ar d a demand for our type of entertainment products."

Following the unprecedented success of The 7th Guest, Trilobyte continues to push the envelope further with an expected February 1994 release of XIth Hour: The 7th Guest Part II.

Shot on location in southern Oregon, the game features twice as much video as the original, returning players to the haunted mansion decades later to pick up the story with new characters, puzzles and frighteningly-real special effects sure to scare audiences everywhere.

XIth Hour: The 7th Guest Part II is being distributed by Virgin Games on PC CD-ROM, Macintosh CD-ROM and 3DO formats. In addition, The 7th Guest is soon to be released for Macintosh, Nintendo and Philips CD-I.

NEC's commitment to increase the performance level of Multimedia Players will greatly aid in the end-user's ability to run high end multimedia applications ant entertainment. Trilobyte supports NEC's new line of MultiSpin CD-ROM readers and will include their drivers in pressings of XIth Hour: The 7th Guest Part II and future products.

Trilobyte, 517 West 10th St, Medford, OR 97501

503-857-0614,   FAX 503-857-0616


Multi-Tech 486SX/486DX Single Board Computers
Multi-Tech Announces 486SX and 486DX Single Board Computers

MOUNDS VIEW, MINNESOTA--October 5, 1993--Multi-Tech Systems Inc., a leading data communications technology company, announced today both 486SX and 486DX Single Board Computer (SBC) additions to its product line. The new SBCs feature a 33 MHz clock frequency, 4 megabytes of memory expandable to 32 megabytes with standard 4 megabyte SIMMs, and a full complement of I/O ports and peripheral controllers. The new MT486SX sells for $1495 and the MT486DX sells for $1595 (U.S.). Both SBCs will be shipping next month.

According to Multi-Tech President Raghu Sharma, "Our new 486-based SBCs add significant processing power to functions such as remote controlling LAN applications from remote PCs. When teamed up with our MultiArray2 rack mount system, up to 8 MT486SX and MT486DX processors can be used as host PCs for dial-in access. The increased processing power offered by the new microprocessor in these SBCs means compute-intensive applications can be done faster. Applications requiring such processing power include graphics, sorting databases and certain Windows-based applications such as desktop publishing. These applications typically involve large files, LAN licensed software or non-client server database."

The new microprocessors use the 486 instruction set compatible with a 32-bit internal/16-bit external data path, and will run DOS, Windows and UNIX. With a 33 MHz maximum clock frequency it will run up to 4 times faster than 386SX or 386SL processors. The processor comes equipped with 4 one megabyte SIMMs of memory expandable to 32 megabytes using standard 4 megabyte SIMMs.

The MT486SX and MT486DX Single Board Computers (SBCs) are equipped with two serial ports, one parallel port, floppy and IDE hard disk controllers, and a VGA controller providing 800 x 600 pixel density in a 16-color format. The MT486DX also comes equipped with a math coprocessor used for applications such as large spreadsheet and CAD/CAM calculations. The SBCs are designed for use in Multi-Tech's MultiArray2 product line. The MultiArray2s are ISA segmented backplane units that can be used for a variety of communications controller applications. A typical application for a MultiArray2 is as a data/fax communications server on a Novell LAN. One segment in the array would contain the server controller and multiport serial cards for attaching modems. The remaining segments would contain SBCs (e.g. MT486SXs or MT486DXs) which would act as host processors for remote control applications. MultiArray2s come bundled with MultiExpress data communications software and MultiExpressFax Server software.

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 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, main numbers (612) 785-3500 or (800) 328-9717, Technical Support (800) 972-2439, BBS (612) 785-9875 or (800) 392-2432, U. S. FAX (612) 785-9874, International FAX (612) 331-3180.


Multi-Tech Remote Node Gateway Family
Multi-Tech Announces Remote Node Gateway Family

MOUNDS VIEW, MINNESOTA--October 5, 1993--Multi-Tech Systems, Inc., a leading data communications technology company, announced today a family of dial-in remote node communications servers for Novell IPX LANs. The MultiComRNGateway can simultaneously connect up to 32 remote users to a LAN using modems and phone lines. There are four MultiComRNGateway models which start shipping next month featuring advanced statistical reporting and remote administration. Each includes a combination Thinnet/10BASE-T Ethernet NIC for connecting the Remote Node Server (RNS) PC to the LAN and MultiExpressRNG software.

* Model RNGCOM consists of MultiExpressRNG software and an EN301CT16 Ethernet NIC. The RNGCOM can accommodate four sessions up to 9600 bps each via the RNS's standard serial ports and sells for $799 (U.S.).

* Model RNI02 includes a two-port Intelligent Serial Interface card (ISI502) which plugs into the RNS and can handle two simultaneous high-speed 115K bps sessions. The RNI02 can be expanded to accommodate 26 users with additional eight-port ISIs. The RNI02 sells for $1799 (U.S.).

* Model RNI08 handles eight 57.6K bps sessions via the included eight port ISI508 and sells for $2099 (U.S.). It can be expanded to accommodate 32 users with additional eight-port ISIs.

* Model MA8ER is a turn-key remote node system based on the Multi-Tech MiniArray communications server. It includes a Single Board Computer (SBC) which becomes the RNS PC, one ISI508 (a second ISI508 can be added to support 16 users), the Ethernet NIC, a four-slot passive back plane with cabinet, floppy drive, power supply and cooling fan. It sells for $3499 (U.S.). Multi-Tech's remote node gateway products are scheduled to start shipping next month.

"The family of remote node communications servers announced today complements our line of LAN/WAN gateways", states Raghu Sharma, President of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. "When an organization needs communications services to and from its LAN, selecting a supplier that can provide the gateways, modems, and software means easier installations, more efficient and cohesive tech support, and better packaged system prices. The combination of our new MultiComRNGateways and extensive modem line gives LAN administrators the best combination of performance and economy for their networks."

The MultiComRNGateways consist of both hardware and software. The hardware is a combination Thinnet/10BASE-T Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC) which connects the RNS PC to the LAN. Some models include a multiport serial card which installs into the RNS PC to provide high speed serial ports for the modems. The software is MultiExpressRNG which consists of software for both the RNS PC and remote node PC. The MultiComRNGateways feature advanced statistical reporting to keep track of gateway activity and performance, and remote administration so the gateway can be managed from any node PC. When a remote user calls into an IPX Ethernet LAN using Multi-Tech's new MultiComRNGateway, the remote PC becomes a fully functional "node" on the network. The remote node PC runs its portion of MultiExpressRNG which prompts the user to enter the phone number or select one from memory. The MultiExpressRNG server software answers the call, sets up a session, and passes the LOGIN prompt to the remote node PC. Once the caller logs in, operations can be performed by the remote node PC as if it were connected to the LAN directly. The modem/phone line combination simply becomes an "extension cord" connecting the remote PC to the LAN.

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 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, main numbers (612) 785-3500 or (800) 328-9717, Technical Support (800) 972-2439, BBS (612) 785-9875 or (800) 392-2432, U. S. FAX (612) 785-9874, International FAX (612) 331-3180.


Artisoft & VisiSoft LANtastic Network Mgmt Swr
ARTISOFT AND VISISOFT TO DEVELOP LANTASTIC NETWORK MANAGEMENT SOLUTION

Network Management Software For LANtastic Networks Scheduled For Year-End Release

(TUCSON, AZ - October 4,1993) - Artisoft, Inc. announced today that it has entered into an agreement with VisiSoft, Inc. to jointly develop a network management software package for the LANtastic Local Area Network. Scheduled for release by the end of calendar year 1993, this new management software is being customized for LANtastic users who need sophisticated management capabilities for their network. Artisoft will market the product through its reseller channels and will announce pricing later this year.

Network Management For Larger LANtastic Networks

"We are pleased to have entered into this development agreement with VisiSoft, which has developed an excellent reputation in the network management area," said William Keiper, Artisoft's President & CEO. "This venture will enable Artisoft to take advantage of new market opportunities by delivering a network management product that will allow system administrators to easily oversee their LANtastic networks. This advanced package will add to our growing line of higher-end peer-to-peer networking components."

The network management software will provide administrators the ability to monitor and troubleshoot the LANtastic Local Area Network. Scheduled features for the year-end release include:

* Real-Time Monitoring

* Inventory Management

* Report Capability

* Administrative Security

"We are excited about bringing our network management expertise to the leader in the peer-to-peer network market," commented Greg Goodall, VisiSoft's Chief Executive Officer. "As we begin to see the installation of larger peer-to-peer networks in today's market, the ability for businesses to effectively manage their networks becomes increasingly critical. We believe this jointly developed solution will provide LANtastic users with an excellent tool to manage their networks."

Headquartered in Atlanta, VisiSoft manufactures network management software for enterprise networks. VisiSoft's flagship product, VisiNet, is graphics-based and runs as a Windows 3.1 application. On a single console, VisiNet can support Novell NetWare 2.x, 3.x and 4.x as well as LAN Manager, LAN Server, LANtastic and other NetBIOS LANs. VisiSoft also offers an SNMP module for all SNMP devices on the network.

Artisoft develops and manufactures a full line of innovative, cost-effective network communication solutions including the award-winning LANtastic Local Area Network. Recognized as the leader in peer-to-peer networking for DOS and Windows environments, the LANtastic network also offers multiplatform connectivity solutions for NetWare, TCP/IP and Macintosh systems. It allows up to 500 users on one network to connect and share information and peripheral devices such as printers, hard drives and CD-ROMs. Artisoft maintains nine international offices and distributes the LANtastic network and its other connectivity products in over 70 countries worldwide.

For more information about Artisoft or its product line, contact Artisoft, Inc. at 2202 N. Forbes Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85745. Sales 800/233-5564. Corporate 602/670-7100. Fax 602/670-7101


Spectrum Holobyte to Support NEC SSP Program
SPECTRUM HOLOBYTE TO SUPPORT NEC'S STRATEGIC SOFTWARE PARTNER PROGRAM

ALAMEDA, Calif., Sept. 30,199 -- Spectrum HoloByte, a leading developer and publisher of interactive computer entertainment, today announced its participation in NEC Technologies' Strategic Software Partner (SSP) program. A wide-reaching marketing program, SSP's objective is to leverage the creativity and resources of participating multimedia companies to take advantage of NEC's new MultiSpin high-performance CD-ROM reader. The plan is designed to bring software to market sooner that takes advantage of hardware advances.

"Spectrum HoloByte firmly believes that the CD-ROM platform represents the future of computer entertainment," said Marketing Manager Rita Harrington. "With the Strategic Sales Partner program, NEC proves its deep commitment to continue its leadership role in the rapid growth of CD-ROM sales. Spectrum HoloByte is happy to be a part of it."

Spectrum HoloByte Inc., a developer and manufacturer of interactive computer simulation and video-games software, is best known for its products Falcon, the popular F-16 flight simulation, and Tetris, the famous game of falling blocks. Most recently, the company entered into an agreement with Paramount Pictures which provides Spectrum HoloByte the exclusive license to produce computer and video games using the name and characters from the hit television series "Star Trek: The Next Generation." Spectrum HoloByte has several CD-ROM entertainment titles in the works and currently markets Iron Helix, a beautifully rendered science fiction action adventure. A critical and sales success, Iron Helix was developed by San Francisco-based Drew Pictures and is available for the Mac CD-ROM. The game is scheduled for a November 1993 release for PC CD-ROM.

Spectrum HoloByte, 2490 Manner Square Loop, Alameda, CA 94501

(510) 522-3584;   Fax (510) 522-3587


NEC 16-bit & Enhanced Parallel Port SCSI Intf.
NEC INCREASES CD-ROM CONNECTIVITY OPTIONS

WITH NEW 16-BIT AND ENHANCED PARALLEL PORT INTERFACES

(Wood Dale, Ill--October 5, 1993)--NEC Technologies Inc. today announced the availability of two new 16-bit CD-ROM SCSI interfaces and a new Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) Interface Kit that transfers data from a CD-ROM reader to a notebook computer up to five times faster than traditional Parallel-to-SCSI interfaces.

Enhanced Parallel Port Interface NEC's new EPP interface meets the demands of notebook users who are increasingly incorporating the power of multimedia into their mobile computing applications.

Until the development of the EPP Interface Kit, data backlogs were common as the CD-ROM laser head retrieved information from the disc and transferred it to a notebook at very slow rates through the Parallel-to-SCSI adaptor. The slow transfer speed created time delays and choppy video from a CD. To achieve the performance improvement, NEC designed the EPP device drivers to emulate the traditional ISA expansion bus, providing comparable desktop performance on a notebook.

Explains Marc Miller, vice president of NEC's Advanced Media Group, "In the past, a user could have a high-performance NEC MultiSpin CD-ROM reader on a notebook and only receive part of the reader's performance benefits due to limitations in interface technology. With the EPP, NEC has empowered portable computer users to implement full multimedia presentations in the field with the power and performance of a PC, while maintaining the portability of their notebooks."

Users with the EPP interface, a CD-ROM reader like the portable NEC MultiSpin 3Xp and a notebook computer can now experience the true 450 KB/second data transfer rate NEC pioneered with the MultiSpin family of CD-ROM readers. In addition, users will notice decreased access times and smoother motion video.

Compatible with PC DOS 3.0 or higher and OS/2.2, the EPP transfers data up to 1 MB/sec and can daisy-chain up to seven devices.

16-Bit Interfaces

For power users, NEC also developed 16-bit SCSI interfaces for PC users. The 16-bit capability of the CD-AT160 (AT version) and the CD-PS003 (PS/2 version) interfaces provide better support for all SCSI devices including hard disk drives. Users will notice increased speed and overall performance. PS/2 users will notice even better compatibility with MultiSpin products.

Pricing and Availability

All three interfaces have a two year limited warranty and will be available in mid-October through NEC Technologies' network of authorized resellers at the following estimated selling prices:

                                     US Pricing     Canadian

Enhanced Parallel Port Interface         $160         $221

CD-AT160 16-Bit Interface                 125          173

CD-PS003 16-bit Interface                 150          208

NEC Technologies, Inc. is a leading supplier of computers, peripherals and presentation products for the North American market. Product lines include award-winning MultiSpin CD-ROM readers, MultiSync monitors and presentation products, ProSpeed laptop and UltraLite notebook computers, Silentwriter and Colormate printers, PowerMate, Image, Express and Ready computers. NEC Technologies, Inc. is a subsidiary of NEC Corporation.

NEC Technologies

1255 Michael Dr, Wood Dale, IL 60191

708-860-9500


NEC Partners with Leading CD-ROM Swr Dev's
NEC PARTNERS WITH LEADING CD-ROM SOFTWARE DEVELOPERS

Helps Software Developers Keep Pace With Hardware Advances

(Wood Dale, Ill., October 5, 1993)--In order to drive the CD-ROM and multimedia markets forward, the NEC Technologies, Inc. Advanced Media Group today announced the formation of its new Strategic Software Partnership (SSP) program. SSP creates a framework for hardware and software manufacturers to work together in the areas of product development, marketing and promotions, enabling the creation of multimedia products that fully take advantage of the latest technology and market trends.

An integral element of NEC's launch of its new MultiSpin 3X CD-ROM readers, the program will yield software that takes advantage of the technological advancements of NEC's new readers just months after their announcement.

NEC recognized that the current CD-ROM hardware and software development process was not as efficient as it could be, due to the lack of communication between hardware and software companies. With CD-ROM hardware manufacturers constantly improving the technology and releasing new readers at a rapid rate, software developers have traditionally been as much as a year behind. To improve the situation, NEC created the SSP program, which brings software companies on board early in the hardware development process, allowing them to tailor their software to take advantage of CD-ROM hardware advances much sooner. That way, software will be available at the same time or soon after the hardware is introduced. Some of NEC's SSPs will have software ready for the MultiSpin 3X readers as early as December.

"The creation of the SSP program represents a fundamentally new strategic paradigm for cooperation between hardware and software companies in the multimedia industry," explained Jeff Veis, product manager at NEC.

NEC believes that bringing software developers on board earlier in the product development process will move the market ahead by making it easier for them to develop 'scalable software'--applications that take advantage of NEC's triple-speed advances, but are also backwardly compatible and work with single- and double-speed drives. Scalable software allows those who want to maximize their CD-ROM and multimedia potential to do so, while allowing software companies to easily serve the current installed base as well.

"This is a win-win relationship for us, software developers and our customers," said Veis.

In addition to driving the market forward by shortening the lead time between the introduction of hardware and the introduction of software that fully takes advantage of it, NEC hopes to better serve the multimedia market by soliciting input from its SSP partners on their recommendations for future product features and functionality.

As well as getting compatible product onto the shelves earlier, SSP members will benefit from NEC's efforts to promote their products. The first co-promotion effort will consist of a demonstration CD-ROM disc which contains demonstrations of SSP members' software. This disc will be distributed in every NEC MultiSpin reader box, giving customers a taste of each title.

Comments Veis, "The idea is to create an open alliance that is concentrated on establishing industry-wide standards and driving the multimedia market forward."

To help customers recognize which titles are scalable and support NEC's MultiSpin 3X readers, NEC has developed a trademarked MultiSpin logo which SSP members may use on their packaging.

Software Company Response Has Been Strong

Software companies have responded to the SSP program enthusiastically. Leading software companies covering a broad range of applications from education, reference, business and entertainment have already signed onto this ongoing program. Current participants include:

** American Business Information

** Broderbund Software Inc

** Compact Publishing

** Corel Systems

** DeLorme Mapping

** Drew Pictures

** Grolier Electronic Publishing

** Knowledge Adventure

** Macromedia

** Pop Rocket

** Presto Studios

** Spectrum HoloByte

** Time Warner Interactive Group

** Trilobyte

** Voyager

(Note: see separate press releases from some of the above companies posted separately -- Ed.)

NEC Technologies Inc

NEC Technologies, Inc. is a leading supplier of computers, peripherals and presentation products for the North American market. Product lines include award-winning MultiSpin CD-ROM readers, MultiSync monitors and presentation products, ProSpeed laptop and UltraLite notebook computers, Silentwriter and Colormate printers, PowerMate, Image, Express and Ready computers. NEC Technologies, Inc. is a subsidiary of NEC Corporation.

NEC Technologies

1255 Michael Dr, Wood Dale, IL 60191

708-860-9500


NEC CD-ROM With 3X Performance
NEC'S CD-ROM READERS PROVIDE 3X PERFORMANCE, FASTEST SPEED -- WHILE RAISING THE BAR FOR FUNCTIONALITY AND DESIGN

(Wood Dale, Ill.--October 5, 1993)--Expanding upon its technological leadership in CD-ROM, NEC Technologies, Inc. today redefined the CD-ROM computing experience by unveiling its new family of MultiSpin 3X CD-ROM readers. The new readers combine performance, functionality and design to provide customers with easy-to-use equipment that takes the mystery out of CD-ROM while offering the best video performance available.

The MultiSpin 3Xe (external) and MultiSpin 3Xi (internal) CD-ROM readers access data in 195 milliseconds and the MultiSpin 3Xp (personal) reader has an access time of 250 milliseconds. All three readers transfer data at 450 KB/second, three times the normal data transfer rate of 150 KB/second. These performance enhancements maximize the impact of multimedia by providing fast data retrieval, true smooth motion video and animation. The MultiSpin 3X family begins shipping immediately.

As the inventors of double-speed technology, NEC asked itself how it could take CD-ROM hardware to the next level. NEC's answer? To arm its MultiSpin 3X readers with self-installing CD-ROM tutorial software, well-designed ergonomic cabinets and audio control panels for direct music access. That means that the MultiSpin 3X family of CD-ROM readers is easy to set up, easy-to-use and the external readers have the added benefit of being able to be used as stand-alone musical CD players. These additional features make the entire CD-ROM computing experience more enjoyable, especially when coupled with the dramatically improved performance customers have come to expect from NEC.

"As the leader in CD-ROM performance technology, NEC is committed to pushing all edges of the performance envelope to the outer limits," explained Marc Miller, vice president of NEC Technologies' Advanced Media group. "The new MultiSpin 3X family combines the most advanced performance technology available today with the features and functions customers have always wanted to create the ultimate CD-ROM experience."

Beyond the Need for Speed

For the last few years, speed has been the determining factor most people have used in selecting a CD-ROM reader. With the new MultiSpin family, NEC looked beyond speed and technical specifications to user-friendly features, practical functionality, component integration and customer driven design, with the goal of enhancing the overall CD-ROM computing experience.

To help with the rethinking process, NEC utilized input from customers, technical support and marketing staffs as well as focus groups. As a result, unique experience-enhancing features of the MultiSpin 3X family of readers include:

o Music Sensor -- The MultiSpin 3X family comes equipped with

NEC's Music Sensor technology, which enables users to play audio CDs from a MultiSpin 3X reader with or without a computer. Now, users can enjoy playing music on their CD-ROM reader as effortlessly as on a home stereo.

o New Ergonomic Design--Demonstrating its commitment to the entire CD-ROM experience, NEC completely redesigned the cabinets of the MultiSpin family of readers. The sleek new designs incorporate the smooth lines of space-age design in all aspects of the reader, including a newly designed dust door, which makes single-handed disc loading and ejecting possible. In addition, up-front controls make the new 3X readers as easy and familiar to use as a stereo component. And now, customers have the option of purchasing the 3Xp in traditional beige or granite grey to match their notebook computers.

o LCD Panel Display--NEC installed LCD panels in the MultiSpin 3X family to make locating specific music tracks possible without a computer and to provide a visual interface that can help customers troubleshoot common problems themselves.

o New Rotating Double Dust Door--To provide even more dust protection, NEC improved upon its industry-praised double dust door, making it more accessible and easy-to-use.

o Simplicity Features--In order to make understanding and using CD-ROM as easy as possible, NEC has bundled an interactive CD-ROM with each reader. The disc contains video tutorials, interactive help, registration assistance and demos of top CD-ROM software titles. Additionally, those using NEC's AT interface with one of the 3X readers will receive Simple Start installation software. Simple Start software gives users the choice between automated and custom installation, eliminating much of the confusion that often occurs during CD-ROM installation.

"CD-ROM manufacturers have concentrated so much on improving speed that they have lost sight of the human element of computing," explained Miller. "NEC is a market leader because we focus on the entire CD-ROM computing experience, believing that products should be as easy to install as they are to use. The innovative features we've included in the MultiSpin 3X family of readers make them intuitive, accessible and productive, making the experience a customer has using our readers an enjoyable one."

MultiSpin and More

In addition to offering impressive 195 millisecond (3Xi and 3Xe) and 250 millisecond (3Xp) access times and 450KB/second data transfer rates, the new MultiSpin 3X family of CD-ROM readers meet or exceed every industry standard, including the new Multimedia PC (MPC) Level 2 specification. The new NEC MultiSpin CD-ROM readers are Kodak Multisession Photo-CD and QuickTime compatible and come equipped with a 256KB continuous flow cache and SCSI 1 and SCSI 2 switchable interface. All three drives can be daisy chained through two SCSI II connectors located on the back of each unit. 16-bit interface kits are available for AT and PS/2 users.

NEC Software Alliances

To provide users with additional performance benefits, NEC has formed Strategic Software Partnership (SSP) alliances with leading software companies to develop programs that have been specifically written to take advantage of a MultiSpin CD-ROM reader's performance edge. Companies working closely with NEC include: American Business Information, Broderbund, Compact Publishing, Corel Systems, DeLorme Mapping, Drew Pictures, Grolier Electronic Publishing, Knowledge Adventure, Macromedia, Pop Rocket, Presto Studios, Spectrum HoloByte, Time Warner Interactive Group, Trilobyte and Voyager.

NEC's Strategic Software Partnerships represent a significant breakthrough for the industry. Due to the lack of a single standard in the multimedia industry, software applications often have not taken advantage of the technology available in newer CD-ROM readers. Consequently, software developers were creating applications for the least common denominator.

"Now that the market is maturing and standards have arisen, partnerships like NEC's SSP program will enable developers to write software that takes advantage of new technology like 3X, but also runs on the installed base of CD-ROM readers," explained Miller. "We call this type of software 'scalable software' and believe it will help the market realize its potential much faster. In the end, the consumer is the big winner."

To help customers recognize and take advantage of scalable software, NEC has developed a trademarked MultiSpin logo which SSP members will use on their packaging to let customers know that the software supports NEC's MultiSpin 3X family of CD-ROM readers.

The Evolution of the MultiSpin Revolution

In 1991, as access times of CD-ROM readers began improving, NEC began focusing on improving the data transfer rate of CD-ROM readers in order to bring the much-heralded benefits of multimedia to life.

By spinning the disc twice as fast and re-engineering the Error Code Correction (ECC) Chip, NEC engineers were able to transfer data from the CD-ROM reader to the CPU at 300KB/second--twice as fast as any other CD-ROM reader on the market at the time. The readers also recognized sound-only information and automatically adjusted to transfer that data at the standard 150KB/second recording rate. Doubling the data transfer rate drastically improved the quality of motion video from a CD and shortened delays in accessing large files such as the photos stored in Kodak Photo CD format. NEC named its new high-performance readers the MultiSpin family.

The new MultiSpin 3X family take that original technology one step further, transferring data at 450KB/second and further improving the quality of CD-ROM computing.

"With the new MultiSpin 3X family of readers, NEC is defining what multimedia computing will mean in the 1990's," said Miller. "As users became comfortable with CD-ROM technology and appreciated the benefits of double-spin, their expectations of the technology began to rise. The new MultiSpin family of readers exceed today's performance expectations and contain a built-in upgrade path that make them the smart purchase for the future."

MultiSpin Upgrade Path

NEC plans on developing an upgrade program for customers who purchased a MultiSpin 74, 84 or 38 CD-ROM reader. Details will be announced as soon as they are finalized.

Warranty, Shipping and Pricing

The MultiSpin 3X CD-ROM readers begin shipping on October 5, 1993 and can be purchased through NEC's nationwide network of authorized resellers and at selected superstores. For added security, all MultiSpin readers come with an aggressive two-year limited warranty.

Designed for multiple platform use, MultiSpin 3X CD-ROM readers can be easily attached to XT/AT, Macintosh and PS/2 systems. A newly improved Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) Interface Kit enables users to hook up a MultiSpin CD-ROM reader to a laptop computer and fully utilize the transfer rate of the readers.

Estimated selling prices of MultiSpin 3X family are:

                                 U.S. Pricing  Canadian Pricing

MultiSpin 3Xe (external model)      $ 600            $ 831

MultiSpin 3Xi (internal model)        500              695

MultiSpin 3Xp (personal model)        455              630

AT 16-bit Interface Kit               125              208

Macintosh Interface Kit                35               49

PS/2 16-bit Interface Kit             150              207

Enhanced Parallel Port Kit            160              221

NEC Technologies. Inc.

NEC Technologies, Inc. is a leading supplier of computers, peripherals and presentation products for the North American market. Product lines include award-winning MultiSpin CD-ROM readers, MultiSync monitors and presentation products, ProSpeed laptop and UltraLite notebook computers, Silentwriter and Colormate printers, PowerMate, Image, Express and Ready computers. NEC Technologies, Inc. is a subsidiary of NEC Corporation.

NEC Technologies

1255 Michael Dr, Wood Dale, IL 60191

708-860-9500


NEC TARGETS POWER USERS WITH 4X CD-ROM READER

(Wood Dale, Ill.. -- October 5, 1993) Complementing its MultiSpin 3X CD-ROM reader which are targeted toward mainstream and business users, NEC Technologies, Inc. will ship a quad-speed external CD-ROM reader for developers and professionals requiring the best video performance available. These drives will ship early in 1994.

The MultiSpin 4X Pro external CD-ROM reader will provide a sub-200 millisecond access time and 600 KB/second data transfer rate (four times the 150 KB/sec data transfer rate of traditional or single-speed readers). Like its MultiSpin 3X family members, the MultiSpin 4X Pro will include self-installing tutorial software and a sleek, ergonomic cabinet that sports up-front controls for easy operation. Audio controls will also be included on the front panel for easy access and the reader can be used as a stand-alone audio CD player.

"The MultiSpin 4X Pro will fill the need for power users - those who need the best video and animation performance. And the MultiSpin 3X family will be the choice of mainstream users who need great performance at a reasonable price," said Marc Miller, vice president of NEC Technologies' Advanced Media Group.

NEC plans to sell the MultiSpin 4X Pro through its network of authorized resellers for an estimated selling price of $995 U.S. and $1,378 Canadian.

NEC Technologies, Inc. is a leading supplier of computers, peripherals and presentation products for the North American market. Product lines include award-winning MultiSpin CD-ROM readers, MultiSync monitors and presentation products, ProSpeed laptop and UltraLite notebook computers, Silentwriter and Colormate printers, PowerMate, Image, Express and Ready computers. NEC Technologies, Inc. is a subsidiary of NEC Corporation.

NEC Technologies

1255 Michael Dr, Wood Dale, IL 60191

708-860-9500


NEC Unveils MultiSync 3V and FGp Monitors
NEC UNVEILS NEW MULTISYNC 3V and FGp MONITORS

The New Monitors Are Easier on the Eyes and Electric Bills

(Wood Dale, Ill., October 5, 1993)--In its ongoing commitment to make every computer's most visual interface a better tool for productivity, NEC Technologies, Inc. introduces the latest members of the MultiSync family of color monitors: the new high-performance, professional MultiSync 5FGp and 6FGp color monitors and the entry-level, value-oriented MultiSync 3V color monitor.

In addition to improving the viewing experience by introducing NEC's OptiClear surface, the monitors will feature IPM, NEC's implementation of power management. The IPM System, or Intelligent Power Manager System, is incorporated into the circuitry on NEC MultiSync monitors, including the new MultiSync 5FGp and 6FGp monitors. This new innovation makes the MultiSync 3V, 4FGe and 5FGe monitors compliant with the Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star standard, saving customers up to $162/year in electric bills when used with an Energy Star-compliant PC and printer, according to the EPA.

"People who spend hours and hours in front of their monitors seek basic features and the security of a reputable brand," said Jim Schwabe, vice president of NEC's Graphics Business Unit. "At NEC, we strive to understand the needs of computer users and then fulfill those personal needs through specifically designed features that make sitting in front of a computer all day more productive."

The MultiSync 5FG and 6FG Monitors For Purer. Richer Images

Designed for graphics professionals and power users, the 17-inch (CRT size) MultiSync 5FGp and 21-inch (CRT size) 6FGp provide the most comfortable viewing environment available. Both include NEC's new OptiClear anti-reflective surface, which is integrated into the manufacturing of the CRT. The OptiClear surface minimizes glare and provides greater levels of contrast without sacrificing NEC's renowned brightness and color saturation.

Similar to the highly specialized coatings applied to the instruments in airplane cockpits, the MultiSync 5FGp and 6FGp color monitors' OptiClear surface greatly reduces glare and reflections. Just as cockpit instruments enable pilots to see the instruments more clearly, the OptiClear surface reduces eye strain and stress, improving productivity by keeping users' concentration at peak levels for longer periods of time.

To reach this technological breakthrough, NEC had to find a way to engineer the CRT without compromising its superior image quality. The OptiClear surface is applied directly on the monitor's surface, bonding to the screen to provide a richer, purer image, giving the CRT bonded panel performance at a fraction of the price.

"People who use their monitors for hours and hours told us that as important as technology is to their jobs, they wanted a monitor that would not sacrifice clarity or cause eye strain," explained Schwabe. "We developed the OptiClear coating in response to those needs and will continue to find new and breakthrough technologies to improve the way our products interface with people."

The MultiSync 5FGp and 6FGp offer NEC's IPM System and replace the MultiSync 5FG and 6FG monitors. The MultiSync 5FGp and 6FGp have the same technical specifications as the award-winning MultiSync 5FG and 6FG monitors, including NEC's trend-setting AccuColor Control System which allow users to adjust on-screen colors to best suit their needs and preferences. The monitors' FullScan feature takes advantage of the CRT size by enabling people to expand the image from bezel-to-bezel.

NEC's Advanced Digital Control System automatically sizes and centers each screen image as graphics modes are changed. The monitor also memorizes various graphics modes and has the intelligence to store up to 36 different modes. In addition, the Advanced Digital Control System provides easy adjustment of the size, position and pin cushion of the on-screen image. Both monitors support resolutions up to 1280 x 1024 at 74 Hz on PC's and 1152 x 870 (dual-page mode) on Macintosh computers.

The MultiSync 3V--NEC Taps Volume Market With its Value Series

NEC hopes to further capitalize on its recent entrance into the entry-level and SOHO market (NEC SVGA, June, 1993) by creating the new MultiSync 3V monitor. The SVGA monitor and MultiSync 3V monitor have similar technical specifications but different CRT sizes of 14- and 15-inches, respectively. While the NEC SVGA monitor is a value monitor designed specifically for the PC, the MultiSync 3V monitor has a larger screen size, multiple-frequency and multiple-platform capabilities and the implementation of NEC's IPM System.

With the introduction of the MultiSync 3V monitor, NEC provides a high-quality 15-inch monitor for an estimated selling price of just $550. Now, people who want to buy an entry-level system can afford to own the quality behind the NEC MultiSync brand name.

The 3V monitor is geared toward mainstream consumers who appreciate the security that comes with an affordable, quality, brand-name product such as the new MultiSync 3V color monitor. The MultiSync 3V is exactly the top-of-the-line entry product you would expect from NEC. The 3V offers multiple-frequency technology, allowing consumers to use the 3V on almost any computer platform.

The MultiSync 3V incorporates ErgoDesign. The ergonomic design concept behind the entire MultiSync line is compatible with both Macintosh and PC platforms and is capable of running 1024 x 768NI on PC and Macintosh computers.

"With the MultiSync 3V, we wanted to provide an extremely useful monitor that provides quality and value, while omitting the advanced technologies used by higher-end users," said Schwabe. "To give new users an option, we created the MultiSync 3V to provide value and quality at a very affordable price."

Customers will also be able to buy a MultiSync 3V monitor easily, since it is immediately available throughout NEC's North American network of authorized resellers and in the mass merchant arena at such stores as CompUSA, Best Buy, Computize and London Drug in Canada.

Save Money With Power Management

The MultiSync 5FGp, 6FGp and 3V, as well as the MultiSync 4FGe and 5FGe monitors, include NEC's Intelligent Power Manager (IPM) System. Saving average consumers up to $162/year (when used with an Energy Star-compliant PC and printer) that would normally be spent on electricity, the Intelligent Power Manager System allows the monitor to automatically power down to a lower energy-saving level. Because the IPM System reduces power consumption to approximately 70 percent when not in use, the monitor's IPM System will result in dramatic cost savings.

NEC's new Energy Star-compliant monitors represent a major endorsement of our program," said Linda Latham of the EPA's Energy Star program. "By introducing the new MultiSync monitors, NEC has demonstrated its commitment to saving energy and protecting the environment."

The MultiSync 3V, 4FGe and 5FGe comply with the Environmental Protection Agency's new Energy Star standard, which requires that monitors consume less than 30 watts when in the main power saving mode.

"In addition to being Energy Star-compliant, these products have a bottom-line impact: they save money," said Schwabe.

In addition to NEC's new Energy Star-compliant monitors, the company offers Energy Star-compliant systems in the Ready 486es Series and Powermate 486es Series and an Energy Star-compliant printer in the SuperScript 610 GDI/Windows printer.

Shipping/Pricing

The MultiSync 3V, EnergyStar-compliant 4FGe and 5FGe are immediately available. The MultiSync 5FGp and MultiSync 6FGp will be shipping by the end of October. The prices of the MultiSync 4FGe and 5FGe will remain the same. All products are available through NEC's nationwide network of authorized resellers at the following estimated selling prices:

MultiSync 6FGp 21-inch monitor        $2,535

MultiSync 5FGp 17-inch monitor         1,455

MultiSync 5FGe 17-inch monitor         1,155

MultiSync 4FGe 15-inch monitor           755

MultiSync 3FGe 15-inch monitor           635

MultiSync 3V 15-inch monitor             550

NEC SVGA 14-inch monitor                 330

NEC's MultiSync Series of monitors have three-year limited warranties. The NEC SVGA monitor has a one-year limited warranty. For additional information on the products, contact 1-800-388-8888 or NEC's FastFacts facsimile service at 1-800-366-0476 or contact NEC's BBS at 508/635-4706.

NEC Technologies. Inc.

NEC Technologies, Inc. is a leading supplier of computers, peripherals and presentation products for the North American market. Product lines include award-winning MultiSpin CD-ROM readers, MultiSync monitors and presentation products, ProSpeed laptop and UltraLite notebook computers, Silentwriter and Colormate printers, PowerMate, Image, Express and Ready computers. NEC Technologies, Inc. is a subsidiary of NEC Corporation.

NEC Technologies

1255 Michael Dr, Wood Dale, IL 60191

708-860-9500


Coming of Age in Multiple Resolution Computing
A Coming Of Age In Multiple Resolution Computing

NEC Technologies, 1255 Michael Dr, Wood Dale, IL 60191

708-860-9500

With the advent of Macintosh, computer users were given the capability to customize several facets of their system. Among these include accessing displayable on-screen colors, using multiple screens simultaneously, and running applications at high resolutions. Most recently, the ability to take advantage of multiple resolutions with Macintosh on-board video or display interface cards, and switching between resolutions on-the-fly has created a new outlook for computing productivity.

Multiple Frequency Monitor

In order to take advantage of on-board video or display interface cards that deliver multiple resolutions, users must have a computer monitor that supports multiple frequencies or multiple resolutions. Sometimes called multiple frequency monitors, these displays identify the video signal delivered from the computer and determine if the resolution, or frequency specific to the resolution, is supported.

To Switch Or Not To Switch Resolutions

History has shown that resolution switching can be very time-consuming, unproductive, and frustrating. This is due to loading high resolution drivers on Windows-based computers to achieve different resolutions, utilizing more system memory, having to reboot the system to initiate the new resolution, and/or changing dip switches on video cards. This is not productive by any stretch of the imagination. More recently, display interface cards on the Macintosh platform offer users the ability to change resolutions on-the-fly. This was accomplished by incorporating clock synthesizer chips on the cards which offer multiple frequencies to produce multiple resolutions. Special software for switching the resolution was also required.

Switch-On-The-Fly

For those who have the latest in Macintosh hardware with on-board video support, NEC Technologies has developed video switching software. Called DPI-On-The-Fly Software, users can now take advantage of the resolutions resident on their motherboard with NEC's software, and can switch between different resolutions on-the-fly! NEC's MultiSync monitors provide the optimal solution in viewing multiple resolutions with its multiple frequency support.

The Benefit!

What's the benefit? Well, the main advantage of resolution switching is the ability to let users select the resolution most appropriate for the application used. For instance, in spreadsheets users can make a switch to the highest resolution in order to see their entire worksheet. Or, when using page layout software, a preview of a two-page spread can be accomplished by switching to the highest resolution supported. While using a word processor, a switch to a mid-range resolution offers ability to view text comfortably while displaying as much information as possible. And, finally, when in paint software or photographic re-touching applications, the lowest resolution offers magnification to the illustration or photograph with detail.


OptiClear Monitor Surface from NEC
OptiClear Surface from NEC Technologies

NEC Technologies, 1255 Michael Dr, Wood Dale, IL 60191

ErgoDesign Philosophy

NEC's ErgoDesign philosophy is a comprehensive design approach concentrating on human factors such as low emissions (MPRII compliance), comfort (tilt swivel base, up-front controls), reduced eye fatigue (flicker free operations), and aesthetic looks.

NEC Professional Monitors Since 1985, NEC Technologies has prided itself in creating the highest quality monitors in the world. NEC has once again improved display performance with the addition of the OptiClear surface as a new element of the ErgoDesign philosophy on the MultiSync 5FGp and 6FGp monitors. This new technology meets and often exceeds other screen treatments available.

When using high contrast CRTs for large-screen monitors, glare and reflection can become a factor in areas where lighting is less than optimal. Ambient lighting conditions or direct lighting on the face of a large-screen monitor can produce unwanted reflection and glare because of the monitors' large screen area. NEC now offers the new MultiSync 5FGp and 6FGp with the OptiClear surface. Included with power management capabilities, these monitors offer a screen surface that reduces glare and reflections, and increases the contrast of the image. This is accomplished without compromising image sharpness, focus, or clarity, which is critical in today's demanding software applications.

Competing Anti-Reflection Methods

Bonded Panels

A bonded panel is a sheet of tinted glass treated with an anti-reflective coating that is adhered directly to the face of the monitor tube. Since the glass is bonded directly to the CRT surface, the two glass surfaces normally present between the CRT and a filter are eliminated, thus removing the possible reflections from these surfaces.

The bonded panel has traditionally been considered the best solution for glare reduction, but it continues to be the most expensive and, therefore, less desirable solution. The added cost stems from additional material (specially treated glass) and labor. Because of the bonding technologies involved, the yield of properly bonded CRTs is reduced. Bonded panel operations increase labor, components, scrap, and production time and lead time difference by two.

These additional expenses of the bonded panel result in dramatic increases in the price of large-screen monitors in the neighborhood of $250 to $350 more than an equivalent monitor without a bonded panel. For this reason, many companies offer two monitors: a bonded panel monitor and a regularly-priced monitor without the bonded panel.

Etched-screen surfaces

Before the introduction of the MultiSync FG monitor series in October 1991, the majority of monitor screens had etched surfaces. This process physically "scratches" the tubes surface in one of two ways: with the use of chemicals or physically in a "sandpaper" like manner. The effect is a scattering of the reflected light off of the surface of the monitor. Ambient reflections are reduced, but unfortunately the image displayed through this surface is slightly blurred. Focus is compromised at the price of reduced reflections.

This process is widely used and very inexpensive in comparison to all the other screen treatments. Physically etching the surface actually increases the yield of acceptable CRTs because the process literally re-sands the CRT surface including any previously unacceptable areas. Unfortunately, this option degrades the display performance more than the other methods.

Silica

The Silica technology is gaining popularity with entry-level monitor products. The silica treatment is actually a fine deposition of bonding material and fine silica that is sprayed and baked onto the screen surface. In contrast, etching removes CRT surface material, but silica is an additional layer on the CRT surface. This creates an effect similar to that of etching but not as severe. The screen appears to have a slight coating that creates the appearance of blurring or ghosting the ambient reflections. The silica coating is appropriate for entry-level monitors because users do not use high-resolution applications that require fine detail.

ARAS and ARAG

ARAS and ARAG are short for Anti-Reflective, Anti-Static coating and Anti-Reflective, Anti-Glare coating, respectively. Obviously, the coatings offer not only anti-reflection, but the additional features of anti-glare and anti-static. These two coatings place a deposit over the surface of the monitor that absorb or dissipate ambient reflections. Such coatings do not cause the blurring effect as described previously, although the original CRT surface chosen will affect the performance of the coating.

The OptiClear Surface

The revolutionary OptiClear surface allows NEC Technologies to offer the same results as the best of all anti-reflection choices at a fraction of the cost. The manufacturing technique for the OptiClear surface application has been compared to a "liquified bonded panel." The advantage of the OptiClear surface is that the manufacturing process does not incur the much larger overhead that the bonded panel manufacturing requires.

The OptiClear surface is a revolutionary, engineering breakthrough that actually absorbs a portion of the light hitting the screen while allowing the screen image to be displayed without distortion.

The success of this-surface is complemented by NEC's award-winning display that features unprecedented focus, purity, and bright colors. The addition of the OptiClear surface reduces reflection while enhancing the original contrast and clarity of NEC's famous display quality. The surface had to meet or exceed NEC's high-quality surface specification. The MultiSync 5FGp and 6FGp monitors combine the NEC screen quality with OptiClear Surface for another winning combination .

Compared with other technologies, the OptiClear surface from NEC combines all of the capabilities of the other screen treatments mentioned such as anti-reflection, anti-glare, and anti-static and incorporates them into one high-level surface without the high cost or performance tradeoffs typically necessary for this high level of performance.


Learn to Speak Spanish 4.0 with QuickTime
DON'T READ THE BOOK, SEE the movie!

September 27, 1993

Knoxville, TN

HyperGlot Software Co., Inc. announced the November 1 release of Learn To Speak Spanish 4.0 with QuickTime for Macintosh and Windows. Foreign language learning as you have never seen it before! Now you can watch native speakers as you study Spanish. Learn To Speak Spanish is as close to Latin America as you can get without leaving home!

Learn To Speak Spanish is a comprehensive, complete course in Spanish. The product is intensively interactive and features extensive use of multimedia. Each of the 30 lessons contains 3 QuickTime movies related to the theme of the chapter. The rest of the chapter is divided into 3 parts: The Vocabulary, The Story, and The Exercises. Both Vocabulary and Story feature QuickTime movies. New recording technology plays your voice and the movie consecutively. Learn To Speak Spanish also includes a 350 page text/workbook which contains the complete text and exercises for all 30 lessons.

Dr. Martin P. Rice, the product developer said, "the addition of QuickTime video is the most important improvement in computer-aided foreign language study since audio."

Learn To Speak Spanish 4.0 is the most recent release in the Learn To Speak series. Sheila Dziubak, Assistant Vice President of Sales and Marketing, said, "Learn To Speak Spanish has a suggested retail price of $149.00. QuickTime versions of other Learn To Speak titles are planned in the near future."

For additional information, please contact HyperGlot Software Co., Inc. at P.O. Box 10746 Knoxville, TN 37939-0746. Toll-free: 1-800-726-5087, Fax: 615-588-6569.

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

Learn to Speak Spanish 4.0

by The HyperGlot Software Co.

Special Features

* 60 QuickTime or QuickTime for Windows movies

* 30 of the movies filmed in Mexico city specifically for

  Learn to Speak Spanish

* More than a thousand pictures.

* Advanced recording technology to record users' voices Actually

  requires the user to record his/her voice continually to gain

  speaking fluency

* Animation.

* Original Latin-American music written specifically for Learn

  to Speak Spanish

* 7 different native speakers of Spanish

* Extensive cultural information

* 350-page textbook with exercises in 30 chapters

* Emphasizes all language skills: speaking, listening, reading,

  and composition

* Innovative teaching methodology combining the best of the two

  most productive language learning strategies: context-drive

  total immersion and grammatic analysis

* Minimum use of English

* Identical versions for Macintosh and Windows

Intended Audience:

Beginner, Intermediate, and Review; anyone who wants to take a complete foreign language course right from the beginning, who is studying a foreign language and wants supplemental material, or who wants to review grammar.

Scope of Product:

Covers 2 to 3 years of high-school level and 1 to 1.5 years of college foreign language study

Platforms: Macintosh and Windows

Suggested Retail Price: $149.00

Hardware Requirements:

Macintosh: Requires a 68030/16 Mhz - based Macintosh (LCII) or better, 4MB RAM, System 6.0.7 or later, Hard Drive, CD ROM Drive. (256 color display & microphone or MacRecorder are highly recommended.)

Windows: Requires and MPC or MS-DOS based computer with MPC upgrade kit. Minimum MPC specifications include: 80386SX-20 processor or greater running MS-DOS 3.3 or higher, 2MB memory, 30 MB hard disk drive, sound board, CD ROM drive with MSCDEX 2.2 or greater. Windows 3.0 or greater with Multimedia Extensions 1.0 or Windows 3.1. (4 MB RAM, 256 color display and a Microphone are highly recommended.)


EA Sports NHL'94 for Sega Genesis & SNES
EA SPORTS' Best-Selling 16-Bit Hockey Game in North America, Canada & Europe Just Got Better

NHL'94

For Sega Genesis & Super NES

SAN MATEO, Calif., September 30, 1993--For the first time in a video game, EA SPORTS features all the teams in the NHL AND all tho players of the NHLPA in NHL '94. Combining hockey's leading organizations gives this title's game a big lift, as NHL '94 now features real team logos, the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and every hockey player in the league.

In addition, NHL '94 improves on last year's version with an array of new features. EA SPORTS' new 4 Way Play' adapter (Genesis only) lets players go 2 on 2 to enhance the feeling of teamwork in the game. To give the game an even more realistic feel, forwards now slap "one-timer" shots - a slap shot taken from a pass - thereby creating an entirely new level of offensive strategy. The defense now has the option to control the goalie manually, so players can dive for loose pucks, charge out to cut off the angle or make a dramatic kick save.

Other new features that recreate real NHL action are penalty shots and a shoot-out mode. Players can now choose Maple Leaf's star Doug Gilmour to go one-on-one against the Blackhawk's great goalie Ed Belfour in a shoot-out showdown.

"By combining the game design with both the NHL and NHLPA, we feel our '94 game captures every aspect of realism, fast-action, and excitement found in pro hockey," says Scott Orr, Vice President and Executive Producer of NHL '94. "It's a fantastic way for real sports fans-- even novices - to learn more about hockey teams, players, skills, and strategies. Add to that the surroundings of a real arena, a screaming crowd, and rhythmic organ music and all the makings of an incredible hockey experience are in place.

In NHL '94 teams and player ratings are updated to reflect their performance based on the '92-93 hockey season. New player animations, including a checking animation where a defenseman crushes a forward into the boards, and new offensive and defensive commands and strategies give the '94 version an enhanced look and feel. And between periods, gamers have access to updated player data such as power-play goals, short-handed goals, assists, penalty shots, breakaways, and body-checks. The new battery backup (Genesis only) saves personal records for up to seven users on the same cart, which enhances competition among friends and improves league play. Now gamers finally know who's #1.

To give the home team momentum and recreate the atmosphere of a real hockey game, over 70 individualized pieces of rink organ music have been digitized into NHL '94. Even the fans are more interactive, as they can be seen getting more emotionally involved--even rowdy--in the game.

Specific features of the Super NES version of NHL '94 are highlighted by completely new art and player animations designed exclusively for this 16-bit system. Players can send opponents over the boards and into the opposing team's bench with the new crushing board-check animations. Gameplay on the Super NES is also vastly improved by faster and smoother overall player animations. Another new look is the more animated crowd--so animated, in fact, that during a San Jose Shark's powerplay gamers might catch the crowd mimicking the bite of a shark, better known as the "Shark Chomp."

The launch of NHL '94 is supported by a multi-million dollar advertising and promotion campaign worldwide.

Electronic Arts

1450 Fashion Island Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94404


MS-Windows Sound Sys 2.0 Hwr Independent
Microsoft Windows Sound System 2.0 Now Hardware Independent

Complete, Integrated Software Features Highly Accurate Voice Recognition

REDMOND, Wash.--Oct. 5, 1993--Microsoft Corporation today announced the Microsoft Windows Sound System version 2.0 with improved voice recognition and audio compression that enables integration of audio with any application for the Microsoft Windows operating system.

For the first time, the Windows Sound System is available in two versions: One includes Windows Sound System software and a microphone; the other provides a Windows Sound System audio board and headphones, in addition to the software and microphone. The Windows Sound System 2.0 audio board package provides Sound Blaster compatibility under the MS-DOS operating system without requiring Microsoft Windows.

The Windows Sound System software version 2.0 supports virtually all audio boards and will include drivers for Creative Labs, Media Vision, Microsoft and Microsoft-compatible audio boards. Because the software is hardware independent, it enables people who already own audio boards to inexpensively add voice recognition, annotation and selective proofreading to all applications for the Windows operating system.

The Windows Sound System 2.0 incorporates significant usability improvements, increased voice-recognition accuracy, and audio-compression technology that greatly reduces audio file size on users' hard disks and corporate networks. It also features Microsoft's custom-designed directional microphone that enables accurate voice recognition in a variety of settings.

"This is a very exciting product," said Bob McBreen, audio unit manager at Microsoft. "For about the price of a software game, people now can add high-quality audio capabilities or functions to all their applications for Windows. The Windows Sound System makes natural dialogue between people and their computers more accessible than ever before. '

Highly Accurate and Customizable

The Windows Sound System 2.0 features an extremely accurate voice-recognition application called Voice Pilot.

"Microsoft's intuitive user interface and directional microphone, combined with Dragon Systems' years of experience in voice recognition, have produced an extremely accurate audio tool in the form of Voice Pilot," said Jim Baker, Dragon Systems' chairman and CEO.

Voice Pilot is infinitely customizable. There is no limit to the total number of supported words or applications, and users can create their own custom vocabularies, automatically extract vocabularies from any Windows-based application or use the existing vocabularies.

New Voice Pilot features that improve accuracy and ease of use include:

* Go to sleep/Wake up. Usability is improved by the "Go to sleep" and "Wake up" commands, which ensure that audio does not pick up stray conversations. At any time, a user can say "Go to sleep"--if a phone call interrupts the work session, for instance--and Voice Pilot shuts down. When ready to work again, the user simply says "Wake up," and Voice Pilot resumes.

* Directional microphone. To further enhance accuracy, the Windows Sound System 2.0 includes a new directional microphone, expressly designed for accurate voice recognition. The microphone, which is tuned specifically to voice frequencies, can be attached to the PC monitor or can sit on a desktop stand, allowing hands-free operation without requiring users to wear a headset.

* Quick Train. Quick Train enables a user to train Voice Pilot to his or her voice in three minutes by reading a Microsoft-developed list of 52 phonetically balanced words.

* VoiceWizards. The Windows Sound System includes four new wizards: Voice Command, Vocabulary for Applications, Set User Preferences and Training. These wizards make it easy to create voice macros to customize applications and automate routine tasks by walking the user through each step. With the Windows Sound System VoiceWizards, users can quickly learn to build a voice macro that immediately launches spell checking in any application upon the simple voice command, "Spell check."

Compression Technology Reduces Audio File size

The Windows Sound System 2.0 incorporates Microsoft's new audio compression technology, TRUESPEECH, developed in conjunction with the DSP Group and Compaq Computer Corporation. TRUESPEECH provides up to 10 times the voice compression possible for 386- and 486-based platforms, providing the best-quality sound in very small file sizes. With TRUESPEECH, one minute of high-quality audio requires only 62K of disk space.

Complete, Integrated Set of Audio Software

The Windows Sound System 2.0 includes integrated audio software designed for ease of use. The Quick Recorder application provides a quick and easy way for users to add voice annotations to documents and files, such as electronic e-mail messages, without using a keyboard or a mouse. The Proofreader application provides audible proofing of numbers and common spreadsheet terms for spreadsheets designed to work with Windows. Sound Finder manages sound files and allows users to drag and drop into OLE clients.

OEMs Add Value by Licensing Windows Sound System

The Windows Sound System is being Licensed by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Compaq Computer Corporation, Toshiba America and Ing. C. Olivetti and C. are among the system vendors who have committed to incorporating the Windows Sound System into their products.

"We integrated Windows Sound System in our premium line, M6 Suprema, and see it as a meaningful added value that results in a superior PC," said Giovanni Gurrieri, indirect channel and personal computer marketing director at Ing. C. Olivetti and C.

For the first time, the Windows Sound System 2.0 is being licensed by manufacturers of audio add-in boards, allowing new vendors to provide even greater value and market potential for their boards. Audio board manufacturers ACS Computer, Ambition Technology and Criterion-Unico are among the board vendors that will be integrating the Windows Sound System with their products.

System Requirements, Pricing and Availability

The Windows Sound System version 2.0 is scheduled to be available from Microsoft resellers by the end of October. The software version, which includes software, a microphone, a microphone adapter, and a software user's guide, is available for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $79. In addition to the system requirements listed below, it requires an audio board. The audio board package, which includes software, a microphone, headphones, a 16-bit stereo audio board, Sound Blaster compatibility and hardware and software user's guides, is available for an SRP of $219.

The Windows Sound System version 2.0 requires the Microsoft Windows operating system version 3.1 or higher; an open ISA or EISA slot; an Intel386 SX-based 25MHz or faster processor; 2MB of RAM; a hard drive with 10MB available space; a floppy drive; and a VGA display.

The Windows Sound System version 2.0 is scheduled to be available in French and German language versions in the first quarter of 1994, while Japanese, Italian and Spanish versions are scheduled for a later release.

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: 206-93MSFAX


Pop Rocket Joins NEC Strategic Swr Partnership
POP ROCKET JOINS NEC STRATEGIC SOFTWARE PARTNERSHIP

SAN FRANCISCO, California, September 28, 1993--Pop Rocket Inc., a developer and publisher of interactive CD-ROM titles, located in San Francisco, has joined NEC's SSP program.

Pop Rocket is pleased to announce participation in NEC's Strategic Software Partnership. Pop Rocket plans to incorporate enhancements in their upcoming title, Total Distortion, as well as future products to take full advantage of NEC's 3X MultiSpin CD-ROM drive technology.

Pop Rocket sees NEC 3X MultiSpin technology as a great step forward in giving CD-ROM based interactive entertainment enhanced speed and playability.

Pop Rocket was founded in December 1991 to develop and publish interactive entertainment media. Pop Rocket President Joe Sparks was co-developer of the pioneering and popular interactive CD-ROM title Spaceship Warlock. Pop Rocket is a talented team of professionals from the fields of music, computer graphics, and marketing. The company's goal is to produce the most innovative interactive media known to man.

Pop Rocket, Inc. PO Box 170460, San Francisco, CA 94117.

Phone (415) 731-9112; Fax (415) 731-1710; AppleLink--POPROCKET;

CompuServe--76300,2737; America Online--POPROCKET


Macromedia Supports NEC SSP Program
Macromedia, the leader in multimedia software, is proud to support NEC's SSP Program as the sole multimedia tools vendor.

This unique program brings together NEC and Macromedia with a talented pool of title developers to focus on widening the range of support for the multimedia industry.

In conjunction with the launch of NEC's SSP Program and the new MS CD drive, Macromedia will offer a new Lingo function that enables title developers to create "scalable" software. Scalable software allows developers to create one title application that will run at the optimal CD drive performance--regardless of the hardware type.

"NEC is the perfect strategic partner for us," said Larry Miller, vice president of marketing at Macromedia. "With the SSP Program, Macromedia and NEC join to support developers in creating applications for the playback system instead of the development system. The customer is definitely the winner with the best possible title playback performance on any speed CD-ROM machine."

Macromedia's Director is the industry-standard animation and authoring tool for the Macintosh. Developers worldwide are using Director to combine text, graphics, animation, sound and video into interactive titles and applications. Using the Director Player for Windows, these titles can be ported to the Windows platform for delivery to larger audiences.

Eight of the fourteen currently signed SSP development companies have already created commercial titles using Macromedia's Director and the Director Player for Windows. They are: A.D.A.M. Software, Broderbund, Knowledge Adventure, Drew Pictures, Pop Rocket, Presto Studios, Time Warner, and Voyager.

Macromedia's 1993 International User Conference will feature a focused presentation on the benefits of NEC's new MS CD drive with titles created in Director.

Macromedia, 600 Townsend, San Francisco, CA 94103

415-252-2000,  fax 415-626-0554


Grolier Signs Strategic Swr Partner with NEC
Grolier Announces Signing of Strategic Software Partner (SSP) Agreement with NEC Technologies, Inc.

Danbury, CT -- October 5, 1993 - Grolier Electronic Publishing, Inc. is proud to announce the signing of the Strategic Software Partner Agreement with NEC, Technologies, Inc. of Wood Dale, Illinois. This agreement represents Grolier's continued commitment to the consumer by providing the leading edge in multimedia CD-ROM software technology.

Parallel to the NEC example of leadership in CD-ROM hardware technology, Grolier published the first CD-ROM Encyclopedia in 1986 establishing itself as an innovator in electronic publishing quality and value. The 1994 edition (Release 6) of the New Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia carries on that tradition by adding such features as Multimedia Maps and new Knowledge Explorer Audio-Visual Essays. This is further characterized by Grolier's recently announced "Best CD-ROM Multimedia Title" (1993 Readers' Choice Awards, Multimedia World). "Together we can leverage this type of creativity and resourcefulness by seeking new ways to develop the highest performance multimedia solutions in terms of features, design, and functionality," says David Arganbright, President of Grolier Electronic Publishing, Inc. "and the best way to do that, is with a strong alliance with hardware manufacturers like NEC."

The SSP program will allow Grolier access to ever improving hardware technology, early in the software development cycle, thereby ensuring that the consumer will always get the best combination of value and performance for their investment dollar. "We are certainly looking forward to this relationship providing everyone with a WIN-WIN-WIN situation," Arganbright added.

Grolier Electronic Publishing

Sherman Turnpike, Danbury, CT 06816

203-797-3500


Broderbund to Participate in NEC SSP Program
Broderbund Software, Inc., the leading software company in the home market, is pleased to announce its participation in NEC's Strategic Software Partnership (SSP) program. As a charter member of this effort, Broderbund will provide its customers with a quick and easy way to identify products that take advantage of NEC's new MultiSpin drives. With these faster CD-ROM drives, the gameplay in these products will benefit from faster access time and increased data transfer rates. The products included in the program are:

Myst

Myst was designed with the next level of multimedia in mind. This surrealistic adventure game incorporates several technologies--beautifully rendered 3-D graphics, seamless video animation, ambient sounds and an original musical score--all of which tax even current double speed drive technology. With these new MultiSpin drives, Myst fans will fly through its logical puzzles in their quest to solve the mystery.

The New Kid on the Block

The New Kid on the Block, the first volume of poetry in the award winning Broderbund Living Books series, includes 18 of Jack Prelutsky's witty poems, all brought to life through the magic of multimedia computing. Children choose between having the poems read aloud to them or exploring the poetry on their own, at their own pace. The "Let Me Play" mode encourages young readers (ages 6 to 12) to learn language skills and poetry by clicking on various words and phrases.

Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego? Deluxe

Mount Rushmore is missing! No doubt Carmen's the culprit. Where in the USA is Carmen Sandiego? Deluxe for DOS CD-ROM combines classic American music from all 50 states with more than 100 digitized location graphics to create this multimedia crime spree. CD-ROM is the key to the incredible sights and sounds of this software classic. An award-winning product line that has sold over 3.5 million copies, Carmen Sandiego can also be found on television screens nationwide.

Broderbund Software Inc

500 Redwood Blvd, PO Box 6121, Novato, CA 94948-6121

415-382-4400,  fax 415-382-4582


American Business Info Maximizes MultiSpin 3X
American Business Information, Inc. (NASDAQ: ABII) offers 3 revolutionary CD-ROM Titles for home or office Each product has been engineered to fully maximize NEC's MultiSpin family of 3X Readers, providing the user with lightening fast information retrieval from the company's huge database. We are pleased to participate in the NEC Strategic Software Partner program and are committed to its success

11 Million Businesses Phone Directory On CD-ROM - Stop wasting time and money with phone company Directory Assistance. Now you can have every business and phone number in the U.S & Canada right at your fingertips. That's over 11 million businesses!

Search by:

Company Name -- and get the phone number in seconds

Telephone Number -- and find the business name

9-Digit ZIP CODE Directory On CD-ROM - The magic of CD-ROM puts over 25 million 9 Digit Zip Codes right on your PC! Stop fumbling with bulky print directories or dozens of diskettes -- this single CD-ROM makes finding any U.S. Zip Code a snap. It's indispensable for the home or office.

Search by:

Address -- full or partial address and find the 9-digit ZIP Code

City & State -- get the 3 or 5 digit Zip Code

ZIP Code -- find the city name

Health & Medical Industry Directory on CD-ROM - Find a "Plastic Surgeon" in Beverly Hills...locate a supplier of "Hospital Equipment 8 Supplies" .. find a "Health Club" in Phoenix. The uses go on and on! Includes over 424,000 Physicians 8 Surgeons, 160,000 Dentists, 12,000 Hospitals, 39,000 Clinics, 12,000 Health Clubs, plus 385,000 additional listings. This CD-ROM is the ultimate tool for locating any Health or Medical related business.

Search by:

Type of business - using Yellow Page Headings

Professional Speciality - for Physicians & Dentists

ZIP Code, City, or State--narrow searches to a geographic area

Business or Professional Name -- look-up "Allen Jones, MD"

American Business Information

Optical Products Division

5711 South 86th Circle, PO Box 27347, Omaha, NB 68127

402-593-4565,  fax 402-331-6681


Super Baseball 2020 for Sega Genesis
SUPER BASEBALL 2020

SAN MATEO, CA, October 4th, 1993 - Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS) has announced the release of Super Baseball 2020 for the Sega Genesis. Super Baseball 2020 is a new action game with a baseball theme and is also a conversion of the arcade hit. The product is available now, priced at $59.95.

It's the year 2020, and there are new rules and wild twists to the original game of baseball. Players can choose from teams made up of males, females, and robots to play in this action-packed, fast-paced futuristic baseball game.

There are a total of twelve teams in two leagues, each with 16 unique players. Each team has its own characteristics with hard hitters, great fielders, and fast runners. A player can strengthen his team by collecting prize money for good plays. Each time the player takes a base, scores a run, makes a play, or forces the end of an inning, he earns extra dollars which can be used to purchase power-ups for the pitchers or batters. The player needs to watch out, though, as bad plays can reduce the prize money!

The infield and outfield bleachers are covered by a special armored glass so that the fair zone becomes wider. The unique fair zones are to the sides of 1st and 3rd bases, opening Super Baseball 2020 up for more hits and runs. After every new inning, exploding crackers creating obstacles that make fielding a little more exciting - are placed in the outfield.

Super Baseball 2020 also features two types of play: the one-player league and the one-player-vs-two-player. When the player is in the one player league, he can play single games or a 15 game season - one game against each of the fearsome opponents. With the password save, a player can go back to finish the season whenever he wants. In the one-player-vs-two-player, the player battles it out against another friend.

From the seventh inning on, the batting power of one player is somewhat increased for both teams. This feature provides both teams with the possibility of a come-from-behind victory late in the game!

Super Baseball 2020 is not an EA SPORTS title.

Electronic Arts

1450 Fashion Island Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94404


Haunting Starring Polterguy for Sega Genesis
ELECTRONIC ARTS SCARES UP SOME FUN ON THE GENESIS: HAUNTING STARRING POLTERGUY TO SHIP THIS FALL

SAN MATEO, Calif., September 24, 1993 - Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS) announces the release of Haunting Starring Polterguy for the Sega Genesis. Haunting Starring Polterguy is a new action/strategy game.

The evil and greedy Sardini family - Vito and Flo, and their teenage kids Tony and Mimi "arrange" the early demise of their relative, Guy, to get their hands on his inheritance and then use the cash to purchase four mansions.

But Guy's spirit can't rest as long as the slimy Sardinis inhabit the mansions. It's now time for him to seek revenge from beyond the nether-world.. as a ghost: Polterguy!

As Polterguy, gamers use their newfound supernatural powers to "possess" over 250 different objects in the Sardinis' mansions - fright items, or "fright-ems" - which can be used to scare the evil family out of their lavishly furnished homes. The player can watch the Sardinis' comical reactions and facial expressions when Polterguy scares 'em with a chainsaw or meat cleaver!

Getting in the way, however, is Polterguy's limited supply of vital ectoplasm, which powers his scare tactics. Along with replenishing ectoplasm supplies throughout the game, gamers must avoid nasty Ectobeasts that are out to ruin Polterguy's good time.

Designed by John Salwitz and Dave Ralston - creators of Cyberball, Rampart, Paperboy Haunting Starring Polterguy will be available on a 16 meg cartridge which includes great graphics and sound effects that enhance gameplay.

Electronic Arts

1450 Fashion Island Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94404


Win, What, Where Time & Usage Monitor for Win
Win, What, Where, Painless Time & Usage Monitor For Windows

KENNEWICK, WA - Basic Systems, Inc. has released Win, What, Where, a unique time tracking and usage monitor for Windows. Working unobtrusively in the background, the program automatically tracks every activity in the Windows environment. Win, What, Where is ideally suited for tracking time for billings, enhancing customer support, and monitoring personal productivity.

Win, What, Where makes it possible to accumulate time spent on projects without any user intervention. With the advent of Windows, switching tasks can occur at a dizzying pace. "Not having to 'punch' in and out is a major advance.", according to developer Richard Eaton. Tracking time for billing and tax purposes is effortless with Win, What, Where.

Computer support professionals will use Win, What, Where's history files to re-create and analyze customer problems. Knowing exactly what the customer did prior to a problem is often critical to its resolution. Win, What, Where allows you to easily recreate a sequence of events.

As a personal productivity monitor, Win, What, Where provides invaluable information. Using the program's historical data, time estimates for new projects are easily and accurately projected. Hardware upgrade plans can be made based on real computer usage information. Find out what you really do and for how long. Did you really spend that much time playing Solitaire?

Registered users receive the bonus program, What Happened. This convenient utility takes a "snapshot" of your system conditions at set intervals. This is especially useful when Windows in not behaving.

Win, What, Where is available for $35 + $2 shipping and handling from most bulletin board systems, on-line services and Shareware disk vendors. Win, What, Where may be purchased directly from Basic Systems at 2103 West Canal Drive, Kennewick, WA 99336, or by calling 1-800-242-4775 for credit card orders.

Basic systems, Inc. is a software research and development firm with over 16 years experience and is a member of the Association of Shareware Professionals.


TruScan Large Format Scanning Systems

Aggressively Priced, All-in-One Systems Include Hardware and Software

October 1, 1993 -- Herndon, VA: Vidar Systems Corporation announces the introduction of TruScan Large Format Scanning Systems for engineering, CAD, construction and mapping applications. Vidar combines a high throughput scanners with easy-to-use software for Windows or Unix workstations to bring excellent imaging capabilities to all levels of the marketplace. According to George Patrick, Vice-President of Sales, "TruScan large format scanning systems demonstrate Vidar's technological leadership in the scanning industry. The systems are the most cost-effective way to bring top-of-the-line scanning to professional environments."

Both systems, TruScan 500 and TruScan 800, come complete with everything the user needs to start scanning immediately. Intended for applications demanding accuracy, durability and high performance, TruScan Scanning Systems include a precise and reliable drive mechanism that handles all types of drafting media without slipping. TruScan 800 includes Vidar's proprietary Adaptive Area Thresholding to produce clean, crisp scans from even the poorest quality drawings. TruScan 800 is a 3 camera system with resolutions ranging from 75 to 800 dpi. TruScan 500 is a 2 camera system with resolutions ranging from 75 to 500 dpi.

State-of-the-art scanner control software gives the user complete control of the scanner from the workstation. Using simple commands, the user can choose grayscale and black-and-white scanning, and set the image size, resolution and grayscale brightness. First time users can achieve great results immediately by choosing one of the preset document templates for different media.

Once the document is scanned, numerous clean-up and editing tools are available to the user. A wide choice of file formats provides compatibility with all popular raster image software.

The suggested list price of the TruScan 800 is $14,500. The TruScan 500 lists for $8,995.

Vidar Systems Corp, 520 Herndon Parkway, Herndon, VA 22070

703/471-7070,  Fax: 703/471-1165


Software Co-op National Product Referral

...Bob Ostrander

It seems like I get a call every week from somebody looking for software to bundle with hardware, magazines, or other software; for software that can be given away as sales incentives; software that can be sold via retail channels; software that can make both the seller and the author a profit.

Why do they call me? Probably because of my 8 years in the industry. Through Public Brand Software, the Association of Shareware Professionals, the Summer Shareware Seminars, and Ziff Communications it seems that I've met a lot of people in the computer business.

NPR will organize the referrals that get made this way; maintain a file of interested people and act as matchmaker. Further, NPR will be a profit-making business that will be here long-term. We'll go out looking for business opportunities.

NPR, in effect, acts as a non-exclusive agent for shareware authors. NPR finds new marketing opportunities both within and outside normal shareware channels.

NPR is not a Public Relations agency. Instead it functions by teaming up businesses - finding new ways for its clients to sell software.

NPR does not promote sales directly to the end user. Instead it locates sales, marketing, and advertising opportunities for its clients.

NPR endeavors to find opportunities for its clients like:

* Retail publishing contracts.

* Bundling contracts.

* Free or low-cost mass distribution opportunities.

* Cross licensing and sales agreements with other shareware

  authors.

* Flyer and/or evaluation copy cross distribution agreements.

* Overseas and/or market territorial agents.

* Suggestions for improved registration incentives and better

  use of traditional shareware marketing channels.

And maybe occasionally:

* Magazine and newspaper article references.

* Site licenses.

There are no contracts between NPR and its clients. All payments to NPR are made on a shareware basis. If the client is satisfied with the service a fee is due only after the income is realized from NPR's efforts. We'll trust you - we're a shareware author also. Besides, if we produce results for you once you will want us to do so again.

For instance, if we find a publisher and a contract to sell your software on retail shelves we may ask for a percentage of your royalty payments as they come in. No contracts, just a verbal understanding. A fee of from 4% to 10% of the extra income you realize from the arrangement will keep NPR working for you.

There are, of course, no guarantees that NPR can perform for any individual author. All we can do is try. Authors risk nothing by teaming up with NPR. They are under no obligation to carry through on any opportunity NPR finds.

Authors can join the NPR family by simply filling out the application form attached and sending it along with 2 copies of the program(s), documentation, brochures, etc.

Are you looking for software? - Can we help?

If you are looking for software to publish, to bundle with your hardware, to sell or to give away as sales incentives with your products or in your stores, to write about, or for any other legitimate reason, contact us. Our clients may well have exactly what you need.

Most of our clients use the shareware marketing system as their primary advertising and marketing method. This in itself shows their adaptivity. They are ready to explore other innovative methods with you.

Consider that you normally won't be charged anything forgiving away fully functional evaluation copies of shareware to your customers. You might even get a commission on registrations from the author.

And fully functional software can often be given away by you without any need for your customer to pay any money to the author as is traditional in shareware marketing. And it doesn't need to cost you an arm and a leg. There are many excellent methods to solve your problems that NPR can help set up.

Bob Ostrander

5437 Honey Manor Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46221

317-856-6052,  fax 317-856-2086,   CIS: 76635,1670


Ricoh Dual-Access Laser Fax/Printer
Ricoh Announces Pricing and Availability of Dual-Access Laser Fax/Printer with 14.4 Modem

WEST CALDWELL, N.J. (October 5, 1993) -- Ricoh Corporation has announced the pricing and immediate availability of a multifunctional high-speed laser facsimile with on-line printer and convenience copier capabilities The RICOH FAX3500L scans documents to memory in 4 5 seconds-a-page even while the fax or printer is active The fax unit has a suggested retail price of $3,655 and the printer interface option, which sells separately, lists for $695

The FAX3500L is a highly automated plain paper facsimile that offers true laser recording, memory priority transmission and a high-speed 14.4 kilobytes-per-second (kbps) modem with artificial intelligence (AI) protocol. An optional computer interface provides 10 page-per-minute (ppm) on-line printing at 300 dots-per-inch (dpi) from IBM compatible PCs It offers a variety of popular emulations for compatibility with most off-the-shelf software

Dual-access increases productivity by allowing the FAX3500L to simultaneously perform multiple functions for optimal utilization It enables high-volume corporate users to benefit from cost and time savings inherent in fast transmission speed, while also providing the benefits of an additional laser printer

"The large expandable memory capacity of this high-speed fax, combined with its optional computer printer interface, makes it a practical and versatile addition to any corporate office," observes John Carlomano, manager, facsimile product marketing, Ricoh Corporation. "Its dual-access design provides authentic multitasking, while delivering uncompromising fax and printer performance. The FAX3500L offers an outstanding set of document management functions in a single well-designed package."

High-speed Laser Fax

A high-speed modem allows the FAX3500L to transmit documents to other 14.4 kbps facsimiles in just six seconds per letter-size page over regular phone lines, as well as to communicate effectively with 9.6 kbps machines Speed is significantly increased by Ricoh's proprietary AI Protocol feature that cuts total transmission time when communicating with other Ricoh fax units to further reduce line charges This advanced technology, which was pioneered by Ricoh, shortens the time required for the fax "handshake" that preceeds and follows document transmission by as much as 44 percent

The standard 250 sheet letter or legal size paper supply can be expanded to 750 sheets with the addition of an optional paper feed unit (PFU) The FAX3500L automatically selects between letter, legal, A4, A5 or B4 sizes to choose the correct paper for incoming faxes Specified Cassette Selection uses a particular paper supply -- for example, colored stock -- for messages from a preprogrammed destination Automatic reduction permits incoming legal or A4 size documents to print on letter size paper

The FAX3500L is built around Ricoh's award-winning compact engine using a seamless organic photoconductor (OPC) belt Its very short, very reliable paper path provides 6 seconds-per-page print speed (10 ppm) and virtually jam-free operation. The unit offers a single-consumable design that requires users to monitor only one cartridge containing both toner and toner collector, and a long-life OPC belt that is included with the machine.

Ricoh's proprietary 64-level Selectone halftone process allows the FAX3500L to intelligently distinguish between text and images when scanning documents, applying halftone processing to images only Incoming messages are enhanced by Ricoh's Super Smoothing HQ, another software process that "smooths" curved characters and thin diagonal lines to give documents the appearance of being sent at twice the resolution

Convenient operation is provided by storage of 32 one-touch and 100 speed-dial destinations that can be assigned into groups for easy broadcasting Keystroke programs combine up to 32 complete operations into a program, reducing input required for frequently-called destinations. A telephone directory allows users to quickly scroll through speed dials for destinations, and a redial feature displays the last 10 phone numbers called The FAX3500L also features automatic dialing of busy numbers as many as 255 times, according to user preference, and chain dialing, which combines keystrokes entered at the keypad, such as user ID numbers, with preprogrammed numbers from the autodialer

A standard 21-page upgradeable memory receives documents to memory even while the FAX3500L is currently sending, receiving or printing another message Its send-later feature automatically transmits at a subsequent time specified by user input. A broadcast feature sends documents to any of seven groups, with up to 142 locations in a group, without re-scanning. Substitute reception automatically stores incoming documents if the unit is disabled

The FAX3500L can be expanded with optional memory to provide features including batch transmission, which combines all files being sent to a single locations into one call to reduce phone changes, and reverse order printing, which eliminates manual collation. It also allows multi-sort document reception, which prints up to nine copies of incoming messages.

Other features available with expanded memory include Memory Lock, which receives messages into memory and requires a code to print them Confidential Reception retains individual messages only and requires a personal code for retrieval. Fax Forwarding routes inbound faxes from all or select locations to as many as four destinations and records a local copy for backup

The FAX3500L accepts documents up to 12" wide in a 50-page automatic document feeder and scans 10 1 " wide images at a rapid 4 5 seconds-per-pages. Its high-speed modem sends pages in just six seconds in G3 mode at 14 4 kbps in any of three resolutions, ranging up to 392 by 203 dots per inch Transmission quality is enhanced with CCITT Group 3 ECM (error correction mode).

Security features include Secure Transmission, a unique feature that "scrambles" a message for transmission to another Ricoh fax machine. Restricted Access requires users to enter a four-digit code to send, allowing up to 30 personal ID codes Secure Polling prevents messages from being polled by unintended parties Confidential Communication allows sensitive files to be sent into optional memory and retrieved by a code Confidential Transmission with code override sends a file into memory with a unique code that is different from the one programmed into the machine. Authorized Reception eliminates junk fax by allowing operators to program the numbers of permitted fax machines.

Additional convenience features include Label insertion, which prints TO and FROM information on the top of documents, often eliminating the need for a cover page Receive time printing, which annotates on the original the time and date that messages are received, is convenient for time-sensitive applications such as credit application processing.

High-performance Laser Printer

A computer printer interface maximizes the usefulness and value of the FAX3500L by providing a cost-effective, space saving device that combines essential document management functions in one convenient unit. Its dual-access capabilities ensure that the FAX3500L can provide true multi-functionality that meets the simultaneous demands of a busy office, while providing consistent laser-quality fax and printer performance

The FAX3500L delivers excellent print quality from IBM or compatible PCs, at up to 300 dots-per-inch (dpi) resolution It offers emulations that include HP LaserJet III Plus (PCL 5) and Epson FX.

The printer offers 14 bit-mapped and 13 scalable internal fonts, and third-party font card may be installed to increase the number of available fonts. Postscript emulation may be added by plugging in a third-party emulation card. Standard printer RAM is 1 MB, and is upgradeable to 6 MB First print-out time is 20 seconds, with subsequent print speed rated at 10 pages-per-minute (ppm).

Connectivity is provided by a RS232C serial port and one Centronics parallel port at the printer end, allowing up to two PC hosts to be connected. The fax/printer can intelligently switch and accept data from either port

The RICOH FAX3500L, together with the FAX2500L, FAX3100L and FAX4500L, incorporate the same streamline series of Ricoh's "CS-Engine " The original CS-Engine plain paper facsimiles, the RICOH FAX3200L and FAX3000L, were acclaimed by Buyers Laboratory and What to Buy for Business.

Ricoh Corporation, a U S company headquartered in West Caldwell, N J, is a diversified office equipment and electronics firm with sales of nearly $1 billion annually Ricoh is a leading supplier of copiers, facsimiles and multifunctional document systems that are sold both directly and through dealers. The company also markets scanners, printers and optical and magnetic storage devices, as well as photographic equipment.

Ricoh Corp, 5 Dedrick Place, West Caldwell, NJ 07006

201-882-2000,  fax 201-882-2506


Economical Ricoh Desktop Laser Fax/Printer
Economical Desktop Laser Fax/Printer Begins Shipping from Ricoh

WEST CALDWELL, N.J. (October 5, 1993) -- Ricoh Corporation has announced the pricing and immediate availability of the RICOH FAX2500L, a multifunctional device that combines plain paper laser facsimile, on-line printer and convenience copier capabilities The fax unit has a suggested retail price of $2,955 and the printer interface option, which is sold separately, lists for $695

Overview

The RICOH FAX2500L is a convenient desktop facsimile with advanced memory options that provides high-resolution laser fax recording on plain paper An optional PC printer upgrade permits 10 page-per-minute printing at 300 dots-per-inch (dpi) from IBM compatible PCs, even while the unit is transmitting or receiving incoming faxes to memory Popular emulations provide full compatibility with most off-the-shelf software

A unique front-access design significantly reduces desk space needed for the paper tray The FAX2500L is an excellent choice for mid-volume users demanding the speed and image quality of laser fax recording for small office or workgroup environments By doubling as a fully-featured laser printer, the model offers considerable cost economy as well as reduced space requirements

"By combining our popular compact seamless laser fax engine with a highly versatile PC printer interface, we have designed a multi-function product we expect will establish a new definition of price performance," comments John Carlomano, manager, facsimile product marketing, Ricoh Corporation. "The FAX2500L can perform double duty as a back-up workgroup printer, or even as a primary printer for a small office It delivers significant increased value to address business segments that have previously been unable to justify dedicated laser fax technology."

High-performance laser fax

Built around Ricoh's award-winning compact engine with its seamless organic photoconductor belt, the FAX2500L provides high quality laser fax recording for precise imaging of incoming documents. Ricoh's proprietary 64-level Selectone halftone process intelligently distinguishes between text and images when scanning documents, applying halftone processing to images only. Ricoh's Super Smoothing HQ process enhances received messages by "smoothing" curved characters and thin diagonal lines to give documents the appearance of being sent at twice the resolution

Speed and reliability are optimized by a very short, very reliable paper path that provides 6 seconds-per-page (equals 10 pages-per-minute) fax recording and virtually jam-free operation The FAX2500L also incorporates a single-consumable design that requires users to monitor only one cartridge containing both toner and excess toner collection

The FAX2500 significantly reduces fax lines charges through its AI (artificial intelligence) Protocol feature that cuts total transmission time when communicating with other Ricoh fax units This advanced technology, which was pioneered by Ricoh, shortens the time required for the fax "handshake" that preceeds and follows document transmission. In addition, an AI Redial feature memorizes protocol information for subsequent calls to the same destination.

Highly automated fax operation features 16 one-touch and 50 speed-dial destinations that can be assigned into groups for easy broadcasting Keystroke programs combine destinations and settings into a program, reducing input required for frequently called destinations.

A standard seven-page upgradeable memory provides features including send-later that automatically transmits at a subsequent time determined by user preference A broadcast feature sends documents to any of seven groups, with up to 20 locations in any group, without re-scanning. Substitute reception allows incoming documents to be received into memory if the unit has run out of toner or paper.

The FAX2500L can be enhanced with optional user-installable memory upgrades of 1 MB (57 pages) or 2 MB (114 pages) Expanded memory allows users to take advantage of features such as batch transmission, which combines all files being sent to a single location into one call to reduce phone changes.

Other advanced features available with expanded memory include memory lock, which receives all messages into memory and requires a code before printing them, and confidential reception, which retains only individual messages in memory, and requires a personal ID code for retrieval.

The FAX2500L include a 30-page document feeder that accepts 12" wide documents It scans images up to 10 1" wide at a rapid 4.5 seconds-per-pages and sends at 10 seconds-per-pages in G3 mode at 9600 bps. Transmission in any of three resolutions, ranging up to 392 by 203 dots per inch, is enhanced with CCITT Group 3 ECM (error correction mode).

Security features include secure polling that permits messages to be polled only from machines with a matching four-digit code Confidential transmission allows sensitive files to be sent into memory and retrieved by a code, or alternately, can supply a unique code different from the one programmed into the machine In addition, authorized reception eliminates junk fax by allowing operators to program the numbers of permitted fax machines Automatic reduction permits recording of incoming A4 and legal-size documents on letter-size paper. The FAX2500L has a 250 sheet letter-size paper capacity

Laser Printer Option

By adding a computer printer interface to a high-performance laser fax engine, the FAX2500L is transformed into an economical and versatile multi-function office peripheral. It saves desk space by consolidating two essential functions in one device, and saves money by eliminating an investment in redundant technology The dual-purpose design of the FAX2500L allows small offices and work groups to benefit from plain-paper laser fax quality.

The FAX2500L delivers excellent printer performance from any IBM compatible PC, at up to 300 dots-per-inch (dpi) resolution. Emulations include HP LaserJet III Plus (PCL 5) and Epson FX, providing full compatibility with most off-the-shelf software.

The printer offers 14 bit-mapped and 13 scaleable internal fonts, and third-party font cards may be installed to increase the number of available fonts Postscript emulation may be added by plugging in a third-party emulation card Standard printer RAM is 1 MB, and is upgradeable to 6 MB First print-out time is 20 seconds, with subsequent print speed rated at 10 pages-per-minute (ppm).

Connectivity is provided by one RS232C serial port and one Centronics parallel port at the printer end, allowing up to two PC hosts to be connected. The fax/printer can intelligently switch and accept data from either port.

Ricoh Corporation, a U.S company headquartered in West Caldwell, NJ, is a diversified office equipment and electronics firm with sales of nearly $1 billion annually Ricoh is a leading supplier of copiers, facsimiles and multifunctional document systems that are sold both directly and through dealers. The company also markets scanners, printers and optical and magnetic storage devices, as well as photographic equipment

Ricoh Corp, 5 Dedrick Place, West Caldwell, NJ 07006

201-882-2000,  fax 201-882-2506


HRIS-Pro and ATS-Pro HR Software
Introducing HRIS-Pro and ATS-Pro, HR Software for Windows and DOS

San Francisco, CA.  - - Human Resource MicroSystems announced that it is shipping HRIS-Pro and ATS-Pro Version 5.0 for both Microsoft Windows 3.1 and DOS 5.0. (The company offers existing versions of its HRIS and ATS products for Macintosh and UNIX.)

HRIS-Pro is a comprehensive employee tracking/flexible benefits administration system designed for use by Human Resource professionals. Packaged with fully integrated modules and features, HRIS-Pro can provide a total solution for the most demanding Human Resource department. ATS-Pro is available as a module or as a stand-alone system. ATS-Pro tracks information on job candidates and job openings thereby bringing improved productivity, management, and analysis to the recruiting function.

HRIS-Pro and ATS-Pro are written in Microsoft FoxPro (Version 2.5), and represent state-of-the-art technology in relational database technology. In addition to being able to draw on the power and performance of FoxPro, these application software packages offer powerful tools for the advanced user to custom tailor the system, to utilize full SQL query capabilities, and to provide presentation-quality reporting using the internally provided report writer.

The innovations in these products are far reaching, and represent one of the first true Windows offerings in the PC-based Human Resource software market. Even the DOS version, however, offers a user interface that is very graphic-like. HRIS-Pro and ATS-Pro have been granted "Windows Compatible" status by Microsoft Corporation; Human Resource MicroSystems, as a Microsoft FoxPro developer, is also a member of the Microsoft Solutions Channels Program.

"HRIS-Pro and ATS-Pro are comprehensive solutions to the complex information needs of Human Resource departments, whether in large companies or small," said Don Helt, President and CEO of Human Resource MicroSystems. Helt added, "Advances in technology allow us to put easy-to-use yet powerful tools in the hands of Human Resource professionals. Chief among these is the cross-platform compatibility we offer."

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Cross-platform compatibility allow users to access the same files and reports whether in Windows or DOS, and features a consistent user interface throughout. "Once Microsoft releases its FoxPro for Macintosh and UNIX, HRIS-Pro will be compatible across all four platforms," Helt said.

Enhanced Report Writer

"Report writing is the real reason people buy an HRIS," noted Helt. "It's the payoff for record keeping, and must be easy enough for human resource departments to generate their own reports, yet powerful enough to address the complex information needs of the business as a whole." HRIS-Pro's object-oriented, banded report writer allows the user to define the layout of text, graphics and statistical calculations, and control font selection, style and color. A tool palette is included in Windows and Macintosh versions; all platforms feature menu options and scroll lists to guide users through report writing options. HRIS-Pro comes with more than 100 standard reports, ATS-Pro with more than 35; in addition, custom presentation-quality informational, analytical, and "what if" reports can be designed within a few minutes.

Other Technical Highlights

* HRIS-Pro and ATS-Pro feature Microsoft FoxPro's SQL "Rushmore" RQBE query language, providing for extremely rapid searches of large databases.

* HRIS-Pro and ATS-Pro are designed to be customized by the end user. Power Tools included with the system include a screen painter to add or change field names, field characteristics, and screen layouts. Tables and the online HELP database can also be customized. Customizing tables is so straightforward, it can even be accomplished "on the fly."

* HRIS-Pro's Windows version offers a true GUI with font selection and sizing, tool palettes, screen painter, and more. Even the DOS version of HRIS-Pro, however, enjoys many of the benefits of a Graphic User Interface, including pull-down menus, mouse point and click, scroll lists, buttons and more. The consistent interface throughout the system makes the software intuitive, easy-to-learn, and easy-to-use.

* Floating windows allow the user to simultaneously view and edit multiple screens of data. This feature provides convenient access to all of an employee's records at one time.

* Multi-level security is sophisticated and yet easy to administer. With a click of the mouse, the System Administrator can readily direct which modules, screens, functions, reports, records and data fields individual users can access.

* HRIS-Pro and ATS-Pro feature context-sensitive help for every field in addition to on-line documentation. The user can access help alphabetically or topically.

Human Resource MicroSystems is a San Francisco, California based software developer. Incorporated in 1983, the company is a pioneer in the field of HRIS, having brought one of the first PC-based HRIS systems to market, and now has installations across the United States and Canada, and in several European and Pacific Rim countries.

Human Resource Microsystems

160 Sansome St, Suite 1450, San Francisco, CA 94194

415-362-8400,  fax 415-362-8595


Lottery Expert & Holiday Fonts for Windows
Expert's Latest Windows Releases Hit The Jack-Pot For The Holidays

Expert Introduces Lottery Expert and Holiday Fonts for Windows

CORAL GABLES, FLORIDA (September 29, 1993) - Expert Software, Inc., has begun shipping Lottery Expert and Expert Holiday Fonts for Windows. Both Lottery Expert and Expert Holiday Fonts for Windows have a Suggested Retail Price of only $14.95.

"By releasing Lottery Expert and Holiday Fonts, Expert has proven that it is committed to becoming a major player in the bustling Windows market.," said Sue Currier, president of Expert Software, Inc. "In less than a few months Expert has increased its Window's line by a whopping 120 percent."

Currier cited recent Windows sales figures as a predominant factor for Expert Software expanding its Windows line. "According to the Software Publisher's Association, Windows application sales were up $1.93 million for the year, up 95.6 percent from $989 million in 1991."

Expert Holiday Fonts for Windows offers 35 fonts and 50 borders for year round holiday greetings. Expert Holiday Fonts for Windows allows you to make your very own holiday cards, announcements, and invitations for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years, Valentine's Day, and Easter.

Expert Holiday Fonts for Windows offers the following additional features:

* 7 illustrated fonts for 7 holidays in one package.

* 11 great looking decorative fonts for holiday text.

* 10 theme borders to turn your greetings into works of art.

* Plus 7 more fonts without the drawings so you can mix plain

  and illustrated letters.

Lottery Expert for Windows - Improve the odds of winning state lotteries with this easy-to-use program which tracks state lottery winners, contains random number generations and frequency of numbers drawn, and stores your favorite combinations. Plus Lottery Expert provides up-to-date information on all State and Canadian lotteries.

Lottery Expert for Windows offers the following additional features:

* Analyze winning number trends in over 10 different ways

  including Hit/Miss Charts, Hit Sequence Display, Odd/Even

  Analysis and more.

* Play the all-new nationwide game POWERBALL for nine different

  prizes in each game.

* Generate random number tickets.

* Print the ticket numbers you want to play.

Expert Software is the developer of over 50 Windows, MS-DOS, and Macintosh titles which have appeared on many of the industry's leading hot and best seller lists. Expert Software is located at 800 Douglas Road, North Tower, Suite 355, Coral Gables, FL 33134-3128. For consumer product information contact: 800 759-2562.


Sybase Ships SQL Monitor Performance Monitor
SYBASE STARTS COMMERCIAL SHIPMENTS OF SQL MONITOR

SQL Monitor is First Tool to Offer Mainframe-like Performance Monitoring and Tuning For Client/Server Database Environments

EMERYVILLE, CA, October 5, 1993 -- Sybase, Inc., The Enterprise Client/Server Company, today announced general availability of SQL Monitor, Release 10, the first software tool available for distributed client/server database performance monitoring and tuning. With SQL Monitor, companies now have mainframe-like control over the systems performance of their SQL Server-based distributed database environments. Shipping today, SQL Monitor is the second product in the System 10 family to begin commercial production.

SQL Monitor is a comprehensive, easy-to-use graphical tool that helps systems administrators isolate problems with local or remote SQL Server systems, manage the servers, and fine-tune them for optimal performance. It delivers significantly more accurate and detailed information than the data provided by the general-purpose monitoring tools and operating system utilities used in many client/server environments today.

"The growing shift from centralized, mainframe-based systems to distributed database environments poses a significant challenge to the systems administrators responsible for managing these databases," said Stu Schuster, vice president of marketing for Sybase, Inc. "SQL Monitor, part of Sybase's family of enterprise client/server-based Systems Management tools, alleviates this burden by providing administrators with complete, mainframe-like capabilities for monitoring today's dynamic, distributed computing environments. Equally important, SQL Monitor allows information systems (IS) departments to develop application programs yielding optimal SQL Server performance."

SQL Monitor Features, Competitive Advantages

The SQL Monitor product consists of two components. SQL Monitor Server accesses SQL Server shared memory as a background task to capture SQL Server performance statistics. SQL Monitor Client connects to SQL Monitor Server and displays performance data through a graphical user interface. With SQL Monitor Client, a systems administrator can easily specify the statistics to be monitored, the level of detail, frequency of updates, and how data will be presented. The SQL Monitor components offer greater accuracy and more detailed information than other general-purpose monitoring tools and operating system utilities.

"The major issue is that other monitoring tools track general problem areas but not specific database issues. As a result, systems administrators often cannot locate database problems until they occur," said John Mandile, vice president of systems management products for Sybase. "SQL Monitor provides detailed data such as database locking status, cache statistics, device I/O, memory allocation, network traffic and CPU utilization. Several of our beta test customers report that this data has allowed them to isolate recurring database problems and identify others before they ever appear."

Another issue is that general-purpose monitoring tools query the server directly for operational information. This significantly slows the server's ability to handle transactions, making it difficult to gauge true database performance. By contrast, the SQL Monitor tool accesses SQL Server shared memory, greatly minimizing the impact on database performance.

"Because SQL Monitor doesn't intrude on the server's performance, it doesn't become part of the problem," agreed Ken Dulin, director of database technologies for Everest Technologies, Inc., who currently uses SQL Monitor to monitor six SQL Server databases.

Dulin has seen a number of benefits since switching from the database and operating system utilities he previously used. "The utilities didn't always give us the monitoring data we needed, so we would have to write custom code," he recalled. "With SQL Monitor, we no longer have to maintain this custom code. And SQL Monitor has allowed us to successfully validate the physical implementation of our SQL Servers and identify problem processes."

Availability and System Requirements

SQL Monitor 10 is shipping now. The SQL Monitor Server works with SQL Server versions 4.9.1 or above, as well as SQL Server 10. The SQL Monitor Client operates on UNIX systems running Motif version 1.2 and native Microsoft Windows, versions 3.1 or above. Disk space requirements are 3MB for Motif and 2MB for Windows. All components require a minimum of 4MB available memory.

All pricing is based on the hardware configuration supported. SQL Monitor Client starts at $595 for a single-user Microsoft Windows 3.1 license and $1,880 for a single-user UNIX system license. SQL Monitor Server starts at $2,580 for an unlimited-user UNIX system license.

System 10

The SQL Monitor product is another milestone in Sybase's delivery on the promise of its System 10 family, which was created to meet the specific needs of enterprise client/server computing. With today's announcement, two of the eleven System 10 products are commercially available: SQL Monitor and OmniSQL Gateway. Seven other products are in beta test, including SQL Server 10, which is expected to begin general availability within 30 days.

Sybase, Inc.

Sybase, Inc. (NASDAQ: SYBS) develops and markets a leading family of client/server-based software products and services for on-line, enterprise-wide applications. Sybase's integrated family of software includes servers, tools, connectivity, and administration/control products that provide complete desktop to mainframe solutions. Headquartered in Emeryville, CA, Sybase markets its products worldwide through its direct sales force, telesales, distributors, OEMs, VARs, and systems integrators.

Sybase Inc, 6475 Christie Ave, Emeryville, CA 04608

510-596-3500;  Fax: 510-658-9441


NSSI LanSafe II NMS 2.0 Power Mgmt Swr
NSSI RELEASES LANSAFE II NMS 2.0 POWER MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

LanSafe II for NMS Software Extends Features of Open Development Platform

SPECIAL TO NETWORLD, October 4, 1993 - Network Security Systems Inc. (NSSI), a recognized leader in network and standalone power management solutions, today announced the release LanSafe II for NMS 2.0, a Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) compatible, 'snap-in' power management application. LanSafe II for NMS software enables users in an NMS environment to interactively manage and control NSSI uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) attached to file servers throughout the enterprise network. Novell and NSSI will be demonstrating LanSafe II for NMS at NetWorld in Dallas, booths 1414 and 2402, respectively. List price for LanSafe II for NMS is $199.

Announced in August of this year, LanSafe II for NMS is the only power management software package available which supports Novell's NetWare Management System (NMS). Conforming to NMS graphical user interface (GUI) standards, LanSafe II for NMS maintains the NMS look and feel, while retaining NSSI's graphical user interface. Additional features include:

* An automatic installation and autodiscovery process which

  integrates NSSI UPS icons into the NetWare Management Map

* Remote shutdown and reboot

* Unattended NetWare orderly shutdowns

* Monitoring and logging of power conditions

* real-time interactive configuration and voltage customization

* Automatic UPS testing and preventative maintenance

NSSI's power management system is comprised of a family of intelligent UPSs and LanSafe II network power management software. The company's award-winning products support Novell, UNIX, Windows, OS/2 LAN Manager or LAN Server. NSSI's products are available through many leading value-added resellers and distributors including Ingram Micro, Tech Data and Vitek For additional product information, contact NSSI at (800) 755-7078.

Network Security Systems Inc

9401 Waples St, San Diego, CA 92121

619-587-7950,  800-755-7078,  fax 619-552-9162


Multi-Tech MiniArray Turn-Key Novell Gateways
Multi-Tech Enhances MiniArray Turn-Key Gateways for Novell LANs

MOUNDS VIEW, MINNESOTA--October 5, 1993--Multi-Tech Systems Inc., a leading data communications technology company, announced today expanded versions of its MiniArray gateways for NetWare LANs. The new MiniArrays include a larger cabinet with four expansion slots (instead of three) on an ISA passive backplane. MiniArrays can now accommodate up to 16 modems using MultiTech's ISI multiport serial cards. The MiniArrays are available in models for Remote Node server and Data/Fax server operation. Depending on the model, the MiniArray comes preconfigured and equipped with a Single Board Computer (SBC), an eight-port Intelligent Serial Interface (ISI) card, and the proper network interface card (NIC) for either Ethernet or Arcnet Novell LANs. All models can be expanded with a second ISI. The MiniArray is priced at $3599 (U.S.) for NIC-equipped models and $3499 (U.S.) for the generic MiniArray without a NIC.

"Sharing modems over LANs is just like sharing other LAN resources such as disk space, processors or printers," states Raghu Sharma, President of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. "And, as the number of PCs, modems and LANs continue to increase, network managers can realize substantial savings by sharing modems and phone lines among LAN users. Instead of one modem and phone line per PC user, as many as eight users can share a single modem. Often, the reasons modem sharing is not considered is the complicated nature of setting up a functioning gateway. The MiniArray solves that problem by providing a complete turn-key system. All you have to do is plug in the modems on one end, the LAN on the other, insert a diskette and turn on power. The preconfigured diskette automatically sets up the gateway with generic user names and passwords. And since our MiniArrays come with all the software you need for fax or datacomm, all you have to do is select the right modems for your application."

The MiniArray comes in a mini-tower cabinet containing a 1.44 MB floppy disk drive, a four slot ISAbus backplane, and power supply. It includes a 386SX Single Board Computer (SBC), an eight-port serial card (Multi-Tech's own Intelligent Serial Interface (ISI) with octopus cable) and an optional network interface card (NIC) for the type of LAN being used (e.g., 10BASET/coax Ethernet, twisted pair Arcnet, etc.). The 386SX-25 MHz SBC has 2 megabytes of RAM expandable to 16 megabytes, and includes two serial ports, one parallel port, a floppy and hard disk controller, and a VGA controller providing 800 x 600 pixel density in a 16-color format.

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 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, main numbers (612) 785-3500 or (800) 328-9717, Technical Support (800) 972-2439, BBS (612) 785-9875 or (800) 392-2432, U. S. FAX (612) 785-9874, International FAX (612) 331-3180.


Multi-Tech Video/Keyboard Multiplexer/Switch
Multi-Tech Announces Video/Keyboard Multiplexer/Switch

MOUNDS VIEW, MINNESOTA--October 5, 1993--Multi-Tech Systems Inc., a leading data communications technology company, announced the MultiArraySwitch (model MS9) video and keyboard multiplexer for simplifying the control of multiple server installations and processor arrays. The MS9 consolidates the control of up to nine processors using a single monitor and keyboard. The 19 inch rack-mount cabinet includes nine sets of 6-pin mini-DIN keyboard and DB-15 VGA connectors each connected to a push button switch. Cabling is included to connect up to nine processor keyboard and monitor connectors to the MS9. The MultiArraySwitch will start shipping in December, 1993 at a price of $895 (U.S.).

According to Multi-Tech President Raghu Sharma, "The MultiArraySwitch is a companion product to our MultiArrayII processor system. Its rack-mount design means that it can be installed directly above or below the MultiArray2 and control all of its Single Board Computers (SBCs) using a single monitor and keyboard. The clutter of monitors, keyboards, and cabling normally associated with LAN control rooms can be a thing of the past with the MultiArraySwitch. The convenience of not having to change monitor and keyboard plugs or the cost savings of not having to purchase separate keyboards and monitors, makes the addition of the MultiArraySwitch an easy choice."

The MultiArraySwitch (MS9) comes in a 19 inch rack-mount cabinet housing nine sets (positions 1 through 9) of "slave" input connectors for standard computer keyboard and monitor signals. Each slave input connector set consists of a 6-pin mini-DIN connector for the keyboard and a DB-15 VGA connector for the monitor. The nine slave input connector sets are multiplexed into a single "master" output keyboard and monitor connector set via nine pushbutton switches. By pushing a switch, one selects the corresponding slave keyboard/monitor as the one under master control and monitoring. Sufficient cabling (six foot) is provided to connect the nine slave monitors and keyboards.

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 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, main numbers (612) 785-3500 or (800) 328-9717, Technical Support (800) 972-2439, BBS (612) 785-9875 or (800) 392-2432, U. S. FAX (612) 785-9874, International FAX (612) 331-3180.


Voodoo NetWare from Ventana Press
VENTANA INTRODUCES NETWIZARDRY WITH NETWARE

Chapel Hill, NC--NetWare 4.0 may represent the ultimate Voodoo--packed with powers, yet fraught with mystery. Voodoo NetWare, new from Ventana Press, is the spellbook that puts the power where it belongs: not inside the system but in the hands of today's business equivalent of yesterday's sorcerer, the network administrator.

"Many books discuss an operating system detail by painstaking detail," observes voodoo guru Emmett Dulaney." Voodoo NewWare takes a different approach, bringing out the key points of NetWare in a lively tips and traps format."

Voodo NetWare dispels network woes by revealing timely tricks, including

* Hardware hocus-pocus: choosing the right servers, cards and

cables to make your network run like a charm.

* Menu magic: mastering NetWare 4.0's powerful new utilities to add, delete and monitor objects on the network.

* Command sleight-of-hand: getting things done quickly using command-line shortcuts; what's new, what's old and what's out.

* File & directory divination: streamlining system management

with login scripts, improved backup and security; designing efficient directory trees.

* Printer prestidigitation: making sure printed documents appear on command and casting off printing curses quickly.

* Workstation wonders: charming MS-DOS, DR-DOS, Windows and diskless workstations into submission.

* Assorted alchemy: performing server sorcery by setting up trustees; controlling traffic with Audit; unleashing mystifying tricks for clearing, messaging, disabling/re-enabling and troubleshooting.

Emmett Dulaney is the author of several computer books, including NetWare Solutions and Shortcuts (M&T Publishing) and UNIX Unleashed (Sams). He is also an associate professor of Continuing Education at Indiana/Purdue University of Fort Wayne, IN, and a senior support representative for BI, Inc.

Voodoo NetWare is softcover, 7 3/8" x 9 1/4", 315 pages with 140 illustrations. Suggested retail price: $27.95. ISBN: 1-56604-077-9. For orders only, call 1-800-743-5369.

Ventana Press publishes books and other materials that help computer users become more productive, including Voodoo OS/2, Looking Good in Print, The Windows Shareware 500, The Mac Internet Tour Guide, Desktop Publishing With WordPerfect 6 and The Visual Guide to Visual Basic 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


Remote Node & TCP/IP Added to MultiModemLAN
Multi-Tech Adds Remote Node and TCP/IP To MultiModemLAN

MOUNDS VIEW, MINNESOTA--October 13, 1993--Multi-Tech Systems Inc., a leading data communications technology company, announced today that its MultiModemLANs will now support Remote Node Server (RNS) and TCP/IP operation in addition to their dial-in/out datacomm, fax, remote-control, and asynchronous routing functions. The MultiModemLAN network modems (model MT1432ECT and MT1432ECT4) attach directly to Novell IPX/SPX LANs by either their 10BASE2 (Thinnet) or 10BASET (UTP Unshielded Twisted Pair) Ethernet connectors, and can function as one of three different servers:

* As a Data/Fax Asynchronous Communications Server (ACS) it is used for one or two modem dial-in/out data communications or send/receive fax communications from node PCs, and single modem dial-in Remote-Control host processing. The TCP/IP dual stack capability permits access to other TCP/IP services and hosts during remote-control operation.

* As a Remote Node Server (RNS) it is used for one or two modem dial in remote node access.

* As a Fax Server it is used for single modem automatic fax sending and receiving.

The MultiModemLANs include a 386SX or 486SLC processor and both a CCITT V.32bis/V.32 (14.4K/9600 bps) data modem and a V.17/Group 3 (14.4K/9600/4800 bps) fax modem. A second modem can be attached to the MultiModemLAN's external serial port. The MultiModemLANs, with added RNS and TCP/IP support, will be available for shipment in December of 1993, and are priced at $1995 (MT1432ECT) and $2199 (MT1432ECT4).

"By adding remote node and TCP/IP functions to our MultiModemLAN, we've created a very versatile communications system for Novell NetWare LANs," states Raghu Sharma, President of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. "As a Remote Node Server, the MultiModemLAN allows a remote user to access all LAN services just as if that user were connected directly to the LAN. You can also add a second modem to create a two-modem server. As a one or two modem Asynchronous Communications Server, the MultiModemLAN can function seamlessly across bridges and routers in a LAN environment for both data and fax communications. And, as a dedicated fax server, the MultiModemLAN can send and receive faxes automatically on behalf of any node PC."

The MultiModemLAN hardware consists of a 386SX or 486SLC-based PC that comes with 2 megabytes of memory, expandable to 16 meg using standard 4 meg SIMMs, a V.32bis/V.42bis modem with an onboard fax modem, and Ethernet Network Interface circuitry that supports either a twisted pair (UTP) or Thinnet interface. It provides a standard RJ11 jack to connect the internal modem to the phone line, an RJ45 connector for twisted pair networks, a BNC connector for Thinnet networks, a 9-pin D-style connector to attach an external modem or DSU to the internal PC, a power switch, and a DIN jack for power. It also provides connections for a keyboard and VGA monitor. The MultiModemLAN comes bundled with all necessary software.

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 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, main numbers (612) 785-3500 or (800) 328-9717, Technical Support (800) 972-2439, BBS (612) 785-9875 or (800) 392-2432, U. S. FAX (612) 785-9874, International FAX (612) 331-3180.


Multi-Tech Ships V.32terbo Modems/Reduces Cost
Multi-Tech Ships V.32terbo Modems and Reduces Price

MOUNDS VIEW, MINNESOTA--October 5, 1993--Multi-Tech Systems Inc., a leading data communications technology company, announced that it is shipping its newest MultiModemII, the MT1932BL, which supports AT&T's 16.8K/19.2K bps V.32terbo open standard. The V.32terbo standard extends current 9.6K and 14.4K bps modem technology by providing two new data rates in a scheme otherwise like that of the 14.4K bps V.32bis. The MT1932BL provides the higher data rates while maintaining compatibility with lower-speed modems based on V.32bis, V.32, V.22bis and other common modulation standards. Today's announcement also includes a price reduction for the MT1932BL from $1199 to $899.

According to Multi-Tech President Raghu Sharma, "Unfortunately, V.fast is looking more like V.slow when it comes to approvals. Current estimates for shipments of CCITT standard V.fast modems are late 1994. With the 33% speed improvement of V.32terbo over V.32bis, users may actually be able to pay for new modems in line charge savings by the time official V.fast modems are a reality. Newer applications like Remote LAN Access, asynchronous muxing, and voice/data communications can benefit enormously by a 33% percent throughput increase. The performance of Remote Node access to LANs, for instance, has always been questionable when using slow modems. With up to 76.8K bps available with V.32terbo (using V.42bis compression), users can start seeing LAN-like performance for many remote-node tasks."

The MT1932BL provides synchronous or asynchronous operation over dedicated or dial-up phone lines, with V.42 error correction in asynchronous mode for 100% error-free data and V.42bis "4-to-1" data compression for effective throughputs up to 76.8K bps (depending on file content). For async operation over dial-up lines, it includes a V.17/Group 3 fax modem (for 14.4K/9600/4800 bps fax transmissions), MultiExpress data communications software (for dial-in and dial-out), and MultiExpressFax software (based on industry standard EIA Class 2 fax modem commands). It also includes all of the features and speeds of the other MultiModemII products, with additional support for four-wire leased-line operation.

A dial back-up feature lets the new modem continue data communications even if its leased line connection fails. When the leased line is returned to operation, the MT1932BL automatically restores the current datacomm session to leased-line service. UUCP spoofing using Multi-Tech's own adaptive protocol enhancing, speeds up UUCP batch file transfers (UNIX) which use the "g" protocol. The MT1932BL uses industry-standard "AT" commands for modem configuration and dialing, supports V.25bis for synchronous dialing applications and has a built-in dialing directory for storing up to 10 phone numbers. Three RJ11s, or modular phone jacks, are available on the rear panel for connecting the leased line, dial-up line and phone in addition to an RS232 serial port for connection to a sync or async device. A complete set of LEDs provides easy visual monitoring of the modem's operation. The special Error (ERR) LED lights up when the leased line is disconnected and the unit has gone to dial back-up (the back-up phone number, or numbers, must be pre-stored in the modem's non-volatile memory).

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 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, main numbers (612) 785-3500 or (800) 328-9717, Technical Support (800) 972-2439, BBS (612) 785-9875 or (800) 392-2432, U. S. FAX (612) 785-9874, International FAX (612) 331-3180.


Yggdrasil LINUX/GNU/X Operating System
THE YGGDRASIL LINUX/GNU/X OPERATING SYSTEM -- FALL 1993

7 October 1993 -- SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA--Yggdrasil Computing, Incorporated is now shipping LGX, a multimedia PC UNIX(R) clone competitive with Solaris and Windows NT. The 680-megabyte system includes the Postgres database, the "Andrew" multimedia document system, seventeen optional software packages, complete source code, and most importantly, numerous features designed to make LGX easier, and therefore cheaper, to install and maintain than other operating systems. These ease-of-use features include a manual with illustrations of what the screen should look like at each step of installation, plug-and-play operation, an easy-to-use installation mechanism, graphical "fill in the blanks" control panels for easy system configuration, and other enhancements.

LGX is named after three of its principal components: the Linux kernel, the GNU software suite, and the X window system. LGX is free software, so no license fees are necessary for LGX development to be done by in house programmers, consultants, or anybody. The LGX manual lists support vendors, and Yggdrasil also offers such services, including a 900 number for instant help with Linux-related questions.

Yggdrasil is greatly indebted to the many free software developers whose efforts have made this release possible. As a token of appreciation, any author of anything in LGX can get a free copy. Other major contributors to the Linux community and Operators of free Linux BBS's or Linux FTP sites can also get a free copy. For everyone else, LGX costs $49.95.

For more information or to order, call 24 hours a day toll free (800) 261-6630 or (408) 261-6630, or fax (408) 261-6631, or send email to yci@netcom.com. All individual direct sales orders received before 6PM Eastern/3PM Pacific are shipped by an overnight delivery service. Reseller inquiries welcome.

UNIX is a registered trademark of Unix System Laboratories. LGX contains no proprietary software licensed from Unix System Laboratories.

HIGHLIGHTS

LGX is the first operating system distribution to include Carnegie-Mellon University's Andrew system for processing documents with embedded images, hypertext links, spreadsheets and other media. Other document preparation facilities include TeX, groff, and the "GhostScript" PostScript clone, all with X windows previewers. For editting files, LGX includes vi and two multiwindowing version of the emacs text editor: FSF Emacs 19.19 and Lucid GNU Emacs 19.8.

LGX now includes the ImageMagic viewer for JPEG, GIF, and TIFF images, in addition to the MPEG video player that was in the LGX beta release. The X windows configuration script now supports resolutions up to 1152x900 non-interlaced for sufficiently fast video cards such as the ATI Ultra Pro. Sound support has been expanded with the adagio program. General multimedia support has been expanded not only with the inclusion of the Andrew system, but also with the addition of the metamail system for processing multimedia mail. The news reader and the mailer have been configured to automatically invoke metamail when they display MIME-format messages.

LGX is also the first operating system to include Postgres, the new remote database system developed at the University of California, Berkeley to succeed Ingres. A programming interface between Postgres and the popular Tk/Tcl X windows toolkit for rapid graphical interface development is included. Tk/Tcl is similar to NeXTStep, but runs under the industry standard X Window System. The version of Tk/Tcl is new and corresponds to the langauge described the forthcoming book by Tk/Tcl's author, John Ousterhout. Other X windows programming toolkits include Xview for making OpenLook(tm) applications, the InterViews C++ X windows toolkit, and the standard MIT X windows libraries, including Xlib and Xt. A version of Motif that can be installed from the LGX graphical control panels will be available soon.

LGX's software development environment now includes software quality tools such as DejaGnu for automated testing, the GNU Coverage Tool to verify test coverage, Gnats for bug tracking and its graphical user interface, TkGnats, and the Revision Control System and the Concurrent Version System for maintaining source trees. Of course, the development environment also includes the GNU ANSI C and C++ compilers, the GNU debugger, GNU make, byacc, flex, and the GNU binary utilities.

Other features of LGX include "calc" mode for manipulating mathematical equations in emacs, ethernet TCP/IP networking, UUCP, the inn news transport system, and new additions to the games library, including asteroids, battle zone, chess, mille bornes, othello, pool, shogi, solitaire, tetris, and Connect Four.

EASE-OF-USE FEATURES

LGX not only contains lots of software that no other operating system distribution has, but also has numerous ease-of-use features that have been engineered into LGX to make unix(r)-like operating systems accessible to more people, and to reduce installation and maintenance problems.

LGX is distributed on a plug-and-play CDROM with a boot floppy, so it can be started by just turning on a computer with the CDROM and boot floppy inserted. LGX will detect what kind of CDROM you have and will automatically use it. At each step of installation, the system prompts the user with a paragraph or more of explanation and provides sensible default responses when possible. The LGX manual provides supplemental information and screen snapshots of each step of installation, including configuration of X windows. After installation, LGX's "fill in the blanks" graphical control panels make it easy to configure the ethernet or the printer, make a boot floppy, install optional software packages, or do a number of other system configuration tasks.

LGX's ease-of-use features extend beyond software configuration. For example, if you do not have a sound card, LGX will automatically use the built-in PC speaker to play sounds. If you do not specify a filesystem format when you mount a disk, LGX will automatically determine and use the correct filesystem format. If a non-postscript printer has been configured with the graphical control panel, the "lpr" command will automatically invoke GhostScript to process any Postscript file sent to the printer, so the printer would as what would happen if the printer had PostScript built in. The default window manager, fvwm, is configured to enable many of LGX's features and online documentation facilities to be invoked from the root menu. The twm window manager is also configured with the same menus, and fvwm has menu entires to switch to other window managers. All of these facilities make the facilities of LGX more accessible to users.

For more information or to order, call 24 hours a day toll free (800) 261-6630 or (408) 261-6630, or fax to (408) 261-6631.

FEATURE CHART

o important version numbers: 0.99.13 kernel, Xfree86 1.3, GCC 2.4.5.

o New Tk/Tcl supports all of the features described in Professor

  John Ousterhout's upcoming book on Tk and Tcl.

o More software than any competitor: 235MB binaries + 445MB

  source code.

o Linux 0.99.13 kernel supports most popular CDROM's

o an easy-to-use installation script, plus a graphical user

  interface for system configuration,

o The X Window System: version 11 release 5, Xlib/Xt X windows

  libraries, the Tcl/Tk scripting language, the Xview 3.0

  OpenLook(tm) toolkit, InterViews C++ toolkit,

o The Andrew System version 5.1, including the ez editor

  for easy creation and reading of documents with embedded

  images, equations, spreadsheets, hypertext links, and

  other media types.

o Ethernet Networking with TCP/IP, NFS and other Internet protocols.

o Games: asteroids, battle zone, chess, mille bornes, othello,

  pool, shogi, solitaire, tetris, and connect four.

o Multimedia: viewers for JPEG, GIF, TIFF and other image formats,

  MPEG video, sound,

o Text editors: the elvis vi clone, GNU Emacs with calc mode,

  and Lucid GNU Emacs (better graphical user interface).

o Desktop Publishing: TeX and groff typesetting packages with X

  previewers, and ghostscript, a postscript interpreter for X

  windows, faxes and a variety of printers,

o Telecommunications: kermit, Z-modem, Taylor UUCP, mail reader,

  threaded USENET News reader, with support for reading MIME

  multimedia messages with embedded images, full motion video

  and sound.

o the Postgres 4.1 remote database system,

o Programming Languages: GNU C++, GNU ANSI C, FORTRAN-to-C and

  Pascal-to-C translators, and Prolog,

o Enhanced development environment: GNU debugger, bison, flex,

  GNU make, the GNU Coverage Tool, Revision Controls System,

  Concurrent Version System, and Gnats,

o System V-style shared memory and interprocess communication,

o File Systems: a filesystem with long file names, symbolic

  links, and FIFO's, iso9660+rockridge CDROM filesystem, DOS

  filesystem,

o Emulators: a BIOS emulator that can run DOS, an experimental

  ELF loader, and a snapshot of a WABI Windows emulator under

  development.

HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS

System -- RAM: 4MB (8MB without swap partition), CPU: 386 or above, Bus: ISA, EISA, or localbus.

Disk -- IDE, RLL, MFM, ESDI, SCSI with supported SCSI controller. Configurations range from 2 to 680 megabytes of disk. Configurations without non-kernel source tree that can run without the CDROM range from 27 to 235 megabytes. LGX can share a hard disk with other operating systems on separate partitions.

Standard configurations:

CD DEPENDENT (2 megabytes): Only the kernel, writable files, and a program to mount the CDROM are installed. Because CDROM drives are slow, the system is sluggish at startup, but becomes more responsive over the course of several minutes of use as commonly used files become cached in RAM.

RUNTIME: (27 megabytes): The kernel, configuration files, file utilities, and a tiny X window system are installed on the hard disk. Other system programs can installed individually or run from the CDROM when it is mounted.

COMPLETE: (235 megabytes):

Everything except the non-kernel sources is installed on the hard disk. Source code for the kernel is also installed on the hard disk.

EVERYTHING (680 megabytes): Everything, including sources, is installed on the hard disk.

Tape Drives -- SCSI tape with supported SCSI controller.

CD-Rom

o Any SCSI CDROM drive with supported SCSI controller,

o Sony 531 or 535,

o Sony CDU-31A, alone or with MediaVision Fusion 16 kit,

o SoundBlaster-compatible CDROM's: Kotobuki, LaserMate,

  Matsushita, Panasonic, including the CR-562.

o Mitsumi/Genstar, alone or with ATI Stereo FX.

SCSI Controllers -- Adaptec 1540B, 1542B, 1540C, 1542C, and 1740 in enhanced mode; Always IN-2000, Bustek 542B, Future Domain 8xx, or other controllers based on the TMC-950 chip, Ultrastor 14F, 24F and 34F, Western Digital 7000fasst.

Video Cards (for X windows) -- 640x480 monochrome for all VGA cards. 256 colors up to 1152x900 for non-Diamond cards using the following chipsets: S3, 8514, Tseng Labs ET4000 or ET3000, Paradise, Western Digital 90c00, 90c10 or 90c30, Genoa, ATI VGA Wonder, ATI Mach (e.g., the ATI Ultra Pro), Trident 8900b, 8900c, 8900cl, 8900cs, 9000, Cirrus Logic 5420, 5422 or 5426, NCR 77c22 or 77c22e, or Compaq AVGA.

Sound Cards -- Adlib, SoundBlaster (regular, Pro and 16 ASP), MediaVision (Fusion and ProAudioSpectrum 16), and ATI Stereo FX. Installable Gravis Ultrasound and MPU-401 drivers are also included. If you do not have a sound card, LGX can play sounds through your PC's speaker.

Ethernet -- 3Com 3503 and 3c503/16, Artisoft LANtastic AE-2, ATI 1500, Alta Combo, Cabletron, D-Link DE600 pocket adaptor and ethernet II, Hewlett-Packard 27245, 27247, 27250 and PCLAN, Novell NE-1000, NE-2000, and NE-2100, Western Digital 8003 and 8013, other 8390-based ethernet cards.

HOW TO GET MORE INFORMATION

The anonymous FTP area netcom.com:pub/yggdrasil contains more information, including an "ls -RC" listing of the CD's contents, reseller information, and copies of the manual in texinfo, DVI and postscript. If you want to view the DVI version of the manual with xdvi, you can go to the table of contents with the command "84g".

You can also request information by phone by calling 24 hours a day toll free (800) 261-6630 or (408) 261-6630. You can also fax to (408) 261-6631, or send email to yci@netcom.com. A fax server with information on LGX will be available shortly from (408) 946-5080. Request document 5491 ("LGX-1").

HOW TO GET A FREE COPY

Yggdrasil is greatly indebted to the many free software developers whose efforts have made this release possible. As a token of our appreciation, any author of any software or documentation in LGX can get a free copy, which includes the CD, manual, and boot floppies. Operators of free Linux BBS's or Linux FTP sites and other major contributors to the Linux community can also get a free copy. We request that Linux BBS operators and FTP sites carry the LGX announcement in the appropriate forums, however this request is optional.

HOW TO GET A COPY BY TOMORROW

LGX costs $49.95. If you live in the United States, the shipping and handling charge is $5. All individual direct sales orders from within the United States received before 6PM Eastern/3PM Pacific are shipped by an overnight delivery service for delivery the next day. To place an order, call (800) 261-6630.

For international orders, next day service is not available from Yggdrasil, although some resellers may offer it. Shipping for international orders is $10. To place an international order, call (408) 261-6630, or fax the order form to (408) 261-6631.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

LGX is released quarterly. Update subscriptions are available and start with the release following the release that is current when your subscription order is received. For example, an update subscription ordered today would begin with the Winter 1994 release. Prices for update subscriptions are as follows:

 1 year  (4 releases)   $ 99.95

 2 years (8 releases)   $179.95

 3 years (12 releases)  $249.95

UPGRADE PATH FROM THE BETA RELEASE

If you mail the LGX beta CDROM, the LGX beta manual, both LGX beta boot floppies to Yggdrasil before November 1, 1993, you will receive a $10 discount on your order of the LGX Fall 1993. You must include your order and a check in the same package with your LGX beta release. If you buy the Fall 1993 release from a reseller or if you bought the beta + 1st production release subscription, you can place an order for an update subscription in this way instead. Again, this offer expires on November 1st.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

You can report bugs for free and we will try to make updated lists of bugs and fixes publicly available in a timely manner. In addition, LGX has a 30 day unconditional money back guarantee, so you are never at risk of being stuck with a system that you cannot use.

In the past, we have had a substantial amount of requests for technical support of a tutorial nature. For example, callers often want somebody to talk them through the installation process or have a question which they could find the answer to by reading through online documentation, but for which they could find the answer faster by calling technical support. Clearly, if an operating system as powerful as LGX is going to take over the world, such a service must be available. On the other hand, in order for this service to scale, it has to pay for itself.

Therefore, we have established a 900 number in the United States for general Linux technical support. You do not need to be using LGX or to be an Yggdrasil customer to use this service. You can call us with your questions not only about LGX, but also about anything else related to Linux. We cannot guarantee to know the answer to all questions, but if we cannot answer your question, we will try to point you in the right direction. We will try to keep your call as short as possible, but please be realistic in your expectations of how long it takes to look up anything or to find the right person in the office to answer question. It will probably cost you about $20 for a typical straightforward question.

  1-900-446-6075 ext. 835 ("TEK")

  $2.95/minute, USA only

  10am-noon,1:45pm-5pm Pacific

The LGX manual lists vendors offering support services related to the Yggdrasil Linux/GNU/X distribution. If you or your business would like to offer a service related to LGX, send a description of your business and contact information to yggdrasil@netcom.com. There may also be an advertising section in the production release manuals if there is interest. It would be nice to have a longer list of support vendors to disseminate in the publicity for the production release. If you have ideas for cooperation that you'd like explore, please get in touch.

YGGDRASIL LINUX/GNU/X OPERATING SYSTEM

RESELLER LIST (North America):

University of Toronto Bookstore    Zeus Technologies

214 College Street                 17 Overlord Street

Toronto, Ontario M5T 3A1           Whitby, Ontario L1N 8S4

CANADA                             CANADA

                                   (416) 666-8309

Bridgewell Associates              Austin Code Works

5301 Bethoven Street               11100 Leafwood Lane

Suite 134                          Austin, Texas 78750-3587

Los Angeles, CA 90066              (512) 258-0785

(301) 577-6696                     fax (512) 258-1342

fax (310) 822-6149

Forest Neocom Corporation          Mark Horton Associates

10879 San Pablo Avenue             PO Box 747

El Cerrito, CA 94530               Decatur, GA 30031-0747

(510) 234-4362                     (404) 371-0291

fax (510) 234-4

Just Computers                     InfoMagic, Inc.

PO Box 751414                      Post Office Box 338

Petaluma, CA 94975                 Pennington NJ 08534

(707) 769-1648                     (609) 683-5501

fax (707) 765-2447                 fax (609) 683-1342

Las Vegas Publishing               Linux System Laboratories

3909 South Maryland Parkway        18300 Tara Drive

Suite 402                          Clinton Township, MI 48036

Las Vegas, NV 89109                (313) 954-2829

(702) 795-4838

fax (702) 892-0279

Pacific HiTech                     Spheric Microsystems

4530 Fortuna Way                   162 Highway 34, Suite C2-110

Salt Lake City, UT 84124           Madawan, NJ 07747

(801) 278-2042                     (908) 787-4065

fax (801) 278-2666                 email: baller@spheric.com

Promox Systems                     Quality Computers

1050 East Duane Ave., Suite B      2435 Channing Way

Sunnyvale, CA 94086                Berkeley, CA 94704

(408) 733-2966                     (510) 548-2245

fax (408) 733-2968                 fax (510) 548-0442

Walnut Creek CDROM                 Light Shine USA Inc.

1547 Palos Verdes Mall #260        18013 Sky Park Circle

Walnut Creek, CA 94596             Suite C

(510) 674-0783                     Irvine, CA 92714

fax (510) 674-0821                 (714) 553-8401

                                   fax (714) 553-8453

DIRECT SALES ORDER FORM:

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Offers subject to change without notice. If you have a problem with this software, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund. Beyond that, THERE IS NO OTHER WARRANTY FOR ANY OF THIS SOFTWARE. THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.


Tribal Software TribalDraw 2.1 for Windows
Tribal Software announces TribalDraw 2.1 for Windows, the easiest to use drawing program in the world.

We at Tribal Software believe that a Windows drawing program should not use up half of your hard-disk, should not cost as much as a new hard-disk and should not be slow as Christmas or hard to learn.

Tribal Software announces TribalDraw 2.1, the easiest to use drawing program in the world that uses less than 1.4 megabytes of your  hard-disk space, and costs only $10.

TribalDraw features a "Next like" context sensitive object  "Inspector/Editor cube" user interface, that  extends the traditional Toolbar and Menu based user interfaces common in Windows programs today.

TribalDraw is perfect for most business drawing program needs including making sale flyers and info posters. Why spend  hundreds of dollars per copy when you can get a better  product for $10?

Tribal Software, a small, disadvantaged, American Indian Female owned business, offers TribalDraw 2.1 in good faith as Shareware. Copies can be ordered directly from Tribal Software (include an additional $5 for Shipping and Handling). The TribalDraw registration fee is a modest $10. Send orders or requests for information to:

Tribal Software, 1832 Capri, Seabrook, TX 77586

Fax 713-474-9178,   Phone 713-474-9758


The X Resource: Issue 8 from O'Reilly & Assoc.
The X Resource: Issue 8

Edited by Adrian Nye

170 pages, ISBN: 1-56592-023-6, $22.50

We have just published Issue 8 of The X Resource.  Here are the featured articles:

DEPARTMENTS

 - "The X User: Drawing Figures With Xfig," by David Flanagan

 - "Imakefile Troubleshooting," by Paul DuBois

 - "Best of Netnews," Edited by Marc Albert

PAPERS

 - "Xm++: Another Way to Program the X Toolkit,"

   by Bernhard Strassl

 - "Current Efforts in Client/Server Audio,"

   by George V. Neville-Neil

 - "Widget Architecture for Data Display," by David Flanagan

 - "xtent 3.0: Improvements on Programming with Resources,"

   by Doug Blewett and Meg Kilduff

DOCUMENTATION

 - "The Multi-Buffering Extension: Smooth Animation

   Effortlessly," by Tom Gaskins

We're looking for material for future issues of The X Resource.  If you have an article or paper you'd like to write, send a message to editor Adrian Nye at adrian@ora.com.

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

This and other O'Reilly products are available in the Americas and Japan through bookstores, or directly from the publisher. Access our gopher catalog by "telnet gopher.ora.com" (log in as "gopher"). To contact us: telephone 707-829-0515 (800-998-9938 in US & Canada); FAX 707-829-0104; email order@ora.com; or write O'Reilly & Associates, 103A Morris St., Sebastopol, CA, 95472, USA.  GSA # GS-02F-6095A.

Our international distributors are:

*  Europe (except German-speaking countries), Middle East, and Africa through International Thomson Publishing, Berkshire House, 168-173 High Holborn, London WC1V 7AA, UK.  Telephone 44-71-497-1422; FAX 44-71-497-1426; or email samantha.jones@itpuk.co.uk

*  German-speaking countries through International Thomson Publishing, Konigswinterer Strasse 418, 53227 Bonn, Germany. Telephone 49-228-445171; FAX 49-228-441342; or email 100272.2422@compuserve.com

*  Asia through International Thomson Publishing, 221 Henderson Rd., #05-10 Henderson Building, Singapore 0315. Telephone 65-272-6496; FAX 65-272-6498

* Australia and New Zealand through WoodsLane, Unit 8, 101 Darley Street, Mona Vale, NSW 2103, Australia.  Telephone 61-2-979-5944; FAX 61-2-997-3348; or email woods@tmx.mhs.oz.au

 Brian Erwin, brian@ora.com

 O'Reilly & Associates

 103A Morris Street, Sebastopol CA 95472

 707-829-0515, Fax 707-829-0104


QBALL SMALL ARMS EXTERIOR BALLISTICS

October 15, 1993 -- An enhanced and updated version of QBALL, a menu-driven application for rapidly computing of ballistics data for small arms using MS-DOS/PC-DOS computers is scheduled for release on December 1, 1993. While retaining the features of its predecessors, QBALL version 2.30 allows user-designated filenames for range tables and trajectory data saved to disk, and  calculates muzzle velocity from measured bullet drop.

QBALL produces tables showing remaining bullet velocity and energy, projectile height above or below the line of sight, wind deflections for standard or user-defined crosswinds, and times of flight. Tables may be displayed, saved to disk, and printed out as hardcopy. Other routines allow calculation of ballistic coefficients, point-blank range, corrections for slant (up or downhill) fire, sectional density, and gun free recoil.

A 502-entry bullet lookup facility allows entry of the appropriate manufacturer, bullet weight, and ballistic coefficient for use in ballistics computations. Bullet Lookup is available only on graphics-equipped (CGA/EGA/VGA) computers.

Up to 15 sets of trajectory data may be graphically displayed on a CGA or EGA (recommended) monitor. Graphics trajectory data may be saved to disk, and recalled for later use at any time.

Included utilties translate QBALL's graphics from EGA to CGA, or CGA to EGA standard, as applicable, and read range tables which have been saved to disk. Both utilities may be accessed from within QBALL, or used as stand-alone executables.

QBALL automatically determines whether a graphics card/monitor is installed. QBALL will compute, display, save, and print range tables and other purely tabular data in the absense of graphics equipment.

QBALL's display, and several of its functions may be changed using the built-in configuration routines. Screen colors may be set as desired by the user. The user may fine-tune QBALL to use data specific to a particular weapon/cartridge, e.g., its name, and the height of the weapon's sights above the bore. QBALL can calculate and display data using metric values for range. Meteorological (weather) conditions may be specified to allow for variations from standard. Printer prompts may be suppressed, should no printer be present; "alert" sounds may be toggled on or off. QBALL's starting values may be modified and saved for later use.

Limited on-line, context-sensitive help is available on graphics- equipped computers. Error trapping prevents data input which is outside QBALL's ability to use effectively. Upon incorrect/out-of-range data entry, an appropriate error message is displayed, which in itself constitutes additional on-line (and context-sensitive) help.

The revised on-disk user's manual includes a "tutorial,"  several schematic illustrations of screen displays, many examples, a glossary, a bibliography, sections on data comparison and analysis, and an index. As distributed, the manual is set up to print all the odd-numbered pages on one side of a "deck" of fanfold paper; the even-numbered pages are printed on the reverse side. (This feature saves paper: there are 92 pages in the manual, requiring but 46 sheets for their printing.) An included utility, ONEDOC.COM, combines the two user's manual files for those preferring a consolidated document file.

QBALL was written with the "least common denominator" in mind. It is fully functional on 8088 or similarly-equipped computers, and does not require a hard disk to run, although a hard disk is recommended. QBALL has been tested and found to function on several different machines, including an EGA-equipped AT clone running MS-DOS 4.01, 5, and 6, and an LCD/CGA- equipped laptop with a V20 CPU, running MS-DOS 3.3. QBALL will also run in the Windows 3.x "DOS box," but will not function in OS/2 protected mode.

QBALL is distributed as shareware, or try-before-you-buy software. An evaluation copy, which includes a sixty-day limited use license, may be obtained from the author, Benjamin W. Hartley, Forest Park Estates #103, Jaffrey, NH 03452, USA, for a postage/handling fee of $7.50 (worldwide). The registered edition, including an unlimited use license, a printed manual, entitlement to one free major upgrade, direct-from-the-author support, and a Bullet Lookup Maintenance utility may be obtained for $25.00 postage paid within North America (United States, Cananda, Mexico). The postage and handling fee for the registered edition sent to other places is $7.50. Through June 1, 1994, registered users will also receive a certificate good for a JCS Marketing "JCSM Shareware Collection" CD-ROM at reduced price. Either QBALL edition, Registered or Shareware, is available on 5.25-inch 360k or 3.5-inch 720k disks.

Software libraries and others wishing to distribute QBALL for profit should contact the author for permission; that permission is automatically extended to those vendors and bulletin board systems recognized as Associate Members of The Association of Shareware Professionals. Site-  licensing for commercial users is arranged on a case-by-case basis.

An information brochure is available upon request; send a long stamped envelope to the author. Inquiries may be e-mailed to the author at CompuServe 70033,2612; at GEnie, B.HARTLEY1; or at America On-Line (AOL), BHartley.


Fingers for Windows Language Educ/Typing Tutor
PC COMPONET RELEASES FIRST CONSUMER CD-ROM

Fingers for Windows teaches languages while it teaches typing.

October 6, 1993 -- PC CompoNet, Inc. today announced the availability of Fingers for Windows, the first CD-ROM to combine language education with a typing tutor. Fingers For Windows is available immediately, and lists for $99.00.

The Fingers for Windows Typing Class is a highly effective multimedia, multilingual typing tutorial. Users can immediately start to learn typing skills from beginning through advanced levels in either French, Spanish, or English. The Windows Keyboard facility replicates the exact keyboard layout the user would use when working with the language chosen. Typing Class includes a special module on mastering numeric input and includes entertaining games to practice at learned skills.

The Fingers for Windows Language Class is an effective language tutorial that teaches correct pronunciation using digitized voices of native speakers. Thousands of useful phrases can be repeated as often as desired, and translated immediately into the user's language of choice.

The Dual Teacher option of Fingers for Windows links the two disciplines together with its simple but correct concept: both type of instruction rely on repetition. A user can now learn to type while learning a new language. Conversely a user can apply the requirements of learning a language to brush up on keyboarding skills.

According to PC CompoNet president Bill Kelly, "As a typing tutorial alone, Fingers for Windows exceeds the functionality, enjoyment, and effectiveness of any other typing tutor. The Language Class & Dual Teacher provides exceptional value to the educational and consumer markets."

Product Release Date is November 15, 1993. See Fingers for Windows demonstrated at Comdex Fall 93 in Las Vegas, Booth #A377. Dealer and distribution pricing is available. For more information, contact Bill Kelly of PC CompoNet, Inc. at 1-800-524-3811.

PC CompoNet Inc

1201 S. Beach Blvd, Ste 204, La Habra, CA 90631

800-524-3811, 310-943-9878,  fax 310-947-1131


Alpine Image Systems Bridge to VICTORY
Alpine Image Systems announces new tool, a bridge to VICTORY

Los Altos, CA, USA... Alpine Image Systems (AIS) Boundary Scan Products Group (Los Altos, CA) have introduced a new software product called svf2avl, which creates a bridge between the AIS proTEST Boundary Scan Test Development System and the VICTORY boundary scan test software from Teradyne, Inc. (Boston, MA). The product leverages VICTORY's powerful automatic test program generation capability for the entire line of low cost AIS boundary scan test products.

The release of the new tool coincides with the announcement by AIS and Teradyne, Inc. of an OEM agreement licensing AIS to sell VICTORY boundary scan test software for exclusive use with their proTEST Systems.

"svf2avl is a pivotal piece of software, which enables us to add VICTORY to our proTEST System to give users an automated method to create boundary scan test programs" Julian Marshall the AIS president commented. "Tests are generated with VICTORY, converted by svf2avl and run on inexpensive proTEST Systems. It's a win-win situation for users of AIS equipment,"

VICTORY VIT reads industry standard BSDL and EDIF files and generates boundary scan test programs in SVF (Serial Vector File) format. svf2avl then converts the program to AVL, a scan test language.

AIS's AVL Tool Kit then runs the programs directly or translates them to C for further embellishment. Time and effort are saved in creating test program, by taking advantage of existing BSDL and EDIF files. Chip designers create BSDL files describing the boundary scan aspects of a part; EDIF netlists are generated by board layout tools.

AIS Marketing Manager, Ellis Goldberg commented "With svf2avl and VICTORY VIT on board, AIS's position at the forefront of boundary scan testing has been greatly enhanced. Programs generated using VICTORY run on the Teradyne Z1800 functional tester and are converted by svf2avl to run on the AIS proTEST System. By including low cost systems in the test strategy, designers will dramatically improve the return on test investment."

AIS designs, manufactures and markets boundary scan test systems which include extensive test development tools, 1149.1 controllers, a wide assortment of related hardware accessories and fixturing. These systems are optimized for test development, manufacturing test and field service applications.

Prices svf2avl with VICTORY VIT, is sold exclusively by AIS only with proTEST Systems and to those who already have proTEST Systems. These products are available through AIS distributors worldwide. VICTORY svf2avl with VICTORY VIT, is priced at $14,995. Current VICTORY users can purchase svf2avl separately for $4,995. proTEST Development Systems are priced from $7,995. Prices outside the U.S. are slightly higher. Delivery is 30 to 60 days.

AIS, 821 Riverside Drive, Los Altos, CA 94024

(415) 941-3247, (415) 941-7642 FAX


AIS & Teradyne Boundary-Scan Marketing Deal
Alpine Image Systems and Teradyne Sign Boundary-Scan Marketing Deal

Boston, Mass. and Los Altos, Calif.--August 30, 1993--Teradyne, Inc. (Boston) and Alpine Image Systems (AIS), Inc. (Los Altos, Calif.), two leading vendors of boundary-scan test equipment, have signed an OEM marketing agreement that licenses AIS to sell Teradyne's VICTORY boundary-scan test software. AIS will sell VICTORY for use with their proTEST boundary-scan test systems, making it easier to generate tests for devices, boards, and systems containing IEEE Std. 1149.1-compliant parts.

The agreement covers Teradyne's VICTORY Virtual Interconnect Test (VIT) software bundled with proTEST systems. VIT automatically generates test vectors that detect faults on interconnects between boundary-scan devices on a circuit board. Included in the terms of the agreement, AIS will provide customer support for the combined proTEST/VICTORY VIT solution.

"Adding VICTORY to proTEST systems gives our users a more powerful way to create boundary-scan test programs than ever before," said Julian Marshall, president of AIS. "We chose to port Teradyne's VICTORY VIT software to the proTEST systems because it is the industry's most widely accepted boundary-scan ATPG (automatic test pattern generation) package. Its ability to accept input in standard industry formats like BSDL (boundary-scan description language) and EDIF and generate SVF (Serial Vector Format) outputs made it the obvious choice."

"We're excited about signing another partner for VICTORY," said Walter Vahey, VICTORY product manager, Teradyne. "The AIS proTEST system is generating a lot of interest from our VICTORY customers and prospects. The combination of VICTORY and proTEST gives customers low-cost boundary-scan test equipment with automatic test program generation."

AIS Marketing Manager Ellis Goldberg noted, "It's easier than ever for test engineers to quickly generate interconnect test programs with minimum effort. The combination of VICTORY and proTEST make 1149.1 testing more comprehensive than ever before."

VICTORY VIT, bundled with AIS's svf2avl translator (which translates VICTORY's SVF output to AIS's AVL test language), is priced at $14,995 from AIS. Current VICTORY users can purchase the svf2avl translator separately for $4,995. proTEST systems are priced from $7,995. Prices outside the U.S. are slightly higher. proTEST systems are available through AIS distributors worldwide. Delivery is 30 to 60 days.

AIS designs, manufactures, and markets boundary-scan test systems, including extensive test development tools, 1149.1 controllers, a wide assortment of related hardware accessories, and fixturing. The systems are used for test development, manufacturing test, and field service applications.

AIS, 821 Riverside Drive, Los Altos, CA 94024

(415) 941-3247, (415) 941-7642 FAX

Teradyne is a leading developer of boundary-scan software for board-level design and test and one of the top two board-test manufacturers in the world. VICTORY is a product of Teradyne's Assembly Test Group, which also designs, manufactures, and markets software and systems for in-circuit, functional, and combinational board testing in military and commercial environments.

Teradyne, Inc, Assembly Test Group

321 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118

(617) 422-3567,  (617) 422-3440 (FAX)


Atlas of Linkage Design & Analysis
September 28th 1993 -- BEAVERTON, OREGON - Saltire Software today announced the Atlas of Linkage Design and Analysis, a unique software and book combination for mechanical engineers.

The Atlas is the first comprehensive catalogue of coupler curves since Hrones & Nelson's 1953 classic "Atlas of the Four Bar Linkage". There are over 500 pages of diagrams describing the motion of four broad families of linkage: the crank-rocker, crank-crank, crank-slider and inverted crank-slider. Over 3,000 coupler curves are shown.

The Atlas contains an introduction by Eugene Fichter, Ph.D., P.E. of Oregon State University which covers the use of the atlas in designing four bar linkages and the application of four bar linkages in the design of more complex mechanisms.

The accompanying Windows based software allows any model from the atlas to be loaded and analyzed for coupler location, velocity and acceleration throughout the motion of the linkage. The software is a fully featured linkage analysis package with animation of any desired range of motion, envelopes of motion, graphs, tables, DXF and Windows clipboard output.

Said Glenn Smith, president of Saltire Software, "The Atlas of Linkage Design and Analysis combines the best features of a book and computer software. The engineer can flip quickly through the book to find a linkage which approximately matches his design intent. He can then bring that linkage up on the computer and vary the dimensions of the linkage to optimize his desired motion."

The Atlas of Linkage Design and Analysis is fully compatible with Saltire's powerful Analytix mechanism design and analysis software. Atlas models may be loaded into Analytix for force analysis or for incorporation into larger custom designs.

Said Philip Todd, VP of Research and Development,

"Many engineers design with cams because it is easy to specify a desired motion. However linkages have great advantages over cams in low cost manufacturability and ability to function reliably in hostile environments. The Atlas of Linkage Design and Analysis will make it simpler for engineers to design a linkage for a specific motion and help them take advantage of these desirable properties."

Background to Saltire Software

Saltire Software is the developer of a suite of engineering design and analysis packages based on its proprietary Constructive Variational Geometry and Embedded Physics technologies.

Analytix is a dimension driven mechanism design and analysis package. Analytix is priced at $895.

Dynamix is an add on module to Analytix for dynamic simulation. Dynamix is priced at $495.

Apollonius is a dimension driven geometry package. Apollonius is priced at $99.

Pricing and Availability

The Atlas of Linkage Design and Analysis along with accompanying software is priced at $199 and is available now.

Saltire Software

P.O. Box 1565, Beaverton, OR 97075

(503) 6224055, Fax: (503) 6224537


The Periodic Table for Windows
THE PERIODIC TABLE - a window into the world of chemistry

Belmont, CA. October 4 -- This Periodic Table for Windows looks and feels like the wall mount kin in a Chemistry classroom, with its 109 chemical elements and titles, and not a stilted computerized version. As the user moves the mouse over the table and clicks on the "hot spots" over the titles, more information appears, describing the titles in detail. Then when the user selects a particular element, not only does the usual information as atomic number and atomic weight appear, but very detailed information about the history, spectra, isotopes, compounds, physical properties, shells and crystalline structures become available. Verbose selection in the main menu expands the general description of the elements.

Some Unusual Features of Periodic Table --

1. Emission and Absorption Spectra: Dominant lines in the visible spectrum and important lines in the infrared and ultraviolet spectrum as well

2. History Narrates the origin and discovery of each element with interesting tidbits unique to each element

3. Isotopes Shown with its atomic symbol and weight, half-life, percent abundance of each isotope in nature, and usage

4. "Hot Spots" on Periodic Table Every heading or title of the Periodic Table is a "hot spot" that the user can click on to get more information

Price: $49.95

Machine Requirements:  Requires Windows 3.1 or later, Mouse, 386 CPU or higher, and at least VGA video card

Availability: September 1, 1993

Inner Access Corp, P.O. Box 888, Belmont CA 94002

Phone: (415) 591-8295,  FAX:   (415) 593-0542


WinEdit 3.0 for Windows NT & Windows 3.1
"WinEdit 3.0 FOR WINDOWS NT" and "WinEdit 3.0 FOR WINDOWS 3.1"

Now Shipping From Wilson WindowWare, Inc.

Provides the Finest Professional Editor for Windows (Intel, MIPS & DEC Alpha)

October 4, 1993 -- (Seattle, Wash.) -- Wilson WindowWare, Inc. today announced WinEdit 3.0, the professional powerful, text editor for Microsoft Windows. It operates on Intel based systems and networks running Windows 3.1 and Windows NT, and both of the first non-Intel NT platforms: the DEC Alpha and MIPS based RISC systems.

WinEdit is the choice of many thousands of professionals and programmers for ASCII text and program editing. WinEdit comes in three levels: "Professional," "Standard" and "Lite." Only the Professional version supports Windows NT.

WinEdit Lite, Standard and Professional provide up to 16MB file capacity, multiple open windows (cascade or tile), headers, footers, page numbers, dual page printing in landscape mode, 2000 level undo and redo, file merge, find and replace using regular expressions, auto indent, column selection, word wrap, selectable fonts, keystroke record and playback, a floating button bar, Windows 3.1 drag and drop, and on-line help for all major program features. WinEdit remembers many important details: the last 25 files accessed, the last 20 search and replaces, windows placements, etc. Keyboard reassignment can be made for command keys, which are then shown on menus as accelerator keys. The location of the back up (.BAK) file is configurable, and read-only and network shared access files are supported.

WinEdit Standard and Professional are serious software developments tools that add project management capabilities for program compile, make, execute, debug and rebuild, viewing and saving program output and compiler warnings and error messages (and automatically positioning the source file), saving multiple setups, hypertext links to all popular Windows Help libraries with access to language help by clicking on key words, and an API to custom DLLs that can redefine WinEdit menus and add accelerator keys or additional functions. WinEdit Standard and Professional are pre-configured to support developers using: Microsoft C, C++, Basic, Assembler, WinSDK, DOS Batch, WIN NT Command File and Basic; Borland C++, Assembler and Pascal; Symantec/Zortech and Watcom C++; dBase, Clipper, FoxPro, PVCS Version Control, and the WIL Script Language. WinEdit Standard and Professional are configurable to support additional programming languages and tools as needed.

WinEdit Standard and Professional provide "syntax coloring" for many development languages so as to immediately present code elements in the most direct way possible. According to Steven Schauer, Chief Developer of WinEdit at Wilson WindowWare: "WinEdit's syntax coloring is the slickest implementation on the planet. It provides support for keywords, comments and literals, and it's completely extensible and configurable so that users can get exactly the presentation that they want for their programming language."

Using WinEdit Professional, development can be automated using the rich and widely accepted WIL Script Language, which is used in products from Intel, Symantec, Graphical Dynamics and others. Paul Bonner in PC/Computing said "WIL ... has become the most widely used Windows systems-automation language." Over 100 editor functions and over 200 Windows environment functions are capable of automating a wide variety of applications including program, file and system management, multimedia devices, image capture and transfer, and network controls. Macro recording under WinEdit Professional can generate ASCII WIL Scripts for editing and building sophisticated systems. DDE and OLE 2.0 Automation (so that another application can be controlled from WinEdit Professional) are supported via the WIL.

Compared to other editors, WinEdit is the easiest to use, the most configurable, has the best macro language and the best compiler support. PC Week rated an earlier version of WinEdit the highest in their comparison of Windows-based editors.

WinEdit Lite is priced at $29.95, WinEdit Standard is priced at $59.95, WinEdit Professional is priced at $89.95, and WinEdit Professional for Windows NT is priced at $129.95. Update pricing varies from $ 15 to $ 100 according to the version being upgraded from and to.

WinEdit 3.0 is immediately available and runs on any Windows 3.1 or NT compatible PC.

Wilson WindowWare Inc

2701 California Ave SW, Suite 212, Seattle, WA 98116

206-938-1740,  fax 206-935-7129,  800-762-8383


Tom Snyder Teaching & Technology Seminars
Missing link found in 15 cities!

Seminar program bridges gap between teachers and technology

Boston, MA--October 7, 1993. Tom Snyder Productions, award-winning publisher of K- 12 software, video, and videodisc, has announced its schedule of Great Teaching and Technology Seminars for the 1993-94 school year.

Now in its second season, this program of affordable staff development seminars-designed for teachers and administrators who want to get more mileage out of their schools' hardware and software--has been expanded to cover 15 cities in the U.S. and Canada (see enclosed schedule).

Tom Snyder Productions has for many years offered schools and districts on-site inservice training that focuses on common sense strategies for integrating technology into school curricula. The seminars are offered at a fraction of the cost of an on-site presentation, and are designed to put top-notch in-service training within the reach of more schools, in terms of affordability, convenience, and practicality.

"Schools spend tens of thousands of dollars on hardware and software, and forget all about training teachers to use it," says David O'Neil, TSP's Director of In-Service Training. "And then administrators, parents, and school boards wonder why the technology doesn't get used. Effective, well-designed training is the missing link between teachers and technology."

"We know that on-site in-service training for the entire staff can be very difficult to pull together, given time, money and scheduling problems," O'Neil says. "That's the need we want to fill. With our program, a school or district can easily send a few educators to a nearby city for a day of training. These representatives then return armed with great ideas and enthusiasm, ready to share their new expertise with colleagues."

The "Great Teaching & Technology" schedule has been expanded this year in response to the enthusiastic response from educators: most of the sessions on last year's tour quickly sold out. The seminars focus on practical, common-sense techniques for using today's technologies -- computers, video and videodisc -- in subject areas including math, science, social studies, language arts, conflict resolution, and special education.

"Our goal is to give teachers techniques they can use in their classrooms the next day, the next month, and all year long," says seminar leader O'Neil, who -- like all of TSP's in-service presenters -- come from the classroom. "We present the most powerful uses of classroom technologies, and model concrete examples of each in a variety of content areas."

David O'Neil is a certified teacher with degrees from American University and Harvard University. Before joining Tom Snyder Productions, he taught at the high school level in New York and in New England.

The cost of the one-day session is $135 per person, or $110 per person if registering in groups of three or more. All participants receive the TSP Do-It-Yourself Workshops Kit ($59.95 value), including two comprehensive guides, video, and reproducibles; free on-loan software; and 50 percent off the purchase of any TSP product.

Tom Snyder Productions' highly-praised product line spans the K-12 curriculum, specializing in educational materials that promote cooperative learning and critical thinking. TSP also offers a full complement of on-site in-service training and consulting to schools and districts. For more information about in-service programs or a free product catalog, call 1-800-342-0236.

Tom Snyder Productions

80 Coolidge Hill Rd, Watertown, MA 02172-2817

617-926-6000,  fax 617-926-6222


Xante Accel-A-Writer Price Reductions
XANTE ANNOUNCES PRICE REDUCTION FOR ACCEL-A-WRITER UPGRADE PRODUCTS

OCTOBER 4, 1993, MOBILE, AL -- XANTE Corporation announces significant price reductions for the 600 x 600 dpi Accel-a-Writer upgrade controller for Apple LaserWriters and HP LaserJets.

From its previous price of $1,195, the Accel-a-Writer upgrade controller is being reduced $200 to a new U.S. list price of $995. The standard RAM configurations of the upgrade are also being changed from 6 MB to 8 MB, upgradable to 1 6 MB.

"With the many new developments that have taken place in the printing industry, more and more people are discovering that their current printers have become obsolete," said XANTE's Vice President of Marketing, Martin Kennedy. "With these new affordable prices, customers can easily upgrade their current printer to 6 00 X 60 0 dpi, high resolution quality without sacrificing the investment they have already made in their current LaserWriter or LaserJet."

The Accel-a-Writer controllers upgrade most of the Apple LaserWriter and HP LaserJet series of printers. This upgrade brings these printers true 600 x 600 dpi, increased processing speed, re connectivity and flexibility.

All of the Accel-a-Writer products include XANTE's Advanced Gray Scale Technology for smooth and detailed gray scale images. Along with high resolution, XANTE also increases the processing speed with an AMD 29000 RISC processor, RAM upgradable to 16 MB, Advanced Memory Management and Dual Page Processing, which allows the printer to print one page while another is being processed. Also included is the ability to simultaneously print between Macintosh and PC/compatibles with AppleTalk, serial and parallel ports. These Accel-a-Writer products are PostScript compatible and include HP PCL IV emulation.

XANTE's proprietary Virtual Disk Technology allows the user to download up to 30 fonts directly on the controller (in addition to the standard 35 resident fonts already present), without the use of an external hard drive. These fonts act as completely printer resident and can be changed to meet particular project requirements. Options include 512 KB of VDT for storage of up to 15 fonts, and 1 MB of VDT for storage of up to 30 fonts. For those who want to store more than 30 fonts, a SCSI port is provided for an external hard drive.

XANTE Accel-a-Writer products are available direct from XANTE or from re-sellers worldwide.

XANTE Corporation develops and markets high performance products that enhance the resolution and speed of laser printing. XANTE Accel-a-Writer 8100, Accel-a-Writer 8000, Accel-a-Writer 4000, and XANTE Accel-a-Writer controllers are available direct or from re-sellers in the U.S. and worldwide.

XANTE Corp

2559 Emogene St, Mobile, AL 36606

PO Box 16256, Mobile, AL 36616-0526

205-476-8189,  fax 205-476-9421


Network Administrator Magazine Launched
Network Administrator Launched

October 7, 1993 -- Lawrence, KS: R&D Publications, Inc. has announced the launch of Network Administrator, a new magazine targeted at PC network administrators. The magazine will premiere during the first quarter of 1994.

Network Administrator provides practical technical information that helps PC network administrators improve the functioning of their network, simplify their administrative tasks, and solve network management problems. Network Administrator focuses on optimizing existing systems. The magazine covers the major network systems, including NetWare, LAN Manager, and VINES, and other popular options such as Windows for Workgroups. Network Administrator will be published bimonthly.

Network Administrator is the fourth technical publication launched by R&D in the last six years. Other publications include The C Users Journal, a monthly magazine for C/C++ programmers; Windows/DOS Developer's Journal, a monthly magazine for Windows programmers; and Sys Admin, a bimonthly magazine for UNIX systems administrators.

R&D Publications, Inc. also operates R&D Technical Books and The C Users Group.

R&D Publications Inc

1601 West 23rd St, Suite 200, Lawrence, KS 66046

913-841-1631,  fax 913-841-2624


HLPDK Help Development Kit Version 9.5
HLPDK - Help Development Kit - Version 9.5

September 30, 1993

Write once, HELP many ! Now with improved OS/2 Support !

HLPDK is a shareware hyper-text help database development kit, distributed by ISoft D&M, that includes two royalty free help engines and a help compiler with a built in cross reference tool. HLPDK supports the creation of help files for many target formats from one help source. Supported targets are:

   Windows 3.0/3.1 winHelp .HPJ/.RTF

   THELP 3.0 .HL (HL 6.0 & 6.10).

   QuickHelp 1.83 .SRC (HELPMAKE).

   POPHELP .TXT (MAKEHELP)

   Native (Memory HDX & text).

   OS/2 .IPF (IPFC)

   DESQview/X .HLP (MDVXHELP)

   TVHC 1.1 .TXT (TVHC).

   Native (Paradox 4.x & text).

   Word Processors (via RTF)

   Text Documents with automatic table of contents,

                       glossary and index.

Version 9.5 adds OS/2 IPF links popup and keywords support, Error Processing (Trap, Strip, Delete, etc.), and more.

Developing help text is an important but often neglected part of application development. Developers often run out of time and/or money long before they even start it. Not a easy task to begin with (it requires skills in both application design and technical writing), today' s help systems also require programming expertise and a good measure of time. As a result, many applications have inadequate help systems that do not really fulfill their objective - help the user. The problem is even more complex when an application has more than one target environment, each one using different formats and programming techniques to generate help text.

HLPDK cannot solve all the problems involved in help text generation, but it helps a lot. It allows you to write one help text source and compile it to many different targets. Take existing texts (user manuals, technical notes, etc.), add simple help commands, compile them and you have a complete help system with hot-links, indexes and directories !

You can download HLPDK from your favorite BBS or get the registered version directly from ISoft D&M (PO Box 5517, Coralville, IA 52241, Compuserve: 76350,333; Phone 319-351-8413). Registration fee is $50 (plus S&H). Help Engine sources can be obtained for an additional fee.


Israeli Univ Uses NCD's PC-Xware
ISRAELI UNIVERSITY SYSTEM CHOOSES NCD'S PC-XWARE TO LET PERSONAL COMPUTERS ACCESS X WINDOW APPLICATIONS

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Oct. 11, 1993 -- Israel's national university system has selected PC-Xware, from Network Computing Devices, Inc., as a means for enabling its networked personal computers to access X Window System applications.

The selection was made by the Machba, a consortium of the seven Israeli universities charged with setting computing standards for use by the universities. The agreement was handled through NCD's Israeli distributor, Netcom Limited, of Tel Aviv.

The universities, which have been using NCD X terminal products since 1989, are expected to install some 1,000 copies of NCD's PC-Xware software over the next year. PC-Xware gives users of PCs running Microsoft Windows full access to X applications on UNIX- or VMS-based host computers, allowing side-by-side display of PC and X applications. The agreement also includes a smaller number of copies of an earlier NCD software product, PC-Xview, which performs the same function for users of DOS-based PCs.

A Machba representative said, "When NCD ported its advanced X terminal software to PCs to create PC-Xware, we realized it would allow us to handle both terminals and PC X servers under a single management umbrella. This, along with PC-Xware's easy-to-use remote configuration capability and integral terminal emulator, convinced us to make our selection."

Judy Estrin, NCD president and chief executive officer, said, "PC-Xware has gained momentum beyond our expectations since its introduction four months ago. Being the only vendor to offer both X terminals and PC X servers gives us a real advantage with users who have installations that contain both, and who can finally manage them in an integrated manner."

Network Computing Devices, Inc., formed in February 1988, supplies X Window System products which provide simultaneous access to networked multi-vendor computers via workstation-style graphical user interfaces. NCD is the leading worldwide supplier of X terminals, with a broad family of color and monochrome X terminals in various screen sizes and performance levels. The company's PC-X Division makes X server software products for DOS and Microsoft Windows-based PCs, which integrate PCs into X Window System environments.

Network Computing Devices Inc

350 North Bernardo Ave, Mountain View, CA 94043

415-694-0650,  fax 415-961-7711


Dolphin Encrypt - Data Security Tool
Dolphin Encrypt

Dolphin Encrypt uses a symmetric key encryption process to encrypt data on MS-DOS computers. Information is encrypted using an encryption key which is kept secret. Without this key encrypted files cannot be read and are safe from unauthorized access. The key can be from 10 to 60 characters in length, so it can be a phrase which is easy to remember. Upper and lower case are equivalent, so you don't have to remember exact capitalization.

Dolphin Encrypt can encrypt multiple files with a single command. For example, DE2 E *.* encrypts (E = "encrypt") all files in the current subdirectory (the program asks you to enter the encryption key, and erases it from memory upon termination). To convert all files with .TXT suffix to encrypted files with .ENC suffix (leaving the original files unchanged) you would use the command DE2 E *.TXT *.ENC. File pathnames are supported and there is extensive error checking. Decryption is equally simple: Just use D for "decrypt" instead of E. If you wish to transmit encrypted data as email then Dolphin Encrypt can be told to output the encrypted data as text. There is no limit on the size, the type or the number of files. Files are normally compressed during encryption (smaller file size means faster transmission when sending encrypted files electronically). Screen output can be sent to a file or to a printer for a record of operations.

The encryption process makes use of the RSA Data Security, Inc., MD5 Message Digest Algorithm, and combines several different methods of encipherment. Encrypted files appear even to special analysis tools as composed of random bytes. Dolphin Encrypt requires DOS 2.1 or higher. A printed manual clearly explains the use of the software with examples, and includes a detailed description of the encryption process used.

Dolphin Encrypt Advanced Version

This has all of the features described above, and also encrypts whole floppy disks. All common disk sizes are supported and are automatically recognized. To make an encrypted copy in drive B: of a disk in drive A: you would use DE2 E A: B:

Dolphin Encrypt Advanced Version has additional command line options, including the options of echoing or not echoing the key and of decrypting and displaying only (without writing any plaintext to disk). The Advanced Version can be run silently from another application program to encrypt or decrypt data. Dolphin Encrypt Advanced Version has a script language (with if-else-endif) which allows automation of frequently-performed, complex or conditional operations. The Advanced Version package also includes utility programs to read text files, compare files, purge files and wipe a disk clean; these can be called from scripts. There is also a utility for creating hidden subdirectories.

Dolphin Software, 48 Shattuck Sq. #147, Berkeley, CA 94704

510-464-3009


Dolphin Encryption Library
The Dolphin Encryption Library

The Dolphin Encryption Library is a C function library with which programmers can add encryption and decryption capabilities to their MS-DOS applications.

Data is encrypted using a symmetric encryption key without which the encrypted data cannot be read. The key is supplied by the programmer, perhaps after being obtained from the user of an application. The encryption key can be from 10 to 60 characters in length and case is not significant.

The library contains 16 functions. The main functions are for encrypting and decrypting blocks of data in memory. These blocks can be anything from 1 byte to 16K in size. There is also a function which can be called to encrypt and decrypt information in disk files (there is no restriction on the size of the file or its type). There are also binary-to-text and text-to-binary functions.

The encryption process makes use of the RSA Data Security, Inc., MD5 Message Digest Algorithm, and combines several different methods of encipherment. Encrypted data appears even to special analysis tools as composed of random bytes.

The library is supplied in small, medium and large models suitable for linking with Microsoft- and Borland-compiled object modules. There is a printed manual which clearly explains the use of the functions, with six sample programs. The manual includes explanations of a test program and of a demonstration program. It also includes a detailed description of the encryption process used and complete source code for all functions in the library and the code for the test and demonstration programs.

A single-user license for the Dolphin Encryption Library is available for $160.00. Commercial use of the library is possible with a distribution license. A Clipper version of the library is in preparation.

Dolphin Software, 48 Shattuck Square #147, Berkeley, CA 94704

510-464-3009


SPA Partners with Gifts In Kind America
SOFTWARE PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION PARTNERS WITH GIFTS IN KIND AMERICA IN SOFTWARE DONATION PROGRAM

PROGRAM TARGETS 100,000 CHARITIES NATIONWIDE

Chicago, IL, October 12, 1993...The Software Publishers Association (SPA) announced today at its annual conference an industry-wide initiative to encourage donations of technology to 100,000 charities by the year 2000.

The SPA has partnered with Gifts In Kind America, the leading nonprofit in the field of product philanthropy, to expand the donation of software to community-based nonprofits nationwide. This year alone, more than 80,000 packages of current-version software, at a retail value of more than $16.8 million have been donated for distribution through Gifts In Kind America.

"The high-tech industry recognizes the critical need of nonprofits to benefit from and incorporate technology into their operations. By putting the best our industry has to offer into the hands of these capable organizations, we will ultimately benefit all those who are aided by the programs of our nation's nonprofit organizations," explained Katherine Borsecnik, VP of Operations, Software Publishers Association.

The donations are distributed to health and human services, community development, educational, environmental as well as arts and cultural organizations to improve their productivity. Contributions are also essential in providing computer skills training for the unemployed and other disadvantaged Americans.

SPA member companies that have donated software through Gifts In Kind America to date include Aldus Corporation, Claris Corporation, Egghead Software, Lotus Development Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Software Publishing Corporation, Swfte International Ltd. and WordPerfect Corporation.

The Software Publishers Association is the principal trade association of the PC software industry, and is dedicated to broad and equal access to technology for education, training, and skills development. Its 1,000 members represent the leading publishers in the business, consumer, and education PC software markets. The SPA has a staff of 45 and has offices in Washington, DC, and Paris, France.

"The software industry has been instrumental in bringing the nonprofit sector up to a higher level of productivity and operational capacity," said Susan Corrigan, President and CEO of Gifts In Kind America. "Together with the Software Publishers Association and their members, we are working toward putting technology in the hands of 100,000 charities by the year 2000."

Gifts In Kind America distributes a variety of products in addition to software to help charities operate more productively (computers, telecommunications equipment, office supplies, and office furniture) as well as goods and services which are distributed by charities to the needy they serve (clothing, personal care products, house wares, and building supplies).

Products and services have also been donated by SPA member companies such as Apple Computer, Inc., Children's Television Workshop, Digital Equipment Corporation, IBM Corporation, and R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company.

For more information, contact Gifts In Kind America, 703-836-2121, 700 North Fairfax Street, Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22314. Or, contact the Software Publishers Association, 202-452-1600, 1730 M Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036.


SPA Gives $100,000 to Computer Skills Training
SOFTWARE PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION TO DONATE $100,000 FOR COMPUTER JOB SKILLS TRAINING

Chicago, IL, October 12, 1993. ..The Software Publishers Association (SPA) today announced that ten nonprofit groups will each receive a cash grant of $ 10,000. The grant is established to provide unemployed Americans an opportunity to build computer skills that will enable them to participate fully in the workforce.

This SPA Community Challenge Grant Program will support one nonprofit providing computer skills training in each of these cities: Chicago, IL; Des Moines, IA, Flint, MI; Las Cruces, NM; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; New York City, NY; Salt Lake City, UT; Washington, DC; and Wheeling, WV.

"Computing skills are crucial in today's workforce. Our grant program targets ten cities that have experienced corporate downsizing or layoffs because they have large pools of workers who require computer skills to effectively compete in today's job market," explained Ken Wasch, Executive Director, Software Publishers Association.

The grant is being coordinated through Gifts In Kind America, the leading nonprofit in the field of product philanthropy. Matching funds or resources must be generated by the recipients as a criteria for selection. Final recipients will be announced in late December, 1993.

"This invaluable grant from the Software Publishers Association will strengthen community efforts to combat unemployment and enable nonprofit organizations to expand the quality and scope of their computer skills training for the disadvantaged," said Susan Corrigan, President and CEO, Gifts In Kind America.

The Software Publishers Association is the principal trade association of the PC software industry, and is dedicated to broad and equal access to technology for education, training, and skills development. Its 1,000 members represent the leading publishers in the business, consumer, and education PC software markets. The SPA has a staff of 45 and has offices in Washington, DC, and Paris, France.

Gifts In Kind America is a national nonprofit organization established a decade ago to help companies contribute products to charities. In 1993 the organization will distribute more than $55 million in products and services to 50,000 charities across the country.

For more information, contact Gifts In Kind America, 700 North Fairfax Street, Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22314. Attn: SPA Grant Program. Phone 703-836-2121.


EZ-Crypt Data File Encryption
EZ-Crypt

Now ... Just Take ONE EASY STEP AND ONE MINUTE

To Protect The Data in Your Disk Files

EZ-Crypt is the easiest and fastest way to solve the problem of protecting data in your MS-DOS disk files. You no longer have to encrypt and decrypt individual files because ...

* EZ-Crypt automatically intercepts data as it is written to a disk and encrypts it ... keeping it for your eyes only.

* EZ-Crypt automatically intercepts data as it is read from a disk and decrypts it ... making it available to the programs you want to use.

EZ-Crypt Is Just That Simple

During installation of EZ-Crypt (which is best done at boot time by placing the EZ-CRYPT command in your AUTOEXEC.BAT file) you enter your chosen encryption key. This is any string of from 10 to 60 characters (upper and lower case are equivalent and spaces are ignored). After you specify a disk drive, either A, B or C, all data written to a disk in the selected drive is encrypted, and encrypted data, when read by an application program, is decrypted. Thus after entering the key you can forget that encryption and decryption are occurring in the background. Even so, the information stored on disk is safe from unauthorized access once the computer has been switched off, since then the data cannot be accessed again (after turning on the computer) without entering the correct encryption key. EZ-Crypt can be deactivated and reactivated as required, and allows for suspension of operations until the encryption key is re-entered (useful if you have to leave your PC unattended for a while).

EZ-Crypt uses a variation on the proprietary encryption method which is implemented in Dolphin Software' s Dolphin Encrypt Advanced Version, a file-encryption program available separately, and the Dolphin Encryption Library, a C function library. EZ-Crypt works on any PC, but is especially recommended for portables and laptops, which are easily lost or stolen. If you are concerned about loss of your PC, together with the confidential data stored on it, then EZ-Crypt is the best solution to a potentially serious problem.

Available for only $99.00 from:

Dolphin Software, 48 Shattuck Sq. #147, Berkeley, CA 94704

510-464-3009


Baker's Newsbits (10/13/93)
Dell Computer announced a recall of 17,000 discontinued 320Li and 325Li notebook computers. The 386-based PCs have vaulty capacitors on the motherboards that cause the units to overheat, creating a fire hazard. Dell will replace the defective part at no cost and asks owners to return the units as soon as possible. Customers can make arrangements for repairs by calling 800-847-4171 between 9 am and 7 pm weekdays.

Twenty-four vendors at NetWorld accouned applications that provide computer-telephone integration for desktop computers linked by Novell NetWare networks. The applications support a telephony platform being built by AT&T and Novell that links NetWare servers and PBXs. The platform and applications will be available early next year.

The subject of a recent alert from the Department of Energy's (DOE) virus watch group, called Computer Incident Advisory Capability (CIAC), a new strain of computer virus called Satan Bug is described as particularly difficult to battle because it is encrypted. Satan Bug can render files inoperable, change file dates and shut users out of local-area networks by damaging LAN interface drivers. Satan Bug has been located at multiple sites.

Commodore has introduced a versatile compact disc machine that can show movies, run video games and play audio discs. The company has already launced the CD32 in Europe and introduced it in the United States at a promotion show recently. The CD32 hooks into television sets, computers and stereo systems and will list at $599 with the movie option, $399 without it. The company plans to promote the CD32 through infomercials, special events and direct mail.

According to reports throughout the trades, Corel recently announced an agreement to purchase the applications Ventura Publisher and Ventura Database Publisher from Xerox subsidiary Ventura Software of San Diego. The acquisition should be completed shortly. Supposedly Corel will acquire all platform and localized versions of Ventura Publisher, Ventura Database Publisher, and all associated technologies. Corel will also assume full responsibility for customer service and support, and has announced plans to continue developing Ventura Publisher 5.0, which promises to be a significant upgrade.

Scitex, Linotype-Hell, Crosfield, and Dainippon Screen have all signed letters of intent to work with Kodak on a new Print Photo CD aimed specifically at the prepress market. The four manufacturers will also enable their systems to read and display files from all Photo CDs and share a common format for CMYK files. This means images from the four companies' high-end scanners can be stored on Photo CD in high-resolution CMYK format as well as in the standard Photo CD YCC color space.

Behind the 24-clocks-in-one of new Earth Time ($39.95) for Windows is a database of interesting facts about the cities and sites on its pick-list of time displays. Within that data are some bizarre trivia items -- like major cities you can't reach by phone, the most popular language in Antarctica and a time zone that ends at 25 hours. Should be shipping by the end of the month from Datech Network Systems Inc, Clark, NJ; 908-381-7911


Spectra-Com P192mx Pocket Fax/Modem

Bay Connection a Silicon Valley based manufacture of Fax/Modem products introduces Spectra-Com P192mx, terbo charged for true speed of 19.2Kbps. The Spectra-Com P192mx Fax/Modem will be the fastest Pocket size V.32ter / V.32bis / V.42bis / MNP 5 19.2K bps Data Modem and 14.4K bps CCITT V.17 Send and Receive Fax. Spectra-Com P192mx Fax/Modem is available in PC and Mac Versions. PC Version includes Comit FAX for Windows and Comit (DOS & Windows) Communication software and serial cable. Mac version includes Stf FAX and MicroPhone LT software which are full featured and easy to use, also included in Hardware Handshaking serial cable .

Spectra-Com P192mx will be shipping Nov. '93

Spectra-Com products are backed by a five year Warranty and 30 day Money Back Guarantee. With an affordable list price of $299.00 to keep your Pocket happy.

Bay Connection, Box 610068, San Jose, CA 95161-0068

408/270 8070,  FAX 408/270-0698


HardBall III: Diamond Collection
ACCOLADE RELEASES HARDBALL III: DIAMOND COLLECTION

THE ULTIMATE TRIPLE PLAY VALUE

Category: Baseball Simulation

Price and Availability: IBM PC/compatibles - $69.95

Specifications: 640K (play-by-play commentary requires 2 meg of RAM), hard disk only; EGA, 256 color VGA; supports Soundblaster and AdLib sound boards for play-by-play commentary

SAN JOSE, Calif.-October 11, 1993--Accolade, a leading publisher of sports simulations, today announced the release of HardBall III: Diamond Collection for IBM PC and compatible computers. Released just in time for this season's World Series, HardBall III: Diamond Collection contains Accolade's award-winning baseball simulation, Al Michaels Announces HardBall III and its two add-on disks, HardBall III MLBPA Players Disk and HardBall III Big League Ballpark Disk. The HardBall III: Diamond Collection offers players over 650 of today's major league baseball stars on the fields of 26 authentic big league ballparks. HardBall III: Diamond Collection is available at a suggested retail price of $69.95, a savings of nearly $44.00 compared to prices if purchased separately.

Al Michaels Announces HardBall 111 offers graphic superiority, endless playability and Major League realism. It is a one or two playa game in which playas assume the role of team manager supervising the players and controlling their performance. Players can compete in exhibition games, a complete 162 game season including an all-star game, play-offs and championship games.

HardBall In features complete play-by-play commentary by legendary sportscaster, Al Michaels. The product also offers over 25 different statistical categories, instant replay, "team effort" play where your teammates actually back you up during a play, and the ability to save and print team and player statistics right from the HardBall III program. Action game fans will be thrilled with the detailed graphics and realistic player movements. Players can also create their own "highlight reel" by saving their favorite plays to disk for later viewing.

The MLBPA Players Disk is the first product to feature digitized color photographs of real players from 26 Major League Baseball teams. It provides baseball fans with an entire league of players including the names, faces and statistics of their favorite Major League players. The product includes active players from both the National and American Baseball Leagues and their statistics.

The Big League Ballpark Disk contains 18 stadiums (eight are included in HardBall III) from both the American League and National League. Additional season schedules, including one for expansion teams, are also provided. Each of the stadiums are rendered in 256-color VGA graphics and built to exact specifications to look and play like real life and include such authentic characteristics as the correct distances to walls, and foul territories.

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

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


Sharp Ships Affordable JX-9400 Laser Printer
SHARP SHIPS THE AFFORDABLE JX-9400 LASER PRINTER

MAHWAH, N.J., October 13, 1993 -- Sharp Electronics Corporation has begun shipping the JX-9400, a new low-cost laser printer with a suggested retail price of only $699. Designed to meet the demanding needs of small businesses and home offices, the JX-9400 offers a productive six-pages-per-minute printing speed, reduced noise levels, a low operating cost of two cents per page plus a space-saving design.

With its low price, the value-packed JX-9400 is targeted toward consumers previously unable to afford a laser printer and who are now ready to upgrade from an inkjet or dot matrix printer.

Based on-Sharp's own laser printer engine, the JX-9400 provides high-quality 300 dots-per-inch (DPI) output. Whether users require outstandingly crisp text or detailed graphic output, they will find the JX-9400 well suited as a personal printer With a footprint of only 1.3 square feet, the JX-9400 conserves precious office space.

Other features include:

* a selectable idle mode for noise reduction;

* paper input and output trays, each with 250-sheet capacities;

* a low cost-per-copy of approximately two cents;

* a supply yield of up to 5,000 pages with original consumables;

* a supply yield of up to 15,000 pages for replacement

  consumables.

* an automatic warning to alert users to low supplies;

Idle Mode Technology

This new laser printer is equipped with three modes of operation: printing, standby and an idle mode. During idle periods, the JX-9400 allows the home office or small business user to work in a noise-free environment.

Paper Handling:

The JX-9400 handles letter- and legal-size sheets as well as envelopes. It ships with an internal, front-loading 250-sheet letter-size cassette and has an output capacity of 250 sheets. Space-saving optional cassettes, designed to fit flush against the exterior of the printer, accommodate additional paper sizes and envelopes.

Compatibility:

The JX-9400 laser printer is equipped with PCL4. The standard configuration also includes IBM ProPrinter, IBM Graphics Printer, Epson FX-80 dot matrix and the Diablo 630 daisywheel printer emulations, providing the flexibility to print from a wide variety of current and out-of-date software applications. A parallel interface comes standard with the unit.

For more information contact Sharp Electronics Corporation, PC and Color Imaging Systems Division, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J. 07430-2135, or call 201-529-9593.


SPA Says Export Controls Harm US Swr Industry
Export Controls Harm U.S. Software Industry, SPA Tells Congress

October 12, 1993 (Washington, DC) -- Congress today heard compelling new evidence from the Software Publishers Association (SPA) that U.S export controls hurt the U.S. software industry, but do not stem the availability of powerful encryption software from foreign sources.

Former National Security Agency employee and SPA member Steve Walker of Trusted Information Systems testified that the U.S. government cannot control the availability of encryption technology because the technology is already widespread.

Encryption technology allows Americans to protect the security and integrity of data on their personal computers by using mathematical formulas that encode or scramble the information so that only authorized people can decode or unscramble it

Walker presented the latest SPA research on the availability of foreign encryption products. To date, SPA has identified 264 products from 21 foreign countries. By showing commercially available encryption products shipped from Australia, Denmark, Israel, Russia and Germany, Walker demonstrated that foreign companies can easily import their encryption products into the United States, even though the reverse is not the case. Moreover, strong encryption is widely available on the Internet, which connects millions of computer users worldwide.

The government has claimed that its restrictive export laws do not harm the U.S. industry because there is no competition from the foreign products.

According to Walker's research, the existence of affordable cryptographic products overseas is already an indisputable fact. Any attempt by the U.S. government to eliminate them by restricting U.S. exports of cryptographic software are futile. Worse, Walker testified, the restrictions place a huge economic limitation on U.S. software companies leading to lost revenue and jobs.

"SPA has been working for years to get the government to liberalize the export controls on mass market software with encryption capabilities," said SPA Executive Director Ken Wasch. "Most countries control such software as dual-use items -- those with both military and commercial applications. But the U.S. persists in controlling encryption software as a munitions item like a bomb or a jet fighter. Consequently, U.S. software publishers are unable to export products that they sell in the U.S. The U.S. companies lose the business, and foreign companies gain a competitive advantage in this growing market."

Despite the existence of export restrictions, quality U.S. encryption technology is being distributed illegally overseas, according to Walker's testimony. "It is possible to walk into any of the thousands of software retailers in the U.S., purchase a strong encryption software package (generally marked "not-for-export") and carry it out of the country in a suitcase or transmit it via modem to any computer abroad," Walker noted. "Because demand exists for these products, illegally copied versions are becoming more prevalent -- as is the loss in sales revenue to those software companies that may have sold the product in an open market."

"We no longer can afford to have outdated laws on our books that hinder the nation's economic competitiveness," said Ilene Rosenthal, SPA General Counsel. "We hope that the Administration will realize the futility of prohibiting the export of encryption products."

The SPA presented its testimony to the House Subcommittee on Economic Policy, Trade and Environment, which is chaired by Congressman Sam Gejdenson (D-CT). The committee is preparing legislation to reauthorize the Export Administration Act, which sets guidelines for export control policy.

The Software Publishers Association is the principal trade association of the PC software industry. Its 1,000 members represent the leading publishers in the business, consumer and education markets. The SPA has offices in Washington, DC and Paris, France.

Software Publishers Association

1730 M St, Northwest, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20036

202-452-1600,  Fax: 202-223-8756


SilverPlatter Info Directory of Elec Resources
SilverPlatter Information Directory of Electronic Resources

Now Published on CD-ROM

October 12, 1993 -- SilverPlatter has recently introduced a new CD-ROM - the SilverPlatter Information Directory of Electronic Resources. This CD-ROM contains information about the titles in SilverPlatter's collection of over 150 electronic information products. Also on the CD-ROM is SPIRS, SilverPlatter Information Retrieval System software and a subset of the ERIC database.

With the addition of over 50 new titles to its collection this year alone, SilverPlatter realized that its users needed a tool that could help them easily and quickly identify which products best suites their needs. From this need, the decision was made to produce an electronic version of its Directory of products, using SPIRS software - the same search and retrieval software used with all SilverPlatter databases.

With SPIRS, searchers can find information about any of the databases published on SilverPlatter CD-ROM. Information includes a description of each database, the source, frequency, coverage, platform and other facts. Products can be searched by title, subject, availability, notes (description of the database), online equivalent, print equivalent, source, platform, data type - 12 searchable fields in all. For example, searching in the Subjects field for the term "Soil Science" results in information about several databases which cover or are related to this subject.

This thorough indexing of SilverPlatter's products not only makes it simple to locate new resources to add to your collection, but also helps searchers at multi-database sites determine which is the best database to search for their information needs.

The Electronic Resources CD-ROM can also be used by searchers new to SilverPlatter to help them familiarize themselves with SPIRS software by searching the ERIC database subset.

This electronic directory will be updated every six months. Initially, the CD-ROM is available for the IBM PC-compatible. With the next release, it will also be available for the Windows, Macintosh and NEC platforms. Future releases of this CD-ROM will contain demonstrations of new and upcoming software packages and other electronic information products, as well as additional database subsets.

SilverPlatter's Directory of Electronic Information Products is also still available in print form. It has been designed with four indices so users can find products by title, by subject, by Information Provider and by platform.

The SilverPlatter Information Directory of Electronic Resources CDROM will be automatically sent to all SilverPlatter subscribers worldwide every six months. If you have not been receiving SilverPlatter's Directory of Products and would like to - in either electronic or print form, contact your nearest SilverPlatter office or your local distributor.

The production of this CD-ROM illustrates SilverPlatter commitment to bring the best of technology to serve the information needs of its subscribers.

SilverPlatter Information, Inc.

100 River Ridge Dr, Norwood, MA 02062-5026 U.S.A.

617-769-2599,  800-343-0064,  Fax: 617-769-8763


Victor Vector & Yondo, The Last Dinosaur Egg
SANCTUARY WOODS SHIPS VICTOR VECTOR & YONDO: THE LAST DlNOSAUR EGG

Second Interactive Comic Book Adventure for Time-Traveling Heroes

SAN MATEO, Calif., September 27, 1993--Sanctuary Woods (NASDAQ: SWMCF; VSE: SWD.V) will begin shipping The Last Dinosaur Egg, the second installment in its Victor Vector & Yondo Series of I-ventures, interactive comic book adventures of cinematic proportions for kids ages 8 and up. The Last Dinosaur Egg will ship in dual media CD-ROM format, enabling exciting playback on either Macintosh or MPC computers.

In the first Victor Vector & Yondo I-venture, the valiant Victor and his digital dog Yondo recovered a valuable artifact in The Vampire's Coffin. Now the digitized duo are back to embark on another mission the 22nd century Museum of Fantastic Phenomena. As one of the museum' s archivists in the CD-ROM adventure, the player guides his or her field agents deep into the past to recover an egg from one of the last surviving and most highly evolved dinosaurs, Tyrannosaurus rex.

In the course of the story, Victor and Yondo encounter many obstacles including a malfunctioning time machine, angry dinosaurs and their arch-rival RAM Axis, a mysterious competitor who changes shape and form in each episode of the adventure series. Luckily Victor and Yondo also get help from a a fellow time-traveler--the intelligent, beautiful and mysterious Delta Mode.

The Last Dinosaur Egg presents more than 100 colorful backgrounds and characters created by Spiderman comic book illustrator Ken Steacy, many of them animated. To enhance the visuals, the product includes digital video clip, sound effects, original music and professional voice-overs.

The interface for The Last Dinosaur Egg has also been improved to create a more intuitive environment. Yondo's Digital Backpack, which stores equipment needed for their journey, now has the capability to carry unlimited items; its text-based inventory has also been upgraded to a graphic interface.

This time Yondo's collar, a communicator and databank device, can be queried to retrieve the most recent information on dinosaurs and their habitat.

Retrieving an egg isn't as simple as loading the prehistoric object into the time machine and traveling back to the 22nd century. First Victor and Yondo will have to travel from the 22nd Century and find their way through the Precambrian era and the Triassic and Jurassic periods. They'll even need to enlist the help of a dinosaur to carry them on its back. It'll be tough, but a successful mission may mean saving dinosaurs from extinction.

Configuration, Price and Availability

Sanctuary Woods' The Last Dinosaur Egg requires a QuickTime-compatible Macintosh with at least 4 MB of RAM and a CD-ROM drive (Macintosh playback) or a Super VGA monitor, 4MB of RAM, a hard drive, a sound card, a CD-ROM drive and Windows 3.1 (MPC playback).

The Last Dinosaur Egg is available for a suggested retail price of $39.95. Like the rest of Sanctuary Woods' products, The Last Dinosaur Egg is distributed in North America by Electronic Arts and sold through computer retail and consumer electronic stores, including Egghead Software, Electronics Boutique and CompUSA.

Sanctuary Woods Multimedia Corporation, an Electronic Arts Affiliate label, is a leading developer of family-oriented entertainment and educational multimedia titles distributed on CD-ROM for desktop and entertainment platforms including Windows PC, Macintosh and 3DO. Sanctuary Woods produces its titles under three brands: I-learn, I-tales and I-ventures.

Founded in 1988, Sanctuary Woods Multimedia Corporation is a public company currently traded on NASDAQ (SWMCF) and the Vancouver Stock Exchange (SWD.V). Based in Victoria, British Columbia, Sanctuary Woods and its affiliates have sales, marketing and operations headquarters in San Mateo, Calif., with production studios located in Victoria, B.C.; Toronto and Ottawa, Ontario; and Dallas, Texas.

Sanctuary Woods

1006 Government St, Victoria, BC, V8W 1X7 CANADA

604-380-7582,   fax 604-388-4852

1875 S. Grant St, San Mateo, CA 94402

415-578-6340,  fax 415-578-6344


CEnvi Scripting Tool for OS/2, DOS & Windows
NOMBAS ANNOUNCES CENVI FOR OS/2, DOS, AND WINDOWS

Version 1.006

Nombas announces CEnvi: a powerful scripting tool OS/2, DOS, and Windows.

Cmm (C minus minus) is 'C' for the rest of us.  CEnvi runs Cmm programs in the DOS, Windows, and OS/2 environments (more to follow).  Together, CEnvi and Cmm make the power and flexibility of the C programming language part of every computer user's environment without the hardware, time, and programmer resources needed for developing full-blown C programs.

With CEnvi and Cmm, anyone can take control of their computer environment. C is not just for programming nerds anymore.  CEnvi utilities, macros, batch files, and scripts can quickly be created, shared, and modified among all computer users, professional and amateur alike.

CEnvi can be incorporated at a pace that is comfortable to you: you may only want to use CEnvi code set up by a more experienced user, you may want to enhance existing batch files with a line or two of CEnvi code, or you may write complete utilities using CEnvi.  The following statement is a single-line CEnvi example that you can include into batch files to return ERRORLEVEL 1 only on Fridays:

 CEnvi "date = ctime(time())  return( strstr(date,"Fri") ? 1 : 0 )"

Nombas provides over a hundred samples such as this one--many single-line and other complete program files--and more samples are added every day to provide solutions to CEnvi user's needs.  Sample programs included with the CEnvi shareware demonstrate Cmm programming; looping in batch files; altering environment variables; using environment variables in mathematical equations; user input; reading time; sounds; setting ERRORLEVEL; file read/write; OS/2 WPS and PM calls; controlling OS/2, PM, and Windows tasks; interacting with DOS, OS/2, and Windows operating systems; extending PATH; scheduled command execution; setting NUMLOCK; and much more. Even if you don't learn the Cmm programming language, you could still personalize these samples to suit your needs. (Do you need a program to tell if it is a Thursday? I'll bet that you could "reprogram" the above sample Cmm code to return ERRORLEVEL 1 only on Thursdays!)

If you choose to learn the Cmm programming language (C programmers will find that they already know it), then step through the Cmm programming tutorial in the CEnvi Registered User's Manual. This tutorial takes you step by step through the planning, creation, and debugging of a simple text editor: CmmEdit.

CEnvi costs $38 for a license that includes the OS/2, DOS, and Windows versions.  Additional site licenses (which do not include the 100+ page manual) are $15 each. The CEnvi Unregistered Shareware package is a working version of CEnvi with occasional registration reminder screens.

The most recent versions of CEnvi Unregistered Shareware, including sample files, are always available via anonymous FTP from "world.std.com" in the "pub" directory: cenvi2.zip, cenvid.zip, and cenviw.zip are CEnvi for OS/2, DOS, and Windows, respectively.  From CompServe: CEnvi for OS/2 is CENVI2.ZIP in OS2USER library 4, CEnvi for DOS is CENVID.ZIP in IBMSYS library 1, and CEnvi for Windows is CENVIW.ZIP in WINSHARE libarary 6. Also available for download from the Nombas BBS (suggested dial string ATDT16173916565,,,,,44444).

Nombas                Internet: bsn@world.std.com

P.O. Box 875          CompuServe: 72212,1622

Medford, MA  02155    Phone: (617)391-6595

                      BBS: (617)391-6595 ext. 44 after 2nd ring

                           (e.g., ATDT16173916595,,,,,44444)

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

CEnvi for Windows Unregistered Shareware (cenvid.zip) includes these sample files demonstrating some of the many ways you can use to CEnvi to gain full control of your operating system:

   *Ascii.cmm: Display the ascii character table

   *BattMem.cmm: Show values stored in a PC's battery-protected

     memory

   *BootEd1.cmm: Startup NotePad to edit c:AutoExec.bat and

     C:Config.sys using Windows DLL's.

   *BootEd2.cmm: Startup NotePad to edit c:AutoExec.bat and

     C:Config.sys using CEnvi's spawn() function.

   *Border.cmm: Draw a simple border on the screen

   *BugHunt.cmm: Example for using the ClipBrd.lib routines.

     Constantly scan clipboard for "bug" in clipboard text

   *ClipBrd.lib: Library of routines for reading from or writing

     to the Windows clipboard

   *CmmEdit.cmm: VERY simple text editor; developed step-by-step

     in the tutorial chapter of the Registered CEnvi Manual.

   *DosTime.cmm: Show time according to computer's internal clock

   *Fibonacc.cmm: Two methods for generating the Fibonacci

     sequence

   *FranTick.cmm: Animated tick who drank too much coffee

   *Hello.cmm: My first Cmm program. Used to begin the Cmm

     tutorial.

   *HexDump.cmd: Display hexadecimal dump of a file

   *Icons.cmm: Minimize all windows.  Demonstrate PostMessage()

     from Message.lib.

   *Install.cmm: Install this CEnvi unregistered shareware

     version.

   *KeyCode.cmm: Display keycodes returned by getch().

   *KeyGhost.cmm: Demonstrate how to use KeyPush.lib to control

     other applications.

   *KeyPush.lib: Library of routines created for passing

     keystrokes to to Window with the current focus.

   *Message.lib: Wrappter for Windows' PostMessage() and

     SendMessage() fucntion to send commands to windows.

   *MsgBox.lib: A wrapper library for Windows' MessageBox()

     function.  This file is #include'd in other CEnvi sample

     files.

   *MsgBoxes.cmm: Show various message box types using the

     function in MsgBox.lib.

   *NumLock.cmm: Set the NUMLOCK key ON

   *OpenCmm.cmm: Use Windows' common dialog (via PickFile.lib) to

     select a *.cmm file to edit.

   *PickFile.lib: A simple interface to the GetOpenFileName()

     function in the Windows Common Dialog DLL.  This library file

     is #include'd in some of the other CEnvi sample files.

   *Quote.cmm: Choose a "profound" quote at random

   *RunTime.cmm: Schedule a command to execute at a specified hour

     and minute.

   *WinBeep.cmm: Call Windows' MessageBeep() function.

   *WinExec.lib: A wrapper library for Windows' WinExec()

     function.  This file is #include'd in other CEnvi sample

     files.

   *WinExecs.cmm: Demonstratio of Windows' WinExec() function

     using the wrapper from WinExec.lib.

   *WinList.cmm: Show a list of all Windows, their handles, and

     their children.

   *WinShell.bat: Start windows with a specific shell.  Run

     Windows for a single program.  This uses CENVI.EXE for DOS.

   *WinUtil.lib: A small selection of utilities that may be

     #include'd in CEnvi code to get simple access to Windows DLL

     functions.


Windows Music Sculptor
NEW SHAREWARE MUSIC PROGRAM FOR WINDOWS

October 15, 1993 -- CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA -- Aleph Omega Software has announced

the release of Windows Music Sculptor, an introductory level music program that

allows recording, editing, and playback of standard midi files. It can be used with

an external MIDI keyboard and also includes an on-screen music keyboard which sports

128 piano-style keys that can be played with the mouse.  The measures of the song are

displayed in a Track Window that holds 99 tracks and scrolls to display the current

position as the music plays.  Each track has a name, instrument, and channel and can

be enabled for recording or playback.  An instrument can be selected from a full menu

of General MIDI instrument names or by patch number. Edit operations include cut,

copy, paste, and velocity and pitch adjustment.  Ot her features include full on-line

help, metronome, time signature, and tempo adj ustment.

Windows Music Sculptor is fully functional, uncrippled shareware that comes bundled

with 6 standard midi files.  A collection of 75 public domain midi files are provided

upon registration.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

Windows 3.1 or later in 386 Enhanced Mode and a Windows-compatible sound  card or

MIDI interface.

Shareware evaluation copies can be obtained from:

* CompuServe in the WINFUN forum in Library 6: Sound Utils.  The filename is

winmus.zip.

* Internet via anonymous ftp to louie.udel.edu in the directory

/pub/midi/software/ibm.  The filename is winmusic.zip.

* Aleph Omega Software by mailing $5 for Shipping and Handling.

The registered version of Windows Music Sculptor is available for $24.95 US (plus $5

S&H) from:

Aleph Omega Software

Box 61085, Kensington Postal Outlet

Calgary, Alberta T2N 4S6 Canada


Sybase is World Cup USA'94 Database Supplier
Sybase Software Supports Transaction-Oriented Information Systems for World's Largest Sporting Event

(The Hague) EMERYVILLE, CA, October 13,1993 -- Sybase, Inc., The Enterprise Client/Server Company, today announced that it has been selected as the exclusive database software supplier to the World Cup USA 1994 soccer championship, the single largest sporting event in the world. World Cup '94 selected Sybase's client/server relational database, application development tools and Gain Momentum multimedia tools because they deliver the leading-edge technology required to support mission-critical operations of the world's largest sporting event.

World Cup '94 is using Sybase products to build an advanced information system to manage the soccer matches and supporting operations across nine US cities. World Cup 94's advanced information system consists of event management and office management systems running over a global wide-area network of 17 SYBASE SQL Server databases, and SYBASE applications running on over 900 client workstations and multimedia electronic kiosks. World Cup '94 anticipates that more than three million attendees and more than 15,000 journalists will access this system worldwide.

"Our partners for World Cup USA 1994 are three industry giants, and we are particularly happy that Sybase, the leading database technology provider, has joined our team as an equipment supplier to secure the success of our data operations at next year's World Cup," said Juan Jose Vidal, vice president of technology for World Cup USA. "Our team at EDS determined what products were needed to build the most technologically advanced World Cup information network to date, and Sybase products were clearly the right software choice. This year's network is truly state-of-the-art, bringing together multimedia information delivery, an enterprise client/server infrastructure, and global connectivity and access," Vidal concluded.

"Sybase is a world-class company, and we are pleased to supply our worldclass technology to World Cup '94. Their selection of our technology to manage information across a broad, geographically distributed system reflects Sybase's worldwide leadership in providing the enterprise-wide client/server solutions businesses require today," said David Peterschmidt, vice president and general manager of worldwide field operations for Sybase.

The Technology Team at World Cup '94

In addition to Sybase, World Cup '94 selected EDS, Sun Microsystems and US Sprint as key technology partners. EDS is responsible for building the event and office management applications, integrating the other partners' technologies, and ensuring the overall success of World Cup 94's advanced information system.

"The World Cup's stated objective for 1994 was to have the most advanced, technically elegant information system for managing all the operations, accreditation, security, results and logistics tied to the event," said Harold Bencic, EDS account manager for World Cup '94. "We selected Sybase because of its excellent reputation as the leader in client/server database software. Sybase's broad range of tools has made it easier for the EDS information technology professionals to build, manage and support a system of this scale."

The World Cup '94 Information System

World Cup '94 information system consists of Events Management Applications (EMA), a key component of the World Cup/FIFA Worldwide Network, and Office Management Applications (OMA). FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association), based in Zurich, Switzerland, is the governing body of the World Cup.

Multimedia Event Management Applications

The EMA system includes several applications designed to track and manage the registration of over 1,700 of the world's best athletes; manage accreditation and badging of over 50,000 participants, as well as manage logistics and security; and support electronic kiosks that provide attendees, journalists and participants with historical game information, player/team profiles, game-by-game statistics, standings and results.

The World Cup '94 EMA system application will use state-of-the-art, multimedia user interfaces, based on Sybase's Gain Momentum object-oriented development environment, that provide participants and attendees with fast, easy access to vast stores of data in a highly intuitive graphical format.

"World Cup '94 wanted a sophisticated, easy-to-access, graphical way of presenting information to the thousands of press and officials covering the games, as well as the billions of people watching them. They also needed to effectively capture video images of participants to print on the badges and store in the database," said Bencic of EDS. "Gain Momentum provided us all the features we needed to support these applications. And it's a tribute to Gain Momentum that our developers found it very easy to learn, even though many of them had never worked with multimedia."

EMA applications that leverage Gain's multimedia capabilities include electronic kiosks, accreditation, security and logistics. The multimedia features of Gain Momentum allow the accreditation system to input video imaging along with identification information (name, country, passport number, etc.) for the 50,000 registered. World Cup '94 participants. The accreditation system will use the video images to create photo-ID badges. The security system then uses this data to provide order and access control to the World Cup Games and to track any accredited people. The logistics application tracks a range of functions, including accommodations, medical services, media booking, transportation, personnel deployment, economic information, project planning and control, procurement and materials management, volunteers and other personnel.

A key requirement in developing EMA applications was high-volume performance running across a global network. According to EDS, initial performance results with SQL Server, Sybase's client/server relational database, have reconfirmed World Cup '94's selection of Sybase. "For example, our accreditation application has approximately 10KB of data per record, including all the relational database table cross links," Bencic explained. "Because most of the processing is being done on the server in true client/server fashion, we're getting sub-second response times - even when we pull data from remote locations thousands of miles away."

Office Management Applications

The OMA system is designed to provide World Cup '94 staff in the United States and Europe with a suite of applications that provide "any time, anywhere" access to vital information for managing operations at all offices and venue sites. OMA applications are being built with Sybase's character and graphical development tools and are based on SYBASE SQL Server and Replication Server software products.

SYBASE products used by World Cup '94

World Cup '94 information systems will include a broad range of Sybase's relational database, application development, and systems management software products. SQL Server 10 and Replication Server, both part of Sybase's System 10 family of enterprise client/server products, are the relational database components. World Cup '94 will utilize SA Companion and SQL Monitor for systems management. World Cup '94 also will use several tools from Sybase including APT Workbench, DEFT, SQL Debug, Build Momentum and Gain Momentum.

Sybase, Inc.

Sybase, Inc. (NASDAQ: SYBS) develops and markets a leading family of client/server-based software products and services for on-line, enterprise-wide applications. Sybase's integrated family of software includes servers, tools, connectivity, and administration/control products that provide complete desktop to mainframe solutions. Headquartered in Emeryville, CA, Sybase markets its products worldwide through its direct sales force, telesales, distributors, OEMs, VARs, and systems integrators.

Sybase Inc, 6475 Christie Ave, Emeryville, CA 04608

510-596-3500;  Fax: 510-658-9441


Project Navigator Document Management System
Diversified Information Services Introduces Project Navigator New Document Management System

September 30, 1993 -- Diversified Information Services expands its line of high performance project control software systems for construction professionals.

Project Navigator is a brand new computer system designed to provide a real world solution to the vital process of construction project document control and tracking.

Project Navigator has been developed to meet the document tracking needs of construction professionals. It is compact, easy to use and economical. However its power and range of features provide a means to generate, track, log and communicate every piece of documentation that is used on your project, including:

* Transmittals

* Correspondence

* Punch Lists

* Submittals

* RFIs

* Change Orders

* Drawings

* Specifications

Project Navigator allows you to build lists of everyone involved on your project. their names, company, address phone and Fax numbers. They can be grouped and sorted in any way you want and selected to automatically receive specific documents that you identify. You can generate mailing labels, produce cover letters, address envelopes OR Fax documents, to individuals or groups, right out of Project Navigator. The system date stamps every document and maintains a log of who was sent what and when. It also alerts you to documents that are overdue or pending, files don't get lost and nothing falls between the cracks.

Project Navigator is designed to run under Microsoft Windows . The Windows graphical user interface provides an intuitive point and shoot environment that allows you to simultaneously view multiple windows, open multiple projects, and select and move specific data between them. Your efficiency and productivity will soar!. The intuitive environment of Project Navigator and its ease of use means that you and your organization can benefit from its power and features right out of the box. So say good-bye to the slow cumbersome world of manual filing systems and spreadsheet programs that don't deliver and enter a new world where no matter how rough it gets Project Navigator will keep you on course.

You'll stay on course because Project Navigator makes it easy for you to log documents with its custom bar-coding option; just select bar-coding to insert the familiar vertical bars on your documents, and scan documents that you receive, date and time stamps (and other information you determine) is automatically logged into the system.

Project Navigator provides a seamless link to popular word processors, like WordPerfect, AmiPro and Microsoft Word. It links your data automatically to documents generated in these programs, merges names and addresses and automatically prepares documents ready for mailing or Faxing. Say good-bye to preprinted forms that have to be painstakingly filled in by hand, because Project Navigator includes Perform Pro, an electronic forms library that allows you to automatically fill electronic forms and Fax them right out of the system. Full design tools are built right in, so your forms can include company, or client logos, typefaces and graphics, borders and other elements that personalize your data presentation.

Project Navigator includes its own integrated Report Writer and library of standard reports, that can be customized or used as is; or you can design your own report from the ground up, graphically on screen. At any time you can produce informative clear reports showing precise project status.

Project Navigator will be available in the early Fall, 1993. It will change the way you control documentation, and will, for the first time, offer a practical, efficient alternative to the way you currently manage document flow in your organization.

PROJECT NAVIGATOR - Special Features

* Windows based GUI Advanced data management

* Fully integrated with popular Word Processors including:

  WordPerfect; AmiPro; Word

* Integrated Forms generation capability

* Built-in Bar Code/scanning capability

* Integrated Fax capability

* Integrated Custom Report Writer

* Optional document scanning & retrieval

Hardware Requirements

* IBM PC, PS/2 and compatibles Hard Drive; MS Windows 3.1

* VGA Monitor recommended

* Support provided for most popular printers and plotters

DIS, Inc 4370 Tujunga Ave., Ste. 130, Studio City, CA 91604

Tel: (818) 506-7265,   Fax: (818) 506-0949


C++ Compiler for UnixWare at $349
C++ COMPILER FOR UNIXWARE at US$349 FROM COMPUTER INNOVATIONS

October 15, 1993 -- Tinton Falls, NJ - Computer Innovations, Inc. announced today the availability of a shrink-wrapped version of it's C++ Language Release 3 specifically for UnixWare, priced at US$349.

The C++ product from Computer Innovations is priced to make it attractive for developers using UnixWare to gain the benefits of a true object-oriented language, and to provide the product to developers using UnixWare, at prices competitive with DOS/Windows C++ development products.

Computer Innovations C++ product is USL's industry standard language, and combines both super-C functionality and object oriented programming. In addition to supporting templates as an integral feature of the compiler, Computer Innovations C++ now takes advantage of compiler technology that is tailored for the Intel 486/Pentium platform, and produces object code that is optimized for the Intel platform. Installation of C++ on UnixWare is made easy through the use of standard UNIX utilities, and all necessary header files are built specifically for the UnixWare system.

Founded in 1978, Computer Innovations Inc. is a research and development company that provides software development tools to systems engineers and software programmers for product development and system integration. Computer Innovations Inc., one of the first companys to offer USL C++ for UNIX SVR4 on the Intel platform, is located at 1129 Broad Street, Shrewsbury, NJ, 07702 USA, and can be reached at (908) 542-5920, or by fax at (908) 542-6121.


Verimation Memo Best Host-Based E-Mail Pckg
XEPHON RATES VERIMATION'S MEMO THE BEST HOST-BASED E-MAIL PACKAGE

Market Research Firm Surveys 551 Sites Using OfficeVision, cc:Mail, EMC2/TAO, and Other Systems

ROCKLEIGH, NJ, OCTOBER 11, 1993 -- Verimation, a Company in the Volvo Group, announced that its Memo e-mail and enterprise-wide communication system has been ranked as the number one host-based package by Xephon, a market research company based in Berkshire, England, in the September issue of The IBM User Exchange (IBEX) Bulletin. Memo is the only package in the sample to be rated above average for all 14 survey criteria, which include forms processing, value for money, support, performance, directory facilities, access to external networks, and user interface.

IBEX members at 551 sites responded that they were using one or more of the 24 e-mail packages, such as Office Vision, cc:Mail, Microsoft Mail, Memo, WordPerfect, EMC2/TAO, and Profs. "This marks the third year in a row that Memo has achieved the number one rating among host-based systems in Xephon's surveys," said Verimation President, Adam Sroczynski.

According to the IBEX Bulletin, "Memo's aggregate ratings are only marginally lower than DaVinci email, and the two packages have aggregate ratings well clear of the rest of the field." DaVinci email is available solely for PC's and had only five respondents, compared with 35 for Memo.

Verimation is a leading supplier of electronic mail, workflow and office automation solutions. The flagship product, Memo, has over 1.6 million users worldwide. Verimation Inc. is based in Rockleigh, NJ.

Verimation Inc, PO Box 154, 6 Volve Dr, Rockleigh, NJ 07647

201-767-4795,  fax 201-767-4885


Habitat for Netware Windows Management Swr
Introducing HABITAT FOR NETWARE

October 15, 1993 -- Shrewsbury, New Jersey--Designed for people who manage Windows on NetWare LANs, HABITAT FOR NETWARE simplifies administration of Windows desktops with a centralized console that transforms NetWare user groups into powerful workgroups. The HABITAT FOR NETWARE workgroup console gives administrators the ability to create a standard Windows environment for each user group on a NetWare file server. Each user sees a Windows desktop that reflects their workgroup membership, as well as their own customizations. Developed by Computer Knacks, HABITAT FOR NETWARE is now shipping.

Automated Windows Administration

Because HABITAT FOR NETWARE workgroups are based on NetWare user groups, alterations in group membership, made using standard NetWare utilities, automatically reconfigure a user's Windows desktop environment. For example, using SYSCON to make a user a member of a NetWare group that has been enhanced with HABITAT FOR NETWARE workgroup properties, causes those properties to appear on their Windows desktop--without any additional steps.

Simplified Application Upgrades

HABITAT FOR NETWARE reduces Windows desktop configuration to a single point of control. For example, when an application is defined within HABITAT FOR NETWARE, the location of its executable is automatically described with an alias--a unique HABITAT feature that permits the creation of intuitive nicknames for DOS drive and directory combinations. Applications that are part of a package are all defined using the same alias. As a result, upgrading to a new version can be as simple as redefining one alias. When applied at the workgroup level, all workgroup members are updated simultaneously.

Workstation Independence

HABITAT FOR NETWARE provides users with access to their personal Windows environment from any network workstation. A novel device-independent engine eliminates considerations of display type, while a solid network design enables transparent access to user configurations. The combination results in a simple elegance which stands in stark contrast to the complexities of managing other networked Windows installations.

A Powerful Desktop Manager for Users

The HABITAT FOR NETWARE desktop is a natural extension of the Program Manager interface, eliminating the learning curve associated with radically different desktop metaphores. It features folders which may contain documents, directories and other folders. The HABITAT desktop allows users to quickly recreate previous work environments, enhancing productivity. A FileCache feature dramatically accelerates access to recently opened files by offering the user a dropdown list to select from. Users are spared the tedium of hunting through jungles of DOS directories by presenting them with meaningful directory nicknames, called aliases.

System Requirements

Overall, HABITAT FOR NETWARE is exceptionally lean and fast compared with other products: it requires less than 1 MB of disk space on the file server, and less than 100K of RAM on each user's workstation.

Licensing

HABITAT FOR NETWARE is licensed on a file server basis, according to the maximum number of users which NetWare will allow. Prices start at $245.00 for a 25-user NetWare file server, and go up to $695.00 for a 250-user server. Site licenses are negotiated on an individual basis.

Dynamic Company

HABITAT FOR NETWARE is a second generation Windows desktop management system for networks. It is the logical progression from HABITAT FOR WORKGROUPS, which was introduced along with HABITAT FOR WINDOWS, a Windows desktop manager, in March of 1993. According to Computer Knacks CEO, Kerry Giftos:

Introducing HABITAT FOR NETWARE exemplifies our ongoing commitment to helping make Windows easier to administer and use on a network. The level of integration into the network infrastructure we desire is best achieved, in the absence of a universal standard, by writing directly to proprietary interfaces. We chose the NetWare platform for our first network-specific product because of its leadership position in the LAN marketplace.

25  Nodes   $245.00

50  Nodes   $345.00

100 Nodes   $495.00

250 Nodes   $695.00

All prices quoted are in US$.

REQUIREMENTS: Microsoft Windows, running in standard or enhanced mode. Mouse or equivalent pointing device with left and right buttons NetWare 2.x, 3.x, or 4.x running in bindery emulation mode File server volume with 1MB available DOS 3.1 or greater

DESCRIPTION: Windows desktop management system for NetWare. Create workgroup desktop standards which are based on NetWare user groups. Automates Windows administration by reconfiguring user desktops in response to maintenance performed with standard NetWare utilities. Simplifies application upgrades with directory aliases and centralized control. Powerful desktop manager boosts user productivity.

Computer Knacks, Inc.

621 Shrewsbury Ave, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702

908-530-0262,  Fax: 908-741-0972


iniSCRIPT NetWare Aware Windows INI File Mgr
Introducing iniSCRIPT

October 15, 1993 -- Shrewsbury, New Jersey -- Computer Knacks is now shipping its new product, iniSCRIPT a NetWare aware Windows ini file manager. iniSCRIPT enables the LAN administrator to manipulate standard ASCII ini files, such as Windows win.ini and system.ini, using a powerful script language. iniSCRIPT supports software distribution and workstation independence for networked Windows users.

Language Features

The iniSCRIPT Language gives script writers full access to DOS, making it possible to read environment variables, perform DOS commands, run batch files and execute programs directly from a script. iniSCRIPT also permits nesting of conditional tests, allowing for the creation of extremely powerful and flexible logical constructs--powerful medicine for big headaches.

NetWare Aware

iniSCRIPT does not require NetWare to function, and is in fact compatible with all DOS networks. However, when used on a NetWare network, it gains significant additional features which make it possible to create generic scripts that tailor themselves at runtime to their environment. For instance, the ability to test if a user is a member of a NetWare user group makes it possible to control who is affected by a script using standard NetWare utilities, such as syscon.

Software Distribution

Because iniSCRIPT can be run from a user's login script, it has access to both network and local drives. This ability makes it possible to disseminate software to users from a central location. This design puts iniSCRIPT in the right place, and with the right features, to automatically perform such tasks as upgrading applications, or updating Windows drivers.

Workstation Independence

iniSCRIPT supports workstation independence for networked Windows users using exclusive tagging technology that separates the user and machine specific information contained in win.ini and system.ini. Two supplied scripts, which can be customized to handle unique situations, and a simple batch file underly this capability. This is a solution-oriented technology that accomplishes, in a simple way, what Microsoft set out to do with winlogin. Instead of forcing administrators to describe every possible hardware, software and user combination ahead of time, iniSCRIPT takes an incremental approach that breaks the problem down into easy to manage pieces.

Licensing

iniSCRIPT costs $99.95 per file server on which iniSCRIPT is either installed, or on which it processes ini files. Site licenses are negotiated on an individual basis.

Dynamic Company

iniSCRIPT is an integral part of Computer Knacks recent product introductions in the NetWare and Windows management market. According to Computer Knacks CEO, Kerry Giftos:

Managing Windows ini files is one of the more difficult aspects of networking with Windows. Performing application upgrades, in particular, can be a very time consuming process. iniSCRIPT represents our ongoing commitment to helping make Windows easier to administer and use on a network. The NetWare features in iniSCRIPT will dramatically simplify many ini file management issues.

iniSCRIPT, VERSION 1.0

Price: $99.95 per file server

Compatibility: DOS 3.1 or greater

Requirements: Works with any DOS-compatible network, but features enhanced functionality with NetWare

Less than 100KB on a file server volume

DESCRIPTION: iniSCRIPT is a Windows ini file management utility that features NetWare awareness. Nested conditionals, full access to DOS commands and environment variables, plus NetWare features, such as the ability to test a user's group membership, permit the creation of powerful scripts, greatly simplifying administration. iniSCRIPT can be used to perform software distribution and supports Windows workstation independence.

Computer Knacks, Inc.

621 Shrewsbury Ave, Shrewsbury, NJ 07702

908-530-0262,  Fax: 908-741-0972


RE*STORE Data Recover Service
DATA RECOVERY: Pay a Little Now or A Lot Later

September 24, 1993 -- SIGNAL HILL, CA. Randomex, Inc., long time supplier of disk maintenance and data recovery services to the computer Industry, has recently introduced RE*STOR, a low cost, pre-paid and capped data recovery service which is the final component of a formalized total data protection and back-up program.

Lack of formal and centralized back-up procedures and systems have been exposed recently with recent events such as the bombing of the World Trade Center and natural disasters like the floods in the Midwest. In addition, the explosive growth in LANs and the unfriendly nature of PC architecture to centralize daily, incremental or systemized back-up procedures opens the door to massive data loss--and the accompanying cost of recreation. For instance, recent published estimates put the cost of recreating 20MB of: Word Processing Data at $17,000; Accounting Data at $19,000; Engineering Data at $98,000.

Subscribers to the Randomex RE*STOR Data Recovery Service select the systems, drives, or media they choose to cover, and activate RE*STOR whenever they are unable to access data from a covered device. Randomex provides unlimited data restoration service on the covered device from their Class 100 and Class 1000 laboratories in Signal Hill, CA for a period of one year.

RE*STOR is low-cost protection (a 100MB HDA is covered for $40) to augment whatever back-up systems and procedures are in place. Randomex provides data restoration services on 22 different platforms with an average turnaround time of 72 hours.  Randomex has recovered over 10,000,000 megabytes of presumably lost data, and averages a 98.5 % success rate on recoverable data. Data is returned on media designated by the RE*STOR registrant.

Pertinent information on the devices (HDA, tape, disks) to be covered under RE*STOR is registered and a serial number assigned to each device. A toll-free call (800-726-3669) to the 24-hour Randomex Data Recovery Data Center activates recovery service operations.

VARs and Resellers can contact Darlene Keough, National Marketing Manager, for information on becoming an authorized Randomex RE*STOR Reseller at 800-466-0893, ext. 109, Randomex, Inc., 101 Billerica Avenue, 5 Billerica Park, N. Billerica, MA 01862. To register systems, ask for Anne Abernathy at ext. 104.


U.S. Robotics Adds SNMP to Total Control
U.S. Robotics Announces the Addition of SNMP to Total Control Internetworking Products

SKOKIE, Ill., -- October 6, 1993 -- U.S. Robotics, Inc., today announced the addition of Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) to its line of Total Control internetworking products. With U.S. Robotics' Total Control Manager, network administrators can easily access and manage their network from a single console. Total Control Manager will ship in October.

Total Control Manager can be added to both the Enterprise Network Hub and the Transaction Processing Hub. These complete, one-vendor solutions solve the problem of network integration by combining X.25 PADs, modems, terminal servers, CSU/DSUs, and network interfaces into one centrally managed chassis.

The Enterprise Network Hub enables organizations with remote locations to aggregate their dial traffic onto T1 lines and route it through a packet-switched network to their host computer at a central site.

The Transaction Processing Hub reduces verification times for credit card, point-of-sale, and inquiry/response transaction processing applications by interfacing with the local exchange carriers' services including Feature Group B, D and 800 lines and routing traffic via Tl trunks to LAN interfaces.

"SNMP has really become the de facto management standard in the industry," said Jonathan Zakin, U. S. Robotics executive vice president of sales and marketing. "By incorporating it into the Total Control products, we no longer add to the number of management consoles on the network. With SNMP, we become part of the solution of the future."

For Baxter Healthcare Corp., a Total Control customer since 1991, SNMP is a feature it is eager to have. "We have a goal at Baxter to completely automate the entire network's recovery and operation," said Steve Tindall, project leader of Baxter's telecommunications group. "This is a long way off, but industry standards incorporated in a single network platform are one way this goal will be accomplished. With SNMP we can watch most of the network, and since Total Control will now have SNMP, we're one step closer to our goal."

Customers can purchase U.S. Robotics' Total Control Manager with Novell's Netware Management Platform for $3999. For those networks already using the Novell Netware Management Platform, the cost is $2059.

U.S. Robotics will also provide MIB extensions for customers using packages like HP Openview, SunNet Manager, and Netview 6000 so Total Control can be easily added to these management programs. These MIB extensions will also be available via Internet.

The Enterprise Network Hub and Transaction Processing Hub are a logical extension of the company's Total Control product line. U.S. Robotics' Total Control line of intelligent management systems, introduced in 1990, was the company's first entry into this market.

Both products use a common architecture, which consists of a 1 Gbps backplane, and circuit and packet-switched buses to minimize processing time. Through downloadable software-defined technology, U.S. Robotics can easily modify and enhance its products to take advantage of new and emerging technologies.

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, Illinois. U.S. Robotics owns and operates U.S. Robotics Ltd. in Slough, England, U.S. Robotics, s.a. in Lille, France and P.N.B., s.a. based in Suresnes, 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


Oscar Wilde's Selfish Giant for MAC & MPC
OSCAR WILDE'S CLASSIC FAIRY TALE BECOMES AN INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA STORYBOOK

Sanctuary Woods Ships The Selfish Giant for Mac and MPC

SAN MATEO, Calif., September 27, 1993--Sanctuary Woods (NASDAQ: SWMCF; VSE: SWD.V) will begin shipping Oscar Wilde's The Selfish Giant, the second CD-ROM title in its I-tales Collection of classic and original interactive multimedia storybooks from famous authors, artists and storytellers. Created for children age 3 and up, Oscar Wilde's The Selfish Giant combines a well-known fairy tale, artwork by children's book illustrator P. Craig Russell and multimedia extras, such as animation, interesting facts and fun songs and games, to create an entertaining and educational interactive story experience.

The Selfish Giant is the story of a giant with a beautiful garden where children love to play. One day the selfish giant banishes children from the garden, and from that day forward, only the chilly snow, frost, hail and the North Wind play there; the other seasons pass him by because of his selfishness.

The Selfish Giant enables children to read the tale aloud, choose to have a "giant's" voice narrate, play one of the hidden games or learn more about the story's characters and setting. In the Mac version, each word is highlighted along with the narration to enable younger children to work on their reading skills. The Selfish Giant also includes definitions of many nouns and adjectives in the story, couched in terms that children can understand. Among the several game activities, this CD-ROM includes an interactive coloring book Scoozle the Giant--a game that enables children to create faces by combining ears, noses, mustaches etc.--and a build-a-castle activity.

Sanctuary Woods' imagineers enhance Mr. Russell's illustrations with more than 100 digitized pictures and animations, professional voice-overs, "digital video" movies, sound effects and original music. Kids can listen to narration and children playing in the garden and sing along with several specially written songs. Detailed information on giants, castles, the garden's flowers and many inhabitants can be accessed by a simple mouse click.

Configuration, Price and Availability

The Selfish Giant requires a QuickTime-compatible Macintosh with at least 4 MB of RAM and CD-ROM drive (Macintosh playback) or a Super VGA monitor, 4MB of RAM, a hard drive, a sound card, a CD-ROM drive and Windows 3.1 (MPC playback).

The Selfish Giant is available for a suggested retail price of $39.95. Like the rest of Sanctuary Woods' products, Oscar Wilde's The Selfish Giant is distributed in North America by Electronic Arts and sold through computer retail and consumer electronic stores, including Egghead Software, Electronics Boutique and CompUSA.

Sanctuary Woods Multimedia Corporation, an Electronic Arts Affiliate label, is a leading developer of family-oriented entertainment and educational Multimedia titles distributed on CD-ROM for desktop and entertainment platforms including Windows PC, Macintosh and 3DO. Sanctuary Woods produces its titles under three brands: I-learn, I-tales and I-ventures.

Founded in 1988, Sanctuary Woods Multimedia Corporation is a public company currently traded on NASDAQ (SWMCF) and the Vancouver Stock Exchange (SWD.V). Based in Victoria, British Columbia, Sanctuary Woods and its affiliates have sales, marketing and operations headquarters in San Mateo, Calif., with production studios located in Victoria, B.C.; Toronto and Ottawa, Ontario; and Dallas, Texas.

Sanctuary Woods

1006 Government St, Victoria, BC, V8W 1X7 CANADA

604-380-7582,   fax 604-388-4852

1875 S. Grant St, San Mateo, CA 94402

415-578-6340,  fax 415-578-6344


Books That Work Desk Design Contest
Books That Work Announces Winner of First Design & Build Your Deck - Deck Design Contest

Second Desk Design Contest Will Be Held This Fall

PALO ALTO, CA, Oct. 13, 1993 - Books That Work announced today the winner of the contest that makes dream decks come true. Dave Moench, a sales manager from Eagan, Minnesota, won the contest and will receive all the building materials necessary to execute his winning deck design created with Books That Work's premiere software product, Design & Build Your Deck. Hundreds of entries were widdled down to four finalists that were judged by the California Redwood Association on the designer's ability to visualize and design a deck best suited to his/her specific environment, and to best utilize the program. Moench won all the redwood lumber and hardware needed to build the deck, a Black & Decker circular saw and drill, Vermont American saw blades and drill bits, Flood deck finish, and Osmose deck screws and stains.

"Planning my deck was incredibly simple using Design & Build Your Deck," says Moench. "I found the reference section especially helpful. If I had a question or didn't know how to execute an idea, I went to the reference section and learned."

Books That Work is holding a second deck design contest this fall. To qualify entrants must check the contest box on the registration card, and plan their deck using the program. Entries should include printouts of the Top View (with Rulers), 3-D View, the software-generated Parts List, a list of any additional materials needed, sketches of any modifications required, a color photograph of the site for the deck (including the house, if applicable), and a description of how the program was most helpful. Entries must be postmarked by January 31, 1993, and should be sent to Books That Work, 285 Hamilton, Suite 260, Palo Alto, CA 94301.

Design & Build Your Deck is a multimedia software program that brings an electronic format to "how-to" publishing. A Windows-based CAD product that does not require CD-ROM, Design & Build Your Deck features an easy to use electronic design workshop and a comprehensive electronic book on building that's filled with tips from pros. The program offers intuitive expert guidance through every phase of deck design and construction, providing a highly efficient, cost-effective home-improvement solution.

Design & Build Your Deck comes on 3 1/2" diskettes (5 1/4" can be requested) and requires an IBM PC or 100% compatible, 386 or higher, 2 MB RAM minimum; VGA or Super VGA monitor, and Windows 3.1.

Books That Work, Inc. is a developer and publisher of interactive software devoted to the home how-to market. Books That Work was founded in June 1992 and is based in Palo Alto, CA. For more information or to place an order, call (800) 242-4546.


Video Cube: Space - Multimedia CD-ROM Game
ARIS MULTIMEDIA ENTERTAINMENT SHIPS FIRST GAME TITLE, VIDEO CUBE: SPACE

Fast-Action Video Puzzle First in New Series to Combine Multimedia CD-ROM Technology With Puzzle-Solving Ability ant Video Clips from NASA

October 4, 1993 - (MARINA DEL REY, CA) Aris Multimedia Entertainment, a world leader in MPC utility and multimedia clip art products, has begun to ship its first CD-ROM game title, Video Cube: Space. The fast-paced, multimedia video game is comprised of an interactive Rubik's cube-like puzzle comprised of 108 Microsoft Video for Windows videos, CD-quality original music and sound effects.

"Most other games now on CD-ROM were adapted from floppy-based games. Video Cube is one of the first multimedia games to use video as an integral part of the game," said Diane Heppting, chairman of Aris Entertainment. Space is the first of many titles that will utilize the Video Cube format.

Video Cube begins with an animated cube, containing dozens of video fragments, hurling itself through outer space, at which point the player must unscramble the stills on each side of the cube. The payoff for solving each side of the puzzle is a playing of the complete video, ranging from ten seconds to nearly a minute long. These dramatic sequences are from the National Space Aeronautic Administration (NASA) and include rocket launches, moon walks and stunning videos of the heavens above and the earth below. Video Cube is a multi-level game that offers many hours of game playing excitement and fun!

One of the most appealing parts of the game at retail is its remarkable packaging, which also is unlike any other CD-ROM on the market, with a 5 3/4" x 5 3/4" physical cube game included to complement the video game. "There are no other video games on the market where the packaging itself is a game," noted Heppting.

The Video Cube will retail for $49.95. It is being distributed exclusively through Electronic Arts, which recently signed a distribution agreement with Aris for its newly developed game and interactive movie titles. Space will be followed by year's end with several other Video Cube titles, including discs on sports and Hollywood.

Video Cube requires a Super VGA monitor and MPC-compatible CD-ROM and supports both 8-bit and 16-bit sound cards. Sound on the Video Cube can be played back at 16-bit/44k and 8-bit/22-bit formats.

The company's current product lines include utilities (MPC Wizard); clip art and multimedia presentation content (MediaClips); virtual reality/interactive movies (e-World); and games (Video Cube).

Aris Multimedia Entertainment, Inc., was founded in October 1991, by Chris Kitze and Diane Heppting. Chris is regarded by many as a pioneer in the field of electronic publishing and CD-ROM software development. Diane has had a long history of product management and marketing positions for various computer peripheral companies over the past decade. The company is a leading publisher of multimedia software titles for the exploding CD-ROM market.

For more information, contact Aris Multimedia Entertainment, Inc., 310 Washington Blvd., Suite 100, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292. Telephone: (310) 821-0234.


Mondial World Class Accounting Software
NEW SOFTWARE BREAKS PRICE BARRIERS

DALLAS COMPANY DOES IT AGAIN!

Dallas, Texas * September 22, 1993 - Accounting software maverick Jose Hurtado, president of M-USA Business Systems, Inc., today announced the launch of his latest software package, Mondial. Tagged "World Class Accounting Software," the new product promises to be a blockbuster hit in the same vein as his previous releases Pacioli 2000 and DacEasy. "Our goal is always to provide high-end power with low-end price,' says Hurtado, "and Mondial fulfills that criteria beautifully." In order to match the incredible range of features provided by Mondial, one would have to purchase a variety of other accounting packages, and/or add-on modules, with a final pricetag hundreds or even thousands of dollars above Mondial's.

"My products have set price and quality standards in the past, but I m proud to say that this new software is in a league of its own. It's feature-specific for almost any imaginable vertical application, yet it provides the ease-of-use and price point of off-the-shelf accounting software," says Hurtado.

Mondial contains a Windows-like interface with context-sensitive help, moveable, sizeable screens, easy-to-understand dialog boxes and full keyboard and mouse control. It also boasts a dual interface that caters to the computer novice or the computer expert. Those intimidated by accounting and its terminology can just fill in the blanks, as they would on a check or invoice. Mondial does the rest. Those who prefer conventional accounting terms and methods can choose to work within the credit and debit system, familiar to accountants.

Only Mondial adequately fits the needs of either inventory-based or service businesses. It provides all the standard modules contained in the most powerful systems including: General Ledger, Billing, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Purchasing and Budgeting. What sets the system apart, though, are the extra bells and whistles custom-designed for specific business needs.

Service-oriented businesses can utilize its time-billing capabilities, project tracking control and cash-basis accounting approach. Mondial simplifies job costing for an incredible variety of businesses from professional service providers to repair and maintenance shops.

Inventory-based businesses can get organized with sophisticated features designed especially for them. Point-of-sale and multi-store control are ideal for retailers. An efficient order-entry system and multi-warehouse support meet the needs of wholesalers and telemarketers. Light manufacturers will streamline their operations with Mondial's convenient assembly parts control feature.

All organizations, including non-profit and religious types, will appreciate the ease of automatic check writing and account reconciliation, accurate and detailed report generation and the ability of Mondial to print laser or continuous forms on plain paper, saving hundreds of dollars on customized imprinting.

Mondial is also the best accounting software for those involved in international trade or gearing up for NAFTA. Its multi-currency conversion system quickly calculates profit or loss on foreign currency transactions; keeps balances in dollars and foreign currencies; and allows purchasing, billing, checking and other accounting procedures in different currencies while automatically doing the books in dollars.

Probably the most important feature for small businesses, is Mondial's networking capability. Mondial operates efficiently on one computer then grows as more computers come on-line. Multi-module capabilities, together with multi-user performance, eliminate the hassle and expense of switching to a new program as an operation expands. Other accounting systems, with the exception of Pacioli 2000, charge extra fees as additional users are added to the network. Mondial, however, is network-ready right off the shelf, so you won't incur costly per-user charges.

Along with the release of Mondial, M-USA is simultaneously introducing its new payroll package, Mondial Payroll. This complete, easy-to-use payroll system stands alone or seamlessly integrates with Mondial. Meeting the needs of a one-man operation or a multi-million dollar company, it automatically calculates federal, state and city withholding taxes; is user-modifiable for all 50 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico; keeps detailed employee histories including performance review data; supports any length payroll period, plus contract labor; prepares W-2s and 1099 MISC forms; provides information for filing 940s, 941s and many more IRS forms; and Mondial supports 401K, Cafeteria or similar plans.

Suggested retail for Mondial is $199.95 and $99.95 for Mondial Payroll. The competitive upgrade packages, for those who have purchased any other accounting, bookkeeping or payroll system, are being offered at 50% off, making Mondial available for just $99.95 and Mondial Payroll for only $49.95. It's easy to switch to Mondial from other packages, since it imports both ASCII delimited and .QIF files.

In tune with M-USA's commitment to get the customer up and running fast, the company provides six month's of free technical support on both products.

Mondial and Mondial Payroll are scheduled to begin shipping in October, 1993. M-USA Business Systems, Inc. is located at 15806 Midway Road, Dallas, Texas 75244, telephone: 800-933-6872.


Forst & Trees Now Supports Informix
Trinzic Corporation's Forest & Trees Now Supports Informix

Phoenix, AZ, October 13, 1993--Trinzic Corporation (NASDAQ:TRNZ), a leading provider of client/server development tools, today announced at the company's international user conference that it has implemented a Forest & Trees interface for the INFORMIX-OnLine RDBMS server.

Forest & Trees is a leading desktop decision support tool that can be used to develop EIS and ad-hoc query and reporting applications. With the addition of the Informix interface, Forest & Trees supports direct access to more than twenty data sources. With currently available interfaces to gateway software from Micro Decisionware, Inc. and Information Builders, Inc., Forest & Trees users can access an even greater number of data sources, including DB2, Oracle, and Sybase SQL/Server. Trinzic has also announced support for Microsoft's ODBC, which will expand the list to include any data source that has an ODBC service provider.

"Informix-Online is a high performance database server and we have seen more and more organizations choosing to manage their data with our products," said Steve Sommer, Vice President of Marketing at Informix. "Many of our customers want to analyze and report on that data. Trinzic's Forest and Trees software is widely used in decision support applications around the world. The fact that it now can access data stored in Informix-Online is a big plus for our customers."

"Adding Informix support to Forest & Trees is another step toward our goal of making Forest & Trees a corporate standard for decision support applications," said Fred Lizza, VP and GM of the Data Access Group at Trinzic. "As more companies choose Informix for their database management needs, the market for Forest & Trees increases."

Trinzic Corp, 404 Wyman St, Suite 320, Waltham, MA 02254

617-891-6500,  fax 617-622-1544


Forest & Trees Supports PICK OS Databases
Trinzic Corporation's Forest & Trees Now Supports PICK Operating System Databases

Phoenix, AZ, October 13, 1993--Trinzic Corporation (NASDAQ:TRNZ), a major provider of client/server application development and data access tools and services, today announced at its international user conference that its award-winning data access and reporting tool, Forest & Trees, can now access data residing in PICK databases. Liberty Software, a research and marketing company that develops standardized Windows connectivity tools for PICK databases, has implemented the Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) specifications for PICK platforms.

Forest & Trees utilizes the Liberty ODBC driver for PICK to let users point and click to access their PICK data, making ad-hoc analysis and reporting of PICK data simple.

"There are currently over five million PICK database users worldwide who until now have had no transparent, Windows-based solution for accessing data maintained by their vertical PICK applications," stated Fred Lizza, VP and GM of the Data Access Group at Trinzic. "Forest & Trees now breaks through that barrier. "

A significant number of PICK applications are in place in small businesses that need the flexibility of accessing their application data in an ad-hoc manner. With Forest & Trees' Query Assist facility, users can point and click at the data they need to access and analyze to make better decisions. Forest & Trees develops the SQL query for the user and passes it to the Liberty/ODBC driver which interprets the SQL to access the data residing in PICK, and returns the result set to Forest & Trees.

Once in Forest & Trees, the user can graph and report on the data, view it in multiple dimensions using cross tabs, or take advantage of the numerous analysis features. Forest & Trees also provides a dialog-driven environment for developing graphical, read-only data analysis applications to support end-user decision making.

"The PICK users I have been speaking with are extremely interested in the multidimensional analysis capability of Forest & Trees," said John Hunter, President of Liberty Software. "The PICK user community has been looking for a Windows tool to develop executive information systems for PICK databases, and I know they will be very pleased with the power and simplicity of Forest & Trees. "

Liberty Software is located at 1168 Hamilton Street, Suite 204, Vancouver, BC Canada V6B 2S2. Telephone 604.682.8293, fax 604.682.8499, CompuServe 76020,3524.

Trinzic Corp, 404 Wyman St, Suite 320, Waltham, MA 02254

617-891-6500,  fax 617-622-1544


Forest & Trees Supports Microsoft ODBC API
Trinzic Corporation's Forest & Trees Now Supports Microsoft's ODBC API

Phoenix, AZ, October 13, 1993--Trinzic Corporation (NASDAQ:TRNZ), a leading provider of client/server development tools, announced today, at the company's international users conference, a new Forest & Trees interface for Open DataBase Connectivity (ODBC), Microsoft's API for database connectivity. Forest & Trees is a leading desktop decision support tool that can be used to develop EIS and ad-hoc query and reporting applications.

Forest & Trees supports direct access to over twenty data sources. With currently available interfaces to gateway software from Micro Decisionware, Inc. and Information Builders, Inc., Forest & Trees users can access an even greater number of data sources, including DB2, Oracle, and Sybase SQL/Server. ODBC will expand this list to include any data source that has an ODBC service provider. Trinzic has also announced updated support for the Informix-Online RDMS server.

"We have been extremely pleased with the wide acceptance the ODBC specification has achieved over a very short span of time," said Colleen Lambert, Marketing Manager for ODBC at Microsoft. "Trinzic's Forest & Trees software is widely used in decision support applications around the world and is an important addition to the family of products supporting ODBC."

"Adding ODBC support to Forest & Trees is another step toward our goal of making Forest & Trees a corporate standard for decision support applications," said Fred Lizza, VP and GM of the Data Access Group at Trinzic. "As more vendors embrace the ODBC API from Microsoft each month, the market for Forest & Trees increases."

Trinzic Corp, 404 Wyman St, Suite 320, Waltham, MA 02254

617-891-6500,  fax 617-622-1544


USR Lowers WorldPort Portable Modem Prices
U.S. ROBOTICS LOWERS WORLDPORT PORTABLE HIGH-SPEED MODEM PRICES; CUTS 14.4 KBPS PCMCIA PRICING TO $399

SKOKIE, Ill. -- October 4, 1993 -- U.S. Robotics, Inc. today announced reduced pricing on its entire high-speed portable modem line, including its new 14.4 Kbps PCMCIA fax/data modem. The price cuts signify an aggressive move toward capturing the portable modem market. The new prices are effective immediately.

U.S. Robotics has reduced pricing in anticipation of a new, cost-reduced WorldPort architecture, which will ship later this calendar year. This new architecture, based on the company's proprietary DSP-based technology, will be incorporated into its PCMCIA and external portable modems.

"There is enormous opportunity in the portable modem market, especially with the advent and acceptance of PCMCIA technology," said Marshall Toplansky, U.S. Robotics vice president of marketing. "We see WorldPort playing a leading role in this market both domestically and internationally. These price reductions provide our customers the best portable technology and value available in the more than 30 countries where WorldPort modems hold approvals."

The WorldPort price reduction continues U.S. Robotics' role as a price leader. The company reduced prices on its Sportster desktop modems by as much as 52 percent in mid-March, driving the trend toward lower-priced fax/data desktop modems designed for the home office/entry-level market.

                                             New        Original

Product                                   List Price   List Price

WorldPort 14,400 Fax/Data Modem               $329        $469

WorldPort 14,400 Fax for Apple PowerBook       349         499

WorldPort 14,400                               309         439

WorldPort 9696 Fax/Data Modem                  299         399

WorldPort 9600                                 289         379

WorldPort 14,400 Fax/Data PCMCIA Modem         399         649

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, Illinois. U.S. Robotics owns and operates U.S. Robotics Ltd. in Slough, England, U.S. Robotics, s.a. in Lille, France and P.N.B., s.a. based in Suresnes, 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


ComputerEyes/LPT Parallel Port Frame Grabber
DIGITAL VISION SHIPS COMPUTEREYES/LPT, PARALLEL PORT FRAME GRABBER

(DEDHAM, MA) Digital Vision, Inc., manufacturer of a complete line of frame grabbers and video scan converters for the IBM PC, announces the release of a new, real-time parallel port video frame grabber, ComputerEyes/LPT. This new device is now shipping and sells for just $399.95.

ComputerEyes/LPT is a parallel port device that lets you quickly capture high-quality 8-bit, 16-bit, and 24-bit color images into your IBM PC or compatible from any standard video source - VCR, camcorder, laser disk, or still video camera Instantaneous (1/30th second) image frame grab allows capturing even fast moving subjects from TV broadcasts, video tape, or live camera action.

ComputerEyes/LPT is unique in that it connects to any standard PC parallel printer port - all PC's have one. Traditionally, frame grabbers have been designed for AT Bus IBM PC or compatible computers only. As a parallel device, ComputerEyes/LPT offers some unique differences

. Works with every IBM PC or compatible model from the standard desktop PC to a notebook or laptop to Microchannel PS/2 models.

. The LPT works at home or in the office with both your laptop and your desktop machine in either Windows or DOS.

. Users can share ComputerEyes/LPT between PCs in a computer lab, for instance, without having to open a case.

ComputerEyes/LPT features a 1/30th of a second capture time and 640 by 480 capture resolution at up to 24 bits per pixel. The new ComputerEyes/LPT has two video inputs, one for composite video and the other for S-video. Both NTSC (North American) and PAL (European) versions are available. The package includes both DOS and Windows 3.1 compatible software. Captured images may be saved to TGA, TIF, PCX, GIF, or BMP files. ComputerEyes/LPT is designed for use with any IBM PC or compatible computer with a parallel port, 640K of RAM, VGA display, and running DOS 3.3 (or Windows 3.1) or higher.

Use ComputerEyes/LPT in hundreds of applications, including paint programs, image databases, desktop publishing, and graphic arts. ComputerEyes/LPT is perfect wherever portable image capture is necessary, including the insurance industry, real estate sales, or scientific use for on-location frame grabbing. You need not buy two frame grabbers if you own both a laptop and a desktop machine; ComputerEyes/LPT works on both

Digital Vision, Inc.

270 Bridge St, Dedham, MA 02026

(617) 329-5400,  (617) 329-6286 Fax


10 Media Vision Multimedia CDROMs for Xmas
MEDIA VISION ANNOUNCES INITIAL SLATE OF 10 MULTIMEDIA CD-ROM TITLES FOR CHRISTMAS

Includes Edutainment, Interactive Movies and Multimedia Planner

October 1,, 1993 -- (MULTIMEDIA EXPO, SAN JOSE) - Media Vision (MVIS:NASDAQ), a leader in multimedia for personal computers, today announced that it will release ten multimedia CD-ROM titles in time for the 1993 Christmas buying season. This comes just six months after the company formed its multimedia publishing group, its new publishing arm based in Fremont, California, with product development centers in Seattle and Los Angeles.

"Media Vision is committed to leading the personal computer business in its drive toward multimedia computing," said Paul Jain, Media Vision president and CEO. "The breadth and challenging scope of these initial titles will demonstrate that Media Vision has dedicated itself to becoming both a commercial force and a touchstone of artistic quality in the hardware and now software arenas of interactive, multimedia computing."

The company's initial ten titles fall in three key merchandising areas: children's, educational and "edutainment" titles; interactive motion pictures, including the market debut of "VirtualCinema"; and a category the company will pioneer, the multimedia daily planner. Creative leadership of this group is jointly headed by two executive vice presidents: Stan Cornyn, founder and former president of Warner New Media, and Min Yee, formerly vice president of Microsoft's multimedia division and publisher of Microsoft Press.

Five Media Vision children's titles will be in stores by Christmas. Forever Growing Garden ($49.95 MPC/Macintosh on same disc) is a fantasy gardening adventure developed by C-Wave, San Francisco, with more than 300 screens of animation. Peak Performance ($59.95 MPC and Macintosh) is an interactive adventure CD-ROM combining trivia questions, campy video footage from Ken Bell Productions, Boston, and a road race across the United States. Professor Gooseberry's I Can Read Club ($49.95 MPC/Macintosh on same disc), developed by Imagination Pilots, Chicago, is a series of early learning CD-ROM's, with three titles out by Christmas: Always Arthur, Who Wants Arthur? and Buster's First Thunderstorm.

Two titles will explore bold new areas in interactive multimedia movies. Critical Path ($79.95 MPC and Macintosh), by MechaDeus, San Francisco, is the world's first interactive action-adventure CD-ROM to combine motion picture, video game and computer-generated animation elements in a single interface. Quantum Gate ($79.95 MPC and Macintosh), developed by HyperBole Studios, Bellevue, WA, is an interactive science-fiction storyworld pioneering award-winning director Greg Roach's heralded "VirtualCinema" techniques.

Finally, the Personal Daily PlanIt series ($59.95 MPC and Macintosh CD-ROM's, $49.95 for floppy disk titles), developed by Iguana Productions, Yorba Linda, CA, combines a computerized daily planner with voice recognition, voice annotation, and more than 430 stunning color photographs, video footage and stereo sound. The first three titles are PlanIt Earth, featuring images by renowned wildlife photographers in conjunction with the National Wildlife Federation; PlanIt Paradise, an enticing collection of today's hottest swimsuit styles with models from Swimwear Illustrated; and PlanIt Adrenaline, featuring a variety of action sports scenes from Warren Miller Entertainment.

Media Vision formed its multimedia publishing group earlier this year to take advantage of Media Vision's strengths in distribution and technology as one of the leading suppliers of multimedia hardware products for personal computers.

Marketing efforts for the ten titles will begin in October with various promotional programs, including advertising in major PC, game, consumer electronics and multimedia publications, in-store multimedia displays and other forms of dealer support. In addition to these titles developed for the Christmas season, Media Vision also has many titles under development for release in early 1994.

"Multimedia is representative of the increasing consumerization of the personal computer," added Jain. "Our efforts in the titles area will lead the way for a more aggressive consumer marketing program for many of our end-user and retail products."

Media Vision's mission is to popularize multimedia by offering solutions at affordable prices. Headquartered in Fremont, California, the company is a leader in multimedia for personal computers, including hardware products ranging from systems and add-in cards to chips based on emerging multimedia standards for mainstream personal computers, and software titles developed specifically to take advantage of the power of multimedia computers. The company sells its products through computer retail and mass merchandising channels and to original equipment manufacturers, such as Compaq, NEC, Sony, DEC, Philips, and many others.

Media Vision Multimedia Publishing

47300 Bayside Parkway, Fremont, CA 94538

510-770-8600,  fax 510-770-8648


Microflex-VL/D50 1st Cyrix 486DX Local Bus Sys
MICRO EXPRESS MICROFLEX-VL/D50 IS FIRST CYRIX 486DX LOCAL BUS ENTRY

Santa Ana, CA, October, 1993.. The industry's first PC, based on the 50-MHz Cyrix Cx486DX-50 chip, with VESA-standard local bus, is now available from Micro Express. Called the MicroFLEX-VL/D50, this PC will also be upgradable to the Pentium. With 4-MB of RAM, a 240-MB fast hard disk drive with IDE caching controller (1-MB of disk caching), both 5-1/4" and 3-1/2" high-density floppy disk drives, a VESA-standard local bus video card, a non-interlaced 14" SVGA monitor, 256K of RAM cache, a mouse, DOS 6.0 and Windows 3.1, this PC is offered for only $1899.

For an additional $25 each, PFS:WindowWorks' Version 2 and PFS:Publisher for Windows will be bundled with the system.

This PC will, in many cases, outperform PCs based on the 486DX2-66 chip. Since the 486DX2-66 chip operates internally at 66 MHz, but externally at only 33 MHz, the true 50MHz Cx486DX-50 chip has the advantage of operating externally at 50 MHz. This means that the VESA local bus video controller, a Tseng Labs W32, operates at 50 MHz instead of at only 33 MHz in the case of the 486DX2-66. Thus, video-intensive programs, like Windows or desktop publishing, are likely to run faster on this PC than on a 486DX2-66 PC. Performance is further enhanced by the inclusion of a caching disk controller with 1-MB of internal RAM.

Additional performance enhancement results from zero wait-state operation. High performance graphic displays are viewed on the outstanding Micro Express FM-370 14" Noninterlaced Super VGA Color monitor.

MicroFLEX-VL/D50 is housed in a mini-tower case, measuring 7.1"[W] x 14.6"[H] x 18.25"[D]. The case has provision for three accessible 5-1/4" disk drives, one accessible 3-1/2" disk drive, two internal 3-1/2" disk drives and one internal 5-1/4" disk drive. The proprietary motherboard has eight expansion slots, including two 32-bit VESA local bus slots, five 16-bit slots and one 8-bit slot. Up to 32-MB of RAM are supported on the motherboard.

The excellent AMI BIOS, with password protection and selectable shadowing of both system and video BIOS, is used and 2K of direct-mapped, write-back RAM cache is included. The BIOS automatically detects the Cx486DX-50 and enables NOLOCK caching. This feature improves the performance of the computer when protected-mode applications are used, resulting in much more efficient RAM caching. A CMOS clock-calendar is included, as are built-in diagnostics.

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 MicroFLEX-VL/D50 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.


ALDUS FORMS DEVELOPERS COOPERATIVE

SEATTLE, October 11, 1993--Aldus Corporation today announced the formation of the Aldus Developers Cooperative, an independent, member-owned, not-for-profit organization. The company created the association for developers of Aldus Additions and other Aldus products designed to interact specifically with Aldus PageMaker. To date, seventeen developers have indicated their intent to join the group.

A separate entity from Aldus, the Co-op supplies developers with an effective marketing, sales and distribution channel into the Aldus customer base. Although Aldus does not employ Co-op staff, it serves in an advisory role, underwrites the start-up debt, and provides managed access to a database of the more than one million Aldus PageMaker customers worldwide.

"We believe in strength in numbers," said Karen Howe, Aldus senior product marketing manager. "Aldus established the Co-op as an incentive for third-party companies to pool their resources and develop add-on products to the Aldus line. The Co-op also expands and streamlines their efforts to reach Aldus product users. It's really a win-win situation for the developers and Aldus."

The Co-op differs from a regular business because members control it and each member holds one vote. Member equity funds the association along with a bank loan guaranteed by Aldus. To fund member services, the Co-op retains 40 percent of the revenues from product orders it fulfills, the other 60 percent goes to the developer.

Members pay annual fees and select from two categories of annual membership. Developers who desire product fulfillment through the Co-op pay $3,000; those who choose not to have the Co-op fulfill orders pay $5,000. The latter plan costs more since the Co-op does not retain a percentage of the revenues.

In return, Co-op members can advertise at low-cost in Aldus catalogs and Aldus Magazine. They also receive order entry and product fulfillment, database development and management, international promotion, a toll-free number for customer inquiries, and opportunities to participate in Aldus trade show exhibits.

Aldus Additions add-on modules automate routine and repetitive PageMaker tasks or enable users to customize PageMaker for their specialized publishing requirements. Three types of Aldus Additions exist: Additions as scripts, for PageMaker users to automate specific PageMaker tasks; loadable Additions, which are written in the C programming language to write modules that perform more complex tasks than scripts; and standalone Additions, which rely on application-to-application communications.

Eligible third-party developers should contact Karen Howe, Aldus senior product marketing manager, at (206) 628-2354.

Aldus Corporation (NASDAQ:ALDC) creates computer software solutions that help people throughout the world effectively communicate information and ideas. The company focuses on three lines of business: applications for the professional publishing and prepress markets; applications for the general consumer market; and service and support programs for professional end-users. Aldus has subsidiaries in Europe, Asia and the Pacific Rim serving a worldwide network of dealers and distributors.

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

206-622-5500


Aldus InfoPublisher Database Addition 2.0
Aldus ships first standalone PageMaker Addition

SEATTLE, October 11, 1993 -- Aldus Corporation today announced shipment of the InfoPublisher Database Addition 2.0 software, an application that links PageMaker 5.0 for Windows to database management systems--an important connection for users who need to create professional-quality publications using information from computer database files.

The InfoPublisher Database Addition is the first in a library of standalone, boxed Additions that Aldus will provide. It also marks Aldus' continued commitment to the database publishing industry.

"The InfoPublisher Addition provides the missing link between databases and publishing in an easily understood and usable package," said Karen Howe, senior product marketing manager. "While database publishing is not a new concept, we know from talking with our customers that the market potential is enormous. For example, we have found that one in four PageMaker users have access to a database and import these files on a regular basis.

"InfoPublisher makes the concept a reality and extends PageMaker's publishing power by supporting data from leading database systems," continued Howe. "Anyone who needs to produce graphically appealing information retained in a database needs InfoPublisher, especially if they already use PageMaker."

InfoPublisher will benefit anyone who needs to repeatedly publish data in attractively formatted documents such as catalogs, directories, and price lists. Target markets include banking, pharmaceuticals, automotive, retail sales, real estate, insurance, and education.

InfoPublisher Database Addition, an upgrade to the Aldus PageMaker 4.0 Database Edition, provides complete integration with PageMaker 5.0 and several new features. In InfoPublisher, users can now place data from such databases as Paradox 3.5, Microsoft Access, FoxPro, and Excel, and it provides improved ASCII text file support in addition to the previously supported Borland dBase III and IV. The new version also complies with Microsoft's Open Database Communication (ODBC) protocol, a key requirement to working with future Windows database products.

Other new features are improved control over inline graphic images, which is critical for the production of catalogs; automatic updates to automatically reflow stories based on data or format changes; easier-to-use interface design; a new tutorial; expanded and more comprehensive documentation; the ability to launch InfoPublisher as an Addition from within PageMaker; improved compatibility with PageMaker, especially for styles and graphics; and the ability to group several columns into one for use in side-by-side paragraphs, which makes separating data into meaningful categories easier.

Core features allow the combination of data from multiple databases into a single database publication; conditional formatting of data to format a field based on the content of the database record; computational capabilities to compute row summaries and create new columns from data in existing columns; and formatting by number, date, or time. A spreadsheet-like user interface eliminates the need to learn complex syntax or a query language to manipulate database information.

InfoPublisher was developed by PageAhead Software Corporation. Aldus licensed worldwide publishing and marketing rights to the product in 1991.

As an Aldus Addition, InfoPublisher is a robust program tailored primarily to the specific publishing needs of PageMaker users. Additions add-on modules automate routine and repetitive PageMaker tasks or enable users to customize PageMaker for their specialized publishing requirements. Three types of Aldus Additions exist: Additions as scripts, for PageMaker users to automate specific PageMaker tasks; loadable Additions, which are written in the C programming language to write modules that perform more complex tasks than scripts; and standalone Additions, which rely on application-to-application communications.

System configuration

The InfoPublisher Database Addition for Aldus PageMaker 5.0 requires Microsoft Windows 3.1 or later and Microsoft 3.1-compatible hardware. The recommended configuration is a 486-based DOS-compatible computer, 6-8MB of RAM, an 80MB hard drive, a high-resolution graphics adaptor card, and a mouse. The minimum configuration is a 386-based DOS-compatible computer, 6MB of RAM, a 40MB hard drive, and EGA or Hercules graphics adaptor card, and a mouse or other pointing device.

Pricing and availability

InfoPublisher Database Addition is available directly from Aldus Corporation for a suggested retail price of $199 (U.S.). Registered owners of the Aldus PageMaker 4.0 Database Edition can upgrade by purchasing the InfoPublisher Database Addition for $79 (U.S.). Customers who purchased the PageMaker 4.0 Database Edition after June 29, 1993, will receive the InfoPublisher Addition as a free upgrade. Customers who order through Aldus Customer Services through November 30, 1993, can receive the InfoPublisher Addition at the special introductory price of $129 (U.S.).

To order or receive more information on the InfoPublisher Database Addition for Aldus PageMaker 5.0, customers in the United States and Canada should contact Aldus Customer Services at (800) 685-3548.

Aldus Corporation (NASDAQ:ALDC) creates computer software solutions that help people throughout the world effectively communicate information and ideas. The company focuses on three lines of business: applications for the professional publishing and prepress markets; applications for the general consumer market; and service and support programs for professional end-users. Aldus has subsidiaries in Europe, Asia and the Pacific Rim serving a worldwide network of dealers and distributors.

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

206-622-5500


P.C.T. LaserJet High Capacity Envelope Feeder
P.C.T. Introduces High Capacity Envelope Feeder

Irvine, CA, August 20--P.C.T., a leading supplier of paper handling products and accessories, introduced today the Power Feeder 250e. The Power Feeder 250e is a high capacity envelope feeder for the Canon NX engine. Printers based on this engine include the Hewlett Packard LaserJet IIIsi, LaserJet IVsi and LaserJet IVsi MX.

The Power Feeder 250e has an envelope capacity of up to 250 envelopes. The feeder utilizes a highly reliable, adjustable cassette which can hold envelopes, labels, or card stock. The feeder installs into the upper cassette location of the printer allowing both envelopes and paper to be printed simultaneously. By feeding into the upper cassette envelopes can be fed more reliably than other products that feed from the lower paper cassette.

This product fills a void currently not handled be most printer manufacturers, the ability to handle high volumes of envelopes reliably. The feeder is an ideal product for the mid or large size company that wants to pull smaller mailings in house to lower mailing house expenses.

Other add on options for the PF250e feeder will be announced later this fall.

P.C.T., intends to be the leading supplier of printer accessories and the PF250e envelope feeder complements its current line of high capacity feeders and stackers.

P.C.T., 7 Morgan, Irvine, CA 92718

714-458-9221


The Ugly Duckling - Interactive Story
Morgan Interactive Presents The Ugly Duckling

Interactive fairy tale uses beautiful animation and original songs to create a fun learning environment on the personal computer.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- August 1993 -- Morgan Interactive has brought this Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale to life in an animated, interactive story for children ages 3-9. This retelling of the classic story by successful children's author Shannon Gilligan combines beautifully animated sequences, original musical compositions, and creative sound effects.

The Ugly Duckling is sure to provide hours of entertainment for children while they learn important reading skills. It includes over 500 click animations and sounds. Delightful sequences range from musical rainbow fences and flying books to graceful swans and slithering sea monsters. Kids will also love to sing along with the three fun-filled songs included. The title is available now on CD-ROM for MPC Windows and Macintosh.

The story begins with a baby duckling who looks different from the rest of the flock. We follow the duckling on his search for happiness and acceptance in a world that shuns him because he is different. We are touched by the experience of the duckling as he grows up and learns to value himself for the unique creature that he is, looking beyond the outer appearance and into his heart. Children and parents alike will enjoy exploring the Ugly Duckling's world of charming animals and sounds as the story unfolds.

"We are very proud of our first title," says Edward Dua, president. "This is the start of our efforts to integrate high-quality artwork with leading-edge technology. We believe in education through entertainment."

Dua promises many more Morgan Interactive products over time -- imaginative titles that create a rich and fun, character-oriented learning environment for kids using the full power of today's personal computers and home entertainment systems.

The Ugly Duckling is distributed exclusively in North America by Electronic Arts Distribution under its Affiliated Label program.

Electronic Arts

1450 Fashion Island Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94404


Morgan Interactive Entertainment
AN EXCITING NEW ENTRY IN INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Lovable characters, stunning animation and original musical compositions create a fun learning environment for kids.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA -- August 1993 -- Morgan Interactive, a new entry in the multimedia market, is committed to producing the highest quality edutainment titles by focusing on the creative elements of software development.

The company is working on three series of titles: educational stories, games, and next generation virtual worlds. To create a rich, interactive learning environment, the company has developed a unique family of original, animated characters. All of its titles feature creative storylines, beautiful animation, original songs, and state-of-the-art technology.

"We believe in education through entertainment," says Edward Dua, president. "Our characters are designed to engage children in the learning experience. We are having a great time bringing them to life by using the full power of today's personal computers and home entertainment systems, combined with CD-ROM technology."

Morgan Interactive is currently shipping its first product, The Ugly Duckling, based as on the classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. Designed to develop important reading skills, it contains delightful animated sequences, ranging from musical rainbow fences and flying books to graceful swans and slithering sea monsters. Kids will love to sing along with our three fun-filled songs as they read the Lyrics on the screen.

The Ugly Duckling is now available on CD-ROM for both Macintosh and Windows. A Windows floppy version will ship in early October.

Morgan Interactive's titles are distributed exclusively in North America by Electronic Arts Distribution under its Affiliated Label program.

Electronic Arts

1450 Fashion Island Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94404


DAQCard-700 PCMCIA Data Acquisition Card
New PCMCIA Card Give Users Portable Data Acquisition

Low-Power Card Ideal for Use In Battery-Powered Laptop PCs

October 12, 1993 -- Austin, TX - National Instruments announced today a low-power, low-cost multifunction I/O card for computers with a PCMCIA slot. The DAQCard-700 is a Type II PCMCIA card that can be used in many environments for instrumentation, machine automation, process monitoring and control, and electronic test functions.

The DAQCard-700 has a 12-bit ADC with 16 single-ended or eight differential analog inputs, an 80 kS/s sustained sampling rate, a 16-sample FIFO ADC buffer, multiple-channel scanning, and +/- 45V overvoltage protection with power on or off. Users can configure the voltage input range to +/- 10V, +/- 5V, or +/- 2.5V with an analog signal resolution of 4.88 mV in the +/- 10V range. The card also features 16 lines of transistor-transistor logic (TTL)-compatible digital I/O configured as eight-bit input and output ports and two user-available, 16-bit counter/timer channels. All functions of the card are software configurable. The PCMCIA bus interface has 16-bit data paths with interrupt generation circuitry. The DAQCard-700 uses very little power so it can operate in battery-powered PCs.

Software for the DAQCard-700 includes NI-DAQ, the company's library of data acquisition functions for DOS, Windows, and Windows NT applications; and DAQWare, a ready-to-run software system containing analog, digital, and counter/timer I/O routines. The DAQCard-700 also includes socket services so that users do not have to pay more for the PCMCIA interface software. The DAQCard-700 is compatible with the company's LabVIEW graphical application software for instrumentation, LabWindows for DOS, and the new LabWindows/CVI for Windows, the automatic code-generating software for ANSI C programmers.

Pricing and Availability

The DAQCard-700 will be available in January 1994 for $695. For more information, contact National Instruments, 6504 Bridge Point Parkway, Austin, TX 78730-5039, (512) 794-0100. Or call toll free in the U.S. and Canada at (800) 433-3488. Fax: (512) 794-8411.


High Performance Data Acq Board w/Rugged Conn.
High-Performance Data Acquisition Board Now Features Rugged 68-Pin Connector

New Cables Shield Signals from Noise and Electrostatic Discharge

October 12, 1993 -- Austin, TX - National Instruments announced today a new 68-pin, shielded connector version of its AT-MI0-16X high-performance, high-resolution, multifunction data acquisition (DAQ) board. The company is also announcing the SCXI-1347 and SH6850 - shielded cable assemblies that connect the AT-MI0-16X to SCXI systems or other signal conditioning accessories. Engineers and scientists can use the AT-MI0-16X and cable assemblies to build PC-based DAQ systems for laboratory automation, process monitoring and control, automotive and aerospace engineering, and electronic test applications.

About the 68-Pin AT-MIO-16X

The AT-MI0-16X is a high-resolution analog, digital, and timing I/O board for PC AT and compatible computers. It has a 16-bit sampling ADC with 16 analog inputs you can configure as single-ended, pseudo-differential, or fully differential inputs. The AT-MI0-16X features sustained analog sampling rates up to 100 kS/s. The AT-MI0-16X uses the NI-PGIA', the company's instrumentation amplifier designed specifically for data acquisition applications so that the board can settle to high accuracies at the full 100 kS/s sampling rate at all gains when scanning multiple channels. The board's two independent double-buffered, multiplying 16-bit DACs are connected to two voltage output channels. The board is self-calibrating and fully software configurable - the input and output range and polarity, input gain, and input mode (differential or single-ended) are fully software selectable on a per-channel basis. The AT-MI0-16X also has the Real-Time System Integration (RTSI) bus, a custom chip, and ribbon cable used to synchronize inputs and outputs on multiple DAQ boards. The AT-MI0-16X also features eight lines of TTL-compatible digital I/O and three 16-bit counter/timer channels. The 68-pin version features a sturdy trapezoidal metal connector that protects the pins and prevents the cable from being installed incorrectly.

About the SCXI-1347

The SCXI-1347 is a low-noise shielded cable assembly - available in lengths of l, 2, 5, and 10 m - that connects the 68-pin AT-MI0-16X board to an SCXI chassis. The assembly includes a cable that is fully shielded against electrostatic discharge and external noise and a terminal block that converts one end of the 68-pin cable to a 50-pin connector. The cable also features quick-release locks so the cable will not accidentally disconnect from the plug-in board or SCXI chassis. System developers can use the short cables in environments with intense electrical noise, and the long cables when it is necessary to locate the SCXI chassis close to sensors in environments in which it is impractical or hazardous to locate the PC. Thus, the PC can be separated by up to 10 m (perhaps in another room) from the SCXI chassis without fear of noise interference.

About the SH6850

The SH6850 is a shielded cable assembly - available in lengths of 1, 2, 5, and 10 m - that connects the 68-pin AT-MI0-16X with a wide range of 50-pin low-cost signal conditioning and termination accessories. It features a 68-pin trapezoidal locking connector on one end and a 50-pin ribbon cable assembly on the other. The cable is fully shielded against electrostatic discharge and external noise.

Software for the AT-MIO-16X

Software for the AT-MI0-16X includes NI-DAQ, the company's library of DAQ functions for DOS, Windows, and Windows NT applications; and DAQWare, a ready-to-run software system containing analog, digital, and counter/timer I/O routines. The AT-MI0-16X is compatible with the company's LabVIEW graphical application software for instrumentation, LabWindows for DOS, and the new LabWindows/CVI for Windows automatic code-generating software for ANSI C programmers.

Pricing and Availability

The 68-pin version of the AT-MI0-16X will be available in October for $1,995, the SCXI-1347 will be available in October with the price ranging from $150 to, $275, and the SH6850 will be available in October with the price ranging from $125 to $250. For more information, contact National Instruments, 6504 Bridge Point Parkway, Austin, TX 78730-5039, (512) 794-0100. Or call toll free in the U.S. and Canada at (800) 433-3488. Fax: (512) 794-8411.


SCXI Signal Conditioning Product Line
New SCXI Modules Add Low-Cost Isolation and Analog Output to High-Performance Signal Conditioning System

Terminal Block Gives Users More Accurate Thermocouple Measurements

October 12, 1993 -- Austin, TX - National Instruments announced today two new modules and a new terminal block for its SCXI signal conditioning product line. The SCXI-1122 and SCXI-1124 give system developers low-cost isolation and multiplexing, while the SCXI-1303 terminal block gives users precise cold-junction compensation measurements when using thermocouples. The SCXI product line conditions signals external to personal computers and uses the throughput capabilities of today's plug-in data acquisition (DAQ) boards to acquire data directly into computer memory.

About the New SCXI Modules

The SCXI-1122 is a 16-channel isolated signal conditioning module for a wide range of transducers and signal types. By combining a 16-channel relay multiplexer with a single isolation amplifier, the SCXI-1122 gives users a low cost/channel ratio and 440 Vrms of working commonmode isolation. The module is programmable for gains of 0.01 to 2,000 and can measure voltages as high as 250 Vrms. The SCXI- 1122 also has one current and one voltage source for transducer excitation. System developers can also use the current source in four-wiring scanning mode for resistance measurements, such as thermistors or RTDs. The SCXI-1122 is ideal for amplification and isolation of millivolt sources, volt sources, thermocouples, RTDs, strain gauges, and thermistors. The module is software-configurable and includes an onboard EEPROM for storing calibration constants.

The SCXI-1124 is a six-channel isolated digital-to-analog converter (DAC) module. It includes six independently isolated 12-bit DAC channels, each of which you can configure for voltage or current output. In voltage mode, you can configure each output channel for any of the available unipolar or bipolar ranges. In current mode, each channel outputs a 0 to 20 mA current and includes an internal loop supply of 15 to 21 V. The module is software-configurable and includes an onboard EEPROM for storing calibration constants.

The SCXI-1303 is a high-accuracy isothermal terminal block that gives users precise cold-junction sensing when using thermocouples. The SCXI-1303 uses a high-precision thermistor and an aluminum isothermal plate to minimize temperature gradients across the screw terminals. With this combination, system developers have a very precise cold-junction reference that is accurate to 0.5 degrees C, including temperature gradients. It also includes circuitry for open thermocouple detection.

About SCXI

The SCXI system is a high-performance, multichannel signal conditioning and data acquisition system. SCXI consists of a chassis that houses signal conditioning modules for amplifying, multiplexing, and isolating a variety of signal types. You can use SCXI as a front-end for plug-in DAQ boards or as a complete, external DAQ system.

Pricing and Availability

The SCXI-1122 will be available in December for $ 1,395, the SCXI-1124 will be available in December for $ 1,295, and the SCXI-1303 will be available in December for $ 275. For more information, contact National Instruments, 6504 Bridge Point Parkway, Austin, IX 78730-5039, (512) 794-0100. Or call toll free in the U.S. and Canada at (800) 433-3488. Fax: (512) 794-8411.


UUCODE V3.0 Uuencode/Decode Tool for Windows
*** ANNOUNCING THE RELEASE OF UUCODE VERSION 3.0 ***

Whenever you need to send binary data over communication links or networks, such as the Internet, which cannot handle 8-bit data, then UUCODE provides you a solution.

Binary data is used in file types with extensions of .EXE, .COM, ZIP, .ARC, .LZH, .ZOO, and many others.

UUCODE will also allow sending of binary data files between popular on-line services such as AT&T Mail, America On-Line, Compuserve, Delphi, GEnie, MCI mail, and educational and other sites on the Internet.

Another popular use for UUCODE is on Usenet, the "Bulletin Board System (BBS) of the Internet." Again, the reason is to allow binary data to be posted as part of news articles.

UUCODE has won a CompuServe Shareware Picks of the Week award given by the WUGNET FORUM (GO WINUSER).

System Requirements:

UUCODE runs on any PC using Microsoft Windows 3.0 or Windows 3.1 software.

Features:

- Full drag and drop support with multiple file capability

  (Windows 3.1 only).

- Support of both UU and XX encoding and decoding methods.

- Support of 12 common e-mail/Usenet header formats, for both

  encoding and decoding! Instead of requiring others compatible

  with your encoding header format, you can be compatible with

  them and avoid proliferating yet another header format. This

  will make automated decoding available to all. The formats

  supported are:

    * Single file.

    * SIMTEL-20 internet archive site.

    * Usenet newsgroups comp.binaries.ibm.pc &

      comp.binaries.ms-windows

    * The most common 4 formats used in the Usenet newsgroups

      alt.binaries (unfortunately, this group has the most

      prolific number of unique formats and it is difficult

      to keep up with them all)  :-(

    * UNIX shell archive.

    * The format used by the DOS programs UUENCODE and

      UUDECODE v5.22.

    * The format used by the program UUXFER v2.0.

    * The format used by the program WINCODE v1.5.

    * Format using X-File header for multipart decoding.

- Capability of decoding with any combination of files and

  multiple parts within those files. Don't forget the exclusive

  ability UUCODE has to accept multiple file parts in any order

  so that you don't have to put multiple parts in order, which

  saves a tremendous amount of time. That's what tools are for,

  to make your life easier! The combinations of files and parts

  supported are:

    * Single part in a single file.

    * Multiple parts in a single file, with the parts in

      any order.

    * Combinations of the above; any mixture of single or

      multiple parts, each in their own file, with the parts

      in any order.

- Normally, automatic detection of decoding format is used.

  However, now a particular decoding format to look for can

  be specified.

- Configurable retry of decoding in case the header format can't

  be automatically detected.

- Configurable error detection capability to ensure the integrity

  of the UU/XX encoded data. For encoding, file checksum data can

  be optionally output for testing by the receiver's decoding

  program. For decoding, automatic detection of file checksum

  data is provided and the checksum data is optionally tested

  with output of error warnings if so configured.

- Configurable encoded file maximum output size for multiple part

  output to allow for various maximum file sizes supported by

  your E-mail system(s).  The number of output parts are

  automatically determined by the input file size and the maximum

  output file size.

- Capability to remember your favorite configuration settings.

  A separate UUCODE.INI file is used to avoid cluttering up your

  WIN.INI file.

- Support for both DOS (CR/LF) and UNIX (LF) end-of-line

  terminators on encoded output. (UUCODE has always supported

  decoding with either DOS or UNIX end-of-line terminators)

- Automated installation utility to save time and make

  installation easier.

- On-Line help facility.

- On-Line order form.

For more information, contact Sabasoft at: sabasoft@aol.com

or write to:

Sabasoft, Inc.

924 Bayhill Avenue

Naperville, IL  60565


VTK Plug In Pack for Adobe Premiere
ABBATE VIDEO "PLUGS IN" TO ADOBE'S PREMIERE

VTK Plug In Pack for Controlling Camcorders and VCRs from within Premiere

MILLIS, MA  (October 18, 1993)  --  Abbate Video, Inc., announced today that they will ship a $99 "VTK Plug In Pack" for use directly from within Adobe Premiere. The VTK Plug In Pack consists of software and patented control cables which enables Adobe Premiere users direct control of virtually any VCR and camcorder ranging from consumer through professional. The product will ship by November 15th.

"We've just added external device control capability to Premiere like never before. With the VTK Plug In Pack,  Premiere users can control the absolute widest range of video equipment at the lowest cost imaginable", commented Mark Abbate, Founder and Chief Designer.

The VTK Plug In Pack uses the same patented software and control cable technology used in Abbate's flagship product, the VideoToolkitx. As a result, it can control virtually any camcorder or VCR, from consumer through professional, including those with Control-L (LANC), Control-M (Panasonic's 5-pin remote), RS-422 (Panasonic, Sony and JVC professional gear), RS-232 (Panasonic, JVC, NEC PC-VCR, Mitsubishi BV-2000), and ViSCA.

The VTK Plug In Pack includes a full Remote and Setup screen (illustrated below). It lets Premiere users conveniently control their video equipment by remaining active and in the background at all times. Alternatively, the user can use Premiere's control panel right from the program.

"Premiere users can now accurately locate and selectively digitize their footage  without having to deal with VCR at all. Now they can just select the scenes they want to digitize directly from Premiere, then walk away and let VTK do all the work. Our users wanted it and now they have it. It made sense for us to be the ones to deliver it too," comments Philip Palombo, an Abbate Video Principal.

The $99 VTK Plug In Pack includes one control cable of the customer's choosing. To control different types of video equipment, users need only purchase a different control cable from Abbate. Compared to any other device control solutions available for Premiere, this is by far the simplest and least expensive solution.

In its fourth year of providing video software and consulting services for a broad range of customers, Abbate Video, Inc., has a long list of achievements. Abbate received a US 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 protocol, used in the company's Vdeck and Vbox products. Abbate's VideoToolkit provides exclusive software support for Mitsubishi's BV-2000 high-resolution S-VHS deck. It also continues to fully support the NEC PC-VCR. Recent enhancements include added support for Panasonic's AG-5700 and AG-1970 models, JVC's BR-S605, 622, and 822 models, and Panasonic's Optical Disk Drive.

The VideoToolkit product family is made up of economical tools for professionals, independents, educators, and enthusiasts.

Abbate Video, Millis, MA

Phone: 508.376.3712;  Fax: 508.376.3714

E-Mail: AppleLink: ABBATE.VIDEO,  America Online: ABBATEVID


Pixelink 120XDS Monitors for Document Imaging
PIXELINK FIRST INDUSTRY VENDOR TO DELIVER COMPLETE "PLUG-AND-PLAY" DISPLAY OPTIONS FOR PC-BASED DOCUMENT IMAGING TASKS

New 120XDS Monitors Offer Government, Corporate Users High Resolution Color /Gray Scale Display Performance for OS/2-based Systems

Hudson, MA (October 15, 1993) -- At the Federal Imaging Conference and Exposition in Washington, DC on November 2 and 3, Pixelink Corporation will debut new IBM OS/2-compatible high-resolution displays, available as options for its 120XDS Xcelerated document imaging systems running 17-, 20- and 21-inch color monitors.

The new 120XDS display systems not only can display 256 colors at resolutions up to 120dpi (dots-per-inch), they are plug-compatible with ISA or MC bus PCs running IBM's OS/2 PM Version 2.1. This means Pixelink is the first document imaging display industry vendor to ship display systems that "plug and play" with all PC-based document imaging display set-ups, no matter what operating system or bus platform the host PC uses.

120XDS displays presently run with Microsoft Windows and UNIX/X Windows-based host systems, to manage documents created and manipulated under these popular PC and workstation operating environments. Pixelink's new 120XDS displays extend its 120XDS Xcelerated document imaging performance to the OS/2 environment. Marketing and Sales Director Bill Ingraham said, "Now, government office and corporate sites, no matter if they use one or a mix of environments for their PC operations, can turn to Pixelink for compatible document imaging displays."

The new 120XDS displays for OS/2 are based on 64-bit graphics accelerator chips from Matrox Electronics Systems Ltd. (based in Dorval, Quebec) that dramatically speed and enhance text and graphics display performance. Ingraham explained, "Putting crystal-clear document images on screen instantly is what 120XDS displays do best. Their performance offers a tremendous boost for office productivity."

The 120XDS monitor controller includes built-in vector and character anti-aliasing for crisp, legible characters, plus a 4x "hotkey zoom" that helps users magnify and examine specific document sections. The monitor lets users see two document pages simultaneously on screen, at 120dpi (or 1600 x 1200 pixel) resolution. The 120XDS for OS/2 display system -- including a color monitor, accelerated monitor controller, installation software, cables and documentation -carries a $4,095 list price ($4,195 for the Microchannel version). Product can be shipped immediately for customer orders placed in October.

Pixelink provides high-performance display systems to OEMs, system integrators, and public sector and corporate users throughout North America. Pixelink specializes in integrating gray scale and color monitors with video controllers, to deliver high-resolution document imaging systems that meet challenging customer requirements in government, university, business, science, engineering, medical, and graphic arts applications.

Pixelink Corp

8 Kane Industrial Dr, Hudson, MA 01749

508-562-4803,  fax 508-568-0514


Computer Jockey's Customized Workout V1.4
THE COMPUTER JOCKEY'S CUSTOMIZED WORKOUT, VERSION 1.4, IS READY FOR MARKET

October 15, 1993 -- Panda-Graphics Inc. is now releasing an updated version of The Computer Jockey's Customized Workout, the animated graphics exercise program that can be customized to the computer user's own fitness level. This version corrects some bugs discovered in version 1.2 and contains some new features: the program now starts with a new jazzed up animated graphics screen, allows the user to program null music into any exercise, and there's a hotkey for toggling the sound ON/OFF.

The Computer Jockey's Customized Workout, Version 1.4, still requires an IBM PC compatible machine using DOS 3.1 or higher, 12 Mhz. or faster, EGA or VGA (16-color), 320K RAM, and 1.5 megabytes of hard disk space. It's available now and can be ordered from Panda-Graphics Inc., 39038 Trillium Lane, Corvallis, Oregon 97330 for $20.00 + $3.00 shipping and handling.


Maxwell Spicelink V1.2 Seminars Oct 27th
Seminar presents solutions to signal integrity problems using Maxwell Spicelink 1.2 by Ansoft

How ground and power plane effects are changing basic design methodologies to be discussed

PITTSBURGH, Pa., October 15, 1993 - Electronic design engineers will have the opportunity to discover new features and enhancements of Maxwell Spicelink Version 1.2 during a Oct. 27 seminar at Techmart, Santa Clara CA.

Design engineers attending the seminar will learn how ground and power planes, as well as transmission line effects, are changing basic design methodologies. They will examine the underlying principles behind these phenomena and see how Maxwell Spicelink offers an analysis solution to these problems, saves engineering time and money, and helps increase market share.

Zoltan Cendes, an internationally renowned authority on electromagnetic field computation and professor of electrical and computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, Pa., will introduce the product and discuss the technology incorporated into version 1.2 of Maxwell Spicelink.

"Solving problems with ground planes using Maxwell Spicelink 1.2" is the featured topic. Solutions to gridded grounds, partial planes, non-ideal grounds, and power and ground structures with multiple sources and sinks will be demonstrated and discussed. Solutions from packaging and interconnect applications will also be shown.

New field solvers in Maxwell Spicelink 1.2 speed high-speed interconnect analysis by a factor of 10 or more over previous versions. The product simplifies electrical characterization of power and ground planes by the addition of automatic SPICE model generation for structures with multiple sources and sinks. Maxwell Spicelink includes a Multi-layer Interconnect Modeler (MIM) that automatically generates 3D structures from multi-layer planar structures in DXF or GDSII format for the Maxwell 3D solvers.

To register for the seminar or to receive additional information on Maxwell Spicelink, please contact Laurie Richardson (412-261-3200) at Ansoft.

Ansoft Corporation has over 600 customers in the United States, Europe and Asia Pacific, with customers in the semiconductor, communications, computer, and aerospace sectors. Ansoft developed the microwave CAE tool, the High-Frequency Structure Simulator (HFSS), sold worldwide by the Hewlett-Packard Company. Ansoft entered the EDA market with Maxwell Spicelink in 1992. Ansoft is a privately held company and headquartered at Four Station Square, Suite 660, Pittsburgh PA 15219-1119 USA. Phone 412-261-3200. Fax 412-471-9427. Internet info@ansoft.com.


SilverPlatter Hospital Collection CDROMs
SilverPlatter Offers the "Hospital Collection"

A Set of Five Major Biomedical Databases at Substantial Savings

SilverPlatter Information announces its new "Hospital Collection". This collection includes five major biomedical databases which are most popular in hospital use:

MEDLINE: the entire database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine from 1966 to present with the MeSH thesaurus and full explosion capability.

Nursing & Allied Health (CINAHL)-CD: access to virtually all English-language nursing journals with a unique thesaurus to specifically assist nurses in finding the right information.

BIOETHICSLINE Plus: focusing on questions of ethics and public policy in the fields of health care and biomedical research.

CANCERLIT: worldwide information on all aspects of cancer.

HealthPLAN CD: covering the non-clinical aspects of health care delivery.

Each of these CD-ROM databases brings unique value to help the varied professionals in hospital and academic settings to find information relevant to their needs And because each database uses SPIRS, SilverPlatter's Information Retrieval System software, users can execute searches across multiple databases using the same interface

SilverPlatter offers a subscription to the "Hospital Collection" at a substantial reduction in cost over the price of the individual database subscriptions Users can realize a savings of greater than 23% with a subscription to the "Hospital Collection"

The "Hospital Collection" combines the right information with the right software to provide hospitals with a comprehensive resource to answer a broad range of questions quickly and easily.

SilverPlatter Information, Inc.

100 River Ridge Drive

Norwood, MA 02062-5026

800-343-0064,  617-769-2599,  Fax: 617-769-8763


MOLDFLOW/TSETS Thermosets Flow Analysis
NEW THERMOSETS FLOW ANALYSIS GIVES QUALITY AT LOW COST

(Shelton, Connecticut -- October 15, 1993) Moldflow Pty., the world's leader in CAD technology for the plastic injection molding industry, announces MOLDFLOW/TSETS. The ability of the thermoset molding industry to deliver quality products will be helped significantly by this new thermosets flow analysis software package from Moldflow Pty. Ltd. Using MF/TSETS the thermosets engineer can study material behavior inside the mold as it fills to diagnose and correct anticipated problems prior to mold building. The result - maximum product quality at minimum production cost.

Moldflow, world leader in thermoplastics analysis, has developed strategic alliances with market leaders in thermoset molding and material testing to ensure that MF/TSETS meets the practical needs of the thermosets industry. Specifically, MF/TSETS process simulation and optimization software is tailored for Reaction Injection Molding (RIM), Transfer Molding, I.C. Chip Encapsulation, Bulk Molding Compound (BMC) injection molding and Resin Transfer Molding (RTM).

The IC chip encapsulation industry in particular is a competitive market that requires high quality thermosets molding. An ever expanding range of electronic products demand sophisticated integrated circuits. Quality of IC chips is crucial, a substandard chip that causes product malfunction is a very expensive problem. When molding thermoset material the IC chip encapsulator experiences problems with wire sweep and voids, problems that cannot be visually detected after molding. Molding reject rates are high, production costs become uncompetitive.

MF/TSETS uses finite element analysis to simulate the IC Chip encapsulation process. 3D graphical results predict wire sweep, voids and weld line placement. Mold design can then be optimized to avoid these problems. Other graphical displays of melt temperature, shear rate and gelled layer analyze and refine the molding process.

Automatic runner balancing maintains uniform filling pressure and polymer flow to each cavity to minimize wire sweep and material wastage. MF/TSETS predicts the effects of cure, and accounts for the heating of material in the transfer pot prior to, and during injection.

MF/TSETS enables the thermosets molder to produce parts of known and reliable quality, without resorting to extensive trial and error mold commissioning. Reduced time to market and significant savings in production costs help win business against competition from other thermosets molders and the thermoplastic industry.

Moldflow, Inc. has pioneered computerized analysis of plastic injection molding, which improves product performance, reduces scrap, shortens design leadtimes and lowers design and manufacturing costs. Independent studies have shown that the company has a dominant market share in its area of specialty throughout the world. Products include: MOLDFLOW/FLOW -- which predicts flow patterns and characteristics within the mold; MOLDFLOW/COOL --- which analyzes the vital role of heat exchange and temperature control in the mold; MOLDFLOW/WARP which analyzes the net distortion of the actual molded part and helps determine its mechanical properties; MOLDFLOW/SHRINK -- a finite element analysis tool that meets mold designer needs by predicting an optimum shrinkage value to meet critical molding dimensions; MOLDFLOW/GAS -- designed to simulate and analyze the emerging technology of Gas Injection Molding (GIM); and MOLDFLOW/STRESS -- a structural analysis tool for fiber reinforced plastics.

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

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


Moldflow/Flow-E Entry Level Flow Analysis
MOLDFLOW ANNOUNCES NEW ENTRY LEVEL FLOW ANALYSIS

(Shelton, Connecticut -- October 15, 1993) Moldflow Pty., the world's leader in CAE technology for the plastic injection molding industry, is now delivering MOLDFLOW/FLOW-E for Windows, a plastics flow analysis package for the injection molding industry. MF/FLOW-E for Windows introduces the nonskilled user to plastics finite element analysis.

Small to medium sized plastics design and build companies recognize that Computer Aided Engineering can improve their product quality and manufacturing efficiency. MF/FLOW-E for Windows meets the demands of these companies for an inexpensive, easy to use plastics analysis tool that rapidly provides meaningful results.

MF/FLOW-E for Windows consists of a generic plastic materials database, interactive 2D flow analysis and finite element 3D analysis. Add on options include the full Moldflow material database of nearly 3000 thermoplastic grades, and a 4000 node/element expanded FEM capability.

2D flow analysis rapidly establishes material selection, runner/gate layout and processing window. 3D flow analysis generates a finite element model compatible with all other Moldflow 3D plastics analysis tools. CAD generated models can also be imported into MF/FLOW-E for Windows. 3D graphical flow analysis results display cavity fill pattern, melt temperature, shear stress and other melt properties. Results from MF/FLOW-E for Windows can be coupled to MF/COOL cooling analysis to determine the effects of mold cooling on plastic flow.

MF/FLOW-E for Windows has very practical benefits for the plastics engineer. Weld lines can be positioned in non-critical visual and structural regions. Wall thicknesses can be minimized while ensuring acceptable mold filling. A broad processing window can be defined to give acceptable molding quality despite typical shop floor variations in material properties and molding machine performance and settings.

MF/FLOW-E for Windows also includes automatic runner and cavity flow balancing to ensure that polymer fills all regions of the mold evenly. Flow balancing minimizes material wastage and molding distortion due to overpack.

MF/FLOW-E for Windows operates in the PC environment familiar to many thousands of users. MF/FLOW-E for Windows uses a graphical user interface. Pull down menus and scroll bars are controlled with the click of a mouse. Only relevant menu options are activated when a task is selected, guiding the user to the next task.

Suited to the molding shop and design office, MF/FLOW-E for Windows assists the new and infrequent user to produce accurate and relevant results. These results can easily be shared and understood by those unfamiliar with plastics analysis, making MF/FLOW-E for Windows a powerful decision making tool.

Moldflow, Inc. has pioneered computerized analysis of plastic injection molding, which improves product performance, reduces scrap, shortens design leadtimes and lowers design and manufacturing costs. Independent studies have shown that the company has a dominant market share in its area of specialty throughout the world. Products include: MOLDFLOW/FLOW -- which predicts flow patterns and characteristics within the mold; MOLDFLOW/COOL --- which analyzes the vital role of heat exchange and temperature control in the mold; MOLDFLOW/WARP which analyzes the net distortion of the actual molded part and helps determine its mechanical properties; MOLDFLOW/SHRINK -- a finite element analysis tool that meets mold designer needs by predicting an optimum shrinkage value to meet critical molding dimensions; MOLDFLOW/GAS -- designed to simulate and analyze the emerging technology of Gas Injection Molding (GIM); and MOLDFLOW/STRESS -- a structural analysis tool for fiber reinforced plastics.

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

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


AGE XsoftWare/32 V3.0 PC X Server Software
AGE LOGIC ANNOUNCES VERSION 3.0 PC X SERVER SOFTWARE FOR MICROSOFT WINDOWS AND OS/2

Major New X Server Features are Included

SAN DIEGO, CA. October 11, 1993 -- AGE Logic, Inc. (AGE) announced a major new release of its XoftWare/32 line of 32-bit PC X server software. XoftWare/32, Version 3.0, includes a full suite of new utilities and features targeted toward the sophisticated PC user who needs to access UNIX applications. Version 3.0 is an enhancement to AGE's current Windows-based PC X server, XoftWare/32 for Windows, Version 2.03. Version 3.0 will also be ported to the OS/2 platform and available in a new product, XoftWare/32 for OS/2.

XoftWare/32 for Windows, Version 3.0, is optimized for the Microsoft Windows operating system and enables users to concurrently access and display MS Windows, DOS, and network-based UNIX applications on the same PC. XoftWare/32 for OS/2, Version 3.0, enables PC users to access and display network-based UNIX applications simultaneously with OS/2, Windows and DOS applications.

"The addition of the OS/2 version to our XoftWare/32 line demonstrates our earlier commitment to providing advanced X server capabilities for 32-bit operating systems," commented Peter J. Shaw, president/CEO at AGE. "We introduced the first 32-bit PC X server software in 1992 for Windows platforms; we subsequently added XoftWare/32 software for Windows NT on both MIPS and Intel platforms earlier this year. We will continue to lead the industry with the widest range and highest performing X server solutions available," he said.

XoftWare/32 includes significant performance improvements that, in X specific cases, result in a 25 percent faster throughput.

Key new features available with XoftWare/32, Version 3.0, include a comprehensive Network File Manager utility with file transfer and local printing capabilities, a Concurrent Window Manager mode for simultaneous use of both local and UNIX window managers, a fully interactive Telnet client, and a Windows-OS/2 based Trace utility. XoftWare/32 for Windows, Version 3.0, also includes a new UNIX Print Re-route Utility, support for installation from a remote server, and 24-/16-bit true color support. Additional network capabilities include direct support for IPX/SPX networks and serial communications.

A new version of the optional Novell TCP/IP network software is also available and now includes support for industry standard Point-to-Point (PPP) serial line communications. XoftWare/32 for OS/2, Version 3.0, includes full support for IBM's TCP/IP network software.

"Version 3.0 is a major release for our XoftWare/32 product line," said Craig A. Schmidt, vice president at AGE. "XoftWare/32, Version 3.0 was designed for the power user of X and includes many new sophisticated utilities as well as new features and performance enhancements. We believe that at $395, XoftWare/32, Version 3.0 products for MS Windows and OS/2 offer the highest price/performance value on the market."

AGE's Network File Manager is a comprehensive utility for managing the display and transfer of local and remote files. A graphical file browser displays all files on the network and provides a convenient Windows-OS/2 method of copying, deleting and printing both local and remote files. The graphical "point & click" file transfer features supports the industry-standard FTP protocol and simplifies the process of transferring files in either ASCII or binary mode between a PC and remote host as well as between two networked hosts. XoftWare/32 for Windows, Version 3.0, also permits the simultaneous use of both the Microsoft Windows manager and a UNIX window manager (such as Motif, OPEN LOOK, DECwindows or HP Vue) on a single display to accommodate applications which require specific window managers. XoftWare/32 for OS/2 permits simultaneous use of both the OS/2 Presentation Manager and UNIX window managers.

A complete Telnet client is also included in XoftWare/32, Version 3.0, providing users the ability to conduct a fully interactive Telnet session using either a DEC VT100 or VT220 emulation. Other new features include a wire frame graphics cut & paste tool and a comprehensive Windows-based trace utility. Trace captures all or portions of the data communication between the X server and X client - a useful system diagnostic tool. Trace also includes a complete range of pre-defined filters to capture any selected requests, events, replies and errors.

Additional features available in XoftWare/32 for Windows, Version 3.0, include a UNIX Print Re-route Utility that enables users to re-direct multiple UNIX print jobs to their local PC printer or to any printer on the network for convenient access. The MS Windows-based installation has also been simplified by enabling administrators to install XoftWare/32 for Windows from a remote server. A new 16- and 24-bit true color feature supports up to 16.8 million colors - the maximum number of colors available for display on any PC.

Support for Novell/UnixWare IPX/SPX networks is now included with XoftWare/32 for Windows as well as support for an increased number of third-party TCP/IP networks. Novell's TCP/IP network software is also available as a bundled option to XoftWare/32 for Windows and now supports serial line communications using the industry standard PPP protocol. In addition to supporting all leading TCP/IP networks, XoftWare/32 for Windows also supports networks compatible with the WINSOCK interface.

XoftWare/32 for Windows, Version 3.0, will begin shipping the end of October, 1993; XoftWare/32 for OS/2 will begin shipping in December, 1993. Both products will be available through AGE's domestic and international network of resellers and distributors. XoftWare/32 for OS/2 will have a single-user list price of $395. XoftWare/32 for Windows will also list for $395 and a version incorporating Novell's TCP/IP network software will be available for $495. Multi-Pack pricing and site licenses are available for both products. Custom OEM versions are also available. Interested parties should contact AGE, or their local reseller, for more information.

AGE Logic, Inc. is the leader in supplying software that enables the remote display of graphical information via the X protocol. In addition to PC X server solutions, AGE also supplies the world's leading companies with customized embedded software solutions, including the X server software for IBM's XStation 130, 150 and the newly announced XStation 140.

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 and other operating system hosts. Marketed under the XoftWare brand name, AGE offers a family of PC packaged products through distributors/resellers, systems integrators and OEMs, as well as customized embedded X products sold directly to the world's leading terminal, computer and systems companies. XoftWare packaged products are available for Microsoft Windows, Windows NT, DOS and other PC operating environments. AGE has alliances with major microprocessor, terminal and workstation companies to develop highly optimized, hardware-specific X servers tailored to their specifications. For further information, contact AGE at 619/455-8600, FAX 619/597-6030 or e-mail sales@age.com.


AXS Cart Machine Replacement
News Release: AXS Cart Machine Replacement

Ft. Worth, TX, 9/1/93. Electric Works Corp, through its broadcast software division, The Management, has announced that AXS, its new audio Cart machine replacement software is ready for delivery. AXS pronounced as (ax'-sess) totally replaces broadcast audio Cart machines in both the Production room and the Control room, can eliminate traditional paper traffic Logs, introduces a number of Jock tool boxes for improved production and presentation and has optional extensions for integrating CD single and multi-disc playback machines into the system.

"We started from ground zero." said Pete Charlton. president of Electric Works Corp, "After the success of Digital DJ, we had the experience and knowledge we needed. The development of AXS was aimed at an entirely different market with different goals. We started with a superb quality audio card and went from there.". Charlton continued: "AXS is not just a warmed over digital automation system. It plows some new ground and meets the requirements that many live operators have requested in the last two years.". Charlton concluded: "With its realistic pricing, its modern technology, its innovative software design and the unrelenting emphasis on quality all the way through, we feel that AXS is a solution for any situation that formerly was relying on audio Cart machines.".

The AXS "starter kit" includes both a Production room and a Control room system linked by an included LAN network. Additional Control room or Production room modules may be added at any time and included on the LAN. An AXS Production room consists of a premium quality record/play digital audio card, a LAN network card and software and the Production room software for audio recording, playback and audio Cut management. An AXS Control room includes a premium quality playback only digital audio card, a LAN network card and the Control room software.

Each AXS system requires a 486 PC computer with standard VGA color monitor and a large hard disk. Typically, the smallest hard disk that the average user with stereo commercials would use would be about 340 megabytes which would give about 160 minutes of stereo storage or 320 minutes of mono storage with a full 16 kHz audio frequency response. The computer, monitor and hard disk may be provided by the customer or optionally will be packaged by Electric Works Corp with the complete system. Two computers are required for the "starter kit".

Options for the AXS Control room include interfaces to the popular Pioneer PD-M502 single magazine (6 disc) or PD-TM/3 triple magazine (18 disc) players as well as the PD-M102 single disc CD playback machines. Also an interface to the powerful Pioneer CAC-VR3200 300 disc, dual platter CD jukebox is available. Other options include software interfaces from popular Traffic & Billing systems and Music playlist generators. For special situations, AXS can be linked into the new DMX-4 stereo four channel audio switcher on a PC card.

The AXS Control room can be configured in a number of ways: One is as a stand-alone audio Cart machine replacement with audio stored on hard disk. Another configuration adds one of several CD playback interfaces to the basic unit. Yet another interesting configuration might be to eliminate the digital audio storage and to run AXS as a stand-alone CD playback-only system for use with background music or attached to a conventional automation system. Many other possibilities exist.

While AXS is totally compatible with the industry leading Digital DJ/2 digital automation system and with its interfaces, and will be offered as an add-on to that system, AXS is a totally stand-alone solution designed for worldwide use in all situations that now depend upon analog audio Cart machines.

The suggested list price of the AXS "starter kit" is $5,995.00 US$.

AXS will be available to broadcasters and professional audio houses through the dealer and distributor channel.

The Management

Box 1-35457, Ft. Worth, TX 76136

800-334-7823,  817-625-9761,  fax 817-624-9741


Enterprise-Wide Email for MobileComm
New Enterprise-Wide E-Mail for MobileComm CompuLink and MessageLink

Palm City, Florida, September 29, 1993: Wolf Creek Technologies, Inc., has announced it's newest version of software. Wolf Creek Technologies, Inc. has developed a software product for MobileComm to support their newest products MobileComm CompuLink and MessageLink Service. This versatile software product allows you to create a more productive and efficient communication network by sending full-text messages to Palm Top Computers, Lap Top Computers, PDA's and Alphanumeric Pagers from Electronic Mail (E-mail). The MobileComm Service with our new software will speed up message communications and can be incorporated into enterprise-wide networks.

The MobileComm Enabling Software can act as a message server for your entire enterprise through the utilization of existing third-party E-mail gateways. People using Novell, UNIX, Internet, and mainframe-based Email applications can access the new MobileComm CompuLink and MessageLink Service through these gateways without learning a new Email system. Thus, the benefits of messaging from Quick Mail are available to your entire network of users.

Wolf Creek Technologies, Inc. has other products including QM-Page. Start communicating more effectively today using QM-Page, E-MAIL TO GO!

Wolf Creek Technologies, Inc.

1025 SW Martin Downs Blvd, Suite 202, Palm City, FL 34990-2857

Phone: 407-288-7070,  Fax: 407-288-3005,  AppleLink WCG.SALES


Forest & Trees Supports Email Integration
Trinzic Corporation's Forest & Trees Now Supports EMail Integration

Phoenix, AZ, October 13, 1993--Trinzic Corporation (NASDAQ:TRNZ), a leading provider of client/server development tools, today announced at its international user conference that Forest & Trees applications now support workflow automation via integration with Lotus Notes, cc:Mail, BeyondMail, DaVinci eMail, and other DDE-aware applications.

Forest & Trees can integrate with DDE-enabled eMail packages to facilitate the automation of workflow processes that would otherwise require user interaction. With its alarm and trigger features, Forest & Trees applications can trigger user notification via electronic mail, based on user action or user-defined conditions. Forest & Trees can be integrated in this fashion with Lotus Notes, cc:Mail, BeyondMail, DaVinci eMail as well as other applications that support DDE execution. Mail messages triggered from Forest & Trees can include any data that is used within the application, including data from any of Forest & Trees' supported data sources.

Electronic mail integration is just one way that Forest & Trees supports workflow automation. Forest & Trees can also be integrated with paging software such as that from Snider Telecom. In this scenario, Forest & Trees communicates with the client portion of the paging software via DDE to initiate a paging message. For example, if a product is back-ordered for a strategic account, the responsible sales representative can set an alarm to trigger a paging signal when the product is re-stocked. In this case, the representative can be confident that notification will occur at the earliest possible time no matter where the rep may be.

Trinzic Corp, 404 Wyman St, Suite 320, Waltham, MA 02254

617-891-6500,  fax 617-622-1544


ImgFun V1.01 Image Compression & Enhancement
Speedy Software has updated their shareware ImgFun package, with the release of Version 1.01 -- ImgFun is a powerful image compression and enhancement program for computer images.

1. A slide show function is implemented. This allows registered

   business users to distribute the package with slide show files

   for advertisement.

2. Instant ZOOM images up to 4 times in width and height. Reverse

   and mirror-images instantly. Explore pleasures of viewing

   images in the awesome eye catching SVGA modes up to

   1024x 768!!

3. Adjust colors, background, and cut area of color mapped

   images. These functions are performed ALL INSTANTLY.

4. Fast JPEG compression and decompression for GIFs. REDUCE IMAGE

   FILES TO A FRACTION ONLY! ! ! SAVE YOUR DISK SPACE!!!

5. Convert between, GIF ,BMP, PCX, and JPG formats.

6. Smooth, sharpen and rescale color mapped images directly.

7. Lean and fast! ! REQUIREMENTS: 286, VGA or SVGA

Speedy Software

173 Franklin Ave, San Gabriel, CA 91775

818-282-8018,  CIS: 71551,3641;  GEnie: C.HSU2


Intex Forecast! for 1-2-3 Rel 4 for Windows
Intex Announces the First Forecasting Add-In for Lotus 1-2-3 Release 4 for Windows

Award-Winning Enhancement Offers a True Windows Interface and a Host of New Features

October 15, 1993 -- Needham. MA: Intex Solutions, Inc., the leading publisher and reseller of spreadsheet enhancements, today released the first forecasting application created specifically for Lotus 1-2-3 Release 4 for Windows users. Based on Intex's popular Forecast! add-in, Forecast! for 1-2-3 Release 4 is even more flexible and easier to use. For the first time, Forecast! includes full mouse support, pull-down menus and dialog boxes in a 1-2-3 environment. The popular forecasting enhancement turns users' spreadsheets into a complete forecasting system and is the perfect tool for anyone who needs to forecast and wants the convenience and benefits of their favorite spreadsheet program.

"Forecast! has long been one of Intex Solution's best-selling programs for all previous 1-2-3 releases; over the past several months, as more and more of our customers have migrated to 1-2-3 Release 4 for Windows, we have experienced tremendous demand for a compatible version of Forecast!. We have answered that demand by creating a true Windows application in the form of Forecast! for 1-2-3 Release 4 for Windows," said Marjorie Bose, Product Manager at Intex.

Bose 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 take control of the forecasting process and turn their raw spreadsheet data into highly accurate forecasts in just seconds. At all times, the program's automatically-generated diagnostics and graphics keep users in control and make it easy to determine the optimal model."

New Features Enhance Flexibility and Ease of Use

Whether users want to forecast sales, expenses, or any of thousands of other applications, the newest version of Forecast! makes it easier than ever to perform time series analysis, multiple regression analysis, statistical analysis, seasonal adjustments, smoothing, filtering, and other advanced forecasting techniques.

The program's flexible data load procedure not only allows users to load data manually or from named ranges in an existing worksheet, as in previous versions, but for added convenience allows users to load data directly from their Windows Clipboard. In addition, the user can, with a click on the "load" dialog box, easily specify the format in which the data should be loaded. Users may choose to load a single variable, or an entire regression analysis database in a one step, speeding up the entire forecasting process. And because the program lets users toggle quickly between the forecasting worksheet and other sheets open in memory, updating or editing data is faster and easier than ever.

In addition to more flexible data management, Forecast! for 1-2-3 Release 4 for Windows makes graphing forecasts fast, easy and automatic. When a model is created, the program automatically creates a main graph showing actuals and forecasts, and a residual plot. Each can be viewed, edited and enhanced by clicking the appropriate sheet tab with the mouse. Graphs may be displayed in full or half-size for presentation purposes and, as in previous versions, can be combined on the same page as the user's statistics.

A Familiar Windows Interface

Besides being a powerful forecasting tool, Forecast! provides an added benefit to 1-2-3 Release 4 for Windows users by fitting effortlessly into their 1-2-3 for Windows environment. Forecast! includes its own "SmartIcon," so users can load Forecast! with a single mouse click, and also offers familiar pull-down menus, easy to use dialog boxes and full mouse support. In addition, Forecast! includes "sheet tabs," one of the newest features in 1-2-3 Release 4 for Windows, provides an easy way to import information from the Windows Clipboard and takes full advantage of Windows' spreadsheet publishing features. That means users can create presentation-quality forecasts, graphs and reports, making forecasting results more persuasive, easier to understand and easier to analyze.

Intex Serves the Entire Spreadsheet User Community

With the release of Forecast! for 1-2-3 Release 4 for Windows, Intex again demonstrates its leadership in supporting the full range of today's popular DOS and Windows spreadsheets. In addition to Forecast! for 1-2-3 Release 4 for Windows, 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, Lotus 1-2-3 Release 1.1 for Windows, Excel 4.0 and all releases of Symphony.

System Requirements, Pricing and Upgrades

Forecast! runs with Lotus 1-2-3 Release 4.01 for Windows (1-2-3 Release 4.0 users may call Lotus for a free upgrade) and requires just 49K RAM in addition to normal spreadsheet requirements. Forecast! 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


Magic Quest LEARNING2 School Swr Donation Pgm
MAGIC QUEST ANNOUNCES "LEARNING2" AN INNOVATIVE SCHOOL SOFTWARE DONATION PROGRAM

Palo Alto, Calif., October 11, 1993 -- Magic Quest, formerly Earthquest, announced today its innovative school software donation program, "Learning2". In keeping with Magic Quest's philosophy of encouraging and motivating kids to learn, "Learning2" lets consumers increase their children's learning power twofold by issuing a free copy of software to the school of their choice upon purchase of any Magic Quest consumer software product.

Bob Stevens, president and co-founder of Magic Quest noted, "We at Magic Quest have always believed in making learning fun both at home and at school. The "Learning 2" program helps to accomplish this by increasing the educational benefits for our home software consumers while at the same time increasing the educational technology resources in our nation's schools ."

Judi Mathis-Johnson, Software Review Editor of The Computing Teacher commented, "Of all the promotional campaigns I've seen, "Learning2" seems the most beneficial way to reinforce children's home computer experience and the most effective way to get software into the classroom."

Consumers can participate in the program by working with teachers to fill out the school computer information form included in the specially stickered boxes of Magic Quest software. Magic Quest, upon receipt of these forms, will in turn provide free copies of Magic Quest software and licensing privileges for the 1993-94 school year to each school. National retailers, including Egghead, Electronics Boutique and Software, Etc. will take part in this unique program.

(more)

Debbie O'Hara, Director of Marketing at Electronics Boutique (EB) commented, "EB is proud to be a part of the Magic Quest "Learning2" program. We view it as a way to show our continued support of the local communities in which our stores are located."

Included in the "Learning2" program is Magic Quest's newest title, Math Ace and the forthcoming newly designed Treks titles, Ecology Treks, Time Treks, and Earth Treks. Math Ace, designed for kids ages 8-14, is a fast-moving arcade-style game featuring Smart Lab an interactive, self-paced math workshop, Bit-Bot - the digital math navigator, and more than 3,000 problems ranging from basic arithmetic through algebra. The Treks programs feature exciting interactive adventures in which kids can join Bit-Bot on grand multimedia tours through history, into the biosphere and around the world. All Magic Quest titles combine engaging games closely connected to rich multimedia database archives.

Magic Quest, formerly Earthquest Inc., is dedicated to developing and publishing software that brings out the magic of learning by integrating entertaining, challenging games and rich multimedia databases. Members of the Magic Quest team include Earthquest founders, Bob Stevens and David Smith as President and Chairman, Paul Salzinger, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing and Robert Bierman, Vice President of Engineering. For more information, please contact Magic Quest, 125 University Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301 (415) 321-5838.


Math Ace Educational Arcade Game
Introducing Math Ace

"The program that turns kids on to math."

Palo Alto, Calif., October 11, 1993 - Magic Quest, formerly Earthquest, is proud to announce Math Ace, the 90's solution to the age-old dilemma of how to spark kids' interest in learning math. Unlike other math programs on the market, Math Ace is a fast-paced arcade style game which integrates an interactive, self-paced math workshop called Smart Lab. Math Ace also introduces an intrepid digital math navigator named Bit-Bot and a voracious Virus intent on devouring the World's Math Archives. Math Ace is designed for ages 8-14 and presents more than 3,000 math problems covering 70 fundamental math concepts from basic arithmetic through algebra.

Due to the wide range of math concepts included in both the game and in the Smart Lab, Math Ace promises years of learning fun. Encouraged by the highly personable Bit-Bot, kids become caught up in the game play which includes four challenging math duels, games within the game, all in their quest to keep the dreaded Virus at bay. In addition to essential math concepts, Math Ace addresses charting, graphing and mapping, fractions, decimals and percentages, beginning geometry, probability and estimation, and everyday math applications such as telling time and calculator usage. Skills enhanced in Math Ace include critical thinking, problem solving, recall and memory, reasoning and discovery learning.

Unique "Smart Lab" Provides Kids with Step-by-Step Instruction

To help kids practice or simply explore and learn more about any of the concepts presented, Math Ace includes Smart Lab. This interactive math workshop provides step-by-step tutorials and in-depth information on problems encountered in Math Ace from simple arithmetic to abstract algebraic equations Kids get pointers such as how to visually group objects for quicker counting or a step-by-step approach to translating real world situations into solvable math equations. Smart Lab also includes an extensive reference section that provides definitions and information on weights and measures, metric conversions and translations of numbers from one to one hundred in Spanish, French and Japanese. Found only in Math Ace, Smart Lab increases kids' learning power and allows them to take time out to expand their math horizons before they reenter the game.

Math Ace will be featured in Magic Quest's innovative school software donation program, "Learning2". Included in the "Learning2" program is Magic Quest's newest title, Math Ace and the forthcoming newly designed Treks titles, Ecology Treks, Time Treks, and Earth Treks. Specially stickered boxes of all Magic Quest titles contain school computer information forms that kids can fill in with the help of their teachers and send to Magic Quest. Upon receipt of these completed forms, Magic Quest will issue special licensing privileges and free copies of the requested Magic Quest titles to each child's school.

Math Ace requires a 286 PC compatible or higher, 640K RAM, Microsoft compatible mouse, and 4 MB of available hard disk space. The program supports VGA or better, Sound Blaster or compatible sound board for sounds and music. Math Ace is now available in over 2,500 consumer and software stores nationwide with a suggested retail price of $49.95.

Magic Quest, formerly Earthquest Inc., is dedicated to developing and publishing software that brings out the magic of learning by integrating entertaining, challenging games and rich multimedia databases. Members of the Magic Quest team include Earthquest founders, Bob stevens and Dave Smith as President and Chairman, Paul Salzinger, Executive vice President, Sales and Marketing and Robert Bierman, vice President of Engineering. For more information, please contact Magic Quest, 125 University Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94301 (415) 321-5838.


SCXI Module Moves Data Acq Out of the PC
New SCXI Module Moves High-Performance Data Acquisition Out of the PC

Module Combines Data Acquisition and Signal Conditioning in External Chassis

October 12, 1993 -- Austin, TX - National Instruments announced today a new multifunction data acquisition and control module for its SCXI product line. The SCXI-1200 eliminates the need for a PC expansion slot by moving the data acquisition (DAQ) hardware out of the PC and into the SCXI signal conditioning chassis. System developers can combine the SCXI-1200 with an SCXI chassis and up to 11 signal conditioning I/O modules to create a portable, flexible data acquisition and control system. The SCXI-1200 module is compatible with any PC that has a parallel printer port, making it an ideal solution for portable or remote data acquisition applications.

The SCXI-1200 has a 12-bit ADC that can digitize signals from other SCXI signal conditioning modules or from eight single-ended or four differential inputs. It features programmable gain of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, or 100; a 512-sample first-in first-out (FIFO) ADC buffer; two 12-bit DACs with voltage outputs; up to 24 lines of transistor-transistor logic (TTL)-compatible digital I/O; and three user-available 16-bit counter/timer channels. The SCXI-1200 can sample in a variety of modes, including externally timed acquisition, external trigger with pre and post-trigger mode, and interval scanning. With interval scanning, the SCXI-1200 scans all selected input channels at one rate, then delays a programmed interval before repeating the scan. The SCXI-1200 is compatible with the IEEE 1284 Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP) standard and handles three types of ports - standard Centronics (unidirectional), PS/2 bidirectional, and the fast EPP mode. In EPP mode, data is transferred at rates up to 60 kS/s. The SCXI-1200 is software and pin-compatible with the company's Lab-PC+ plug-in DAQ board.

The SCXI-1200 is ideal for PC-based data acquisition applications involving laptop and notebook PCs, or PCs with the available slots filled. When combined with commercially available parallel port extenders, the SCXI-1200 is a versatile solution for applications where data must be acquired long distances from the computer.

Software for the SCXI-1200 includes NI-DAQ, the company's library of DAQ functions for DOS, Windows, and Windows NT applications. The SCXI-1200 is compatible with the company's LabVIEW graphical application software for instrumentation, LabWindows' 9 for DOS, and the new LabWindows/CVI for Windows automatic code-generating software for ANSI C programmers.

Pricing and Availability

The SCXI-1200 will be available in December for $895, and includes a 2 m parallel port cable and NI-DAQ for DOS and Windows. For more information, contact National Instruments, 6504 Bridge Point Parkway, Austin, TX 78730-5039, (512) 794-0100. Or call toll free in the U.S. and Canada at (800) 433-3488. Fax: (512) 794-8411.


National Instr. Joins ISP Fieldbus Foundation
National Instruments Joins ISP Fieldbus Foundation

Demonstration Shows LabVIEW in Fieldbus Process Control Application

October 12, 1993 -- Austin, TX- National Instruments announced today that it has joined the InterOperable Systems Project (ISP) Foundation, an independent organization that promotes and develops the ISP Fieldbus Standard. National Instruments recently participated in the ISP Fieldbus demonstration at ISA/93, where LabVIEW was used to monitor and trend process variables queried from field devices connected through ISP Fieldbuses.

The ISP Fieldbus demonstration consists of two processes controlled by four separate fieldbuses, each with several types of field devices from different manufacturers. Each fieldbus is controlled by one of four distributed control systems (DCSs) from four different manufacturers. The DCS acts as the ISP master on each bus, orchestrating and monitoring the process control. The National Instruments demonstration interfaces a single PC to each of the four separate ISP fieldbuses through a switch that links the PC to any one of the four fieldbuses at a given time.

A LabVIEW program queries trend objects from several field devices on the fieldbus and plots this trend data on the screen. In order to query the field devices, LabVIEW cooperates with each DCS, acting as a second master on the fieldbus and sending a message to the field device. The field devices send a response packet containing the trend data. The trend object is a feature of the ISP User Application specification whereby a field device maintains a buffer of the last 20 values for parameters of interest. A master on the fieldbus can then retrieve the data by reading a particular trend object from the device. The trend object is useful for any historical analysis such as statistical

process control (SPC) and was used in the demonstration preparations to tune the control loops.

About the ISP Fieldbus

Fieldbuses are the communication links between field devices and host computers or controllers used in factory automation and process control applications. The ISP Fieldbus is an emerging standard digital communications bus that will replace the analog 4-20 mA current loop. The ISP Foundation was formed to accelerate the availability of interoperable systems and projects based on the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Instrument Society of America Standards and Practices Group 50 (ISA SP-50), and other proven international fieldbus technologies. Other members of the ISP Foundation, also participating in the ISP Fieldbus Demonstration at ISA, include Fisher Controls, Rosemount, Yokogawa, Siemens, Foxboro, and ABB Asea Brown Boveri.

Future ISP Products National Instruments plans to announce ISP-compatible hardware and software products in late 1994.

For More Information

For more information about the ISP Fieldbus Foundation, contact Audrey Harvey, National Instruments, 6504 Bridge Point Parkway, Austin, TX 78730-5039, (512) 794-0100. Or call toll free in the U.S. and Canada at (800) 433-3488. Fax: (512) 794-8411.


Control AEG/Modicon PLCs with BusVIEW Swr
Control AEG/Modicon PLCs With New BusVIEW Software For PCs and Macintoshes

October 12, 1993 -- Austin, TX-The Software Engineering Group (SEG - Cambridge, MA), a member of the National Instruments Alliance Program, announced today the new BusVIEW software that links Windows-based PCs and Macintosh computers running LabVIEW to AEG/Modicon PLCs. Process engineers and systems integrators can use BusVIEW in process monitoring, operator control, statistical process control, data collection, or recipe management applications.

About BusVIEW

BusVIEW simplifies process control applications that use AEG/Modicon PLCs. System developers first construct LabVIEW panels using built-in graphics controls and indicators, then select appropriate BusVIEW PLC functions for the LabVIEW diagram from a pulldown menu. Users then connect the BusVIEW icons to the rest of the diagram to quickly create LabVIEW man-machine interfaces (MMIs) that supervise the PLCs. With BusVIEW, LabVIEW can read and write discrete and analog values stored in AEG/Modicon 984, 884, 584, 484 and 384 Series PLCs. BusVIEW handles both ASCII and Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) framing methods of the Modbus protocol. BusVIEW is compatible with any devices that conform to the Modbus Protocol Standard published by AEG/Modicon.

"Links to popular PLCs bring the ease and power of LabVIEW to the factory floor," says George Stein, Vice President of Engineering at SEG. "BusVIEW joins HighwayVIEW (SEG's link to Allen-Bradley PLCs) in making it easier than ever to produce a cost-effective MMI that leverages off of the flexibility and power of the LabVIEW graphical programming language."

System Requirements

BusVIEW for Macintosh requires a Macintosh LC Series, Powerbook, Quadra, Centris, or any Macintosh II Series computer running System 6.0.5 or later, 8 MB RAM, and LabVIEW Version 2.1 or later. BusVIEW for Windows requires a 486 PC or higher with 8 MB RAM; Microsoft Windows 3.1 or later, and LabVIEW Version 3.0 or later.

Pricing, Availability, and For More Information

BusVIEW is available now from SEG for $795. For more information please contact SEG at 1 Dana Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, (617) 492-6664. Fax: (617) 661-6483.

LabVIEW 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. Or call toll free in the U.S. and Canada at (800) 433-3488. Fax: (512) 794-8411.


Mendelian Inheritance in Man CDROM Edition
Mendelian Inheritance in Man - CD-ROM Edition

New Orleans. Louisiana-- October 6, 1993. At the 1993 Annual Meeting of The American Society of Human Genetics, Aries Systems Corporation of North Andover, Massachusetts, and The Johns Hopkins University Press of Baltimore, Maryland, today jointly announced the immediate availability of MIM-CD, the CD-ROM edition of Mendelian Inheritance in Man, by Victor A. McKusick, M.D.

For 26 years, through ten previous print editions, Mendelian Inheritance in Man has been the definitive reference work on human genetic traits and disorders. The first edition of the McKusick Catalog was published in 1966 with 1,487 entries.

In its first issue, MIM-CD contains over 6,300 main entries including allelic variants and bibliographic references. Where available, references and abstracts from the National Library of Medicine's MEDLINE database have been linked to both the in-text citations and the bibliographies in MIM-CD. In addition to the phenotype descriptions, the database includes the list of Molecular Defects in Mendelian Disorders, and the detailed Gene Maps of the autosomes and the X and Y chromosomes. Extensive linkages built into the database offer easy, on-screen navigation through the various sections of MIM-CD.

MIM-CD is searched and browsed with Aries Systems' Knowledge Finder search software for IBM PC/compatible and Apple Macintosh computers. Knowledge Finder provides a variety of access tools, including fuzzy logic text searching and controlled term dictionary access. Fuzzy logic searching lets the users specify a vernacular, text-word search topic. MIM entries are retrieved and presented based on how closely they appear to match the query, in order of likely relevance. Queries can be arbitrarily complex, yet stated in a simple English form. The fuzzy logic search algorithm eliminates the need to use arcane Boolean logic. Term Dictionaries allow searching by entry title, entry reference number, cited author name, class of inheritance, type of document, and date of last update. Within the text of a MIM entry, numerous hot-links allow browsing to related material. Links point to other MIM entries, allelic variants, citations, MEDLINE records with abstracts, Gene Map entries, and Molecular Defects.

Aries Systems also publishes other CD-ROM medical reference databases of interest to genetics researchers and counsellors, including the MEDLINE database from the National Library of Medicine, and CANCERLIT from the National Cancer Institute. Using its powerful data compression technology, Aries Systems is able to offer the entire MEDLINE database, from 1966 through the present, on 7 CD-ROM discs. Users of the MIM-CD database can transition seamlessly to searching of the MEDLINE CD-ROM database using the Knowledge Finder search software. Knowledge Finder databases can also be accessed across local area networks.

MIM-CD is updated on a semi-annual basis. Ongoing annual subscriptions are available at $395 (US) and $445 (International). Network subscriptions are also available.

Aries Systems Corporation was founded in 1986, to develop innovative information retrieval and dissemination products, with special emphases in the fields of biomedicine and science. Aries Systems works cooperatively with other organizations in the information and health care industries, to identify and deliver improved knowledge access and delivery tools.

Aries Systems Corp

200 Sutton St, North Andover, MA 01845

508-975-7570,  fax 508-975-3811


Auto Process Ctl Swr for Allen Bradley PLC-5
ICOM: Innovative Software Solutions

Milwaukee, WI -- ICOM, Inc., is a software manufacturing company that specializes in automated process control software for Allen-Bradley programmable logic controllers. ICOM has provided innovative software solutions for Allen-Bradley PLCs since 1985.

ICOM's WINtelligtent Series is made up of several Microsoft Windows-compatible software packages. Used together, these packages form a complete "WINtelligent Workstation," that has the accessibility of one common database.

Included in the WINtelligent Series is: WINtelligent Logic 5, the first complete Windows-based programming and documentation software made for Allen-Bradley PLC-5s; WINtelligent LINX, which allows multiple ICOM packages to simultaneously communicate via a single or multiple communication devices; WINtelligent TREND, a data logging and historical trending acquisition tool; and WINtelligent EMULATE 5, a software-based "test bench" for troubleshooting PLC-5 ladder programs.

ICOM's WINtelligent Series' latest products, WINtelligent DCS, WINtelligent QUALITY, WINtelligent VIEW, and WINtelligent VISION, are featured in separate press releases.

ICOM Inc, Box 351, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0351

414-321-8000,  fax 414-321-2211,  BBS: 414-321-0008

Tech Support:  414-3321-ICOM


WINtelligent VISION for CVIM Inspection Sys
WINtelligent VISION Provides CVIM Inspection Systems With An Interaction Tool

Milwaukee, WI -- ICOM, Inc., has developed WINtelligent VISION - a Microsoft Windows-compatible software product that is designed to interact with Allen-Bradley CVIM Inspection Systems. By using a serial link between your IBM-compatible PC and the CVIM, you can access inspection results and control the activity as well as configure CVIM parameters and archive and document configuration parameters.

WINtelligent VISION includes many features that extend the functionality of A-B CVIMs, including:

The DDE Server

Provides Data and Services

Data: Inspection Results

      Pass/Fail/Warn Data

      Local I/O Data

Services: Screen Control

          Trigger Control

          Local I/O Control

The Configuration Module

Allows Manipulation of CVIM Memory

* Up/Download CVIM Configuration

* Move Configuration Between Memory, RAM Card, EEPROM and Disk

* Numerically Alter Configurations

* Print Configurations

* Archive Configurations on Disk

WINtellligent VISION is part of ICOM's WINtelligent Series, a family of Microsoft Windows-based software packages. ICOM has continually provided innovative software solutions for Allen-Bradley PLCs since 1985. ICOM offers software for programming and documentation; graphical interfaces; historical trending; and data acquisition.

ICOM Inc, Box 351, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0351

414-321-8000,  fax 414-321-2211,  BBS: 414-321-0008

Tech Support:  414-3321-ICOM


ICOM WINtelligent DCS Process Control Swr
ICOM Introduces WINtelligent DCS

Milwaukee, WI -- ICOM, Inc., has expanded it's WINtelligent Series of innovative software products with the introduction of WINtelligent DCS, a Windows-based package for Allen-Bradley PLC-5s. WINtelligent DCS is designed to give the user who is familiar with process control the tools to easily adapt the PLC-5 to do both digital and analog process control.

At the heart of WINtelligent DCS is the function block diagram editor and compiler. The editor comes equipped with over 60 function blocks, including: hand-stations, function generators, pulse controllers, sequencers, bumpless transfers, and more. The compiler generates the PLC-5 code, documentation, and a common database for use with the integrated operator interface and data acquisition systems.

WINtelligent DCS offers several other features, including:

* Operator Interface Development System

* Ladder Logic Editor

* Data Acquisiton System

* Batch Control and Recipe Management

* Simulation and Testing Software

WINtelligent DCS will be a part of ICOM's WINtelligent Series, a family of Microsoft Windows-based packages. ICOM has continually provided innovative software solutions for Allen-Bradley PLCs since 1985. ICOM offers software for programming and documentation; graphical interfaces; historical trending and data acquisition.

ICOM Inc, Box 351, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0351

414-321-8000,  fax 414-321-2211,  BBS: 414-321-0008

Tech Support:  414-3321-ICOM


WINtelligent VIEW/RECIPE Graphical Interface
ICOM's WINtelligent VIEW Featuring WINtelligent RECIPE Makes Graphical Operator Interface Effortless

Milwuakee, WI -- ICOMs WINtelligent VIEW is the most advanced Multimedia Operator Interface for PLCs available today. WINtelligent VIEW makes operator interface easy by accessing ladder logic documentation from your ladder logic editor, saving you the effort of making a "tag" database. WINtelligent VIEW's database significantly reduces operator interface development and maintenance time.

WINtelligent VIEW's powerful Action/Reaction visual tools respons to user input and the state of the PLC data tables. Reactions can drive other WINtellilgent Series applications, giving operators a seamless, smooth-running and efficient workstation.

With WINtelligent RECIPE, you can download a set of values to corresponding addresses. The addresses in a recipe can span your entire PLC network - even several networks.

WINtelligent VIEW will be a part of ICOM's WINtelligent Series, a family of Microsoft Windows-based packages. ICOM has continually provided innovative software solutions for Allen-Bradley PLCs since 1985. ICOM offers software for programming and documentation; graphical interfaces; historical trending and data acquisition.

ICOM Inc, Box 351, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0351

414-321-8000,  fax 414-321-2211,  BBS: 414-321-0008

Tech Support:  414-3321-ICOM


WINtelligent QUALITY Statistical Process Ctl
WINtelligent QUALITY Featuring Targetrol - an Easy Solution for Statistical Process Control

Milwaukee, WI - One of the newest additions to ICOM's WINtelligent Series is WINtelligent QUALITY, a real-time, interactive manufacturing tool for process operators. It provides progressive time or event-driven control charts and documentation of process variables.

WINtelligent QUALITY features "Continuous Process Control," which makes switching from Control Chart Monitoring to Capability Study Mode easy. With "Continuous Process Control," an unlimited number of studies can be run on any set of process variables.

WINtelligent QUALITY also features Targetrol Target Charts, a powerful overview tool which displays multiple process variables simultaneously. These charts intuitively display the magnitude and position of the selected data relative to control and specification limits.

WINtelligent QUALITY will be a part of ICOM's WINtelligent Series, a family of Microsoft Windows-based packages. ICOM has continually provided innovative software solutions for Allen-Bradley PLCs since 1985. ICOM offers software for programming and documentation; graphical interfaces; historical trending and data acquisition.

ICOM Inc, Box 351, Milwaukee, WI 53201-0351

414-321-8000,  fax 414-321-2211,  BBS: 414-321-0008

Tech Support:  414-3321-ICOM


Grumpfish Speller for CA-Clipper
Grumpfish Introduces Grumpfish Speller!

If you or your users need spell-checking in your CA-Clipper applications, look no further than Grumpfish Speller! Grumpfish Speller is a full-featured spell checker that CA-Clipper 5.x developers can link instantly in-to their applications.

Grumpfish Speller uses a proprietary compressed dictionary format that is extremely compact. The 67,000 word dictionary that ships with the product takes up less than 400,000 bytes of storage space.

Grumpfish Speller supports the use of multiple auxiliary dictionaries, and offers intelligent suggested spellings. Its combination of high and low level functionality allows instantaneous spell checking or complete customization of all aspects of spell checking, with numerous hooks into the spelling engine via codeblocks.

Grumpfish Speller also provides fast and painless dictionary maintenance. You can either create your own dictionaries or add your own words to the stock dictionary. Dictionary (.DIC) files can be converted to database (.DBF) files, and vice versa, in about two minutes.

Grumpfish Speller ships with three user interfaces: generic, WordPerfect 5.1; and Microsoft Word 5.5. Also included are easy instructions on integrating Grumpfish Speller With the Grumpfish Library POPNOTE() function and the FUNCky II notepad.

In keeping with the Grumpfish tradition, Grumpfish Speller includes a no-hassle royalty-free integration license, the CA-Clipper 5.x source code, 30 days free voice support, two years free BBS support, and the 30-day Grumpfish "No Grumpy Customers" guarantee of complete satisfaction. Grumpfish Speller is also 100% dynamically overlayable for absolute minimal memory requirements.

Grumpfish Speller Function List:

SpellCheck() -- Main spellchecking routine

SP_Add()     -- Add word to the auxiliary dictionary

SP_Cache()   -- Add word to spelling cache

SP_Check()   -- Is a word spelled correctly?

SP_Clear()   -- Clear the spelling cache

SP_GetSet()  -- Get/Set global parameters

SP_LoadAux() -- Load on ASCII text file of additional words

SP_Suggest() -- Offer list of sound-alike suggestions

SP_WORD55()  -- Emulate Microsoft Word 5.5 spelling screen

SP_WP51()    -- Emulate WordPerfect 5.1 spelling screen

DBF2DIC()    -- Convert DBF file of words to DIC format

DIC2DBF()    -- Convert DIC file of words to DBF format

Call Now for Special Introductory Offer -- 800-367-7613

Grumpfish Inc, 2450 Lancaster Dr NE, Suite 206, Salem, OR 97305

503-588-1815,  fax 503-588-1980


CD-ROM Directory, Nearly 5,000 Titles
Multimedia Explosion!

4,731 CD-ROM titles now,   .... 6,000+ by Christmas!

TFPL's latest edition of The CD-ROM Directory reveals that 1992's unprecedented growth in the number of CD-ROM titles published has just been exceeded. During the first six months of 1993, over 1,100 new titles reached the market. The PC remains the dominant publishing platform, fuelled by the launch af largo numbers of multimedia titles, but there have been interesting surges in production for some of the alternative platforms.

Editor Matthew Finlay comments, "Although the total number of titles always makes the headlines, what is more important to the end user is the high quality of many titles now appearing. This fact, combined with lower prices being offered by publishers, is doing much to increase the number of CD-ROM users."

The number of Macintosh titles, which nearly doubled during 1992, has already increased by a third this year. This is no doubt due to Mac's natural ability as a multimedia machine. Apple's

,

Multimedia Developer's Program (released Tn the USA early in 1993 and forecast for European launch in September) is likely to sustain this trend.

CD-I is at last beginning to achieve a respectable count of titles as many discs previously "in development" are actually being released. This is in contrast to the two other consumer multimedia platforms. CDTV would appear to have ground to a halt in terms of new title releases, confirming an increasingly popular suspicion that it is out of the running in tho consumer multimedia-player stakes. VIS was launched last year with around seventy titles on the shelf, however new releases for this platform appear to be following the patterns set by both CDTV and CD-I - an initial surge followed by a long lull as a new batch of titles is developed.

MMCD titles are listed in The CD-ROM Directory for the first time, the player having been released during March of this year. It is early days for this platform, but it seems likely that the increasing trend toward cross-platform titles will result in a respectable catalogue of applications being released in a relatively short time frame.

Published in July, the 10th Edition of The CD-ROM Directory contains a number of innovations over previous editions:

Product Demos, Graphics & Electronic Brochures ON DISC!

The new disc pilots a brand new promotional feature which offers companies the opportunity to run a product demonstration linked to the relevant title listing, display the CD cover design of an individual disc, or even include an "electronic brochure". These graphic displays will increase the impact of existing company and title entries within the directory.

New Italian Retrieval Software

In addition to the existing French, Spanish, German and English language interfaces, the 10th Edition of the directory (now using version 3.2 of CD Answer retrieval software from Dataware Technologies, Inc) introduces an Italian Interface.

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 (July & Dec). The latest edition (the 10th) launched in July, is currently available. Subscribers to the CD-ROM VERSION automatically receive two editions as part of their yearly subscription ($220 for both editions). A BOOK VERSION is also published in December of each year ($165 per copy).

TFPL Inc, 1301 Twentieth St NW, #702, Washington DC 20036

202-296-6009,  fax 202-296-6343


Forwarn & Fortran Development Tools
Have you ever said any of these?

  "Ack! Who wrote this mess?"

  "Does this subroutine ever get called?"

  "Every line starts in column seven!"

  "Where's variable D used?"

  "This call is missing the 45th parameter...I think."

  "Where's this #$*& variable assigned, anyway?"

  "Didn't this guy know about IF-THEN-ELSE?"

  "Label 137, label 137, where's label 137?"

If you have, then our tools can help you out.

Forwarn finds nasty, hidden bugs that compilers overlook. It roots out those banes of Fortran programmers, misspelled variables and bad parameter lists. Forwarn really cranks out documentation, helping you locate routines, variables, and their uses, while impressing the boss. Forwarn improves your code's reliability and gives you confidence in its answers.

Fortran Development Tools untangle poorly formatted, unindented, GOTO-ridden code. They can also maintain a consistent style (of your choice) for all the code on a project.

Both Forwarn and Fortran Development Tools help you find your way through your (or somebody else's) code. They quickly pay for themselves by saving you time in developing, maintaining, and debugging Fortran code.

You can get both products for DOS, DOS 386 protected mode, OS/2, VAX/VMS, and Unix systems. The current prices are

Forwarn

  $ 399 for DOS

  $ 499 for OS/2, PC Unix, or 386 protected mode

  $1200 for work stations

  $2000 for larger machines

Fortran Development Tools

  $ 149 for DOS

  $ 199 for OS/2, PC Unix, or 386 protected mode

  $ 500 for work stations

  $ 800 for larger machines

Our 30-day money-back guarantee gives you an out if the boss isn't impressed. Quantity discounts are available if he is.

Questions? Call us at (719) 527-1384.

Quibus Enterprises Inc

3340 Marble Terrace, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

719-527-1384

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FORTRAN Development Tools

This package is a collection of utility programs that aid in the handling of Fortran source files. Use of the tools as a regular part of Fortran program development can help you:

* Improve the appearance and readability of your code

* Enhance the maintainability of your programs

* Update old programs to use modern Fortran features

* Easily identify the ranges of DO loops and block IFs

* Better handle large multiple-routine source files

* Maintain consistent style in large projects

* Share and update declarations

* Maintain multiple versions of programs

TOOLS IN THE PACKAGE

PRETTY. A flexible pretty printer which reformats source code consistently according to your preferred style. Numerous options give you control of indentation of DO loops and IF blocks, spacing within statements, statement renumbering, use of upper and lower case, and other aspects of programming style.

PRETTY also optionally modernizes code by converting IF statements with GOTOs to nested IF-THEN-ELSEs, converting hollerith constants in FORMAT statements to quoted strings, and performing other conversions.

OUTLINE. A listing generator that highlights DO loops and block IF-THEN-ELSEs with graphical outlines. Also adds line numbers and optional page breaks and headings to create an attractive, informative program listing.

PREP. Aids portability and maintainability of code in two ways: by allowing automatic selection of different code sequences, and by expansion of INCLUDE files. Useful for maintaining machine-dependent or application-specific versions of programs, sharing declarations between routines, and conditionally inserting debugging code during program development.

SPLIT. A utility that writes each routine from a program to a separate file. Helpful in converting large applications to use widely-available "make" utilities and for extracting subroutines for reuse in other applications.

COMBINE. Combines several source files into one. Useful for reorganizing programs that are taken apart by SPLIT, but also generally useful for manipulating text files.

SEQ. Adds sequence numbers to columns 73 through 80 of each line. Gives source code a polished, professional look. Options allow the use of a variety of styles.

UNSEQ. Strips sequence numbers and excess trailing spaces from lines. Saves disk space and makes interactive editing easier.

QSETUP. An interactive, menu-driven setup program which allows easy selection of default options for the other tools. Context-sensitive help is provided for all options, with frequent examples that clarify the actions of each possible selection.

FEATURES

Speed. PRETTY processes source files at over 40,000 lines per minute (on a 40 Mhz 386). The other tools are similarly efficient.

Capacity. PRETTY handles Fortran routines with up to 2,000 statements with full functionality, and correctly reformats routines of over 5,000 statements with the loss of only a few features. The Unix, OS/2, or 386 protected-mode version of PRETTY can handle much larger routines. The other tools in the package have essentially no size limitations.

Ease of use. Each tool reads option settings either from the command line or from a shared option file. This option file is conveniently created or changed by using QSETUP.

Fortran extensions. PRETTY and the other tools accept full Fortran-77, plus most common extensions, including tab formatting, long names, DO WHILE, ENDDO, INCLUDE, and line-ending comments. Specific support for most Lahey, Microsoft, MILSTD, and VAX extensions is included.

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FORWARN

FORWARN is a static analysis tool for Fortran programs. Using FORWARN during software development and maintenance enhances the reliability, portability, and documentation quality of Fortran systems. FORWARN verifies external interfaces, identifies uninitialized and unused variables, and finds other common programming errors that most compilers miss. It also produces detailed cross-reference listings and a chart showing the calling structure of the program.

CAPABILITIES

Verifies argument lists. FORWARN checks that calls to subroutines and functions have the correct number of arguments, and also that each argument matches the type, number of dimensions, and other attributes declared in the called routine.

Verifies common block usage. FORWARN checks that common blocks are declared consistently throughout the program with respect to size, type, and layout of variables. FORWARN accounts for equivalences onto common variables to accurately report potential errors.

Finds anomalies in variable usage. One of the most common traps in the Fortran language is automatic typing of variables. Misspelled names are generally accepted without question by compilers, leading to errors that are hard to find. FORWARN has several capabilities for finding such misspellings. It flags variables that are used without being set, set without being used, or neither set nor used. It also optionally flags variables that are not explicitly typed.

Flags loss of precision or truncation. FORWARN optionally flags assignments that lose precision (such as assigning a double precision value to a single precision variable, or assigning a character string to a shorter character variable).

Produces cross-reference listings. For each routine, FORWARN prints a detailed listing showing each reference to each variable, common block, external routine, statement label, etc. Each reference includes the line number and the type of reference (declaration, call, modification, use, etc.)

In addition, FORWARN prints two global cross-references. These summarize routine and common variable references for the entire program in a format that makes it easy to find who calls whom, who uses what, and where.

Prints a calling-tree diagram. FORWARN produces a chart visually showing all the calls made by each routine in the program. Optionally, duplicate subtrees and multiple calls to the same routine are presented in a compressed form to reduce the size of the tree diagram.

FEATURES

Speed. FORWARN analyzes programs at over 25,000 lines per minute on a 40 Mhz 386. This level of performance makes it practical to use FORWARN as an integral part of the software development cycle, thus catching subtle coding errors before programmers spend large amounts of time looking for them.

Capacity. FORWARN handles programs with over 300 source files, 300 routines, and 40,000 lines on a 640K DOS system. Individual routines may be over 2000 lines long. The Unix, OS/2, or 386 protected-mode versions of FORWARN can handle much larger programs--over 150,000 lines on a system with two megabytes of memory. The size of program that can be processed is limited only by the amount of memory available.

Flexibility. Several options allow different parts of the FORWARN output to be suppressed separately. Messages are divided into six classes which may be disabled separately. Other options allow certain common, but nonstandard, Fortran argument passing practices to be accepted without complaint. Default option settings are easily changed by using QSETUP, an interactive setup program included with FORWARN.

Language extensions. FORWARN accepts the full ANSI X3.9-1978 standard, plus most popular extensions, including tab formatting, names with up to 31 characters, INCLUDE statements, NAMELIST, structures and records, CASE statements, and type names with explicit sizes (INTEGER*2, REAL*8, etc.). FORWARN optionally reports extensions to the Fortran 77 standard in the program.


ReportWare 1099 Reporting Software
REPORTWARE is beginning its seventh season of providing 1099 Reporting Software for use on a PC. Our program allows a PC user to prepare 1099's on the computer, print payee copies and file with the IRS on diskette. The program is a stand-alone but reads and writes dBase compatible files. It can also import data directly from ASCII files.

The program has several other distinctive features:

* Prepares returns for the entire 1099 family, including corrected returns

* Is fully menu driven with on screen prompts and helps

* Prints payee copies on standard forms or substitute copies on plain paper

* Handles multiple payers (a single transmitter can file for multiple reporting entities)

* Generates substitute Forms 4804 and 4802 (the IRS summary reports)

* Has a Custom Report and Mailing Label Generator

* Direct support for recipient copy Laser forms for LaserJet II series printers.

* Electronic filing capability (if you have a modem.) By filing electronically, you can get the results back in Just a few days, rather than a few weeks.

* 100% money back guarantee if not completely satisfied

The instruction manual covers the use of the program, form and diskette generation, and getting set up with the IRS.

The program is priced at $199 per copy, with annual updates available at a reduced rate. We pay shipping and handling. Texas residents please add sales tax.

REPORTWARE

3710 Country Club Rd, Garland, TX 75043

800-334-7346


ImageFX Visual Basic Multimedia Effects Tool
ImageFX unveils new multimedia effects tool for Visual Basic

ROCHESTER, NY, October 14, 1993 -- ImageFX today announced the availability of FXTools/VB, a multimedia effects addon tool for Microsoft Visual Basic. FXTools/VB gives Visual Basic the power to add exciting visual effects to images, text and shapes with the ease of custom controls.

"With FXTools/VB, Visual Basic now has all of the elements necessary for serious multimedia development," said Jerry Isenga, president of ImageFX. "Creative multimedia developers need a powerful, unrestricted development environment. Visual Basic combined with FXTools/VB provides this type of environment." Isenga noted that many of ImageFX's customers have looked at or purchased authoring languages but were dissatisfied with their high price, royalty payments and inherent limitations. He believes that FXTools/VB gives anyone who uses Visual Basic, the ability to produce serious multimedia applications at an affordable price.

Visual Basic has the ability to produce Microsoft Windows applications that contain multimedia elements. However, anyone who has tried to use Visual Basic for multimedia development quickly discovers that it lacks the ability to produce the image, text, and shape effects that multimedia applications demand. For example, ImageFX recently produced a multimedia kiosk application that contains an attract mode that is used to entice people to use the kiosk. By incorporating the visual effects provided by FXTools/VB, the attract mode has a polished, professional look that would have been impossible to achieve using Visual Basic alone.

More for Less--Robust Multimedia Effects

At a price point far below competitive products, ImageFX believes it is now offering multimedia developers more functionality--in the form of robust visual effects and control capabilities over the competition. ImageFX's philosophy with FXTools/VB has been to offer a strong, robust, product which appeals to serious multimedia developers and power users of Visual Basic.

Features Abound

FXTools/VB consist of four custom controls that contains a rich selection of effects and dissolves for images, text and shapes. A total of 50 effects are supported including horizontal and vertical wipes, diagonal wipes, blinds, interlaces, pushes, pulls, crushes, and more. The image control features 3D colored borders that can simulate picture frames with matting, image resizing, image transition effects and color transparency. The label control features 3D text, 3D borders, drop shadows and block characters. The rotating text control also features 3D text, drop shadows and block shadows, plus it lets you display Truetype fonts at any angle. The shape control includes 16 shapes that produce effects like moving bars, stars, signs, bullets, etc.

Pricing and Availability

The list price of FXTools/VB is $129. Corporate and government site licensing is available. An interactive demo is available from ImageFX for $10 shipping and handling.

ImageFX

ImageFX, a division of Accusoft Systems, Inc. produces custom multimedia applications including employee training, corporate communications, product demos and information kiosks. The company is also an international supplier of multimedia development tools.

ImageFX

3021 Brighton-Henrietta TL Rd, Rochester, NY 14623


Xerox Grants Compaq TabWorks Rights
Xerox Grants Compaq Exclusive Worldwide Rights for New Easy-to-Use Software

TabWorks from XSoft division of Xerox provides intuitive user interface for Windows-based PCs

PALO ALTO, Calif., October 18, 1993 -- XSoft, a division of Xerox Corporation, today announced TabWorks, a new software package that provides an intuitive user interface for Windows-based PCs. XSoft also announced that it has granted Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE: CPQ) exclusive worldwide rights to TabWorks.

As part of its goal of making Compaq PCs the easiest to use in the industry, Compaq will pre-install TabWorks on new personal computers to be announced in the future, and eventually on most Compaq PC products. Compaq will also sell TabWorks separately through its DirectPlus toll-free number and through Compaq authorized resellers.

TabWorks makes it easier for users to work with their Windows PCs by providing a simple and intuitive way to organize their work and locate documents. An enhancement to the Windows program manager, TabWorks is designed to look and function like a three-ring binder, using familiar components like tabs, pages, and a dynamic Table of Contents to manage icons that represent files and documents..

XSoft developed TabWorks based on research done in 1987 by Stuart Card and Austin Henderson of the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC). They published a whitepaper entitled "Catalogues: A Metaphor for Computer Application Delivery," which presented the concept for using the catalog or NoteBook metaphor for the delivery of application software. XSoft used this as a basis for developing TabWorks.

"In the search for the most intuitive ways for people to interact with their computers, Compaq evaluated a number of alternatives and found TabWorks would best meet our customers' needs, " said Compaq vice president Lorie Strong. "TabWorks offers not only a simple and elegant interface, but also a variety of ways to make handling documents and applications more efficient and effective. It plays an important role in Compaq's goal of delivering the industry's easiest-to-use PCs."

Dennis Andrews, President of XSoft, said, "Compaq has a well-deserved reputation for leadership in the personal computer industry. lt is now paving the way for greater ease of use, an area of primary focus to Xerox dating back to the development of the Star interface over a decade ago. By including TabWorks as an integral part of its new, easy-to-use product line, Compaq will give PC users throughout the world the opportunity to work with their computers in a more intuitive and familiar way than ever before."

TabWorks Ease of Use

TabWorks lets the organizational habits and needs of the individual user supersede the structure of the computer. Built around the familiar and intuitive notebook metaphor, TabWorks allows users to organize their work in any way that makes sense to them -- by project, function, or even client. Documents and applications are easily and quickly accessible on the pages of the user's personalized notebook, and TabWorks can launch them automatically. By giving the user direct document access, TabWorks eliminates the need for the user to know where a document exists in the directory structure or even what application is used to run it.

Pricing/Availability

TabWorks will be available by the end of October as a standalone software package through Compaq DirectPlus and Compaq authorized resellers. An introductory price of $49 will be offered through December 31, 1993, and beginning January 1, 1994, the price will be $69. These are estimated selling prices; actual prices may vary.

XSoft

Headquartered on a campus with PARC, the renowned Xerox research center in Palo Alto, Calif., the XSoft division of Xerox was formed in July 1991 to provide software that improves the way people use computers to create, capture, manage and communicate ideas and information in documents.

XSoft's product family includes document management and workflow solutions, user-interface utilities, office productivity packages, content-based search and retrieval systems, and structured-document publishing applications. In addition, XSoft enables workgroup collaboration through a series of shared document services products. The company also offers extensive product support, training and consulting services. XSoft's products and services are available on multiple operating systems, networks, and computer platforms, and are sold through a worldwide network of direct sales and reseller partners.

XSoft, 3400 Hillview Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94304

415-424-0111,  fax 415-813-7162


mdbs Ships Object/1 V3.0 Object-Oriented Dev
mdbs is shipping version 3.0 of Object/1, an object-oriented development environment. Version 3.0 embodies mdbs' philosophy of reducing complexity in mission-critical applications development. This release is available for both 32-bit OS/2 and Windows. Object/1 v3.0 offers superior control at the lowest levels of graphical interface development. Developers can create highly portable applications and modify them for maximum performance in either environment. Major enhancements in Object/1 3.0 include 32-bit operation (OS/2 only), improved database connectivity and performance, and complete portability of applications between OS/2 and Windows.

Major enhancements in the Object/1 Forms Painter improve database connectivity and the assignment of functionality to controls. The net result is an environment that merges the convenience of point-and-click development with an extremely flexible and complete object-oriented language. The Forms Painter also offers developers a complete suite of the new OS/2 controls.

Product performance has been improved by additional assembly and C code in the kernel. In addition, version 3.0 synchronizes Object/1 in Windows and OS/2 2.x. Therefore, developers can write an application in OS/2 and recompile it to run in Windows without making any code changes and visa-versa.

Contact your sales representative at (800) 445-mdbs for information about the Object/1 v3.0 package.

mdbs, Two Executive Dr, PO Box 6089, Lafayette, IN 47903-6089

317-447-1122


M/4 Report Windows-based MDBS IV Reporting Tool
M/4 Report Brings Windows-based Reporting Tool to MDBS IV Database Engine

M/4 Report is the first Windows-based reporting tool for MDBS IV. This product was developed for mdbs by Advanced Programming Techniques, Inc. (APT) of Boston. "MDBS IV customers will benefit greatly from this package," says Barry Parshall, MDBS IV Product Manager. "M/4 Report was fundamentally developed for the network model engine. It is the first end-user reporting tool that taps the enormous potential and flexibility of the MDBS IV engine."

Although developers can benefit from the tool, M/4 Report is targeted primarily to end-users. By combining the modeling flexibility of the network model database with the familiar relational paradigm, M/4 Report enables virtually any MDBS IV user to design custom reports quickly and easily. "M/4 Report gives end-users the ability to design true WYSIWYG reports," says Elizabeth Gooding, President of APT. "A report designer can drag-and-drop columns anywhere on the layout and create multiple sort levels for multiple groups with ease. Very complex reports can be created with just a few clicks of a mouse button. No programming is required."

M/4 Report has all the features that users expect from a Windows reporting tool, including a wide variety of statistical functions and export features. A comprehensive installation and setup procedure allows the product to handle the sophisticated MDBS IV network model database, including the modeling of true many-to-many relationships.

For additional information about M/4 Report, contact your account representative at (800)-445-mdbs or (317) 447-1122.

mdbs, Two Executive Dr, PO Box 6089, Lafayette, IN 47903-6089

317-447-1122


Grumpfish Library V4.0 for CA-Clipper
Grumpfish Introducing Grumpfish Library Version 4.0

If your time is valuable to you, start saving it with Grumpfish Library. Grumpfish Library does the work while you get the praise!

Grumpfish Library enables you to create CA-Clipper programs that will dazzle your clients and increase your profitability, while slashing your development and maintenance time. Unlike some products, you will not have to spend hours learning Grumpfish library -- the documentation and syntax are as comfortable as an old pair of jeans. Novice CA-Clipper developers can integrate Grumpfish modules into their programs within minutes of breaking the shrink-wrap. Advanced CA-Clipper developers will appreciate Grumpfish Library's power and flexibility (particularly the CA-Clipper 5.2 version).

Grumpfish Library is written 99.99 percent in CA-Clipper. (Assembler is used only for transparent shadowing). Two versions are provided: one fully optimized for CA-Clipper 5.2 and another for Summer '87. All source code is included (over 900K worth)! We give you the source code for these important reasons: (a) it liberates you to modify functions as needed to suit your specific needs; (b) it educates and inspires you to create more efficient and powerful code; and (c) it frees you from reliance on the developer (unlike many products which are completely proprietary).

Grumpfish Library is fully optimized to take advantage of CA-Clipper 5.2. It uses LOCAL and STATIC variables exclusively, and takes full advantage of CA-Clipper's TBrowse, TBColumn, Get, and Error object classes, nested and resizeable arrays, codeblocks, and the preprocessor. If you are still in the process of converting from Summer '87 to CA-Clipper 5.x, having both versions of the Grumpfish source code gives you an invaluable head start.

Grumpfish Library includes 30 days free voice support, and two years unlimited free BBS support. Grumpfish Library includes 250+ pages of printed documentation, and a comprehensive Norton Guides reference database. Grumpfish Library also includes the traditional Grumpfish unlimited royalty-free integration license.

Start saving time now with Grumpfish Library! Try Grumpfish Library and take advantage of our No Grump Customers guarantee: If you do not absolutely and positively love it and agree that it is the best thing since CA-Clipper itself, just return it within 30 days of you date of purchase.

Grumpfish Library Version 4.0 features:

* GRUMPBROW (): a generic database browser with automated record layout add/edit/view/QBE routines. CA-Clipper 5.x version takes full advantage of TBrowse to permit: column locking; instant data subsets (set by either the developer and/or the user); hooking into record pointer movement with code blocks; automatic cycling between active indices, with display of developer defined index descriptions; completely replaceable user interface; pre- and post-validation for cell editing; auto-refresh (perfect for multi-user applications); and much, much more. GrumpBrow () also includes a built-in screen painter that lets you design your data entry screens in seconds! The screen painter generates optimized CA-Clipper 5.x (or Summer '87) code for your data entry screens!

* ABROWSE (): Powerful nested array browser/editor (CA-Clipper 5.x version).

* COLORPAL (): Interactive color palette with automatic support for EGA/VGA enhanced and directories (CA-Clipper 5.x version).

* GFPICKFILE (): User-friendly mechanism for file selection, including navigation of other drives and directories (CA-Clipper 5.x version).

* HELPBROW (): Powerful and painless data validation function.

* The easiest and fastest context specific help development routines available for CA-Clipper--Grumpfish does everything except write your helptext! You can create and modify help screens within your application without recompiling or relinking. You have full control over the box location, header, footer, outline. and all colors. Includes a help screen index for the convenience of your users.

* Pop-up calculator with memory; paste, redefinable screen position and color.

* Mini-spreadsheet that allows users to do calculations for numeric GETs. Supports left/center/right justification of labels, cell references, @SUM. Automatic (and quick) recursive recalculation. Spreadsheets can be printed, saved and restore.

* Multi-user calendar/appointment tracker with recurring appointments, daily and weekly time blocks, weekly activity reports, search, print, meeting scheduler, holidays, and much more.

* Pop-up notepad with field insertion for mail merge, text block commands (move/copy/delete/print), cut-and-paste from underlying screen.

* Pop-up rolodex/dialer for phone numbers and addresses, allows you to print a pocket-sized phone directory to keep important information at your fingertips wherever you go.

* Pop-up stopwatch that can be run in the background ideal for time-billing professionals.

* Numerous extensions to the @..GET command: optional CALCULATOR, LIST, PASSWORD, STEP, MESSAGE, MATH, PROPER, and ARRAY clauses (CA-Clipper 5.x version).

* Numerous extensions to the @..PROMPT and MENU TO commands. including highlighted/alternate trigger letters, WHEN clauses for menu options. on-screen "ticking" clock. time-out period, and much more (CA-Clipper 5.x version).

* Timed READs and validation of all active GETs (CA-Clipper 5.x version).

* APICK( ): Seamless replacement for ACHOICE ( ) with elevator bar, quick-search, tagging of multiple elements, automatic screen placement and cleanup.

* INKEY ( ): Replacement that serves as wait state, includes timeout period and continuous back ground processing (CA-Clipper 5.x version).

* Functions for displaying indexing progress, one for individual files and one for multiple files which shows cumulative status.

* Superb aesthetic control for screens. boxes, and strings guaranteed to get your users' attention.

* Functions to save and restore nested arrays to and from text files.

* Nearly 100 other user feedback and housekeeping functions to simplify your CA-Clipper development.

* 100% dynamically overlayable by .RTLink. Blinker. and WarpLink.

* 100% multi-user compatible out of the box.

Grumpfish Inc, 2450 Lancaster Dr NE, Suite 206, Salem, OR 97305

503-588-1815,  fax 503-588-1980


Logitech AudioMan Bundle with Text-to-Speech
Logitech Inc. and Berkeley Speech Technologies Sign Licensing Agreement

BeSTspeech ReadOut, Text to Speech Utility, Works Exclusively with AudioMan

Fremont, Calif.--October 18, 1993 - Logitech Inc., international market leader in computer peripherals, today announced the signing of a licensing agreement with Berkeley Speech Technologies (BST). Logitech will include BST's BeSTspeech ReadOut, a text to speech (TTS) utility, with its new version of AudioMan, also announced today. BeSTspeech ReadOut is the only product in the personal computer market with BeSTspeech TTS technology. Major applications for text-to-speech conversion now include talking dictionaries and translators, telephone voice information systems, and speech output from automotive navigation systems. Famous disabled TTS users include blind musician Stevie Wonder and astrophysicist Steven Hawking. The AudioMan bundle will be available through Logitech dealers and distributors in November at a suggested retail price of $179.

BeSTspeech ReadOut now works exclusively with AudioMan. Text-to-speech conversion, as the technology is often called, is in effect a knowledge-based expert system - a body of computer-executable rules which utilize all of the knowledge about human speech which the science of linguistics has amassed in its 3000 year history. The program reads aloud from user-highlighted text within most programs running under Windows, including word processors, E-mail, and even numbers and text from spreadsheets. BeSTspeech ReadOut has an unlimited vocabulary - it can read anything, including names, because it is true text-to-speech, not just playback of pre-recorded words.

"The new version of AudioMan represents a giant step forward in the business audio market," said Peter Wharton, Logitech's Global Product Manager for Business Audio. "It combines the high-performance technology of Berkeley Speech Technologies with the reliability, design, and support of Logitech, offering TTS technology to Windows users for the first time. Over the next few years, we will see a steady increase in the role of audio in business presentations and applications."

"BeSTspeech ReadOut has never been directly available to the end user. This is the first application for personal computers," said Elisabeth Peters, General Manager of Berkeley Speech Technologies. "BeSTspeech ReadOut allows the end user to utilize special features such as highlighting text within E-mail, closing the E-mail, and retaining the ability to listen to that text while working in another document or walking around the office. Users can highlight a word in a document to hear the correct pronunciation. It is especially useful for proofreading."

AudioMan is an external audio device with an integrated speaker and microphone. It attaches to the parallel port of any IBM PC or compatible via a cable, allowing users to record and play back audio (voice, sound, and music) within a sound-compatible application. The product uses Microsoft's Object Linking and Embedding (OLE), a cross-document interface standard used by numerous Windows applications. OLE permits users to integrate a variety of data formats (i.e., graphics, sound, and text) from diverse sources within a single document. AudioMan records not only voice, but sounds from other sources, such as tapes and CDs via the audio input port. An output port allows the connection of headphones or speakers. AudioMan is powered by standard "AA" batteries or by AC.

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

Logitech Inc, 6505 Kaiser Dr, Fremont, CA 94555

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


Next Generation AudioMan from Logitech
Logitech Brings New Power to Boardless Sound with Next-Generation AudioMan

New Software Includes Additional Sound Utilities, Text-to-Speech Capability, MIDI Support, Playback of 8- and 16-bit Mono or Stereo Files.

Fremont, Calif. -- October 18, 1993 -- Logitech Inc pioneer in computer mouse technology and international market leader in a variety of peripheral categories today announced a new version of AudioMan the complete boardless sound solution for the Windows 3.1 environment The product will be available in retail stores in November at a list price of $179.

AudioMan is an external audio device with an integrated speaker and microphone. It attaches by a cable to the parallel port of any IBM PC or compatible allowing users to record and play audio (voice sound and music) within a sound-compatible application. The product uses Microsoft's Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) a cross-document interface standard used by many Windows applications With OLE users can integrate a variety of data formats (i.e., graphics sound and text) from diverse sources within a single document. AudioMan records voice as well as sounds from other sources such as tapes and CDs via the audio input port In addition an output port permits the connection of headphones or external speakers The device is powered by standard "AA" batteries or by AC.

The new AudioMan offering is part of Logitech's ongoing commitment to its expanding line of sound products Additional products in this category include SoundMan Games a low-cost 8-bit soundboard; SoundMan 16 a 16-bit CD-quality soundboard; and SoundMan SuperPack a complete 16-bit soundboard solution featuring SoundMan 16 in-pack speakers a microphone and added-value software

Through new software AudioMan can now play back in mono both 8- and 16-bit mono and stereo files as well as MIDI files The upgraded package also contains additional software enhancements including

* BeSTspeech ReadOut from Berkeley Speech Technologies (BST) -- This text-to-speech utility now works exclusively with AudioMan The program reads aloud from user-highlighted text within most programs running under Windows including word processors E-mail and even numbers and text from spreadsheets Copying text to the Windows clipboard before reading is usually not necessary BeSTspeech ReadOut has an unlimited vocabulary -- it can read anything even names because it is true text-to-speech not just a playback of pre-recorded words

* AudioMan Annotator from Voyetra -- Allows users to annotate messages in any Windows OLE application

* AudioPanel-- Lets users conveniently record play and construct play lists of WAV files

* AudioEdit -- Provides tools such as cut and paste for editing WAV files

* MIDI Player -- Enables AudioMan to play MIDI files

* Icon Hear-It Lite from Moon Valley -- Customizes the Windows desktop by adding sound effects and replacing regular icons with personalized ones.

"The additional software included with AudioMan means the product is now a highly versatile tool suited for a variety of business environments " says Peter Wharton Logitech's Global Product Manager for Business Audio "The enhanced product marks a new level of usefulness and quality in this product category For example Berkeley Speech Technologies is generally regarded as the principal developer of high-performance text-to-speech technology BST licensees are already market leaders in other areas most noticeably the Franklin Speaking Dictionaries IBM's Direct Talk/2 telephone voice response system and Keynote talking computers for blind users The new version of the Logitech AudioMan will introduce Berkeley's high-quality text-to-speech to Windows users for the very first time."

AudioMan is the first peripheral audio device which integrates a speaker a unidirectional microphone and a board into one external unit Moreover the unit plugs directly into the parallel port of any desktop laptop or notebook machine To accommodate a printer Logitech has designed a special parallel port "pass-through" connection that ships with the product.

AudioMan's ergonomic shape is compact and easy to handle yet the product also incorporates industrial-strength materials in its design to withstand the rigors of business travel It can be used hands-free on the desk or hand-held It is optimized to "focus" sound output for single-user convenience and privacy.

AudioMan makes sound a practical business tool by enabling users to easily add verbal notes to their work rather than written ones or to proofread text and numbers by means of audio read-back The addition of sound also helps add impact to presentations

Registered users of AudioMan 1.0 can upgrade to the new software for $ 19.95 through Logitech's Customer Service Department

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

Logitech Inc, 6505 Kaiser Dr, Fremont, CA 94555

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


Simply Lantastic Entry Level Network
ARTISOFT ANNOUNCES NEW SIMPLY LANTASTIC NETWORK FOR SMALL BUSINESSES & HOME OFFICES

Offers Easy Installation, Basic Peer-To-Peer Networking Features At Low Cost

(TUCSON, AZ - October 18, 1993) - Artisoft, Inc. announced today that it is introducing an entry-level network operating system designed to meet the basic networking requirements for small businesses and home offices. The Simply LANtastic network operating system provides basic file-, printer- and CD-ROM-sharing features and is specially designed for easy installation and use. The Simply LANtastic network operating system is scheduled to begin shipping by early December, and will be available in software-only kits as well as two hardware bundles, with pricing starting at $79 per node.

"The Simply LANtastic network is the ideal, low-cost solution to fulfill basic networking requirements for users whose primary concern is ease of use," commented Dave Hallmen, Artisoft's Vice President of Sales & Marketing. "This intuitive network is based on the reliability and functionality of the award-winning core LANtastic network and can easily be integrated into a LANtastic v5.0 network."

Simply LANtastic Bundles

Artisoft is offering the Simply LANtastic network in software-only kits, as well as two separate hardware bundles with new internal and external adapters. The first hardware bundle is priced at $149 and combines one node of the Simply LANtastic network software with a new internal adapter and two different lengths of cabling. This 10Mbps, Ethernet-compatible, self-terminating adapter is specially designed to reduce the complexity of network installation and operation. It also features plug-and-play cabling by using a standard RCA connection for easy network installation. This software-configurable adapter is based on the ALICE controller, which is also used in Artisoft's line of NodeRunner and NodeRunner/Sr adapters.

Artisoft will also be offering a second bundle with the Simply LANtastic network software and a new external adapter. This 10Mbps adapter will plug into a PC's parallel port and includes an RCA connector, which will allow users immediate, one-step installation. Pricing and availability of this bundle will be announced at a future date.

Easy Installation

Users can get their Simply LANtastic network up and running in minutes for either a DOS or Windows environment with a single integrated install program. The Simply LANtastic network is compatible with a wide range of technologies, from the older, low-memory 8088 PCs, all the way up to newer 486 and Pentium technology. This flexibility enables users to save money by taking full advantage of their existing as well as newer network PCs.

Intuitive User Interface

The easy-to-understand menu interface is specially designed for the novice network user to reduce much of the complexity associated with configuration options during installation and day-to-day management. A single menu program provides all control functions - including sharing or accessing network drive and printer connections, print job display and control, and EMail. Pop-up screens and help files lead novice users through the process of network resource connections with non-technical descriptions.

Integration With The LANtastic v5.0 Network

Users whose connectivity needs grow beyond the basic networking features of the Simply LANtastic network can easily integrate with Artisoft's core LANtastic v5.0 network for increased performance and security. This integration provides greater connectivity to additional resources and operating systems. For example, a Simply LANtastic workstation that is connected to a LANtastic v5.0 server can access available resources on the LANtastic v5.0 network including non-DOS environments such as Novell NetWare.

This integration can also be very useful for users who want to begin to upgrade their Simply LANtastic software to the greater flexibility, security and performance capabilities of the LANtastic v5.0 software without having to learn an entirely new networking system or purchase new networking hardware or resources.

Resource Sharing

Simply LANtastic network users will be able to share printers, files, programs, hard disks and CD-ROM drives across the network as well as communicate with other users using the network's electronic mail feature. Simply LANtastic network users can choose to share an entire drive or a specific subdirectory and can also assign three levels of access - full access, read-only access and no access - using Access Control Lists (ACLs). Users can also group multiple machine names into Wildcard accounts within the ACLs.

Artisoft develops and manufactures a full line of innovative, cost-effective network communication solutions including the award-winning LANtastic Local Area Network. Recognized as the leader in peer-to-peer networking for DOS and Windows environments, the LANtastic network also offers multiplatform connectivity solutions for NetWare, TCP/IP and Macintosh systems. It allows up to 500 users on one network to connect and share information and peripheral devices such as printers, hard drives and CD-ROMs. Artisoft maintains nine international offices and distributes the LANtastic network and its other connectivity products in over 70 countries worldwide.

For more information about Artisoft or its product line, contact Artisoft, Inc. at 2202 N. Forbes Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85745. Sales 800/233-5564. Corporate 602/670-7100. Fax 602/670-7101.


EDGAR Database Freely Available On Internet
SEC EDGAR DATABASE TO BE MADE FREELY AVAILABLE ON INTERNET COMPUTER NETWORK

Thursday, October 21, 1993

SEBASTOPOL, CA -- The Global Network Navigator, an Internet-based  online resource center, reported this afternoon that the Internet  Multicasting Service, in conjunction with the New York University  Stern School of Business, will be participating in a project to provide  access on the Internet to the Securities and Exchange Commission's  (SEC) EDGAR database.  This project is sponsored by the National  Science Foundation.  Today's announcement means that the key public  disclosure information contained in EDGAR will, for the first time,  become available to the general public over the global Internet  computer network.

                    THE EDGAR DATABASE

EDGAR is an on-line filing system mandated by the SEC for America's largest corporations. It includes documents such as the 10-K and 10-Q reports required of corporations on the New York and American stock exchanges, filings by companies trading over the counter, and a variety of other registration statements, ownership reports, and annual and quarterly reports.  The EDGAR  database contains key public disclosure information needed by  consumers, journalists, researchers, and workers in the financial  services industries.

People connected to the Internet will be able to use a  variety of different techniques for accessing the information in  EDGAR, including electronic mail, ftp, Archie, WAIS, World Wide Web,  and multicasting.  GNN News contains an in-depth presentation and  analysis of this important breakthrough in the dissemination of  information over the Internet.

HOW TO ACCESS GNN NEWS

GNN is available for free on a subscription basis.  However, you can access GNN News immediately and subscribe later.  If you have a WWW browser such as Xmosaic, use the following URL to access the GNN News front page:

    http://nearnet.gnn.com/news/home/news.html

                HOW TO SUBSCRIBE TO GNN

The Global Network Navigator is available over the Internet  as a free subscription service during its initial launch. To subscribe  to GNN, send email to info@gnn.com. A subscription form and instructions  will automatically be sent back to you. If you have any questions or  comments about GNN, send email to forum@gnn.com and tell us your  thoughts.  For information about becoming a GNN sponsor, please send  email to adv@gnn.com.


SCRAMNet Network Switching Center
SYSTRAN Corp. Adds New Network Switching Center to Its Line of SCRAMNet Networking Products

Dayton, Ohio, October 21, 1993 - Systran Corp., developer of the SCRAMNet Network (a real-time replicated shared-memory system), today announced its newest accessory to the SCRAMNet Network product line - the SCRAMNet Network Switching Center. This new switching center provides unprecedented power and flexibility to the designers of distributed real-time systems. It offers centralized network configuration control, automatic fault isolation, fast electronic switching, and media conversion - all in an expandable, modular design.

Independent switching allows each connected node or sub-ring to be included in or isolated from an internal master ring. The switching function can be controlled centrally, either manually or via computer over a RS485 port. In addition, each node can control its own individual connection via a separate control line.

Automatic network fault isolation is provided via automatic switch out when node power or network transmitter failure is detected.

Fast electronic switching of the fiber optic ring induces less than a 1 uSec network disruption, over 10,000 times faster than the 10 millisecond disruption induced by passive mechanical fiber optic switching techniques.

The modular design allows the Switching Center to be configured and expanded for connection of up to 16 network nodes or sub-rings. Each connection can be configured with either coax, standard fiber optic, or long link optic media options. A connection configured with long link optics will allow one or more Switching Centers to be cascaded over distances of 2 to 4 kilometers.

The SCRAMNet Network is a real-time, replicated, shared-memory system. It is optimized for the highspeed transfer of data between computers (up to 256) that are all solving portions of the same real-time problem. SCRAMNet's ring configuration achieves microsecond application-to-application performance with zero software overhead. Revolutionary features include data filtering to reduce network traffic, byte swapping for automatic reformatting of variables, interrupt passing for synchronization, and a fiber optic ring that handles 150 Mbit/sec line transmission rates for distances up to 300 meters between computers. Applications include simulation, telemetry, data acquisition, and virtual reality.

Located at 4126 Linden Avenue, Dayton, Ohio 45432-3068, (800-252-5601; 513-252-5601) SYSTRAN Corp. specializes in real-time systems simulation and defense-related hardware/software research and development. The company's SCRAMNet Network is the industry's leading real-time network, with hundreds of nodes used in diverse applications throughout the world.


SYBASE ESTABLISHES SUBSIDIARY IN MEXICO

Mexico is First Subsidiary in Sybase's Expansion Plan in Latin America

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO, October 20, 1993--Sybase, Inc., a leading vendor of client/server-based software products and services for on-line, enterprise-wide applications, announced the opening of its first Latin American subsidiary, Sybase de Mexico in Mexico City, Mexico. The subsidiary was formed through the acquisition of NYX SA de CV, the former Sybase distributor in Mexico. The new Sybase subsidiary will sell and support SYBASE products throughout Mexico.

This acquisition is part of Sybase's aggressive expansion plan in Latin America. Sybase first entered the Latin American market in 1990, and currently consists of the Mexican subsidiary, and seven distributors located in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, ant Venezuela. Together, they sell ant support SYBASE throughout the Latin American market.

Dominic Gattuso, vice president, worldwide business operations at Sybase said, "This acquisition shows Sybase's continued commitment to a global business strategy. It is Sybase's first subsidiary in Latin America, and we're pleased with the remarkable successes which we're enjoying in the Latin American marketplace and around the world."

Sybase De Mexico

Sybase has long recognized that Mexico's rapidly growing market represents an excellent business opportunity for Sybase, as well as an ideal way of entering the Latin American marketplace. In August 1990, the company established distribution in Mexico through NYX SA de CV. The Mexican distributor became one of Sybase's fastest growing distributors and a key player in the Mexican relational database management systems (RDBMS) market.

According to Gattuso, NYX SA de CV's success in the Mexican market made it the ideal candidate for the first Latin American subsidiary. Gatturo will head up the new subsidiary over the next few months. His familiarity with the Mexican market as well as both Sybase and the former distributor NYX SA de CV will allow him to effectively manage the transition to a Sybase subsidiary.

Gattuso added, "Acceptance of client/server technology is growing at a rapid pace in Mexico, and in Latin American in general. While we are providing SYBASE systems, we're also providing the service and support necessary to help our customers successfully implement client/server solutions while preserving long-term investments."

The Mexican subsidiary currently has over 50 customers, among them some of the largest national and multinational corporations, including Autrey, Bancomer, Banamex, PEMEX and Telvisa.

Sybase Inc

Sybase, Inc. (NASDAQ: SYBS) develops and markets a leading family of client/server-based software products and services for on-line, enterprise-wide applications. Sybase's integrated family of software includes servers, tools, connectivity, and administration/control products that provide complete desktop to mainframe solutions. Headquartered in Emeryville, CA, Sybase markets its products worldwide through its direct sales force, telesales, distributors, OEMs, VARs and System Integrators.

Sybase Inc, 6475 Christie Ave, Emeryville, CA 04608

510-596-3500;  Fax: 510-658-9441


BlueRithm Aeris Automates File Processing
Aeris is the ONLY dynamically configurable file and record processing system available and is the FASTEST way to create full-featured, customized file processing applications.

Colbert, WA, October 19, 1993 - BlueRithm Software introduces the FIRST easily customizable automated file processing system capable of satisfying the diverse file processing requirements of programmers and users.

Target Market: Microsoft Windows and MS-DOS programmers and end users.

Products: Aeris for Windows and Aeris for MS-DOS. Aeris enables you to search for and rearrange files and records in an unlimited number of ways to suit your own requirements. Aeris isn't a jazzed up version of a past or current generation of software product. It sets the standard for a new class of product: "Automated file processing".

A few of our features are: Aeris easily handles all file processing requirements, from both simple and complex searches to extracts, multi-key sorts, converts, cuts, pastes, merges, prints and replaces to file translations, reformatting, parsing, and calculations. And it does so in a straightforward, intuitive manner.

Aeris is specifically built to handle custom file processing applications and has efficient high level script commands and functions which can access all or parts of files in a single action. We even have "Script Assistants" that assist programmers and users in creating their own custom scripts, or you can modify the pre-built scripts we have provided. These scripts can be encapsulated into icons, built into Aeris custom menus for end users to run daily? or set up for batch processing. You can even provide users with multiple custom menu bars for their difficult application directories. We're certain you will find that Aeris is the BEST way to address the diverse file processing requirements of today's PC user.

Benefits: No more re-keying of data, manually editing files, writing specialized C or BASIC programs, or forcing unsuited products to do the job. Aeris cuts out hours of frustrating trial and error, cuts down programming requirements, and eliminates the non-accessibility of data.

Pricing: Aeris retails for $129.95. An introductory offer is currently in effect whereby users may license either Aeris for Windows or Aeris for MS-DOS for $69.00 each.

System Requirements: Microsoft Windows 3.1 or better, 386 or better, 2MB memory, Hard Disk, EGA or better. Microsoft MS-DOS 3.0 or better, 286 or better, 64OKB memory, Hard Disk.

Support: 90 days free support after the date of the first call. Thereafter, optional support is available.

BlueRithm Software, 21823 North Glen Dr, Colbert, WA 99005-9415

Sales Phone (509) 468-1434; (509) 467-2699; CompuServe 72704,2273


NEC Intros Ready Series of Multimedia PCs
NEC TECHNOLOGIES INTRODUCES THE READY SERIES OF MULTIMEDIA PCs; INCLUDES INDUSTRY'S FIRST CERTIFIED MPC LEVEL 2 SYSTEM TO FEATURE A TRIPLE-SPEED CD-ROM READER

Boxborough, Mass., October 19. 1993-- Signaling a new era in multimedia computing for the small office/home (SoHo) environment, NEC Technologies today introduced its Ready Series of Multimedia PCs. Comprised of two MPC Level 2-compliant systems, the Ready 425CD2 and the Ready 433CD3, the Ready Multimedia PCs feature built-in NEC CD-ROM readers and a comprehensive suite of pre-loaded software.

The Ready 433CD3 is recognized as the industry's first MPC Level 2 certified system to feature a triple-speed CD-ROM reader--NEC's new MultiSpin 3Xi.

Ready Multimedia PCs Feature Unprecedented CD-ROM Technology and Superior Sound

The cornerstone of effective multimedia computing solutions is outstanding CD-ROM performance and functionality. To this end, highly-acclaimed NEC CD-ROM readers are included as integral components of the Ready Multimedia PCs.

The Ready 433CD3 features the recently-introduced MultiSpin 3Xi, a triple-speed CD-ROM reader that redefines the standards of CD-ROM computing. The MultiSpin 3Xi transfers data at a speedy 450 KB/second--three times the normal transfer rate of 150KB/second--with an access time of 195 milliseconds. The MultiSpin 3Xi's innovative front panel includes displays and controls that enable users to monitor their reader at all times, and an LCD display for real-time performance and diagnostic information. In addition, NEC's MusicSensor technology allows users to play audio/music CDs, without a computer, on the MultiSpin 3Xi. The Ready 425CD2 includes a high-performance dual-speed CD-ROM reader with a 300 KB/sec data transfer rate and 380ms average access time. Both CD-ROM readers are MPC Level 2 certified and are Kodak Multisession Photo CD compatible.

To allow users to take full advantage of multimedia sound capabilities, the Ready Multimedia PCs features a high-performance 16-bit 44KHz stereo sound card featuring MediaVision's new JAZZ16 technology, Labtec CS-800 high-efficiency speakers, a monitor-mountable microphone, and a set of headphones.

NEC Brings Advanced PC Technology to SoHo Multimedia Computing

With the introduction of the SoHo-targeted Ready Multimedia PCs, NEC implements several advanced PC technologies until now found only in high-end, professional workstations for the advanced business user, such as NEC's acclaimed Image series.

The Ready Multimedia PCs feature NEC's third-generation local bus video, a technology NEC invented in 1991, to provide users with the fastest graphics available in this class of PCs. NEC's local bus implementation includes a Windows graphics accelerator, 1MB of video RAM, and support for 16.8 million colors. NEC has also implemented its exclusive OptiBus technology into the Ready Multimedia PCs, dramatically improving throughput--up to 30%--by optimizing the data transfer rate of the I/O bus.

"The introduction of the Ready Series of multimedia PCs is a prime example of how NEC leverages the strengths of its various product business units. The combination of NEC's state-of-the-art technologies such as MultiSpin CD-ROM readers, local bus video, and OptiBus technology, position these systems as the most feature-rich multimedia systems available today," said Brian Mullins, marketing manager of NEC's Ready products.

The Ready 425CD2 and Ready 433CD3 also feature 4MB RAM, high capacity hard drives, a full 1MB of video RAM, 24-bit True Color Support, and a data/fax modem. As an added benefit for novice SoHo computer users, there is virtually no set-up time involved with these systems--users simply connect the cables, turn on the PC, and start working.

Ready Series Includes Full Suite of Leading Multimedia Software

In addition to Microsoft Windows 3.1 and MS-DOS 6.0, the Ready Series of PCs feature a full complement of pre-installed multimedia software. Pre-installed software includes:

o Spinnaker Software's Multimedia PFS:WindowWorks offers word-processing, spreadsheet, and database functionality, and also includes a multimedia tutorial, 250 business letter templates, and 100 pieces of color clip art.

o Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia combines video and sound clips to make learning experiences more exciting.

o Knowledge Adventure's Dinosaur Adventure and Space Adventure promote learning through a series of games, movies, and more.

o America On-Line and CompuServe for access to a world of online information services, including news, weather, travel reservations, shopping, and electronic mail.

Service and Support: NEC's ReadyRemote

All Ready Multimedia PCs come with a one-year, on-site limited warranty and unlimited use of a toll-free Ready telephone support line. In addition, the Ready 425CD2 and Ready 433CD3 include NEC's ReadyRemote service, a unique remote assistance program in which NEC support technicians can resolve user software problems directly through the system's pre-installed modem.

With ReadyRemote, if a user's question can't be answered quickly via a phone call, the user simply inserts the "Remote Support" disk and re-starts the system. An NEC Customer Support technician can then dial into the user's system, view the user's screen, take control of the system and solve the problem directly.

Ballard Computer, Fly's, and Nobody Beats The Wiz Join Ranks of Ready Multimedia Mass Merchants

In a related announcement, NEC also announced it has signed agreements with three new major mass merchandisers who will carry the line of Ready Multimedia PCs. They are: Ballard Computer in the Pacific Northwest; Fry's in California; and, Nobody Beats The Wiz in the New York/New Jersey/Connecticut Tri-State Area.

"We are committed to offering small office and home office computer users state-of-the-art technology," said Ed Hart, senior vice president at Nobody Beats the Wiz. "NEC has done an excellent job of combining the latest innovations in high-end CD-ROM and graphics technology in an easy-to-use multimedia PC. Nobody Beats the Wiz is pleased to provide our customers with the Ready Multimedia PC at competitively low prices."

NEC PC Products: Designed and Manufactured in the USA

All NEC PC products, including the new Ready Multimedia PCs, are designed and developed at the company's extensive Boxborough, Massachusetts Research and Development facilities, and manufactured at a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in nearby Northborough.

Pricing and Distribution Information

The Ready Series of multimedia PCs are available immediately from mass merchandisers, which include BrandsMart, Lechmere, and J&R Computerworld, as well as NEC's extensive North American network of authorized resellers. Although actual prices may vary, NEC's Ready Multimedia PCs are expected to sell at the following prices:

Ready 425CD      $1,599

Ready 433CD3     $2,099

NEC Technologies, Inc.

Headquartered in Boxborough, Massachusetts, NEC Technologies, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of computers and peripherals for the North American market. Product lines include award-winning UltraLite Versa Notebook computers, MultiSync FG monitors, Silentwriter and Superscript printers, Image, PowerMate, Express/II, 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


ARC Available for Most UNIX Systems

DBA Targets Full Compatibility on All UNIX Platforms

October 17, 1993 -- Germantown, MD - Data Bank Associates, Inc. (DBA) announced that it has now released for distribution and sale the ARC program for the SCO XENIX/UNIX, SUN OS, SUN Solaris, IBM/AIX (RS6000), UNIVEL, NCR, AT&T, Interactive, Sequent, and most other Intel based UNIX systems. Along with the initial release for the HP UNIX, Data General AViiON, Motorola and other 88K UNIX systems, DBA is now able to offer the most widely known data compression software to more then 95% of the UNIX market.

ARC is a software product that creates a library of compressed files. Files or programs may be added, moved, deleted, updated, printed, or executed from the library. According to Ed Rosen, President of Data Bank Associates, "As the provider of the ARC software on UNIX, we have taken extraordinary efforts to ensure that an ARC library of compressed files can be moved and used, AS IS, to or from any system using UNIX, AOSNS, DOS, or OS/2 operating systems". In addition, DBA takes considerable pride in its product support. In a market where there is little or no professional support for system utilities, DBA offers ARC with one year of product updates as part of the original purchase price.

Under UNIX, ARC provides some highly useful options such as a switch to force the filenames to lowercase upon decompression, an option to convert line endings to the target platform, and even an option to encrypt files. When these options are combined with the support, compatibility, speed, and a reasonable price, the result is an excellent product.

An ARC/UX license provides for an unlimited number of simultaneous users at a very reasonable price ($395 for major systems, $295 for 386 to Pentium based, $79 for Shareware Version). Initial licenses include one year of software updates and hot line support as well as an implementation of XYZmodem at no additional charge. DBA's ZARC DOS product is included and provides the ability to use UNIX filenames with ARC libraries. ARC/UX has been CERTIFIED by the 88open Consortium! Although ARC/UX is protected through a software keycode, it will run "off the shelf" in a single user mode until DBA's access code is installed. The ARC program was developed by DBA under license from System Enhancement Associates of Wayne, New Jersey. DBA continues to offer ARC for DOS, OS/2 and Data General AOSNS systems.

Data Bank Associates, Inc.

20010 Century Blvd, Suite 104, Germantown, Maryland 20874-1118

301-540-5562,  fax 301-540-8105


Compton Interactive Encyclopedia w/NEC Ready
Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia Ships with NEC Ready PCs

CARLSBAD, Calif -- October 19, 1993 -- NEC Technologies has chosen the best-selling CD-ROM encyclopedia to include at no extra charge with its new Ready Multimedia PCs. The new affordably priced Ready multimedia personal computers are aimed at home office PC users, with many features designed for productivity, and off-hours entertainment.

Bundled with the Ready Multimedia systems is Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia. which includes all nine million words of the 2-volume print encyclopedia accompanied by exciting video sequences, audio clips, atlas and more. CIE features a powerful search and retrieval engine, SmarTrieve which enables users to do their research using common English language questions.

Compton's NewMedia Executive Director of Business Development, Elliott Dahan, said," Forty percent of all CD-ROM based software presented on retail shelves is from Compton's and its affiliate labels. Compton's OEM program is a complement to this highly successful retail program. Compton's welcomes NEC to a limited list of OEM Partners who believe that product integrity is essential for delivering value to the end user."

Mr. Dahan added that it simply makes sense to market a competitively priced, fully integrated system. "Home users will be delighted to be free of the configuration challenges they often face when trying to put their own multimedia system together. The bundled Compton 's Interactive Encyclopedia will allow them to get immediate satisfaction out of their system." he said.

"The Ready Multimedia systems are 'plug and work ' as well as 'plug and play', making the selection of Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia a natural choice, " said Denny Lane, director of desktop marketing at NEC Technologies. Incorporating many features associated with higher end PCs, the Ready Multimedia systems integrate NEC dual or triple speed CD-ROM drives, fast local bus graphics capability, 16-bit stereo sound board, local bus technology, and remote diagnostics through the system's built-in modem.

"NEC has already earned an excellent reputation for its CD-ROM drives and Local Bus Video technology which will ensure the optimum performance of our encyclopedia," said Norman J. Bastin, executive vice president of Compton's NewMedia. "We are certain that the very same home office users who buy the Ready Multimedia systems will find plenty of useful facts in Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia and with a little coaxing might even share the CD-ROM and its wealth of information with the rest of their family."

Compton's NewMedia, a wholly owned subsidiary of Tribune, is a leading producer of interactive information, infotainment, edutainment, and entertainment software on CD-ROM and floppy media. Compton's has launched an aggressive marketing program for the mass consumer market, offering compelling floppy titles such as the award-winning Designasaurus II and the Berenstain Bears series, and such CD-ROM titles as Compton's Interactive Encyclopedia for the PC and Macintosh, The Human Calculator, The Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous Cookbook, Jazz: A Multimedia History, and The Sporting News series. Compton's own titles and those of its affiliates can be found at more than 4,800 retailers throughout the country.

Compton's NewMedia

2320 Camino Vide Roble, Carlsbad, CA 92009

619-929-2500


Knowledge Adventure OEM Agreement with NEC
Knowledge Adventure Announces OEM Agreement with NEC

NEC to Bundle Dinosaur Adventure and Space Adventure in NEC's Ready Multimedia Personal Computers

LA CRESCENTA, CA., October 12, 1993 -- Knowledge Adventure, Inc., the leading developer of multimedia educational software products, today announced that it has signed an OEM agreement with NEC. As part of the agreement, NEC will be including the CD-ROM versions of Dinosaur Adventure and Space Adventure with its new Ready Multimedia systems.

Dinosaur Adventure and Space Adventure were selected Best Elementary Education and Best Secondary Education Program, respectively, by the 1993 Software Publishers Association as part of its Excellence in Software Awards Program. In a recent survey conducted by Family Fun Magazine and Prodigy, 2,000 children selected Dinosaur Adventure and Space Adventure as their favorite programs in the "animal" and "science" categories, respectively. In its January 11, 1993 issue, Business Week rated Space Adventure as one of the Best Products of 1992.

Rod Turner, president and chief executive officer, Knowledge Adventure, Inc., said, "We are delighted to be working with NEC. Their efforts to deliver multimedia systems that simply 'plug and work' match our own efforts to provide inituitive and interesting educational software for the whole family to enjoy."

Knowledge Adventure, Inc., headquartered in La Crescenta, California, is the leading developer of multimedia educational software products.

Knowledge Adventure Inc

4502 Dyer St, La Crescenta, CA 91214

818-542-4200,  fax 818-542-4205


CompuServe WinCIM Pre-Installed on NEC Ready
COMPUSERVE INFORMATION MANAGER PRE-INSTALLED ON READY PERSONAL COMPUTERS FROM NEC

COLUMBUS, Ohio, October 19, 1993 -- Personal computers from NEC Technologies are the latest to come pre-installed with the CompuServe Information Manager for Windows (WinCIM), the graphical interface for the CompuServe Information Service. The new Ready 425es, Ready 433es, and Ready 466es systems are designed for the small office and home office market. Ready systems are set up to be usable immediately out of the box, as they come pre-installed with the Windows operating system, a modem, and several small business applications as well as WinCIM. CIM provides purchasers of these PCs with instant access to CompuServe, the leading worldwide online information service with more than 1,700 databases and services.

Using windows, pull-down menus and dialog boxes, WinCIM makes it easy to access and use the wide variety of information available on CompuServe. "NEC's Ready series will be very easy for home and small office users to begin working with, and by making WinCIM available pre-installed, we make access to CompuServe just as easy," said CompuServe Marketing Manager Michael Horwitz. CIM is also available for the Macintosh and MS-DOS environments.

A special membership offer also is included with each NEC Ready computer. New CompuServe members receive one free month of unlimited usage of CompuServe's 47 basic services (an $8.95 value), a $15 usage credit for any of the 1,700 extended services, and a free subscription to CompuServe Magazine, a monthly publication for members.

"NEC is pleased to offer CompuServe's online information services with the Ready Series of Multimedia PCs," said Brian Mullins, NEC's Ready marketing manager. "We believe both small office and home office multimedia PC users will benefit from the worldwide, timely information CompuServe provides. We look forward to continuing our productive relationship with CompuServe."

CIM is available pre-installed on the hard drives of many personal computers, including PC Brand, Inc., Swan Technologies, Advanced Logic Research, Inc., CompuAdd, Hyundai, AST, and NCR/ATT. In addition, CIM is included with the purchase of Gateway personal computers and modems.

CompuServe members pay $8.95 per month for unlimited connect-time access to 47 basic services. More than 1,700 extended services are available on a pay-as-you-go basis for $8/hour when accessing CompuServe with a 1200 or 2400 bits per second modem and $16/hour at 9.6 or 14.4 kilobits per second. For additional information, please call 800/848-8]99.

Established in 1979, the CompuServe Information Service provides its worldwide membership of more than 1.4 million with databases and services to meet both business and personal interests. CompuServe can be accessed by any modem-equipped personal computer utilizing CIM or any general communications software.

In addition to the CompuServe Information Service, CompuServe Incorporated provides frame relay, wide and local area networking services, business information services and software to major corporations and government agencies worldwide.

(CompuServe is an H&R Block company)

CompuServe -- Corporate Headquarters

5000 Arlington Centre Blvd., P.O. Box 20212

Columbus, Ohio 43220

Phone: 614/457-8600


BMDP/DIAMOND Statistical Software for OS/2
BMDP Statistical Software Introduces BMDP/DIAMOND In Licensing Agreement With IBM

Los Angeles, California - BMDP Statistical Software, Inc., a leader in the statistical software industry, has announced that they have signed a licensing agreement with IBM in which BMDP will market and support a highly interactive graphical visualization tool for exploring relationships in multivariate data. It was invented and developed by the Exploratory Visualization Group at the IBM Research Division's Thomas J. Watson Research Center in Yorktown Heights, New York.

BMDP will market the data exploration and visualization package as BMDP/DIAMOND, and will begin shipping OS/2 and UNIX versions in early Fall.

BMDP/DIAMOND transforms data and statistics into visually stunning and meaningful graphics. By viewing and manipulating their data through BMDP/DIAMOND's graphs and plots, users can rapidly gain insight into relationships among variables in any dataset. BMDP/DIAMOND provides many simultaneous data presentations, including a concise global view, various two-, three-, and four- dimensional plots, and sorted tables of univariate and bivariate statistics. Among its many plots are three-dimensional scatterplots, parallel coordinate plots, and parametric snake plots.

All data and graphics windows are dynamically linked. When the user manipulates information in one window, that information is instantaneously updated in all related windows. If a color specification of a variable is altered in one window, the color change is automatically reflected in other graphics and data windows. In addition, new presentations can be accessed at any time by combining properties of one or several existing presentations. Other dynamic data interactions include: transforming, sorting and subsetting, and defining new variables using a comprehensive library of over 200 mathematical functions. Color can be used to interactively delimit arbitrary slices of the data and to perform logical operations on the data subsets.

Working in a multi-windowing environment, BMDP/DIAMOND's highly interactive user interface provides for quick and easy analysis. All operations are based on simple mouse and keystroke functions. For example, online context-sensitive help for descriptions, explanation, and guidance can be accessed from every window via a mouse click.

Included in the BMDP/DIAMOND package is the utility ICE, a multi-dimensional visualization tool. ICE encodes up to 9 data parameters into glyphs and maps them on a Cartesian (x, y, z axes) cube that is subdivided into cells of smaller cubes. The mapping of data parameters to visual dimensions can be changed interactively, providing direct visual insight into the data.

Together, BMDP/DIAMOND and ICE are powerful tools for applications involving the interpretation and exploration of data. The package is ideal for engineering, point-of-sale retail, finance/economics, quality control, the insurance industry, medicine/pharmacology, or any field requiring the analysis of unstructured datasets.

On the company's new association with IBM Research, BMDP General Manager Jennifer Row commented, "This agreement plays to the strengths of both companies--the research and development talents of the IBM Research Labs and the statistical computing expertise and customer support organization of BMDP--with our customers being the winners."

Bernice E. Rogowitz, manager of the Exploratory Visualization Group said, "We are happy to be working with BMDP to bring DIAMOND's advanced capabilities to this market."

BMDP/DIAMOND Version 1.0 for UNIX and OS/2 is currently undergoing Beta testing; final production copies will be available from BMDP early this Fall. A version for Microsoft Windows is planned. For additional information, please contact: BMDP Statistical Software, 1440 Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 316, Los Angeles, CA 90025, (800) 238-2637, (310) 479-7799.

For additional information about research in exploratory data visualization at IBM Research, please contact Bernice E. Rogowitz, Ph.D., Exploratory Visualization Group, IBM T. J. Watson Research Center, P. O. Box 704, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598, (914) 784-7954


SuperMemo Breakthrough Speed-Learning Swr
SUPERMEMO: YOUR BREAKTHROUGH SPEED-LEARNING SOFTWARE

SuperMemo is a computer program which can be used to greatly increase the effectiveness of learning. It is based on breakthrough scientific research on memory and learning. It allows to reach the maximum possible speed of learning for a given level of knowledge retention. SuperMemo can adapt the learning strategy to individual capabilities of the learner and to the difficulty of the learned material. It is an unparalleled tool in assisting the learner in mastering vocabulary of foreign languages. It can also be used in learning sciences, medicine and many other.

SuperMemo will let you

* Learn with the speed that reaches the maximum capability of the brain to form new memories.

. Remember the once memorized knowledge with minimum time spent on repetitions.

. Master all kinds of knowledge representable as questions and answers in the text format.

* Quickly and effectively memorize vocabulary and grammar of foreign languages (e.g. 3000 words in a month with the daily working time of 30 minutes, or vocabulary of an educated native speaker in 2 years with less than 2 hours working time a day).

Basic characteristics of SuperMemo

* Easiness of use. 5 basic operations described in the Minimum User's Guide suffice to reach a new level in speed and quality of learning.

* Minimum requirements -- DOS version: IBM XT/AT, 512K memory; Windows version: IBM AT, 1MB memory, Windows 3.0, 1MB hard disk space.

* Programmable speed of learning. Possibility of choosing between skim-fast and in-depth approach.

* Possibility of developing custom-made databases on any imaginable topic.

* Access to tools for browsing, editing and expanding ready-made databases.

* Possibility of establishing the sequence in which items are to memorized (option Memorize) .

* Possibility of handling breaks in learning by optimum rescheduling of outstanding repetitions (option Mercy).

* Possibility of postponing repetitions of most intractable items (option Wipe).

* Access to a comprehensive collection OF options and parameters for statistical analysis of the learning process.

* All-inclusive, comprehensive reference manual and on-line help.

* Access to an evergrowing number of commercial and shareware databases collected in the SuperMemo World's Database Bank.

Principles of SuperMemo

SuperMemo allows to greatly reduce time needed to memorize and retain knowledge in the learner's memory. In a long-term perspective and for high levels of knowledge retention, the gain may be up to 50-fold! This incredible figure can be reached by applying a unique algorithm for spacing repetitions. SuperMemo computes the longest possible inter-repetition intervals that result in a selected level of knowledge retention; thus making the best use of the so-called spacing effect widely described in literature on psychology and neurophysiology. SuperMemo World is the exclusive owner of all intellectual property rights to the unique scheduling algorithm employed in computing the optimum spacing of repetitions.

Items included in a SuperMemo package

* SuperMemo software, tools and text files (DOS or Windows, 3.5" or 5.5" HD diskettes; as specified on the box).

* Commercial databases (as specified on the box). Advanced English database with 38,000 words and phrases included in the Windows package.

* Samples of the most popular databases from the Database Bank.

* Bilingual, 200-page User's Reference; including Minimum User's Guide (English-German or English-Polish, as specified on the box).

* License agreement, registration card, , database registration coupon, etc.

SuperMemo Database Bank

Databases developed by SuperMemo World (in English):

* Advanced English - 38,000 items. For advanced learners of English. The stress is put on practical applications of the language, esp in sciences and technology. Specialized terminology includes: medicine (2300 items), biology, zoology and botany (1500), technical terms and computer science (1400), idioms (1400), slang (1300), pronunciation (1200), business, law and economics (800), chemistry and biochemistry (800), mathematics and physics (600), sport (400), religion (300), military terminology (300), geography (200), music (200), etc. Moreover: items on grammar; proverbs, quotations, phrasal verbs, prepositions, usage, complete vocabulary lists for TOEFL and GRE, etc. Recommended learning time: 4 years, 40 minutes per day.

* Business English - 800 items. For learning basic terminology of business English. Recommended learning time: 20 days, 90 min per day.

* Human Biology - 7800 items. For advanced learners of medical aspects of human biology. The following fields are covered: biochemistry, physiology, neuroscience, pathophysiology, anatomy, immunology, cell biology and cytophysiology, medical microbiology, pharmacology, molecular genetics, and nutrition.

* Borland Pascal - 4000 items. Emphasis on practical aspects of Using Object Windows. Also included: basics of DOS, Windows, assembly language programming, Turbo Debugger, Windows' API, and elements of DOS and Windows IDE.

Popular databases developed by other authors (in English):

* First Certificate in English, Dutch, Swedish, Esperanto, Programming the 8086, Turbo Pascal, Technical English, Medical English, Capitals of the world, and many others.

Upgrades

Low-cost upgrade to a Windows version of SuperMemo with graphics and sound available yet in 1993.

SuperMemo World

PO Box 1

Poznan 48

Poland

telephone: (48) 61-203157

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

SUMMARY LIST OF DATABASES AVAILABLE

The databases are compatible with SuperMemo 6 or higher. Databases marked (*) are in preparation.

Database                       #items   Language   Ranking (0-10)

Dutch                            1800    English         6

Basic English                    3000    Polish          8

Basic English                    3000    German          7

Basic English (Audio)(*)          200    English         7

Advanced English                38000    English         7

Advanced English (Audio)(*)       100    English         6

English Vocabulary              42000    Polish          6

English Vocabulary (*)           6000    German          ?

Business English                 1000    English         6

Business English                 1000    Polish          5

Technical English                3400    English         6

Technical English (*)            5000    Polish          8

Medical English                  3500    English         6

English in Computer Science       200    Polish          7

First Certificate in English     1600    English         6

ESKK English                     3000    Polish          6

First Steps in English           4000    Polish          8

Dirty English                     300    Polish          4

English Idioms                    260    Polish          6

English in Automotive Industr     200    Polish          7

English Grammar                  3000    English         7

Esperanto                        2200    English         6

French                            550    Polish          6

Basic German                      300    Polish          6

German                           4800    Polish          6

German in Psychology              500    English         7

Italian (*)                      3000    Polish          7

Spanish                          3100    Polish          7

Business Spanish                 3600    Polish          7

Swedish                          1500    English         6

Polish Orthography               1500    Polish          9

Medical Biochem. and Physiol.    7800    English         7

(ditto) (Visual, SM7)(*)          200    English         8

Biology for Medical Academy      3000    Polish          7

(ditto) (Visual, SM7)(*)          500    Polish          8

Biochemistry (Visual, SM7)(*)     200    Polish          8

AIDS (*)                         2000    Polish          ?

Latin Names of Vascular Plants   5400    Polish          9

Latin Names of Polish Birds       280    Polish          7

Latin Names of Amphibians          41    Polish          7

Latin Names of Polish Mammals     100    Polish          7

English Names of Polish Mammals   100    Polish          7

English Names of Primates         160    Polish          7

Internal Medicine                4200    Polish          7

Assembler 8086                    600    English         6

Turbo Pascal 4.0                  800    English         6

Turbo Pascal for Windows         1700    English         6

Borland Pascal                   3000    English         6

Basic Maths (*)                  1000    Polish          7

Elements of algebra               200    English         5

Mechanics                         150    English         5

Polish History (*)                300    Polish          ?

Capitals of the world             240    English         9


Advanced UPS Provides Unique Capabilities
ADVANCED UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SYSTEM (UPS) PROVIDES UNIQUE CAPABILITIES

October 12, 193 -- For critical computer and data processing applications, an advanced UPS from Controlled Power Company utilizes fuzzy logic theory to provide regulated output voltage over a much wider input fluctuation range, down to 50% of nominal input voltage, before switching to battery power. This "fuzzy ranging" feature greatly extends battery life and increases backup time during full outage.

In addition, the new Controlled Power UPS:

* Incorporates full power protection, conditioning and power

  purification.

* Is expandable to meet growth needs.

* Input power factor correction/harmoic attenuation.

* Has no interruption in power when utility power fails.

* Uses a single conversion system for greater efficiency.

* Provides RS232 communication with SNMP capability.

* Utilizes advanced LAN/WAN network monitoring of all electrical

  parameters readable in realtime and is recorded for review and

  analysis.

All in a single, simple to install, easy to use unit.

Available in LT Series 700 VA to 2.1 KVA and MD Series 3.1 KVA to 7.5 KVA.

Contact Controlled Power Company, 1-800-521-4792, for product literature, demonstration computer disk, or representative contact and analysis of your needs.

The new, fuzzy ranging UPS from Controlled Power, which has a patent pending on the system, represents a significant advance in UPS technology. It extends switching to battery backup caused by brownouts from 15% voltage drops, which are frequent occurrences in many parts of the country, down to 50%, depending on load use at the time. This greatly extends battery life. As a result, battery use is reduced and, more importantly, battery operation time is extended, sometimes doubled, during times when it is really needed. In addition, unlike most other UPS units, these new models incorporate full power conditioning elements. These units also incorporate SNMP communications capability into the basic unit for 'LAN/WAN applications. At the present time, they are the most advanced UPS units available from any manufacturer.

Controlled Power Company

1955 Stephenson Highway, Troy, Michigan 48083

1-800-521-4792 or Fax 1-800-642-9625


Integrated Laser/Bar-Code Reader From Percon
OVER 250 COMPUTERS SUPPORTED WITH NEW INTEGRATED LASER FROM PERCON, INC.

October 5, 1993 -- EUGENE, OR--Using bar codes to enter data has proven to be vastly more accurate than human key-entry and Percon, Inc., has made it easier with the introduction of its Universal Laser. The Universal Laser is a Spectra Physics SP400 hand-held bar code laser with the Percon Series 20 Universal bar code decoder built into its handle.

"A host-specific cable connects the Universal Laser as a 'wedge' between the computer and keyboard," says Doug Wilson, Director, Sales and Marketing. "Over 250 computers and terminals are supported, including IBM PC/XT/AT, PS/2 computers and compatibles, DEC and Macintosh. The Universal Laser also supports an RS-232 serial interface. It also works as an HHLC model for use with portable data terminals."

Lightweight and compact, the Universal Laser withstands repeated five-foot drops to concrete. Non-contact scanning enables the user to easily read bar codes on flat, curved and irregular surfaces with an exceptionally accurate "first-try read rate" up to distances of 27 inches. The Universal Laser operates in normal office, retail and industrial environments.

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

As with the entire line of Percon Series 20 Universal decoders, the Universal Laser provides these features:

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

An auxiliary serial port accepts input from most RS-232C serial devices when the Universal Laser is used as a keyboard wedge.

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

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

Additionally the Universal Laser will auto-discriminate among 13 different bar code symbologies.

The Universal Laser's suggested retail price begins at $1,280.00 (US, quantity one; cables additional) and is scheduled for shipment beginning October 15, 1993. The Universal Laser is backed by a one-year warranty with an optional extended warranty available.

Founded in 1983, Percon engineers and manufacturers keyless data entry and identification equipment. Based in Eugene, Oregon, Percon sells bar code hardware and software worldwide through distributors, resellers, systems integrators and value added resellers (VARs). The company offers its distribution channel excellent customer service including a personal account executive, next-day shipping, toll-free telephone support and rapid turnaround repair service.

Percon manufactures fixed-station, hand-held and portable bar code readers including the Series 10 and Series 20 bar code and magnetic stripe decoders; PocketReader and PT 2000, portable bar code readers which use Percon Program Generator (PPG) software to create Windows-based application programs. Percon also distributes a complete line of input devices including wands, CCDs, hand-held and hands-free laser scanners, magnetic stripe readers, and ID Badge scanners; WRITEBAR, bar code printing software for dot matrix and laser printers; and other bar code accessories.

For more information contact Percon, Inc., 1720 Willow Creek Circle, Suite 530, Eugene, OR 97402-9171. Phone (800) 929-7899 or (503) 344-1189. Fax (503) 344-1399.


High Performance E-Size 800 dpi Scanners
High Performance, Cost-Effective Imaging Solution

October 15, 1993 -- Vidar Systems Corporation announces the introduction of TruScan 800, an E-size, 800 dpi scanning system. The TruScan 800 demonstrates Vidar's technological leadership in the scanning industry. It is the most cost-effective way to bring top-of-the-line scanning to professional workstations.

The TruScan 800 system includes both an E-size large document scanner and "state-of-the-art" scanner control software for easy integration into various systems, including Sun Workstations and PC's running Windows. The scanner is equipped with Adaptive Area Thresholding, Vidar's proprietary technology that extracts a high quality black-and-white image from originals with poor contrast or uneven background. With a scan speed of 1 inch per second at 200 dpi resolution, TruScan 800 is nearly twice as fast as competitive scanners in its price range. The TruScan 800 has a new high performance drive mechanism that is not only easy to use but is designed for accuracy and reliability. The suggested list price of the TruScan 800 system is $14,500.

TruScan 800 is the latest scanner designed and engineered in the U.S.A. by Vidar Systems Corporation, manufacturer of over 50% of all large document scanners sold worldwide for use in architectural and engineering applications.

Vidar Systems Corp

520 Herndon Parkway, Herndon, VA 22070

703-471-7070,  fax 703-471-1165


COPYRIGHT CHANGES RECOMMENDED BY SPA

Current Law Hinders Fight Against Software Piracy

October 19,1993 (Washington, DC) - The Software Publishers Association (SPA) told a Senate subcommittee today that the copyright law should be changed to remove registration requirements that can impede the pursuit of so-called "software pirates," those who copy computer programs illegally.

"Current copyright law impedes the efforts of SPA and software developers to prosecute software piracy wherever it occurs," Enid Greene Waldholtz, an attorney with SPA member Novell, Inc., told the Senate Subcommittee on Patents, Copyrights, and Trademarks. "The present law denies the owners of unregistered copyrights equal access to the courts and equal access to meaningful remedies for copyright infringement,'' she said.

Copying computer programs without permission from the copyright owner constitutes copyright infringement, punishable by civil and criminal penalties. "Software piracy is illegal, deprives software publishers from just payment for their products, and undermines the industry's contribution to the US economy," according to SPA Executive Director Ken Wasch.

Nonetheless, software piracy is widespread. Studies suggest that every legal copy of software in circulation has at least one "pirate," or illegally copied, twin. During 1990 and 1991, SPA estimated that piracy cost software developers over $3 billion in lost revenues in the US alone.

SPA testified before the Senate in support of the Copyright Reform Act of 1993. The measure, which was introduced by Sen. Dennis DeConcini (D-NM), would permit copyright owners to sue copyright infringers and, if successful, recover statutory damages and attorneys' fees for unregistered copyrights.

Current law requires that copyrights owned by US citizens but not all foreign citizens must be registered with the US Copyright Office before a lawsuit is brought. This imposes an undue burden on domestic publishers, giving foreign competition an unfair advantage.

The law also precludes prevailing copyright owners from recovering their attorneys' fees and court-awarded statutory damages from the infringer unless, in most circumstances, the copyright was registered before infringement occurred. Many owners of unregistered copyrights are surprised to discover they are limited to recovering actual damages and a measure of the infringer's profits, which can be quite small and difficult to prove. According to Waldholtz, "When legal fees can exceed the actual damages that could be recovered and attorneys' fees cannot be recovered at all, software copyright owners often decide that enforcing their rights is simply not worth the price." The cost is especially high for small software companies, who can least afford the losses from infringement, but also cannot afford to devote the necessary time and staff to register conscientiously.

Waldholtz emphasized the compelling business and legal reasons why many software publishers do not register their copyrights: "Software and manuals are created and updated so frequently that registration may be overlooked for new releases, or there may be confusion about the need to register," she said. For many, the demands of the marketplace are a more pressing concern. "The priority for software producers is creating leading-edge software and putting it into the distribution channel, not complying with Copyright Office formalities."

SPA has been a leader in protecting copyrights in computer software. As part of its well-known and highly successful anti-piracy program, SPA has pursued over 600 lawsuits and audits against organizations that unlawfully use or distribute software for personal computers. SPA also supported a law enacted last year that, under some circumstances, make it a felony to copy software illegally. Waldholtz is an experienced copyright litigator and is in charge of Novell's anti-piracy program, pursuing as many as 30 enforcement action at any given time.

SPA is the principal trade association of the personal computer software industry, with a membership of over 1000 companies. SPA members range from well known companies, such as Novell, Adobe, Apple, Computer Associates, IBM, and Symantec, to hundreds of smaller companies, all of which develop and market business, consumer, and education software. SPA members sold more than $30 billion of packaged software in 1992, accounting for more than half of total worldwide sales.

Software Publishers Association

1730 M St, Northwest, Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20036

202-452-1600,  Fax: 202-223-8756


Intuit Shipping DOS Version of QuickBooks
INTUIT NOW SHIPPING DOS VERSION OF BEST-SELLING BOOKKEEPING SOFTWARE

--QuickBooks for DOS drove unprecedented growth

in accounting category in 1992--

MENLO PARK, Calif.--Oct. 18, 1993--Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ: INTU) today announced that QuickBooks Version 2.0 for DOS, its new version of the leading software for small business bookkeeping, is now shipping. QuickBooks 2.0 for DOS brings exceptional speed to bookkeeping tasks, speeds data entry, and provides new, extensive business-management tools such as automatic tracking and billing of reimbursable expenses, comparative reports for analyzing results across multiple time periods, and more preset reports.

Intuit introduced QuickBooks in April 1992. The product currently maintains a 63-percent share of the accounting market. Representing a breakthrough in ease-of-use, QuickBooks for DOS drove unprecedented growth in the accounting category in 1992. According to data from the Software Publishers Association, the accounting category grew by more than 50 percent in 1992 and QuickBooks provided about 80 percent of that growth.

"With QuickBooks we've awakened a sleepy software category," said Intuit President Scott Cook. "How? QuickBooks was the first software package to bring complete and powerful bookkeeping to the millions of small businesses that have no knowledge of accounting. Our research shows that two-thirds of small businesses do not understand debit/credit accounting. QuickBooks has satisfied a huge untapped market need. Our new QuickBooks Version 2.0 for DOS broadens the market further and offers small-business people dramatic new benefits," Cook said.

Faster, Easier Data Entry

The new version of QuickBooks saves users time and provides significantly faster, easier data entry. Reimbursable expense tracking lets users automatically bill customers for expenses incurred on their behalf. With this innovative feature, users can invoice expenses to customers without entering information twice, saving data entry time and eliminating mistakes and forgotten reimbursable expenses. QuickFill eliminates repetitive data entry by automatically filling in information from users' business lists (such as customer and vendor lists), and by recalling previous transactions. With as little as two keystrokes, users can enter an entire check or complete the top portion of an invoice. Automatic sales tax calculation easily computes sales tax for taxable items on an invoice.

More Business Insight

Businesses can make more informed business decisions with new reporting features in QuickBooks. QuickZoom for reports lets users zero in and see the information behind the numbers on reports. For example, if users see an amount on a report they wish to better understand, they can double click on the amount and "zoom in" to see a detailed list of the transactions that comprise that amount. Users can then select any transaction from the list and "zoom in" again to see even more detail for that transaction (e.g., an original check or invoice).

New comparative reports in QuickBooks let users easily analyze changes from one period to the next, including this year-to-date period vs. the corresponding period last year, actual vs. budget, and more. Profit-and-loss statements now provide the option for a "percent-of-income" column, to show a more complete view of expenses and how they compare to income. And with more than 20 preset reports, users can access information about any part of their business in seconds. For example, users can instantly produce a cash-flow forecast report, which automatically projects how much cash they will have on hand week by week.

High Marks

Beta testers gave the new version high marks. "QuickBooks is dramatically faster, easier and simpler to use," said Robert B. Jones, of Educational Marketing. "The new reimbursable expense feature keeps our billing simple and clear. And reports are even easier to get and more useful than before."

Pricing and Availability

QuickBooks Version 2.0 for DOS will be available Oct. 21 for a suggested retail price of $159.95. QuickBooks upgraders and Quicken users will be offered rebates of $45 and $25, respectively. A QuickBooks/QuickPay payroll software bundle will also be available for the DOS platform for $199.95 (SRP) each.

Requirements and Compatibility

QuickBooks for DOS requires 640K of RAM, a hard disk with 3.5MB free, and DOS 3.0 or higher.

Users of Quicken and users of QuickBooks Version 1.0 for DOS can import their files directly into the new DOS version of QuickBooks during start-up.

Intuit develops and markets products and services that enable households and small businesses to automate commonly performed financial tasks. Quicken, the company's original product, allows users to automate their personal finances. In April 1992, the company introduced QuickBooks, its first small business accounting product. In June 1993, Intuit announced Pocket Quicken for Zoomer. To complement Quicken, QuickBooks and its other software products, Intuit offers a broad range of supplies, including checks, invoices and forms. In addition, the company has a number of service offerings, such as the Quicken VISA card with IntelliCharge, that work with its software products to further automate financial tasks.

Intuit

PO Box 3014, Menlo Park, CA 94026-3014


New CD-ROM Tax Form Service From Prentice Hall
NEW CD-ROM TAX FORM SERVICE INTRODUCED BY PRENTICE PROFESSIONAL SOFTWARE

FormSource Drives Company Into CD-ROM Market, Producing Nearly 3,500 Federal and State Tax Forms

ATLANTA, October 15 -- Prentice Hall Professional Software today introduced the company's first CD-ROM product, FormSource, an on-screen tax form service that produces practically any form an accountant could conceivably need. Included are federal and state tax forms for all 50 states (plus Puerto Rico), along with line-by-line links to the instructions.

"FormSource adds a professional appearance to any tax form, and it makes handwriting, typing, or even photocopying these forms obsolete," said Eileen Lichtenfeld, CPA, tax products manager. "In just seconds, users can print a clear original every time." By simply touching a button, FormSource can produce any of over 15,000 pages of tax forms and instructions.

Whether entering data, printing a blank or completed form, or just reading the instructions, FormSource offers accountants the opportunity to save hours of time searching for forms and provides a superior presentation of their work.

Key On-Screen With FormFill Capability

FormSource's custom-designed forms in WYSIWYG format simplifies the viewing of any form. The powerful FormFill feature allows users to key directly into the form on-screen. They can then laser print the completed form to get a professional look for even the most obscure form. FormSource also includes the unique capability to select multiple forms at one time and then print them in batch mode.

The system is a perfect complement to the forms produced by any tax preparation software, such as The Prentice Hall Tax Advantage System. Additionally, since FormSource is a DOS-based system, it operates under or without Microsoft Windows.

System Overview

Tax professionals can use FormSource to:

* Enhance the professional appearance of their work with

  laser-printed originals every time.

* Quickly access over 15,000 pages of forms and instructions.

* Enter data with optional FormFill mode to laser print even

  the most unusual form in seconds.

* Create a client file for duplicate information and save for

  future use.

* Get federal and every state form with linked instructions for:

  Individual, S-Corporation, Corporate, Partnership, Fiduciary,

  Gift and estate, Payroll and information, Sales tax, Tax exempt

  and benefit plans, and Multipurpose returns.

Pricing and System Requirements

FormSource is available for $495, which includes both federal and state forms. To take advantage of the latest technology built into FormSource, users will need an IBM or 100% compatible 80386 or 80486-based PC, DOS 5.0 or later, 2MB of RAM (extended), a hard disk with 2MB of available space, a CD-ROM drive that reads ISO 9660 or High Sierra formats, a VGA or SVGA monitor, and a Hewlett Packard LaserJet Series II, Series m or LaserJet 4 printer.

Prentice Hall Professional Software is an industry leader in professional accounting, tax, and real estate management software, serving more than 10,000 customers. The company is a member of the Software and Information Services Division of Paramount Publishing's Business, Technical and Professional Group. Paramount Publishing, the publishing operation of Paramount Communications Inc., is engaged in educational, professional and consumer publishing worldwide. Prentice Hall Professional Software can be contacted at P.O. Box 723597, 2400 Lake Park Drive, Atlanta, GA 31139 or by telephone at (800) 241-3306, or in Atlanta at (404) 432-1996


XSoft to Offer InContext Publishing Swr
XSoft Division of Xerox To Offer InContext, Windows-Based Publishing Software

Worldwide OEM agreement brings benefits of SGML publishing to non-technical users

PALO ALTO, Calif., October 20, 1993 -- XSoft, a division of Xerox Corporation, and InContext Corporation, a Toronto-based pioneer in the open information systems industry, today announced a worldwide OEM agreement for software based on the Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) publishing industry standard. Under the terms of the agreement. XSoft will integrate InContext's SGML-based structured document authoring program for Microsoft Windows-based personal computers into the XSoft line of publishing solutions. XSoft will deliver the product, under the name XSoft InContext, to meet the growing demand among nontechnical users for more advanced document publishing and

management solutions.

XSoft InContext enables the creation, editing, and manipulation of documents in a structured format, offering full support for SGML. It delivers the benefits of SGML structured document management transparently, without the difficulty, complexity or expense of traditional, high-end SGML publishing systems. Users do not need to know SGML in order to use XSoft InContext, which is accessed through the familiar Windows user interface and can be used as either a stand-alone product or part of an enterprise-wide publishing system.

XSoft president Dennis Andrews stated, "While SGML has clearly improved bottom-line results for many technical publishers, its complexity has limited these benefits to only highly trained and sophisticated users. At the same time, non-technical publishers in corporate environments are looking to such systems for improved productivity and additional capabilities for electronic delivery. InContext was designed specifically for these users and can quickly bring the benefits of SGML to their Windows desktops. This agreement represents an important step for XSoft in continuing to provide users with simple access to increasingly powerful software."

Robert Arn, president of InContext added, "We share with XSoft the common vision of an emerging mass market for structured document publishing. Both companies are focused on providing solutions that enable the universal exchange of information regardless of differences in computer hardware and software. Initiatives by the U.S. government, its suppliers, and many Fortune 500 organizations embrace such an interchange standard in SGML. They represent a potentially enormous market niche and a multi-billion dollar industry. InContext's alliance with Xerox, with its more than 100,000 employees worldwide, will allow us to reach and lead that market."

XSoft Publishing and Workflow Solutions

XSoft will offer InContext with its other SGML publishing software products, including the CAPS (Computer Automated Publishing System) SGML-based document composition product that XSoft recently acquired from Agfa. To provide extended workflow capabilities for publishers, XSoft will also integrate InContext with its InConcert workflow management software that models and coordinates the components of a work process.

XSoft InContext Advantages

* Ease of use--no knowledge of SGML required. InContext offers the standard Microsoft Windows interface, already familiar to millions of corporate business users. In contrast, traditional SGML technical publishing systems can be complex to learn and use. Because SGML is transparent in InContext, anyone who can use a Windows word processor can use InContext and get the full advantages of SGML structured document publishing.

* Full support of the Windows environment. Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) and Multi-Document Interface (MDI) facilities are fully available. Users can integrate InContext into their existing organizations, retaining the benefits of familiar applications while gaining the power of SGML. Unlike most other SGML authoring products, InContext offers in-line display of graphics, the familiar way of working for Windows users.

* Innovative use of Excel as a table editor. Tables can be created faster and errors eliminated by using Excel to work with live data, as opposed to the proprietary approach taken by other SGML authoring packages. With Excel, InContext offers much greater table flexibility and can save hours of work.

* Ability to display multiple document windows. Users can see several views of a single document, or different documents in different types, and cut and paste between them.

* Worldwide language capabilities. Incorporating 16-bit Unicode at the software foundation level, InContext can edit any displayable character from the 256,000 Unicode character set. This is a significant improvement over other packages based on 8-bit character codes, which can only edit 256 characters.

* Information reliability. Before InContext, the only alternative for corporate and low-end users who wanted the benefits of SGML was to create files in common wordprocessing packages and later convert them to SGML. InContext offers higher reliability for these users by allowing them to work directly in SGML structured documents, eliminating data errors from conversion.

Targeted Markets

XSoft directs its publishing marketing efforts to the industries and vertical markets that are adopting SGML as a corporate direction, including aerospace, automotive, defense, pharmaceuticals, financial, telecommunications, computer systems, and government agencies.

Price and Availability

XSoft will begin shipping XSoft InContext in November, 1993, at a single unit list price of 5995. Volume discounts are available.

SGML

The Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) is a powerful international standard for information processing. SGML provides a means for identifying or "tagging" the information elements of documents with great flexibility so that the structure of the information in the document and the relationships of its parts may be described with the clarity required to allow automated assembly, disassembly, modification and reassembly of the information elements. SGML also helps to automate the process of generating outlines and hypertext links and gives the capability to perform precise searches which yield more specific information. SGML-encoded documents can be used to automate information flows and processes throughout information intensive industries with benefits similar to how CAD/CAM has affected manufacturing enterprises.

InContext Corporation

InContext Corporation, founded in 1991, is focused exclusively on new software markets arising out of the third wave of standardization of computer systems, the stage of data standardization that has followed standardization of hardware and interface software. The company's mission is to be the leading supplier of easy-to-use desktop SGML products and technology for the non-technical user as this third wave of information standardization creates a new mass market. Its product line is based on networked PCs running Windows 3.1. It offers powerful information create and management capabilities with totally user-transparent maintenance of structured document standards such as SGML and easy interfaces to common PC desktop applications such as word processors and spreadsheets as well as UNIX publishing systems. A public company, InContext Systems Inc. is traded on the Vancouver Stock Exchange under the symbol INI.

XSoft

Headquartered on a campus with PARC, the renowned Xerox research center in Palo Alto, Calif., XSoft was formed by Xerox Corporation in July 1991 to provide software that improves the way people use documents to create, capture, manage and communicate ideas and information.

XSoft develops and markets a broad range of products for document management, office productivity, structured-document publishing, workflow management, international document translation and content-based search and retrieval. In addition, XSoft enables workgroup collaboration through a series of shared document services products. The company also offers extensive product support, training and consulting services. XSoft's products and services are available on multiple operating systems, networks, and computer platforms. They are sold through a worldwide network of direct sales and reseller partners.

Uniquely positioned to utilize Xerox' document systems expertise and worldwide research and development efforts, XSoft. is dedicated tc turning advanced technology into leading-edge products and providing an Open Document Environment for all computer users.

XSoft, 3400 Hillview Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94304

415-424-0111,  fax 415-813-7162


XSoft Acquires Agfa CAPS Products
XSoft Completes Acquisition of Agfa CAPS Products

Palo Alto, Calif., October 20, 1993 -- XSoft, a division of Xerox Corporation, today announced that it has completed its acquisition of the Computer Automated Publishing System (CAPS) software products from Agfa, a division of Miles, Inc. XSoft will incorporate the CAPS products with its other publishing, document management, and workflow offerings to provide highly integrated solutions for electronic distribution and structured publishing applications. The two companies previously announced the signing of a letter of intent for the acquisition in August, 1993.

The CAPS product line is made up of a document composition system, called CAPS, and a document database management system currently under development. Both offer compliance with the Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) publishing industry standard. The CAPS document composition product features SGML editing, automated pagination, distributed network publishing, and SGML translators. It also interfaces with a wide range of personal computer and workstation platforms and operating systems, so that users can capitalize on their current investments.

The shared document database management system will extend the functionality of CAPS by managing document storage, organizing document content and coordinating the editing, maintenance, and production process. It will incorporate new technology that allows technical publishers to manage individual document components in addition to entire documents. This will enable the re-use of information, eliminating unnecessary document recreation and reducing production time and costs.

XSoft also announced today a worldwide OEM agreement with InContext Corporation of Toronto. Under the terms of the agreement, XSoft will integrate InContext's SGML-based structured document authoring program for Microsoft Windows-based personal computers into the XSoft line of publishing solutions. XSoft will deliver the product, under the name XSoft InContext, to meet the growing demand among non-technical users for more advanced document publishing and management solutions. XSoft will offer integrated SGML publishing solutions based on the CAPS and InContext products. These will replace the company's previous DocuBuild offering.

Agfa

Agfa is the imaging division of Miles Inc. Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, N.J., Agfa Graphic Systems manufactures and markets electronic and photographic prepress systems, type and font products, phototypesetting materials and presentation graphics systems for the graphic arts and publishing industry. Agfa also manufactures products and systems for the medical and technical diagnostic and amateur and professional photographic markets. Miles Inc. is a Fortune 100, research-based company with businesses in chemicals, health care and imaging technologies. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Miles employs some 23,000 people in its operations throughout North America. In 1992, the company's sales were about $6.5 billion.

XSoft

Headquartered on a campus with PARC, the renowned Xerox research center in Palo Alto, Calif., XSoft was formed by Xerox Corporation in July, 1991 to provide software that improves the way people use documents to create, capture, manage and communicate ideas and information.

XSoft develops and markets a broad range of products for document management, office productivity, structured-document publishing, workflow management, international document translation and content-based search and retrieval. In addition, XSoft enables workgroup collaboration through a series of shared document services products. The company also offers extensive product support, training and consulting services. XSoft's products and services are available on multiple operating systems, networks, and computer platforms. They are sold through a worldwide network of direct sales and reseller partners.

Uniquely positioned to utilize Xerox' document systems expertise and worldwide research and development efforts, XSoft is dedicated to turning advanced technology into leading-edge products and providing an Open Document Environment for all computer users.

XSoft, 3400 Hillview Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94304

415-424-0111,  fax 415-813-7162


Sigma Designs Expands Reelmagic Product Line
Sigma Designs Expands Its Highly-Acclaimed ReelMagic Product Line with the Introduction of a CD-ROM Upgrade Kit

Included in the Upgrade Kit are MPEG Versions of Four Best-Selling Entertainment and Educational Titles from Activision and Aris

Fremont, Calif., October 13, 1993 -- Sigma Designs, Inc. (NASDAQ--SIGM), a leading manufacturer of PC and Macintosh displays and multimedia products, today announced the ReelMagic CD-ROM Upgrade Kit. ReelMagic, a product that allows ordinary PC systems to playback full-screen, full-motion, full-color video and CD-quality digital stereo sound, was announced last month. Rounding out Sigma Designs' product line for this breakthrough technology, the upgrade kit provides a complete package including a double-speed, MPC Level 2 CD-ROM drive, a pair of deluxe speakers, an array of premiere entertainment and educational tides, and the ReelMagic controller. Expected to ship by mid-November, the upgrade kit carries a list price of just $849 and allows the user to immediately realize the full potential of theater-quality video and sound on the PC.

"We've just completed a multi-city road show where we've demonstrated ReelMagic to customers, analysts and the press," said Frank Leonardi, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Sigma Designs. "The interest level was and continues to be phenomenal for this breakthrough technology. Now, with a complete family of products, including the stand-alone board and the CD-ROM upgrade kit, as well as the support of major software developers, we are gearing up to ship. In the months ahead we expect ReelMagic compatibility to be an integral part of the next generation of games, education, training, information systems, multimedia, and business applications."

Bundled Excitement

Specially designed MPEG tides from Activision and Aris Entertainment are included on CD-ROM with the ReelMagic Upgrade Kit:

Activision's Return to Zork

Activision's Return to Zork, the latest game tide in the classic Zork series of adventure games, is planned to ship with the ReelMagic Upgrade Kit. An epic adventure underground, this next generation title is an interactive triumph of danger, intrigue, and low cunning and provides spectacular sound and video effects that go far beyond an ordinary computer game.

Aris Entertainment's Video Cube. Worldview and MPC Wizard

Three of Aris Entertainment's best-selling titles, now ReelMagic-compatible, are bundled with the Upgrade Kit. Video Cube, a radically new CD-ROM game that pits users against the Video Cube as they unscramble images to solve the puzzle, comes with the product. For optimizing a Windows multimedia system, Aris' MPC Wizard is included. An extraordinary software program, MPC Wizard corrects any incompatibilities with an MPC computer while its Best of MediaClips contains a collection of over 120 images and sounds. Finally, for educational and training purposes, Aris' Worldview provides hundreds of images, sounds and motion video for explorers of all ages.

The ReelMagic Standard

ReelMagic is the first low-cost, MPEG (Motion Pictures Experts Group) playback controller for 386/25 SX or DX personal computers. Based on the MPEG compression standard, ReelMagic is compatible with the next generation of MPEG software tides, resulting in dramatically enhanced full-motion video with orchestrated 16-bit sound. Twelve next-generation tides are slated to be available by late October with many more by year end. Additionally, the VideoCD standard, backed by a multiplatform consortium which includes C-Cube, Philips, JVC, Goldstar, Commodore, and Samsung, is supported by ReelMagic. This means feature films and TV shows in the VideoCD format will play on ReelMagic equipped PCs. Major movie studios have already committed to releasing blockbuster films in this format for the 1993 holiday season.

The ReelMagic controller displays 32,768 colors at resolutions of up to 1024 x 768 at 30 frames per second (fps) -- the same playback speed used with today's home TV, but with better image resolution. The board attaches to the VGA feature connector found on almost all VGA and SuperVGA display controllers, so it can display all 32,768 colors on even a basic 16-color VGA card. ReelMagic also uses MPEG audio decompression to provide 16-bit stereo, CD-quality sound simultaneously with video. All popular DOS games and applications that are compatible with either the SoundBlaster or AdLib standard will run on ReelMagic.

Pricing, Warranty and Availability

The ReelMagic ISA stand-alone controller bundled with Activision's Return to Zork carries a suggested list price of $449. while the ReelMagic CD-ROM Upgrade Kit has a list price of $849 including the ReelMagic controller, an MPC Level 2 CD-ROM drive, a pair of deluxe speakers, four premiere entertainment and educational tides, a demo CD-ROM, an installation disk, Windows and DOS drivers, and documentation. An extended five-year warranty comes standard with the controllers and the CD-ROM drive is covered under a one-year manufacturer's warranty. The ReelMagic controller will begin shipping at the end of October 1993 and the ReelMagic CD ROM Upgrade Kit will ship in November 1993.

Sigma Designs, headquartered in Fremont, CA, is a leading manufacturer of high-resolution color, grayscale and monochrome display systems, as well as multimedia and video display controllers. Products are available for both PC and Macintosh compatible computers and are designed for end-user productivity and comfort. All Sigma products are sold worldwide through a network of dealers and distributors. For sales and developer information, call 800-845-8086 or 510-770-0100, or fax 510-770-2640.

Sigma Designs

47900 Bayside Parkway, Fremont, CA 94538


US Robotics Sells Comm Research Group Swr
U.S. ROBOTICS SELLS ITS COMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH GROUP SOFTWARE SUBSIDIARY

SKOKIE, Illinois -- October 11, 1993 -- U.S. Robotics, Inc. (NASDAQ:USRX) today announced the sale of its subsidiary, Communications Research Group (CRG), the entity responsible for sales, marketing, technical support and manufacturing of the BLAST communications software product line. The buyer was Blast, Inc., a North Carolina corporation. U.S. Robotics has retained an equity interest in the new entity, and will work closely with Blast, Inc. to ensure the needs of new and existing BLAST customers are met. Specific terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

"As we evaluated our core business, we recognized that CRG was not a strategic fit going forward," said Ross Manire, U. S. Robotics Senior Vice President, Operations and CFO. "Selling the subsidiary to Blast, Inc., allows for more focus on what is a very support-intensive communications software line. Blast, Inc. will provide the existing and future customer base with the technical service that a product of BLAST's complexity demands. "

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, Illinois. U.S. Robotics owns and operates U.S. Robotics Ltd. in Slough, England, U.S. Robotics, s.a., in Lille, France and P.N.B., s.a. based in Suresnes, 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


VCR Plus+ With CallSet Telephone Control
NEW VCR PLUS+ PRODUCT REVOLUTIONIZES TV TAPING WITH A TELEPHONE CALL

The VCR Plus+ With CallSet Uses Telephone For Initial Setup, Making The World's Easiest Taping System Even Easier

PASADENA, Calif., October 18, 1993 -- Gemstar Development Corporation, inventor of the VCR Plus+ Instant Programm', which revolutionized the way TV programs are taped worldwide, has introduced the next milestone in VCR taping, the VCR Plus+ with CallSet'. The VCR Plus+ with CallSet allows consumers to accomplish the initial, onetime product setup in a few seconds over the telephone -- a first for the video industry. The frazzled nerves associated with setting up new electronic devices are now officially an experience of the past with the VCR Plus+ with CallSet -- a product that is truly user-friendly in every sense of the word.

The initial setup of the VCR Plus+ with CallSet is accomplished with one free telephone call. Instead of using an instruction manual for setting up the product, consumers simply dial a toll-free Gemstar phone number and identify their zip code, cable system, VCR brand/model and cable box. A special tone is then transmitted over the telephone to the VCR Plus+ unit, setting it for the correct VCR model, cable box model, the entire cable channel line-up and even the correct date and time -- all within seconds. The product is then ready to use instantly. Consumers subsequently punch in the PlusCode numbers from newspapers and TV Guide to program favorite shows for taping.

The VCR Plus+ with CallSet, styled in a new streamlined and compact case, is being offered for a suggested retail price of $59.95.

"The fastest and easiest way to tape TV shows just got even faster and easier with the introduction of the VCR Plus+ with CallSet," said Dr. Henry Yuen, Gemstar Development Corporation chief executive officer. "The VCR Plus+ with CallSet reflects Gemstar's continued focus on developing products that simplify life for the consumer."

New features of the VCR Plus+ with CallSet include the "now" button. Using this button, consumers can record programs already in-progress in one simple motion for fast and easy taping.

Like the original VCR Plus+ Instant Programmer, the VCR Plus+ with CallSet offers the convenience of Cable Box Control. Cable Box Control allows consumers to tape several programs broadcast on different channels without having to manually change channels on the cable box. As a result, cable box owners no longer have to remain at home to change cable box channels when they are taping.

The VCR Plus+ with CallSet also includes other useful features first introduced in the original VCR Plus+ Instant Programmer. These include: three recording options -once, weekly or daily; display indicators for the amount of tape required to record for the next 24 hours; and memory storage for future taping of up to 14 programs.

VCR Plus+ products record television programs with PlusCode numbers published and broadcast by media with a worldwide audience of 180 million consumers. In the U.S., more than 600 newspapers and all editions of TV Guide publish the PlusCode numbers next to individual TV programs in TV listings.

Gemstar Development Corporation pioneered instant, error-free taping technology and has set the standard for VCR recording worldwide. The VCR Plus+ system has now been adopted by all of the world's major VCR manufacturers.

The Gemstar group of companies is privately held and was formed to develop and market technological products which simplify life for the consumer. The U.S. company, Gemstar Development Corporation, is headquartered at 135 North Los Robles Avenue, Suite 870, Pasadena, Calif., 91101.


SilverPlatter Adds 11 New Database on CDROM
SilverPlatter Adds 11 New Databases

October 18, 1993 -- SilverPlatter Information has announced the addition of 11 new products to its portfolio of information databases on CD-ROM. The new databases cover such areas as Computer Technology, Business Information, Pharmacology, and Medicine.

Chris Pooley, SilverPlatter's Senior Vice President, Strategic Alliances, commented, "The addition of these databases represents an expansion of choice for information available on CD-ROM, complements SilverPlatter's existing range of information databases and furthers our commitment to provide the right information with the right software tools for the information community".

The new databases are:

Earth Sciences Disc

Produced in conjunction with the United States Geological Survey, Earth Sciences Disc covers all areas of earth science with three information sources, The Earth Sciences Data Directory, Geoindex and the bibliographic reference collection of the US Geological Survey (Available Now)

Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) on SilverPlatter

EIS on SilverPlatter is a database of all environmental impact statements issued by the U.S. Federal Government. Produced in conjunction with Cambridge Scientific Abstracts, EIS extracts the key issues from complex Government statements, converting massive documents into concise and readable abstracts. (Available: January 1994)

Findex

Findex on SilverPlatter includes over 500 publicly available market research reports, studies and surveys on 55 major industries. From Cambridge Scientific Abstracts, Findex covers consumer and product studies, surveys and polls, company and industry reports from investment firms, major multi-client studies, industry directories, newsletters, and databases relating to specific industries or products. (Available: January 1994)

Gale Directory of Databases

The Gale Directory of Databases provides a complete guide to the worldwide electronic information industry. Produced in conjunction with Gale Research Inc. the database contains details on over 5,300 databases available through more than 800 online services worldwide, 2,900 CD-ROM, diskette and magnetic tape databases, over 5,000 organizations involved in the production of electronic information, and more. (Available: December 1993)

IARCancer Disc

From the International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARCancer Disc combines seven important databases all of which have earned international respect for clarifying the link between exposure to environmental chemicals and the development of human cancer and genetic defects. IARCancer Disc is a full text database. (Available: November 1993)

Investext: U.S. Companies on SilverPlatter

Investext: U.S. Companies on SilverPlatter provides selected reports and analysis on the majority of publicly traded corporations in the United States. Over 12,000 corporations are listed with a complete financial analysis, analysis of current strategy and long term competitive stature. Investext on SilverPlatter is only available for corporate and government libraries. (Available: October 1993)

Market Studies Library

From Find/SVP Inc., a worldwide consulting and research firm, Market Studies Library on SilverPlatter, provides over 100 market research reports in diverse areas of industry, including health care, pharmaceuticals, retail, construction, transportation, manufacturing industries and more. (Available: November/December 1993)

Microcomputer Abstracts

Microcomputer Abstracts on SilverPlatter provides over 50,000 citations and abstracts to the world's key literature in micro and personal computers. Produced in conjunction with Learned Information Inc., Microcomputer Abstracts covers 75 of the most important and widely read micro computer trade journals, magazines, and professional journals. (Available: December 1993)

SEC: Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, & Biotech on CD.

SEC: Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, & Biotech provides complete full text company information as reported to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for over 360 public companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange and NASDAQ. Produced in conjunction with SEC Online, Inc., the complete text and financial information for each company is presented as reported, along with notes, footnotes and selected exhibits. (Available Now)

USP DI Volume II, Advice for the Patient

Produced in conjunction with the U.S. Pharmaceutical Convention Inc., USP DI Volume II contains information on all drugs in use in the USA and Canada. Coverage includes such areas as descriptions of uses, dosage, precautions, and side effects for all drugs listed. Categories of drugs covered include over the counter drugs, nutritional drugs and older drugs, which do not appear on many other sources. (Available: October 1993)

Zoological Record

Produced by BIOSIS and SilverPlatter in conjunction with the Zoological Society of London, UK. Zoological Record on SilverPlatter is a comprehensive index to the world's zoological literature with particular emphasis on animal biology. Two thesauri are provided to enhance the location of systematic or subject terms providing access to over 15 years of information with one search query, regardless of vocabulary changes over time. (Available: November 1993)

With over 150 titles available on compact disc, SilverPlatter is committed to bringing the right information with the right software to the service of its markets.

SilverPlatter Information Inc.

100 River Ridge Drive

Norwood, MA 02062-5026

Tel: 1-800-343-0064 or 1-617-769-2599;  Fax: 1-617-769-8763


NASA Astronauts Test Intelligent Computer
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. -- NASA astronauts on this month's space shuttle mission will test an "intelligent" computer designed to help them work more efficiently and improve the quality of science in space.

Known as the Astronaut Science Advisor (ASA), the system will help astronauts get the most out of the time allotted to an experiment. The ASA will undergo its first flight test during the 14-day Spacelab Life Sciences mission, scheduled for launch in mid-October.

The system was developed by NASA's Ames Research Center and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Dr. Larry Young of MIT conceived the idea for the system during a sabbatical at Ames and Stanford University in 1987.

"The critical resource in flight experiments is time," said Dr. Silvano Colombano of Ames' Artificial Intelligence Research Branch. "The ASA has the potential to fundamentally change the way astronauts interact with ground-based scientists in the space station era." It helps astronauts increase their productivity and improve the scientific quality of the data they collect.

Artificial intelligence is a subfield of computer science that seeks to give computers the ability to solve problems typically requiring human intelligence.

Another critical factor is the limited ability of either an earth-bound scientist or the astronaut performing a test to correct problems or follow new leads as the experiment unfolds in space.

Having served as a principal investigator on several space shuttle missions, Young wanted to use a computer to help guide astronauts during life science experiments. The ASA uses a laptop computer and a combination of commercial and NASA-developed software to provide the crew with detailed information about the experiment.

"It's the next best thing to having the principal investigator on board," Colombano said. "Our goal is to increase the astronaut's ability to be a scientific collaborator with the ground-based principal investigator."

The ASA has four major functions: diagnosis and troubleshooting of experiment equipment, data collection, management of experimental procedures and detection of "interesting" data. The ASA recognizes something as "interesting" by comparing the data it collects with pre-determined rules set up by the principal investigator for analyzing data.

The developers of the ASA hope to prove that an on-board "assistant" can significantly enhance the crew's ability to perform science experiments. It also would reduce reliance on air-to-ground communications, Colombano said.

The ASA was ground-tested during the first Spacelab Life Sciences mission in June 1991. During its flight test in October, it will support the Rotating Dome Experiment. Young is the principal investigator for this experiment, as well as an alternate payload specialist on this mission.

The Rotating Dome Experiment will study how the conflict between inner ear signals and visual cues contributes to space motion sickness. It also will measure how human adaptation to microgravity affects this interaction. Each test session involves two astronauts, one acting as the subject and the other as the operator.

If the astronauts have the time, they can investigate any "interesting" information identified by the ASA. They also can use the computer to note any unusual circumstances that might affect the data collected. This will provide Young with additional insights when he analyzes the data after the flight.

The ASA keeps track of the time spent on the experiment. If a test session is behind schedule, the ASA will suggest steps in the procedure to delete with minimal effect on the collection of data.

An astronaut can ask the system to propose a new sequence of steps that could be used to get the most and best data in the time remaining. The new sequence takes into account the "interesting" data and results of previous sessions.

The system also can lead an astronaut through troubleshooting, step by step. If the problem is in a low-priority item, the system might recommend not making the repair. Instead, the crew could use that time to get additional data.

Colombano said his group "hopes to create a general purpose system to aid science experiments in space." Such a system will be particularly critical on longer missions and on the space station, he said. "It's going to be harder and harder to train crews to do everything, so they're going to need this kind of help a lot more."

NASA - Ames Research Center

Moffett Field, California 94035-1000


Ready,Set,Go! Version 6.0 Ships

Hartsdale, NY - Manhattan Graphics Corporation announces the release of Ready,Set,Go! 6.0. The high-end desktop publishing package continues its tradition of innovation and ease of use begun in 1985. Version 6.0 adds a wealth of new features, including object-level trapping, multiple master pages, gradient fills and EPSF export. It also includes automatic scaling of text and graphics, XTND support, automatic drop caps, floating tool palettes and a presentation module. It is System 7 savvy, with support for QuickTime, Apple Events and Publish & Subscribe (of formatted text and graphics.)

Version 6.0 complements an already extensive feature set. Drawing tools, object libraries, alignment, grouping, and smart Copy & Paste provide creative flexibility for page elements. The powerful text engine offers dynamic character-based style sheets, typographic libraries, styled text conversions (such as fractions) and precise kerning/tracking (in typographic units.)

Ready,Set,Go! supports multiple languages in a single document with automatic hyphenation and spell-checking. Stylesheets can be language-specific, or shared globally. Language modules are currently available for Ready,Set,Go! in 18 languages.

The color separator provides complete spot and process functions, including RGB-to-CMYK conversion of TIFF/RIFF/EPSF files, dot shape selection, screening control (document-wide with object-level override) and GCR/UCR control. DCS and CMYK TIFF files are also supported.

The suggested retail price of Ready,Set,Go! remains at $395. Technical support is free and unlimited. Upgrades from Version 5.0 are $69.95, and from all other versions including Design Studio) $89.95. Foreign language modules cost $99.95 individually, and $79.95 if purchased with an upgrade.

Ready,Set,Go! Version 6.0 requires a Macintosh with 2.5 MB RAM (System 6) or 4 MB RAM (System 7). For additional information or to order, contact Manhattan Graphics at 1-800-572-6533.

Manhattan Graphics Corp

250 East Hartsdale Ave, Hartsdale, NY 10530

914-725-2048,  fax 914-725-2450


SYBASE Ships System 10 Client/Server Interfaces
SYBASE SHIPS SYSTEM 10 CLIENT/SERVER INTERFACES AND PRECOMPILERS

Company Continues to Deliver on Promise of Products for Enterprise Client/Server Computing

EMERYVILLE, CA, October 20, 1993 -- Sybase, Inc., the Enterprise Client/Server Company, today announced general availability of three SYBASE System 10 connectivity products: the Open Client and Open Server application programming interfaces and the Embedded SQL precompilers. All three products are part of the modular System 10 product family, created specifically to meet the needs of enterprise-wide client/server computing.

"Organizations moving their business-critical operations into an on-line client/server environment need an integrated set of software to help them easily develop and integrate their applications into that environment," said Stu Schuster, vice president of marketing at Sybase. "The Open Client and Open Server interfaces and precompilers we're shipping today offer customers robust application access to data integration in an enterprise client/server environment across a wide range of client/server hardware, networking and OS environments."

Open Client/Server Interfaces

Open Client and Open Server Interfaces are the first open application programming interfaces (APIs) to provide access to any data source, as well as the ability to invoke heterogeneous applications and services through a common application programming interface. The Open Server product is the only server API that enables integration of disparate data sources, server applications, and application services (i.e real-time data feeds, messaging services and gateways to heterogeneous data sources). The Open Client product is a client API used to enable third-party products or 3GL programs to access SQL Server and Open Server software. Open Client and Open Server have been available since 1989.

What's New

The Open Client 10 and Open Server 10 products have been enhanced to take advantages of new capabilities in the SQL Server 10 release. In addition, they have new capabilities to provide higher performance and standards compliance in their own right.

Performance: Open Client 10 and Open Server 10 have been optimized for higher network performance. This is accomplished through the ability to configure data packets to more effectively transfer large amounts of data such as bulk data and binary large objects for client-to-server and server-to-server communications. In addition, the Open Client release now provides a cursor array interface for rapidly transferring multi-row query results to clients.

Multi-Standard Compliance: The Open Client 10 release now delivers "standards-transparent" functionality. It provides an architecture that supports multiple native application programming interfaces such as Microsoft's ODBC, Sybase's CT-Library and DB-Library and eventually Borland's IDAPI. With standards-transparency, customers can build applications writing to any standard they choose. The benefits to customers include simplified application development, improved portability and greater interoperability among tools, applications, networks and servers.

Embedded SOL 10 Precompilers

Sybase is also shipping Embedded SQL 10 precompilers for C, Cobol and Ada. Embedded SQL 10 precompilers are programming tools used by customers and third party vendors to write custom applications for SQL Server databases. Based on ISO/ANSI SQL standards, Embedded SQL precompilers offer a high-level standard interface that is consistent across multiple databases, allowing developers to write custom applications that are easily portable across different relational databases.

Pricing and Availability

Open Client, Open Server and Embedded SQL are all available now. U.S. pricing varies according to hardware platform and number of users supported. Price ranges are as follow:

* Open Client: ranges from $290 to $32,020,

* Open Server: from $1,500 to $102,460 and

* Embedded SQL precompilers: from $940 to $64,040.

The products are immediately available on eight platforms: HP 9000, IBM RS/6000, NCR System 3000, Sun SunOS, Sun Solaris, DEC OSF/1 AXP, DEC OpenVMS AXP and DEC OpenVMS VAX. Within 90 days of initial availability, Sybase will begin commercial shipments on an additional thirteen platforms: Data General AViiON, ICL, Motorola, NEC, Novell NetWare (except for Embedded SQL), Pyramid S Series, Sequent, Silicon Graphics, Stratus FTX, Stratus VOS, Unisys U6000, Bull (DXP-based), MS Windows (except for Open Server) and SCO Unix.

System 10

Open Client, Open Server and Embedded SQL are part of the System 10 product family which was created specifically to meet the needs of enterprise-wide, client/server computing.

With today's announcements, including separate releases on general availability of SQL Server 10 and Backup Server, and SA Companion, 8 of the 11 SYBASE System 10 products are commercially shipping. Replication Server, which has been in beta since June, is expected to be shipping in the next 30 days. Alpha availability of Navigation Server and Configurator is expected by the end of the year.

Sybase, Inc.

Sybase, Inc. (NASDAQ: SYBS) develops and markets a leading family of client/server-based software products and services for on-line, enterprise-wide applications. Sybase's integrated family of software includes servers, tools, connectivity, and administration/control products that provide complete desktop to mainframe solutions. Headquartered in Emeryville, CA, Sybase markets its products worldwide through its direct sales force, telesales, distributors, OEMs, VARs, and Systems Integrators.

Sybase Inc, 6475 Christie Ave, Emeryville, CA 04608

510-596-3500;  Fax: 510-658-9441


SYBASE System 10 Version of SA Companion
SYBASE SHIPS SYSTEM 10 VERSION OF SA COMPANION

System Management Product Addresses Systems Administrator's Needs in Enterprise Client/Server Environment

EMERYVILLE, CA, October 20, 1993 -- Sybase, Inc., the Enterprise Client/Server Company, today announced general availability of the SYBASE System 10 version of the SA Companion control server. SA Companion is part of the modular System 10 product family, created specifically to meet the needs of enterprise-wide client/server computing.

"For organizations moving from a host-based system to enterprise-wide client/server computing, retaining mainframe-like control is a central issue," said Stu Schuster, vice president of marketing at Sybase. "SA Companion 10 addresses systems administrator's needs by offering simplified SQL Server administration which, in turn, reduces system administration costs."

SYBASE System Management Products

The SYBASE Control Server family of system management products for SYBASE System 10 was designed to provide operational control in distributed environments. SA Companion is the third of the four control servers to ship, following Backup Server and SQL Monitor. The final system management product, Configurator, is expected in Alpha availability by the end of 1993.

SA Companion 10

SA Companion 10 software provides systems and database administration functionality. The first version of SA Companion was made available in May, 1990. This new version now supports remote server management and the new functions provided by SQL Server 10 software. In addition, it features an enhanced interface for reduced training time. Product benefits include:

Ability to administer SQL Server environments

- install and configure new servers;

- add or delete databases, users and objects;

- add or delete devices and enable or disable disk mirroring

Simplification of administration

- manage total environment -- users, databases and devices --

  from one screen;

- use graphical point-and-click interface;

- generate flexible, customer reports. Reduce system and

  administration costs

- fewer administrators needed, due to central control;

- minimize costly complex syntax errors with easy-to-use GUI;

- reduce learning curve with interface.

Pricing and Availability

SA Companion is available now. Pricing varies according to hardware platform and number of users supported. SYBASE SA Companion is priced from $4,460.

It is immediately available on six platforms: HP 9000, IBM RS/6000, NCR System 3000, Sun SunOS, Sun Solaris, and DEC VAX/VMS. Within 90 days of initial availability, Sybase will begin commercial shipments on an additional eight platforms: Data General AViiON, ICL, NEC, Novell Netware, Pyramid S Series, Sequent, Unisys U6000, and Bull (DPX-based).

SYBASE System 10

SA Companion is part of the SYBASE System 10 product family which was created specifically to meet the needs of enterprise-wide, client/server computing.

With today's announcements, including separate releases on general availability of SQL Server 10 and Backup Server, Open Client, Open Server and Embedded SQL, 8 of the 11 SYBASE System 10 products are commercially shipping. Replication Server, which has been in beta since June, is expected to be shipping in the next 30 days. Alpha availability of Navigation Server and Configurator is planned by the end of the year.

Sybase, Inc.

Sybase, Inc. (NASDAQ: SYBS) develops and markets a leading family of client/server-based software products and services for on-line, enterprise-wide applications. Sybase's integrated family of software includes servers, tools, connectivity, and system management products that provide complete desktop to mainframe solutions. Headquartered in Emeryville, CA, Sybase markets its products worldwide through its direct sales force, telesales, distributors, OEMs, VARs, and Systems Integrators.

Sybase Inc, 6475 Christie Ave, Emeryville, CA 04608

510-596-3500;  Fax: 510-658-9441


EDI Multi-Level Training, 1994 Schedule
"EDI Multi-Level Training" Begins Its Twelfth Year With New Topics, Additional Locations

Longest Running EDI Training Course Now Covers EDIFACT, X.400 and the Latest Transaction Sets from X12

Wilton, CT, October 11, 1993....TSI International today announced the 1994 schedule and new course topics for "EDI Multi-Level Training", the most successful EDI training course ever developed. Over 8,000 people have attended this course which is now beginning its twelfth year. New topics for 1994 include the impact of EDIFACT (the international EDI standard) on current X12 users in the U.S., planning for X.400, and the practical considerations involved in implementing some of the new, more complex transaction sets such as Healthcare Claims (837), Telephone Bills (811) and Ship Notices (856).

The "Multi-Level" format was developed by Ed Guilbert, considered the father of EDI, and Paul Lemme, well-known as an EDI authority and industry pioneer. This format was created to address both the management issues and implementation issues of EDI in a hands-on environment using real-world examples.

Emphasis is placed on preparing attendees to participate in a pro-active implementation of EDI within their company, regardless of industry. The course material, which does not focus on specific EDI products or services, also includes valuable reference information for implementing an EDI program.

Mr. Lemme continues as the principal instructor of this popular two-day course. Mr. Lemme, now a TSI International Vice President, has over 15 years of practical EDI experience involving nearly every industry now using EDI. He has also been instrumental in establishing EDI objectives and guidelines for many major corporations as well as entire EDI trading communities.

The "EDI Multi-Level Training" schedule for 1994 has been expanded to include course offerings at locations which now include Washington, D.C., Bannockburn, Illinois (Chicago area) and Wilton, Connecticut (New York area). The 1994 schedule is attached to this release. The course is also offered on-site to companies with a need to train multiple people. The on-site course features training which can be tailored to the EDI requirements and transaction sets associated with a specific industry.

For more information about "EDI Multi-Level Training" or to register, contact TSI International, Education Department, 45 Danbury Road, Wilton, Connecticut, 06897, or call 1-800-999-7768.

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

1994 EDI Multi-Level Training Sessions

Date                      Location

January 27, 28            Washington, DC

February 24, 25           Wilton, CT

March 24, 25              Washington, DC

April 28, 29              Bannockburn, IL

May 26, 27                Washington, DC

June 23, 24               Wilton, CT

July 28, 29               Washington, DC

August 25, 26             Bannockburn, IL

September 29, 30          Washington, DC

October 27, 28            Wilton, CT

November 17, 18           Washington, DC


VORAMS V6.0 Automated Voide Mail System
NEW PRODUCT FEATURE ANNOUNCEMENT

Malibu, CA, September 1, 1993 -- Malibu Software Group, Inc., announces VORAMS version 6.0. VORAMS is their start-of-the-art automated voice mail system, that includes Graphic User Interface (GUI) and expanded INBAND integration. New add-on products include Audio Messaging Interchange Specification (AMIS), Text Paging, VORAMS Connection, and VORAMS Interactive Text Message.

VORAMS' GUI interface allows you to use international standards for clear, easy-to-use mouse and keyboard interaction to VORMAS features, including user and system maintenance.

VORAMS INBAND integration allows you to define the DTMF specifications for any inband telephone switch.

VORAMS' AIMS interface supports message sending and receiving between VORAMS and any other voice mail systems that support the AIMS analog interface.

VORAMS' Text Paging allows text messages to be delivered to text paging devices. The callers or internal mailbox users will be able to generate a text message that will be delivered to a mailbox user's text paging device. Availability will be first quarter 1994.

VORAMS Connection allows callers or internal mailbox users access to outside dial tone. This provides the individual with long distance service from any touch tone telephone, providing more cost effective long distance service utilization.

VORAMS Interactive Text Message will provide the ability to interact with VORAMS, to a caller with ASCII, TTY or TDD type devices. This is accomplished by sending and receiving text messages that will provide the caller with the same type of information and service from VORAMS that a caller hearing information and recording voice messages receives.

VORAMS integrates auto attendent, voice mail, audiotex and IVR. VORAMS includes Fax-On-Demand softwware and can be integrated with Malibu's document distribution system products including Fax and Email Store and Forward, Fax-To-Text, and Fax- and EMail-to-Voice.

Malibu Software Group is based in Malibu, California and has been in business since 1978. The founders have been leaders in the development of software to meet the needs of data processing, communications and business technology for 25 years.

Malibu Software Group Inc

23715 W. Malibu Rd, Ste 356, Malibu, CA 90265

310-456-8940


Microsoft Publisher by Design

An Example-Packed Guide to Desktop Publishing Using Microsoft Publisher Version 2

Microsoft Publisher by Design

by Luisa Simone

$24.95, 480 pages, ISBN: 1-55615-565-4

Pub. Date: November 1, 1993

Now anyone using Microsoft Publisher can become accomplished in desktop publishing with MICROSOFT PUBLISHER BY DESIGN, from Microsoft Press. This example-packed guide is so easy to use and understand that you'll be producing professional-looking documents in no time at all.

Imagine the feeling of satisfaction when your first newsletter--designed and created by you--hits the streets. Impress your coworkers and clients with eye-catching letterhead and logos.

Author Luisa Simone shows you how to create great-looking printed pieces, such as newsletters, letterhead, logos, and advertisements and bring them to life with tools such as pictures, decorative borders, and distinctive typefaces. Microsoft Publisher's unique intuitive interface can actually guide you through the design process.

All of the exciting features of Microsoft Publisher are detailed in MICROSOFT PUBLISHER BY DESIGN. The step-by-step design projects in the book teach you how to create projects such as:

* An original logo and letterhead for your company

* Business forms for everyday use

* Eye-catching advertisements and brochures

* Organization charts

* Appealing mail-order catalogs

* A company newsletter

After mastering the basics, you learn about Microsoft Publisher's host of tools--including templates, clip art, and the PageWizard utilities--that help you design dynamic, compelling documents right away.

Then eight design projects teach you about Publisher's tools within the context of a typical small business environment. These step-by-step projects focus on the desktop publishing needs of a fictitious business called Epicurean Delights. For example, you will design a unique logo for the store's stationery, create quote sheets, and produce a promotional newsletter.

The appendix includes tips on optimizing and customizing Microsoft Publisher the application. Also included is a handy Glossary of Design Terms that those new to desktop publishing will find especially useful. A comprehensive index helps you quickly find information on any Microsoft Publisher topic in the book.

Luisa Simone is a New York-based consultant, teacher, and journalist specializing in computer graphics. She is a contributing editor to PC Magazine, writing about desktop publishing programs, presentation graphics packages, illustration software, and multimedia computing.

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 at all skill levels rely on a complete line of Microsoft Press books to make learning and using software easier. Titles ranging from self-paced 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,  800-MSPRESS


EA*Kids Peter Pan: A Story Painting Adventure
EA*Kids Introduces Interactive Storytelling with a Twist:

Peter Pan: A Story Painting Adventure

Paintbox Pals Add Magic Touch to Classic Children's Story

SAN MATEO, Calif., October 13, 1993 -- Reading a classic children's story will never be the same once you've played Peter Pan: A Story Painting Adventure, a totally new concept in children's software. Designed especially for children ages 5 - 9, this revolutionary Story Painting interface combines elements from story books, graphic adventures, and interactive cartoons, allowing children to direct the events in the stories they read using magical, animated paint tools called Paintbox Pals. Peter Pan is the first title in the Story Painting series developed and published by EA*Kids.

In EA*Kids adaptation of the classic tale of Peter Pan, children help Peter rescue Wendy and friends from the clutches of the. evil Captain Hook. With the help of the Paintbox Pals, children choose creative solutions to help Peter throughout his adventures. Paint with Jazz Painter to turn your night to day when Peter's predicament's seem darkest. Draw a bridge with Nick Lead the Pencil to help Peter to safety ! If you're really in a bind, ask Sassy Sally Sprayer for the perfect solution. If all else fails, ask Winston Whoosh the Eraser to 'remove' the problem in his own special way!

With more than 30 scenes and hundreds of possible choices, each story (or retelling) of is unique. At any point within a story a child may "rewind" the last event using Hourglass, and try other solutions. Throughout the adventure, Peter Pan process learning skills including reading, creativity, cause and effect, decision making and teamwork.

Peter Pan is beautifully enhanced by rich, cinematic side-scrolling graphics, lively animations, and adorably funny characters. The EA*Kids division built a world-class production team of talent to produce Peter Pan including: an in-house producer team from Hollywood's film and television industry, Emmy-award winning musicians who composed an original musical score, highly acclaimed children's authors, and a Hungarian software development company known for its innovative software design.

EA*Kids will release Peter Pan: A Story Painting Adventure on five formats: IBM/PC and compatibles (available now); Macintosh, October 1993; IBM CD-ROM, November 1993; and Macintosh CD-ROM, December, 1993. A 3DO version will be released in early 1994.

EA*Kids is a division of Electronic Arts. Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) is a diversified entertainment and educational company that develops, publishes, and distributes software worldwide. The company is 11 years old and has an annual sales rate of $300 million. Its corporate headquarters are in San Mateo, California, and it has offices in Texas, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and Japan.

Electronic Arts

1450 Fashion Island Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94404


EA*Kids School Promo, Special Teacher Offer
EA*Kids Kicks Off School Promotion with Special Offer to Teachers

SAN MATEO, Calif., October 14, 1993 -- Between October 15, 1993 and January 31, 1994 EA*Kids will offer the purchase of the consumer version of Eagle Eye Mysteries, the popular teenage detective mystery for computers, to teachers nationwide at an introductory price of $16. This offer is good towards the purchase of either the IBM (currently available) or the Macintosh version (available in November, 1993). Electronic Arts will honor this price for all school purchase orders that come in during the duration of the promotion.

Teachers submitting a school purchase order to Electronic Arts Direct Sales will also receive a FREE Eagle Eye Mysteries Teacher's Guide complete with activities designed to assist teachers in using the software effectively in the classroom. EA*Kids Teacher's Guides are written by experienced curriculum developers.

Orders taken between October 15, 1993 and January 31, 1994 will receive an additional 50% discount towards a future purchase of any EA*Kids Teacher's Edition. To place an order, teachers can call 1-800-KID-XPRT.

As part of its ongoing support of the school market, EA*Kids is developing teacher versions and lab packs for all EA*Kids products. Site licenses are also available.

EA*Kids products were launched in April of 1993. The product line currently includes MD-DOS versions of: Ping and Kooky's Cuckoo Zoo, Scooter's Magic Castle, Eagle Eye Mysteries, and Peter Pan: A Story Painting Adventure. Macintosh versions of each product (above) will be available by December, 1993. For information about the EA*Kids School Lending Library, call 1-415-513-7045.

EA*Kids is a division of Electronic Arts. Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) is a diversified entertainment and educational company that develops, publishes, and distributes software worldwide. The company is 11 years old and has an annual sales rate of $300 million. Its corporate headquarters are in San Mateo, California, and it has offices in Texas, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and Japan.

Electronic Arts

1450 Fashion Island Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94404


SilverPlatter SEC Healthcare Databases
SilverPlatter Releases Another New Title in its SEC Online Series of Databases

SEC: Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals & Biotech

October 18, 1993 -- Released in October, the SEC: Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals & Biotech joins SilverPlatter's collection of over 150 CD-ROM titles. This title is the third database produced in conjunction with SEC Online, Inc.

SEC: Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals & Biotech provides a comprehensive overview of the business and financial status of over 360 health care, pharmaceutical and biotechnology related companies. It is a full-text database which includes the full and unedited text of 10K, 20F and 10Q forms as reported to the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission. The database also covers annual reports and proxy statements. Each record includes a concise company resume of basic facts and statistics, as well as information covering executive officers, product lines, sales and earnings, new products, research and development, target markets and more.

SEC: Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals & Biotech is ideal for pharmaceutical firms, health care organizations, biotechnology companies, hospitals, medical schools anywhere there is a need for business information about the health care, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.

SEC: Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals & Biotech is updated bimonthly and covers 1990 to the present.

As one of the first providers of information on CD-ROM, SilverPlatter is committed to bringing the right information with the right software to the service of its markets.

SilverPlatter Information, Inc.

100 River Ridge Dr, Norwood, MA 02062-5026

Tel: 1-800-343-0064 or 1-617-769-2599, Fax: 1-617-769-8763

SilverPlatter Information Ltd.

10 Barley Mow Passage, Chiswick London W4 4PH U.K.

Tel: +44(0) 81-995-8242 or 0800-262-096

Fax: +44(0) 81-995-5159


Advanced Windows NT, Developer's Guide
Advanced Windows NT

The Developer's Guide to the Win32 Application Programming Interface

Advanced Windows NT by Jeffrey Richter

736 pages, one 3.5-inch disk $39.95

ISBN: 1-55615-567-0    Pub. Date: November 2, 1993

At last there's an in-depth guide for corporate and commercial developers that makes sense out of 32-bit programming and the Windows NT Software Development Kit (SDK). Introducing ADVANCED WINDOWS NT from Microsoft Press.

In this insightful and practical new book, author Jeffrey Richter examines the core areas of the Windows NT operating system. Rather than rehashing the functions and features common to Windows 3.1 and Windows NT, Richter concentrates on what's new, what's different, and what's important about Windows NT. Topics include:

* Managing virtual memory and using memory-mapped files

* Managing processes and threads, including thread-local

  storage and thread synchronization

* Taking maximum advantage of preemptive multitasking

* Writing robust, error-free applications using structured

  exception handling

* Writing DLLs - and techniques for using them effectively

* Using Windows NT to provide a secure environment for

  applications

The 25 sample programs presented in ADVANCED WINDOWS NT are included on a companion disk. Written for the Intel MIPS and Digital Alpha AXP microprocessors these programs show true 32-bit programming techniques in action.

The appendix explains how to use "message crackers" to help read, write, and maintain source code. A comprehensive table of contents and a thorough, fully cross-referenced index helps readers quickly locate information about any topic in the book.

Jeffrey Richter is the author of Windows 3.1: A Developer's Guide and is a contributing editor of Microsoft Systems Journal. He also developed the DeMystifiers, a suite of 16-bit developer's tools. A consultant and in-house trainer, Richter is a frequent speaker at developers' conferences.

Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1 is required. The book includes one 1.44-MB 3.5-inch disk.

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 at 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,  800-MSPRESS


Excerpta Medica Embase & Embase Alert CDROM
Excerpta Medica Embase and Embase Alert on SilverPlatter

October 19, 1993 -- SilverPlatter Information and Elsevier Science Publishers announces the availability of the prestigious Excerpta Medica - EMBASE databases on SilverPlatter. Due for release in December 1993, two separate databases, EMBASE and EMBASE ALERT, will be available.

EMBASE offers comprehensive coverage of biomedical bibliographic information, focusing on drugs and pharmacology, human medicine and relevant biomedical science. The database contains over 4 million records drawn from over 3,600 international biomedical journals published in 110 countries worldwide.

Updated monthly, over 377,000 new records are added each year . Every record contains CAS registry numbers, trade names, and manufacturer's names to facilitate retrieval of drug related information. The database also features EMTREE, the EMBASE Thesaurus, which consists of over 36,000 descriptors plus 150,000 synonyms, and which has been supplemented with MeSH terms from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

EMBASE ALERT provides access to pre-indexed citations and abstracts from approximately 3,500 key international journals. New citations and abstracts are available on CD-ROM, generally, within 14 days of publication. Updated biweekly, the database contains a three month rolling file of current information.

EMBASE ALERT contains records that are not yet available on any other database providing prompt and timely information on current developments in the field of biomedical research.

SilverPlatter commented, "The currency plus the extensive coverage of the Excerpta Medica EMBASE databases make this an exciting and positive addition to the range of health sciences databases available on SilverPlatter. It ensures that the right information is now available for professionals and researchers in the pharmaceutical industry and academic research institutions, plus it's available in real time ahead of many of the other major databases in this field."

As one of the first providers of information on CD-ROM, SilverPlatter has a distinguished reputation for bringing the right information with the right software to the service of its markets.

SilverPlatter Information, Inc.

100 River Ridge Dr, Norwood, MA 02062-5026

Tel: 1-800-343-0064 or 1-617-769-2599, Fax: 1-617-769-8763

SilverPlatter Information Ltd.

10 Barley Mow Passage, Chiswick London W4 4PH U.K.

Tel: +44(0) 81-995-8242 or 0800-262-096

Fax: +44(0) 81-995-5159


Fountain Hills Systems Ergonomic Keyboard
ERGONOMIC COMPUTER KEYBOARD SYSTEM UNVEILED BY FOUNTAIN HILLS SYSTEMS INC.

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - A new ergonomic computer keyboard system, designed specifically to reduce operator hand injuries has been introduced by Fountain Hills Systems, Inc.

The Fountain Hills system combines a more comfortable keyboard with a specially designed exercise program that is effective in reducing the possibility of repetitive strain injuries and the resultant carpal tunnel syndrome.

The company's Model FH101 computer keyboard, based on an invention by William Louis, President of Encinitas, California-based TypeRight Corporation, features keys arranged in a V-shape, which allows the user's wrists to lie in a straight, stress-free position.

Fountain Hills Systems Inc. is the exclusive licensee on the Louis keyboard patents and has developed the final product.

Standard keyboards require operators to twist their wrists while stroking the keys. This unnatural position is considered a main cause of the growing number of computer related repetitive stress injuries, such as the much-publicized carpal tunnel syndrome.

"A national insurance company reports that as many as 40 percent of all computer operators experience some form of hand or wrist problem," said Stanley J. Kleban, Executive Vice President of the newly formed company. "This new keyboard system, we believe, will play a major role in reducing or even eliminating those types of problems, thereby benefiting employee well-being and improving productivity."

Kleban said that each keyboard will be accompanied by a "Keyboard Fitness Training Program," a proprietary software program that prompts computer operators to initiate a series of hand and arm exercises at specific intervals during the workday.

"The solution to these hand and wrist problems lies in using the system hardware in conjunction with the software." Kleban said. "You have to do the exercises to achieve the full benefit of the system."

Testing of early versions of the FH101 keyboard included work done at the San Diego Hand Center and the Hand Rehabilitation Center in San Diego; all results proved favorable. The company's policy is to have an on-going program of testing and evaluation for its products. For the FH101, each unit is being shipped with a questionnaire for operator feedback; the company expects to place the FH101 in several medical/clinical study programs; and a beta-site selection process is under way to aid in new product development.

"While the FH101 keyboard was invented in California, the final product design, prototype assembly, and volume production activities are all being performed in Arizona " Kleban said.

The company's initial marketing thrusts will be aimed at the keyboard replacement market in the U.S., the most critical portion of which is estimated to currently include some 18 million units that are in use at least five hours a day.

Tom Simmons, Vice President of Marketing and Sales, said the FH101 keyboard systems will carry a single unit price of $349.00, with quantity discounts available. Simmons said that he expected the company's first year sales to approach $10 million.

"Our initial focus will be to market directly to the large users of personal computer and terminal keyboards, such as credit card processors, airlines, mail order companies, insurance firms, and a variety of financial institutions," he said. "These are the companies experiencing the most problems with hand and wrist injury complaints and insurance claims."

In addition to selling directly to the end-user market, Simmons said the company plans to appoint a number of distributors and independent OEM sales organizations in key U.S. markets over the next several months.

Fountain Hills Systems, Inc. was founded by Glen Madland, founder and chairman of Integrated Circuit Engineering Corporation, which is also based in Scottsdale.

Founded in 1964. ICE is a major semiconductor market research and consulting firm. Madland will serve as chairman of both companies.

Madland said that Fountain Hills Systems, Inc. is already working on other advanced ergonomic computer products, and has initiated a development program for voice recognition products in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Fountain Hills Systems, Inc. is located at 15022 N. 75th Street, Scottsdale, Arizona 85260-2476,(602) 596-8633.


Environmental Quality (E-CD) SilverPlatter
Environmental Quality (E-CD) Now Available on SilverPlatter

October 19, 1993 -- SilverPlatter Information announces the availability of Environmental Quality (E-CD) database on CD-ROM. From CAB International, E-CD provides coverage of 20 years of the world's literature relating to environmental degradation, amelioration and conservation as related to agriculture and forestry. The release of E-CD brings to 45 the number of international databases which SilverPlatter publishes on environmental information.

E-CD contains information on soil erosion, biodegradation, pesticide residues, deforestation, soil, water and air pollution, environmental policy and economics, impact of tourism on the environment, plus much more. With complete subject coverage from 1973 to the present every record contains a comprehensive abstract compiled by subject specialists at CAB International.

With coverage of several thousand of the leading environmental journals, E-CD provides the right information for all professionals involved in the socio-economic aspects of agriculture, forestry, food and rural development in general. Updated on a quarterly basis, E-CD is especially useful for academics, researchers, consultants and other professionals involved in this field.

E-CD is the first database released as part of the new marketing and distribution agreement announced between CAB International and SilverPlatter Information in September of this year. The release of E-CD furthers the commitment by both CAB and SilverPlatter to bring the right information with the right software to the service of its markets.

SilverPlatter Information, Inc.

100 River Ridge Dr, Norwood, MA 02062-5026

Tel: 1-800-343-0064 or 1-617-769-2599, Fax: 1-617-769-8763

SilverPlatter Information Ltd.

10 Barley Mow Passage, Chiswick London W4 4PH U.K.

Tel: +44(0) 81-995-8242 or 0800-262-096

Fax: +44(0) 81-995-5159


Newtonian Sandbox for Classical Mechanics
Visualize the Behaviors of Classical Mechanics Systems with Innovative Software

Physics Academic Software Releases NEWTONIAN SANDBOX

October 22, 1993--NEWTONIAN SANDBOX, Physics Academic Software's newest award-winning software package, enables users to explore a wide range of physical models that generate the motion of a point mass in one and two dimensions. Users can study the detail and nuance of such motions through the use of trajectories in space, plots of horizontal and vertical positions and velocities, radial and angular positions and velocities, and phase planes corresponding to each of the Cartesian and polar coordinates. Vector directions and magnitudes can be displayed, resistance on the horizontal component of the motion.

Developed by Judah L. Schwartz of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, NEWTONIAN SANDBOX makes it possible for users to visualize problems graphically, rather than verbally or symbolically, and is a useful complement to traditional pedagogy. "By allowing users to plot variables not normally plotted against one another," says Schwartz, "this program encourages exploration of new and often surprising behaviors of the systems of classical mechanics." It can be used to explore possible parameterizations of trajectories and to study the differences between trajectories and functions of time.

NEWTONIAN SANDBOX is suitable for physics students and teachers at university and upper secondary levels. It can be used for classroom demonstration, computer laboratory sessions, homework assignments, and examinations. The software is relative to nearly half of all mechanics lectures and can be used for studies in electricity and magnetism as well.

Reviewer response to NEWTONIAN SANDBOX has been enthusiastic. Jay Kopp, Loras College, calls the package an "excellent pedagogical concept." Ronald Stoner, Bowling Green State University, comments,

"The unique and most pedagogically useful part of this software is the 'Your Move' option, with which students can create and smooth their own trajectories."

NEWTONIAN SANDBOX is published and distributed by Physics Academic Software, which is a project of the American Institute of Physics in cooperation with the American Physical Society and the American Association of Physics Teachers, as part of a continuing series of educational software from PAS.

NEWTONIAN SANDBOX is available for both IBM PC and Macintosh computers. The PC version requires an IBM PC, XT, AT, or PS/2 personal computer with at least 512K of RAM memory (640K recommended), DOS 2.1 or higher, and Hercules, CGA, MCGA, EGA, or VGA color graphics. A math coprocessor, mouse, and graphics-capable printer are highly recommended. The Macintosh version requires a Macintosh Plus computer or later with system software version 6.0 or higher and a keyboard with cursor keys. A graphics-capable printer is strongly recommended.

NEWTONIAN SANDBOX may be purchased from The trajectory of two equal masses in orbit about Physics Academic Software for $49.95 plus $3.50 shipping and handling for the first package ($12.50 foreign air mail) and $.75 ($4.00 foreign) for each additional package. Lab Packs, which include ten copies of the software and one User's Manual, are available for $149.95.

For a limited time, you can purchase the entire PAS collection, with or without Lab Packs, and save up to 20% off the regular price. Physics Academic Software offers a no-risk guarantee by providing a full refund for packages returned within 30 days.

PAS also offers a Standing Order Plan, which brings the latest in innovative physics courseware to your door, along with exceptional savings. When you join the Standing Order Plan, you will automatically receive each new PAS program, with or without Lab Packs, and save up to 20% off the list price.

Orders and requests for the Physics Academic Software 1993-1994 Catalog of Programs should be directed to The Academic Software Library, Campus Box 8202, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-8202. By telephone, call (800) 955-TASL or (919) 515-7447; FAX (919) 515-2682.


New Shareware Info System Gets ASP Sanction
NEW SHAREWARE INFORMATION SYSTEM GIVEN OFFICIAL SANCTION BY ASP

Muskegon, Ml -- October 1, 1993 -- The Association of Shareware Professionals recently voted to adopt the VENDINFO Software Distribution Information System developed by Rams' Island Software of Parker, CO.

VENDINFO is a system to convey software product information and distribution permissions from the author to distributors. A standard file (based on a public format) will carry extensive information in a compressed format. The associated toolset will aid the author in constructing the record, and will allow the distributor to extract portions of the record, or to make distribution decisions based on its content, in a highly automated way.

VENDINFO will automate many of the operations now performed manually by BBS Sysops, disk vendors, and the like. It will also increase use of author-provided product descriptions, and will improve compliance with product distribution policies. A centralized product registry will allow distributors to search for products satisfying their needs, and to obtain contact information for the products thus located.

The VENDINFO standard is copyrighted to insure that the development of the standard is well-controlled and that multiple variations are prevented. Many standards in the computer industry have been damaged or delayed by the existence of multiple, competing versions.

It is expected that the VENDINFO.DIZ record will replace the VENDOR.DOC, SYSOP.DOC, LICENSE.DOC, WARRANTY.DOC, SITELICE.DOC, FILE_ID.DIZ, and DESC.SDI commonly found in shareware and public-domain software packages. It may eventually replace READ-ME.DOC and similar files, as well.

The VENDINFO system includes the following tools: VendEdit--the Editor used by the software author/publisher to produce the VENDINFO record and, if desired, to "brand" executables with product information; VendPrcs-- the Processor used by distributor to extract, and to make decisions based on, VENDINFO information; and VendView--the VENDINFO record viewer for end users.

According to Richard Holler, BBS Sysop and Chairman of the ASP BBS Membership Committee, "BBS sysops are always in search of tools to make their library tasks and routines easier and more automated. VENDINFO will be a tremendous advantage for them. Personally, I can't wait to start using it!"

Association of Shareware Professionals

545 Grover Rd, Muskegon, MI 49442-9427


Common Ground for Windows Document Dist. Swr
No Hands Software Unveils Common Ground for Windows

Belmont, CA--October 21, 1993--No Hands Software today released specifics about the Windows version of Common Ground, the company's popular electronic document distribution software. Common Ground 1.0 for Windows will offer full PostScript support, JPEG compression, the PANOSE Typeface Matching System and a variety of Mastersoft filters -- important features which will let users distribute electronic documents that are high quality, small in size and can be edited in a variety of applications. Common Ground can also act as an OLE 2.0 server, providing seamless integration into other applications such as electronic mail and databases.

"We're raising the electronic document standard by giving publishing customers the PostScript support and JPEG compression they need; and giving business people the ability to save and edit formatted documents in their favorite applications by using the Mastersoft filters and PANOSE fonts, and OLE 2.0 server capability to easily integrate Common Ground documents with other applications in their existing environment," said Tony Stayner, vice president of marketing at No Hands Software.

Full PostScript "Distiller" Support Using ZScript

No Hands has incorporated Zenographics' highly-acclaimed ZScript technology and Pipeline's PowerPage interpreter in Common Ground 1.0 for Windows to provide full PostScript support through its CG PostScript Extension feature. This advanced PostScript support gives users a reliable, fast way to convert PostScript documents to Common Ground, preserving the exact look of the original document for viewing and printing, and important information on the text that allows the text to be copied and pasted. To get this capability, Adobe Acrobat users must purchase Adobe's $695 Acrobat Distiller--a separate application which requires additional installation, set up time, hard disk space, and requires a two step process to create a portable electronic document.

Without the benefits of a full PostScript interpreter at the time of creating a portable electronic document, applications that are designed primarily to produce PostScript output, such as Aldus PageMaker, QuarkXPress, and Adobe Illustrator, provide no PostScript information to the portable electronic document. This is also true for EPS images embedded in documents in any application. For example, an EPS file embedded in a document is represented either by an empty box or by a screen-resolution bitmap. Fonts transformed from Windows-based applications of this kind to a portable electronic document are represented only by a screen resolution bitmap. These bitmaps print poorly and produce text which users cannot search, copy or paste, and may cause the text to reflow losing the original pagination. Unlike other mass market portable electronic document products, Common Ground 1.0 for Windows includes support for these applications and EPS, so Common Ground files always have all the information necessary to be viewed and printed as an exact representation of the original, while preserving the ability to search, copy and paste.

The CG PostScript Extension also lets users create Common Ground documents from any PostScript file, providing an efficient way to get documents from other platforms into Common Ground's platform independent format, where anyone can view and print them. Users can "distill" DigitalPaper (i.e., the Common Ground file format) from documents on any platform (DOS, Macintosh, UNIX, etc.) by simply printing to PostScript and converting the document to Common Ground via the CG PostScript Extension.

JPEG Compression

Common Ground 1.0 for Windows also includes built-in JPEG compression, for compressing continuous-tone greyscale and color images. This is important for users involved in color electronic publishing, who can now include 24-bit graphics without significantly increasing file size. This feature extends Common Ground's usefulness to documents such as color intensive catalogs, magazines, advertisements, and other complex documents. Once compressed, users can easily distribute these smaller files over phone lines, and incorporate them into electronic document databases. Users can choose from a range of compression ratios.

Mastersoft Filters

Common Ground also incorporates several industry-standard Mastersoft filters which allow users to save Common Ground documents into their favorite word processing applications where they can be edited. These Mastersoft filters convert files between different formats while retaining the functionality and layout of the original files.

PANOSE Typeface Matching System

Common Ground for Windows will incorporate the PANOSE Typeface Matching System from ElseWare. The PANOSE system provides an objective mechanism for characterizing and intelligently replacing fonts. When users copy or save a Common Ground document into another format, Common Ground will utilize PANOSE to map the original fonts to the closest font available on the system, thus better preserving the look and feel of the original document. In future versions, Common Ground will be able to utilize this technology to zoom on screen to any resolution.

OLE 2.0 Support

Common Ground will support Microsoft Corporation's Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) 2.0, as an OLE 2.0 server. This enables Common Ground's viewing functionality to be seamlessly integrated into electronic mail, database and other applications. Common Ground's ability to work with any document in any application provides a bridge to bring any document into the OLE 2.0 sphere.

This delivers two major benefits to OLE 2.0 users. First, documents from other platforms, and documents from non-OLE 2.0-compliant applications can be converted to Common Ground and embedded into any OLE compliant application. Second, documents created in specialized applications that do not reside at every node on the network can be converted to Common Ground, and embedded into an OLE compliant application with confidence that anyone can view and print an exact representation of the original regardless of whether or not they have the creating application. For example, a Macintosh Aldus PageMaker document containing product specifications and drawings could be converted to Common Ground, embedded in a Microsoft Access for Windows database record, and viewed and printed by anyone using the database.

Common Ground is being featured by Microsoft Corporation as an OLE 2.0 early adopter in seminars in Boston and Palo Alto, at the Microsoft Office 4.0 launch in New York, and at Comdex in Las Vegas.

About Common Ground

Common Ground is an electronic document distribution program that lets users convert any document to an exact representation of the original that can be viewed, searched and printed by anyone regardless of application, computer and fonts. What distinguishes Common Ground from other electronic document distribution programs is DigitalPaper--the high performance, compact technology that converts documents created in any application into a platform-independent file format.

Common Ground consists of two major components: a Maker and a Viewer. The Common Ground Maker converts any document from any application to DigitalPaper--making it an exact representation of the original document. Common Ground's Maker features print resolution at 300 dpi, and a free, embeddable MiniViewer so users can send documents that anyone can open and print, even if they don't have the Common Ground Application.

The Common Ground Viewer features copy and paste options, text searching, zoom capabilities, navigational tools, OLE 2.0 server support, and on-line help. The MiniViewer features viewing and printing only.

Common Ground for Windows requires Windows 3.1 and 2MB of RAM (4MB recommended). Using the Common Ground PostScript Extension requires 4MB of RAM (6MB recommended).

The Windows version will be available December 1993 for a suggested retail price of $189.95. Common Ground is distributed through Ingram Micro, Kenfil and international distributors. For more information about Common Ground contact No Hands Software at 415-802-5800 or 800-598-3821.

The next version of Common Ground for the Macintosh will incorporate all of these features found in Common Ground for Windows.

No Hands Software

No Hands Software is a leading developer and publisher of a new generation of software products for electronic document distribution and information consumption on personal computers and consumer computing devices. No Hands' first product, the agent-based Magnet 1.0, was introduced in August of 1992. Common Ground 1.0 began shipping in May 1993. Founded in 1991, No Hands Software is based in Belmont, California.

No Hands Software

1301 Shoreway Rd, Suite 220, Belmont, CA 94002

415-802-5800,  fax 415-593-6868,  AppleLink: NOHANDS


PC Graphics & Video Magazine Signs Consultant
PC Graphics & Video magazine (formerly High Color) Signs Industry Pioneer As Consultant

Santa Ana, CA -- October 20, 1993 -- Randall Stickrod, founder and long-time publisher/editor of Computer Graphics World magazine, has signed on with Advanstar Communications, Inc. to consult on the growth and development of PC Graphics Video magazine. Formerly named High Color, PC Graphics & Video was recently acquired by Advanstar and serves 75,000 graphics and presentation professionals. It is the only magazine targeting the PC-only computer graphics market.

Stickrod will also consult with CADalyst, an Advanstar magazine edited for users of AutoCAD, the computer-aided design industry's premiere software program, from Autodesk.

"Advanstar's ambitious and far-reaching plans and activities in the computer graphics publishing arena offer me an exceptional opportunity to help build the next generation of computer and interactive multimedia magazines," says Stickrod.

After selling Computer Graphics World to PennWell, Stickrod continued to remain firmly involved in the computer and computer graphics business. His background includes a stint as vice president/group publisher for M&T Publishing, where he directed the successful repositioning of MIPS magazine as Personal Workstation. From 1985 to 1990, he was president of Mindshare International Inc., a consulting company whose clients included Tektronix, Seiko, NEC, Hitachi, Autodesk and Schlumberger Graphics. He also published Computer Graphics Today and The Stickrod File, an insider's newsletter to the computer graphics industry.

He currently serves as president of South Park Media Inc., of San Francisco, where he launched Wired and Mac Home Journal. He has also reorganized and developed business for Mondo 2000, Leonardo and justGO!, and directed sales and marketing for the IEEE's Computer, Software, Computer Graphics & Applications, Micro, Expert and Design & Test.

Advanstar Communications, headquartered in Cleveland, OH, is a leading business information company with three business segments. Advanstar Publishing produces 58 trade and professional magazines and journals covering a wide range of industries in North America and overseas. Advanstar Marketing Services markets information products such as industry directories, research and mailing lists. Advanstar Expositions owns and manages more than 60 expositions and several conferences for business, professional and consumer audiences in North America and overseas.

Effective Nov. 1, 1993, PC Graphics & Video's editorial offices will be located at 859 Willamette St., Eugene, OR 97401, phone (503) 343-1200. Sales and marketing will be located at 201 E. Sandpointe Ave., Suite 600, Santa Ana, CA 92707, phone (714) 5138400


Hire Right Personnel Screening/Evaluation Swr
Personnel Screening, Evaluation Program Helps Companies

Select the Right Person for the Right Position

October 22, 1993 -- PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Rupp Technology Corporation has unveiled Hire Right, the first professional employee selection and performance evaluation assistance software program to bring the entire staffing process -- from initial interview through promotion or termination -- to the desktop, at a price point acceptable to small and mid-sized businesses.

A full-function and Windows-compatible employment toolkit, Hire Right consists of four component sections: those reporting an applicant's background, work history and attitudes towards substance abuse and theft avoidance -- for more productive interviews; those profiling motivational, self expectation and personal style attitudes -- to assist management in the applicant selection employee placement; those assisting with performance analysis for existing employees; and, template forms for all other key steps in the staffing process.

Key to the product's uniqueness is its ability to interpret an applicant's responses to proven personality-related survey questions and generate comprehensive narrative profiles that reveal how best to motivate them and interpret their working styles.

Such critical profiles -- typically sent to expensive third party testing firms -- can now be generated in-house in a matter of minutes and at a fraction of the cost. Similar profiles are commonly used by Fortune 1000 firms to assist them in effectively hiring, placing, managing and motivating employees.

Designed by human resource professionals, the latest addition to Rupp Technology's award-winning line of PC software products represents a new direction for the company -- which made its name in the early years of the personal computer industry as an innovator of productivity enhancement software for the mobile computer user.

"After years of helping the personal computer user to be more functional and with improved mobility, Rupp software has now turned its programming expertise to the task of streamlining the often confusing hiring and employee evaluation process and bringing it into the PC age," said Rupp Technology President Byron C. Rupp.

"Hire Right software makes use of the same type of applicant survey protocols used by private firms to screen prospective employees at many of the nation's largest corporations -- but packages them in a turnkey program ideal for small and mid-sized firms," explained Rupp.

As with other, more general business application software packages from Rupp Technology, Hire Right will operate in both DOS and Windows environments, incorporating the same key ease-of-use features that have made the company's products among the industry's most critically acclaimed.

Other key beneficial features of Rupp's Hire Right software include:

** Computerized, printable application forms and application tracking reports, as well as interview records, reference verification forms, and scheduled hiring activity reports;

** General information and work history surveys, along with questionnaires that help assess an applicant's honesty and substance abuse history;

** Form letters for use in making offers of employment or rejecting applicants;

** In its component for working with current employees, performance evaluations, progress reports and contracts are backed up by amendable warning notices and termination letters -- all recorded alongside work experience information.

Although designed predominantly for use as an on-screen, computerized resource, the personnel profiles -- as well as all forms and backup documents -- can also be printed out on either dot matrix or laser printers for use in hard copy form. This allows candidates and employees that are not yet computer literate to complete surveys which can then be entered into the system by others.

Minimum system requirements for the use of Hire Right PC software include MS DOS version 3.0 or higher, running on at least a PC XT configuration with a minimum 640 KBytes of RAM on board and a hard disk drive and CGA monitor or better. To take full advantage of the program's Windows capabilities, however, additional memory and hardware options -- including a mouse or similar input device -- would be necessary as determined by the systems requirements of the Windows OS version installed on the host.

Hire Right software -- equipped with up to 15 computerized application/ evaluation profile sessions -- is scheduled for release in December, 1993, at a suggested retail price of $149.50.

In the U.S., Hire Right and other Rupp Technology software products are distributed to computer outlets nationwide through Ingram Micro, Merisel and Kenfil Distribution. In Canada, distribution is handled by Canadian Computer Wholesale and Gentek Marketing, Inc.

Founded in 1985, Rupp Technology Corporation is based in Phoenix and maintains sales and marketing offices in Los Angeles and New York. A pioneer in a variety of file management technologies, Rupp develops and markets software for the IBM PC-compatible, Sharp Wizard and cross-platform computing environments.

For further product information, or to place an order, contact Rupp Technology at (800) 844-7775.

Rupp Technology Corp

3228 East Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85018

602-224-9922,  fax 602-224-0898


Mobile Forum Mfg's Info Center
MOBILE FORUM ANNOUNCES THE MANUFACTURERS' INFORMATION CENTER AS PART OF SYMPOSIA SERIES

Minneapolis, MN (October 25, 1993) -- MOBILE FORUM '93 and '94 announces the Manufacturers' Information Center as an integral part of the Mobile Forum symposia series.

The Manufacturers' Information Center is an area located close to the seminar room where industry manufacturers and service organizations can purchase space to have their product and company information available to the attendees of MOBILE FORUM '93 and '94.

In addition to being represented as a mobile and wireless vendor, companies will also receive a complete attendee list, as well as a 100-word listing in the workbook distributed to the attendees. Cost for box rental is $600 for the run of the two-day seminar. "By supplying 200 brochures, the cost per piece is less than individual postage," said Paul, Druckman, Publisher of Directions In Mobile/Wireless Computing magazine. "This is very inexpensive marketing for highly-qualified executive leads in a targeted market!"

MOBILE FORUM '93 and '94 is a partnership of Skill Dynamics, an IBM Company, and Directions in Mobile/Wireless Computing, a CCT, Inc. publication. The second seminar in the MOBILE FORUM '93 and '94 series will take place in Minneapolis, MN, on December 6-7, 1993. This seminar series is designed to bring an understanding of the impact of mobile and wireless computing and communication technology to executives and technical management.

MOBILE FORUM '93 and '94 uses a single-track approach to provide attendees with a start-to-finish program. This program enables attendees to understand current happenings and potential impact upon their organization.

The registration fee to the MOBILE FORUM '93 and '94 seminar is $595 if registered by November 12, and $695 if registered after November 12. The seminar registration fee includes two lunches, a reception, and two full days of informational programs.

For more information about the seminar or the Manufacturers' Information Center, or to register, call 1-800-422-8033.


Sybase Ships System 10 Core Products
SYBASE SHIPS SYSTEM 10 CORE PRODUCTS: SQL SERVER 10 AND BACKUP SERVER

Products' Unmatched Performance and Reliability Acknowledged by Beta Users and Early Contract Wins

EMERYVILLE, CA, October 20,1993-- Sybase, Inc., the Enterprise Client/Server Company, today announced general availability of the core components of the company's System 10 enterprise client/server family of products: Sybase's SQL Server 10 relational database management system (RDBMS) and Backup Server 10 one of Sybase's family of control server products. Beta users cited the products' high performance, standards compliance and distributed control as industry differentiators.

"The primary concern of organizations migrating to, or expanding the use of, client/server computing, is achieving the performance, security and control of the mainframe in this new distributed environment," said Stu Schuster, vice president of marketing at Sybase. "The latest version of SQL Server, bundled with the new Backup Server, was created in connection with our customer design partners to meet those needs. We are delighted to continue to deliver on the promise of our System 10 products for enterprise client/server computing."

Early contract wins for SQL Server 10 and Backup Server signify the scope of the products' application for enterprise computing. Recent examples include: selection as the client/server software core of the $149 million Air Force contract (AFCAC 305) to transition the armed forces, DoD and IRS from proprietary host-based to client/server computing architectures; and selection as the official database supplier to the World Cup '94 Soccer Championships to manage operations across nine U.S. cities and hundreds of press centers around the globe.

SQL Server 10 and Backup Server

The SQL Server, a high performance relational database server product, is designed to deliver scalable high performance on the most cost-effective hardware, maintaining high transaction and query throughput while supporting up to thousands of users. SQL Server is based on an advanced multi-threaded virtual server database architecture, that uses only one operating system process per CPU to support all clients on the system. Key features of this architecture include: server-enforced integrity, high application availability, and on-line distributed RDBMS capabilities. The SQL Server product has been shipping since 1987, and is currently installed at over 10,000 Sybase-supported customer sites worldwide.

The previous version to SQL Server 10 is SQL Server Release 4.9. Applications written to previous versions of the SQL Server product are fully compatible with the SQL Server 10 release and require no conversion to run on the new server.

Backup Server software, which comes bundled with SQL Server 10, provides high performance backup, loading and recovery for very large databases --up to hundreds of gigabytes-- with control functions for both local and remote backup. Because Backup Server offloads data backup from the server, dumping has minimal impact on running applications and increases the capacity of the server. Other benefits include round-the-clock control tens to hundreds of gigabyte databases, lights-out operations, and recovery for site outages and disaster recovery.

Combined, the SQL Server 10 and Backup Server Provide: Very Large Database (VLDB) support and performance, extending Sybase's lead in the market; multi-standard compliance for better enterprise-wide data integration; and operational control for mainframe-like data security and reliability.

VLDB Support

- Supports large (100s of Gigabytes) multi-transactional

  OLTP systems;

- On-line database backups at speeds up to and exceeding

  10 gigabytes per hour with negligible impact on running

  applications;

- Double the speed of sort and index creation;

- The database consistency checker is three times faster;

- Bulk load is seven times faster.

Myke Miller, manager at Andersen Consulting, commented on SYBASE System 10 product performance. "We've developed a 50-plus Gigabyte Passenger Revenue Accounting (PRA) System for use by major airlines that supports in excess of 1,000 users. For this application, which has very tight batch schedules and large volumes--about 400,000 transactions per day--SYBASE is the only product that can meet our needs. With this application, which will go into production in the next three months, we are basically replacing the mainframe with the PRA application."

Standards Compliance

-100% compatible with ANSI/ISO Standard SQL-89: new cursor

 support, declarative referential integrity, new datatypes

 and extended transaction model;

-First RDBMS to be compliant with entry-level ANSI/ISO SQL-92;

-Compliant with the C2 level of trust as specified by the

 US National Computer Security Center's (NCSC) requirements;

-FIPS 127-1 compliant;

-Will support XA, the X/Open Consortium's predominant protocol

 standard for coordinating distributed heterogeneous

 transactions.

SQL Server 10 was chosen in June as the RDBMS software solution for the $149 million AFCAC-305 (Air Force Computer Acquisition Center) lot 2 award. Beta customer and Federal systems integrator HFSI selected SYBASE System 10 for its winning contract bid:

"SYBASE was selected as the software foundation for the HFSI team's proposal based on its strong commitment to client/server technology," said Sam Wilson, vice president of Air Force operations and C3I for HFSI. "The SYBASE product line provides the performance, security and commitment to standards-based open systems required in the federal market, which played a significant role in enabling the HFSI team to secure the AFCAC 305 award."

Operational Control

-Configurable audit trail for greater security assurance,

 chargeback accounting, and an automated routine log dump.

SQL Server has also been selected by the World Cup Association as its enterprise client/server system to support the 1993/94 soccer tournament, where it will act as the core of a networked OLTP system for maintaining and retrieving all tournament related data--from scores, standings and players statistics to registration, area entertainment and reservations. Therefore, operational control and reliability for this global network of information is key to the World Cup and its systems integrators, EDS.

Pricing and Availability

SQL Server 10, bundled with Backup Server is available now at prices ranging from $1995 to $256,160 depending on hardware platform and number of users supported. It is available to current customers on maintenance contract at no charge. The products are currently available on eight platforms: HP 9000, IBM RS/6000, NCR System 3000, Sun 4/SunOS, Sun 4/ Solaris, DEC OSF/1 AXP, and DEC OpenVMS and OpenVMSVax.

Within 90 days, Sybase expects to begin commercial shipments on an additional thirteen platforms: Data General AViiON, ICL, Motorola, NEC, Novell NetWare, Pyramid S Series, Sequent, Silicon Graphics, Stratus FTX, Stratus VOS, Unisys U6000, Bull (DPXbased), and SCO Unix.

The SQL Server 10 release is scheduled for general availability on Microsoft Windows NT and IBM OS/2 in the first half of 1994.

SYBASE System 10

The SQL Server 10 database and Backup Server software are part of the System 10 product family which was created specifically to meet the needs of enterprise-wide, client/server computing.

With today's announcements, including two separate releases on general availability of Open Client, Open Server, Embedded SQL and SA Companion, eight of the 11 SYBASE System 10 products are now generally available. Replication Server, which has been in beta since June, is expected to be generally available in the next 30 days. Alpha availability of Navigation Server and Configurator is planned by the end of the year.

Sybase, Inc.

Sybase, Inc. (NASDAQ: SYBS) develops and markets a leading family of client/server based software products and services for on-line, enterprise-wide applications. Sybase's integrated family of software includes servers, tools, connectivity, and administration/control products that provide complete desktop to mainframe solutions. Headquartered in Emeryville, CA, Sybase markets its products worldwide through its direct sales force, telesales, distributors, OEMs, VARs, and Systems Integrators.

Sybase Inc, 6475 Christie Ave, Emeryville, CA 04608

510-596-3500;  Fax: 510-658-9441


AST Expands Premmia Line w/Pentium Desktop
AST EXPANDS PREMMIA LINE WITH PENTIUM-BASED, PCI-LOCAL BUS DESKTOP SYSTEM

Company also enhances Premmmia 486 models, doubling video performance

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 25, 1993--AST Research today announced the Premmia LX P/60 personal computer, combining the high-performance of Intel's Pentium processor and PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) local-bus technology in a low-profile desktop system. Designed from the board up to optimize the 64-bit data path of the Pentium and equipped with the fastest video accelerator chip from ATI on the PCI local bus, the Premmia LX commands instant graphics response and superior numeric computation.

The company also today announced an enhancement to its Premmia 486 models, doubling the video performance of previous Premmia 486 systems.

The Premmia LX P/60 is the newest member of AST's Premmia desktop family which fulfills the high-performance requirements of the corporate computing community. The Premmia family is equipped with the latest in Intel microprocessors, advanced caching subsystems, local-bus video and I/O, features that excel in today's world of Windows, Windows NT, OS/2 and CAD programs.

"AST is embracing the newest industry standards and incorporating the fastest technology available in the Premmia LX at a price that is desirable for businesses today," said Larry Fortmuller, AST's director of high-performance systems. "AST is one of the first in the industry to have a Pentium, PCI-based desktop system available to take its customers to this higher level of computing. Like all AST systems, it is backed by AST's high quality standards and strong service and support programs."

In the Premmia LX, AST takes advantage of the capabilities of the PCI local bus that moves 32 bits of data at 33MHz clock speed, a wider, faster pathway for data than previously realized. This accelerates software performance of such programs as Microsoft Video for Windows. Two PCI slots provide the room to expand with high-performance PCI cards, including multimedia, graphics, disk drives and LAN cards.

The Premmia LX P/60 features a base system targeting AST's VAR community. It is called Model 3, with 8MB of RAM, expandable to 128MB, and 256KB second-level cache standard. Premmia LX Model 543W is equipped with 16MB of RAM, 256KB cache and a 540MB hard drive, a Windows solution for resellers looking for a high-end Windows platform preconfigured by the manufacturer. Factory-installed Windows, DOS, Runtime Video for Windows, mouse and a mousepad are included in the Windows solutions. Estimated sales prices range from to $3,325 to $4,475, maintaining the price/performance hallmark of the Premmia family.

All Premmia 486 models are designed with AST's local bus video subsystem and now feature 45 nanosecond DRAM, the fastest video DRAM available today, yielding a 100 percent increase in performance over earlier Premmia systems. AST also is now offering higher capacity hard drive models.

"We have held the line on Premmia 486 prices, offering faster video and higher capacity hard drive for the same price as previously offered models," said Fortmuller. "We are virtually providing twice the video performance and 40MB of hard disk storage at no additional cost."

Base Model 3 of the Premmia 4/33s and 4/33 versions are equipped with 4MB of memory expandable to 128MB. Base Model 3 of the 4/50d and 4/66d versions feature 8MB of RAM, 128MB maximum. Premmia Models 213W, 343W and 423W in all 486 processing speeds offered, come with 210MB, 340MB and 420MB IDE hard drives, respectively, 8MB memory and factory-installed Windows, DOS, Runtime Video for Windows, mouse and a mouse pad.. Estimated sales prices range from $1,525 for a base model 4/33s, through $2,650 for the Windows bundle 4/66d.

Premmia LX Pentium, PCI-based desktop

The Premmia IX, AST's highest performing desktop system, has the following features standard on all models: 256KB second-level cache, required to optimize the capabilities of the Pentium microprocessor; two PCI expansion slots for high-performance PCI compatible peripherals; three ISA slots for cards such as modems or sound; FlashBIOS, an easy way to upgrade BIOS through software; and four drive bays for high-capacity storage.

The integrated PCI local bus graphics subsystem features 1MB of VRAM standard, expandable to 2MB for 1280 x 1024 resolution, 256 colors. The Premmia LX utilizes the ATI mach32 AX chip designed for integration on the PCI bus.

The system is designed with two buffered serial ports and one enhanced bidirectional parallel port that yields faster output than standard parallel ports. Password security and a chassis lock complete the system.

Premmia 486

With a 100 percent increase video performance than previously attained, the Premmia 486 models complement the Premmia IX PCI-based system with AST's local-bus implementation. The direct path between the CPU and graphics chip puts full 32-bit 486 power to bear on Windows applications. Standard 1MB video memory can be upgraded to 2MB for additional speed and visual clarity.

Optional 128KB, 256KB or 512KB cache modules provide flexibility in memory architecture. Additionally, the Premmia 486 models are built to accommodate the Intel Pentium processor through the dedicated cache module slot or faster 486 chip upgrades through the Intel OverDrive Ready Socket.

Five 32-bit EISA bus-master slots, five drive bays and a Token Ring module for networking provide high speed I/O expansion. Enhanced security features include Walk-n-Lock and password protection to prevent unwanted access to systems, floppy drive and I/O port locking. Asset management, which allows system administrators to tag computers with serial numbers or other pertinent information is an additional feature.

"Our Premmia systems are loaded with the high-level security features desired by both individuals and network administrators," said Fortmuller.

Comprehensive Service and Support

AST provides a three-year warranty on its Premmia systems which includes one-year on-site and two years depot service. More than 1,400 Authorized Service Providers are available to service the products. A 24-hour, 7-days-per-week toll-free technical hotline, Info-FAX and AST On-Line! worldwide 24-hour bulletin board service are resources for additional technical and product information.

Corporate Background

AST Research Inc., ranked No. 367 on the 1992 Fortune 500 list of America's largest industrial companies, develops award-winning personal computer products ranging from hand-held portable computers to superservers under the Advantage!, Bravo, Premmia, Manhattan SMP, PowerExec, GRiD, Victor and PenRight! brand names.

In July 1993, AST acquired Tandy Corp.'s PC manufacturing business. The acquisition makes AST the No. 4 U.S. and No. 6 worldwide personal computer company, according to the calendar year 1992 unit volume shipment data from International Data Corp. These figures include AST, Tandy and GRiD brands manufactured by AST.

The company reported record sales of $1.412 billion and record volume shipment increases of 69 percent for fiscal year ended July 3, 1993. AST is represented in 100 countries and operates 41 subsidiaries and sales offices worldwide. AST's corporate headquarters is located a 16215 Alton Parkway, Irvine, Calif. 92718. Telephone (714) 727-4141, (800) 876-4278. Fax: (714) 727-9355


Extrasensory Clipper Tools for ExoSpace/Blinker
Extrasensory Software Announces ExoSpace/Blinker 3.0 Compatibility

Enhanced Performance for CA-Clipper Development Tools

(October 15, 1993)--Extrasensory Software today announced that its line of CA-Clipper development tools can now be used with ExoSpace or Blinker 3.0 to create applications that run in protected mode. Developing in protected mode frees programmers from the DOS 640K memory limitation.

"We are excited to offer support for this new technology," said Ira Emus, president of Extrasensory Software. "Applications using our products can now be significantly larger--or load in 256K (or less) of conventional DOS memory. Our users can now support machines that could not previously run their applications."

Extrasensory's product line includes:

* Telepathy, an award-winning serial communications library which was the first CA-Clipper communications library usable in protected mode.

* FAXual.lib, the first library designed specifically for faxing from CA-Clipper.

* PS Error, the replacement error system for CA-Clipper.

* The PostScript Library, which provides an intuitive interface between CA-Clipper and PostScript printers.

"This added compatibility allows us to provide more powerful tools," Emus continues. "Memory usage in Clipper has been a problem from the start. Protected mode seems to provide a workable solutions and we're pleased that our users will now be able to take full advantage of it."

Telepathy v2.0 is priced at $219.95. The PostScript Library v2.0 is priced at $149.95. Faxual.lib v2.0 is priced at $99.95. PS Error v2.0 is priced at $149.95. ExoSpace is available directly from Computer Associates and Blinker is available from Blink inc.

Extrasensory Software

4450 Murietta Ave, Suite 8, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

Phone 6(818) 981-8367,  Fax (818) 986-5411.


Under A Killing Moon - Interactive Movie
Under a Killing Moon from Access Software Inc

This category-creating Interactive Movie from ACCESS Software goes light years beyond any other product labeled "interactive." Under a Killing Moon takes you to the streets of post World War III San Francisco, into a Virtual World full of people and places so richly detailed, you'll feel like you're actually there.

The story

This Interactive Movie casts you in the role of Tex Murphy, Private Investigator, who first appeared in Mean Streets, then Martian Memorandum. You see Tex's world through his eyes, and are free to explore every square inch of this new world. When the story begins, you are in your seedy, second floor office, in the heart of a run-down mutant section of town. Stepping to the window, you can look down at the street below, full of people going about their business--much of it illegal. After a quick look around the office, you walk down to the street and start looking for a case--it won't take long.

A Virtual World

In this Virtual World you are free to explore every nook and cranny of a room. You can crawl under desks, or look closely at something on the floor. You can look up or down, or turn quickly to see if anyone is behind you. You will be amazed by the freedom of movement and the level of detail.

The Guest stars

To legitimize the Interactive Movie as an art form, we felt that Hollywood stars would add the credibility and talent necessary. For that reason we invited several stars, Brian Keith (Hardcastle & McCormick, The Parent Trap, etc.), Margot Kidder (Superman l, II, etc.), and Russell Means (The Last of the Mohicans, etc.) to join the cast of 18 other experienced actors appearing in Under a Killing Moon. The characters you meet in Under a Killing Moon are much more than actors: they're real people.

Director's Option

An innovative new feature allows users to play through a scene, save it, then "splice" it together with other scenes to create their own personalized Tex Murphy movie. This movie can then be played back at any time. With over two hours of video to select from, and unlimited access to the Virtual World, the user becomes the director.

Rich Original Music

Of course, Under a Killing Moon has a full, rich score of original music, high quality digitized voices and sound effects, making this Interactive Movie as aurally exciting as it is visually stunning. Don't miss it!

Hardware Requirements: CD-ROM drive, 386/25Mhz (minimum), SVGA display, Hard Drive, 4MB RAM (minimum), Sound card, Mouse

       Format: 2 CD-ROMs--MS-DOS

Sound Support: All major sound boards

 Availability: Premier Package CD--UPC 0-81192-71203-2

               January 1994

               Under a Killing Moon CD--UPC 0-81192-71204-9

               February 1994

Access Software

4910 W. Amelia Earhart Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84116

801-359-2900;  800-800-4880,  fax: 801-359-2968


LabVIEW Goes Into Space Onboard Columbia
LabVIEW Goes into Space Today Onboard Columbia Shuttle Mission

Graphical Instrumentation Software Helps Astronauts Improve Efficiency of Motion Sickness Experiment

October 18, 1993 -- Cape Canaveral, FL - LabVIEW graphical instrumentation software, from National Instruments, is aboard today's Columbia space shuttle mission as part of a Macintosh-based research project called the Rotating Dome Experiment that helps astronauts study how the conflict between inner ear signals and visual cues contributes to space motion sickness. LabVIEW is an integral part of a general-purpose, "intelligent" system called Astronaut Science Advisor (ASA) that helps astronauts conduct experiments more efficiently while in space. The ASA, also known as the Principal Investigator (PI) in a Box, helps astronauts make the most out of the short time allotted to an experiment while in space by increasing their productivity and improving the scientific quality of the data they collect. The ASA was developed by NASA's Ames Research Center and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

About the Rotating Dome Experiment

The Rotating Dome Experiment onboard today's launch studies how the brain interprets conflicting information between inner ear signals, visual cues, and other sensory cues. Each test session involves two astronauts, one acting as the subject and the other as the operator. The subject astronaut looks into a dome that has dots rotating either clockwise or counter-clockwise at one of three speeds. When the astronaut looks into the dome, the brain receives information that the astronaut is rotating either clockwise or counter-clockwise (in the opposite direction of dot rotation). At the same time, the subject's inner ears send messages to the brain that the astronaut is remaining motionless.

The subject astronaut is connected to five sensors. The first sensor is connected to a joystick that the subject uses to indicate his/her direction of motion. The second sensor, implanted in molded dental compound, is connected to a bite board that is placed in the astronaut's mouth. As the dome rotates, the bite board measures the torque generated as the astronaut tries to keep his/her head vertical (it is a reflex to try to keep one's visual field in the horizontal plane). The third and fourth sensors are electromiographs (EMGs) attached to the left and right sides of the astronaut's neck to measure head movements as the astronaut tries to keep the head vertical. The fifth sensor is a dome tachometer that measures the speed and direction of dome rotation.

The experiment tells scientists how the brain integrates conflicting signals to tell the astronauts if they are motionless or moving in a given direction at a certain speed. NASA has already conducted these tests on the ground where the brain must also contend with information pertaining to gravity. By conducting these experiments on the space shuttle, scientists can measure how this interaction is affected by adaptation to microgravity, because the brain also has to process information regarding the lack of gravity.

Hardware and software for the experiment includes an external A/D box that digitizes information from the sensors, a Macintosh PowerBook, LabVIEW, CLIPS (an expert system shell developed by NASA) and HyperCard. LabVIEW acquires and analyzes digitized data received through the SCSI port from the external A/D box connected to the experiment stand. LabVIEW then passes the analyzed information to CLIPS. The conclusions are sent to HyperCard which displays differences between parameters for different subject astronauts.

"We have been using LabVIEW since 1989 - we selected it because it was the best Macintosh application software package for handling both data acquisition and data analysis," said Dr. Nick Groleau, a knowledge engineer with Recom Technologies at Ames Research Center. "Not only are we taking advantage of strong acquisition and analysis capabilities of LabVIEW, but also its interapplication communication capabilities - primarily to pass data to CLIPS and HyperCard through Apple Events."

For More Information

For more information about the ASA, contact Jane Hutchison, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA 94035-l000, (415) 6044968.

For more information about LabVIEW or other National Instruments data acquisition and control products, contact National Instruments, 6504 Bridge Point Parkway, Austin, TX 78730-5039, (512) 794-0l00. Fax: (512) 794-5732.


Three New ViewMagic Color Monitors
THREE NEW VIEWMAGIC COLOR MONITORS FEATURE ON SCREEN DISPLAY OF USER SETTINGS

New 17-, 15- And 14-inch Flat Screen, Microprocessor-Controlled Monitors For PC/XT/AT, PS/2, and Mac IIs Display WYSIWYG Color, Confirm 10 User-Selectable Adjustments

Fremont, CA -- October 25, 1993 -- ETC Computer, Inc., a rising player in the monitor market, is introducing three new ViewMagic color monitors: the 17-inch Models CA-1765SP, 15-inch CA-1565SP and 14-inch Model CA-1464SP. The monitors are flat screen, microprocessor-controlled multiscan units featuring on-screen displays of user-adjustable settings and What-You-See-Is-What-You-Get (WYSIWYG) color.

The three monitors will be on display in Booth S3109 in the Sands Expo and Convention Center at COMDEX/Fall '93, November 15-19, in Las Vegas, CA.

All three monitors are designed to provide users with immediate, precise and easy to understand configurations of all settings and adjustments, including both foreground and background color, vertical and horizontal position, rotation (tilted image), pincushion (bowed sides), or trapezoid (bowed top or bottom) screen distortions.

A total of ten adjustments are confirmed on the screen with icons, level indicator bars and exact numeric values. Six pushbuttons located on the front panel enable users to select functions to be adjusted without having to scroll through the entire list of options or settings.

Kent Huang, president of ETC, said, "By individually fine-tuning the intensity of the red, green and blue colors of the background and foreground (video) images, users are assured that the colors appearing on the screen are the exact colors that they'll see printed out. WYSIWYG color is essential for desktop publishing, animation, multimedia and many CAD/CAM/CAE applications. In addition, the fine adjustments to correct for image distortion allow the user to utilize the entire flat screen edge to edge, thus increasing the display area."

Designed for high-resolution color applications running on IBM PC/XT/AT, PS/2 and Apple Macintosh II systems, both monitors use a powerful Motorola microprocessor for accurate and immediate processing of all user adjustments. The CA-1765SP also includes a manual degaussing control which allows the user to demagnetize the CTR at any time to eliminate uneven color spots.

(This is in addition to the AutoDegaussing feature included in all ViewMagic monitors which automatically refreshes the purity of the video display.)

Both monitors features flat, non-glare screens for reduced geometric distortion, 12 factory-preset resolutions from 640 x 480 up to 1280 x 1024 non-interlaced, auto-scanning from 30KHz to 65KHz for horizontal frequencies, 50Hz to 120Hz for vertical frequencies.

The 17-inch CA-1765SP has a 0.26mm dot pitch and has a suggested list price of $1199.00; the 15-inch CA-1565SP has a 0.28mm dot pitch and is available for $689.00. The 14-inch CA1464SP has a 0.28mm dot pitch and is available for $499.00. Low emission models are slightly higher.

The monitors are available separately and in OEM quantities as a branded ViewMagic PreciseColor or private-label products, and are backed by a limited two-year warranty.

ETC's family of ViewMagic digital control monitors are the first monitors designed for high-end applications that are priced within the reach of most mainstream computer users. The company' s 14-, 15- and 17-inch models feature LCD or LED indicators of user-selectable controls and adjustments which are conveniently located on the front panel.

ETC Computer, Inc. is a subsidiary of the ETC Group, which includes three manufacturing firms producing monitors, systems and auxiliary components and supplies. The ETC Group's new, seven-floor, 150,000 square-foot Taiwan facility features ultra-modern automated assembly lines with stringent quality control.

ViewMagic monitor products are marketed in the U.S. through its sales and service organization located at 2917 Bayview Drive, Fremont, CA 94538, telephone 510/226-6250, fax 510/226-6252. ETC's European sales and service office is located in Germany, telephone 011/492151-381122, fax 011/49-2151-391199.


QuickStart Windows NT Video & CD-ROM Training
QuickStart Launches Video and CD-ROM Based Training for Microsoft Windows NT

October 20, 1993, Huntington Beach, CA - QuickStart Technologies, Inc., whose mission is to help organizations understand and apply Microsoft technology, today announced the release of a new video and CD-ROM training course on Microsoft Windows NT. The course is geared towards Information Systems/ Information Technology professionals involved in setting up, administering and using the Windows NT operating system.

Users get an in-depth overview of the Windows NT operating system and the skills required to maximize the investment made in Windows NT. The training explains the features and functions of the Windows NT operating environment. Users learn how to move existing applications to Windows NT, how to run multiple applications and how to use Windows NT tools to perform administrative tasks. Also featured are the advantages of the portability and networking flexibility of Windows NT.

The video is comprised of two units. Unit one focuses on File, Printer and Resource Management. Unit two addresses User Administration and Security. Each video unit sells for $69.95. The CD-ROM course comes as a set for $249.95 and will be available December 1993.

The QuickStart Microsoft Windows NT training course marks the second wave of training courses for Microsoft applications released by QuickStart this year. Earlier courses include: Microsoft PowerPoint 3.0, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Access and Microsoft Mail. New QuickStart media-based training products for fourth quarter include Microsoft Windows for

QuickStart Technologies, established in 1988, closely cooperates with Microsoft as a Microsoft Solution Provider and as a Microsoft Training Channel Partner. QuickStart also participates in beta testing programs and co-develops software with Microsoft. All QuickStart's trainers and consultants are certified by Microsoft.

QuickStart Technologies Inc

5862 Bolsa Ave, Building 103

Huntington Beach, CA 92649-1169

714-894-1448,  fax 714-894-4814


Ikon DR11-W Emulator Board
***IKON ANNOUNCES DR11-W EMULATOR FOR ISA/EISA COMPUTERS***

October 22, 1993 -- Ikon Corporation of Seattle, WA, announces an addition to its family of DR11-W Emulators. The new Model 10112 is an ISA/EISA board which emulates the function of the popular DEC DR11-W and is compatible with the EISA-based PCs and workstations from many manufacturers such as Hewlett-Packard, Silicon Graphics, IBM and others.

The 10112 is software compatible with the Ikon Model 10094 ISA board but offers significantly higher performance. Even in an ISA machine, the 10112 can provide a 1.6M byte/second data transfer rate (using a 16-bit DMA channel in DEMAND Mode) compared to the 825K byte/second rate of the 10094. In an EISA machine (using a 16-bit EISA DMA channel in DEMAND Mode B), the transfer rate goes up to 4M bytes/second.

FIFO buffers of 8K bytes for both input and output are standard; higher capacities are optional. Data transfers on the bus are in 16-word bursts for increased bus efficiency over the 10094. Multiple DMA blocks are allowed within DR11 blocks thus allowing the block length to the attached device to be larger than the DMA block from the system.

All DR11 control inputs are received with high-hysteresis unified-bus type receivers for maximum noise rejection. Output signals are driven with high-drive open-collector, or totem pole drivers. Various cabling options are available for providing connection of DR11-type cables to the 80-pin high density SCSI-2 connector on the 10112.

The 10112 is shipped with a Hardware/Software Manual and is covered by a full one-year warranty and Ikon's unlimited emergency field loan program. Small quantity North American pricing for the board is $995 US, FOB, Seattle, WA. Boards are available from shelf stock and evaluation units can be provided on loan.

Ikon Corp

2617 Western Ave, Seattle, WA 98121

Tel: (206) 728-6465, FAX: (206) 728-1633


Microsoft Word Assistant
Microsoft Announces Word Assistant

Enhances Documents With Templates, Fonts, Clip Art and More

REDMOND, Wash.--Oct. 20, 1993--Microsoft Corporation today announced Word Assistant, an add-on software package designed to enhance documents created using Microsoft Word version 6.0. Taking advantage of key features in this version, Word Assistant provides users with style templates and forms professionally designed with 25 new TrueType fonts, 100 additional clip-art images and two font utility programs to help assist in using, grouping and organizing fonts.

Word Assistant is designed to complement the features in Word 6.0 that make it easier to create great-looking documents. While all Word users can benefit from Word Assistant, small businesses in particular should find the Word Assistant features, such as forms, valuable for creating professional-looking documents.

"Word Assistant is the logical choice to complement Word 6.0," said Steve Shaiman, general manager, advanced product development at Microsoft. "This program extends the benefits of Word 6.0 and gives users a quick and easy way to create a wide range of great-looking business documents."

Key Features

The key features in Word Assistant are grouped into five areas:

** Fonts. Word Assistant offers 25 new TrueType fonts, including both headline and text. These new fonts were selected not only to integrate with the existing families of TrueType fonts offered by Microsoft, but also to offer users unique ways to differentiate their documents.

** Style templates/forms/special paper. Taking advantage of AutoFormat and Style Gallery in Word 6.0, Word Assistant includes 20 additional style templates that are predesigned with the new fonts, making document creation easier than ever. Word Assistant also includes 10 predesigned form templates for online data input and 20 PaperDirect metafile templates, which allow users to preview documents on-screen prior to printing with PaperDirect specialty paper.

** Clip art. Word Assistant includes 100 clip-art images from 3G Graphics, adding to the Word Clip Art Library. These new images give users additional tools for creating rich, graphically oriented documents.

** Font Selector. This feature allows users to view and select all fonts in three modes: Normal, WYSIWIG, or All At Once. This feature gives users more choices in terms of choosing appropriate fonts for specific documents; it is the first such utility for the Windows environment.

** Font Assistant version 1.1. This updated version of the Font Assistant, initially introduced in the add-in Microsoft TrueType Font Pack 2 product, allows users to organize their TrueType fonts, create custom font groups, and print sample pages of installed fonts to help them in creating final documents. This new version features both an improved user interface and more printing options.

System Requirements and Availability

Word Assistant requires a system with a 386 or higher microprocessor; Windows 3.1 or the Windows for Workgroups operating system with integrated networking version 3.1; Word 6.0 for Windows; a hard disk drive; and a 1.44MB floppy drive.

Word Assistant has a suggested retail price of $64.95, and will be available through authorized Microsoft resellers. A Macintosh version is planned for early 1994.

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: 206-93MSFAX


The Real Logic Analyzer Version 2.0
October 28, 1993 -- A new software program that converts an IBM compatible computer into a fully functinoal logic analyzer has been introduced by Logixell Electroncs. With The Real Logic Analyzer version 2.0, up to five digital waveforms can be monitored through the standard PC parallel printer port. The user can connect a circuit to the port by making a simple cable or by using Logixel's optional cable with universal test clips. The software uses the computer's memory to capture 64K sampes of data at speeds of up to 1.2 uS (depending on computer). Full triggering capabilities allow for the trigger word to be set to any combination of High, Low or Don't Care values. The trigger point may be set anywhere within the 64K buffer to allow for capturing of both pre- and post-trigger waveforms. Captured waveforms are displayed graphically on the computer screen and can be viewed at several different zoom levels. A continuous display mode allows for an "Oscilloscope" type of real time display. For independent cursors and an automatic time base calibration routine allows for accurate time and frequency measurements to be taken. Glitches can also be detected by oversampling the printer port. The displayed waveforms may be assigned a seven character label for identification and may be displayed in any color or arranged in any order on the screen. The captured waveforms may be saved, printed or exported in PCX file format.

The Real Logic Analyzer comes with a 36 page instruction manual and program diskette for only $79.95 (US). The optional Test Cable sells for $22.95 (US).

LOGIXELL Electroncis

61 Piper Cr.

Kanata, Ontario CANADA K2K 2S9

613-599-7088,  fax 613-599-7089


ProApp Accounting/Distribution/Retail POS Sys
BRAND NEW ACCOUNTING/DISTRIBUTION/RETAIL POS SYSTEM BASED ON THE NEWEST HARDWARE/SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY

Marathon Systems Solutions, Inc. of Burnaby, BC Canada, is announcing a new group of integrated software products that run on PCs and LANs, yet provide the same sophisticated functionality previously found on Mainframe solutions. Based on Microsoft Windows and the FoxPro Relational Database, the ProApp distribution solution is a highly sophisticated package designed for medium to large sized organizations who are downsizing. Complete Financial, Order Entry, Purchasing, Inventory Control, and Retail Point of Sale Modules constitute the system.

ProApp offers a feature that several large organizations demand but rarely find, transaction rollback and recovery. This allows a customer to automatically rebuild transactions to what they were at a specific point in time. This is of tremendous benefit if a power failure occurs and if a system then must be rebuilt. Previously this functionality was only available on high end Mainframe and Minicomputer based solutions.

ProApp also offers a feature which is an absolute necessity for companies that conduct business internationally. Multi-currency processing is another advanced capability of ProApp. This allows companies to translate funds from one currency to another, or to segregate currencies.

ProApp even goes beyond Mainframe capabilities by offering users the highly intuitive Windows Graphics User Interface (GUI). Context sensitive on demand help windows provide new users with, in essence, an online tutorial capability.

Another advanced facility which also offers unparalleled ease of use, is an integrated Windows/FoxPro based Report Writer. This facility was designed so that non technical end users can easily create their own ad hoc reports.

ProApp was recently demonstrated at the FoxPro Developers Conference in Orlando. It was extremely well received by industry experts. Several observers commented on the fact the ProApp sets a new standard for PC/LAN based Accounting solutions. This is tremendous praise coming from Developers, Academics and VARs within our industry.

Marathon Systems Solutions Inc

#100 - 4190 Lougheed Why

Burnaby, BC V5C 6A8 CANADA

604-291-6944,  fax 604-291-6139


Impulse! Prints Letters, Orbit Scans Signature
Impulse! Prints The Letters,

Orbit's Scanning Service Adds The Signature

Boston, MA, November 1, 1993 -- Time and money are two of the most precious commodities in today s business world. How much time do you spend each day composing and then signing standard letters? This waste of time can be avoided by the use of Impulse! contact managers in conjunction with Orbit Enterprises' Scanning Service software. The letter and report generating capabilities of Impulse! along with its mail-merge feature make it the perfect partner to Orbit's Scanning Service. Impulse! provides the form letters, Scanning Service adds your signature, and your time is freed for more important things.

Developed by Orbit Enterprises, Inc. of Glen Ellyn, IL, Scanning Service personalizes your business correspondence by printing a signature that appears hand-written rather than rubber-stamped. In addition, your signature is printed simultaneously with the document, saving vast amounts of time and handling. Scanning Service also scans company logos and letterheads, saving money on costly stationery.

The Impulse! product line developed by International Solutions, Inc. of Canton, MA supports this innovative software package. Businesses which generate large volume mailings will find these products work hand-in-hand to effectively and efficiently reach their customers. The use of a powerful tool such as Impulse! can help smaller businesses to grow through outside sales, telemarketing, and direct mail.

Companies of all sizes will benefit from the ability to organize and manage their clients, customers, and activities provided by Impulse! products. By maintaining complete and up to the minute information on all contacts, customer service is maximized.

The digitized signatures provided by Orbit's Scanning Service can be printed on a HP LaserJet Plus or compatible printers, 211 of which are supported by Impulse! products. Impulse! requires an IBM compatible, MS-DOS version 3.3+, a minimum of 640K, and 1.5 meg. of hard disk space.

International Solutions, Inc. is a Boston based company specializing in developing and marketing business application products. Its product line includes First Impulse!, Impulse! Professional, Impulse! Sales, Impulse! Help Desk, and Medical Office System. Various add-ons and network versions are also available. The company was founded in 1991 by president Vik Kachoria.

Orbit Enterprises, Inc. is an Illinois based company offering services to scan signatures, logos, letterheads and other custom clipart. The company was founded in 1982 by Joseph Beda.

International Solutions Inc

52 Tolman St, Canton, MA 02021

617-575-0290,  fax 617-575-0735


New Sharp Color Notebook Computer Family
POWERFUL, NEW COLOR NOTEBOOK COMPUTER FAMILY DEBUTED BY SHARP

MAHWAH, N.J., October 26, 1993 -- Two new notebook computers boasting Intel 486 DX processors and high-performance color LCD screens are introduced today by Sharp Electronics Corporation. The new notebook computers take advantage of Sharp's expertise as the world leader in developing LCD products by incorporating a separate color-screen technology into each affordable model.

The PC-8650 offers an 8.4-inch active matrix TFT (thin film transistor) color VGA screen while the PC-8150 comes with a 9.4-inch passive matrix, dual scan monitor. Both the PC-8650 and PC-8150, each weighing 6.4 pounds, feature processors running at 33 MHz, PCMCIA type 2 card slots, 200 MB fast-access hard drives, a 3.5-inch floppy disk drive, 4 MB of RAM and sophisticated power management software. The units also come pre-installed with MS-DOS version 6.0 and Windows" version 3.1.

To increase user comfort and maximize portable productivity, both units offer full-size 85-key keyboards with 12 function keys. An optional, external trackball is available.

"Sharp is keenly aware of the increased demand for affordable color notebook computers and we are committed to providing top-of-the-line technologies in all our new color models," notes Rob Rosborough, director, Sharp PC and Color Imaging Systems Division. "The PC-8660 and PC-8150 offer outstanding color screens, powerful Intel processors and pre-installed software, making them two of the best values available on the notebook market today."

Both units' screens are non-glare, backlit, have resolutions of 640 x 480 pixels and support 256 colors which can be displayed simultaneously from a palette of 256,000. The PC-8150's supertwist nematic, dual scan design increases the screen's refresh rate and makes it more responsive to even the slightest display changes than non-dual-scan color screens.

The versatile PC Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) type 2 card slot enables users to easily increase system memory via RAM or ROM cards, load software programs and attach input/output devices. A separate fax/modem slot is also built-in for the convenient transmission of documents and data.

Users can increase system memory up to 8 MB or 20 MB with the insertion of optional RAM boards, configuring either unit to handle even the most advanced, memory-intensive software applications.

Standard interfaces include an RS-232C serial port, a Centronics parallel port, a CRT monitor interface, an expansion bus and external keyboard/mouse and trackball ports.

Options include an external trackball (suggested retail price, $89), an internal, send/receive 14.4 fax/modem card ($425) and an extra NiMH battery pack ($175).

Sharp LCD Technology

Liquid crystal display (LCD) technology has become the heart of many home and office products and is instrumental in realizing functions and features never before offered. Since developing the world's first electronic calculator with an LCD in 1973, Sharp has continually improved the technology to provide a higher contrast, wider viewing angle and larger image. LCDs accounted for a large portion of Sharp's $2 million per day worldwide research and development investment.

Both models measure 8.86" (D) x 11.42" (W) x 1.81" (H). The PC-8650 is now available and has a suggested retail price of $3,699. The PC-8150 will be available by the end of October and have a suggested retail price of $3,199.

For more information, contact the PC and Color Imaging Systems Group, Sharp Electronics Corporation, Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, N.J. 07430 or call 201-529-9593.

As a recognized leader in consumer, office and industrial electronics products, Sharp Electronics Corporation, headquartered in Mahwah, NJ., has sales of over $2.4 billion, markets some 1,200 products in over 40 product categories and employs more than 2,200 people nationwide. Founded in 1962, Sharp Electronics is the U.S. sales and marketing subsidiary of Japan's Sharp Corporation, and is a leading seller of many electronics product lines, including LCD products, camcorders, microwave ovens, electronic organizers, copiers, facsimile machines and calculators.


Annuity Ace Financial Planning Software
Project your financial future with new software Annuity Ace

BOUNTIFUL, UTAH -- November 1, 1993 -- Insight Software Solutions today announced the initial release of the Annuity Ace, a financial software package for the IBM PC. The Annuity Ace is capable of projecting and illustrating your saving and investment needs through professional reports.

Savers have the option of saving on a weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis. Sales loads can easily be factored into the savings equation. The Annuity Ace allows for withdrawals which can help project income through the retirement years. Variable deposits, withdrawals and interest rates can all be entered giving complete flexibility over your savings strategy. And a powerful, yet easy-to-use mechanism is available for cost of living adjustments (COLA) to either your deposits, withdrawals or both.

"It is estimated that a majority of Americans fail to plan for their financial future. While many will end up with only Social Security, most will have to undergo a significant change in lifestyle due to a decrease in income. People can now better prepare and project what it will take to build a better financial future by using the Annuity Ace software package." said Michael D. Jones, President of Insight Software Solutions.

Special features include the ability to illustrate the impact of taxes on savings, to illustrate the affect of sales loads on savings, to show what your future investment will be in today's dollars due to inflation, to illustrate the consequences of waiting before starting to save, to show the impact of a higher interest rate, and the ability to determine what is required to reach a target savings amount by a given age.

The Annuity Ace can also project periodic payments from a lump sum deposit--also known as an immediate annuity. A split annuity option is also available. A split annuity takes a lump sum deposit and splits it into two pieces. The first part is treated as an immediate annuity where periodic payments are made. The second part is treated as a savings account where it accumulates interest. When the specified time frame has expired, the investor has received the numerous periodic payments and the savings account portion has built back up to the original lump sum deposit.

Professional reports and illustrations can be viewed on screen, printed or sent to an ASCII file. Reports can be printed on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis using a calendar or fiscal year basis. Values may be cumulative or non cumulative and rounded to the dollar or exact cents. All information can be saved and retrieved.

Field inputs are contained on one screen with the use of function keys to branch out to less common needed items such as variable deposits and interest rate. The Annuity Ace is menu driven with help for all input fields and contains an on-line manual. The menu, help, look and feel all make the program intuitively easy.

The product is designed for the individual who is investing money for the future through saving, IRA, CD, 401K and other plans. It can also be used by professionals including accountants, lawyers, financial planners, bankers and insurance agents.

The Annuity Ace can be run on any IBM PC compatible computer with 512K of memory using DOS 2.0 or greater. A hard disk is not required, however it is recommended. A printer capable of printing in a condensed mode is required for some reports.

The price of the Annuity Ace is $25.00 and may be obtained from Insight Software Solutions, P.O. Box 354, Bountiful, UT 84011-0354, (801) 295-1890. Site licenses are available. Other software packages available include The Interest Analyzer, The Mortgage Analyzer and The Debt Analyzer.

Founded in 1990, Insight Software Solutions is a producer of financial software packages designed for the professional and the average user. The company provides easy-to-use and feature-rich software at a reasonable price. Sales span four continents including eleven countries. Michael D. Jones, founder and President, has over eight years experience in the finance industry. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Computer Science and has been awarded the FLMI insurance designation.

Insight Software Solutions

PO Box 354, Bountiful, UT 84011-0354

801-295-1890,  fax 801-299-1781

BBS: 801-963-8721 (join conference 4); CIS: 71672,3464


Gupta & SQA Sign Marketing Partnership
GUPTA CORP. AND SQA, INC. SIGN MARKETING PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT

Automated GUI Client/Server Testing Tool Strengthens SQL Windows Offering as Mission-Critical Client/Server Development Environment

MENLO PARK, CA - Oct. 25, 1993 -- Gupta Corporation and SQA, Inc. jointly announced today the signing of a cooperative marketing agreement between the two companies. Under the agreement Gupta and SQA will work together in marketing SQA TeamTest, SQA's automated GUI client/server testing tool. SQA develops and sells the product. For more information contact SQA at 617-932-0110.

The agreement is another step in Gupta's roll-out of the TIE (Tools Integration for the Enterprise) architecture it announced at their International Developer's Conference in September. TIE is designed to strengthen Gupta's positioning as a mission-critical development vehicle by making it easier for third-party products to be integrated with Gupta's products. The addition of SQA's automated testing solution will assist SQLWindows users in meeting the challenging job of testing their GUI client/server applications.

"We are impressed with SQA's product in two areas," said Umang Gupta, President and CEO of Gupta Corporation. "First, the point-and-click style of SQA TeamTest matches the intuitive interface of SQLWindows. And second, their team-testing approach fits well with our team development approach in TeamWindows. We're leading the market in collaborative client/server development, and they're leading the market in collaborative client/server testing. The products are a good match."

Ron Nordin, President and CEO of SQA, said "SQLWindows has been offering RAD (Rapid Application Development) productivity to its users for years. SQA TeamTest complements that with the same degree of productivity for QA Engineers. We call it RAD/QA. It's the only way a QA Engineer can possibly match the productivity a developer gets in SQLWindows."

With the agreement, SQA officially becomes a Gupta ISY Technology Partner. The partnership will expand the list of companies that are already using SQA TeamTest with SQLWindows. SQA reports that a number of its customers have been using both products together for over a year. The agreement is effective immediately, and joint marketing efforts have already begun.

About SOA

SQA builds and sells tools that automate the testing of GUI client/server applications on Microsoft Windows and OS/2 Presentation Manager. The company has established an impressive track record of technological innovations in automated GUI testing. SQA was:

* FIRST to deliver a test automation tool specifically for

  Microsoft Windows applications

* FIRST to conceive and implement Object-Oriented Recording

  for test script generation

* FIRST and ONLY to integrate automated GUI testing with defect

  tracking

* FIRST and ONLY to integrate GUI test development/execution with

  team workflow tracking and reporting

* FIRST and ONLY to implement a Team Testing Architecture for GUI

  applications based on a networked Test Repository

SQA supports its products with a complete range of professional services and support. The company has sold thousands of licenses to hundreds of companies worldwide. SQA's products are sold through a direct sales force and a growing International network of value-added resellers, consultants. and distributors that represent SQA in over 40 countries throughout the world. SQA is privately-held. Its headquarters are in Woburn Massachusetts.

Gupta and SQA Marketing Agreement release

About Gupta Corporation

Gupta Corporation, founded in 1984, is a leading vendor of corporate PC client/server system software. Gupta's products are widely used by major corporations to downsize/rightsize their applications to PC LANs.

Gupta's SQLBase Server pioneered the market for PC client-server databases. The NLM version recently established a new performance standard for PC client-server databases. Gupta SQLWindows has been instrumental in the growth of applications developed for client-server networks. Gupta Quest is a data access, query and reporting tool for end-users and Gupta SQLNetwork is a family of software products for connecting Gupta tools and servers to other server data sources including IBM DB2, AS/400 and Database Manager, ORACLE, Sybase/Microsoft SQL Server, Informix, Ingres, HP/ALLBASE and TurboIMAGE, Cincom SUPRA Server and others.

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

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


Baker's Newsbits (11/1/93)
BAKER'S NEWS BITS FROM ASSORTED SOURCES - 11/1/93

Corporate financial filings with the SEC will be available at no cost on the Internet by year's end through a National Science Foundation grant. The federal government previously had favored contracts with information services vendors to provide public access to government data for a fee.

Supposedly Silicon Graphics and Nintendo announced an agreement to build 64-bit arcade and home entertainment systems. The new systems will have a Mips processor, a graphics accelerator, and unspecified ASICs. The partners call this "Reality Immersion Technology." Attendees at SIGGRAPG '93 in Anaheim, CA got a taste of what this technology might accomplish at the Silicon Graphics booth, if they were willing to stand in line for hours. They got a chance to "ride a pterodactyl" in a canyon with rushing water below. The wrap-around screen let several people get into the scene with each lucky rider. Target features of the Nintendo system include 24-bit color, CD-quality audio, over 100,000 polygons/sec, with polygons defined as 50-pixel meshed triangles, and real-time anti-aliased texture mapping. Plans call for arcade games in 1994 and home systems in 1995 for about $250.

Tradewest's new Fun 'n' Games video game for the Sega Genesis and SNES systems will display the Good Housekeeping Seal on the game package. It is the first video game to receive the endorsement, according to Tradewest.

Pioneer Electronics has announced the October retail launch of LaserActive - the first multimedia format to combine high-quality full-motion video, digital sound, and interactive capabilities. The system consists of a main unit (combination LaserDisc/CD player), the CLD-A100, and one or three optional control packs. LaserActive, developed in technical cooperation with Sega Enterprises and NEC Home Electronics, is designed to take advantage of existing software libraries for LaserDisc, video game, and LaserKaraoke songs. Currently the company is in negotiations with Sega of America, Virgin Games, Digital Pictures, and the New Learning Project to develop LaserActive titles.

Study Group 14, the International Telecommunications Union group charged with developing a standard for higher-speed modem data transmission, has come up with a plan for approving the V.fast protocol by June of next year. In recognition of the new status given to the protocol, V.fast is now called Draft Recommendation V.34. "It would not be surprising to see V.34-compliant products on the market shortly after the finalized text is submitted to the ITU in February 1994," says Dick Brandt of AT&T and vice chairman of ITU-T Study Group 14. Brandt says that although some decisions on feature options are yet to be made, the sections dealing with the data mode are essentially complete. The group has now switched its focus to the startup section. By December of this year, the specification is expected to be completed. That will allow for some interoperability testing prior to putting the final text in the hands of the ITU Telecommunications Standardization Burear by late February 1994. Brandt is optimistic that Recommendation V.34 will be approved by the Study Group in June 1994.


The Labyrinth of Time, First CDROM from EA
ELECTRONIC ARTS ANNOUNCES FIRST CD-ROM RELEASE: THE LABYRINTH OF TIME

San Mateo, Calif., Oct. 25, 1993 -- Electronic Arts(NASDAQ:ERTS) has announced the release of The Labyrinth of Time for the PC and compatible CD ROM/MPC. This game will be one of Electronic Art's first releases on CD-ROM, and is available immediately priced at $59.95. The Labyrinth of Time is the creation of Michal Todorovic and Bradley W. Schenck of New Worlds Development. Randy Breen is the producer for Electronic Arts.

The Labyrinth of Time is a fantasy adventure featuring a series of graphic and logic puzzles which must be completed in order to solve the entire game. Problems must be solved in a nature that affects both space and time. For example, certain puzzles, once solved, put events in motion that will aid in the ultimate destruction of the Labyrinth itself. Therefore, the player must create conditions which essentially, change history! The Labyrinth of Time features over 250 megabytes of SVGA 3D-modeled and rendered graphics, which provide a photorealistic gameplay environment, and it utilizes an intelligent design point-and click interface.

The player is whisked away from the contemporary world by a subway car, and is thrown directly into the game. King Minos (of Greek mythology) has captured the spirit of his ancient master-builder, Daedalus (father of Icarus.) It was Daedalus who designed and built the infamous Labyrinth of Knossos. Minos is utilizing the captive spirit of Daedalus to create a new Labyrinth-one which bridges both space and time, and has doorways into a number of historical epochs. Minos plans to rule Earth via The Labyrinth, and become the ultimate despot--not simply the ruler of his era, but the ruler of the entire history of The World.

Daedalus strives to fight off the mental captivity under which his spirit has been placed, and sets out to recruit a technically-advanced warrior-who just happens to be an innocent bystander from the twentieth century!

The player must pass through The Labyrinth, solving conundrums of logic, and setting various chains of events in motion in order to influence actions in later historical eras, like the Middle Ages, Pre-Columbian America, the Bronze Age, the Old West, and the present. The player does all of this by simply interacting with 'hot buttons' and icons on-screen as he pursues his ultimate quest--to locate and overcome the source of the awesome power of Minos.

Electronic Arts

1450 Fashion Island Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94404


AFiS Graphical Software for Adaptive Filtering
AFiS - Graphical Software for Adaptive Filtering and Signal Analysis

October 1, 1993 -- St. Paul, MN - Instrument Systems, Inc. has announced the availability of an add-on signal analysis software package for the National Instruments LabVIEW graphical instrumentation software. LabVIEW users on Windows PCs, Macintosh computers, or Sun SPARCstations can put the Adaptive Filtering instrument System (AFiS) to work in signal processing applications in the medical, communications, image processing, radar, sonar, and speech processing fields.

Adaptive filters are unique because they can adapt to varying conditions in the input signal. Fixed coefficient filters, such as Butterworth or Chebyshev filters, cannot do this and under some conditions may fail. Users can choose between different filters to study various aspects that might be relevant to the particular application. After selecting the filter, a panel pops up that displays the input signal with noise and the filtered output signal along with the filter learning curve. AFiS includes controls, so users can easily change the filter parameters while observing the signals. Engineers and scientists can use sample signals provided with AFiS to investigate different filters and vary filter parameters before working with real application signals. For adaptive filtering applications, the ability to quickly assess convergence rates, numerical robustness, update rates, and so on, is critical. AFiS is a powerful tool for visualizing cause-and-effect relationships that may have a profound impact on solving problems for signal processing applications.

Price, Availability, and For More Information

AFiS is available now, with pricing starting at $595. For information, please contact Instrument Systems at P.O. Box 26158, St. Paul, MN 55126, (612) 481-0135,  Fax (612) 481-0059.

LabVIEW is also available now with pricing ranging from $1,995-$3,995, depending on platform. For more information contact National Instruments at 6504 Bridge Point Parkway, Austin, IX 78730-5039, (512) 794-0100. Call toll free in the U.S. and Canada at (800) 433-3488. Fax (512) 794-8411.

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

ADAPTIVE FILTERING INSTRUMENT SYSTEM

Description

The Adaptive Filtering Instrument System (AFiS) is a LabVIEW developed add-on package that provides the basic tools for analysis of signals that do not allow a fixed coefficient filter design. Adaptive filters are self-designing based on properties of the received signals and are not based on gross spectral properties. Applications include Adaptive noise cancellation, beamforming, parameter estimation, Adaptive spectral estimation. Included with the package are examples that illustrate the use of the AFiS toolbox. Representative signal-plus-noise data is simulated and displayed; adjustments to these and the filter parameters can be made to enable the study of your application. Stand-alone Applications can be created using the AFiS VI library.

Basic Package

The basic AFiS package includes many versions of the LMS Adaptive filtering algorithm. The Gradient Adaptive Lattice (GAL) is included for Applications that need a more robust solution, which is used in the ASAiS (Adaptive Spectral Analysis Instrument System). Also included are application examples and a front panel that allow you to study these filters with your signals. Price: $595.00 US, executable only (LabVIEW not required) $395.00 US

Advanced Package

The advanced AFiS package includes the basic AFiS package with the addition of the QRD Least Squares Lattice (QRD-LSL). This filter represents the state-of-the-art in adaptive filtering algorithms. It is based on the most advanced and stable numerical methods available today and exhibits very fast convergence. Included with this package is the same interface and examples as the basic package with the QRD-LSL as an additional choice. Also, many VI's from the MUS (Matrix Laboratory Instrument System) are included along with a wavefront array processor simulation. Price: $950.00 US, executable only (LabVIEW not required) $595.00 US.

System Requirements

386 with math coprocessor, 486 and above recommended.

Macintosh or Sun Sparc station

LabVIEW with advanced analysis from National Instruments

(LabVIEW is not required for the executable only versions)

Related Products

MLiS, Matrix Laboratory Instrument System

ASAiS, Adaptive Spectrum Analysis Instrument System

WLiS, Wavelet Laboratory Instrument System

      (coming soon)

iS Instrument Systems Inc.

PO Box 26153 St., Paul MN 55126

Telephone 612-481-0135; fax 612-481-0059

5807 Babcock Rd., No. 194, San Antonio TX 73240

Telephone 210-690-8436; fax 210-690-4539


SoundViewer & LabQD Speech Analysis Tools
New Speech Analysis Tool and Graphical Library for LabVIEW

SoundViewer Scientific Software Displays Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) Sonograms in Real Time

October 20, 1993 -- Chambery, France - ASTER today announced SoundViewer and LabQD, two new add-on products for the Macintosh that work with National Instruments LabVIEW software. ASTER has also announced the compatibility of LabQD and Fastdraw with LabVIEW 3.0. ASTER is a member of the National Instruments Alliance Program.

SoundViewer, an interactive audio analyzer, uses the National Instruments NB-DSP230x and NB-A21xx boards to acquire, process, and display up to four analog input channels in real time on the Macintosh. With SoundViewer, users can display standard wide and narrowband FFT sonograms and 3D waterfall spectrograms. Users can interactively adjust the usual FFT sonogram parameters such as time zoom, pre-emphasis, windowing functions, display contrast, and brightness control. SoundViewer can also stream the acquired data in real time (16 bits - up to 51.2 kHz - up to four channels) to disk, using the Apple Audio Interchange File Format. SoundViewer is particularly well suited as a preprocessing tool for SpeechAccess, another ASTER product used to test speech and sound analysis algorithms. A typical analysis session involves interactively choosing the analysis material with the SoundViewer real-time sonogram, performing the recording, playing back the sonogram to verify the signal (using the SoundViewer disk mode), and then switching to SpeechAccess to fine tune the FFT or other analysis algorithm. SpeechAccess is a Macintosh-based speech research environment that uses the National Instruments NB-DSP2300 or NB-DSP2301 digital signal processing (DSP) boards with LabVIEW. SoundViewer and SpeechAccess will soon be compatible with LabVIEW 3.0.

LabQD is a LabVIEW virtual instrument (VI) library that offers all the capabilities of QuickDraw, the graphics manager of the Macintosh Toolbox. With a basic knowledge of LabVIEW and of LabQD, users can design sophisticated graphics programs in a few hours. This process would take weeks using a classical Macintosh programming environment. Consisting of about 120 VIs, LabQD provides performance comparable to state-of-the-art C-based graphics programs. Included with LabQD is Fastdraw.

Fastdraw, now compatible with LabVIEW 3.0, is a ready-to-use LabVIEW VI that provides the user with five different plotting modes to generate high-speed plots. Fastdraw is a LabVIEW external window for numerical data visualization at very high display rates.

Pricing, Availability, and for More Information

SoundViewer is now available for $650. LabQD is now available for $400. For more information internationally, please contact ASTER, "Les Bocquets"-Montagnole, 73000 Chambery, France. Tel: (33) 79.69.31.41, Fax: (33) 79.69.06.42. In the U.S., contact Dixon DSP Design at 2515 Hollow Bend, Mesquite, Texas 75150. Tel: (214) 681-4490, Fax: (214) 681-1502. Call toll free in the U.S. and Canada at (800) 967-0708.

ASTER will provide free upgrades of LabQD and Fastdraw for customers who upgrade to LabVIEW 3.0.

For more information about the National Instruments Alliance Program or LabVIEW, please contact National Instruments at 6504 Bridge Point Parkway, Austin, Texas 78730-5039. Tel: (512) 794-0100, Fax: (512) 794-8411. Call toll free in the U.S. and Canada at (800) 433-3488.


SpectrumWare Dynamic Signal Analyzer w/Brds
New SpectrumWare Software Simplifies Dynamic Signal Analysis

Program Included with Company's Dynamic Signal Acquisition Boards Free of Charge

October 20, 1993 -- Austin, TX - National Instruments announced today a dynamic signal analyzer virtual instrument (VI) for Windows, Macintosh, and Sun users. Users can combine SpectrumWare and the company's dynamic signal acquisition boards for PC AT, EISA, NuBus, or SBus computers in a variety of electrical, acoustical, and mechanical applications. With a frequency range of DC to 22 kHz, and a dynamic range of 93 dB, the plug-in dynamic signal acquisition boards and Spectrumware provide high-accuracy performance for a wide range of applications.

SpectrumWare has an easy-to-use graphical user interface (GUI) that simplifies the measurement of frequency response, power spectrum, amplitude spectrum, coherence, transient capture, cross spectrum, and total harmonic distortion (THD). It is ideal for applications involving electronic filters and networks, audio frequency communications equipment, machine vibration, transducers such as accelerometers and hydrophones, resonances in mechanical structures, or acoustic tests. Other applications include the measurement of transient signals or the spectra of low-frequency signals such as speech or mechanical vibration.

The SpectrumWare executable program was built using the company's new LabVIEW Application Builder. With Application Builder, LabVIEW users can create VIs that operate as stand-alone executables. Once selected, SpectrumWare will load, execute, and unload automatically. The LabVIEW source code for SpectrumWare can be edited with LabVIEW version 3.0, so users can alter and customize it for their individual applications.

Pricing and Availability

SpectrumWare is available now at no charge with the company's AT-A2150, NB-A2100, SB-A2200, AT-DSP2200, and NB-A2150 plug-in boards. Board prices range from $1,595 to $4,495. LabVIEW prices range from $1,995 to $3,995. For more information, contact National Instruments, 6504 Bridge Point Parkway, Austin, TX 78730-5039, (512) 794-0100. Or call toll free in the U.S. and Canada at (800) 433-3488. Fax: (512) 794-8411.


Add-On Analysis Toolkit Enhances LabVIEW
New Add-On Analysis Toolkit Enhances LabVIEW

Time-Frequency Analyzer Executable Also Available

October 20, 1993 -- Austin, TX - National Instruments announced today two new signal processing products for the company's multiplatform LabVIEW graphical instrumentation software. The Joint Time-Frequency Analysis (JTFA) Toolkit is a new add-on virtual instrument (VI) library that enhances the signal processing capabilities of LabVIEW on nonstationary signals. Users can combine the JTFA Toolkit VIs with LabVIEW in speech processing, sonar, acoustics, vibration, machine test, and signal processing applications, or in applications when traditional waveform and frequency analysis alone are inadequate. The toolkit includes the Time-Frequency Analyzer LabVIEW executable for users who do not have LabVIEW but who are performing joint time-frequency analysis. The Time-Frequency Analyzer executable reads data files of time signals, transforms the signals into the time-frequency domain, and displays the results in a spectrogram.

LabVIEW is a graphical programming system for developing data acquisition and analysis applications on Macintosh computers, Windows-based PCs, and Sun SPARCstations. Both the JTFA Toolkit and the Time-Frequency Analyzer executable will be available for all three of these platforms.

About the JTFA Toolkit Traditional Fourier analysis reports what frequencies are present in a time record. It does not indicate when those frequencies occurred in time. It is the aim of the JTFA Toolkit to describe and determine how the frequencies of nonstationary signals change over time. The JTFA Toolkit is an add-on VI library for LabVIEW. It includes six algorithms - the short-time Fourier transform (STFT), the Wigner-Ville distribution, the cone-shaped kernel distribution, the Choi-Williams distribution, the Gabor Spectrogram, and the adaptive spectrogram. Users can acquire signals with data acquisition hardware, such as the company's plug-in dynamic signal acquisition boards, use an algorithm from the JTFA Toolkit to transform the signal, and display the signals as a two-dimensional intensity plot of time-frequency data. Users will also be able to present signal analysis results using the three-dimensional plotting capabilities of SurfaceVIEW, a LabVIEW add-on package from Metric Systems (Round Rock, TX). The JFTA Toolkit is designed for use as a postprocessing analysis tool; however, LabVEW users can modify the block diagram source code included in the package to make custom lTFA applications.

About the Time-Frequency Analyzer Executable

The Time-Frequency Analyzer executable program was built using the company's new LabVIEW Application Builder. With Application Builder, LabVIEW users can create VIs that operate as stand-alone executables. Once selected, the Time-Frequency Analyzer will load, execute, and unload automatically. The LabVIEW source code for the Time-Frequency Analyzer can be edited with LabVIEW Version 3.0, so users can alter and customize it for their individual applications.

Price, Availability, and For More Information

The JTFA Toolkit will be available in late October for $495. For more information contact National Instruments, 6504 Bridge Point Parkway, Austin, TX 78730-5039, (512) 794-0100, (800) 433-3488 (toll free U.S. and Canada). Fax (512) 794-8411.

SurfaceVIEW is available now for $250 from Metric Systems, 1506 Taron Drive, Round Rock, TX 78681, (512) 4458. Fax (244-7203).


Verdix Combining with Rational
VERDIX CORPORATION ANNOUNCES LETTER OF INTENT TO COMBINE WITH RATIONAL

HERNDON, VIRGINIA, October 25, 1993 - Verdix Corporation (NASDAQ Symbol: VRDX) announced today that it has signed a letter of intent with Rational, a privately held California corporation that would result in a combination of the two companies. Verdix is a leader in the market for compilers and other software development tools. Rational is a leading provider of object-oriented software development tools and technical services. Both companies provide these services to the federal government and major corporations worldwide.

The transaction would be structured as a tax-free merger, and would be accounted for as a pooling of interests. Rational shareholders would receive newly issued shares of Verdix common stock, totaling approximately 60 percent of the common shares outstanding upon completion of the combination. After the combination, the new board of directors would consist of five current Rational directors and three current Verdix directors. The combination is subject to shareholder approval of both companies, the receipt of fairness opinions from each company's financial advisor, negotiation and execution of a definitive agreement, and certain other conditions. Each company's shareholders are expected to vote on the proposed combination in the first quarter of calendar year 1994.

"As a result of the combination of Verdix and Rational, customers would benefit from the two companies' complementary Ada products and technologies, and Rational's object-oriented software development tools," said Ralph E. Alexander, President of Verdix. "Following the combination, the company would have the revenue base, financial strength, sales channel, and technical depth to meet the needs of Fortune 500 corporations that rely on software development technology for their competitive edge," said Paul D. Levy, President of Rational.

Verdix Corporation has headquarters in Herndon, Virginia and major development facilities in Aloha, Oregon. For the three months ended in June 30, 1993, Verdix revenues were $4.7 million with a net loss of $68,000. Verdix revenues for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1993 were $23.3 million with net income of $206,000 (including a $1.8 million charge due to a discontinued operation).

Rational, based in Santa Clara, California, had revenue of $35.7 million with net income of $617,000 for the first nine months of 1993. In its fiscal year ended December 26, 1992, Rational revenues were $47.7 million, with a net loss of $4.2 million (including a $2.5 million charge to operating expenses relating to a plan to restructure its operations).

Verdix Corp

205 Van Buren St, Herndon, VA 22070

713-318-5800


Home Survival Toolkit Do-It-Yourself Swr Pgm
Books That Work's Home Survival Toolkit Puts Multimedia To Work On Home Repair

New Do-It-Yourself Software Program is the Ultimate Gift for the Man or Woman of the House

PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 14, 1993--From wiring a light switch to purchasing paint, doing it yourself is now easier than ever before. Books That Work announced today the release of The Home Survival Toolkit, a "how-to" multimedia software program for home maintenance and repair. The second product in Books That Work's Home & Yard Series, The Home Survival Toolkit contains information crucial to every home dweller, including tips, techniques and colorful animations that explain how to fix electrical and plumbing problems, prevent common emergencies, use a variety of tools and more. The Windows-based program, designed by professional builders, artists and writers, delivers information in an exciting multimedia format. It is available for around $35, and does not require a CD-ROM drive. An essential addition to every household, The Home Survival Toolkit is a fast, practical reference that saves home dwellers time and money.

The Home Survival Toolkit represents a new direction in multimedia products with its underlying "intelligent" software tools, called "Survival Guides"' and "Estimators." These tools consist of rich customized databases and powerful calculators that deliver specific information to the consumer in an easy-to-use, lively way. With the "Paints" and "Adhesives' Survival Guide, users decide what kind of paint or adhesive to buy for different situations, surfaces and desired appearances. To use the "Stain Removal" Survival Guide, homeowners simply enter the staining agent and surface, and the program produces detailed instructions on how to remove the stain. "Paint Estimator," "Concrete Estimator" and "Attic Venting Estimator" calculate precise supply needs to ensure that do-it-yourselfers buy the correct quantities of materials.

Individual chapters in The Home Survival Toolkit deal with the most common home repair subjects. The "Emergencies" chapter prepares homeowners to respond intelligently to the household disasters that can wreak havoc with a savings account. It covers gas leaks, fires, electrical problems, a shut off water supply, burst and frozen pipes, and leaking roofs. The Home Survival Toolkit gives instructions on how to personally cope with emergencies to save thousands of dollars.

The "Tools" chapter is a complete homeowner's guide to selecting, caring for and using a home tool collection. It features professional tips and clear, easy-to-understand visual explanations. The "Painting" chapter offers techniques for executing clean, long-lasting paint jobs. And, "A Field Guide to Paint Failures" helps prevent common mistakes.

If a problem is beyond the scope of do-it-yourself techniques, the "Working With A Pro" chapter analyzes when and how to hire a contractor, alerts users to signs of fraud and includes a sample construction agreement. The program also features an extensive database of toll-free numbers for companies offering everything from catalogs and detailed product literature to technical advice.

The Home Survival Toolkit comes on 3 1/2" diskettes and requires an IBM PC or 100% compatible, 386 or higher, 2MB RAM minimum; VGA or Super VGA monitor, and Windows 3.1. It does not require a CD-ROM drive.

Books That Work, Inc. is a developer and publisher of interactive software devoted to the home how-to market. Its first product, Design & Build Your Deck, was launched in May, 1993. Design & Build Your Deck is a multimedia software program that features an electronic design workshop and offers intuitive guidance through every phase of deck design and construction. Books That Work is based in Palo Alto, CA. To order or for more information, contact Books That Work, 285 Hamilton Ave., Suite 260, Palo Alto, CA 94301. Phone: (800) 242-4546.


Kodak Shoebox Software for Windows $99 Intro
KODAK SHOEBOX SOFTWARE FOR WINDOWS NOW SHIPPING $99 INTRODUCTORY PRICE OFFERED UNTIL DECEMBER 31,1993

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Oct.26 -- Eastman Kodak Company today announced the immediate availability of Kodak Shoebox Photo CD Image Manager Software for the Windows operating environment in the U.S. and Canada.

Kodak designed Shoebox software to help commercial computer users manage thousands of multimedia titles stored on the desktop, including images stored on Kodak Photo CD Master, Kodak Pro Photo CD Master, Kodak Photo CD Portfolio, or Kodak Photo CD Catalog discs. Photo CD images are high-resolution images originally captured on film, and then digitized and stored on special compact discs. Photo CD Master discs take images from 35 mm film. Pro Photo CD Master discs take images from film formats up to 4 x 5 inches.

Kodak Shoebox software enables users to index, catalog, and search thumbnail Photo CD images through user-defined fields, key words, and captions. This database software simplifies and accelerates the location and organization of images. With a simple click of a mouse, users can view, copy, crop, export, or print images. Thumbnail images can be displayed and printed in contact sheet format.

Kodak Shoebox software supports any number of catalog files. Each catalog can reference 30,000 or more files and have its own unique set of data fields. Every Shoebox software catalog can contain 100 or more user-assigned data fields, plus keywords and captions. Users can create pop-up lists that eliminate typing errors when building data bases.

Windows users can access Photo CD images on Kodak Photo CD Master, Pro Photo CD Master, Photo CD Portfolio, and Photo CD Catalog discs in any of up to six different resolutions--from thumbnail resolution for previewing images, to full-detail resolution for photographic-quality printing and enlargement. Users also can retrieve images in TIFF, PCX, GIF, BMP, TGA, WPG, and PICT file formats, as well as QuickTime movies and WAV audio files. Availability of Kodak Shoebox Software

Kodak Shoebox software is available now for both the Windows and Macintosh platforms. For Windows users, it requires an IBM PC or compatible 80386,80486, or Pentium system, VGA or higher resolution display monitor, DOS 3.3 or later operating system software, and Windows 3.1 or higher.

Kodak designed Shoebox software to provide computer image and multimedia users with:

* An underlying database that allows complete representation

  of data fields or categories required to define each file

* A simple and cost effective indexing tool for novice and

  expert users

* An easy and accurate file searching tool

* A minimized need to reindex when importing or exporting

  databases

* The ability to open and work with multiple catalogs

  simultaneously

* The tools to share catalogs easily within a workgroup of users

* Ability to crop, copy, and export images to all supported file

  formats

* Multimedia slide show capability

Pricing and Promotion of Kodak Shoebox Software

Kodak Shoebox software has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $245. Kodak Shoebox software will be available in the U.S. and Canada until December 31,1993, at a low introductory price. Until this date, the manufacturer's suggested retail price for Kodak Shoebox software will be $99. Kodak Shoebox software is one of several applications compatible with Windows and Macintosh systems for viewing and editing Photo CD images that Kodak has introduced recently.

Other Kodak Photo CD software compatible with computers running Windows software include:

* Kodak Photo CD Access software, for reading Photo CD image files and saving them in standard image file formats

* Kodak PhotoEdge Photo CD software, a low-cost application for opening, editing, and managing Photo CD images

For more information about Kodak Shoebox software, other Kodak Photo CD software, or to place an order, consumers can call the Kodak Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-CD KODAK (1-800-235-6325).

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


CoSA After Effects 2.0 Ships by Year End
CoSA After Effects 2.0 to Ship by Year End

Upgrade Previews at Seybold, SMPTE & VISCOMM

Acceleration, Interface & I/O Provisions Dramatically Improved

(Providence, RI, October 20, 1993) -- CoSA (The Company of Science & Art), an Aldus subsidiary, announced today that it will release CoSA After Effects 2.0 by year-end. CoSA will be demonstrating After Effects 2.0 this fall at Seybold San Francisco 93, SMPTE Technical Conference and Equipment Exhibit, and VISCOMM '93.

The most significant differences that users will see in After Effects 2.0 will involve preview and rendering speed, interface, and enhanced support for input/output formats. CoSA After Effects 2.0 represents a major upgrade to CoSA's digital compositing, motion graphics, and special effects application for the Macintosh.

The improvements in CoSA After Effects 2.0 include:

Acceleration

* CoSA has increased preview and rendering speeds through

  optimizations within the application.

* Further acceleration will be available through the After

  Effects plug-in modules, which take advantage of various

  hardware acceleration technologies.

Interface

* Users can edit motion paths which are now shown in the

  Composition window.

* A zoomable and scrollable Time Layout window provides a

  comprehensive view that displays and allows editing of:

    * The time bar for each layer

    * The location and type of key frames for parameters

      of each layer

    * Graphs of key frame values and velocities

    * Enhanced motion control and effect animation

File Format Support

* CoSA After Effects 2.0 supports more input/output file

  formats, including input of numbered PICT files.

* CoSA After Effects 2.0 supports Photoshop 2.0 Image/File

  format modules.

* CoSA After Effects 2.0 drives selected Photoshop filters

  over time.

Enhanced Key Frame Control

* Multiple interpolation capabilities are provided for

  each parameter.

* Users can move, cut, and paste key frames.

* Key frame velocity can be modified within designated

  interpolation methods.

"CoSA After Effects 2.0 is a brand new product in many ways," says CoSA President Bill O'Farrell. "The acceleration provisions alone are quite substantial, and will make an immeasurable difference to our users, not to mention to those people whose time resources have not yet allowed them to take advantage of the application as an on-line post-production tool."

CoSA After Effects enables users to composite and animate an unlimited number of QuickTime movies and PICT files and enhance them with special effects. CoSA After Effects' unique key frame based interface and powerful compositing capabilities make it a preferred application for creating superior quality motion graphics for film and video post-production.

CoSA After Effects 2.0 will retail for $1,995.00. Registered After Effects users will receive upgrades for $395.00 until January 15th, and for $595.00 thereafter. CoSA will be demonstrating After Effects 2.0 at the following locations this fall:

Seybold San Francisco 93

October 21-23

Moscone Center, San Francisco

Aldus Booth #1701

SMPTE Conference and Exhibit

October 30-November 3

L.A. Convention Center

Booth #1120

VISCOMM '93

October 29-31

Jacob Javits Center

Booth #1338

CoSA

CoSA, 14 Imperial Place, Suite 203, Providence, RI, 02903

(401) 8312672,  Fax (401) 831-2675


AIRLAN/PCMCIA Wireless LAN Adapter
NEW WIRELESS LAN ADAPTER GIVES USERS PLUG-AND-PLAY MOBILITY

Solectek's AIRLAN/PCMCIA Supports Roaming Notebook Users

SAN DIEGO, November 1, 1993 -- Solectek Corp. introduced today AIRLAN/PCMCIA, the newest member of its AIRLAN wireless Ethernet product family. Designed for use with PCMCIA equipped notebook computers, AIRLAN makes possible mobile LAN connections which allow users the freedom to move about their workplace unencumbered by power cords or network cables. As a result, users are capable of staying linked to the LAN while they roam within a building. In addition to extending cabled networks, AIRLAN is ideally suited for creating entire wireless LANs or temporary field networks.

AIRLAN operates at 2 Mbps and supports all major network operating systems including Novell NetWare, Artisoft LANtastic and Microsoft Windows for Workgroups. It uses proven spread spectrum 915 MHz radio technology to pass data through walls, ceilings and floors. No line-of-sight operation is required. Its tiny omni-directional antenna provides complete coverage up to 800 feet, and even further when used with Solectek's AIRLAN/Hub access point.

AIRLAN weighs only 5.25 ounces and is small enough to fit in a purse or pocket. Unlike LAN adapters which require cabling, installing AIRLAN is easy. Users simply plug the external adapter into any PCMCIA slot (Type II, Release 2.0), and then follow menu-driven configuration instructions. No external AC power or cabling is required. The antenna comes with a self mounting bracket for easy connection to the notebook. Within minutes, all the services of the network are available to an AIRLAN equipped notebook, no matter where it is.

Once in use, AIRLAN provides instant feedback to the user. The adapter has green LED indicators which let users know when they have a connection. While in operation, the AIRLAN adapter automatically indicates activity status, showing a green light when data is transmitted and received.

AIRLAN complies with the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standard and provides seamless compatibility between wired and wireless local area networks. Once connected, its operation is completely transparent. AIRLAN is also compatible with the full range of Solectek, DEC and NCR wireless products.

AIRLAN's suggested retail price is $699. It is scheduled to ship this November and will be available from Tech Data, Ingram Micro and Merisel, and leading resellers nationwide. Solectek offers toll-free support and a 30 Day Money Back Guarantee.

Solectek Corp., a privately held company, is a leading manufacturer and marketer of wireless data communication products for notebook and desktop personal computers. Its product line includes AIRLAN/Internal, a wireless network interface card for PC/AT and Micro Channel computers, AIRLAN/Hub, a wireless access point for use with any AIRLAN adapter, and AIRLAN/Bridge which links LANs in separate buildings up to three miles apart. The company is headquartered at 6370 Nancy Ridge Drive, San Diego, CA 92121. Telephone: (800) 437-1518.


Mendel Cooper Shareware/Freeware Offerings
Assorted Shareware & Freeware Offerines from Mendel Cooper

SWRADIO is a set of detailed instructions, including schematics and parts sources, for constructing a powerful shortwave receiver for as little as $5. Additional files of interest to Shortwave Listeners, such as QSL card details, pirate radio info, and frequency band descriptions are included. Public Domain: $1.00 voluntary contribution requested.

WORDY is the latest much-improved version of an educational word construction game (works with mono or color systems). Checks entered words "on the fly" against a 94,000 word dictionary. This game is optimized for practicing the pattern and word recognition skills used by Scrabble and Boggle players. Shareware: a $2.00 contribution is requested.

FRACTION is a fractional calculator, complete with C++ source [Fraction class]. Freeware.

READING is a list of recommended books to enlarge one's horizons. Freeware.

SOUNDEX is a utility to convert names to their "Soundex" equivalent, for lookup in the National Archives or Mormon Church genealogical archives. C source Is Included. Freeware.

All programs will run on a minimal system, with no special hardware requirements.

Mendel Cooper, 3138 Foster Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224-3934

410-276-1452


IVS-Interactive Voice System Applic Generator
INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY, FLEXIBILITY AND ENHANCED USER-FRIENDLINESS FOR VOICE, FAX AND CLIENT/SERVER APPLICATIONS WITH IVS-INTERACTIVE VOICE SYSTEM.

Atlanta, November 01, 1993 -- MediaSoft Telecom., today announces its application generator IVS which will greatly facilitate the development of Voice, Fax and Client/Server applications by Systems Integrators and Application Developers.

"IVS clearly brings something new to the table, said Yvon Gagnon, vice president business development at MediaSoft Telecom. True power, flexibility and User-Fliendliness are often promised but seldom truly delivered. Competitive and comparative surveys showed other product shortcomings that are now fully bridged with IVS new heights in graphical user interface (GUI) and more advanced communication features for enterprise connectivity and integration."

"With IVS, you can build and operate a fully comprehensive voice processing system for less than $10,000. Our solutions are meant to narrow the communication gap between customers and businesses. With IVS, interactive communications between the buyer and the seller are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week." adds Mr. Gagnon. "IVS adds a new dimension to our already field-proven videotex and client/server platform."

Best of both worlds....IVS excels in its capability to fully satisfy all aspects of interactive voice and fax response applications. For service creation, IVS Builder features advanced techniques that truly meet modern communication requirements. For service operation, IVS Server runs your highly-optimized applications, continually keeps the service personal and facilitates online modifications as the need arises. IVS Server provides SQL and proprietary database access and transparently establishes connections with SLIP, TCP/IP, X.25 or SNA protocols.

IVS is an integration tool for phones, faxes and workstations which are simply different terminal types in the enterprise information environment. Client/Server integration is based on UNIX processors and the Enterprise host facility. IVS Builder tools are fully visual. It integrates complete online prompt editing, service browsing, context-sensitive help and a compiler for the IVS telephony language.

Transaction-oriented applications such as Home-Banking, Home-Shopping, Call Center Management and Process Control Manufacturing are easily managed with MediaSoft's intuitive graphical-oriented interface and automated design assistance. Application development greatly benefits from the object-oriented NeXTSTEP. Dialogic voice/fax processing cards are fully supported. IVS has its own script language which allows for any degree of application sophistication.

IVS provides the facility to edit services online, quickly and efficiently. Detailed usage statistics and activity monitoring are standard features. The speaker-independent voice recognition option allows the service to respond to spoken words by any caller within a specific vocabulary for commands or data entry purposes. This enables callers using touch-tone as well as rotary dial telephones to access highly sophisticated voice processing services without the need for Pulse-To-DTMF dial conversion.

MediaSoft Telecom Inc.

MediaSoft Telecom Inc. promotes and participates in the Signal Computing System Architecture SCSA- initiative. "SCSA is what our industry needs to grow in a structured manner for the consumer's benefit. SCSA fits perfectly into our mission to provide interactive communication products integrating multiple technologies."

MediaSoft Telecom Inc., a Montreal-based company, develops and markets high performance software tools to build and operate interactive communication systems integrating leading-edge technologies in Videotex, Voice, Fax, Client/Server and Multimedia on a single UNIX platform.

MediaSoft Telecom Inc

2360, Notre-Dame St West, Suite 300

Montreal CANADA H3J 1N4


Homongous Ent. Putt-Putt Titles for 3DO
Captivating Activities Engage Young Minds in PUTT-PUTT JOINS THE PARADE and PUTT-PUTT FUN PACK for 3DO

WOODINVILLE, WA-- October 21, 1993 -- It is more than a game, it is interactive entertainment. PuttPutt Joins the Parade and Fun Pack take advantage of the multimedia experience of CD-ROM and combines it with animated talking characters to present this fun educational environment for children ages 3-7. Humongous Entertainment today announced the release of Putt-Putt lo ns the Parade and Fun Pack for the 3DO CD-ROM multimedia market.

Putt-Putt Joins the Parade: Grab your car wax and buff your bumpers, it's time for the annual Cartown Pet Parade. Help Putt-Putt tackle the local Car Wash, explore a toy store, rescue a lost puppy, and much more before heading to his front-row spot in the parade. Putt-Putt Joins the Parade is a world of places to explore, captivating activities to engage young minds, and logic puzzles to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It is also a great interactive cartoon.

Putt-Putt Joins the Parade is just one of the titles in Humongous Entertainment's Junior Adventure line. There are three basic components to a Junior Adventure. These are:

* An Entertaining Story which unfolds via Puzzle-Solving

* Interesting Things to Click on Over and Over Again

* Self-Contained Games within the Product

Putt-Putt's Fun P-ck: Children join Putt-Putt for a game of Checkers or Remember. Sharpen letter and spelling skills with The Chess King, a very special version of Hangman. Also included is Tic-Tac-Toe, Pinball Builder, and Circus Block Puzzles to ensure hours of fun.

Putt-Putt's Fun Pack provides growth, education and entertaining amusement. There are four levels of difficulty to ensure children are challenged. Pattern recognition, spelling, logic and spatial relationship abilities are among the values that are entwined in this fun, animated product. Putt-Putt is a patient teacher and companion that encourages children throughout the games and puzzles.

Humongous Entertainment was formed in 1992 by Shelley Day and Ron Gilbert. Ron Gilbert is the creator of LucasArts SCUMM system and the designer of many of their graphic adventure games, including the Monkey Island series. Shelley Day started her career with Electronic Arts, then went on to produce products for Accolade, Taito, and LucasArts. Together, Ron and Shelley Day bring over 15 years of experience in the computer gaming industry to Humongous Entertainment.

Electronic Arts

1450 Fashion Island Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94404


DOME 16-Bit Wind 3.1 Driver for Graphics Brds
DOME Announces 16-Bit Windows 3.1 Driver

Waltham, MA - October 28, 1993- DOME imaging systems, inc. announced the release of the first Microsoft Windows 3.1 software drivers that can accommodate 12-bit and 16-bit grayscale images. This software is unique in its ability to handle grayscale images deeper than 8 bits on high-resolution display hardware manufactured by DOME imaging systems, inc. This is of particular interest to developers of special applications, such as medical imaging, that display deep grayscale images at resolutions ranging up to 2304 x 1792 pixels. The combination of deep image handling and high resolution has not been available to the Windows market until now.

The DOME Windows 3.1 driver allows software applications to access the DOME Software Library through the Windows operating system. This library is an extensive graphics and image processing toolkit that performs such image processing routines as fractional zooms, rotations, lookup table operations, and convolutions. The DOME Windows driver allows the developer to perform these and other operations on deep grayscale images within a Windows 3.1 application. The driver can be configured to display only shades of gray, and it also supports DOME's color hardware by providing a combination of grays and colors on a single display.

The DOME Windows driver is compatible with all of the DOME imaging boards designed for the ISA and EISA platforms. These boards support display resolutions ranging from 1280 x 1024 pixels up to 2304 x 1792 pixels. They also incorporate special hardware that handles grayscale images up to 16 bits deep. The boards utilize the Texas Instruments 34020 graphics processor, giving improved performance to Windows applications with the additional benefit of freeing up the computer's host processor for other computational activities. The Windows driver for DOME's ISA product, the Rx20 imaging board, allows the application to run the Windows 3.1 operating system as a single monitor solution. A .DLL file is also available from DOME for demanding imaging applications that require multiple display boards in the system.

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

DOME imaging systems

400 Fifth Ave, Waltham, MA 02154

(617) 895-1155,  fax (617) 895-1133


Gupta/Novell Agreement Boosts AppWare SQL Dev
Gupta/Novell Agreement Boosts SQL Development Capabilities of AppWare

Close database relationship expands into tools arena

Dallas, Tex., October 4, 1993 -- Gupta Corporation and Novell today announced product and marketing agreements to complement the client/server application development capabilities of AppWare by integrating Gupta tools and database products with Novell's AppWare environment. The agreement will provide Novell AppWare developers with a closely-knit family of products for building and assembling client/server application objects in the Novell AppWare environment.

The first delivery to result from Gupta's expanded relationship with Novell will be a Gupta SQLBase single-user engine ALM (AppWare Loadable Module), which will be embedded free in Novell's AppWare Developer Kits. The embedded SQLBase engine, limited to a 5MB capacity, can be used for application deployments, will provide an ideal facility for prototyping full-fledged SQL applications and will be upgradable for multi-user, full-capacity functionality at aggressive pricing. Inclusion of the SQLBase engine within the AppWare Developer Kit also means that AppWare inherits easy use of Gupta's SQLNetwork routers and gateways to bolster the new system's SQL access. In return, Novell will grant Gupta rights to embed AppWare tools in Gupta products.

The second product delivery will be an ALM version of Gupta Quest, Gupta's powerful client/server tool for end-users. Quest includes query, reporting and forms capabilities that can be easily used by end-users to develop simple client/server applications. Each capability will be available as ALMs which separately or in combination can be used to embed Quest functionality in any AppWare application.

The third product delivery will be an AppWare version of Gupta's SQLWindows client/server development system for programmers. This future version of SQLWindows will enable developers to build ALM versions of SQLWindows objects and to integrate those objects within the AppWare object assembly environment - a development model consistent with the general industry trend of building sophisticated objects for general assembly into large-scale, client/server applications.

Capping the agreement with Novell, Gupta announced that it will adopt the AppWare Foundation Layer as its own multi-platform portability vehicle to deliver UnixWare, Macintosh and OS/2 versions of its market-leading client/server tools.

"This is a mutually strategic agreement. We believe Novell's AppWare will emerge as an important environment for developing a class of large client/server applications from a collection of sophisticated, high-performance software objects. Gupta's client/server tools, SQL databases and connectivity products greatly extend AppWare's capabilities in this area," said Umang P. Gupta, president of Gupta Corporation. "We intend to make Gupta and its developers the preferred suppliers of objects to the AppWare environment.

"Clearly, we are moving beyond a simple database relationship with Gupta," said John Edwards, executive vice-president of Novell's AppWare Systems Group. "Now, Gupta's established presence in the tools market will aid Novell's push into the client side of the business. Added Joe Firmage, vice-president of AppWare Systems Group at Novell, "Our role is to establish AppWare as the preferred object development environment for networked applications built from high-performance objects. Gupta's deliveries will help make that development model a reality.

Product Availability

Gupta will place its SQLBase ALM into beta test early in the first quarter of 1994, with release expected by June. Quest ALMs are planned for shipment during the third quarter of '94. Development has begun on the AppWare version of SQLWindows and Gupta's use of the AppWare Foundation Layer to deliver multiplatform portability, with delivery targeted for early 1995.

The expansion of Gupta's existing relationship with Novell is a direct result of Gupta's TIE (Tools Integration for the Enterprise) strategy, announced last month. Supported by an array of five interfaces to Gupta's open tools, the TIE strategy defines standardized hooks for integrating Gupta products with new or existing systems. AppWare integration comes on the heels of announcements by major CASE vendors last month to link their products with SQLWindows.

About Gupta Corporation

Gupta Corporation, founded in 1984, is a leading provider of corporate PC client/server system software. Gupta's products are used worldwide by Fortune 1000 companies to downsize/rightsize their applications to PC networks and the enterprise.

Gupta's SQLBase Server pioneered the market for PC client/server databases. The NLM version establishes a new performance standard for PC client/server databases. Gupta SQLWindows is instrumental in the growth of applications developed for client/server networks. Gupta Quest is a powerful data access, query and reporting tool for end-users. Gupta SQLNetwork is a family of software products for connecting Gupta tools and servers to other server data sources including IBM DB2, AS/400 and Database Manager, ORACLE, Sybase/Microsoft SQL Server, Informix, Ingres, AS/400, HP/ALLBASE and TurboIMAGE, Cincom SUPRA Server and others.

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

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


Leading CASE Products from Gupta
Gupta Provides Users with Smooth Integration of SQLWindows with Leading CASE Products

Signs agreements with six major CASE vendors allowing developers to integrate application analysis and design functionality with SQLWindows

San Francisco, Calif., August 30, 1993--Gupta Corporation (NASDAQ: GPTA) announced here today at its Developers Conference a series of partner agreements that provide tight integration of commonly used UPPER CASE tools with Gupta SQLWindows. The agreements dovetail with Gupta's focus on enterprise application development and deployment on PCs.

Initially, SQLWindows will be integrated with CASE analysis and design products from Bachman Information Systems, Intersolv. LBMS, Logic Works, Popkin Software and Visible Systems via links between Gupta's open repository and the respective repositories used by the participating partners.

By smoothly integrating SQLWindows with UPPER CASE technology Gupta gives developers a simple and unified way to manage high level application analysis and design of enterprise client/server applications. Developers benefit from integrating SQLWindows with CASE because they can now easily update SQLWindows applications from changes made in the CASE database.

Gupta will continue to actively pursue alliances with other CASE providers giving customers many options for applying the application analysis and design methodologies offered by CASE products to the SQLWindows system.

Gupta's announcement today of its SQLWindows/CASE partnerships is integral to Gupta's Tools Integration for the Enterprise (TIE) strategy which defines the means by which Gupta is making its tools valuable and applicable in a mixed computing environment. TIE defines the links available to ISVs for integrating SQLWindows into mixed computing development environments.

Background and Overview

The SQLWindows 4.0 Corporate Edition already includes the following modules: Gupta Open Repository, SQLWindows Designer, Report Windows, Quest and TeamWindows. Together, these modules provide IS management and application developers with most of the key technologies needed for building PC-based enterprise-wide client/server applications. Such applications typically require application generation, 4GL coding and testing, project management, source code control and a template building language.

With the integrated facilities provided by SQLWindows 4.0 customers already have most of the life cycle technology they need to build enterprise-wide client/server applications except for the application analysis and design features provided by UPPER CASE technology. The TeamWindows component of SQLWindows is essentially a LOWER CASE feature set providing users with a robust data repository, reusable screen templates, check-in and check-out facilities, security, project management and source-code and version control.

Since TeamWindows provides the LOWER CASE technology, only the upper CASE component essential to enterprise development is needed. Filling just the upper CASE gap will be less complex and expensive than making up for a total absence of CASE functionality.

Developers attempting to combine other vendors' client/server application development products with CASE tools must acquire much more extensive CASE technology because their client/server tools lack any equivalent to the Gupta TeamWindows component of SQLWindows.

Umang P. Gupta, president and CEO of Gupta Corporation said, "This is an important moment for SQLWindows. With the announcement of these CASE alliances we are providing a solution for customers that fundamentally completes the application development life cycle. SQLWindows 4.0 has been targeted from the very beginning for the enterprise customer. Fundamental to SQLWindows 4.0 is the Gupta open repository which allows us this upscale move into the enterprise. By connecting the Gupta open repository to the repositories of leading CASE products we are broadening the scope of SQLWindows by appealing to mainframe-class customers interested in moving to PC client-server environments."

Gupta continued, "Bachman, Intersolv, LBMS, Logic Works, Popkin and Visible Systems are some of the premier CASE vendors in the PC market today. By allying ourselves with these companies and building technical paths between their products and ours, we are able to bring a new capability to all developers building client-server applications for the enterprise."

Availability

The first repository links are currently in beta and are expected to become available by the end of the year coinciding with a new release of SQLWindows version 4.1. Support for all the vendors' CASE tools will follow as the integration efforts are completed.

Agreements with CASE Vendors

Gupta has signed agreements with six leading CASE vendors to ensure the development of interfaces between their products and SQLWindows. The agreements call for Logic Works and Visible Systems to accomplish most of the development work required to develop links to their products. In the remaining cases the agreements call for Gupta to accomplish the bulk of the development work. The companies Gupta has signed agreements with and the respective product names are:

* Bachman Information Systems: Bachman Analyst

* Intersolv: Excelerator II analysis and design software

* LBMS: SystemEngineer

* Logic Works: ERWin entity-relationship (ER) modeling tool

  for Windows

* Popkin Software & Systems: System Architect,

  a PC-based CASE tool for the Windows environment.

* Visible Systems: Visible Analyst Workbench supports the entire

  software development life cycle including: planning, analysis,

  design, construction, maintenance and reverse engineering.

About Gupta SQLWindows 4.0

Gupta SQLWindows 4.0 is the first PC client/server tool designed to meet the collaborative programming needs of PC client/server application projects. The TeamWindows component of SQLWindows includes a dictionary-driven application repository that enables team coordination and project management.

SQLWindows 4.0 features a complete Object Oriented Programming (OOP) environment with inheritance, polymorphism and encapsulation. SQLWindows 4.0's OOP feature is optional so programmers can learn the new OOP techniques as they go. SQLWindows 4.0 includes complete support for Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE), Multiple Document Interface (MDI), Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) and rich reporting options in Gupta's uniquely powerful Report Windows, a completely integrated full-featured report writer.

SQLWindows supports a wide range of database back ends to access data from mainframe, minicomputer and PC databases anywhere in the enterprise.

About Gupta Corporation

Gupta Corporation, founded in 1984 and based in Menlo Park, Calif., is a leading provider of corporate PC client/server system software and solutions. Gupta's products are used worldwide by Fortune 1000 companies to downsize/rightsize their applications to PC networks and the enterprise.

Gupta's SQLBase Server pioneered the market for PC client/server databases. The NLM version recently established a new performance standard for PC client/server databases. Gupta SQLWindows has been instrumental in the growth of applications developed for PC client/server networks. Gupta Quest is a data access, query and reporting tool for end-users. Gupta SQLNetwork is a family of software products for connecting Gupta tools and servers to other server data sources including IBM DB2, AS/400 and Database Manager, Oracle, Sybase/Microsoft SQL Server, Informix, Ingres, HP/Allbase and TurboImage, Cincom Supra Server and others.

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

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


Sydex CopyQM 3.10 & CopyQM Plus Released
CopyQM 3.10 and CopyQM Plus are the newest members of the Sydex shareware product line. We've added still more features to our most popular utility! Comments can be included in diskette image files; Apple Macintosh high density diskettes can be copied as easily as DOS diskettes; the user can choose between direct hardware access or use of BIOS routines. Conversion between different formats has been improved. Best of all, commands that worked with CopyQM 1.0 are still all you need to get started.

CopyQM Versions 3.00 through 3.05 fell victim to a false positive virus indication. The false indication was given by Version 1.1 of the Microsoft DOS Anti-Virus Update (MSAV), published by Central Point Software. MSAV 1.1 reported that the COPYQM.COM, CQMENU.COM and VTFWCONF.COM, the key programs within the relevant versions of CopyQM, were infected with the "Virus Cruncher" virus. VIRUS.DOC, a special file within COPYQ310.ZIP, explains exactly what happened, and why the false report occurred.

All products are now archived with PKZIP 2.04, and the archives include authentic file verification.

Other Sydex shareware products include:

22DISK

Convert, format, and manipulate diskettes in over 160 CP/M 2.2 formats (340 in the registered version) to and from DOS files. ASCII diskette description file allows "roll your own" specifications for really hard-to-find systems. May require a 1.2M diskette drive. $25.00 single-user ($100 commercial/site) registration fee.

22NICE

This companion product to 22DISK emulates the CP/M 2.2 operating system and permits most CP/M programs to run under DOS. Once installed, the DOS-CP/M integration is seamless. Will make use of NEC V20 or V30 CPU chip if present. Emulates most terminals and provides a keyboard-remapping function to obtain the best operation using the PC's keyboard. Includes 22DISK. $40.00 single-user ($150 commercial/site) registration fee.

RainDOS

The flagship of our DOS compatibility series, just made for those DEC Rainbow MS-DOS diskettes. Use this driver to read your diskettes, transfer files, even format new diskettes for your Rainbow. $15.00 ($50 commercial/site) registration fee.

HP150

Need to have HP 150 files on a PC-compatible? This set of drivers handles dngle-sided and double-sided HP 150 formats, an attractive alternative to the null modem method. $20.00 ($150 commercial/site) registration fee.

Con>Format

A "pop-up" diskette formatter that allows you to format diskettes while doing more productive things. Has received rave reviews from our users and some very nice words in the press. One of our all time most popular programs. Supports all current DOS formats. $15.00 single-user ($50 commercial/site) registration fee.

CopyQM

A diskette duplicating machine--formats, copies and verifies all in one pass. Up to four drives supported at once; features color icon-type interface, drive status sensing (no keyboard entries). Record/playback image files from hard disk, serialize copies, even copy non-DOS formats in "Blind Copy" mode. Compare copies against master diskette or image file. Convert between diskette formats. All standard DOS formats supported. Highly recommended by the PC Advisor (see September 1991 PC Magazine). $25.00 single user ($75 commercial/site) registration fee.

FormatQM

Mass diskette formatter in the same "no hands" tradition of CopyQM. Formats and verifies faster than anything else around. Supports all standard DOS formats, up to four drives at a time. $10.00 single-user ($50 commercial/site) registration fee.

AnaDisk

The compleat diskette utility. Nothing like it anywhere else; scan, edit, repair and copy just about any kind of diskette. Current release supports secondary diskette controllers, FAT editing, and sector dump to DOS file. $25.00 single-user ($150 commercial/site) registration fee.

For postage and handling, please add the following amounts to the base price of each product:

United States:        $2.50

Canada:               $3.50

All other countries:  $5.00

Sydex, Inc, P.O. Box 5700, Eugene, OR 97405

Voice (503) 683-6033,   FAX (503) 683-1622,  BBS (503) 683-1385


QRead Text File Viewer V1.2
QREAD'S NEW TRICKS ARE A TREAT FOR USERS

Westford, MA - October 30, 1993 - DS Products today released a new version of its text file viewer program, QRead. Three main features were added to QRead's bag of tricks: drag-and-drop support, printing and filtering.

QRead, which operates with Microsoft Windows 3.1, provides features to make it easier to read text files on a computer display. For example, automatic font sizing or automatic formatting can be used to fit the text to the window.

Qread also allows the user to manually "pump up" or deflate the font size with one keystroke.

"QRead has made it quick and easy to read documents on your screen. Now with version 1.2 we make it easier to get information into and out of the QRead environment. In these days of information overload, you need tools like QRead to help manage information" said Dan Scavezze, President of DS Products.

With the new drag-and-drop support, a user can display a file simply by dragging its name (as shown in the file manager) over to the QRead icon. When the user "drops" the file name (releases the mouse button), the QRead window is restored to normal size and the file is displayed.

The QRead print menu allows printing of the current window or the entire file. As with the QRead screen display, the printout can use any of the "fancy fonts" installed in windows, as well as the default text font for the printer.

According to Scavezze, some of QRead's beta test users have set up QRead as the default association for text files (.txt files). He noted that "while QRead is a read-only program, you can launch an editor, or any other program, from within QRead. And QRead breaks the 32K barrier inherent with Notepad." Beta user Dick Davis agrees. "I find QRead extremely useful. Now that it has printing, I use it every day at work."

QRead has also been discussed in the ZiffNet Editorial forums under the topic "read any good disks lately." Since reading anything on the small screen size of a laptop computer is a big problem, QRead's font sizing ability makes it attractive to traveling readers, such as editors. Jim Seymour, Contributing Editor at PC Magazine, described the program as "*verrrrrry* nice!"

QRead is a shareware program, available on-line via CompuServe in the WINSHARE forum, FILE UTILITIES library (lib 2) and from other shareware distributors. The license fee is $20. The file name is QREA12.ZIP.

DS Products can be contacted on-line via CompuServe at [70731,1673] or by regular mail at P.O. Box 342; Westford, MA; 01886.


Open Sesame! 1.0 Learning Agent
Open Sesame! Ships The First Learning Agent Arrives on the Macintosh

September 29, 1993 -- CAMBRIDGE, MA. -- Charles River Analytics Inc. today announced that Open Sesame! 1.0 for the Macintosh is shipping.  Open Sesame! is the first software assistant that increases productivity by learning to automate routine desktop tasks for the user.  Built with learning agent technology, Open Sesame! sits on the desktop, observes user actions in the background, learns repetitive patterns, and automates them after approval.

Unveiled at the MACWORLD Expo/Boston in August 1993, Open Sesame! has received early endorsements from the press. Tim Kilroy, contributing editor of The Active Window, the Macintosh publication of the Boston Computer Society said, "Intelligent ag nts are incredibly intriguing, and promise to change the way we use computers. Open Sesame! is an excellent start. I am very impressed with the thought and foresight that has gone into this application."

Open Sesame! provides system, Finder and application level automation to the user. Open Sesame! can automate a variety of tasks involving operations on folders, applications, documents, windows and other desktop objects. Here is a sample observation from Open Sesame!:

Commander, I notice you often open "Schedule" whenever

you open "Project Budget". Do you want me to automate this task?

All the user has to do is say yes and Open Sesame! does the rest, performing repetitive tasks for the user automatically. Open Sesame! will increase user productivity by reducing the number of mouse clicks required to accomplish a given task, will perform routine desktop maintenance for the user and will enable the average user to take full advantage of advanced System 7 features like aliases and stationery without effort.

Open Sesame! uses Apple events in monitoring user actions. The functionality of the product will increase as more and more applications support the Apple Event Core suite. Power users can use Open Sesame! with AppleScript and other macro utilities for unprecedented power with ease of use.

Beta users in corporate, government, and educational sites have found Open Sesame! easy to use, intuitive, and an indispensable daily tool for increasing overall productivity. "I love the unintrusive way it makes suggestions, and the screen for accepting and modifying suggestions is very easy to work with. I like the product.", said Bill Schmarzo, Manager of World-Wide Channel Development at Taligent, Inc.

Open Sesame! is available through leading resellers in the United States. The  suggested retail price for Open Sesame! is $129. Open Sesame! requires an Apple  Macintosh computer running System 7.0 or later, and 500K of free memory.

Charles River Analytics develops and offers learning agent software that make personal computing "easy-to-do" instead of just "easy-to-use". Founded in 1983, the company is a pioneer in hybrid neural network and knowledge-based systems leading a technological revolution that will radically change the way we use computers with software that assist the user.

Charles River Analytics Inc.

55 Wheeler Street

Cambridge. MA 02138

Tel  (617) 491-3474,   Fax (617) 868-0780

Direct Sales (800) 913-3535


LINKS Firestone Country Club SVGA Course
Firestone Country Club upgraded to a SVGA Links CHAMPIONSHIP COURSE

Firestone's magnificent fall colors, rich tradition, beauty, and tenacity combine to become a truly legendary course.

Naturally, every Championship Course is compatible with all versions of LINKS: Links, Links 386 Pro, and Microsoft Golf

Access Software Inc. is excited to release the Super VGA version of the magnificent Firestone Country Club! Firestone's South Course has become one of the premier stops on the PGA Tour. In 1960 the South Course played host to the PGA Championship, and is presently the home of the "NEC World Series of Golf" where every August top professionals from around the world come to Akron, Ohio to face the challenge of one of the most demanding courses in the world. The course begins shipping September, 1993, with a suggested retail price of $29.95.

LINKS, LINKS 386 Pro, and Microsoft Golf were all designed to easily incorporate these magnificent add-on Championship Courses. New courses are in development and will be released about every EIGHT weeks throughout 1993 and 1994. Access Software received the prestigious Software Publishers Association (SPA) Excellence in Software Award for three consecutive years in the sports category for various LINKS products.!

Access Software

4910 W. Amelia Earhart Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84116

801-359-2900;  fax: 801-359-2968


LOGIVOLVE Neurogenetic Toolkit
LOGIVOLVE: THE FIRST COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE NEUROGENETIC TOOLKIT

LOGIVOLVE is a new product that combines the two hottest technologies today--neural networks (AI or Artificial Intelligence) and genetic algorithms (AL or Artificial Life)--into one extremely powerful package. Complex systems containing neural networks, parameter-based components, traditional logic, and even feedback loops incorporating such elements--that were previously too difficult, if not impossible, to construct by direct means--can now be evolved with LOGIVOLVE.

LOGIVOLVE makes it possible to develop neural network systems that possess whatever overall behavioral characteristics are desired, even when no trial-by-trial training targets can be specified. In addition, complex neural architectures involving multiple feedback paths, intervening rule-based logic, and more, can be handled with ease. LOGIVOLVE solves problems in a more robust way, one much less susceptible to spurious local maxima, than more traditional approaches. This gives the users of this technology a decided edge.

LOGIVOLVE comes as a programmer's library with functions for loading, saving, creating and training neural networks--the same features present in standard neural network development libraries (e.g., our own N-TRAIN for C, Ward System's NeuroWindows, HyperLogic's OWL). However, unlike standard neural tools, LOGIVOLVE also contains functions for mating various components (e.g., neural networks, vectors, lists of flags for use in rule-based logic) using mutation and crossover in order to obtain offspring, as well as functions that allow complete populations of the various objects to be handled en masse, and that implement the process of evolution in such populations.

Both Visual Basic and C programmers will find LOGIVOLVE extremely logical and easy-to-use. The Visual Basic version is supplied as a Windows DLL (dynamic link library) that may be used with Visual Basic, Turbo Pascal for Windows, Borland C++ under Windows, and Microsoft's Visual C++. The C version is available as a C function library with full source, optimized for 32-bit compilers (e.g., Zortech C++, Watcom C, etc.). It may also be recompiled for use with 16-bit compilers (e.g., Borland C++) with few or no changes. In addition to versions for 386/486 platforms, LOGIVOLVE is available for Hyperspeed Technology's parallel 860 supercomputing products and for Microway's Number-Smasher 860 card.

Does LOGIVOLVE really work? We have already evolved highly profitable trading systems (which we call the "DARWIN G.E.N.T.S." or Genetically Evolved Trading Savants, the first of their kind) which achieve trading results that could not otherwise be achieved using the more common back-propagation neural network approach. Traders will be happy to know that by using our TradeNet link module, LOGIVOLVE systems may be run in Omega Research's TradeStation, System Writer, and SuperCharts.

Also note: LOGIVOLVE is so unique, it's PATENT PENDING!

Costs:    LOGIVOLVE for C (with source) $459

          LOGIVOLVE for Visual Basic    $259

Scientific Consultant Services, Inc.

20 Stagecoach Rd, Selden, New York 11784

516-696-3333


ADVANSTAR PURCHASES HIGH COLOR MAGAZINE

Publication to be Renamed, Upped to Monthly Frequency

CLEVELAND, OH - October 12, 1993 - Advanstar Communications has acquired High Color magazine, a targeted computer graphics and video publication, from Imagetech Publications, Inc., Camden, Maine. The magazine will be relocated to the Santa Ana, CA, and Eugene, OR, offices of Advanstar. Publisher Michael Forcillo and Editor Lafe Low plan to move with the magazine.

High Color was founded in 1992 as a bimonthly serving graphic artists, business presentation professionals, advertising agencies and others who use computer graphics, desktop video, and multimedia applications on the PC platform. It is the only publication of its kind targeted specifically to the IBM-PC and compatible graphics user.

"The Windows-based PC graphics phenomenon promises to fuel incredible growth in this market segment in the next five years," notes David Allen Shaw, Advanstar group publisher. "We see this magazine poised to lead this growth, and Advanstar is prepared to invest in the magazine to position it appropriately in terms of circulation, editorial content and overall marketing."

Beginning with the January/February 1994 issue, the magazine will be titled PC Graphics & Video to better reflect its market position and the growth of the industry. With the May 1994 issue, the magazine will increase to monthly frequency to better serve the needs of readers and advertisers.

Michael Forcillo, founder and publisher, looks forward to the opportunities afforded by the Advanstar acquisition. "We've brought High Color a long way in a short time," he says. "The capitalization, expertise and resources - as well as synergies with other communications properties -that Advanstar brings will allow us to reposition, rename and revitalize the magazine, helping us to stay ahead of the industry's growth curve. I look forward to leading PC Graphics & Video into the future as a bigger, better monthly."

PC Graphics & Video will share operations and marketing with CADalyst, a monthly magazine serving users of AutoCAD, the premier computer-aided design software program. Both of these magazines are part of a growing group of entertainment, interactive media and computer publications, seminars and newsletters owned by Advanstar. This group includes Video Store Magazine, Voice Processing Magazine, InfoText, Response TV, Hollywood Aftermarket, and The AIM (Advanstar Interactive Media) Report, as well as the Hollywood 2000 and Silicon Interactive conferences.

Advanstar assumes publication of High Color with the November/December 1993 issue. Editorial operations will relocate to Eugene, OR, and additional staff members will be hired there. Sales and marketing will relocate to Santa Ana, CA. Advertising representative Scott Fackert will remain on the East Coast for the magazine. West Coast representation will be headed by Forcillo.

Advanstar Communications, headquartered in Cleveland, OH, is a leading business information company with three business segments. Advanstar Publishing produces 58 trade and professional magazines and journals covering a wide range of industries in North America and overseas. Advanstar Marketing Services markets information products such as industry directories, research and mailing lists. Advanstar Expositions owns and manages more than 60 expositions and several conferences for business, professional and consumer audiences in North America and overseas.

Effective Nov. 1, 1993, PC Graphics & Video's editorial offices will be located at 859 Willamette Street, Eugene, OR 97401, phone (503) 343-1200. Sales and marketing will be located at 201 E. Sandpointe Avenue, Suite 600, Santa Ana, CA 92707, phone (714) 513-8400.

Advanstar Communications

7500 Old Oak Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44130

216-243-8100


Gupta Support Forum on CompuServe
Gupta Announces New Support Forum on CompuServe

Menlo Park, Calif., August 30, 1993 -- Gupta Corporation (NASDAQ: GPTA) announced today that it has opened a new support forum on CompuServe that promises to provide Gupta customers with a wide range of new services to maximize their use of Gupta products. CompuServe members can access the forum by typing GO GUPTA at any ! prompt.

The Gupta forum includes support areas for each of Gupta's products: Gupta SQLWindows for client-server application development; Gupta Quest for end-user database access and reporting; Gupta SQLBase for high-performance PC client-server databases; and Gupta SQLNetwork for connectivity to a wide range of databases on minis, mainframes and PCs. The forum is staffed by Gupta personnel with specific product expertise. Users will also find active participation from members of Gupta's sales, marketing and engineering organizations, as well as from many experienced users from Gupta's customer base.

The forum includes general discussion areas and access to information about the company, new product releases and services, and new techniques. Users can access and download file libraries-with information on training schedules, examples of code, and product announcements. One of the most valuable benefits provided by Gupta's new forum is the opportunity for users to share solutions and suggestions. Candace Sestric, Gupta's Vice President of Technical Services, said, "CompuServe technical forums have proven to be an indispensable adjunct to conventional telephone support. Not only are users given a channel to reach Gupta that is convenient and cost-efficient, but developers gain tremendous insight from the aggregate expertise of the forum's participants."

Gupta customers are eligible for a free one-month introductory membership to CompuServe, and a $15.00 introductory usage credit to explore the Gupta Forum and CompuServe's other Extended and Premium Services. A complimentary subscription to CompuServe Magazine, CompuServe's monthly computing publication, is also included.

About Gupta Corporation

Gupta Corporation, founded in 1984, is a leading vendor of corporate PC client/server system software. Gupta's products are widely used by major corporations to downsize/rightsize their applications to PC LANs.

Gupta's SQLBase Server pioneered the market for PC client-server databases. The NLM version recently established a new performance standard for PC client-server databases. Gupta SQLWindows has been instrumental in the growth of applications developed for client-server networks. Gupta Quest is a data access, query and reporting tool for end-users and Gupta SQLNetwork is a family of software products 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


Media Vision Multimedia Cinema Premiere
Media Vision Is Pleased To Present The World Premiere Of Its First Two Multimedia Interactive Cinema Titles: Critical Path And Quantum Gate

Critical Path, directed by multimedia innovator John Evershed and starring Eileen Weisinger, is an action-adventure story setting live actors against a three-dimensional animated backdrop. The viewer literally becomes an interactive character in the film, helping the film's protaganist battle an array of villians against a hightech, post-apocalyptic landscape. Critical Path is also differentiated by its use of sophisticated movie production and post-production techniques, including the use of an Ultimatte for the movie's powerful blue screen composition and special effects.

Quantum Gate is a rich cinematic epic, packed with more than 1,000 pages of text and extensive full-motion video. Quantum Gate is a science fiction saga involving a molecular bridge to another world--one which may save or destroy all life on earth. The title is directed by multiple award-winning interactive multimedia director Greg Roach.

Executive producer Min Yee, an executive vice president of Media Vision, is one of the earliest pioneers of interactive multimedia, having been recruited by Microsoft chairman Bill Gates to head Microsoft Press and to investigate CD-ROM and interactive multimedia CD-ROM software technologies. Yee founded and ran for seven years what is now the largest multimedia convention in the world, Intermedia. He was also the executive producer for two of Microsoft's most successful CD-ROM titles, Cinemania and the interactive multimedia encyclopedia, Encarta.

Media Vision

47300 Bayside Parkway, Fremont, CA 94538

510-770-8600,  fax 510-770-8648


Sanctuary Woods 3DO Software on the Shelf
SANCTUARY WOODS FIRST COMPANY WITH 3DO SOFTWARE ON THE SHELF

SAN MATEO, Calif., October, 1993--Sanctuary Woods Multimedia Corp. (NASDAQ:SWMCF; VSE:SWD.V) today announced that it's now shipping the interactive CD-ROM storybook Shelley Duvall's It's A Bird's Life for Panasonic's REAL 3DO Interactive Multiplayer. With this introduction, Sanctuary Woods is the first developer to bring a shrink-wrapped product to retail shelves for the breakthrough 3DO home entertainment system.

Created and narrated by actress and children's entertainment producer Shelley Duvall, Shelley Duvall's It's A Bird's Life is a story about a group of lovable, zany parrots that embark on an odyssey from Los Angeles to the Amazon forest and back again.

3DO Technology Extends Product's Reach

Sanctuary Woods' introduction of Shelley Duvall's It's A Bird's Life for 3DO follows the product's award-winning success on Macintosh and MPC platforms. The new version takes special advantage of the advanced graphics, sound and user interface of the 3DO system. Along with super-charged visuals, the 3DO version of Shelley Duvall's It's A Bird's Life offers 50 times more animation, faster access time for smoother scene transitions, crystal-clear sound and a simplified, TV-oriented user interface.

In addition, this version includes new games and activities not achievable on any other platform. For instance, Shelley Duvall's It's A Bird 's Life for 3DO features a 3D finger painting game where children can leave rainbow paint trails with different objects to achieve a colorful kaleidoscope effect. Children can make the their pictures rotate, become larger and smaller or speed up. The 3DO version also offers a counting game that challenges children (and adults!) to count fast-moving objects while they multiply, overlap and speed across the screen.

The Sanctuary Woods programmers are able to furnish these creative effects because the 3DO technology allows screen updates many times faster than Macintosh and PC technology, as well as providing many built-in function calls for special graphics effects.

Created for children age 3 and up, Shelley Duvall's It's A Bird's Life combines an original story, artwork by award-winning Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles illustrator Andrew Pratt and multimedia extras--such as animation, digitized songs, interactive games and an encyclopedia of interesting facts on world geography and the rain forest--to create an entertaining and educational story experience.

Price and Availability

Available now, Shelley Duvall's It's A Bird's Life for 3DO is sold through computer retail and consumer electronic stores that carry Panasonic's REAL Interactive Multiplayer, including Software Etc., Electronics Boutique and Babbages. Shelley Duvall's It's A Bird's Life for 3DO is distributed by Electronic Arts Distribution and is available for a suggested retail price of $54.95.

Sanctuary Woods Multimedia Corporation, an Electronic Arts Affiliate label, is a leading developer of family-oriented entertainment and educational multimedia titles distributed on CDROM for desktop and entertainment platforms including Windows PC, Macintosh and 3DO. Sanctuary Woods produces its titles under three brands: I-learn, I-tales, and I-ventures.

Founded in 1988, Sanctuary Woods Multimedia Corporation is a public company currently traded on NASDAQ (SWMCF) and the Vancouver Stock Exchange (SWD.V). Sanctuary Woods and its affiliates have sales, marketing and operations headquarters in San Mateo, Calif., with artistic and imagineering studios located in Victoria, B.C.; Toronto and Ottawa, Ontario; and Dallas, Texas.

Sanctuary Woods Multimedia Corp

1875 S. Grant St, San Mateo, CA 94402

415-578-6340,  fax 415-578-6344

1006 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1X7 CANADA

604-380-7582,  fax 604-388-4852

223 Colonnade Rd S, Ste 111, Nepean, ON K2E 7K3 CANADA

613-228-8283,  fax 613-228-9169

10 King St E, Suite 102, Toronto, ON M5C 1C3 CANADA

416-360-1950,  fax 416-360-5694

2350 Lakeside Blvd, Ste 850, Richardson, TX 75082

214-437-2745,  214-234-6966


New Tom Snyder Productions Catalog & Prod's
A brand new catalog is available from Tom Snyder Productions, covering their award winning educational programs for MS-DOS, Macintosh, Apple II, Videodisc, video, CD-ROM and more.

From their TSP NewsFlash here's what's new in the computer realm from Tom Snyder....

Geography Search

Social Studies - Mac - Grades 5-12

In this social studies simulation students race against time, each other, the elements and the unknown to reach a new world. Hones skills in geography, critical thinking, teamwork, math, and reading -- all in a context that recreates the drama and challenge of the great Age of Exploration.

The Graph Club

Math - Mac - Grades K-3

This is a fabulous new graphing curriculum that made such a splash at sneak previews at the NECC and NCTM conference this spring. This complete curriculum includes Mac software, 28 student portfolios, a fun-filled chapter book featuring Fizz & Martina, and loads of great activities.

Decisions, Decisions: AIDS

Social Studies - Mac, MS-DOS, or Apple - Grades 6-12

At TSP, we pride ourselves on taking on sensitive issues with sensitivity. this latest title in the acclaimed Decisions, Decisions series of simulations is a premier example. It creates a constructive forum for learning and talking about the real issues surrounding AIDS and other STDs. If you've been wanting to tackle the subject of AIDS, but don't know exactly how to go about it, this is the answer.

Windows versions of The Great Rescues

Science - Video activity - Grades 5-8

By popular demand, we've created Windows software to go along with our runaway best-seller videodiscs, The Great Ocean Rescue and the Great Solar Systeem Rescue. Windows users rejoice!

International Inspirer 2.0

Geography - Mac/MS-DOS/Apple - Grades 5-12

One of our all-time best-sellers, 100% updated, Face it, the world has changed, and your students need to know about it. The all-new International Inspirer has everything -- maps that show the world as it is today, up-to-the-minute data and topics that students need to know about in the nineties. This MUST be part of your geography collection.

National Inspirer -- new Mac version!

Geography - Mac (Apple and MS-DOS too!) - Grades 5-12

This fast-paced geography search game has won so many awards we've lost count -- and now it has a beautiful Mac version with full color on-screen maps, loads of new graphs and fabulous student worksheets. If you've got a Mac and a roomful of kids, drop everything and call us for a free 30-day trial.

Research Paper Writer on CD-ROM

Writing - CDROM - Grades 7-Higher Ed

This step-by-step writing course is so robust that it takes up about a gazillion floppies -- or, now, just one CD-ROM disk! If your students aren't thrilled about researching and writing papers (and who is?), try this.

New MacTimeliner data disks

Lots o' subjects - Software - Grades K-12

Yes, it's true. Every single solitary TimeLiner data disk is now available for the Mac -- hooray! This includes: Pre- and Ancient History, A Day in the Life of..., Dinosaurs and Other Big Stuff, Events of the 70's and 80's, The Arts, Elementary Language Arts, Health, and Everything is Relative. Phew! And be on the lookout for our Native Americans data disk, coming soon.

Tom Snyder Productions

80 Coolidge Hill Rd, Watertown, MA 02172-2817

800-342-0236,  617-926-6000,   fax 617-926-6222