Welcome to the October 1993 Issue of GEnie's... __ / ) _ _ _ _ _ / / (_) ( \ / ) (_) / ) / / _ _ _ ____\ \ /\ / / _ ___ ____ / / / / / )( \_/ ) / __ )\ \/ \/ / / ) / __)/ __ ) (_/ / (__ / / \ / / ___/ \ / / / / / / ___/ _ (______)(_/ \_/ (____) \_/\_/ (_/ (_/ (____) (_) M a g a z i n e \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\///////////////////////////////////// Editor-In-Chief ...................................... Peggy Herrington Associate Editor .......................................... Donn King Assistant Editor .......................................... Jay Key Online Editor ....................................... John Peters Contributing Editor ........................... Holly Jahangiri Contributing Editor ......................... Kevin J. McCann Publisher ......................... Robert "Chip" Chiappone Assistant to the Publisher ................. Barbara Byro ///////////////////////////////\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ >>> GEnie Information Network's LiveWire Magazine! <<< """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" ~ October 1993 ~ From the Editor ............ [FRM] The Multimedia RoundTabe ... [MUL] What's in This Issue Threshold Of A Dream Sys-Mom's NetSearch ........ [MOM] GEnie Special Events ....... [CAL] Partcipate In Today's Headlines October Happenings Workplace RoundTable ....... [WOR] Dialog/ARTIST .............. [DIA] Get Down to Business U.S. Fed & Canadian Biz Centers Buddy Bonus ................ [BUD] Europe on 3 Bucks an Hour .. [EUR] What Price Friendship?? by Holly Jahangiri The New SCA RoundTable ..... [SCA] SYSOP SPOTLIGHT on ANDY .... [SYS] by Kevin J. McCann by Holly Jahangiri The GEnie Gamer ............ [GAM] IBM PC RoundTable .......... [IBM] by Kevin J. McCann by Laura K. Tanner Windows RoundTable ......... [WIN] Macintosh RoundTable ....... [MAC] by Holly Jahangiri by Stephen Kahn *StarShip* Amiga RoundTable [*S*] Atari ST RoundTable ........ [ATR] by Jim Meyer by D.A. Brumleve Apple II RoundTable ........ [AII] GEnie Mall ................. [MAL] by Dean Esmay Christmas Comes Early LiveWire Information ....... [INF] Joining GEnie is Easy! [IDX]""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" READING LiveWire! LiveWire has incorporated a unique indexing system """"""""""""""""" to help make reading the magazine easier. To utilize this system, load LiveWire into any ASCII word processor or text editor. In the index you will find the following example: The Multimedia RoundTable ... [MUL] Threshold of a Dream To read this article, set your find or search command to [MUL]. If you want to scan all of the articles, search for [EOA]. [EOF] will take you to the last page, whereas [IDX] will bring you back to the Index. """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" [EOA] [FRM]////////////////////////////// / From The Editor / / /////////////////////////////// What's in This Issue """""""""""""""""""" _ _ ( \ /\ / ) \ \/ \/ / \ / \_/\_/e've got a great issue for you this month! Take a peek... -* An indepth story about one of the hottest personal computer applications yet devised -- multimedia -- featuring GEnie's new Multimedia, Desktop Video, and Virtual Reality RoundTable! Visit CYBERSPACE to find component parts and get recommendations on producing great multimedia presentations. And check the story on your favorite Computing RoundTable in this issue for more great multimedia ideas! -* NetSearch explains how to participate in today's headline news TODAY! LiveWire's quick new publication schedule makes stories like this possible: How and WHERE to find indepth background information on headline news like the White House Report on reorganizing the federal government, what may be a leaked FBI memo on gun control, an AmTrak Journal, Hugo Award Winners, a satellite dish newsletter, and lots more! Check it out. -* Europe on 3 bucks an hour! In particular, the gala on-the-scene Oktoberfest Celebration on Friday, October 1st at 9PM Eastern time in the Deutschland RoundTable! You could win a lovely prize from Germany as well! Type GERMANY or EUROPE to get there from any GEnie page prompt. -* Read about GEnie's new Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) and Workplace RoundTables, and get the scoop on the upcoming Air Warrior Convention. And don't miss the first of a regular feature starting this month as we focus LiveWire's Spotlight on one of GEnie's most popular sysops! Hey, Sports Fans! GEnie member Daniel Buchino won the Sports """"""""""""""""" RoundTable's first weekly NFL Football Pool by predicting an amazing 12 out of 14 winners! Several other prognosticators ganged up behind him with 11 correct picks, but Dan dashed past all 500+ entrants with ease. Now in its 5th season on GEnie, the NFL Football Pool can be found on Page 426. The object is to pick the most winners of weekend NFL football games against the point spread. Scads of players check the Sports RoundTable's main menu item "This Week's NFL Predictions" for pregame advice not only from the RoundTable's sysops, but from sports astrologer Cynthia Withers (about whom LiveWire will publish a story next month). "In all five years of the Football Pool's history," says Glen Johnson, Sports RoundTable chief sysop, "nobody has ever picked ALL the winners for any given weekend!" That sounds like a challenge to this editor. ____ Whee! ___ Congratulations! Next time you see him online, // ____ ____ \\ """""""""""""""" be sure to congratulate GEnie | / _ \ | __) | member Bill Hirst, the talented ASCII artist who |$(_( )GEnie(__ | was responsible for "The Emoticon Family" cartoon | / Time!__ \ | published in last month's LiveWire. Bill earned | / (__ ___) ) | himself $25 worth of Time on GEnie for that clever | (_____)(____/ | illustration of smiley faces! | | | From LiveWire! | If YOU have something other GEnie members might \\_______________// enjoy, - be it ASCII art or an interesting story - submit it by GE Mail to LIVEWIRE. If we publish it, you'll find yourself enjoying free time on GEnie, too! Seeya online! Peggy Editor, LiveWire ________________________________________________________________________ / \ | User Friendly Softwear and Hardware! | | ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | | | | Genuine GEnie garb lets you show the world your GEnie pride! Choose | | from a great selection of Softwear and Hardware, at low member prices! | | Great Gifts for your GEnie pals! Best of all, shopping is a cinch! | | | | NEW! GEnie Beach Towels 30" x 60", 100% Cotton! | | GEnie Mugs! Black Beauties with colorful GEnie Lamp Logo! | | GEnie Satin Jackets! Ummmmm... Black and smooth! | | GEnie Sweatshirts! Black or navy, embroidered red/grey Logo! | | GEnie Polo Shirts! Navy blue with full-cut set-in sleeves! | | GEnie T-Shirts! Black or white with two types of Logos! | | GEnie Decals and Pins! __________________________________ | | Even GEnie Key Rings! / \ | | | TYPE | | | Finest Quality! | _. _ . _ _.___ _ _ _ | | | ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ | | _ |_ |\| | |_ (_ | | | |_) |_ | | | | |_| |_ | | | |_ ._) | |_| | \ |_ | | \_______________________________| |___/ | For Details & Orders | \__________________________________/ [EOA] [MUL]////////////////////////////// / Multimedia / / /////////////////////////////// Threshold of a Dream """""""""""""""""""" by Jay Kee ____ (_ _) / / / / _/ / (____)n the bad old days when I worked in broadcast television as a commercial producer, multimedia was a buzzword applied to any advertising or promotional campaign that used a combination of the 'big three' media formats: Print, Radio or Television. When we used sales videos, audio and video production demos, storyboards, logo treatments and scripts to pitch our clients, we never saw it as a multimedia presentation. That expression hadn't yet evolved. Desktop publishing was just taking off, and desktop video was still a hobby for well-to-do enthusiasts. Now, in only a few short years, anyone with a personal computer, a VCR and a camcorder has the capability of producing near-broadcast quality videos, complete with graphics and special effects right in their home. To paraphrase the old multimedia campaign slogan: We've come a long way, baby. ____________________________________________________|\____________ | |\ | | You've entered Cyberspace! Welcome IBM, Macintosh| and Amiga! | | _ _| | | _ _ _ _ (_) _ (_) | | | \ / | | || |_ | | | | | \/ | _ _ |(_ _) __ __ ___ ___| | _ _____ | | | || | | || || || || \/ || __)| _ || || _ | | | | |\/| || |_| || || || || || _) | (_| || || (_| | | | |_| |_||_____||_||_||_||_|\/|_||___)|_____||_||_____( | | | | Desktop Video ............................. Virtual Reality | |_________________________________________________________________| The New Multimedia RoundTable Preferring to set trends rather than """"""""""""""""""""""""""""" follow them, GEnie launched a brand new service last month, aimed at riding the new wave of modern digital technology: The Multimedia, Desktop Video & Virtual Reality RoundTable -- called the Multimedia RoundTable, for short. You can find it at Page 2000 (keyword, CYBERSPACE). As the formal name implies, there are three distinct elements to this new technology, and the Multimedia RoundTable will embrace each of them. Multimedia and desktop video are actually two sides of the same coin; one combines graphics and sound while the other adds video. The common denominator is the computer. As Denny Atkin, co-manager of the Multimedia RoundTable, puts it: "Multimedia and desktop video bring live, moving graphics and sound from the real world into the control of personal computers." The primary differences are interactivity and the display source -- a monitor or a TV screen. If you take these two elements and add interactive 3D, you've just taken the first step into the fantastic realm of Virtual Reality. Virtually Explosive The true definition of Virtual Reality (or VR) has """"""""""""""""""" been blurred, with the term tagged onto virtually any piece of software that permits some rudimentary form of user interaction. The truth is, 'real' VR immerses you in an interactive, electronically-generated environment and requires special hardware -- helmets, goggles, gloves, viewers -- to produce the results. The effect could be compared to the difference between looking at a picture of the ocean, and actually diving into the water. VR is still quite new and demands sophisticated hardware and software. But the personal computer has become so powerful that it's already being used in some commercial simulations. Amiga 3000 computers are used in Virtuality, a hot franchised VR parlor chain popping up across the country; simulation developer Spectrum Holobyte is heavily involved with putting personal computers into commercial virtual reality settings; and Paramount has plans to launch a national chain of VR parlors based on the Star Trek: The Next Generation series. For now, VR games for the personal computer are mostly novelty. But new toys like LCD shutter glasses and the new QSound (tm) 3-D sound technology tantalize us with the possibility of PC-based VR games as early as 1994. Through it all, the Multimedia RoundTable is pursuing developments in each of these three arenas. It focuses on production techniques on IBM-compatible, Macintosh and Amiga platforms; provides information and assistance with commercial software and hardware; and posts weekly newscasts (CyberSpace Report) to bring you up-to-the-minute developments -- everything you'll need to keep pace with this explosively expanding technology. A Heartful of Soul And it doesn't stop there. In fact, it just gets """""""""""""""""" started. There's still the Multimedia Library and the Special Real-Time Conferences to consider. Online discussion is the heart of any RoundTable. Like the subject itself, Cyberspace intends to be as interactive as possible, with a strong schedule of Real-Time Conferences. As RoundTable Co-manager Peggy Herrington suggests, "One of the Multimedia RoundTable's thrusts will be to bring guest speakers and developers online who can help people figure out how to make great presentations within their means. After all, not everyone can afford a touch-sensitive kiosk." One look at their preliminary list of speakers for the October schedule, and you can begin to appreciate the possibilities. * Noah Falstein, 3DO Company Producer, addressing multimedia. * Lou Wallace, Editor of DeskTop Video World magazine. * Howard Rheingold, author of "Virtual Reality" and the forthcoming book "The Virtual Community." * J. Michael Straczynski, on computer graphics production for the Emmy Award-winning "Babylon 5" TV series. On top of that the Multimedia RoundTable will celebrate its month-long Grand Opening during the entire month of October by featuring a great lineup of events, services and bonuses, including: * Debut of weekly industry Cyberspace Reports suitable for publication in trade magazines, newsletters, and on electronic bulletin board systems. * A contest for RoundTable members with commercial products and free GEnie time as prizes. * Real-Time Conferences EVERY NIGHT starting at 10PM Eastern time. Drop by the Multimedia RoundTable for a detailed schedule of events. Just type CYBERSPACE or MULTIMEDIA at any GEnie page prompt. Computer Candy Store If conferences are the heart of a RoundTable, then """""""""""""""""""" the Library is its soul. And CYBERSPACE promises to have a lot of that! The Multimedia RoundTable has just opened its virtual doors, but there are already hundreds of downloadable files in the Library, with lots more being uploaded every day. "We're busy filling the Library now with loads of material you can choose from to make your presentations," Peggy Herrington confirms. "Graphics, animations, music, sound effects, and background screens, along with utility programs that will let you convert these files into the format your software requires." But it's not all business. There are demos of commercial presentation programs too, like Lotus' Freelance Graphics V2.0 (Files #386 FLGR1V2.ZIP, #387 FLGR2V2.ZIP, #388 FLGRINST.ZIP, and #389 FLGR3V2.ZIP) for IBM-compatibles, so you can try commercial software before you buy it to make sure all the bells and whistles play the right tune. They have fascinating VR programs, too, including a great simulated 3D flight through the Grand Canyon (File #395 GRANDCAN.ZIP -- you supply optional red/blue glasses), a fun 3D VR game in File #3 3DTREK.ZIP, and a VR shoot-em-up in File #12 MODSS.LZH, all for IBM PC. And don't miss the great Autodesk FLI animation of a wild roller coaster ride in File #392 STHELENS.ZIP. With all the myriad systems and formats, compatibility continues to be a problem for many people. But not in the Multimedia RoundTable. The Library has a full range of conversion utilities for both sound and graphics files to bridge the gap. How do they work? Well, for example, there are hundreds of popular songs in the Library in Adlib sound format. If you have a Sound Blaster card or MIDI keyboard, you might be inclined to overlook them. But conversion programs let you play those songs on other systems. Just search the Library for the appropriate utility, download it, then download the songs you want and you're set. The utility converts the files into the format you want, and many are available for graphics as well. Looking for MODs in All the Right Places Let's face it, for multimedia """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" hobbyists, professionals and casual users alike, Cyberspace is a Shangri-La of information, news, programs and advice. But one of the many advantages of being a GEnie member is that there are hundreds of other Shangri-Las, and many of them offer supplementary services in related areas. Multimedia is certainly no exception. In the area of sound, for example, there are the MIDI and Music RoundTables. The MIDI & Computer Musicians RoundTable (Page 430, keyword MIDI) provides an extensive Library of MIDI files, synthesizer patches, sound samples, sound card files, even an ADAP Library with 16-bit stereo samples for professional film, video or television use. And the Music RoundTable (Page 135, keyword MUSIC) not only contains music generation programs, digitized songs and music database software, it has its own unique collection of picture files. More Great Multimedia Sources For visual stimulation, there are the """"""""""""""""""""""""""""" Graphics and Photo RoundTables. The Graphic Images RoundTable (Page 1415, keyword GRAPHICS) features the Online Image Catalog, a vast collection of pictures and artwork submitted by photographers and artists for commercial use in desktop publishing applications, books, magazines, brochures or other applications. The Library also carries conversion utilities, graphics viewers, fractal art and 3D renderings. You'll find an entirely different set of visuals in The Photo & Video RoundTable (Page 660, keyword PHOTO). There are digitized graphic and photo images for use in photographic composition and design work; desktop video utilities and information files; classical art; even graphics from the Smithsonian. And there's the Photobase Scanning Service (menu item #6), a free scanning service that can handle any size photo from 3x5 to 8x10 and reproduces in 256 level color or BW, 24-bit PICT2, and Storm JPEG formats. You can find even more sounds, images, programs and services in the Consumer Electronics RoundTable (Page 346, keyword CE), and the Radio & Electronics RoundTable (Page 345, keyword RADIO). And, of course, GEnie's Computing RoundTables are great multimedia sources, too! See the articles about them elsewhere in this issue of LiveWire. Living on the Edge October marks the Grand Opening of Cyberspace, the new """""""""""""""""" Multimedia RoundTable. What was once the stuff of fantasy and science fiction is now a dynamic new reality -- virtual and otherwise -- accessible to anyone with a computer and a modem. We stand on the threshold of a dream, the realization of a technological evolution. Anything is possible. And GEnie will be right there, out on the edge of the impossible, pushing the limits of the imaginable. Type CYBERSPACE and check out the Multimedia RoundTable now! [EOA] [MOM]/////////////////////////////// / SysMom's NetSearch / / //////////////////////////////// Participate in Today's Headlines - TODAY! """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" ______ / __ ) / / ) / / /__/ / (______/id you know you can reach out with your modem and actually take part in today's news and events? You don't have to stay home and watch or read it anymore. Sign on and make your mark! Useful, informative files can be found in many electronic nooks and crannies all over GEnie. I took a spin through just a few places and found loads of information about headline stories -- as well as places where I could respond and react to them. Here are some of the things I discovered, shown by file number, name, size and description. You'll be amazed at what you can discover! (KEYWORD) Gov't comes to the Information Age ............................. WHITEHOUSE """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" Page 1600 The results of the Vice President's study on how to reorganize the government are now available online! This important document is easily available to anyone with a modem, and is on GEnie for you in compressed format in the White House RoundTable Library on Page 1600. Download File #628 NPR90793.ZIP or look for separate uncompressed text files. Most of us have never had the opportunity to have direct unfiltered access to what our government is doing -- and now we do. No matter how you feel about these suggestions or about the administration itself, what it does and what ends up getting done will affect us all. Be informed! Issues: North American Free Trade Agreement .......................... PF """""" Page 545 Is NAFTA the end of American jobs or the hope of a sluggish economy? Are you as tired of the conflicting media staging as I am? Take a look at the synopsis of the proposed agreement and make up your own mind! You'll find the file in the Public Forum*Non Profit Connection Library, as well as the compressed electronic text of the entire 3.5 MEG document: # 4203 NAFTASYN.ZIP 32,768 bytes Synopsis of NAFTA # 4126 NAFTA.ZIP 552,192 bytes North American Free Trade Agreement Controversy: Gun Control Recommendations by the FBI? .............. JERRYP """"""""""" Page 245 Is it really an FBI memo that was leaked? This interesting file is supposedly an internal document that recommends the Bureau's positions on gun control. Look in the Jerry Pournelle RoundTable Library and decide for yourself if it is real: File # 828 FBI_MEMO.TXT 11,008 bytes Technology: A Satellite Dish Newsletter? .............................. CE """""""""" Page 346 A monthly reference for satellite dish owners is a regular feature in the Consumer Electronics RoundTable. This chart keeps up with new TV and audio satellites or changes in them. Now all I need is a satellite dish. Get the news in: File # 4620 SSC0993.ZIP 63,872 bytes Sports: The NFL and the Stars ......................... SPORTS & ASTROLOGY """""" Pages 215 & 1180 GEnie's Astrology RoundTable and the Sports RoundTable have combined talents and interests to bring an innovative new service to Sports fans: Online astrological predictions for EVERY GAME of the new NFL season, including the playoffs and the Super Bowl! For details, check the Main Menu of the Sports RoundTable at Page 215, and in the Bulletin Board of the Astrology RoundTable at Page 1180, Category 14, Topic 2. The first picks are already in from astrologer Cynthia Withers, and fared well against traditional football statistical ratings. But remember, she's not looking at stat charts -- she's looking at star charts! Don't miss announcements each week on game results in the Sports RoundTable, and if you're curious how in the world they DO this with astrological forecasting, ask for a non-technical description of it in the Astrology RoundTable. I promise they'll be gentle. Emergency Reference: Preparing for a Hurricane ................... FLORIDA """"""""""""""""""" Page 195 This electronic pamphlet contains tips and safety concerns about hurricanes. The time to get this information and print it out is NOW, when you don't need it. Find this helpful file in the Florida RoundTable Library, where residents are no strangers to hurricanes. File # 989 HURRICAN.HLP 15,872 bytes Business: Sysop's New Book is Fortune Book Club Feature ............. HOSB """""""" Page 370 Janet Attard, Sysop of the Home Office and Small Business RoundTable has written "The Home Office and Small Business Answer Book," which was the main selection for the Fortune Book Club for September. You can download excerpts from her book at the Home Office RoundTable Library and see why it is already an important reference for small businesses. Say "Hi" to Janet for me while you're there! File # 4320 ANSWERS.TXT 23,808 bytes Computer Friendly Help: The Modem Dictionary ..................... DIGIPUB """""""""""""""""""""" Page 1395 The Modem Dictionary is an extensive non-technical reference to all the jargon surrounding those mysterious things called modems. It provides lots of no-nonsense definitions to some of the baffling things we come up against when we reach out and connect to other parts of the electronic world. You'll find this indispensable shareware text reference in the Digital Publishing RoundTable. File # 1768 MDIC150.ZIP 51,968 bytes Travel: An Amtrak Journal from H.SUTTON ........................... TRAVEL """""" Page 560 Wouldn't you just love to forget everything and take a leisurely trip on the train? You can read about a ride around the western United States, and even download two narratives from a conductor who has been on the beautiful California coast route of the "Starlight" for some time. You don't have to go too far to enjoy this vicarious trip in the Travel RoundTable library! # 756 AMTK_RPT.TXT 47,744 bytes Amtrak Trip Report Around the West # 771 COAST.STR 15,360 bytes Conductor's Narrative, part 1 # 772 COAST.RNG 18,688 bytes Conductor's Narrative, part 2 Entertainment: Latest Movie Reviews and GIFS ..................... SHOWBIZ """"""""""""" Page 185 The ShowBiz RoundTable brings you movie reviews of the newest flicks on the big screen, with GIFs you can download from scenes with the stars. Are these new movies worth the admission ticket? MovieBase reviews will tell you in the ShowBiz Library: # 2118 TRUE.ROMANCE 11,008 bytes # 2082 THE MAN WITHOUT A FACE 9,728 bytes Did you catch Showbiz's Conference with Jurassic star Wayne Knight? If not, read what happened! # 2108 KNIGHT.RTC 25,344 bytes Science Fiction: Hugo Winners Announced ........................... SFRT1 """"""""""""""" Page 470 The Science Fiction RoundTable Library has a complete list of the winners of the prestigious Hugo Awards to Science Fiction authors. Get your copy while the bytes are hot! CHECK THIS # 7198 1993 HUGO RESULTS 28,800 bytes [EOA] [CAL]////////////////////////////// / GEnie SPECIAL EVENTS / / /////////////////////////////// GEnie Special Events """""""""""""""""""" _____ _ _ / _ ) __/ ) / ) / / ) /___ (_ _)___ / /_ ___ ___ / / / // __) / // _ )/ _ )/ __) / __) / (_/ // (_ / // (/ // (/ // __) / / (_____/(____)(_/(____/(____/(____)(_/ Enter the keyword (shown in capital letters, for example, MPGRT) at any numbered GEnie page prompt to reach the RoundTable hosting these Special Events. Topics are subject to change without notice. Eastern Time ----------------------------------------------------------------------- PM Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 8:00 SFRT1 MAC MAC MAC MAC MAC AMIGA BORLAND Help Help Help Help Help 5-MIN News SCORPIA PK AMIGA 3PM-3AM Sierra Poker 5-MIN News Hints Night 6PM-3AM 8:30 GEOWORKS ENABLE 9:00 RADIO SHOWBIZ AMIGA MILITARY PCALADDIN AMIGA GENIEUS Listening Live Chat Help General Automate Help GEnieJAM! PF:Current GENEALOGY AMIGA INVEST PETS AMIGA Events Beginners Help Q&As Dogs HelpDesk SPACE ROMANCE DBMS WRITERS FAMILY SFRT MAC:Fights Research help ROMANCE AMIGA Teens Force AMIGA:Help AMIGA Aspiring Help & Games MAC FAMILY HelpDesk Writer Help ST:Help GERMANY DIGIPUB ROMANCE Games 9:30 IBMPC A2 IBMPC IBMPC SCORPIA A2 AMIGA General New Users Comms OpSystems A2:TBC Telecom News A2 WINDOWS A2:Guest A2:Hyprmdia MPGRT AMIGA 3PM-3AM II Speak Help SFRT1 AMIALADDIN STALADDIN News A2 SFRT3 MAC Writers SCORPIA WP:WordPrt 6PM-3AM Small Biz FW-Pern Mac ERT:Parents Ask Sysops WINDOWS WINDOWS RADIO WRITERS Talk HomeSchool ERT: Educ MPGRT MPGRT Listening All Types SCUBA UNIX MPGRT Air Warrior BattleTech ASTRO- AMIGA:News Cofee&Code Ask Sysops ROMANCE SFRT3 LOGY 3PM-3AM DTP WRITERS MAC Queen's Own ROMANCE LAPTOPS Non-Fiction Telcom Special WINDOWS WINDOWS SFRT1 MAC MAC Alt.History Hypercard Games PET GERMANY SFRT3 Birds Travel Star Wars AUTO PET Games 10:00 AMIGA FLORIDA AMIGA HOME AMIGA CBM AMIGA Surprise Orlando Music Moose Manor MMedia MULTIMEDIA Party FORTH AMIGA WRITERS AMIGA GERMANY SFRT1 MOTO SCA Telecomm Poetry AmiGames AVIATION General CBM FOOD ST: Atari CBM ST: Atari MPGRT GENEALOGY FOOD CooksChat Portfolio HOME Open House Gemstone HOME Beer MOTO SFRT2 Open House GERMANY CANADA Q-Hut Tasting CBM Star Trek MOTO CBM CBM AMIGA HOME ST: Atari SCA SCA PRO/AM(iga) UNIX Graphics Parlor- dtp Heraldic ROMANCE GEOWORKS INTERNET-RT ROMANCE Games HOSB CBM FOOD SFRT2 MOTO Reader's LEFTCOAST HOME UNIX Veggies On Screen ATARI8 CYBERSPACE Purpleberry NeXT MULTI- GENEALOGY SFRT2 MAC MOTO MEDIA History Quantum Leap Help CYBERSPACE MOTO FOOD MULTIMEDIA MULTIMEDIA Variety ASTROLOGY CYBERSPACE Beginners SCA LEFTCOAST Fighters FAMILY Singles LEFTCOAST 10:30 SFRT1 MAC JAPAN MAC Horror Powerbooks Fonts MAC EduMac MPGRT DragonGate 11:00 CBM MAC SCORPIA CBM PHOTO MUSIC CBM AMIGA Help Star Fleet MAC General Night-Owls AMIGA HelpDesk AMIGA MAC Help MAC MAC HelpDesk HelpDeskHelp AMIGA Help Help AMIGA HelpDesk AMIGA AMIGA HelpDesk Help HelpDesk Midnight ASTROLOGY MOTO Mystic Madness 3:00 LEFTCOAST AM (Midnite Pacific on Sunday nights) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday ----------------------------------------------------------------------- First Friday each month in the Atari ST RoundTable at 10PM Eastern time is Dateline Atari. A2's RTC is open from 2 PM until 8 PM every Sunday, and all night on Friday. Chat Lines hosts a delightful variety of Multiplayer Games and fascinating Theme Chats on weekends, weekday evenings and during the wee hours, plus Breakfast Chats at 6AM Eastern time. A complete schedule is available on GEnie Page 400. [EOA] [WOR]/////////////////////////////// / WorkPlace RoundTable / / //////////////////////////////// Get Down to Business in the WorkPlace """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" by Laura Tanner _ / \ / - \ / ___ \ (_/ \_)re you underpaid? Unemployed? Overworked? Unorganized? GEnie has just opened a safe haven for the working class. It's a shelter from the confusion and misinformation on surviving at the office, in the warehouse, or on the job-hunting trail. It's the WorkPlace RoundTable, a meeting place for anyone who is an employee, manager, top-level executive, or job-seeker looking for information and ideas. You can find it by typing WORKPLACE or MOVE 1410 at any GEnie page prompt. Chief Sysop Janet Attard describes the WorkPlace RoundTable as an information resource as well as a place to exchange ideas and opinions on issues relating to working, work environments and personal productivity. "Think of the WorkPlace RoundTable as a virtual office building, factory, retail establishment, lunchroom, training room and business golf outing all rolled into one," she said. "GEnie subscribers can use the Bulletin Board to get and share ideas and tips about careers, management styles, customer relations, on-the-job problems, workplace regulations, labor-management issues, productivity and other work-related issues." The WorkPlace RoundTable shares its Library with the Home Office/Small Business RoundTable, which is home to thousands of files relating to the business of business. Issues range from workplace trends and management tools and techniques, to writing an employee manual or making your resume more effective. The files encompass everything from shareware programs for automated assistance with your work, to text files containing valuable information for your database or research needs. Take the Work Out of Getting a Job Looking for work can be more difficult """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" than the work itself! The WorkPlace RoundTable has a number of files to help in your job search, including File #4369 ASBESTOS.TXT, a job search guide for professionals; File #4294 INTRVW.TXT, job interview tips; and File #4255 HMR0793.ZIP, a list of over 900 human resources and personnel managers in U.S. public companies. Page 1410 can also help in your efforts to improve productivity on or off the job. A few of the programs designed to improve performance include a task manager for Windows (File #4340 2DOV11.ZIP); Contact Plus (File #4280 CPLUS24.EXE), an award-winnning program to help you to keep track of important people and appointments; and an application for creating resumes that will stand out from the crowd. (File #2431 DIGRES.EXE). This Job Is Killing Me! The WorkPlace RoundTable has a number of files """"""""""""""""""""""" for the manager concerned with employee safety. File #4369 ASBESTOS.TXT has information on protecting employees from asbestos in the workplace, and File #4368 EYESAFE.TXT details eye injury prevention. File #4367 EMPLYEE.TXT has information on employee safety rights and employer responsibilities, while File #4295 VDT_SAFE.TXT offers tips on reducing repetitive stress and other injuries related to working with computers. Smokers who are struggling to comply with the growing number of restrictions on smoking in the workplace can turn to File #4286 NOSMOKE6.ZIP for support in their efforts to quit. Experts To Help You Get Ahead The WorkPlace RT is staffed by an """"""""""""""""""""""""""""" impressive group of experts with diverse experience in work and business areas, making it an attractive source for advice and input on your career, or your business. Chief Sysop Janet Attard is the author of a half dozen books on business, including, "The Home Office and Small Business Answer Book," "Hire the Perfect Employee," "Organize Yourself for Peak Productivity," and several others. Other online experts include an attorney specializing in intellectual property law; a personnel consultant with skills in staff development and motivation; a developer of payroll and business software applications; a CPA specializing in business accounting and tax matters, and an insurance executive experienced in investment products, annuities, mutual funds and retirement plans. A Place To Work Wonders The Workplace RoundTable is an invaluable """"""""""""""""""""""" resource for anyone who is working or looking for work, evaluating a career path, or developing a personal productivity plan. It is a one-stop source for advice, information and shareware applications on virtually any aspect of work and working. Just a few keystrokes will give you access to consulting, database information, advice, helpful hints and new ideas to improve your business life. Whatever your goal, there's a place for you on the WorkPlace RoundTable. [EOA] [DIA]/////////////////////////////// / Dialog/ARTIST / / //////////////////////////////// U.S. Federal & Canadian Biz Centers """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" by Donn King _ / ) / / / / / (_ (____)ook at a globe. Any way you look at it, the United States and Canada together make up a huge chunk of real estate. The business community and government of these two countries sprawl just as large across the human landscape. Yet the world is also getting smaller. GEnie helps to bring it more within your reach through the addition of two new information products: The Canadian Business Center and the U.S. Federal Center. Business up North Canadian Business Center covers Canadian business """"""""""""""""" news and Canadian trademarks, and includes sources such as D&B Canadian Company Profiles, and Kompass Canadian Company Profiles. If you do business in Canada or are considering it (either from the U.S. or from right in Canada), you can learn in detail about the companies you deal with. Just type the keyword CANBUSINESS or the command MOVE 1246 from any GEnie prompt. All you do is ask your question. The computer will quickly search through thousands of journals, magazines, or directories to let you know what information is available on your topic. Choose from the titles shown and start reviewing the results. Since the Canadian Business Center is a GEnie$Premium service, additional charges apply to search and retrieval. Be sure to select Item #2 on Page 1246 and review the complete listing of prices. You can either view titles, or ask for the full text of selected records. The first step searches through thousands of records on DIALOG to find records matching your search criteria. The first five or ten matches (depending on the source) will automatically be displayed. Each additional group of up to five or ten you request will result in an additional charge. You can read the full record on an item, which will be either a brief summary of the original article or a directory listing. A Full Record charge applies for each full record you request. Make a Federal Case Similarly, use the U.S. Federal Center to quickly """"""""""""""""""" find the information that's important to you about the U.S. Government. Simply enter your topic, whether it is a subject on agency regulations, upcoming legislation or recent court decisions. The U.S. Federal Center covers national affairs news, government purchasing, and publications like the Washington Post and Federal Register, in addition to such databases as Commerce Business Daily (keyword: CBD) and Federal Acquisition Regulation (keyword: FAR). The computer will quickly search through thousands of journals, magazines, and government reports to let you know what's available. The U.S. Federal Center is also a GEnie$Premium service, which means that charges in addition to connect time apply to search and retrieval. Prices are listed under Item #2 on Page 1248. You can go there easily by typing the keyword FEDERALCTR from any GEnie prompt. But just consider what you save in time and aggravation trying to find Federal information anywhere else! The U.S. Federal Center accesses databases from the Bureau of National Affairs, the U.S. Government Printing Office, the National Technical Information Service (NTIS), the Washington Post, and Federal Information Systems Corporation, and is made available by Dialog Information Services, Inc. It is offered through GEnie via Advanced Research Technologies' ARTIST(R) Gateway System. To check out the U.S. Federal Center, enter M1248 at any GEnie numbered page prompt. Just like most other ARTIST services on GEnie, U.S. Federal Center gives you the option of simply listing titles, viewing full records, or reading the full text of most articles. You can limit your search by subject, date, or database. It also includes a training area so you can learn the system without spending big bucks. The "records" which will be displayed by the U.S. Federal Center will depend upon how far your search has progressed and, in the case of viewing the full record available, upon which database the record came from. Trading Places Engaging in a little free trade of your own becomes """""""""""""" easier because of the information available through GEnie. These services are fresh out of the wrapper; why not get a big jump on the competition? [EOA] [BUD]/////////////////////////////// / BUDDY BONUS / / //////////////////////////////// What Price Friendship??? """""""""""""""""""""""" _ _ ( \ /\ / ) \ \/ \/ / \ / \_/\_/ho says you can't put a price tag on friendship? GEnie has! _______________ ( / | ) / BUDDY | Thanks to the GEnie Services' ( | | `--|O $10.00 | Buddy Bonus Promotion! | ~~~~~~ | """""""""""""""""""""" \ BONUS | \_______________| Each and every one of your friends *COULD* be worth $10 to you. Just tell them about GEnie and get them to subscribe. If you and your buddy are still active GEnie subscribers three months from the date your buddy signs up, YOU get a $10 usage credit on your GEnie account! That's right! $10 for each and every buddy you sponsor who stays a GEnie subscriber for at least three months! Of course, you'll probably want to follow-up with your buddy ... by phone, mail or in person... in case they have any questions and so you can "twist" their arm a little. (You *DO* want the $10, don't you?) Like everything good, there ARE a few rules for the GEnie Buddy Bonus Program. You'll find the complete Program rules - including what it takes to be a "qualifying buddy" - on the GEnie Services Buddy Bonus Promotion page (type BUDDY and select #2 from the menu). Be sure you review the complete rules before you contact your friends. So there you have it! What price Friendship??? GEnie is proving that a GOOD friend is worth at LEAST $10!!! [EOA] [EUR]/////////////////////////////// / Europe on 3 Bucks an Hour / / //////////////////////////////// by Holly Jahangiri """""""""""""""""" _ _ ( \ /\ / ) \ \/ \/ / \ / \_/\_/hile it may be too late to hop a plane to Munich, there's still time to break free of the usual Friday night routine and join in the fun of Oktoberfest. Just log on to GEnie and head for Germany -- the Germany and Europe RoundTable, that is -- by typing GERMANY, or M725 at any GEnie page prompt. We'll be celebrating the last days of Oktoberfest LIVE from Germany in the Real-Time Conference room at 9PM Eastern time Friday, October 1. When was the first fest? Where was it held? What do you do there besides sing and drink beer? And WHY is it called Oktoberfest when it starts in September? Find out the answers to these and other entertaining trivia questions. You could win one of many terrific prizes to be given away throughout the evening, such as a book on Oktoberfest or a copy of Microtac's German Assistant, courtesy of Microtac and Great*German*Gifts! GIF Snapshots Of course, a visit to Europe just wouldn't be the same """"""""""""" without pictures, would it? No need to buy film when you visit the Germany and Europe RoundTable, though; there are plenty of colorful photos available for downloading from the Software Library. Scenes from Oktoberfest '92 abound -- from a colorful, panoramic view of Oktoberfest (#922 OKTOBER2.GIF - day, #942 OKTFEST1.GIF -night), to Germans in local costume (#923 OKTOBER3.GIF) and the Loewenbrau Lion (#1167 LOW-BRAU.GIF). For a thumbnail preview of Oktoberfest pics, download File #929 OKTOBERA.GIF. Sample the breathtaking view with photos of Oberammergau (#1165 OBERAM.GIF, #1166 OBERAMV.GIF), Loreley on the Rhine (#733 LORELEY.GIF), the castle where the Von Trapp family of "Sound of Music" fame lived (#699 VONTRAPP.GIF), or Germany's highest mountain peak, the Zugspitze (#481 ZUGSPITZE.GIF). Gaze at a windmill in France (#604 WINDMILL.GIF), or wander a historic street in Rothenburg ob der Tauber (#793 ROTHEN.GIF). Learn how to read a German train schedule (#642 SCHEDULE.GIF) or how to decipher the label on a bottle of German wine (#514 WEIN.GIF). These are just some of the hundreds of exciting pictures available to you in the Germany and Europe RoundTable. There is a terrific collection of member photos, as well. The Real-Time Conference area is a great place to meet new friends. Forget the stereotypes and get to know the real people of Europe. Brush up on your German (or start learning it now!) each Wednesday night at 10 PM Eastern time in the Real-Time Conference area -- see Bulletin Board Category 1, Topic 8, for details. For lively discussion, take in David Ressl's "Hot Topic of the Week" on Mondays at 10PM Eastern time. Or meet with fellow GEnie members from Great Britain on Wednesdays at 10PM Eastern time. If you're thinking of traveling to Europe, drop by the Real-Time Conference any Tuesday night to chat with travel experts from 9:30 to 11PM Eastern time. You'll also find helpful travel, food, and shopping tips in Bulletin Board Category 6. Several months ago, the Germany RoundTable expanded to become the Germany and Europe RoundTable. Bulletin Board categories now include Western Europe, Eastern Europe, United Kingdom and Ireland, France, and Italy, making the Germany and Europe RoundTable one of your most valuable resources for the latest news and information from Europe. [EOA] [SCA]/////////////////////////////// / The SCA RoundTable / / //////////////////////////////// by Kevin J. McCann """""""""""""""""" _ _ ( \ /\ / ) \ \/ \/ / \ / \_/\_/hile there are numerous and varied opinions as to why we should study the past, the Society for Creative Anachronism, a group comprised of nearly 25,000 members, makes the journey into the past one you won't soon forget. And one you'll clearly enjoy. Like the society it's based on, the SCA RoundTable is dedicated to the study and re-creation of the pre-17th century cultures. Fighting, archery, crafts, performing arts, heraldry, food and beverages, and almost anything else you wish to research, await you in the SCA RoundTable. Simply type SCA or M1425 at any GEnie page prompt; all of these Topics are easily accessible to you in SCA's Bulletin Board. Once you enter the Bulletin Board you'll discover SCA's 13 Kingdoms, which are actually Categories for regional-level interest groups, plus Categories and Topics covering arts and sciences, heraldry, fighting, bardic arts, offices, events, a revel for socializing, and much more. There's even an online version of SCA combat, for the more adventurous at heart. Sword-and-Shield If you're interested becoming a SCA member, post a """""""""""""""" message. Not only will they give you the necessary information, they'll also tell you who your nearest 'King' would be, and how to get in touch with him. And if you become a member and aren't satisfied with his rule -- well-- challenge him! The Bulletin Board serves as a forum for the kingdoms to set up 'real' events -- such as sword-and-shield fighting, fencing, archery, singing, dancing, storytelling, and even drama. The sword-and-shield is by far one of the most popular events. In it, two SCA members don real armor and a rattan sword (same weight and balance as a sword, but safer and cheaper for obvious reasons), and commence battle. The sword-and-shielding is what determines the various kings and queens of regions; the only real difference between this and its historical model is that both the winner and the loser get to live. Ain't civilization great? Conferences Come Alive SCA's real events aren't just limited to members, """""""""""""""""""""" though. The only direct requirement for participating in any SCA event is that you attempt to wear suitable clothing for that time period (generally pre-1600 era). In other words, boxer shorts and a hunting knife won't suffice. Real-Time Conferences happen several times a week. Members discuss arts and sciences, historical research (both general and specific), heraldic consultation and bardic circles, plus a more general SCA meeting which covers whatever comes to mind. Conferences are frequented by expert speakers in various historical fields as well. Upcoming topics include costuming techniques for the SCA events. Last, but certainly not least, there's a weekly fighter practice meeting, which would certainly be an advisable stop for anyone venturing into the online world of SCA combat. _----| _ _ _ _ _ ----|_----| ]-I-I-I-[ _ _ _ _ _ _ _----| | ----| \ ` ' / ]-I-I-I-I-[ ----| | | |. ` | \ ` '_/ | / \ | | /^\| [] `__| ^ / ^ \ ^ | |*|| |__ ,| / \ / ^ ^`\ / \ | ===| ___| ___ ,|__ / ^ /=_=_=_=\ ^ \ |, `_| I_I__I_I__I_I (====(_________)_^___|____|____ \-\--|-|--/-/ | I [ ]__I I_I__|____I_I_| |[] ` '|_ |_ _|`__ ._[ _-\--|-|--/-/ / \ [] ` .| |-| |-| |_| |_| |_| | [] [] | <===> .|-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-| / \ ] []|` ` [] | . _________ . |- <===> <===> ` ' |||| | | ||| | [] <===> \_/ -- |||| | | ||| | . ' \_/ ./|' . . . .|||||/|_______|\|||| /|. . . . .|\_ --------------------------------------------------- Medieval Romance A wise fighter would also do well to visit the SCA """""""""""""""" Library. There you can download the knowledge you'll need in fighter preparation files, as well as hints and tips on how to survive and succeed. The Library also contains beautiful graphical representations of medieval castles, and many other items of interest. You'll also want to be on the lookout for the upcoming slang dictionary. While it's currently being converted from a book to a file, there's an older slang dictionary (File #6 SCASLANG.TXT) that will at least tide you over until the new one is ready. Either will provide invaluable help in deciphering some of the more unfamiliar terms you might run across while navigating your way through the Bulletin Board, Real-Time Conferences, or real events. If you have an interest in the past, you'll definitely want to stop by the SCA RoundTable. If you don't, drop by anyway. You may discover you do. [EOA] [SYS]/////////////////////////////// / Sysop Spotlight On ANDY! / / //////////////////////////////// by Holly Jahangiri """""""""""""""""" _ / \ / - \ / ___ \ (_/ \_)ndy Finkenstadt is described by those who know him as one of the "busiest," "friendliest," "most helpful," and "most knowledgeable" Sysops on GEnie. In October of 1991, he assumed responsibility for the UNIX RoundTable, a source of information and forum for discussion of issues related to UNIX and similar operating systems. The UNIX RoundTable was named GEnie's "Most Improved Product" in early 1993. In May 1993, Andy launched the Internet RoundTable, providing support for GEnie's Internet Gateway and information on various other services available on Internet. Andy also serves as the official "Internet Postmaster" on GEnie, and assists in the DBMS RoundTable. He is highly regarded by his fellow sysops, who voted him "Most Helpful Sysop" in 1993. Computer Whizzes Andy's interest in computers goes back a long way. "One """""""""""""""" memory I cherish," says his mother, Sheryl, who is sysop of the Family RoundTable on GEnie, "is how Andy used to visit the main computer facilities at Purdue University when he was in fourth through seventh grades. Alone. Perhaps some parents went looking for THEIR kids in playgrounds or ballparks. We just went over to the 'puter lab at the university and rousted him out from under those poor grad students. Of course, they all took him under their wings, so to speak. Many kids grow up with sports stars as their heroes. I rather suspect that Andy's heroes were computer whizzes." Other kids might have been mowing lawns for their spending money, but by age sixteen, Andy was programming professionally. He "cut his teeth on the Tektronix 4051, 4052 and 4054 -- equipment which his dad brought home from work," Sheryl recalls. Andy later attended Franciscan University of Steubenville, in Ohio, where he majored in mathematics and computer science. Classical Music to Chat Lines "Between news reading, electronic mail, """"""""""""""""""""""""""""" wide area networking, local area networking, and client-server programming, nearly every moment of my day job deals with networks in an active fashion," says Andy, a systems analyst with Homes and Land. He initially joined GEnie eight years ago in order to take advantage of CheckFree electronic checking services. About a year after that, recalls Andy, "I became addicted to Chat Lines." Andy wrote some of Chat Lines' earliest games, and provided product support for a maker of caching disk controllers for Apple computers in the American Apple RoundTable (now the A2 RoundTable). What of hobbies and other interests? At age five, Andy picked up a book on music theory that his mother had "lying around" and read it. Shortly thereafter, his parents rented him a piano and, at age six, he was playing Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata." He later taught himself to play the guitar, and has played in his Church's folk music group since the tenth grade. Andy enjoys playing and writing Christian contemporary music, and sometimes fantasizes about playing professionally. It seems as though there just aren't enough hours in the day. You might wonder when Andy finds time to sleep. "At night," he says with a chuckle. "People always ask me that." [EOA] [GAM]/////////////////////////////// / The GEnie Gamer / / //////////////////////////////// by Kevin J. McCann """""""""""""""""" ____ (_ _) / / _/ / (____)'d like to take this opportunity to introduce you to someone new to GEnie: Bruce Milligan, GEnie's new Games Product Manager. Bruce isn't exactly new at this stuff. A seasoned programmer, he designed SNES and NES games for Microprose, and his work can be seen on the upcoming Airborne Ranger for SNES, as well as the popular and proven Super Strike Eagle for that platform. He also worked on other titles (which you can easily pry from him), and many IBM-compatible entertainment goodies. Having devoted a considerable amount of his life to playing, discussing, and otherwise fooling around with games of all sorts, Bruce's expertise is certain to help further development of new multiplayer games on GEnie, as well as encourage enhancements and new versions of our current favorites. You can find Bruce wandering about (and perhaps wondering about, as well) the Multiplayer Games RoundTable Bulletin Board on Page 1045, Menu Option 1. While he certainly welcomes ideas and suggestions, he also actively encourages complaints. "If people get fed up and quit, it would be nice to know why, so we can fix things," he posted recently. And with that, welcome Bruce. Let's Wing Together The 1993 Air Warrior Convention is open for """"""""""""""""""" registration and will be taking place October 14th through 16th in Houston, Texas. The convention will be held at the Nasa Days Inn, offering numerous sights to visit when you're not wrestling other pilots because of past insults fired at you in the game. Among these sights are the Space Center which is right across the street, Galveston Island which is nearby and has a flight museum (that should perk any air warrior's ears), beaches, gardens, and much more. Friday afternoon starts off with the usual "stupid plane tricks" and "Top Gun" competitions. On Saturday there will be an air show featuring some of the best planes from World War II. The conference will have Air Warrior competitions scattered throughout, of course, as well as numerous other exciting events. If you've ever wanted to take a good, long look at an adversary and ask, "Why do you ALWAYS kill me?" -- this is your chance. For details and information, visit the Multiplayer Games RoundTable and fly into Category 5, Topic 6. Now that Air Warrior is divided among several theaters (European, Pacific, and Real-Time), more historical scenarios can be recreated by players with the initiative. If you've ever considered recreating a famous World War II battle, or a not-so-famous battle -- heck, even if it never happened -- now's your chance. How's that for opportunity? Stop by Category 5 in the Multiplayer Games RoundTable, where you'll find a number of Topics to help you create the ultimate Air Warrior scenario. You'll receive seasoned advice from veteran creators, as well as Kesmai itself, to help make your completed scenario enjoyable for all (even the losers, although they may not readily admit it). Your First Hundred Years Face it. You'll never become a Lord or Lady if """""""""""""""""""""""" you can't survive your first few years. And we're looking at a century of war here -- to be exact, GEnie's One Hundred Years War multiplayer game. Thankfully, for would-be Lords and Ladies who may have fallen prey to conquerers, there's a new way to overcome the initial difficulty of learning the art of politics and warfare, in less time, too; it's called Bedlam. No, that's not a lunatic asylum, or even mental state. It's a training area now open by that name. Primarily, Bedlam allows new players to test, play, experiment, train, and do virtually anything else they want, productive or otherwise. The heralds have unlimited funds in Bedlam (unlike the game proper), so it's a good place to learn to manage your money wisely. After all, a war can rarely be won without extensive, well-managed resources. CyberStudy Experience is one of the best learning tools. While the merit """""""""" of that statement is evident, sometimes it's best to look into someone else's experience so that you don't make his or her mistakes. CyberStrike, Simutronic's futuristic game of mechanized pods clashing together in cities with low rent, offers just that -- experience. In CyberStrike's Library, you can now find a Beginner's Tactical Guide compiled from experiences of veteran players to help newer players get the hang of the game faster, with fewer deaths. The guide comes in two versions -- ASCII (File #57 in plain text) and Word Perfect (File #56). Both are compressed with ZIP to make downloading them speedy. Holy Sports Crusade The latest planet to appear on Federation II's Hubble """"""""""""""""""" XIII telescope is something your mother warned you about. Designed by the sysops of a couple of hot spots on GEnie -- the Religion RoundTable and the Sports RoundTable -- you might think it a strange place, but then what would you expect from a match like sports and religion? Reports from those who survived the experience indicate that this planet is NOT a nice place to visit, and may possily be going through a holy sports crusade. However, if you're the hero-type (and not easily offended), you'll want to lightspeed over to this strange world of -- well, words fail me -- you'll just have to see it for yourself! If you're really unfortunate, the Catholic hockey team will greet you. On the subject of creating planets in Fed II, if you're an explorer and find yourself having trouble deciding whether the Gruethome Mountain Range looks better to the west or the east, drop by Multiplayer Games RoundTable Bulletin Board Category 43, Topic 20. It's devoted to helping explorers build planets by encouraging them with ideas and support. Before you start construction, however, it's a good idea to find out what planets are already out there, and where they are. Expert Federation II player Zinderin recently converted several old ASCII maps into GIFs, making it easier (and more pleasing to the eye) to navigate your way through the stars. Download File #3154 MAPS-GIF.LZH from the Multiplayer Games RoundTable. Informal Gatherings Learning GEnie's multiplayer games can sometimes seem """"""""""""""""""" daunting. While veterans may offer you insight to these games from time to time, often you learn best from personal experience. A great way to hasten your learning, however, is to participate in select weekly Conferences at the Multiplayer Games RoundTable. Every Monday at the MPGRT there's the Dragon's Gate Real-Time Conference at 10:30 PM Eastern time in Room 6. Thursday has both the Air Warrior (Room 3) at 9:30 PM Eastern as well as the Gemstone III Conference (Room 9) at 10:00 PM. On Friday take a blast into the future with the BattleTech Conference at 9:30 PM Eastern, Room 10. Last, Federation II holds Conferences on Sunday at 3:00 PM Eastern. All Conferences are hosted by seasoned veterans in the given game, there to assist you and answer questions. Experienced players often drop by these Conferences too, to share strategies, both new and old, as well as stories about exciting experiences. Surely you have a tale or two to share, or you will in short order. So go ahead and treat yourself to one of life's rarities -- a meeting that isn't boring. _____________________________________ | | | Multiplayer Game Keyword Page | |-------------------------------------| | Air Warrior AIR 870 | | CyberStrike CYBERSTRIKE 1380 | | Federation II FED 220 | | Galaxy I GALAXY 925 | | GemStone III GEMSTONE 930 | | Hundred Years War HYW 945 | | MP Battletech BTECH 1135 | | NTN's QB1 QB1 1030 | | NTN Trivia TRIVIA 1031 | | Orb Wars ORBWARS 895 | | RSCARDS RSCARDS 875 | | Stellar Emperor EMPEROR 1085 | | Stellar Warrior WARRIOR 860 | |_____________________________________| RSCARDS Backgammon Tournament """"""""""""""""""""""""""""" _ _ / )/ ) / // / / ~_/ / /\ \ (_/ \_)urt Schurecht defeated tournament newcomer Albert Lee by a score of 10-2 to claim his fourth championship title in the RSCARDS Summer 1993 Backgammon Tournament. Third place was shared by Dan Shirley and past champion Glenn Daily; fourth place belonged to David Hamilton, Jon Hiratsuka, Lynn Kern, and Judi Weiler. A purse of $557 in cash and connect time prizes was shared by the top four finishers. Our congratulations to all! The single-elimination, 100%-return RSCARDS Backgammon Tournament is held quarterly, with registration beginning on the first day of each new quarter (January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1). For official rules and information, type BG, BACKGAMMON, or M877 from any GEnie menu prompt, and select the BG Tournament Information menu item. RSCARDS Chess Tournament William Harris defeated Steve Steppe by a score """""""""""""""""""""""" of 3-0 to become the Champion of the RSCARDS August 1993 Chess Tournament. Third place was shared by Allen Van Wert and Kent Smotherman; fourth place belonged to Rhi-Khan J'Lorian, Muhammad Akram, Patrick Pannese, and Daniel Hayden. A purse of $123 in cash and connect time prizes was shared by the top two finishers. Our congratulations to all! The single-elimination, 100%-return RSCARDS Chess Tournaments are held continuously, For official rules and information, type CS, CHESS, or M881 from any GEnie menu prompt, and select the CS Tournament Information menu item. RSCARDS graphic front ends are now available for IBM-compatibles, the Apple Macintosh and 2GS, the Commodore Amiga and C-128, and the Atari ST computers. To join the fun of RSCARDS multi-player games (Blackjack, Backgammon, Checkers, Poker, Reversi, and Chess), type RSCARDS from any GEnie menu prompt. [EOA] [IBM]/////////////////////////////// / IBM PC RoundTable / / //////////////////////////////// by Laura K. Tanner """""""""""""""""" ____ / ___) ( (__ \__ \ ___) ) (____/ince our last national election, there have been persistent rumblings about an imminent "information highway," capped by Time magazine's cover story quoting Vice President Al Gore predicting that "this [information highway] is by all odds the most important and lucrative marketplace of the 21st century." The cornerstone -- or paving material, if you will -- of this predicted highway construction is multimedia. Multimedia has been for the computer industry an ambiguous term, encompassing varying combinations of graphics, video and sound on personal computers. Cornerstones Businesses use multimedia to create presentations, """""""""""" sometimes interactive, to demonstrate their products and services as a part of sales and marketing. Hobbyists use multimedia for computer games or artistic expression. Whether your interest in multimedia is for business or pleasure, the IBM PC RoundTable is a good source for the information and resources you need to experience it, from games to sound files to graphics files to tools for the multimedia programmer. There is a variety of files for differing technologies, from the fully-loaded PC with sound card to the 8088. There are drivers and utilities, such as the drivers for Mitsumi CD-ROM players in file #32886 MMM20A&B.ZIP. There's also the Casio MIDI demo and code file #5823 TESTMIDI.ARC, for connectivity to electronic keyboards by way of your PC. Sound Building Blocks There are dozens of files designed for the varying """"""""""""""""""""" formats of PC sound, from drivers for your internal PC speaker to full-featured sound board products like the Sound Blaster card. There are more than 20 files in the IBM PC Library for the Sound Blaster alone, from Shostakovich (file #22869 PUPPET1.ZIP) to 1950's rockabilly (file #22648 50SROCK.ZIP). In fact, if you want your PC to talk back, there are a number of humorous and entertaining options in the IBM PC Library. You can even add a little song and dance to dull PC applications with ZAPPO.ZIP, file R22407, a TSR which adds sounds to your applications. There's even a text-to-speech tool, file #5884 SPEECH.ARC. For the musically inclined, there's a file to write and play music in DOS, file #4526 MUSICIAN.ARC, or a file for programming for the Sound Blaster, #32148 RUKC10.ZIP. The Decor For pictures to go with your sound files, there's a wide range """"""""" of graphic and font files in the IBM PC Library. A number of font files specific to your printer can be found in the software libraries, including 15 Times Roman fonts for the HP Laserjet printer (file #7695 NYTR-SFP.ARC), or a program to design and download your own fonts for the Epson FX (file #6151 FXMATRIX.ARC). There are also GIFs, TIFFs and other graphic files for adding pizazz to your projects. The IBM PC RoundTable is home to a good selection of games, demos and animated cartoons as well. For fun, flip out with the dazzling psychedelic visuals in file #23293 DAZE41.ZIP. A good practical joke is yours for the pulling with file #29185 EKG.ZIP. It makes a PC look and sound like an EKG. Or kick around file #16213 KUNGFULU.ARC, an EGA Karate game. Putting it Together Now that you've found sound, fonts, pictures and """"""""""""""""""" toys to begin your multimedia PC project, check the IBM PC RoundTable for the tools to put it all together in true multimedia style. Try file #33026 TW31.EXE, a non-programmer's multimedia toolkit, or file #33356 SPOTLT10.EXE, a demo development kit. Highly recommended is the PCX SuperShow, found in files #30674 (PCXSS2.ZIP) and #30675 (PCXSP2.ZIP). This impressive shareware offering from PC West in Phoenix, Arizona, is a robust multimedia presentation/demonstration builder based on PCX files. It offers a number of special effects, fonts, display options and even advanced counting and scoring features for educational multimedia programming. [EOA] [WIN]/////////////////////////////// / Windows RoundTable / / //////////////////////////////// by Holly Jahangiri """""""""""""""""" ____ / _ ) / ___/ / / (_/ resentation software for Windows lets you create persuasive visual arguments by combining vivid color graphics, attention-grabbing sound, and text with more ease than ever before. But how do you know which package is right for YOU? Which one will meet your needs without demanding that you buy it a whole new hardware setup or recreate all of your existing data? Drop by the Windows RoundTable Bulletin Board at GEnie Page 1335 and check out Graphics and Presentation Software Category 15. Talk one on one with other Windows users who can help you make an informed buying decision based on your needs and resources. Try Before You Buy PC/Computing magazine recently named Lotus Freelance """""""""""""""""" Graphics for Windows its choice for Best Windows Presentation Package. Try it for yourself by downloading the demo package (file #1200 FGW1.ZIP, #1198 FGW2.ZIP, and #1199 FGW3.ZIP) from the Windows RoundTable Software Library. Other commercial software demos available in the Windows RoundTable Software Library include: Ami Pro for Windows (#1179 AMIPRO31.ZIP, #1180 AMIPRO32.ZIP); Hewlett-Packard NewWave 4.0 (#1220 NWAVE1.ZIP, #1229 NWAVE2.ZIP); Lotus 1-2-3 for Windows (#1177 123DEMO.ZIP); MathCad 3.0 (#1203 MCADEMO1.ZIP, #1204 MCADEMO2.ZIP, #1205 MCADEMO3.ZIP); Microsoft Project (#1206 MSPROJ1.ZIP, #1207 MSPROJ2.ZIP); Norton Desktop for Windows (#263 NDW.EXE); WordPerfect 5.2 for Windows (#1442 WPWINDEM.ZIP). Windows Graphics & Sound Somewhere on my hard drive lurks the perfect """""""""""""""""""""""" image for that presentation, newsletter, or report, but finding it in a pinch is another matter entirely. Of course, your graphics library is fully catalogued and cross-indexed, right? But for fast, accurate thumbnail generation, try ThumbsUp! (#1429 THUMBS.ZIP). It lets you preview, view, edit, and copy to the Clipboard images and metafiles in .BMP, .PCX, .GIF, .DIB, .RLE, .WMF, and several other formats. And while we're on the subject of graphics, did you know that the highly acclaimed Graphics Workshop is now available for Windows? If you want a powerful tool for converting and manipulating graphic images in a number of popular formats, including .GIF, .BMP, .JPEG, .PCX, .RLE, .IMG, download Graphics Workshop for Windows (#838 GWSWN11B.ZIP). It lets you dither color, scale, soften, rotate, or flip images, and more. There's a lot you can do with Windows and sound, but it's not always intuitive or easy. You download enough .WAV files to make a sailor seasick, only to learn that the standard PC speaker isn't up to the task of playing .WAV files. Or is it? Even without special hardware, your PC need not be mute. You can download #306 SPEAK.ZIP, Microsoft's PC Speaker driver, which allows you to play .WAV sound files even if your PC is not equipped with a sound board. File #146 PCSPEAKR.ZIP gives you an alternative to the PC Speaker driver from Microsoft. This driver does not disable interrupts when .WAV files are playing and still sounds decent. Still not satisfied? Again, the Windows RoundTable Bulletin Board is a great place to find out what sound board owners think of their hardware and software setups, helping you to avoid the disappointment of buying the wrong add-ons. Multimedia applications, sound, CD-ROM, and more are hot topics of discussion in Category 21. In addition to offering an extensive collection of .WAV sound files (search on the keyword WAV), the Windows RoundTable Software Library contains several programs to enhance Windows' sound capabilities. For instance, GoldWave v1.0 (#1145 GLDWAV10.ZIP) uses the standard audio interface in your computer to create a full digital editing and effects studio. It includes mathematique transformation on audio samples; oscilloscope, device controls windows and left/right volume control for CD, line in, and microphone input. GoldWave works with 8-bit mono/stereo sound or 16-bit mono/stereo sound. Multimedia is In! Multimedia applications are growing in number and """"""""""""""""" sophistication and, at the same time, are becoming more accessible to PC owners. From fast-paced, visually exciting games and entertainment to powerful graphics and persuasive business presentations, multimedia is one of the hottest areas of interest right now. Keep abreast of the latest technology; drop by the Windows RoundTable regularly. [EOA] [MAC]/////////////////////////////// / Macintosh RoundTable / / //////////////////////////////// by Stephen Kahn """"""""""""""" _ _ ( \ /\ / ) \ \/ \/ / \ / \_/\_/ hen it comes to multimedia, Apple's QuickTime is where you'll find the action. To get the latest version of QuickTime, download file #29655 QUICKTIME 1.6.1.CPT, which includes the QuickTime system so ftware extension, a new version of the Macintosh Scrapbook and a Scrapbook file with a sample movie. The QuickTime system software extension adds capabilities that let your application programs integrate graphics, sound, video, and animation into documents. By providing a standard way for all Macintosh programs to control these multimedia elements, QuickTime makes them easier to use. In the new Scrapbook, you can cut, copy, paste, and play QuickTime movies. Large images will shrink to fit so that you can see the entire image in the Scrapbook window. This Scrapbook is otherwise identical to the standard Macintosh Scrapbook. Please note however that this software may be used only under the conditions stated in file #10008 APPLE LICENSE AGRMNT.SIT. QuickTime: Where the Action Is! The Macintosh Library contains a number """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""" of essential QuickTime editors, utilities, and players. One of the most popular is file #24107 CQUICKTIME, a complete movie editor which includes all the source code, written using Symantec's THINK Class Library. It offers a VCR-type remote control that simplifies playing and editing movies. Another powerful tool, CYBERSOUP.SIT, provides a stack that allows you to create a hypertext network of nodes consisting of text, sound resources, PICT files, and QT movies. This file is available in two versions -- the complete file (#24552), and also CYBERSOUPLITE.SIT (#24553), which omits several example PICT nodes, text nodes, and one QuickTime movie node. A search on the key word QUICKTIME in the Macintosh Software Libraries will yield an extensive, ever-growing list of QuickTime movies for your downloading enjoyment. Finally, if you do presentations on the road, keep an eye on "Doc" Johnston's PowerBook Real-Time Conferences. Doc promises one or more conferences on the theme of "Presentations from a PowerBook." Great Hardware Resources Nick Passino, along with his friend "J" Glenn, """""""""""""""""""""""" host the weekly Mac Hardware Conference each Thursday night. Nick and J both live in Huntsville, Alabama, where they are starting a Mac consulting, repair, service, and sales business. Nick also finds a little time to moonlight as a "pyrotechnics" expert, for movies, concerts, and other spectacular occasions. Nick and J's expertise provide a valuable resource for the many Mac members who drop in with questions and problems at their weekly Conferences. Nick finds that many GEnie customers come searching for information on how to select the right Mac when buying a new system, or what hardware and software enhancements they need when upgrading. Nick advises people not to be intimidated by the formidable variety of new Macintoshes in Apple's product lineup. "All these new Macs allow people to pick out a system that fits them just right -- not too much and not too little," he says. You'll find that dropping in to chat with Nick and J on Thursday nights is the best way to ensure that you get that perfect fit between budget and features. [EOA] [*S*]/////////////////////////////// / *StarShip* Amiga RoundTable / / //////////////////////////////// by Jim Meyer """""""""""" _ _ / \/ \ / \ / /\ /\ \ (_/ \/ \_)ultimedia, as near as I can figure it, means many (multi) reporters (media). And that's probably appropriate, since multimedia is a hot topic in the home of the machine that invented it, the *StarShip* Amiga. On any given day, you'll find more Amigans not just talking about multimedia, but actually doing it. If you're not sure where to find these multimedia mavens, drop by *StarShip* Conference Room 7 any Thursday night around 10:00 PM Eastern time. You'll find plenty of folks in search of answers, as well as folks with the answers. And, of course, there's a treasure trove of discussion and information available in the *StarShip* Bulletin Board. You'll find three entire categories (7, 8, and 9) with over 100 separate topics devoted to every phase of multimedia, from presentation programs and techniques to graphics, animations, music, and MIDI. Working Commercial Demos If you've been through the *StarShip* lately, """""""""""""""""""""""" you've probably noticed that one new multimedia "authoring" system has been generating a great deal of interest. That program is Helm, from Eagle Tree Software, and the author, Jerrell Nickerson, has been on hand to guide people through the nuances of this amazing software, as well as exchange tips and accept suggestions for enhancements. You'll find a demo version of Helm in *StarShip* Library file #20234 HELMDEMO.LHA. Other recent Helm files include #20561 HELMBROWSER.LHA, a freely-redistributable browser that plays Helm "books," and #20455 FBADDR.LZH. FBADDR -- or FishBone Addressbook -- a full-featured address book which includes, among the usual goodies, a search facility and a phone dialer. John Evers, author of FBADDR, is a frequent contributer to the ongoing Helm discussion. One gem in particular is file #20562 USERGROUPBOOK.LHA. This Helm book represents something of a multimedia monthly newsletter for a user group, complete with a Swap Shop, where you can bid for equipment offered for sale (it keeps track of the highest offer), members directory -- with pictures and a dialer, in case you want to call -- and a calendar of special events. Like the Address book, it's fully functional and requires either Helm or the Helm Browser. Fans of the popular authoring program AmigaVision can drop by Category 7, Topic 2, in the *StarShip* Bulletin Board and get their questions answered by fellow AV enthusiasts, and even the author of AmigaVision, Wayne Lutz. While you're there, if you think something fishy is going on, don't worry. It's just KEBAUM, who designs interactive exhibits for the New Jersey State Aquarium using AmigaVision and Amiga 600HDs. Hot Conferences To do multimedia right, you'll need graphics, of course. """"""""""""""" Whether you're creating your own drawings, animations, 3D ray tracings, or Toaster videos, you can rub elbows with the experts every Friday night in Conference, starting at 10:00 PM Eastern time. If you were fortunate enough to catch our Hot Summer Nights series of conferences in August, you might have chatted with Digital Creations, authors of the spectacular new paint program Brilliance, Amiga Artist Extraordinaire Jim Sachs, or the folks behind PEGGER, a new JPEG utility. But even if you missed those conferences, you can still catch up. The Brilliance Conference (BRILLIANCE_CON.LHA) is in the *StarShip* Library, file #20654. You'll find the PEGGER conference (PEGGER_CONF.LHA) at file #20726. If you just want to keep up with the happenings on GEnie, or perhaps read the latest news in hypertext format, the *StarShip*'s erstwhile Captain, deb Christensen, has been busy cranking out AmigaGuide versions of the *StarShip* calendar as well as LiveWire. And, lest I forget, our very own magazine, ViewPort, is now available in AmigaGuide format. My sources tell me you can expect a ViewPort extravaganza, with full multimedia effect, by the end of the year. Until then, see you on the *StarShip*! [EOA] [ATR]/////////////////////////////// / Atari ST RoundTable / / //////////////////////////////// by D.A. Brumleve """""""""""""""" _ / \ / - \ / ___ \ (_/ \_)tari recently added a multimedia machine to the ST-compatible family of computers. The Falcon030 has features which make it particularly well-suited to multimedia applications. Direct-to-disk recording, direct hook-up to a VCR or microphone, a variety of resolutions including true color support, and multi-channel stereo sound combine to make the Falcon030 ideal for tasks involving both graphics and sound. Many developers are upgrading their products to take advantage of these features. Brand new Falon030-only applications are also now emerging. The Falcon030 has been the subject, at least in part, of every monthly Dateline: Atari! Real-Time Conference with Atari Director of Communications Robert G. Brodie. These conferences generally occur on the first Friday of the month. For your convenience, archives of conference transcripts are available in Library 13. Topic 41 of Category 14 in the Bulletin Board covers Falcon030-related questions of a general nature, and there are also Topics concerning the Falcon030's operating system, availability, and bundled software. Jaguar Previews Atari is about to release a 64-bit RISC-based game """"""""""""""" machine with multimedia capabilities as well, the Jaguar. Now that Atari has unveiled this machine to the press, questions about it are frequently addressed in the Dateline: Atari! RoundTable Conferences. A special edition of Atari Explorer Online, File #29765 AEO_SE_J.ZIP, contains screen captures and information about the Jaguar presented at its unveiling. Further information is available in Category 14, Topic 45 of the Bulletin Board. Multimedia Galore Last month I discussed two multimedia applications, """"""""""""""""" Connections and HyperLINK, with an eye toward their educational uses. Another product of this kind is PILOT, an authoring language originally design ed with educational purposes in mind. Tom Nielsen's eSTeem produces a version of PILOT for the ST series. The program can be used in conjunction with a laserdisk or CD-ROM, linking graphics, text, and sound in an interactive environment. The runtime version is available in Library 3 as File #27456 COPILOT2.ARC. Camera buffs will be pleased to hear that Photo CD technology has come to the Atari! It's All Relative's Greg Kopchak supports Topic 9 in Category 7 of the Bulletin Board on this subject; his company can also help you with Photo CD conversions. It's All Relative has recently released Photo Show for the Falcon030. Photo Show goes far beyond the mere of viewing Photo CD disks. The program will allow you to convert your Photo CD pictures to other formats for use in desktop publishing. You can also create scripted slide shows and link sound to your graphics for multimedia presentations. When your Falcon030 is connected to your VCR, these slide shows can be recorded directly to videotape without the need for any additional hardware. Photo Show supports true color on the Falcon030 in 16 million colors and can be used with a VGA or RGB monitor or your television. Greg has uploaded sample conversions made with Photo Show to the ST RoundTable Library; check out VBOOK.LZH (File #23948) and VBOOKSTE.LZH (File #24473). A demo version of Photo Show, PHOTOSHO.ZIP (File #29880), is also available. [EOA] [AII]/////////////////////////////// / Apple II RoundTable / / //////////////////////////////// by Dean Esmay """"""""""""" _ _ / \/ \ / \ / /\ /\ \ (_/ \/ \_)any people don't realize it, but the Apple II is one of the finest computers for Hypermedia and general multimedia presentations available anywhere, at a fraction of the cost of other systems! Hypermedia The Apple II world has many options for Hypermedia. For 8-bit """""""""" Apple II systems (IIe and IIc), Tutor Tech is a fine example of a true Hypermedia environment. To see a demonstration of Tutor Tech, download file #9781 and #9782 from the A2 Library! Apple IIgs users have even more choices; both Hypercard IIgs and HyperStudio are the top contenders for best IIgs-specific Hypermedia environment. Hypercard IIgs features the exact same functionality as Hypercard on the Macintosh, but in COLOR! If you own this exciting package, be sure to check out the great selection of Hypercard stackware in Library 30. On the other hand, IIgs users also have HyperStudio, a unique Hypermedia environment of its own that originated on the IIgs! Even if you don't own HyperStudio, we have a special "player" version that's available as freeware, so you can run Hypermedia "stacks" without having to actually buy the package. Check out File #21265 in the A2 Library to get your copy of this HyperStudio player, which will allow you to check out any of the huge collection of great HyperStudio stacks available in Library #29. You'll be amazed at what you can do with software like this; it leaves Macintosh users envious and IBM clone owners slack-jawed in amazement! These programs let you do it all - real-time video, stunning animation, and true "hyper" media - all in one place, and so easy to use! Don't ever let anyone tell you the Apple II is dead. These great Hypermedia programs can help you take your Apple II to dizzying new heights! No Worms Here Even if you're not interested in Hypermedia, be sure to """"""""""""" check out the other things we have to offer in the Apple II RoundTable on GEnie. Our Software Library is not only crammed full of Hypermedia files, but thousands upon thousands of Apple II files of all sorts, covering business, education, games, and more. And don't forget that you can always find the latest Apple II system software, whether it's the latest version of ProDOS 8 and utilities for your 8-bit Apple II systems, or the hot new IIgs System 6.0.1, just released in August, which brings dazzling new power to IIgs systems. (To find out more about the latest Apple II system software, check out Category 9 in the A2 Bulletin Board.) We have one of the most active Bulletin Boards on GEnie, including direct support from representatives of over two dozen software publishers and hardware manufacturers who still strongly support the Apple II market. We have LIVE Real-Time Conferences EVERY NIGHT from 8:00 PM to 12:00 PM Eastern Time, plus all afternoon on Sundays. Come by to see what we have to offer, to get INSTANT HELP on any Apple II problem, or to socialize and meet other Apple II users from around the world. No online service takes your Apple II more seriously than GEnie. The Apple II is alive and well in today's computing world, and in A2, the Apple II RoundTable, we're here to prove it to anyone who doesn't believe it. Stop by today! Recommended files: """"""""""""""""" 8366 TUTOR.PROGS.BXY Various Tutor-Techeducation drill & practice 9778 GR.LESSONS.BXY Tutor-Tech stack - grammer lessons 16716 MATH.TEST.BXY Math test using Tutor-Tech 4176 RTC.TTECH.TXT Transcript of RTC with TechWare 9781 TUTORTECH.1.BXY Tutor Tech STUDENT demo 9782 TUTORTECH.2.BXY Tutor Tech TEACHER demo 16982 SCRIPT.CNTRL.BXY Issue of the Script-Central Hypercard magazine 17515 CAL.BREEDER.BXY Hypercard Daily Appointment Calendar 18618 AUTOCHECK.BXY V2 Hypercard Auto recurring check printer 21265 HYPERSTUDIO.BXY Run any HyperStudio stack! Free! 18441 STUDIO.CITY2.BXY Sample issue of Studio City HyperStudio magazine 17653 ANI.SCHOOL.BXY V1.1 Animation School, awesome HyperStudio tutorial 15560 SBT.ANIM1.BXY Stupid Button Tricks, fun HyperStudio Animations 16498 HB.FREE.1.BXY HyperStudio based story - great! 16582 SONNET55.BXY HyperStudio Shakespeare Sonnet analysis stack A2Pro RoundTable """""""""""""""" ______ (__ __) / / / / (_/here's a lot going on this month in A2Pro, the Apple II Programmers' and Developers' RoundTable on Page 530. We're continuing our 6-night-per-week Conference schedule to bring you even MORE great programming help and information! That's right.. every night except Tuesday in A2Pro you can talk LIVE with the staff and get answers to your questions. Join us weeknights at 9:30 PM Eastern, or weekends at 8:30 PM Eastern. 8/16 Central & AAL We're continuing our tours of 8/16-Central and Apple """""""""""""""""" Assembly Line this month as well. 8/16-Central and AAL were magazines devoted to Apple II programming. Both are, unfortunately, long out of print, but GEnie has received EXCLUSIVE electronic distribution rights to these two fine publications! Back issues of both magazines are available in our Library and, in addition, we offer a tour of each one in the Bulletin Board. Our tour gives you a description of each magazine and its contents BEFORE you download it! To move to our Library, type M530;3 from any prompt. To move to the Bulletin Board, type M530;1 instead. AAL is the older magazine of the pair, and its information is, unfortunately, a little more out-of-date. It was created for early 8-bit Apples, but gives many hints and tips applicable to everything we've got now! 8/16-Central is a newer publication supporting programming on both the 8-bit and 16-bit Apple computers. It also gives many optimizations and hints that are simply indispensible to programmers! Come visit us in A2Pro, THE place for the Apple II programmer. [*][*][*] ________________________________________________________ | | | GEnie's Computing RoundTables | | Type Keyword or M### at any numbered GEnie page prompt | | | | RoundTable Sysop Mail Keyword Page | |--------------------------------------------------------| | Windows WIN$ WINDOWS 1335 | | IBM PC IBM$ IBMPC 615 | | Macintosh DRACO MAC 605 | | *StarShip* Amiga STARSHIP$ AMIGA 555 | | Apple II A2.HELP A2 645 | | Atari ST INFO$ ST 475 | | Atari 8-Bit AT$ ATARI8 665 | | Commodore Flagship FLAGSHIP$ CBM 625 | |________________________________________________________| [EOA] [MAL]/////////////////////////////// / GEnie Mall / / //////////////////////////////// Christmas Comes Early """"""""""""""""""""" by Jay Kee You're NOT Dreaming of a White Christmas? """"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" _ _ ( \ /\ / ) \ \/ \/ / \ / \_/\_/ait a minute. Did you hear that? A chuckle that sounded suspiciously like, "Ho Ho Ho"? No, you're not dreaming, and you haven't overslept. It's still October. But it's Christmas at the GEnie Mall. With over 37 stores and shops, finding the right gift isn't going to be a problem; deciding where to start is another story. So let us offer a few hints and suggestions to help you on your way. Something for Everyone Let's see... How about something for everyone? """""""""""""""""""""" Lands' End (keyword LANDSEND) has a fabulous selection of top quality items, from clothing and luggage, to bed and bath, and everything in between -- even Gift Certificates. Prices are great; satisfaction is guaranteed. Definitely a good choice. Since this is a computer virtuality, you might want to swing by Omni Technics (keyword OMNI), home of RealWare Downloads. Software, hardware, modems, sound cards, CD-ROMs, bland diskettes, you name it, Omni has one of the best selections of computer products in the Mall. And they've lowered prices -- in many cases below wholesale -- on everything. For the Hard-to-Please CDs and laser discs are always a good bet. """""""""""""""""""""" Doesn't matter if your tastes run from contemporary to exotic, Noteworthy Music (keyword NOTEWORTHY) and Laser Craze (keyword LASERCRAZE) boast a tremendous selection of newly-released and hard-to-find titles. The only thing missing is the fat price tag. If you're looking for something to satisfy the mind, McGraw Hill Books (keyword MHBOOKS) has a vast selection of books on computing, electronics, aviation, and just about anything else you care to mention. But how can they manage those marvellous prices? Easy. McGraw Hill publish the books they sell, eliminating the middle man and the mark-up, and passing the savings on to you. Gotta Love It If love is a universal language, and flowers are the """"""""""""" universal language of love, then roses speak volumes. Long Distance Roses (keyword LDROSES), will deliver a dozen top-quality, Colorado mountain-grown roses anywhere in the United States overnight for only $49.95! The coffee-lovers on your list will rejoice with a gift from Coffee Anyone??? (keyword COFFEE), GEnie Mall's "Computer Coffeehouse." Old-fashioned tradition and modern technology combine to provide international coffees of the highest grade. Use the online tasting chart to choose the perfect blend, or sign up for the Coffee of the Month Club and treat yourself to a new coffee each month. Be the first kid on your block to have the latest and hottest game for IBM, Mac, Sega, Super NES, TurboGrafx or Game Gear. Chips & Bits (keyword CHIPS) has the one of the best selections -- and some of the lowest prices -- in games and hardware anywhere in the known universe! Pre-order upcoming releases, reserve an advance copy, and you'll get your order from the first shipment. Your friends will be amazed -- especially if it shows up under their tree on Christmas morning! Practical Considerations On a slightly more practical note, Direct Micro """""""""""""""""""""""" (keyword DIRECTMICRO) has the perfect gift for the computer-literate (or illiterate) on your list. Blank diskettes, printer ribbons and toner cartridges; mouse pads, disk holders and dozens of essential computer accessories are sure to bring tears of joy to their eyes. Prices are comfortably low; shipping costs are reassuringly fair. After saving all that money, you might want to add one more name to your list: Uncle Sam. "With the passage of Bill Clinton's tax plan," notes Lisa Johnson, GEnie Mall Manager, "most Americans are having to re-think their withholding and savings strategies." Fortunately, Parsons Technology (keyword PARSONS) has the programs to do the thinking for you. Parsons also has programs to help with legal and accounting tasks too. Better yet, ALL of their programs are 10% off. Forget the jack-o-lanterns and costume parties. Sit down at your computer with a hot cup of cocoa and your Holiday wish list, and start mapping out your Yuletide cheer while your less fortunate nieghbors are out stocking up for Halloween. Oh, and have a Merry Christmas. [EOA] [INF]/////////////////////////////// / LiveWire Information / / //////////////////////////////// Joining GEnie """"""""""""" GEnie Client Services 1-800-638-9636 GEnie LiveWire is published for subscribers to GEnie online services by GE Information Services, 401 N. Washington St., Rockville, MD 20850. Contents are Copyright (C) 1993 General Electric Company. GEnie LiveWire is freely distributable as long as each issue is kept intact. Inquiries should be sent to GEnie LiveWire, P.O. Box 6413, Rockville, MD 20850, or GE Mail Address LIVEWIRE. Joining GEnie Is Easy """"""""""""""""""""" 1. Set your communication software to half duplex (local echo) at 300/1200/2400 baud. 2. Dial toll-free 1-800-638-8369 (in Canada dial 1-800-387-8330). Upon CONNECTion, enter HHH. 3. At the U#= prompt type SIGNUP and press RETURN. 4. Have a major credit card account number ready. In the U.S. you may also user your checking account. (c) 1993 General Electric Company. Freely distributable when kept intact. GE Mail: LIVEWIRE Internet: LIVEWIRE@GENIE.GEIS.COM """""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" [EOF]