旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴커 � Special BBS Edition TAKE A BYTE NEWSLETTER � 팠袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴袴孤 � June 15, 1993 Issue 36 Volume 3 Bi-Monthly FREE � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴켸 ************* �췕ews Bits�� ************* - Sierra On-Line is trying to push it's new On-Line BBS gaming system. All you need is their own software that will hook up with their computer BBS. This is supposed to be the new wave of BBS'ing since it involves VGA type graphics with characters and faces. - Cyrix and AMD will be trying to combine their resources to make a Pentium clone by the end of the year. They also are working on a "triple clock doubled" 486 to run at 120Mhz. Sure Cyrix, keep dreaming. - Billy Joel released a new album called "CyberPunks". This album comes packed with a diskette (3첞D) that apparently has a "Fanzine" type magazine on it. Billy Joel said he was inspired by some of his friends who were " like way deep into computers". Stick to music Billy. - The FBI and the Secret Service begin a new task force against BBS's with "CyberPolice". These electronic police will patrol against BBS crimes, such as hacking and pornography. **************************************************** �췚pecial Editorial -- The Pentium Microprocessor �� **************************************************** The Pentium chip will soon be released. This chip will introduce the public to the fastest computers yet. The Pentium chip is rated to be twice as fast as a 486DX/66mhz. The Pentium chip itself runs at 66Mhz but the architecture is far different. The Pentium uses 3.1 million transistors compared to the 1.3 million in a 486 chip. This new processor also has a new feature that no processor has yet to achieve. It can execute two instructions per clock tick. How fast is it really? Here is a small chart to give you a graphical representation of the CPU's. CPU Performance. 旼쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩡쩔 8086 � � 8088 넵 � 80286 넵� � 80386SX넵複 � 80386DX넵複複 � 80486SX넵複複複複� � 80486DX넵複複複複複複複複複複複複複 (32 Bit bus) � Pentium넵複複複複複複複複複複複複複複複複複複複複複複複複複複複複複複複複複 � � (64 Bit bus) � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴켸 Now for the bad news on the new chip from Intel. The Pentium will become *very* hot. Your 386 CPU gets about 120�F, the 486 gets to about 200�F, the Pentium will probably reach temperatures over 300�F. Solutions? Well it is doubtful your ceramic heat sink (a device used to draw heat away from the CPU) will work this time around. It is suggested you get a CPU fan (a miniature fan that clips onto the processor) and a fan card (an accessory card with two fans inside the card.) Your PC will have to be a chilly one to keep up with the Pentium. Last, but not least, is the price. Once the Pentium becomes available on the open market, the first prices will range from $900 - $1,200 per Pentium. A Pentium system, with all the goodies and trimmings (Drives, cards monitor, etc..), will run in the $3,000 - $4,500 range. Be prepared for the Pentium. It is a very powerful processor and should be used for upper end commercial use. Do you need a Pentium? Let's see... Task Minimum Processor Maximum Processor RAM 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴커 쿒ames 286/12Mhz 386DX/33Mhz 640k/4MB � 쿎ommunications 386SX/16Mhz 486DX/33Mhz 4MB/6MB � 쿥ord Processing 386DX/33Mhz 486DX/33Mhz 4MB/6MB � 쿌ccounting 386SX/16Mhz 486DX/33Mhz 4MB/6MB � 쿘ultimedia 386SX/16Mhz 486DX/50Mhz 4MB/6MB � 쿘ultitasking 386SX/16Mhz 486DX/66Mhz 4MB/12MB � 쿙etwork Server 486DX/33Mhz Pentium 12MB/256MB� 쿏esktop Publishing 486DX/33Mhz Pentium 16MB/20MB � 쿎omputer Animation 486DX/50Mhz Pentium 20MB/32MB � 쿎AD/CAM Work 486DX/50Mhz Pentium 32MB/64MB � 쿣irtual Reality 486DX/66Mhz Pentium 64MB/64MB � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴켸 *Note: The minimum processor figure is the processor "recommended" by the manufactures of the combined software. The maximum processor is what would be perfect to get the job done. The RAM (Random Access Memory) figure is to give you an idea of what would be the right amount of memory for your system to compliment your processor. As you can see, the Pentium isn't for everybody, but don't let that stop you from going out and buying one. The Pentium will fit in boards only designed to the specifications for it. Most of these boards are the 486DX/50Mhz and the 486DX/66Mhz boards. Consult your Users Guide or your retailer for further information. Intel is working on installing a second Pentium chip in the Overdrive socket. However, when the second Pentium is installed it will not disable the other Pentium, unlike the 486's Overdrive chip. ***************** �췔y DOS Prompt�� ***************** I was on the modem yesterday and all of a sudden I was knocked off line by line noise we all know what that looks like. Well my modem software wouldn't dial anymore. The software sucked anyway. Now I have to BBS because I'm as addicted as you are. How was I going to dial? I was scared, lonely, and getting the shakes. I needed to dial fast. So, I turned to my ever faithful DOS prompt. Yes, you can dial from your DOS prompt. Dialing from your DOS prompt is easy. You need to know which COM port your modem is on. Type "ECHO ATDT 555-5555 > COM#" (Example: C:\>ECHO ATDT 555-5555 > COM2) It's that easy, then simply return to your communication program to log on. *DOS Tips* Do you have DOS 5.0 or 6.0? Are you still using Edlin or COPY CON? Well, STOP! You are wasting your time and productivity. Use the DOS command EDIT.COM. It's a full screen editor that's easy and menu driven. ******************** �췇reaking Windows�� ******************** As you delve deeper into applications for Windows you will see prices rise higher and higher. Why? Shareware (a term for software that is used for a full working "demo" of a program with a registration fee) has found a new market. Windows. Many programmers and shareware producers are turning toward the Windows environment to introduce their wares. This seems all well and good except this shareware for Windows doesn't seem to be working well on individual PC's. So, as a test I downloaded 15 shareware products for Windows from a local BBS. These programs had various uses for tracking free system resources to simple games. The results were astonishing. Out of the 15 products (I will not mention the names or makers in order to save me from a law suit and save face) tested, 5 programs locked up my PC, 3 programs didn't work at all, and 4 sent the system berserk. That leaves 3 programs that worked properly. Now I'm sure your questioning the system that on which this software was run. I used an Everex 386/16Mhz with 4 Megs of RAM, a 60MB hard drive, loaded with DOS 5.0 and Windows 3.1. That's a pretty basic system and there were no conflicting device drivers either. Now I'm not going to say that all shareware is bad, but I think that maybe companies should be more careful in releasing shareware for a complicated environment such as Windows. *Windows Tips* If you have a IDE compatible hard disk then turn on Windows' 32 bit disk access. Just click on the 32 Bit access box in the Enhanced 386 options in your Control Panel group. This option will bypass the DOS bios calls to your hard disk. Windows will have control over your hard disk to speed up disk access. ***************** �췇BSing Around�� ***************** Many issues ago, we had a survey for people who BBS a great deal. We asked what they liked, what they didn't like, and all sorts of other questions. Well, we have finally compiled all the results and tabulated all of the percentiles. We surveyed 43 people from ages 10 - 60. So here are the results: (+/- .02%) 1) Do you think an age requirement on a BBS is fair? Age Bracket Yes, It's Fair 컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴 10 - 17 12% 18 - 20 45% 21 - 25 63% 26 - 38 87% 39 - 60 92% 2) What BBS software do you prefer? Age Bracket RBBS WWIV DLX MAJOR 컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� 10 - 17 08% 13% 67% 12% 18 - 20 09% 05% 21% 65% 21 - 25 07% 18% 29% 46% 26 - 38 62% 12% 17% 09% 39 - 60 17% 00% 83% 00% 3) Do you think that being deleted from one BBS is fair if you are telling people about another BBS? Age Bracket Yes, It's Fair 컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴 10 - 17 00% 18 - 20 00% 21 - 25 00% 26 - 38 14% 39 - 60 00% 4) Do you think the Sysops read your private e-mail or watch your private chats or watch a private message (aka /p)? Do you think that is ok? Age Bracket Yes, I think they do. It's Ok 컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴� 10 - 17 89% 00% 18 - 20 90% 02% 21 - 25 89% 13% 26 - 38 94% 24% 39 - 60 50% 45% 5) Do you lie on your questionnaires? Do you think it is ok to lie on those questionnaires? Age Bracket Yes, I lie It's Ok to lie 컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴 10 - 17 83% 92% 18 - 20 22% 84% 21 - 25 17% 50% 26 - 38 28% 26% 39 - 60 54% 57% *BBS Tips* You should change your logon password every few months to hinder those hackers who would give their left arm to be able to read your private e- mail. Also, you should stay away from passwords such as: PASSWORD, QWERTY, or your first or last name. Also, find out if your passwords are stored on the BBS encrypted or as a normal text file. **************** �췈ompile This�� **************** Want to add a little bit of security to your PC? At least enough to out smart your kids, or is that possible these days? Anyhow, I dug up a little more DEBUG code (like assembly) for you to play with. Even if you don't understand computers or programming, at least give it a shot, what have you got to lose? First think of a password. Now copy all the text in the box below to a text file. I suggest using the DOS editor (EDIT.COM). Then simply run DEBUG and you have yourself a Poor Man's password. Listing for PASSWORD.SCR 旼컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴커 � N password.com � � E100 BE 48 01 E8 30 00 C6 06 47 01 00 BF 7C 01 B9 08 � � E110 00 32 E4 CD 16 3A 05 74 04 FE 06 47 01 BE 7A 01 � � E120 E8 13 00 47 E2 EB BE 6A 01 80 3E 47 01 00 75 01 � � E130 C3 E8 02 00 EB CA B4 0F CD 10 FC AC 3C 24 74 06 � � E140 B4 0E CD 10 EB F4 C3 00 0D 0A 45 6E 74 65 72 20 � � E150 38 2D 63 68 61 72 61 63 74 65 72 20 41 63 63 65 � � E160 73 73 20 43 6F 64 65 3A 20 24 0D 0A 41 63 63 65 � � E170 73 73 20 64 65 6E 69 65 64 24 2A 24 � � A17C � � DB 'PASSWORD' � � � � RCX � � 84 � � W � � Q � 읕컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴켸 *Instructions* 1) Copy all the text above into an ASCII text file. (Copy Con or EDIT.COM) 2) Replace the word PASSWORD with the password of your choice, the password must be 8 characters long. 3) Save the file as PASSWORD.SCR 4) Type at your prompt DEBUG < PASSWORD.SCR (Example: C:\>DEBUG < PASSWORD.SCR) 5) Insert PASSWORD.COM into your AUTOEXEC.BAT file or any other batch file of your choice. *Programming Tips* Always make a hard copy of your programs (Print them) and then file them so you can have something to refer to later on as your programming knowledge grows. ********************** �췛he Expansion Slot�� ********************** In our last issue, we left off describing several basic hardware components. This issue we will resume the reviewing of more components and cover some other newer technology. We covered monitors, the CPU, the keyboard, and the mouse in the previous issue. Hard Disk Drive - A fixed storage unit inside your computer that is used to store all your computers software. A hard disks storage is referred to in Megabytes. The disk cannot be removed. Video Card - A card that controls your monitors resolution and color output. A video card is needed in order to view anything on your monitor. They are available in all resolutions. Floppy Drives - A storage device that is used to store your computers software. Unlike a hard disk you may remove the floppy disks. Disks come in generally two sizes, 5�" and 3�". Modem - A telecommunications device used by a computer to transfer data from one computer to another over phone lines. Sound Card - A card that provides stereo sound to your computer and may include a MIDI (Music Instrument Digital Interface) interface. CD-ROM - A device used to play digital Compact Discs on your computer. These discs may contain data or music. The standard capacity for a CD is 640 Megabytes. RAM - Random Access Memory. RAM is used by your computer to run all the programs or applications inside your computer. RAM is also called "volatile memory" since its contents empty when you shut off the computer. ROM - Read Only Memory. Your computers ROM contains information that your computer uses to communicate with all the devices installed into your computer. ROM will keep its contents after you shut off your power. *Hardware Tips* Ever turn on your computer and see "Enter Password" before your computer boots? Well that's your CMOS password system built into your computer motherboard! Ever forget your password? Well some people do and if you have you're not alone. Now I know that pesky salesman told you that the password system isn't software and your computer can't be hacked. He was wrong. Remove your computer's shell (take out those screws and pull off the cover). Now look for a little battery, it will be about two inches long by a half-inch thick. The battery will have a wire running from itself to the motherboard. Pull that wire. Bingo! Your back in business. Now make sure the kids don't find this secret out. (Editors note: We gave you that tip in good conscience, please do not use the tip to get into your boss' computer and change his Lotus figures on your commission. Thank You.) ***************** �췍onzo's Games�� ***************** Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe a game from Lucasfilm who has brought you exciting games like Monkey Island brings you a flight simulation game. This game comes on disk and CD-ROM and requires an EGA or better display at least a 286 processor and 2 Megs of RAM, it also occupies about 10 MB's of disk space. This game can be controlled via mouse, keyboard, or joystick. The game also supports popular sound boards (i don't know why because there is no real good music or sounds). First i have to say that the game looks like Sierra's Red Baron. The flight looks the same, as well as how everything is controlled, right down to the mission playback recorder. The game is set in WWII and puts you right in the middle of famous battles and experimental aircraft. This game has the realistic look and feel of a aircraft but lacks in fun. The game is not user friendly and requires you to at least read the manual to find out what the heck your doing and what you are supposed to be doing. The games' real fault is the fact that there are way too many keys being used as function keys. To many to remember, to many to use, and to many to hit by mistake and ruin the game. It's complicated and I don't recommend it for kids under 10 because they will get frustrated and impatient for a dog fight. The game only has a few good points. One being that the game is very authentic for you plane hobbyists. Two the game doesn't last very long. I still think Red Baron has Luftwaffe in the crosshairs. Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe, Lucasfilm Games; $59.99 *Gonzo's Tips* For Secret Weapons of the Luftwaffe, shoot as much as you can. Keep your finger on the fire button cause the missiles are a waste of time. Fly around in tight circles and keep your nose up to avoid enemy fire. *************** �췙OM Teasers�� *************** **Scrambled Words** Unscramble the word, if you can. (Last issues word: MICROSOFT WINDOWS) This issues scrambled word: NARROFT Clue - An old computer language developed in 1957 by IBM. **Answer & Question** We give you the answer, you think of the question. (Last issues question: Who is TEAC?) This issues answer: It's a device essential to Windows. Clue - Tom & *JERRY* ******************** �췇uy, Spend, Sell�� ******************** Top 5 Selling Software Top 5 Shareware 1) DOS 6.0 Upgrade Kit 1) Pkware 2.04G 2) Windows 3.1 2) Wolfenstein 3D 1.0 3) Lotus Improv for Windows 3) McAffee Scan 4) QEMM 6.0 4) Icon-Do-It 5) PC Tools for Windows 5) Tempest Shell ******************* �췚hameless Plugs�� ******************* � ** MODEM BUTTERFLY'S BBS Spread your electronic wings! Instant Access! Outrageous intelligent fun, 32 chat lines, 1200/2400/9600, 1 gig lib., PC Pursuitable, writers workshop, trivia contests, spec. int. SEX, trekkies, MarriedButNotDead, singles, MENSA, and mo' (818)842-6900 � ** The Bell Business Report is a nationally distributed newsletter. 4th year of publication. For anyone interested in biz. Available in DTP or electronic format. $50 a year - upload to sysops. Laura Bell 365 W. Doran, #212, Glendale, CA 91203, 818-547-1192. Ad's will be free for the first 4 issues then will cost fifty cents a line ($0.50) for each issue after. Just drop us a note. ******************* �췛he Slave Drive�� ******************* 컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴 **EDITORIAL** **MARKETING** 컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴 Editor: The DLF Group Coordinator: Tim (Dark Shadow) Publisher: The DLF Group Circulation: Report Dist. Inc. Game Consultant: Tom (CENSORED) BBS Coordinator: Chris L. DOS Consultant: Chris L. (CyberChrist) Advertising Exec: Chris L. Hardware Consultant: Position Open Windows Consultant: Chris L. (CyberChrist) Editor in Chief: Chris L. (CyberChrist) 컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴컴 ** Watch for a peek into Windows NT next issue!! ** ** Position open - Wanted: hardware consultant, you must know how a computer works and know about all hardware areas. Must like to for free. Equal Opportunity Employer. All trademarks & right reserved to the respective companies. Copyright (C) 1993 Byte Productions ID#TNB36