Jaques Law Office

Jaques Law Bits 9705

© 1996 Kevin Jaques. All rights reserved excepting that this file may be copied for non-commercial purposes, unchanged. No warranties apply. I am just a user volunteering my observations and collecting those of others.

Table of Contents

We have always been at War with Oceania. We have never been at War with Windows.

Claris EMailer 2.0

Filemaker as Webserver

No CHRP for 7.6!

Jeremy's Control Strip Modules

Clone Portable

Reading 5.25 inch Floppies

Speaking of Emulators

Speaking of Virtual PC

Fredlabs pulls plug on VirtualMac For BeOS

BeOS Licenses Motorala and UMax

BeOs MultiProcessing

MacOS 8 (Tempo) Rumours

Rhapsody (NeXTStep) Rumours

What is Happening to Other NeXT Products

Now That's An Endorsement

BBEdit 4.0.4

Delta Archiving Goes Mainstream

PPC Edges Out MMX

DVD News

RealVideo from RealAudio

Aladdin Admits SpaceSaver Problems

Editor's Tip for Custom Netscapes

Editor's Experience with Windows 95

Now That's Resourceful! / Lazy!

The Return of InfoMac

AOCE?

ObjectSupportLib Oddity Warning

Myrmidon 1.2 - Still A Cool Chooser HTML Generator

Online Army Knife(TM) (OAK) version 1.2

Mac To NFS (Common Unix Server)

No RamDoubler 3

Windoze v. Mac? - Linux Beats 'em Both

Aladdin Stuffit Lite 3.6

Aladdin Desktop Tools 1.0.3

Aladdin Spring Cleaning 1.0.1

Apple Fixes 7.6 Cache Problems

AppleScript Assurances - But No Native Version In Sight

Netscape 4 - Preview Release 3 Now Supports 68K Machines

Multi-User Eudora Settings/Security Tip

4D Desktop & 4D Pro - Version 6 - Much Cheaper

Why can't I get Disney's Daily Blast on the Macintosh?

This Boy's Got Time On His Hands (Cool Home Automation)

Speed Doubler

CyberDog 2.0 - The Real Thing Not a Beta

More Marathon Maps - Morgana's Revenge

Web Translation Service

Kids Make Useful Site - Animated Knot Lessons

SoundApp 2.3

How To Make An Empty Font Suitcase

Mac OS 7.6.1 Update - 54xx/64xx Level 2 Cache Reset

Mac OS Runtime for Java 1.0.2

PPC 604 Optimized for Java

Just This One Network Toy Article - Re Java

Claris Organizer - Cool Feature!

TalkCity - Online User's Group

Internet Printing Service

Race In Progress

IBM Manufactured Powerbook - The 'Comet' (2400)

Exponential Problems? - More Apple Vaporware?

G3 Chip News

MacWorld Questions MacOS License

Math Bug - Pentium Pro and Pentium II

PointCast Network for Mac OS v1.0.1 (PPC-only)

Suggestion Box For New System

OpenDoc and AppleScript

FreePPP 2.5v3 Patcher

Emailer 2.0 Available

Eudora 3.1 Available

'Crack A Mac' challenge Results

Software Publishing Association Badly Goofs

Apple Posts $708 Million Loss

TidBits Reviews OnLine Army Knife (OAK)

Info-Mac Back Online

WWW Shortcut Caution & New Tip

Dictation - Whoa, That's Expensive!

OpenTransport 1.2 Beta

HTML 3.2 Standard

PowerMac 9600/200

SuperCard 3.0

MYOB Accounting v.7.0

Wingz 2.1

Share IP Addresses

New FWB Disk Utilities

Mac File Sharing on Windows LANS - Dave

New Word Processor - Mariner Write 1.3

Fuzzy Logic - Analytica

Software Synthesizer

MacWorld Likes Virex 5.7

SCSI v. EIDE

Cross Platform Colour Tip

How to Show Graphics Faster

Netscape Tip

Netscape As Finder?

Preserve Graphics From Word

Desktop Printer Warning & Tips

Chooser Scripting and Keyboard Control

URL Tips

Hidden RamDoubler Feature

Launcher Hack - Multiple Launchers

Component Software Comparison

MacWorld World Class Awards 1997

Human Interface Design Excellence Awards

Mac OS Compatibles Beat Pentium Systems in Benchmark Study

MetroWerks An Exceptionally Good Sport - Ports to Rhapsody

Mac OS 8 Beta Is Available

Display Enabler, Version 2.2.2

Prerelease Software For Developers - Open Transport and the Text Encoding Converter

New Sample Code and Utilities

Power Macs will draw on multiple personalities

Apple Will Use IBM and Motorola - Not Exponential

Internet Explorer 3.0.1

Apple Continues to Reduce Support

Learn This Name - Inventor Of The Web

This Jaques Law Bits was delivered by:

This Jaques Law Bits was prepared for:

We are at War with Oceania. We have always been at War with Oceania. We are not at war with Windows

• As in 1984 by Orwell, we're still in a war, it's just the soldiers on the other side that have changed. Yellow Box will run on Windows, Rhapsody will run on Intel. It's Win32, which I had never heard of, we now oppose. It is Microsoft's competitor to Yellow Box.

Claris EMailer 2.0

• Claris EMailer 2.0 is now out. The Claris Emailer 2.0 trial version (4.1MB) runs for 60 days."
• But caution, automation may be difficult. Hank of the OneClick mailing list, responded to posted difficulties with using EMailer's popup menus with " I have had the same problem with the signature popup. Much of Emailer 2.0's interface is not standard. The buttons and things do not appear in the parameters menu either. I tried doing it in applescript and didn't have any luck there either."

Filemaker as Webserver

• Palo Alto, CA. -- March 21, 1997 -- Web Broadcasting Corp. announces the release of the WEB FM 3.0 Solutions Distribution Kit (SDK). The new SDK version of the leading web server plug-in for FileMaker Pro 3.0 for Mac allows unlimited, royalty-free distribution of WEB FM 3.0 to customers that have already licensed the Macintosh runtime database engine version of FileMaker Pro 3.0 SDK from Claris Corporation.

No CHRP for 7.6!

• MacWorld article: "Apple Computer may decide not to release the Common Hardware Reference Platform (CHRP) version of Mac OS 7.6. Mac OS 7.6 for CHRP was scheduled to be released in late May or early June. But Apple officials say the company may change that plan, since Mac OS 8.0 is expected to ship in July, and that OS version will include the CHRP support that the Mac OS 7.6 version would introduce."

Jeremy's Control Strip Modules

• Jeremy Kezer
• Jeremy's CS Modules is a collection of Control Strip Modules that plug into Apple's Control Strip. The bundle includes:
  • Jeremy's EnergyStrip CSM - Lets you adjust power conservation settings from the Control Strip.
  • Jeremy's Battery CSM - Displays battery voltage and more!
  • Jeremy's Sound Volume CSM - Shows the current volume setting in both numeric and pictoral form.
  • Jeremy's Temperature CSM - Displays the internal & battery temperature of late-model PowerBooks.
  • Jeremy's Sleep CSM - Lets you sleep a PowerBook immediately, even if networked.
  • Jeremy's Battery Time CSM - Displays remaining battery time for PowerBooks.
  • Jeremy's Application CSM - Shows memory size of applications, and lets you switch foreground app's.
  • Jeremy's AppleTalk CSM - Turn on/off AppleTalk and file sharing.
  • Jeremy's CPU speed CSM - Displays clock speed in MHz for PowerBooks and Desktop Mac's.
  • Jeremy's Clock CSM - Displays the current time.
• Release 1.6.4 contains enhancements to the AppleTalk CSM and Temperature CSM's.
• Shareware; $10 registration fee suggested.

Clone Portable

• Apple won't license Powerbook Designs. That stinks, but Vertegri Research in Vancouver has designed a portable called the imediaEngine. It is based on the Tanzania motherboard, doesn't have batteries, weighs 12 pounds, has no PC slot (because Apple won't supply the necessary software), and sports a metal case.
• It is not intended as a lap top, but as a portable desktop machine. Hence, it is targetting a niche market and expects low volumes and high prices ($5-8K)
• Evidently, the company is being most secretive.
• MacWorld 9705.

Reading 5.25 inch Floppies

• Thank you all [subscribers to MacWay] for your help in reading 5.25" PC floppies on a Mac - this is obviously a bulk reply to everyone - I got over 150 replies over the course of two weeks!!!! Some of you will receive personal replies.
• For those who were interested, here's a summary of the most viable options suggested:
  • 1) Break down and beg, buy, borrow, steal or use at the local library or Kinko's, a PC of with both drives, copy them all to 3.5" or network them over. (An option, of course, but who wants a PC in their office ;-b ?)
  • 2) Dayna once made a device called the DaynaFile, a SCSI 5.25" drive, reported by some to work only on older hardware and System, but by others to work on a PowerMac under 7.5.5. This is the answer I was really hoping for. Some models included a 3.5" drive in the same box.
    • Headquarters: Dayna Communications, Inc. Sorenson Research Park 849 West Levoy Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84123 (801) 269-7200 (801) 269-7363 FAX Internet: America Online: DAYNACOM They are no longer made, but are available used, etc.
  • 3) Apple sold a 5.25" drive with special card, which works only on older NuBus macs. The actual names are Apple PC 5.25 Drive (order number A9M0110 and Mac II PC Drive card (order number M5056).
  • 4) Very obscure: Drive 1200 by Kennect Technologies... Also the Drive 2.4 which is 3.5" drive capable of reading Mac 400, 800, 1.44, DOS 720, 1.44 and ProDos disks. It is also capable of writing its own proprietary 2.4 MB format. Requirea a Mac with an external floppy port (Plus, SE, SE/30, Classic or II with the floppy port added).
  • 5) ...use a IIe Card that could be run in some Macintosh LC models and buy a 5.25" drive for it. Even then, you'd have to have software to convert from the DOS 3.3 disk to a ProDOS volume, then read the files from the ProDOS volume to your Mac.
• #2 looks like the winner to me - thanks again for all your help!!!
• Stephan Meyers
• [Editor - The simplest way is to network two computers, one of which reads 5.25 and one of which reads normal disks. Even grossly dissimiliar computers can communicate by modem. Once they can do that, you can speed it up with a direct serial to serial connection. Now the challenge is software. Will your old Apple ][ convert a file or disk to kermit or some other known communication format. I have been working on that problem. I got something from NetLink that I am supposed to install on the ][, which will send files over the modem (serial port) to a program on the Mac that will convert them back to files or disk images or something. Then I figure I'll use an emulater to make them work.]

Speaking of Emulators

• In MACWAY digest 701, you mentioned the unofficial "Gus" Apple // and Apple //gs emulator from engineers at Apple, largely in a Beta state.
• Henrik Gudat and a number of other Swiss programmers have developed, and are currently working on, the "Fast Eddie" //gs emulator. This is a shipping product that is actively being developed and works with many Apple // gs and Apple // programs. I've tried it and am impressed! If schools are looking for a //gs emulator, this may fit the bill. The Fast Eddie programmers are formerly from Bright Software, developers of a number of Apple //gs products, and this product is obviously a labor of love. You can check out the Fast Eddie website at:
• Garry Howard
•  
• The info on the IIgs emulator 'Fast Eddie' that was presented in Macway digest 713 [by Garry Howard] is outdated. That's an old (defunct, but for some reason still up) web page. The emulator's name has been changed (copyright, I believe?) and is now 'Bernie 2 The Rescue'. No, really. See, they had a contest... *ahem*
• Anyway, the[re] are new pages, and the best resource for emulation information on the Mac also contains info on the two new PC emulators for the Mac, Virtual PC from Connectix and (shareware!) Blue Label, from Lismore Software Systems, and hordes of other emulators.
• Adam Lang
•  
• Bernie ][ The Rescue: Warp 4 is available for downloading. The software is shareware ($25) but you can test drive Bernie for half an hour per session. The number of sessions is not limited.
• Henrik Gudat

Speaking of Virtual PC

• While other products emulate Windows and DOS, Virtual PC attempts to emulate a Pentium-based PC. This means that Virtual PC can not only run DOS, Win 3.1, and '95, but also NT. And OS/2. And OpenStep. Believe it or not, you can actually run Executor!
• Therefore, it should be sufficiently fast that even processor-intensive games like Quake and Tomb Raider are playable.
• Compatibility?
  • Full Stereo Sound Blaster Pro emulation
  • all the MDA/CGA/EGA/VGA text and graphics modes
  • all the SVGA modes supported by the S3 928 hardware. We chose to emulate a PCI-based S3 928 graphics accelerator card (primarily because of the availability of a BIOS and documentation).
  • fully implement the graphics acceleration functions (Win95, WinNT, and OS/2 take advantage of this.)
  • emulate the Windows APM (Advanced Power Management) hardware, and our BIOS supports the 1.1 software interface. When Windows 95 shuts down, it calls APM and tells the computer to power down. We respond by qutting.
• More than Compatibility
  • Mac Joysticks can be used
  • Mac Mice can be used - configurable keyboard combinations for the 2d mouse button
• Gina Clark (vice president of software at Connectix) said that Virtual PC would be offered 'at a consumer product price.' By comparison, SoftWindows 95 v4.0 retails for more than $300.

Fredlabs pulls plug on VirtualMac For BeOS

• Lack of funding sends Fredlabs Inc.'s BeOS VirtualMac into retirement.
• MacWeek Article

BeOS Licenses Motorala and UMax

• Be has licensed Motorola and Umax. Therefore, they can place the BeOS on their computers.
• MacWorld 9705

BeOs MultiProcessing

• Daystar Digital announced multiprocessing support for the BeOS, to permit using up to four CPUs. [Editor - but the BeOS has built in multiprocessing! Huh?]
• MacWorld 9705

MacOS 8 (Tempo) Rumours

• includes
  • FireWire 1.0
  • OpenTransport 1.2b1
  • Ethernet (Built-in) 1.0.5b5. We continue to get reports of good stability and performance with this pre-release software." OpenTransport 1.2 reportedly fixes many of the problems those with OT 1.1.2 experience today.
• MacInTouch
•  
• "Although the majority of CHRP support features will be transparent to the user, users report increased disk footprints in places that CHRP support code would be likely to reside, as well as several new, cryptically named library files that likely are part of the CHRP support effort."
• "RAM footprints are down again, with the default system setup residing in less than 5mb of RAM with virtual memory enabled."
• "According to one tester's estimates, speeds in high-end 3D and graphics functions are up by at least 10% over alpha Five seeds."
• Mac OS Rumours
•  
• There will now be folders in the system folder called Application Support, Contextual Menu Items, Help, Internet Plug-Ins, Printer Descriptions, Printer Drivers, Scripting Additions, Shared Libraries, and Voices. These folders are added but not implemented in the newest build in that nothing is stored in them yet but it obviously will be.'"
• MacInTouch

Rhapsody (NeXTStep) Rumours

• 970421 - "Rhapsody iv5 [internal version 5] is nearly complete.. . . includes a first-try-quality port of the NeXTStep TCP/IP stack, simple video services and kernel-level PCI bus support, as well as a rough user interface which allows subproject developers to begin modeling their products' user interactions after Rhapsody's planned style."
• Mac OS Rumours
•  
• It will include ColourSync and QuickDraw GX, QuickTime Media Layer, Adobe PostScript imaging.
• It will 'host' the complete MacOS on the Rhapsody kernel.
• "You can buy a Mac today and not worry about its compatibility with Rhapsody tomorrow."
• Apple Ad in MacWorld 9705
•  
• NeXTStep is the core OS. OpenStep runs on NeXTStep and consists of a set of developer APIs designed to speed application development. Confusingly, you can get OpenStep as a stand alone OS for Intel chips. OpenStep is what will turn into Rhapsody.
• OpenStep is based on the Mach kernel, with a version of the Berkeley Standard Development (BSD) Unix that sits on top of the kernel.
• On NeXT's implementation, the Workspace Manager would then sit on the BSD Unix.
• Here's how it fares on our wish list:
  • Pre-emptive Multi-Tasking - Since it has pre-emptive multi-tasking, one of the more enjoyable novelties will be the 'kill process' ability (currently in the Processes 'panel').
  • Multi-Threading - In OpenStep, only some parts of the system are multi-threaded (though probably more than in the current MacOS), and programs which wish to be, must explicitly use the multi-threading API (just as on the current MacOS). Worse, the User Interface Library (the 'App Kit') is not 'thread safe'. It can only be used by one thread at a time.
  • Symmetric Multiprocessing - OpenStep can't, but the Mach kernel does support it. Further, prior versions of OpenStep could. Figure Rhapsody should.
  • Interface
    • Finder - OpenStep has a customizable program dock, and a resizeable shelf for what are essentially aliases. There is no desktop, as such. I prefer the Mac
    • File Viewing - OpenStep uses file extensions. Probably Unix restrictions to file names will apply. You can see more in the list view, which includes access permissions.
  • Networking - OpenStep has a good TCP/IP implementation and in general, a powerful networking ability, but it's implementation of AppleTalk is outdated. Further, Apple promises to preserve OpenTransport. OpenStep's network administration is superior, using the NetInfo suite of tools, which uses a distributed object database. It comes with a full set of Unix network tools, excepting a built in web browser or server, which Mac OS 8 promises to have.
  • Graphics - QuickTime Media layer will remain. NextTime was fine, but never really aired. However, NextTime includes a high performance compression technology. It can compress at the same speed it decompresses, unlike QuickTime. Possibly Apple could throw in Renderman, the tool that created Toy Story. NeXT did include it with pre-4.x versions of OpenStep.
  • OpenDoc - NeXTStep, OpenStep, and NeXT's WebObjects already support their own object technology, the Portable Distributed Object (PDO) model, which is OLE compliant. Unfortunately, PDO was not really intended to replace monolithic applications the way OpenDoc was.
• MacWorld 9705
•  
• WWDC, SAN JOSE, Calif.--May 13, 1997--At its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) Apple Computer, Inc. today outlined a radical software development strategy for Rhapsody
• By utilizing the "Yellow Box" Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), software developers will eventually be able to deploy their applications on a wide range of operating systems including Rhapsody, Mac OS, Rhapsody for Intel, Windows 95, and Windows NT. By making the Yellow Box programming environment cross platform Apple believes it can attract new software developers to the Rhapsody and Mac OS platforms and expand the business opportunities for current Mac OS and OPENSTEP developers.
• Along with support for 100 percent Java, Apple also announced that the programming interfaces for the Yellow Box will be exposed as Java language calls. This will enable developers to write applications for the new platform completely in Java thus extending the functional capabilities of Java applications. Apple believes the Yellow Box will allow developers to create best of breed applications, delivered across multiple platforms, shortening development cycles and bringing the benefits of Java to mainstream applications.
• The Yellow Box will also be hosted on a new Windows development and deployment platform slated from Apple, code named Yellow Box for Windows. This development and deployment platform will allow a Yellow Box application to be a first class Windows citizen, with complete Windows look and feel.
• The Yellow Box development environment will include the WebObjects framework that provides an HTML interface to its objects, enabling developers to easily create dynamic web-based applications.
• Apple's intention is to release a cross-platform suite of application development tools for the Yellow Box . The "Prelude to Rhapsody" Program, announced in April, provides early access and releases of some of the tools. The initial suite of tools is expected to be introduced at the same time as the developer release of Rhapsody and will continue to support world-class object-oriented programming models. By integrating tools from Apple, Metrowerks and others, software developers will be able to leverage existing code and use programming languages such Java, C, C++, and Objective C to create next generation applications.
• Rhapsody will be the primary development and deployment platform for Yellow Box applications. It includes four components: Core OS, based on Mach technology; Blue Box/Mac OS compatibility environment; the Yellow Box development environment; and Advanced Macintosh User Interface.
• Mac OS Apple intends to host the Yellow Box on a future version of the Mac OS, code named Allegro. Allegro will be the follow on release from Mac OS 8, scheduled for introduction in July 1997. Expected to be available in mid-1998, Allegro will be based on current Mac OS underlying technology and will include both the traditional MacOS APIs as well as the capability of hosting the Yellow Box.
• Rhapsody for Intel is the code name for Apple's next generation operating system for Intel-oricessor based personal computers. It includes three components: Core OS based on Mach technology; Yellow Box development environment; and Advanced Macintosh User Interface.
• "We are delighted to announce that Create is running on Rhapsody on the PowerPC architecture, " said Andrew C. Stone, CEO and chief computer scientist of Stone Design Corp (www.stone.com). "Because Create is an application created for the Yellow Box, I was able to port to Rhapsody PowerPC in a matter of hours. Thanks to the Yellow Box, Create already runs on other Operating Systems including Windows 95 and Windows NT. We are shipping powerful, stable, cross-platform applications today."
• [Editor - It appears that Rhapsody will run on Intel or PPC. Yellow Box will run on Rhapsody or Windows or the MacOS. Yellow Box is a development environment. Rhapsody is the OS, containing a Core OS (Mach Unix kernel), the Blue Box (Mac compatibility environment), Yellow Box, and Advanced MacIntosh User Interface. Development Tools (object oriented) for Yellow Box are coming with the developer release of Rhapsody.
• Interoperability is a great feature, but a potentially dooming one. If Yellow Box meets its promise of being able to compile to any system, it must necessarily be compiling to the lowest common denominator. Any advantages of a particular system will be lost.
• The good news is that current Mac Apps will continue to run on PPCs and even in Intels, provided they have Rhapsody. Our hardware, if bought this year, will continue to run whatever we want. Apple may still lead us to the future, if Yellow Box is good, but that won't be our (the user's) choice. The system's effects will be limited to speed, stability, and essentially, an interface to the files.
• It may be quibbling, but it should be noted that any Apps that made calls directly to the hardware will fail, which will include drivers and some utilities. Don't forget, as originally planned, OS 8 would not have supported any extensions or control panels.]
• Apple
•  
• Apple promises that Rhapsody will fully support symmetrical multi-processing.
• The interface will be Mac-like, but offering multiple looks, as OS 8 originally promised.
• Probably applications running in the Yellow Box won't be able to directly communicate with those running in the Blue Box. However, the clipboard and Apple Events should still work.
• MacWorld 9703
•  
• Rhapsody for Intel will not include the Blue Box for Mac App compatibility. However, it will include the Advanced MacIntosh Interface.
• ADN #56 Supplement 2 970515
•  
• One big piece of news that came out during the Opening Keynote is that Apple would make this technology available to you through a no-fee license--meaning that you can deploy your Yellow Box application on Windows 95 and Windows NT without it costing you a cent extra.
• ADN Supp--Live from WWDC 970514

What is Happening to Other NeXT Products

• Apple announced an update to OPENSTEP Enterprise, version 4.2. The new product includes support for deployment of Windows 95 clients for the first time. OPENSTEP Enterprise 4.2 is an object oriented development environment running on Windows NT that allows developers to assemble, integrate and deploy dynamic business applications across the enterprise on a variety of Operating Systems. OPENSTEP Enterprise 4.2 allows developers to create applications that can easily be updated to respond to changing user needs in the enterprise. Apple also announced aggressive pricing for the developer version of OPENSTEP Enterprise, now available for U.S. $1,499.
• Apple announced that its WebObjects technology will be included in the Yellow Box, the code name for its cross platform next generation application development environment. The inclusion of WebObjects Frameworks in the Yellow Box provides an HTML interface to objects, enabling developers to easily create dynamic Web based applications. Apple also announced a new tiered pricing structure for WebObjects Enterprise that includes aggressive pricing based on access by workgroups, divisions and unlimited users. Apple expects both these announcements to increase the market penetration of WebObjects technology.
• WWDC, SAN JOSE, Calif.--May 13, 1997--Apple Computer Inc.'s annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC)

Now That's An Endorsement

• Page 3 of the manual for Macromedia Extreme 3D has the following requirements for using their software:
  • For Macintosh: 68040 (or later) processor. (Power Macintosh is recommended for professional production work.)
  • For Windows: 486 processor or higher. (Power Macintosh is recommended for professional production work.)
• Michael C. Whidden

BBEdit 4.0.4

• Allan Rousselle - Bare Bones Software
• Order BBEdit at the special EvangeList discount price of US$79, plus shipping and handling. This is a discount of $40 off the regular price of US$119 plus a TShirt, either "BBEdit: It Doesn't Suck" or "We're Going Postal" T-shirts (in honor of our forthcoming e-mail client for the Mac, code-named "Bluto"). There are two designs: one that is so elegant, even your parents would wear one; and, one that is, well, a little less politically correct (see our web site for pictures). Both of these shirts are limited editions;
• The current version (4.0.4) features:
  • syntax-directed text coloring
  • integrated HTML-aware spelling checker
  • advanced scriptability via AppleScript
  • the ability to Open and Save files via FTP
  • easy-to-use HTML tools palette
  • powerful multi-file search and replace
  • integration with Internet services such as Web browsers and FTP clients

Delta Archiving Goes Mainstream

• [Editor - the notion is that when you save, only the changes from the original version are stored. Therefore, it can restore the file to the way it stood at any of the times at which it was saved. The two advantages are version control, and super-high compression (where you would otherwise be trying to save and compress a full file for each version.]
• Watsonville, CA -- May 5, 1997- - Aladdin Systems, Inc., developer of the worldwide Macintosh compression standard, StuffIt(tm), announced today that it has acquired the publishing rights to REV from 6prime corporation.
• REV can easily be set to save unlimited (or a fixed number) of revisions of any document from any application and lets users return to any previously saved version minutes, days or even years in the future.
• At a save (or auto-save), changes are saved as "diff" files, which encompass just the edits and changes between the current document and the last revised document, thus saving disk space. The diff files are identified by the original name of the file and a time and date stamp of when it was created. With auto-save programs, such as FileMaker Pro, REV can be set to make changes every few minutes instead of every instant, since many auto-save programs save so frequently. The user is able to simply double-click on the revision they wish to retrieve to get to a particular document.
• Aladdin points out that you may be able to use this for file synchronization!
• REV runs on any Macintosh series computer with 2MB of RAM and System 7 or later. REV is a commercial software product available directly from Aladdin and carries a suggested retail price of $99.95.
• It is expected to ship in the third quarter of 1997.
• Evangelist offer: $49.95 directly from Aladdin through May 30,1997. (408)761-6200
• Jennifer - Aladdin Systems Inc.

PPC Edges Out MMX

• The February '97 issue of Byte has an article with a chart that compares the following systems running Photoshop version 4.0. The Windows version was accelerated for MMX.
  • 200-MHz Pentium with MMX (aka the P55C)
  • 200-MHz Pentium
  • 200-MHz Pentium Pro
  • 166-MHz Cyrix
  • 200-MHz PPC 604e running PhotoShop (4.0).200-MHz
• Overall the 604e was faster than all the Pentium Systems. The MMX was slightly faster in two of the five tests.

DVD News

• You will recall DVD is super high capacity optical storage, with from 4.7 to 17 gb/disk, delivered fast enough to play video.
• Apple promises the first DVD equipped model could appear in late 1997, and is expected in early 1998.
• But a DVD drive, which uses MPEG video compression, does not come with an MPEG decoder. Therefore, either the software, or another card, must be used. "This card also handles Dolby AC-3 surround-sound decoding with outputs for five difference channels (left, centre, right, 2 surrounds) ... plus a subwoofer." [editor - what card?]
• To do the decompression with software, you would need a computer of at least 200 mhz.
• The first models won't play DVD audio disks, because the format is still being debated.
• They should read CDROM disks as well as CD-RW disks, but not CD-R disks (which use too long a wavelength laser).
• The card will also handle copy protection!
• Watch out, they are already planning 'blue laser' devices, which will replace, but not be incompatible with DVD.
• MacWorld 9705

RealVideo from RealAudio

• "Progressive Networks, makers of RealAudio, have announced RealVideo, a streaming video technology based on the Real Time Streaming Protocol, which was proposed to the Internet Engineering Task Force last October."
• It can do 10 frames/sec at 28.8 kbps or up to 30 fps over a LAN.
• You can get a beta client already!
• MacWorld 9705

Aladdin Admits SpaceSaver Problems

• "Space Saver from the 4.0 Deluxe package experienced major problems when running on very high clock rate PCI Mac models, which were introduced to the market well after the product shipped -- and these problems will never appear on non-PCI models or on PCI models with lower clock rates. These problems were corrected with the Fall 96 updater.)"
• Luke Blanton, Test Engineering Manager, Aladdin Systems, Inc.

Editor's Tip for Custom Netscapes

• I joined MBanx, the only internet banking available with local branches in Regina. But, it requires a Netscape with 128 bit security. They supply a special version for that, and they have locked out the ability to start with a blank page. So, firing up Netscape will always attempt to log onto the Internet. That is bad.
• To start Netscape without such an attempt, start it by opening it with a document. For instance, hit preview in your HTML editor. That will create a temporary document which it instructs Netscape to open. Or, drag an HTML document to the Netscape icon, or an alias, or to the Netscape button on your OneClick task bar (or other application launching utility).

Editor's Experience with Windows 95

• My old buddy, who I'll call Dr. Bob, is a PC ninja. He invited me to his home to play network Doom. He had wired four Pentiums together.
• He had set up the network the day before. I don't know how long it took. But it was failing to work when I arrived. In all, it took over 90 minutes to get it running again. It was just like the Mac Advocates claim: classic PC hardware problems. I was impressed, though not surprised, by his rapid and skilled problem solving. I was impressed and surprised by the Windows help system. Like AppleGuide, it stepped you through, but unlike AppleGuide, it would ask you questions about the results. Perhaps AppleGuide doesn't need to ask questions. However, its actual contribution was useless, no surprise to Dr Bob or his sons. After about 40 questions, it suggested checking the cables.
• Sure, it would have taken 2 minutes on the Mac, and that would have been the day before, but it was still fun once we got going. Even then though, one of the computers still acted up. DrBob was quite effective at the game, but not that active in it. He had to keep shutting down because his video card didn't match his motherboard and would overheat.
• I felt mildly bad for torturing him about insistence on MS. Well, he had written me offering to be a guide when I give up on the Mac, so it served him right.
• One nice thing, they start up very quickly. That helps when so many restarts are needed.
• Oh, he recommended that I run the monitor at the default resolution of 320 x 200. At that puny level, the game was as fast and smooth as you would want.

Now That's Resourceful! / Lazy!

• Last Friday I had to stay home to take care of the kids. No problem, I keep all my email and other critical work on a Jaz drive. But Thursday night I realized that I had left my Jaz cartridge at work and worse, had ejected it from the machine. Just to confirm, I connected to my work machine using Timbuktu (bought on the Evangelist discount, based on Guy's recommendation). Indeed I had ejected the drive. So I brought up SimpleText, figuring I'd leave a large message on the screen in case someone saw my monitor in the morning - I work in a large open space and someone might walk by. It was then I remembered that SimpleText can do text to speech. So on the off chance that someone was still hanging around the office at 11PM, I typed in a message asking anyone in earshot to insert my Jaz cartridge and selected "Speak All". A few minutes later my Jaz icon showed up on the screen, and half an hour later I had transfered all my files to my home machine, along with an email message from a very startled co-worker who had not expected one of the machines in the room to suddenly start talking to him!
• Kee Hinckley

The Return of InfoMac

• Info-Mac's back and it has new software submissions! For those who don't know, Info-Mac is the world's largest Mac software collection in the world.

AOCE?

• AOCE is the acronym for Apple Open Collaboration Environment. The "rest of us" use the more common name PowerTalk. Unfortunately PowerTalk is not supported in Mac OS 7.6. To use PowerTalk you'll have to install it with System 7.5 , System 7.1.1 or System 7.1.2.
• [What if your App wants AOCE?] - PowerTalk will not load with 7.6, but the app may only want the AOCE shared library (Groupwise is an example) which will load fine with 7.6.
• Larry White, P.Eng.

ObjectSupportLib Oddity Warning

• There was a version of ObjectSupportLib that disabled the use of AppleScript with FileMaker. I believe it was version 1.1.1. If so, version 1.1 works, and the current version, 1.2 works.
• Jon Rosen - FileMaker Pro Design & Development 203-849-1906 Ft. Lauderdale, FL
•  
• The first [version] has either version number 1.0.2 or 1.1. The second has version numbers 1.0.4 or 1.1.1. 1.0.2 and 1.1 are identical except for version numbers as are 1.0.4 and 1.1.1. The different version numbers are an attempt by Apple to insure that the correct version of the file gets installed. Unfortunately it's the higher version numbered ones that DON'T work (1.0.4 & 1.1.1). If you can't find a copy of 1.0.2 or 1.1 there is an even newer version which is available at Claris' web site somewhere in the FileMaker section.
• Clark Martin Redwood City, CA, USA Macintosh / Internet Consulting

Myrmidon 1.2 - Still A Cool Chooser HTML Generator

• Los Altos, California - March 30, 1997 - Terry Morse Software, Inc. released version 1.2 of Myrmidon(TM), which turns any Macintosh(R) document into a Web page with a single click. Since last December, over 40,000 people have downloaded the Myrmidon 1.1 demo software. In response to users requests, the new version of Myrmidon incorporates many new features and makes it even easier for anyone to publish documents on the World Wide Web.
• Updater and demo software may be downloaded. The demo software is fully functional for 25 conversions.
• Some of Myrmidon's new features include:
  • 1. More "WYSIWYG" Appearance.
  • 2. Support for Kerned and Justified Text. Myrmidon 1.2 uses fuzzy logic to identify different types of text spacing in a document, allowing even heavily kerned text to be converted correctly.
  • 3. Greater Control Over the Conversion Process.
  • 4. Automatic Link Conversion. Any text in the source document that has the format of a URL ("http://", "ftp://", "mailto:", etc.) is converted automatically to a link.
• Terry Morse Software, Inc. was founded by industry veteran Terry Morse in May 1996. Prior to founding Terry Morse Software, Mr. Morse was the President of Salient Software, Inc. - makers of DiskDoubler, AutoDoubler, and CopyDoubler for the Macintosh. Salient Software was acquired in 1992 and is now part of Symantec Corporation. - (415) 858-1017

Online Army Knife(TM) (OAK) version 1.2

• Arvada, CO - April 8, 1997: JEM Software announced today the immediate availability of Online Army Knife(TM) (OAK) version 1.2 as a free upgrade to all current owners. JEM Software has been consistently upgrading OAK since its December '96 release, demonstrating its commitment to making the product the finest universal spellchecker and all-around text preparation utility for the Mac OS.
• [Editor - They have a long list of what appears to be mostly interface (keyboard control, zooming, etc.) and stability improvements. But, you can style text with their editor! Although it sounds cumbersome, SpellCatcher doesn't do that!]
• They claim speed of 8,000 wps on an 80Mhz Power Mac 7100 and intelligent algorithms.
• Online Army Knife requires MacOS System 7.1 or newer.
• The suggested retail price for new purchases is $128, although until July 1st, 1997 it can be purchased directly from the developers for $69.95 plus $5 shipping and handling within the USA, $7 elsewhere. Evangelist subscribers can receive $10 off ($59.95). Spell Catcher owners can get an additional $20 off by sending us the front cover of your manual--we just like the scalps.
• Netizens can order by e-mailing your name, address, and credit card info to <jemsoftware@kitchen-sink.com>
• Fax orders to 303-422-4856. U.S. Mail is accepted at: JEM Software, 7578 Lamar Court, Arvada, CO 80003.

Mac To NFS (Common Unix Server)

• The problem is: how to connect Macintosh to an UNIX server. In fact NFS is not confined to UNIX -- there is even an NFS server for Macintosh but this is what Mac users generally face.
• There are three ways to do that --
  • (1) make the Mac speak NFS over TCP/IP - suitable when you have small number of Macs on the network, the UNIX system administrator won't let you install anything on the server, and performance is not an important issue.
    • InterCon Systems' NFS/Share or its successor TCP/Connect4 NFS. After Ascend Communications acquired InterCon the development of the product was canceled and it isn't currently available for international distribution. NFS connectivity will be incorporated later this year in a new software package. It may be still possible for customers in the US to get the software directly from Ascend or from software distributors such as MacWarehouse it they have it on stock. NFS/Share 1.4 or newer is required if you have OpenTransport.
    • ChameleonNFS from NetManage. This product was developed last year and was based on MacNFS which was acquired from Thursby Software Systems. ChameleonNFS was discontinued in January 1997 and NetManage is going to sell the MacNFS technology to interested third-parties.
    • Attachmate's Pathway NFS. Note that nothing about OpenTransport is mentioned in the product description. Contact Attachmate if you want to know if it's still available.
    • White Pine offers client software too.
    • The prices for one copy are expected to be between $200 and $300. So if you want to install NFS client on Macintosh you have an option to wait for future unnamed Ascend product or the software that will be based on MacNFS after NetManage sells it to another developer. And you can also check the large software distributors for any package from the list above that they still have on stock. And there is a free NFS client under development so check up regularly
  • (2) make the UNIX box speak Apple Filing Protocol over AppleTalk - Requires some UNIX skills in order to configure the server but once configured it's fast and usually adds more features like print server
    • Netatalk -- free server available for Solaris, SGI IRIX, FreeBSD, and Linux.
    • K-AShare -- commercial software from Xinet. Runs on Sun and SGI. Prices start from $595 for 2 users, $1995 for 32 users, and $5495 for unlimited number of users.
    • uShare -- commercial software from IPT for AIX and Sun
    • EtherShare -- commercial software from Helios for almost all kinds of UNIX except for those running on Intel chips like SCO, Linux, FreeBSD.
    • All these solutions offer much higher speed than NFS. They can benefit from special additional software like Asant NetDoubler which tunes some network protocol parameters resulting in significant performance increase (some vendors claim the network transfer is faster than the internal hard disk of Power Mac 8500/180. However, using AppleTalk on the UNIX server may not work for you if the router that routes IP packets only sits between your Mac and the server.
  • (3) have something convert the protocols into one another
    • There is a device from Cayman Systems called GatorBox. It is actually a LocalTalk-to-Ethernet hub/router. When an additional software called GatorShare is installed on the GatorBox it can "translate" high-level network protocols and make NFS servers look like regular AppleShare servers for the Macs on the LocalTalk network.
• Danail Glogov

No RamDoubler 3

• What kind of news is that? Well, there are reports of a file called RamDoubler 3, of obvious attraction to people, which is really a virus. So, don't download it.

Windoze v. Mac? - Linux Beats 'em Both

• This web site is maintained by Karl Unterkofler, and has comparisons of various computers running the latest versions of Mathemetica. Karl and others run a series of tests on the machines, that involve timing mathematical problems.
• 8 of the 10 fastest machines are running the Mac OS! the first windows machine doesn't make a showing until 11th place( a pentium pro 200Mhz running Windows NT 4.0) Incidently this ppro 200 is beat by a Mac 7500 150 Mhz!
• You might wonder how this can be when the SPECint95 for Pentium Pros and for Power PC 604's are so close? Its the operating system dummy!
• ...Sadly for the Mac, the number one spot is a Pentium Pro 200 with 64 Meg RAM and a 256kb L2 cache running LINUX 2.0.27. This barely beats the number 2 machine, a 225Mhz Power Tower Pro from Power Computing with 256 Meg RAM and a 1Meg L2 cache.
• The other Intel in the top 10 is a Pentium Pro 200Mhz with 128Meg Ram and 256Kb L2 cache, running NeXT STEP 3.3.
• I don't think that Mac owners should be ashamed of losing to a LINUX machine. LINUX is the result of an amazing effort put forth by many dedicated programmers to produce a state of the art 32bit operating system that utilizes hardware to the fullest. Mac users should be happy that they can go head to head with such an OS, and still maintain the great human interface of the Mac!
• Oh, BTW the first Win '95 machine doesn't make a showing until 15th place. its a Pentium pro 200, 64 MB, 256kb, OS: Win95 and is just below a PowerMac 7600/120, 48MB, 256kb, MacOS!
• Sean Lynch

Aladdin Stuffit Lite 3.6

• StuffIt Lite 3.6, an upgrade to the company's award-winning shareware product, is now available as a free download for registered 3.5 users ($15 for users of earlier versions). Improvements to StuffIt Lite 3.6 include, updates to all translators, increased expansion speed, enhanced BinHex support, and various "bug" fixes. (If you are a StuffIt Deluxe owner, you do not need to download this update, it is for StuffIt Lite users only)
• Customer service - (408)761-6200.

Aladdin Desktop Tools 1.0.3

• Aladdin Desktop Tools 1.0.3, an update to the company's Macintosh utility software product, is now available as a free download for registered 1.0- 1.0.2 users.
• The update to Aladdin Desktop Tools includes new versions of Desktop Makeover and Desktop SpeedBoost and full System 7.6 compatibility for improved stability and power.
• Customer service - (408)761-6200.

Aladdin Spring Cleaning 1.0.1

• Spring Cleaning is the first uninstaller for Macintosh users and helps them to optimize their hard drive by targeting and removing redundant and unnecessary files, folders, and fonts.
• Spring Cleaning's eight utilities search a user's hard drive to safely uninstall old applications, remove duplicate and unused fonts, find invalid alias files, trim fat binary applications, find orphaned help files, and clean out users' Preferences folders.
• Customer service - (408)761-6200.

Apple Fixes 7.6 Cache Problems

• Apple has released a fix for the Level 2 Cache problem and is working on some of the other problems: "Apple's Level 2 cache fix is now available in the form of a patch extension for Power Macintosh and Performa 6360/54xx/64xx computers using Mac OS 7.6.1 or the '54xx/64xx Update 1.1' extension."
• MacInTouch

AppleScript Assurances - But No Native Version In Sight

• "Apple plans to include bug fixes and upgrades in each OS update and is mulling over the long-awaited native version of AppleScript. . . . In the meantime, Mac OS 8, due this summer, will include AppleScript 1.1.2. The scripting update will feature bug fixes and tweaks that take advantage of Mac OS 8 features, Apple said.
• Soghoian [Applescript Product Manager] reaffirmed that Apple plans to implement scripting in the Rhapsody OS' Yellow Box, the area where OpenStep applications will run."

Netscape 4 - Preview Release 3 Now Supports 68K Machines

• Preview release 3 version of Netscape 4 for PowerPC Macs has been available for a couple of weeks. Now there's a version for all those Macs without a PowerPC.

Multi-User Eudora Settings/Security Tip

• All these discussions about AppleScripting a solution are needless. All you need to do is:
  • 1) Move each user's "Eudora Folder" (which contains "Eudora Settings" and other files) to their own folder on an AppleShare file server. Ensure that only the designated user has access to that folder.
  • 2) Make an alias of each user's "Eudora Settings" file. Place the alias in a convenient folder on each workstation. We have our aliases in a Email Accounts" folder within the Apple Menu.
  • 3) Set each user's setting to save password.
• If you need to set up a new user who does not already have a Eudora Folder:
  • 1) Ensure that there is no "Eudora Folder" in the System Folder. Launch Eudora.
  • 2) Fill in the settings window.
  • 3) Quit Eudora.
  • 4) Copy the Eudora Folder to the user's secure folder on a file server. Delete the original from the System Folder.
• Now, if a user wants to check their email account from any workstation, they just
  • 1) select menu: Apple:Email Accounts:<my_name> (or wherever you placed the alias).
  • 2) If they are not already logged into the file server, they are prompted for a password (the alias remebers their user id). They are not prompted for an additional mail server password.
• That's it! all their previously downloaded email is viewable, even if it was downloaded while on a different workstation. Just hit command-M to download new email from the email server to the file server, appearing in the usual Eudira In mailbox.
• Tom - T&B Brodhurst-Hill Pty Ltd Registered Mac OS Consultancy
• [Editor - but Eudora automatically makes a new Eudora Settings in the system folder if it doesn't find one? Oh well, I'll take your word for it.]

4D Desktop & 4D Pro - Version 6 - Much Cheaper

• ACI US, Inc. today shipped 4D Desktop, an out-of-the-box database development tool kit that combines:
  • 4th Dimension Version 6 (4D V6), just out on March 24, 1997 (Web-enabled, 32-bit relational database
  • 4D Compiler--a true machine-language compiler, is optimized to support a wide range of processors on both Macintosh and Windows platforms. 4D Compiler generates a compiled version of an application and controls code quality by displaying clear messages including method name, line, and complete error descriptions.
  • 4D Insider - a point-and-click, drag-and-drop code servicing system
    • examines database objects and their dependencies
    • enables component builders and users to modularize or merge existing applications
    • provides a complete dictionary of development applications
    • global search and replace capabilities
    • cross-referencing
    • documentation tools
    • easy localization of applications into different languages.
• Consistent with the new ACI competitive pricing strategy, the company has listed the 4D Desktop estimated street price at $499.
•  
• 4D Pro Version 6, a complete set of development tools available only to registered ACI US Partners, includes:
  • 4D Desktop
  • 4D Connectivity and Productivity Plug-ins
  • 4D Open
  • 4D Runtime Classic
• 4D Pro is priced at $999.
• ACI US, Inc. - toll-free 800-881-3466; fax 408-252-4829

Why can't I get Disney's Daily Blast on the Macintosh?

• Disney Online is committed to making a Macintosh version of Disney's Daily Blast(TM) available as soon as either Microsoft Internet Explorer (TM) or Netscape Navigator resolve their respective issues, as outlined below. On the Windows platform, Disney's Daily Blast runs in both Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator, and this is our goal for the Macintosh as well. We hope to have a Macintosh-compatible version available this summer.
• Disney's Daily Blast relies on the ability to communicate with various plug-in applications, and allows plug-ins to communicate with each other for a variety of content. Although these plug-ins work in the current version of Internet Explorer (IE), the service doesn't run in IE for the Macintosh because IE for the Macintosh does not support Live Connect (a Netscape protocol). Thus, the plug-ins have no way to communicate. The fix for this would be for IE to support Live Connect, or for the developers (in this case Macromedia and Voxware) to come out with ActiveX controls for their plug-ins, for the Macintosh.
• One of our plug-ins, ToolVox 2.0, includes extensions which are required for Disney's Daily Blast. Disney's Daily Blast doesn't run in Netscape on the Macintosh because ToolVox 2.0 is not yet available for the Macintosh. This is currently being addressed by Voxware and should be resolved shortly.
• Additionally, the primary issue with Netscape on the Macintosh is that the Java VM in Netscape Navigator 3.0 does not perform to Disney's "User Experience" requirements. Many of Disney's Java-based applications, such as our Java-based painting engine, are so sluggish in this version of the Java VM, that people find them unusable. Although other Java VMs for the Macintosh run faster, Netscape Navigator 3.x does not allow for the use of any third-party Java VM. The fix for this problem is in Netscape Navigator 4.0, which is scheduled to ship later this quarter.

This Boy's Got Time On His Hands (Cool Home Automation)

• Every day after work, I come home and say "Computer, I'm home", which turns on the living room and hall lights, air conditioner, and stereo system, says "Welcome home" (through my stereo system), speaks a summary of who has called during the day, then dials the modem, checks for new e-mail messages, and speaks a summary of who has sent me e-mail during the day.
• Here's how it works:
  • - A caller-ID-capable modem and a $20 shareware program called MacCallerID integrates any Macintosh into your telephone system. Just plug the modem in normally, and MacCallerID displays the caller ID information on screen. It's also scriptable, and with Apple's Plaintalk Text-To-Speech and Applescript technologies (both part of the MacOS), my computer can speak in plain English and give me a summary of who has called and when.
  • - A $5 RCA cable integrates any Macintosh with A/V ports into your stereo system -- I just plugged the RCA cable into the audio out port on my PowerMac 8500 and into an input port on my amplifier.
  • Eudora Light is a free e-mail program which is scriptable, enabling me to get information about each message through Applescript and then speak the information I want.
  • - A $50 X-10 controller and some $10-$15 X-10 receiver integrates any Macintosh with all your lights and appliances. The controller, which plugs into the printer or modem port, sends infrared signals to the receivers to turn the lights/appliances on or off. (No special wiring is required; plug the appliance into the X-10 receiver and plug the X-10 receiver into the wall.) A $10 shareware scripting addition lets me write Applescripts to control the controller, and with Apple's Speech Recognition (free), I can come into my apartment and say "Computer, lights" to run a script to turn on the lights, or in this case, "Computer, I'm home" to turn on several things at once and say "Welcome home."
• Total cost: the Mac, modem, and stereo I already had, caller ID service from my local phone company, and about $125 of hardware and software. And it all works flawlessly; I never expected anything less.
• f8dy

Speed Doubler

• Speed Doubler 2.0.3 (US) has been released. This new update for Speed Doubler 2 includes several important fixes (especially for Faster File Copying and Synchronize). All Speed Doubler 2 users are strongly encouraged to download and run this update. [or via MacUser files]
• Connectix
•  
• [Editor - Everyone by now knows that when you first got a PPC machine, SpeedDoubler was great, living up to its name with astonishing stability, mainly by offering a better 680x0 emulation. But now, more and more of the system is native, and more of your apps are native. And is version 2.0 really an improvement?]
• Even with 7.6, much of the MacOS still runs in 680x0 emulation, so even if most of your apps are now native, you will continue to experience performance gains.
• However, that only amounts to about 9% overall improvement, and that is no faster than SpeedDoubler 1.3.1!
• Mostly, version 2.0 speeds the network, though you must have it on both machines to see a 'dramatic' change.
• It previously improved Finder copying speed, but Apple has since improved the Finder to about the same level.
• The new 'security erase' [available on lots of other programs anyway] just didn't work.
• The installer is still fast, and now the whole package is in a single extension. Configuration is done by a control panel.
• Ultimately, MacWorld conceded that if you do a lot of network copying, the upgrade is worth the price.
• MacWorld 9705.

CyberDog 2.0 - The Real Thing Not a Beta

• Apple Computer, Inc. has announced availability of Cyberdog 2.0, which is expected to be included with the Mac OS 8 release later this year. Cyberdog 2.0 integrates the following Internet components into one suite: Email Web browser Telnet, FTP, and Gopher browser AppleTalk network browser Notebook Log file Newsreader. Cyberdog also includes DocBuilder, an OpenDoc application that lets anyone quickly and easily create their own customized dashboards to Internet or intranet information, providing users with one-click access to websites, email, newsgroups, or other resources.
• Cyberdog 2.0 offers significantly faster performance throughout the product, particularly in displaying web pages and emails, and in switching between its different components. User interface improvements and more consistent preference settings also enhance the user experience.
• Email support including
  • text,
  • graphics,
  • enclosures,
  • live links (URLs, FTP etc.)
  • Fast full-text search over email
  • Ability to handle multiple email accounts
  • Multiple email trays
  • handlers for automatic sorting
• Other features
  • Imports information from other applications (other email and addresses, Netscape bookmarks)
  • Seamless changes between web, Gopher, and FTP browsing
  • Support for Netscape plug-ins
  • Logging of the last 100 sites visited (Log can be viewed three ways and searched)
  • Storage of links (URLs, FTP, AppleTalk server, etc.), email addresses, and aliases to local and network files and folders in Notebooks
  • Organization of information in multiple notebooks
  • Creation of Internet applications in DocBuilders (includes CyberDocuments)
  • Viewers for all major types of media (PICT, JPEG, GIF, TIFF, .WAV, .AIFF, and more)
  • Support for all Internet protocols (FTP, Gopher, SMTP/POP3, etc.)
• Cyberdog 2.0 requires
  • System 7.5.3;
  • a minimum of 8MB of RAM with virtual memory on (16MB or more RAM recommended if not using virtual memory);
  • a minimum 9600bps modem (28.8Kbps recommended) or a connection to a local area network with an existing Internet connection;
  • a minimum of 8MB of available hard disk space;
  • OpenDoc version 1.2

More Marathon Maps - Morgana's Revenge

• Santa Clara, Calif. --April 3, 1997-- The Marathon Map Makers Guild announces the release of Excalibur: Morgana's Revenge.
• In this sequel to the MMMG's first scenario Devil in a Blue Dress, E:MG brings you the Marathon thrill of your life. Battle Morgana's minions across time and space, wielding weapons and encountering characters true to each era.
• E:MG features all new textures, sounds, physics, graphics, storyline, maps, and an awesome new suite of musical scores capturing the atmosphere of each time period. This new story, spread across 30 solo levels, weaves a tale of truth and honor, knighthood and bravery, darkness and treachery. E:MG also delivers a brand new player sprite and 20 unique network levels allowing you to challenge your friends in environments ranging from untamed raptor-infested jungles, to castle arenas, to war-torn streets of the future.

Web Translation Service

• Systran Software Translation Page - type in the URL of any given page and Voila!: you'll see a translation of that page into your language of choice. French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, and German are included. Though it sometimes takes a few minutes, the results are worth the wait.
• Yahoo!'s Picks of the Week (April 28, 1997)

Kids Make Useful Site - Animated Knot Lessons

• Boy Scout Troop 9 of Billings, Montana, has very kindly put together a site titled Learn to Tie These Knots, which--well, we don't need to tell you what the site does, by now it should be obvious. Thanks to Troop 9, the knot-tying techniques are presented here via animated GIF. So, whether you're unsure of the Sheep Shank or tentative towards the Timber Hitch, visit this site and never again say "To be or knot to be, that is the Clove Hitch."
• Yahoo!'s Picks of the Week (April 28, 1997)

SoundApp 2.3

• SoundApp 2.3 is a PowerPC native freeware sound player and converter for the Macintosh. It requires at least System 7.0, Apple's Sound Manager 3.1 or greater, the Drag Manager (aka Macintosh Drag and Drop, part of System 7.5) and at least a Macintosh with a 68020 or a Power Macintosh. QuickTime 2.0 or greater is required to manipulate QuickTime movies.
• SoundApp can play or convert files dropped onto it in a variety of formats. In addition, it supports Play Lists which are lists of sound files that can be saved for later usage. Files in a Play List can be played or converted as a group or individually. SoundApp supports a randomized shuffle playback mode and repeated playback of Play Lists."

How To Make An Empty Font Suitcase

• All you need to do is create a file with a resource fork and change its type and creator to FFIL/DMOV.
• Nicholas Riley - Web Support Staff
•  
• An Applescript to do so:

  tell application "Finder"

  set nameoffont to {name:"Empty Font"}

  set fontFolder to (path to system folder as string) & "Fonts"

  make suitcase with properties nameoffont at folder fontFolder

  end tell

• John Delacour
•  
• An Apple event to do so (from OneClick)

  Process("Finder").SendAE "core,crel,kocl:type(fsut), insh:obj {form:prop, want:type(prop), seld:type(sdsk), from:'null'()}, &subj:'null'()"

• Reinhold Penner

Mac OS 7.6.1 Update - 54xx/64xx Level 2 Cache Reset

• A software update for Mac OS 7.6.1, called 54xx/64xx Level 2 Cache Reset, fixes a bug that occurs after installing Mac OS 7.6.1 on Power Macintosh computers or compatibles that are based on Alchemy logic boards with L2 caches. These models include the Performa 6360 and Power Macintosh 5400 and 6400 series, as well as Power Computing's PowerBase series and UMAX Computer's SuperMac C600 and C500 lines. The free update reenables the cache and improves performance on affected computers.

Mac OS Runtime for Java 1.0.2

• "MRJ 1.0.2 (Mac OS Runtime for Java) 'fixes a bug found in MRJ 1.0.1 where full Java applications that created documents sometimes failed to save.' It's available from a download page and from the FTP server. A 1.0.2 version of the developer's kit is due later this week."
• MacInTouch

PPC 604 Optimized for Java

• Hans Wildenberge, director of Motorola Semiconductors, says Motorola plans a customized 604, optimized for Java. This would compete with Sun's Java chip set, announced in late 1996.
• MacWorld 9703

Just This One Network Toy Article - Re Java

• Sun Microsystems will be trying to sell a toy network computer, which they refer to as a 'thin client network computer'. It will be called JavaStation, and the OS will apparently be all Java. Apple is said to be combining OpenDoc and Java for a Pippin OS.
• MacWorld 9703

Claris Organizer - Cool Feature!

• Claris Organizer provides attachability for AppleScript scripts to custom fields. So, you can, for instance, use Organizer to send instructions to Eudora to start a new email message with the proper address and whatever else.

TalkCity - Online User's Group

• TalkCity, an online community has recently opened a new channel called #MacTalk on www.talkcity.com (IRC address chat.talkcity.com Port 6667, Port 7000 for AOL users)
• They are open EVERYNIGHT from 8pm to 10pm PST(11pm to 1am EST) to answer all of your Mac based questions. They also welcome anyone wanting to share insights they have learned from the hands on use of their computers.
• Mark a. Russ
• [Editor - MUGORs is still not redundant. Never mind the physical archives we maintain, try to get TalkCity to get volunteers to work!]

Internet Printing Service

• Adobe promises that PostScript 3 will essentially permit a printer to serve its own web page, and be accessible that way, obviously cross-platform, over the internet or intranets.
• Tektronix and Hewlett-Packard have already announced comparable products.
• MacWorld 9703

Race In Progress

• Well, I just joined the RSA Secret Key challenge as requested by a few Evangelistas (MACWAY Digest 738- Followup - RSA Secret Key Challenge Effort) by downloading the mac client and firing away!
• [Editor - This is an attempt to break a security code by sheer power, dividing the task among many computers. It keeps track of each computer's speed.]
• I've got the top MacOS entry on the list (#6- at least for the moment ;) But even more interesting were a few other stats gleaned from their "active machines" list:
  • 1- The three fastest computers are multiprocessing machines running different flavors of Unix, from a 4-processor Sun UltraSparc Station with 4-167mhz chips running Solaris, to an Intel Pentium Pro with 2-166mhz chips running under FreeBSD, a freeware Unix OS.
  • 2- The fastest single-processor machine? A Mac 7300/200 running BeOS. Number 4 on the list.
  • 3- Mac's hold 5 of the top ten spots (including the BeOS machine).
  • 4- Windows holds one spot in the top 20. A Compaq Pentium Pro 200 running Windows NT 4.0 Server clocks in at #14.
  • 5- Win 95? The "OS of the Nineties" (as the the San Francisco Chronicle calls it) makes it's illustrious debut at #29 on a Pentium Pro 200.
  • 6- MacOS 8 (VERY alpha) makes a couple sneaky but impressive cameo appearances.The first is on a 150mhz 604 Mac, clocking in at #37, just ahead of a dual Pentium 133 Unix station, and a Sun Ultra Sparc Station. The next is on a 120mhz 603 (!) at #51, surrounded by 180 and 200mhz Win 95 systems, and ahead of other Macs on much faster chips. This looks VERY promising!
• Check out the stats!
• glenn

IBM Manufactured Powerbook - The 'Comet' (2400)

• "Apple has agreed to allow IBM to handle the production and marketing of the PowerBook 2400 (Code-named Comet) which will be released on the 12th of this month, according to industry sources. The subnotebook child of the PowerBook Duo, the PB 2400 will weigh just under five pounds and feature an external floppy drive which can be hot-swapped with a CD-ROM, ZIP, or other removable drive."
• Mac OS Rumours
• "Apple will introduce the IBM-manufactured Comet on May 12, and for the first month will offer the system only in Japan. The ultraportable, powered by a 200-MHz PowerPC 603e processor, weighs less than five pounds and will be priced at more than $3,000. A source familiar with the product says it combines the sleek, ultraportable design of IBM's ThinkPad 560 with the familiar look of Apple's PowerBook."
• TechWeb article
• "The 2400 is slick, slick, slick! Curvier than the old Duo line and about half the avoirdupois of the 3400c, the unit I tested had a 200-MHz 603e (anything from a 180- to a 250-MHz 603e should be accommodated), 32 Mbytes of RAM, a 2-Gbyte hard disk, SCSI port, serial port, trackpad, sharp-as-a-tack active-matrix color screen, two PC Card slots, a dongle-capable floppy drive, and a nickel-metal-hydride battery that gives four hours when used intelligently (a lithium-ion would give even more). At a hinted price of $2,995, I want one right now!"
• Don Crabb of MacWeek
•  
• CUPERTINO, Calif. -- May 8, 1997 -- Apple Computer, Inc., today announced the Macintosh PowerBook 2400c notebook computer.
  • The smallest, lightest system running the Mac OS today [Editor - i.e., not counting the Duo. That's called 'spin'.], the PowerBook 2400c weighs just 4.4 pounds
  • 180MHz 603e PowerPC processor
  • full range of built-in ports
  • Apple, along with subsidiary, Apple Japan, collaborated with IBM Japan to develop the PowerBook 2400c. The notebook is manufactured for Apple by IBM Japan's Yamato Lab. Though designed for Japanese customers, it will be sold in North America.
  • 256K of level two cache
  • measures just 10.5-by-8.4-by-1.9 inches
  • built-in acceleration for scrolling and graphics
  • no media bays [Editor - Apple refers to this as 'shedding itself of ...'. More spin.]
  • lithium-ion battery
  • high-resolution active-matrix 10.4-inch diagonal color display
  • two PC Card slots
  • 1.3GB IDE hard drive
  • Ram - built-in 16 MB up to 48MB when third-party solutions become available.
  • built-in ports include, serial, SCSI, ADB, 16-bit video-out, IrTalk/IrDA for wireless file sharing, 16-bit stereo sound in/out, and an external floppy drive connector.
  • comes configured with
    • Mac OS 7.6
    • ClarisWorks
    • Apple Remote Access
    • Apple Location Manager
    • Apple Internet Connection Kit
      • Netscape Navigator 3.0
      • Claris Emailer Lite
      • Fetch
      • NCSA Telenet
      • NewsWatcher
    • Etc. [Editor - The Press Release also lists a bunch of 7.6 items as though they were additional value.]
    • The pre-installed software will also be available with the unit on CD disk.
  • the second PCI-based PowerBook to be introduced by Apple
  • one configuration
  • expected to be available in Japan by the end of May, with availability in the US expected by the end of July.
  • estimated retail price for the PowerBook 2400c is expected to be approximately US $3,500
• Apple PR
•  
• Unlike its predecessor, the PowerBook Duo, the 2400 includes a disk drive. The drive is externally mounted, and can be swapped with a CD-ROM or DVD drive on-the-fly.
• Mac OS Rumours
•  
• The keyboard is smaller than standard.
• TidBITS#379/12-May-97

Exponential Problems? - More Apple Vaporware?

• "EETimes is reporting Exponential Technology problems with its high-speed PowerPC processors and raises questions about the company's future."
• MacInTouch
• "Things are becoming increasingly grim for Exponential Technologies, makers of the x704 PowerPC processor. The company's main funder, Apple, may pull the plug on the x704, due to its far-slower-than-expected performance of 400mhz. At the currently predicted price point, the Apple-IBM-Motorola PowerPC Alliance's G3-series chips will be beating the stuffing out of Exponential's line before Summer is out. Unless Apple changes its mind soon, the x704 may not reach market in a single Mac."
• Mac OS Rumours
• TechWeb Article

G3 Chip News

• The next PPC chip (ignoring Exponential) is the G3. It was unveiled to engineers in February, and should ship by mid 1997.
• There will be two versions. One will have the same number of connections ('pinouts') as 603e's and 604e's, for easy upgradability. The other will have more, to use a high speed cache, and will include an on-chip L2 cache controller that can go up to 1mb, two way. So, the G3 can directly access the cache, whether it is on the motherboard or the CPU card, at speeds up to 150 mhz. Today, it is limited to bus speed, which is between 33 and 50 mhz.
• The 604e already uses Dynamic Branch Prediction, to try to follow instructions in the most efficient order. It will still do that. G3 will add a buffer though, so if the prediction is correct, the next instructions will be immediately available.
• At 250 mhz, it runs at 5 watts. A 200 mhz PPC uses 19.5w, a 200 mhz Pentium uses 15.7 and a 200 mhz Pentium for notebooks uses 7.8w.
• Circuits are 0.25 microns (millionths of a metre). Previous PPCs and current Pentiums, were 0.35 microns.
• The smaller size permits higher speed so expect higher mhz ratings.
• It was designed for multi-processing, but just with 2 CPUs. It can handle more, but will require special control circuitry.
• It is optimized for integer based applications. The 604e will actually be better at FPU than the G3. They intend the G3 for general use, but to continue to promote the 604e for multi-processing and scientific workstations. The 603e will remain the cheapest PPC to manufacture, so it will not die yet either.
• MacWorld 9507

MacWorld Questions MacOS License

• In November, the Motorola Computer Group (MCG) signed up PowerTools, which uses the Infiniti label. When it began, it didn't have its own phone system or order processing, but rented from Bottom Line Distribution. It has announced numerous accelerator products that never shipped. It doesn't have in-house engineers. It was not responsive to MacWorld inquiries.
• MacWorld 9507

Math Bug - Pentium Pro and Pentium II

• "It would appear that there may be a bug in the floating point unit of the new Pentium II Processor, as well as the current Pentium Pro Processor. Is it real? Is itserious? It appears to be real. The observed behavior contradicts the IEEE Floating Point Specifications, and Intel's printed documentation."
• Intel Secrets - Math Bug Page

PointCast Network for Mac OS v1.0.1 (PPC-only)

• PointCast Incorporated, the leader in broadcast news over the Internet and corporate intranets, is pleased to announce the availability of the PointCast Network for Mac OS v1.0.1 (PPC-only).
• This new version adds six new channels to PointCast's existing line-up of 14 channels, which already include: CNN, Wired, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and many more.
• The six new channels in 1.0.1 are:
  • * The Wall Street Journal - Articles and featured columns from the world's leading financial newspaper.
  • * Pathfinder - Daily news coverage from Time Daily, Money Daily, People Online, Fortune Business Report and the Netly News.
  • * TechWeb - The latest technology news from the single source you can trust.
  • * Chicago Tribune - Front page, sports, local news, columnists and features from one of the nation's largest daily newspapers.
  • * Star Tribune - Top news from the Star Tribune, Minnesota's largest newspaper.
  • * Philadelphia Online - News, sports and business coverage every day from the pages of two outstanding newspapers, the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News.
• Version 1.0.1 also adds a new Control Strip module which allows viewers to start and stop content updates, and activate PointCast's patent-pending SmartScreens (tm), all directly from the Finder.
• PointCast Network for Mac OS is free to download, and free to use.
• Note to existing viewers: If you are currently using version 1.0, you don't need to download version 1.0.1. You will receive the upgrade kit automatically, through our Automatic Upgrade feature.
• Tony Gentile

Suggestion Box For New System

• "Apple is still hosting a MacOS/Rhapsody 'Suggestion Box' where you can make your ideas on what Tempo, Allegro, Sonata, and both of the planned Rhapsody releases should include."
• Mac OS Rumours

OpenDoc and AppleScript

• Normal OpenDoc documents can have their dictionaries viewed by dropping a RUNNING document onto the RUNNING Script Editor icon. This is due to the fact that the old AppleScript doesn't understand the new OpenDoc way of documents as applications.
• CyberDog doesn't have a dictionary. It only supports the GetURL event, which is normally defined as =ABevent GURLGURL=BB because there's no terminology for it.
• Jon Pugh [editor - this guy is an AppleScript guru!]
•  
• [Editor - But apparently not a Cyberdog one.]
• Cyberdog does have a dictionary. It is located both in the Cyberdog Editors and in the Cyberdog application. Cyberdog 1.2 has better support for GetURL and adds support for a few events from the Spyglass suite.
• Jeff Moore - Cyberdog engineer At Dreaming

FreePPP 2.5v3 Patcher

• Steve Dagley and the FreePPP Group have released a 36K patcher program that updates the FreePPP 2.5v2 extension to 2.5v3. It fixes a nasty bug that has long been lurking in the original MacPPP code. In situations of heavy load, this bug could cause FreePPP to crash or hang. If you use FreePPP 2.5v2, you should update your copy. [ACE]
• TidBITS#375/14-Apr-97

Emailer 2.0 Available

• Last week, Claris released Emailer 2.0, sporting a revamped interface and a handful of new landmark features. The most important change is that Emailer now stores messages in database form (rather than as separate files) which greatly reduces disk space overhead in comparison to storing messages as individual files. Emailer's Mail Actions are more robust and offer extended filtering options, and Emailer now supports hierarchical File Cabinet folders. If you upgrade from an earlier version, ensure that your existing mail converts properly by reading the installation instructions carefully. Claris has posted a 4 MB trial version of Emailer 2.0. Claris -- 800/544-8554 [JLC]
• TidBITS#375/14-Apr-97

Eudora 3.1 Available

• Qualcomm released version 3.1 of Eudora Light and Eudora Pro. The main new feature in both versions is a hierarchical Mailboxes window that provides a target for drag & drop of messages, quick access to mailboxes, and easy manipulation of your mailbox hierarchy. Eudora Pro 3.1 also features a toolbar that simplifies adding styled text to messages, support for displaying attached graphics within a message window, and "personalities." Personalities enable a single copy of Eudora Pro to send and receive mail on multiple Internet email accounts, which is ideal for those of us with lots of accounts. People who share a copy of Eudora Pro will still want to keep separate Eudora Folders with separately configured Eudora Settings files.
• The update for Eudora Pro is free, and Eudora Light remains completely free. The Eudora Pro updater is 1.7 MB, and Eudora Light 3.1 is 2 MB. [ACE]
• TidBITS#375/14-Apr-97

'Crack A Mac' challenge Results

• **Crack Proof** -- In TidBITS-365_, we noted the two-month "Crack A Mac" challenge being held in Sweden, offering a cash prize to anyone able to change the contents of a Web page running on a standard Mac OS Web server. The prize money eventually rose to over U.S. $13,000, but no one claimed the prize by the contest deadline of 10-Apr-97 - though not for lack of trying! The challenge's coordinators have posted a summary of the contest results and various break-in attempts made on the contest server, including some clever (and amusing) social-engineering attempts to make the contest coordinators to change the Web page themselves. [GD]
• TidBITS#375/14-Apr-97

Software Publishing Association Badly Goofs

• Software Publishing Association (SPA) tracks software sales on a regular basis and reported last year that Macintosh software sales in 1995 were down roughly 14 percent. However, the SPA releases sales figures for a given year twice - a preliminary set about three months into the next year, and a final set a year later. That 14 percent drop came from preliminary figures for 1995; now that 1996 is over, the SPA has released the final numbers for 1995, which show that Macintosh software sales were in fact up 24 percent.
• The recent announcement from the SPA compares preliminary 1996 numbers to the new, final 1995 numbers. The comparison shows what you'll read in the major press coverage of these results - a drop of 24 percent in sales for 1996.
• [Tidbits suggests comparing Apples to Apples: i.e., prelim results to prelim results, and final to final. If so, 1996 would show a modest rise. Even so, it isn't good news, because Windows is growing even faster, and therefore taking away market share.]
• TidBITS#375/14-Apr-97

Apple Posts $708 Million Loss

• "...The folks at Apple found themselves staring at a $708 million quarterly loss, the second worst showing in Apple's history. The bulk of the loss comes from Apple's $375 million purchase of NeXT Software and a $155 million charge to cover "restructuring activities."
• Although the numbers sound intimidating, especially since the company's deep reserve pockets are now significantly shallower, the press hasn't jumped back on the "Apple is dead" bandwagon that keeps rolling along Infinite Loop. This may be due to several elements that support a gradual success of the company's restructuring plans: operating expenses were down $32 million from last quarter, and down $65 million from the same quarter last year; business sales climbed 35 percent over the first quarter; and PowerBook sales accounted for 22 percent of total revenue, up from 10 percent. [JLC]
• TidBITS#376/21-Apr-97

TidBits Reviews OnLine Army Knife (OAK)

• "Late last year, I reviewed Casady & Greene's Spell Catcher
• "OAK aims to provide spell checking and other services.... Additionally, in Swiss-Army Knife-style, OAK piles on additional features: grammar checking, playing a QuickTime movie, opening GIF, PICT, or JPEG graphics (and optionally converting them to a variety of formats including EPS and TIFF), opening and converting among WAV, SND, and AIFF sounds (plus a basic sound recording feature), encrypting text (encrypted text can be decrypted by anyone owning OAK or the OAK decrypter), and removing high-ASCII characters like curly quotes that can be messed up when sent over the Internet.
• I won't deny the potential uses of any of these features, but OAK put itself on my list of must-have utilities after I experienced its most important feature - batch spell checking...OAK responds by listing possible errors in the Batch Processing dialog box. If a mistake occurs more than once, OAK only lists it once. Then you first select words to ignore, then words to learn, then proceed to correct the rest, in a more traditional spell checking window, which can be driven completely from the keyboard. Unfortunately, when OAK pastes text into a document after a spelling check, styles and formatting tend to disappear. In my testing, serious loss-of-formatting problems arose after an OAK spell check in Word 5.1, Nisus 4.1 and 5.0, WriteNow 3.0, and WordPerfect 3.5. However, OAK and Word 6.0 got along well for the styles and formats I tested. JEM Software may add Word Services support to a future OAK version, which might help avoid this problem. Further, their real-time spelling checker doesn't suffer formatting problems.
• The batch checker ignores email addresses and Web URLs, but the real-time checker flags pieces of them that it doesn't understand.
• Future versions of OAK should feature an interface for turning OAK off in applications where it's not wanted. [ i.e., it doesn't yet!]
• The glossary does not come preconfigured with entries for common typos and their corrections, but it's easy to generate a custom set of typos quickly if you pay attention and use the Glossary button in the Unknowns & Suggestions windoid. Also, the folks at JEM Software have pointed out that the transposition fixer eliminates many common typos.
• Stores keystrokes so you can rescue data in the event of a crash.
• Enables you to launch programs with a keyboard shortcut and set up a schedule for your Mac to launch programs on its own automatically.
• There's also a grammar checker that will be mainly of use to people having trouble with common usage rules. Most grammar checkers offer a haystack of inappropriate suggestions, making it hard to focus on the few needles that point to important problems. OAK's grammar checker flags words in a document that match its list of 25 commonly confused word pairs (pairs range from simple ones like "your" and "you're" to the less common "stationery" and "stationary"). When OAK flags a word, it notes a possible error and gives information about proper usage for each word in the pair, often with a tip for remembering the information. You can keep your word choice or exchange it for the other word in the pair. You can easily remove pairs from the grammar checker or add your own.
• Additionally, Online Army Knife comes with MemoEdit, a text editor intended to replace Simple Text for basic text editing needs. On top of SimpleText's basic functionality, it has a simple Find and Replace command and a sleek color selector (for coloring text) where you wave your mouse around on a multi-colored field, and watch the RGB numbers posted beneath the field update correspondingly.
• Spell Catcher Comparison:
  • Spell Catcher has no clue about URLs
  • Spell Catcher's Interactive Checking performance was noticeably slow in ClarisWorks 4.04 and NisusWriter 4.1
  • Unlike OAK's all-or-nothing approach, Spell Catcher's features start turned off and you turn them on as needed on a per-application basis.
  • It comes with a thesaurus, but not a grammar checker.
  • Spell Catcher's Ghostwriter feature helpfully organizes saved keystrokes by day and application.
  • Comes with numerous dictionary options for different languages and professions
  • OAK's glossary accepts far longer entries than Spell Catcher's somewhat grudging 255 characters.
  • OAK comes with tons of other frills and utilities that add to its overall value.
  • the OAK glossary can import a Spell Catcher/Thunder 7 glossary
  • Spell Catcher/Thunder 7 owners can crossgrade for $49.95
• The suggested retail price is $128; direct orders placed before 01-Jul-97 cost $69.95. A seven-day demo is available on JEM's Web site; the download is sized at about 1 MB. Email JEM. - 800/335-0935 (orders through Ariel Publishing), 303/422-4856 (fax)
• TidBITS#376/21-Apr-97

Info-Mac Back Online

• After a longer-than-expected hiatus, the Info-Mac archive is up and running at its new home. Unlike the old sumex-aim archive, the new Info-Mac location is not available for anonymous FTP; instead, Info-Mac users need to access the archive using one of the dozens of mirror sites around the world (including the Info-Mac HyperArchive at MIT, AOL's Info-Mac mirror, the selective mirror at TidBITS' FTP site, among many others).
• The Info-Mac Digest has resumed mailing and posts to the <comp.sys.mac.digest> newsgroup, and the Info-Mac moderators have worked their way through most of the backlog of new file submissions. If you need information about the Info-Mac archive or mailing list, check out their Web site (most of which has been updated to reflect Info-Mac's new home). Special thanks go to the assiduous efforts of all-volunteer Info-Mac moderators for making this substantial transition as painless as possible. [GD]
• TidBITS#376/21-Apr-97

WWW Shortcut Caution & New Tip

• [After reminding readers to try just the company name, since most browsers are smart enough to deduce that 'tidbits' means 'http://www.tidbits.com']
• Typing "tidbits" in a browser's Address/Location field actually first tries to set up a connection with a machine called "tidbits" within your current domain (such as "tidbits.company.com"). If you're using a stand-alone Mac, this isn't a problem: the Web browser fails to find that machine, then tries "www.tidbits.com." However, if you're on a corporate or organizational intranet, you might see different behavior. For instance, if there really is a machine called "tidbits" within your intranet, your browser will connect to it rather than TidBITS' Web site. Also, if your intranet is large (or slow), merely searching the network for a local machine can take quite a bit of time. A few readers reported their browsers frequently time out before they're done looking for a machine on their corporate intranets, so they always use bookmarks (or type in longer forms of a site's domain name) to access external Internet sites.
• If you're using Open Transport, you can change how Internet applications look for sites. At the lower right of the TCP/IP control panel, you'll see a field labeled Search domains (or Additional Search domains, if the control panel is in Advanced mode - you can select User Mode from the Edit menu to change modes). In this field, you can enter other Internet domains you'd like your Mac to treat as if they were on your local network.
• For example, I access the Internet from the domain quibble.com. However, I've also entered tidbits.com as an additional search domain, so I don't have to type it out to access any of TidBITS Internet servers. I can access TidBITS' Web site by typing "king" in the Address/Location field, since the machine www.tidbits.com also goes by the name king.tidbits.com. This technique works so long as none of TidBITS' machines have the same names as machines within my quibble.com domain - if I type "www" my browser will preferentially connect to my (currently unexciting) Web server at www.quibble.com.
• Open Transport's additional search domains can be confusing; for instance, Internet sites you access using these additional search domain appear as if they're on your local network, so the full URL in the example above appears as "http://king/", which isn't what you'd want to cut and paste into an email message to someone on a non-local network. Additional search domains can also be slow if you add large domains (like apple.com) or slow domains. However, once you get used to them, many people find additional domains helpful, and they work with any Internet application - including Anarchie, Fetch, and Cyberdog - not just the major Web browsers.
• TidBITS#378/05-May-97

Dictation - Whoa, That's Expensive!

• Dragon PowerSecretary 2.0.7 was recently released and claims to be the only speech recognition dictation solution for the MAC OS.The price was cut by 2/3 but is still horrendous. Why? Apple has offered speech translation in the system! What's so hard?
• The two versions being offered at a discount are:
  • POWERSECRETARY POWER EDITION.
    • Designed to work with any standard Macintosh application as well as support custom software
    • supports up to 60,000 active words and 120,000 word backup vocabulary
    • allows you to dictate text at speeds comparable to a trained typist
    • voice macros and AppleScript further increases the speed
    • reduced from $1,995 to $695 plus the additional DISCOUNT being offered exclusively during the month of May to evangelist members.
  • POWERSECRETARY MED EDITION.
    • specifically designed for healthcare professionals
    • 180,000 word backup vocabulary with medical terms, phrases, abbreviations, and proper names not found in the standard dictionary.
    • reduced from $2,495 to $995 plus the DISCOUNT.
• Required
  • System >= 7.5
  • CPU >=68040. That's right, not even 68030!
  • 16-bit sound (either PPC or AV version or special NuBus Sound card)
  • 24 MB of RAM.
  • 25 MB HD space for the Power Edition and 40 MB for the MED Edition.
• Richardson Resource Group - (800) 338-5831. Mention the EvangeList to receive the DISCOUNT. This offer expires May 31, 1997.
• Dragon Systems, Inc.

OpenTransport 1.2 Beta

• "Open Transport 1.2, now in beta testing and due with Mac OS 8 this summer, reportedly includes fixes for the following problems, among others:
  • Ping of Death
  • SYN attacks
  • timing problems now addressed by the OTSlow (9K) patch
  • unload problems now addressed by AOL's OpenOT patch
  • 'port busy' with Global Village PC Card modems & OT/PPP 1.0
  • AppleShare load problems"
• MacInTouch

HTML 3.2 Standard

• Notwithstanding the version number, 3.2 is only the second HTML recommendation formalized by the World Wide Web Consortium's (W3C) Editorial Review Board. Most of its changes are already in wide-spread use. Since their criteria is broad deployment, and interoperability on various platforms, that is no surprise.
• Both this version, and the previously formalized 2.0 are greatly pared down from the specification 3.0 proposed back in early 1995.
• Anyway, the following are in:
  • tables
  • font size and colour
  • tag for embedding java applets
  • text wrap around images
  • client side image maps
• And the following were surprisingly omitted (for now at least):
  • frames
  • object tags for embedding multimedia
  • style sheets
  • scripting
  • rich tables
• MacWorld 9705

PowerMac 9600/200

• MacWorld likes the design. First, you flip down the left side and swing out the power supply, for easy access. Second, it turns in the best performance of any 200 mhz machine! However, they complain that the soldered-on 512k cache is 'anemic' and not upgradable. Otherwise, it is upgrade-oriented.
• MacWorld 9705

SuperCard 3.0

• [Editor - You may recall the puffery about Hypercard, and there are still those that love it. If you could index the fields and design layouts, I would love it. The object oriented design and friendly, powerful language are great.]
• Supercard was intended to be Hypercard on steroids. Version 3.0 just came out. Further, it has published a plug-in for web browsers called Roadster, so that Supercard stacks may be played on the web.
• However, it doesn't appear that the browser emulation mode is completely reliable and it is not yet available for Windows.
• MacWorld 9705.

MYOB Accounting v.7.0

• MacWorld 9705 says v.7 offers locking of months, passwords for each screen, an option for unchangeable records (i.e., need an actual reversal), a link to timeslips, excellent payroll and inventory. Still no simultaneous multi-user capability.
• MacWorld 9703 says that it will let you set credit terms on a per customer basis.

Wingz 2.1

• Wingz is a spreadsheet which was promoted for a time, then was the engine in Claris Resolve, then disappeared. Now it's back.
• Unlike Excel, although available on Windows, Wingz is still Mac-like, and runs well on the Mac.
• The basic package contains the Hyperscript 1.1 Toolkit. [Editor - if that is the same Hyperscript as used in Hypercard and Supercard, then I'm interested!].
• You can spend another $1495US to get the Extended Developer's Toolkit, which offers heavy-duty tools for links to large scale databases.
• Investment Intelligence Systems

Share IP Addresses

• Farallon Communications new Netopia ISDN SO-Smart Routers will let all machines on a LAN share a single IP address. Model 635, routing IP and IPX should be about $850US, and Model 435, routing IP, IPX and AppleTalk should be about $1099.
• [Editor - There's an opportunity for a smart commercial landlord!]
• MacWorld 9703

New FWB Disk Utilities

• Turbo Toolkit 1.0 has 3 extensions. TurboDisk continuously defragments the drive in the background. TurboRead buffers frequently used data blocks (caches them), and TurboBoot caches extensions to speed start up. A review in the same issue however, reports that TurboBoot is actually slower if RamDoubler is installed, and the improvement even without RamDoubler, is well below 25%. TurboDisk must be run from another startup volume, which can't be a bootable CD or floppy (though that is to be fixed). TurboRead offers a savings of seconds in hours at best, and MacWorld couldn't detect any improvement.
• RAID Toolkit now supports warm-swapping removable canisters, drag and drop management, more than 800 devices, and either RAID 0 or RAID 1 formats.
• FWB
• MacWorld 9703

Mac File Sharing on Windows LANS - Dave

• The easy way for you is to get the Windows NT server's administrator to install and configure its AppleShare Server component. Sometimes they won't. If so, then Thursby Software's Dave 1.0 can be installed on your Mac. It won't serve files, but you can put files on the server, which then serves them.
• It relies in part on the built-in PC Exchange.
• Its ability to share files over the internet surpasses even current AppleShare capabilities.
• It gets 4 stars.
• MacWorld 9705

New Word Processor - Mariner Write 1.3

• 990k disk, 1250 ram, 10 levels undo, kerning, split windows, Worldscript, text-wrap around graphics, drag and drop.
• Good import/export.
• AppleScript support, and even a menu that lists worthwhile AppleScript commands.
• No tables, envelope printing, thesaurus, mail merge, format searching, dynamic columns, multiple headers.
• $70US Mariner Software
• MacWorld 9703

Fuzzy Logic - Analytica

• In most decisions, there are many unknowns. In our heads, we roughly assess each with probabilities of outcome, then roughly try to assess the overall probabilities. Spreadsheets help by letting us play with numbers one at a time. Frankly, we're bad at it, and computers are worse.
• Analytica from Decisioneering, is built for making mathematical projections based on probability distributions for multiple factors.
• MacWorld 9703

Software Synthesizer

• Normally, if you wanted to make music on the Mac, you bought, among other things, a hardware synthesizer, costing about $2,500US. InVision offers a software version called CyberSound Studio 2.0 for $99US. It even comes with a keyboard!
• The interface is still rugged, the keyboard is miniaturized and not touch sensitive, and it has a 'latency problem'. The sound doesn't play till a split second after you hit the key.
• So, it's promising, but not quite there.
• MacWorld 9705

MacWorld Likes Virex 5.7

• Virex 5.7 from DataWatch is out.
• It's performance problems are over. It's faster and more stable than SAM 4.5.
• It will automatically check downloaded files, unlike VirusScan or Dr. Solomon's AntiVirus Toolkit.
• It has the largest range of virus detection features.
• "Virex returns to the top tier..."
• MacWorld 9705

SCSI v. EIDE

• EIDE is cheaper, about half as much per drive as SCSI, mainly because of the size of the EIDE market. But, they are typically slower (in revs, access, and throughput (currently 40:20 mbps though soon 40:33), and only permit 2 devices. Further, they only permit up to 4.3 gb/drive.
• MacWorld 9705

Cross Platform Colour Tip

• Both the Mac and Windows support 256 colours on a standard palette, but only 216 of those are the same. Pantone's ColorWeb package includes a special Apple Colour Picker that includes only those.
• MacWorld 9705

How to Show Graphics Faster

• The notion is that they will initially show a low-res fuzzy picture that gradually sharpens, rather than slowly revealing detail from top to bottom, during a slow load, such as from a web page.
• Saving them as Interlaced GIF will do it, or progressive JPEG format, or use the <lowsrc=file> tag in HTML to display a black and white image first while the colour one downloads.
• MacWorld 9705

Netscape Tip

• You probably never use the toolbar. Disable its display in the Options. Perhaps you can live without the Location bar (use command L to access a dialog to type in a location). Same thing. Likewise, you can lose the Directory button. If you don't need the scroll bars, hit control-option-H (to get them back, use control option J).
• MacWorld 9705

Netscape As Finder?

• If you drag a folder to the Browser Window, you get a clickable list of links to its contents.
• Obviously if you are creating or maintaining a web site, do that, then some creative search and replace, to make a map of your site.
• Will it work if you drag a remote directory from an Anarchie window?
• MacWorld 9705

Preserve Graphics From Word

• When you paste graphics into Word 5.1 or 6.0.1, Word will often reformat them if it works at all. A rough work around is to print the graphic to an encapsulated postscript file, then use Word's Insert Picture command to import the EPS file.
• MacWorld 9705

Desktop Printer Warning & Tips

• If you option drag an item from the Launcher to the trash, and drag across a desktop printer icon, the system may crash.
• If you accidentally save to a Desktop Printer Icon (which is really a folder), you can't get it back out without special technique. The easiest but slowest is to restart without extensions. The Icon will now appear as a folder, and its contents can be removed. Without restarting, put the icon in the trash, then use find file to find the file, then drag it from Find Files 'Items Found' window to the desired location. Actually Desktop Printing 2.0 will just automatically spit out non-printable files to the desktop.
• MacWorld 9705

Chooser Scripting and Keyboard Control

• Since Chooser isn't scriptable, and baffles QuicKeys, to automate it, you need a series of keyboard commands.
• The left pane shows the drivers. Type the first letters to get close, then arrow keys.
• Hit tab to select the device/server window. Type the first letters to get close, then arrow keys.
• Hit tab to select the zone window, if applicable. Type the first letters to get close, then arrow keys.
• Hit enter.
• If you chose a server, you will get the password dialog. Hit command G for guest, or R for registered user. Hit tab to select field for id or password. Hit enter.
• Now you should have a list of devices from that server. Type the first letters to get close, then arrow keys.
• Command Q or W will close it, and you are done.
• MacWorld 9703 and your Editor

URL Tips

• ftp://username@something.somewhere.com/path will avoid it asking you for the account.
• ftp://username@something:password.somewhere.com/path will avoid it asking you for the account or the password. This is very insecure. The bookmarks, the browser history file, various other logs will all now display your password. Further, any security protocol put in place when you would otherwise be asked for the password will be avoided. But it is convenient.
• Using this format will enable Netscape to get into and even upload to FTP sites it otherwise could not.
• MacWorld 9703

Hidden RamDoubler Feature

• If the RamDoubler 2 control panel is showing its Application Monitor, you can double click an application as a means of activating it.
• MacWorld 9703

Launcher Hack - Multiple Launchers

• Duplicate the Launcher. ResEdit it to change the first item of STR# resource -4033 to a unique folder name such as Launcher Items 2. Now you can run it concurrently with the original Launcher. Also change item 3 of STR# resource 4033, and item 3 of STR# reourse 4034, and STR resource 4033.
• MacWorld 9703

Component Software Comparison

• Components must be designed to be small single purpose programs, which communicate with each other, and are flexible about what they communicate with and what their environment might be. So far as the internet is concerned, this means lower bandwidth, better exploitation, and platform independence.
• Microsoft - ActiveX
  • It's been out for a long time.
  • A beta for the Mac is finally available.
  • It is an architecture, setting out the rules and conventions for the components ('controls') in which to interact.
  • Controls must be part of an application.
  • Usually, controls will request window space from the application
  • Controls have full access to system services. That access is significant. It offers power and efficiency, but reduces the cross-platform benefit, and is a serious security risk.
  • Rather than restricting the power of the controls, your computer will be able to determine if the control has a certificate from a third party. Presumably, the third party will have checked to see if the control is 'safe' or trustworthy. Your editor is highly concerned about who Microsoft intends this very powerful third party to be. However, the certificate is supposed to positively identify the developer, which will certainly improve accountability. The mechanism is still being worked out though. Microsoft is working on this Authenticode with VeriSign and GTE.
  • There are better development tools available than for OpenDoc.
• Apple and IBM and CI Labs - OpenDoc [MacWorld recommends the IBM site]
  • It's also an architecture.
  • It calls its components 'parts'.
  • It does more than ActiveX, but its parts are not so compact and easy to develop.
  • Apple appears to be abandoning it in favour of Java
  • It held the greatest promise to reduce the tendency toward monolithic applications.
  • There is still no Windows version, or good developer acceptance.
• Sun MicroSystems - Java.
  • The idea is that a program, or the system, will offer a virtual machine, to which the java programs will make calls.
  • Therefore, it is fully platform independent.
  • The virtual machine will offer, in your editor's words, virtual preemptive multi-tasking. If a java program goes down, the virtual machine insulates the rest of your system from the crash.
  • Of course, it is essentially emulation, which is slower. Just In Time compiling techniques will improve that.
  • Apple and Microsoft both seem to be scrambling to adopt it, or at least scrambling to give it lip service.
  • Java applets hosted by other applications cannot access certain key system functions, for security. An unpleasant side effect, is that even if you have previously downloaded a java applet necessary for a web page, you must do so again each time you visit.
  • Java applets can't talk to each other directly. The Java Beans specification is intended to remedy this.
• PartBank services them all though. There is free membership, and a mailing list for updates.
• MacWorld 9703

MacWorld World Class Awards 1997

• Most Promising Technology - Exponential Technologies X704 PPC compatible 533 mhz chip [Editor - two months later, this company, of which Apple was a heavy Shareholder, admitted it couldn't seem to get the chip about 400 mhz]
• Systems - Power Computing PowerBase 240 - $2200US equiv to PowerMac 8500/180 but with 3D acceleration
• Storage - Iomega Jaz Drive - 1 gb/removable cartridge [Editor - though mine has not yet worked]
• Input Devices - Visioneer PaperPort VX - [My Dad loves this neat little scanner with good software, offering higher speed through optional SCSI connection]
• Display - Radius's PressView SR 21 - smoothly incorporates color management software
• Graphics Printers - Tektronix Phaser 350 - ink jet printer with richly saturated colours
• Business Printers - Tektronix Phaser 550 - 1200 dpi colour laser printer
• Personal Printers - Epson Stylus Colour 500
• System Utilities - Casady & Greene's Conflict Catcher - They specifically like it better than Now Start Up Manager
• Personal Utilities - CE Software's QuickKey's 3.5 [Editor - They must not have tried OneClick yet.]
• Business Productivity - Claris FileMaker Pro 3.0 - The cheapest sweetest [weakest] relational cross platform db.
• Personal Productivity - Claris ClarisWorks 4.0
• Data Presentation - Delta Point's DeltaGraph 4.0 - Works with MX Excel
• Entertainment - Berkeley Systems You Don't Know Jack XL - "wacky retro quiz CD"
• Reference - Microsoft Cinemania 97 - Movie database
• Graphics/Publishing Utilities - Equilibrium Debabelizer 1.6 - format conversions
• Graphic PlugIns - Andromeda's Series 3, Screens Filter 1.4 - erases stray dots/lines
• Illustration - Macromedia Freehand 7.0 - "continues to rule the roost"
• Image Editing - Adobe Photoshop 4.0 - despite unpopular new look
• Publishing PlugIns - Extensis QX Tools 2.0 - everything even a pro could want for Quark XPress
• Page Layout & Design - Adobe Pagemaker 6.0 and Quark QuarkXPress 3.32 - undisputed leaders
• Scanners - Umax Technologies Vista S6E - "price that's unbelievably low for the quality you get"
• Video Display Cards - ATI Technologies XClaim VR - fast video display, low price, 3D acceleration
• Digital Cameras - Polaroid PDC - 2000 - 'keeps pushing the envelope
• Multimedia Authoring - Macromedia Director 5.0 - tool of choice for pros, painting, animation, scripting
• Web Authoring - Bare Bones Software's BBEdit - It's just a text editor, but so smart, it's a must-have
• Video Production - Adobe After Effects 3.1 - control time and motion
• Audio Production - Mark of the Unicorn Digital Performer 1.71 - digital audio with built-in pitch and tempo shifting
• 3D Graphics - Specular International Infini-D 3.5 - combines best of rendering and animation tools
• Developer Tools - Metrowerks CodeWarrior Gold 10 - Complete package to build Mac applications
• Technical/Engineering - Data Description's Data Desk 5.0 - Easy statistical data analysis
• Communication Hardware - Big Island's YoYo 1.5 - Telephony software [editor - It just won some sort of Interface award too.]
• Network Software - Assanté Technologies NetDoubler 1.2 - speeds network operations
• Internet Client Software - Progressive Networks RealAudio 2.0 - Listen to live sound
• Internet Server Software - Quarterdeck's WebStar 1.3 formerly known as MacHTTP.
• Electronic Mail - Claris Emailer 2.0
• Outstanding Achievements
  • Jean Bélanger & Greg Galanos of Metrowerks - "Founders of Metrowerks, they have helped Apple through it's most challenging transitions..." [Editor - and now the Yellow Box may be competing with them.]
  • Ellen Hancock - Apple's Chief Technology Officer - for killing Copland
  • Steve Kahng - Founder of Power Computing

Human Interface Design Excellence Awards

• This year's HIDE Award winners and runner-ups were unveiled at an awards ceremony that was part of Apple's World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC). HIDE Award Winners and Runner-Ups follow:
• Most Innovative:
  • Kai's Power GOO 1.0, MetaTools, Inc.
  • First Runner Up: Starry Night Deluxe 2.0, Sienna Software, Inc.
  • Second Runner Up: YOYO Telephone Manager for Macintosh 1.5.1, Big Island Communications, Inc.
• Most Elegant:
  • Starry Night Deluxe 2.0, Sienna Software, Inc.
  • First Runner Up: CalcWorks 1.5.2, John Brochu
  • Second Runner Up: AMBER: Journeys Beyond 1.0, Changeling, Inc.
• Best Look & Feel:
  • YOYO Telephone Manager for Macintosh 1.5.1, Big Island Communications, Inc.
  • First Runner Up: Adobe Illustrator 6.0, Adobe Systems, Inc.
  • Second Runner Up: Symantec Visual Cafe for Macintosh 1.0, Symantec Corp.
• Best Overall Design:
  • YOYO Telephone Manager for Macintosh 1.5.1, Big Island Communications, Inc.
  • First Runner Up: Starry Night Deluxe 2.0, Sienna Software, Inc.
  • Second Runner Up: Kai's Power GOO 1.0, MetaTools, Inc.
• Apple Developer News #57 970516

Mac OS Compatibles Beat Pentium Systems in Benchmark Study

• In a recent Macworld Lab benchmark test that compared PCs installed with Intel MMX-Pentium/Pro/II chips to Mac OS-based computers with PowerPC 604e chips, the Mac OS computers won hands down. The article's authors say, "When Macworld Lab pitted top-of-the-line PCs against the best Macintosh systems available, the results were astonishing. The Macs soundly beat the PCs, something that hasn't happened in years. To be fair to the PCs, Macworld Lab included tests optimized for the new Intel MMX technology, but that still did not push them past the Macs."
• Macworld tested these computers, among others:
  • * Sony PCV-120 running Windows 95 on a 200-MHz MMX-enabled Pentium
  • * QP6/200 SM-4 from Quantex running Windows NT 4.0 on a 200-MHz Pentium Pro
  • * CLR Infinity PTK-5A system from CompuLink running Windows NT on a
  • prerelease 233-MHz MMX-enabled Pentium Pro
  • * PowerTower Pro 225 from Power Computing
  • * Four-processor Genesis MP 800+ from DayStar Digital
  • * A prototype of the SuperMac S900/250 from Umax Computer
• (64 MB of RAM was installed on each system.)
• This benchmark tested 11 applications that run on both Mac OS and Windows systems.

MetroWerks An Exceptionally Good Sport - Ports to Rhapsody

• [Editor - Recall that Metrowerks has been the most useful and loyal proponent of the Mac, probably most responsible for the success of the PPS. Now Apple's primary thrust, the Yellow Box, will be in competition with them. Even so...]
• Metrowerks announced the availability of CodeWarrior Latitude, a porting tool that allows software developers to port Mac OS applications to Apple's next-generation operating system, code-named "Rhapsody," in addition to UNIX-hosted operating systems. Designed to shorten time-to-market for Rhapsody-native applications, this new addition to the CodeWarrior line of development tools enables Mac OS developers to begin the transition to the new OS without rewriting all of their source code.
• Apple Developer News #57 - 970516

Mac OS 8 Beta Is Available

• Mac OS 8 Beta Is Available, but you must enter your Developer World ID to access this "members only" area
• Apple Developer News #57 - 970516

Display Enabler, Version 2.2.2

• Version 2.2.2 of Display Enabler fixes the problems that can occur with version 7.6.1 on NuBus-based Power Macintosh CPUs and 1710-series AppleVision displays.
• Apple Developer News #57 - 970516

Prerelease Software For Developers - Open Transport and the Text Encoding Converter

• Registered Apple developers can download the following prerelease software this week: Open Transport and the Text Encoding Converter. To obtain this software, you must enter your Developer World ID.
• Apple Developer News #57 - 970516

New Sample Code and Utilities

• This week Apple posted the following sample code and utilities to the Developer World web site.
  • * Moofwars 1.01
  • * ARPSample 1.0b1
  • * TPIFile 1.0b1
  • * NeoTextBox97
  • * FinderDragPro
  • * Gestalt Selectors List 3.7
  • * Disk Copy 6.1.2
  • * Drive Utilities
  • * Macintosh CD-ROM Setup 5.3.2
• Apple Developer News #57 - 970516

Power Macs will draw on multiple personalities

• Apple will reduce the number of logic boards in its Power Mac line by moving some key features to personality cards.
• MacWeek

Apple Will Use IBM and Motorola - Not Exponential

• Exponential Technology, makers of vaporware CPUs shut down, on the heels of Apple statements that it would pass on Exponential's X704 for the Power Mac line. Prototype X704-based systems were shown at April's National Association of Broadcasters show, and sources then said Apple would ship a 410-MHz system in the summer (see 04.14.97, Page 1).
• Phil Schiller, Apple vice president of desktop and server systems, last week said the company will instead use the forthcoming PowerPC chips code-named Arthur and Mach 5 from the IBM Microelectronics Division of East Fishkill, N.Y., and Motorola RISC Microprocessor Division of Austin, Texas (see 02.03.97, Page 1)."
• MacInTouch and MacWeek article

Internet Explorer 3.0.1

• Microsoft last week released Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0.1, which adds several welcome features.
• capability to monitor Web sites for changes
• AutoComplete feature that finishes typing URLs for you if you've visited that URL before;
• site password management that remembers cookies, usernames, and passwords;
• Download Manager that finally downloads files in a download window
• support for Netscape's JavaScript scripting language
• gives you the choice of accepting or declining cookies
• AutoSearch that lets you search directly from the Address bar by typing "go" or "?" and then the search keywords.
• Download sizes range from 3.3 MB to 12.3 MB. [ACE]

Apple Continues to Reduce Support

• Previously, you could call Apple toll-free at 800/SOS-APPL. Apple will now be strictly enforcing its policy from March, namely 90 days of free phone support then other support options, including Technical Support Online and the new fee-based Apple Support Line (see below).
  • AppleAssurance -- includes a one-year, worldwide hardware warranty and 90 days of free phone support (800/500-7078). You must provide your Support Access Number, included with your product.
  • Apple Support Line - Level I -- $69.95 annual fee covers one CPU and attached peripherals in the United States for up to one year or ten incidents, Monday through Friday, 6 A.M. to 6 P.M., Pacific Time. "Macintosh: Beyond the Basics" CD-ROM. 1-888/APL-VALU (888/275-8258).
  • AppleCare -- Apple's extended service program works the same as the one-year hardware warranty, with prices varying depending by product and whether you choose carry-in, on-site, or mail-in service (the price for a PowerBook 5300cs, for example, is approximately $240 for a year of the carry-in option).
  • Support Professional -- Geared toward support managers and staff, Apple's Support Professional option costs $2,000 to $3,400 per year and includes access to a private Web site with an expanded Tech Info Library, software updates, disk images of all Apple software, and Apple manuals in PDF format. Apple also provides bimonthly support CDs and quarterly support briefing teleconferences.
  • AppleClub -- $19.95 annual fee for exclusive software and hardware discounts, Apple software updates accessible via private servers, a free CD-ROM
• There are three exceptions: Lifetime technical support will be available via 800/SOS-APPL in education channels; for Apple-branded products purchased between 01-Apr-93 and 01-Apr-96; and for Performas purchased between 01-Sep-92 and 01-Apr-96. The last two conditions apply to the original owners of Apple equipment..
• Jeff Carlson

Learn This Name - Inventor Of The Web

• Tim Berners-Lee, 41 years old in 1997, 'invented the web'. The idea of HyperLinks has been around since at least 1945 when Vannevar Bush outlined the concept. Since the '60's, Ted Nelson pursued a similar concept called the 'Xanadu' project, but he wanted a profit and it never got off the ground.
• In the 80's, Berners-Lee was working in CERN, the Swiss-French physics lab. Frustrated with his own bad memory, he developed a little program called 'Enquire' which included hyperlinks.
• In the 80's, everybody else's approach to hyperlinks was to use a central database, so that if a file was moved or deleted, the links could be updated. Berners-Lee realized that this centralization was killing globalization, so he consciously made the decision to accept the problem of lost links. He is the one to blame for all your 'link not found' errors.
• In 1989, Berners-Lee wrote a proposal to link CERN's resources via hyperlinks. It was not well received, but he kept pushing until it was accepted. He developed the three key concepts: html, http, and urls. He invented the name 'world wide web' or 'www' for short. His wife pointed out that "www for short" was stupid since it has more syllables.
• The very first web server was a NeXT machine (Hey!) sitting on his desk.
• Berners-Lee wrote the first graphical user interface browser. Netscape's Andreessen wrote the first GUI browser to put graphics in the same window.
• Berners-Lee is now 41, still driving a 13 year old VW Rabbit, running the MIT based World Wide Web Consortium, a non-profit organization to approve standards. His main beef about the web is that it is so passive. It seems he saw it as something like UseNet with hyperlinks. He especially hates the hip new 'push' technology, whatever that is.
• TIME - Canadian Edition 970519

Sorry, that's all the time I have.

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