BYTE 1988 07

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BORLAND PRESENTS

D

0

4

"Fastest and most approachable

implementation of that language"

—Darryl Rubin, AI Expert, on Turbo Prolog

"Most powerful

version of Basic ever"

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onto "new ground in the price/performance arena"

—John H. Mayer, Computer Design, on Turbo C

See the technological excellence of Turbo C, Turbo Pascal and Turbo Basic!

Meet Turbo Prolog 2.0: Artificial Mlelligence like ^you've never seen it!

The Critics Agree: Borland'^

"Turbo C ... will stun you with in-RAM compilations that operate at warp speed."

—Richard Hale Shaw, PC Magazine

Turbo G's* sleek compiler is so fast and powerful, we used it to write our equation solver, Eureka™ Even better, all that muscle is wrapped in a smooth, integrated environment with everything you need to make writing, editing and compiling your programs a snap:

• Compiles 10,000 lines per minute*

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• ANSI compatible

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• 450 library functions

• Utilities: Librarian, Make, GREP

• Source code for MicroCalc spreadsheet

• Command-line version of the compiler

• Inline assembly that lets you mix C and assembler

• Professional-quality graphics library supporting VGA. CGA, EGA, Hercules, and IBM 8514

• Interfaces with Turbo Pascal 4.0 and Turbo Prolog

Just $99.95

U A lightning fast, fully featured G compiler suitable for almost everything ... Borland's Turbo G compiler is flexible, fast and friendly.

—Peter Feldman, PC Week

Heap Sort

Turbo CI.5

Microsoft C 5.0

Compile time

4.7 sec.

16.3 sec.

Compile & iinl( time

7.4 sec.

19.5 sec.

lixecute time

10.5 sec.

15.5 sec.

Object code size

1119

1313

Execution size

6392

7891

"Turbo Pascal 4.0 flies 4.0 is balHstic!"

Sort benchmark run on an R MHz IBM AT using Turbo C version l.!> and the Turbo Linker version 1.1: Microsoft C version S.O and the MS overlay linker version 3.61.

-Tom Swan,

Almost from its introduction. Turbo Pascal® has been the worldwide Pascal standard. It's fast. It's flexible. It's affordable. And it gives you full control.

Gompile more than 27,000 lines of code per minute*. And work in a complete, integrated programming environment with pull-down menus and a full-featured editor.

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System RequlremenLs Far the IBM PS/2" and ihu IBM® family of personal compul£rs and all 100% compaLlbles, PC-IH)S (MS-DOS) 2.0 or laUT. :i8« RAM.

t Customer satisfacllnn is our main concern; 11 wllhin fiO days of purchaser this itroducl does not [lerform in accordance witli our claims, call our customer .service deparlmcnl, and we will arrange a refund.

Systefn Requirements For the IBM f^/2'" and the IBM® family of personal computers and all 100% compatibles. PC-DOS (MS-DOS) 2.0 or laier. 384KRAM.

All Borland products are trademarks or registered trademarks ti Borland Intr'rnatioiai. Itc. OUier brand and product names are traiVinarks of tJicir lesjKriivf hc(dcts. Owrieht ei988 Borland Intcrnaliaial. Iir, Bl I230A

; Turbo Languages are Super!

like a rocket...

1987 Programmer's Journal

Powerful features include:

• Producing EXE files

• Separate compilation

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• Graph unit including support for IBM CGA, EGA, VGA, and 3270, Hercules and ATT 6300

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Toolboxes require Turbo Pascal 4.0 Just $99.95 each

U Each new Turbo Pascal 4.0 Toolbox is a virtual treasure of programming methods and tips.

—Giovanni Perrone, PC Week )5

Circle 34 on Reader Service Card (DEALERS: 35)

"Turbo Basic compiles faster than

anything I have seen." -EthanWiner,PCMagazine

Turbo Basic® is the lightning-fast Basic compiler with a total development environment that puts you in full control. Even novices can write professional programs with Turbo Basic's full-screen windowed editor, pull-down menus, and trace debugging system. You also get a long list of innovative Borland features like binary disk files, true recursion, and increased compilation control. Plus the ability to create programs as large as your system's memory can hold—not just a cramped 64K. The choice is basic: Turbo Basic!

Just $99.95!

U Turbo Basic, simply put, is an incredibly good product... Not only is this the most advanced BASIC ever, but Borland has lived up to its Turbo tradition.

—William Zachmann, Computerworld

Add another Basic advantage: The Turbo Basic Toolboxes

• The Database Toolbox

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Toolboxes require Turbo Basic 1.1 Just $99.95 each.

System Requirements For Ihe IBM PS/2" and Ihe IBM" ramlly ol personal compnlers and all 100% citmpallbles, PC-DOS (MS-DOS) 2.0 (ir liter. 38.1K RAM. 6.11IK In nimplle UKllboxes.

Compare the BASIC differences

] ■

Tiirhn Basic 1.1

OuiciiBASIC 4.0 Compiier

QuickBASIC 4.0 Interpreter

Compile & Link to stand-aione EXE

3 sec.

7 sec.

Sizeof.EXE

28387

25980

ExecuUon time w/80287

0.16 sec.

16.5 sec.

■ 21.5 sec.

Execution time w/o 80287

0.16 sec

286.3 sec.

292.3 sec.

Tlie Elkins OptitnizaLion Benchmark pro^jram from March 1989 issue of Computer language was used. The Program was run on an IBM PS/2 Model 60 with B()287. The benchmark testes compiler's ability to optimize loop-invariant code, imnsed code, expression and conditional evaluation.

Turbo Prolog 2.0: Powerful Artificial Intelligence for your real-world applications!

New Turbo Prolog" 2.0 lets you harness powerful Al techniques. And you don't have to be an expert programmer or artificial intelligence genius!

You get an all-new Prolog compiler that's been optimized to produce smaller and more efficient programs than ever before. An improved full-screen, completely customizable editor with easy pulldown menus. All-new documentation, including a tutorial rich with examples and instructions to take you all the way from basic programming to advanced techniques. Even online help!

Syslem Requirements For ihc IBM 1^/2™ and the IBM® family of personal comfiuters and all 10f)% compatibles. PC-DOS (MS-DOS) 2.0 or later. 38•tK!^.^M.

More new features! An external database system

for developing large databases. Supports B-l- trees and EMS Source code for a fully-featured Prolog interpreter written entirely in Turbo Prolog. Plus step-by-step instructions to adapt it or include it as is in your own applications!

Support for the Borland Graphics Interface, the same professional-quality graphics in Turbo Pascal, Turbo C, and Quattro Improved windowing Powerful exception handling and error trapping features Full compatibility with Turbo C so the two languages can call each other freely Supports multiple internal databases

High-resolution video support

Turbo Prolog Toolbox is 6 toolboxes in one!

More than 80 tools and 8,000 lines of source code help you build your own Turbo Prolog applications. Includes toolboxes for menus, screen and report layouts, business graphics, communications, filetransfer capabilities, parser generators, and more!

Toolbox requires Turbo Prolog 2.0

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(4 If 1 had to pick one single recommendation for people who want to try to keep up with the computer revolution. I'd say, 'Get and learn Turbo Prolog.'

—Jerry Pournelle, Byte 1/88

An affordable, fast, and easy-to-use language.

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Just $149.95!

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For the dealer nearest you Gall (800) 543-7543

BORLAND

INTERNATIONAL

Circle 36 on Reader Service Card (DEALERS: 37)

BVTE

JULY 1988 VOLUME 13 NUMBER?

PRODUCTS IN PERSPECTIVE

67 What's New

89 Short Takes

Dell System 310, a fast 80386 machine

UR/Forth 1.10, Forth under OS/2 SoftPC, emulates an IBM PC XT in software EasyTalk, souping up the Toshiba laptop GrandView, for planning and project managing Forget-Me-Not, a calendar/timer TSR program

Cover Story: Sun386i/103

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

103 Sun's Newest Workstation: the Sun386i

by Tom Thompson A microcomputer workstation that has Unix multitasking with a window-based interface, and can run several virtual MS-DOS PCs.

Ill IBM's OS/2 Extended Edition

by Rich Malloy

All the features of the Standard Edition, plus its own database manager and an array of communications interfaces.

REVIEWS

118 Product Focus: Fast Drives for Modern Times

by Stan Miastkowski 40-megabyte hard disks are becoming standard equipment.

134 Outclassing the AT

by John Unger and Stan Miastkowski

A look at the strengths and weaknesses of systems from Amdek, Arche Technologies, Epson, Leading Edge, and PC's Limited.

147 Seeing Colors on the Mac SE

by Don Crabb

With the ColorVue SE, the Mac SE shows its true colors.

Product Focus/118

Graphic Design for the PC AT/181

155 VM/386: A Virtual Solution

by Namir Clement Shammas

A multitasking program manager

for 80386-based machines.

163 Concurrent DOS 386

by Alex Lane

This multitasking operating system also supports additional terminals.

173 A Supercharger for BASIC Compilers

by Namir Clement Shammas ProBas subroutines add speed and power to Microsoft BASIC.

181 Graphic Design for the PC AT

by Lamont Wood

Designer bridges the worlds of

drawing and bit-mapped images.

189 Need Some Space?

by Diana Gabaldon

Increase the capacity of your hard

disk with NewSpace.

COLUMNS

197 Computing at Chaos Manor: Dr. Pournelle vs. the Virus

by Jerry Pournelle Jerry observes the West Coast Computer Faire and gives a prescription.

211 Applications Only:

From Shareware to Hyperware

by Ezra Shapiro Ezra looks at MindReader, PC-Write, the Pointing Device Adapter, XHELP, and HyperDA.

217 Some Assembly Required:

The Pitfalls of Porting, Part 1

by Rick Grehan Our newest column illustrates the programming techniques that underlie today's and tomorrow's software, and gives you lots of useful, hands-on code besides.

2 BYTE- JULY 1988

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: PAUL AVIS © 1988

IN DEPTH

226 Introduction: Multitasking

229 Fair Sliare

by Jonathan Robie However you choose to implement it, resource sliaring provides more efficient use of your system.

239 It's a Natural

by Bud E. Smith From virtual memory to virtual machines, the 80386 is designed for the multitaslcing world.

251 Weighing the Options

by Brett Glass

A look at the inner workings of multitasking systems, and a comparison of products currently available.

259 First Come, First Served

by Michael Benjamin Parker With Mailbox, you can write multitasking programs that you can port to many different machines and operating systems.

274 Resource Guide

EasyTalk/92

DEPARTMENTS

6

Editorial: Dribbleware

11

Microbytes

22

Letters

35

Chaos Manor Mail

38

Ask BYTE

51

Book Reviews

351

Coming Up in BYTE

READER SERVICE

350 Editorial Index by Company 352 Alphabetical Index to Advertisers 354 Index to Advertisers by Product Category

Inquiry Reply Cards: after 356

PROGRAM LISTINGS

From BIX: see 298 From BYTEnet: call (617) 861-9764 On disk or in print: see card after 324

Multitasking/226

FEATURES

278 The Ultimate Link?

by Jay Duncanson and Joe Chew ISDN—a new technology that could change the way we use computers and telephones.

289 Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar:

Computers on the Brain, Part 2

by Steve Ciarcia

A look at the system software and some directions for HAL's use.

301 A Turbo TSR

by Scott Robert Ladd

Turbo Pascal has everything you

need to craft your own TSRs.

305 Fast Track vs. Failsafe

by Dick Fountain

It may not be as fast as other RISC chips, but viper's error-free design could be a life-and-death matter at Mach 3.

The Ultimate Link/278

BYTE (ISSN 0360-5280) is published monthly with an additional issue in Ociober by McGraw-Hill Inc. Founder: James H. McGraw (1860-1948). Executive, editorial, circulation, and advertising offices: One Phoenix Mill Lane. Pclcrborough, NH 03458, phone (603) 924-9281. Office hours: Monday through Thursday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, Friday 8:30 AM-1:00 PM. Eastern Time. Address subscriptions lo BYTE Subscriptions, P.O. Box 7643. Teaneck. NJ 07666-9866. Postmaster: Send address changes, USPS Form 3579, undeiiverable copies, and fulfillment questions to BYTE Subscriptions, P.O. Box 7643, Teaneck. NJ 07666-9866. Second-class postage paid at Peterborough. NH 03458 and additional mailing offices. Postage paid ai Winnipeg, Manitoba. Registration number 9321. Subscriptions are S22 for one year, S40 for two years, and S58 for three years in the U.S. and its possessions. In Canada and Mexico, S25 for one year. $45 for two years. $65 for three years. $69 for one-year air delivery to Europe. 31,000 yen for oneyear air delivery to Japan, 15,6(X) yen for one-year surface delivery to Japan, $37 surface delivery elsewhere. Air delivery to selected areas at additional rates upon request. Single copy price is $3.50 in the U.S. and its possessions, $4.25 in Canada and Mexico. $4.50 in Europe, and S5 elsewhere. Foreign subscriptions and sales should be remitted in U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank. Please allow six to eight weeks for delivery of first issue. Printed in the United States of America.

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JULY 1988 -BYTE 3

EVTE

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OPERATIONS

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REVIEWS (Hardware, Soltware, Product Focus)

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CONSULTING EDITORS

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Jonathan Amsterdam Programming Projects, Mark Dahmke Video, Operating Systems, Mark Haas At Large, Rik Jadrnicek CAD, Graphics, Spreadsheets, Robert T. KiiTosaka Mathematical Recreations, Alastair J. W/. Mayer Software, Stan Miastkowski New Technology, Alan R. Miller Languages and Engineering, Dick Fountain Algorithms, Roger Powell Computers and Music, Phillip Robinson Semiconductors, Jon Shiell High-Performance Systems, Ernest Telle Artificial Intelligence

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ART

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PRODUCTION

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4 BYTE' JULY 1988

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EDITORIAL ■ Fred Langa

Dribbleware

BYTE polls COMDEX attendees on which operating systems will become dominant

While we were at the Spring COMDEX in Atlanta, we asked attendees, "Which operating system will be dominant 5 years from now?" The answer we received was surprising—so surprising, in fact, that newspapers all over the country picked up the story. (You may have seen a brief summary in your local newspaper.) Here's the full story.

The poll was carefully worded to avoid stacking the deck one way or the other. For example, the ballot specifically named several prominent operating systems: the Macintosh's, DOS, OS/2, and two different flavors of Unix (traditional command-line Unixes and the new graphical-interface Unixes like "Open Look"). We also included an "other" category, so that respondents could name a less popular operating system.

We collected over 5000 ballots: OS/2 and DOS each garnered about 1600 votes, the Unixes captured roughly 1300, the Mac got a little over 200, and "other" racked up some 500 votes.

In plain terms, there was no winner. In a random poll such as this, variations of a few hundred votes are meaningless: It's fair to say that DOS, OS/2, and the Unixes finished in a dead heat.

The Mac's poor showing is not significant. Apple didn't exhibit at COMDEX, so I take the Mac's low numbers in the poll to be more indicative of Apple's absence rather than low confidence in the Mac as a viable machine. A poll at a MacWorld Expo would undoubtedly show MultiFinder and A/UX ranking among the contenders.

No Aberration

The poll results were borne out on the show floor, where there was no flood of OS/2 software (a COMDEX joke referred to the few true OS/2 programs as "dribbleware"). All the major software companies are working on OS/2 products, but much of the software being shown was very, very far from finished.

The general feeling at COMDEX was that OS/2 is indeed coming, but that it is likely to be one of the dominant operating systems rather than the dominant system. Why?

One answer lies in the large number of generally satisfactory alternatives to OS/2. For example, when I asked software developers what they were looking for in OS/2, the almost unanimous answer was "access to big memory," with multitasking a distant second, and Presentation Manager's graphical prowess an even more distant third.

Of course, Unix already offers multitasking and access to major-league memory. Such programs as Phar Lap's 386/ DOS-Extender—and even the somewhat clunky Lotus/Intel/Microsoft 4.0 standard—also give you access to large memory; other alternatives like PC-MOS/ 386, VM/386, and Concurrent DOS 386 (the latter two are reviewed in this issue) let you multitask your current DOS programs. Also, programs like Windows give you a serviceable graphical interface without having to wait for Presentation Manager.

In some cases, you don't even need a DOS alternative, shell, or extender for extraordinary flexibility. As I write this, I'm also simultaneously downloading my morning BIX mail and messages while printing out my daily schedule. Simple multitasking like this is no big deal. All it takes is my word processor, a background telecommunications program, a print spooler, and plain old DOS 3.1.

Even at this point, you probably already can see why there's no clear winner in the operating-system wars. But it

gets even more muddled.

For example, there's the next upgrade of DOS waiting in the wings. It probably will overcome some of the fundamental limitations of the current DOS (like the 32-megabyte cap on hard disk size)—but the new DOS's file structure probably will be incompatible not only with current DOS, but with OS/2 as well.

It's a safe bet that Microsoft will also offer an 80386-specific version of OS/2—one not hampered by the 80286's internal limitations (like the inelegant and time-consuming "soft reboot" it uses to switch from protected to real mode).

Who's on First?

All this is confusing for end users and a nightmare for software developers. Instead of one or two or even three major standards, we're facing a future with up to a dozen viable ways to boot and run an Intel-family machine, plus at least three different ways to boot and run a Mac. And that's not even looking at the many excellent smaller operating systems.

That's why our poll shows no clear winners. For better or worse, you and I are going to have to cope with and sort out more choices, more options, and more incompatibilities than ever before.

Of course, a multiplicity of standards increases the need for objective information on competing standards, and that's BYTE's specialty. You can count on our broad, non-machine-specific coverage to help you sort through this morass of choices and to help you match the right hardware and software to the job at hand, regardless of brand.

For your copy of our COMDEX report, or for reports of PC Expo or the upcoming MacWorld, please send $3 to: Show Report, BYTE, One Phoenix Mill Lane, Peterborough, NH 03458. Be sure to specify which show report you want and to include a return address.

—Fred Langa Editor in Chief (BIXname "flanga")

6 BYTE- JULY 1988

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Circle 251 on Reader Service Card

MiCROBYTES

Staff-written highlights of developments in technology and the microcomputer industry

Look Out, SQL: Here Come Object-Oriented Databases

Although we've been told that the database interface of the future will be based on the Structured Query Language, some experts predict that the relational database model and SQL will be severely challenged within the next 5 years by object-oriented databases. According to professor L. A. Rowe of the University of California at Berkeley, the relational database model is fine for traditional business applications but inadequate for data

bases used for CAD, scientific, and engineering applications. Relational databases are suitable for applications requiring a small number of data types and a fairly simple set of relations. But they are not well suited for databases involving new data types, such as graphics and other complex objects, and many relations with small numbers of rows, Rowe says.

Rowe and a team of graduate students are working on a different type of database, which they call "Post

Flat-Panel VGA Displays Due Next Year in Portables

By 1989 we'll be seeing portable computers sporting flat-panel VGA displays. One major manufacturer of thin-film electroluminescent displays. Planar Systems (Beaverton, OR), now sells a 640- by 400-pixel electroluminescent screen and plans to introduce a 640- by 480-pixel by 16-gray-scale VGA display in 1989.

Planar's RoUand Von Stroh said the company is working with both domestic and Far East computer manufacturers on a number of new projects involving flatpanel displays. Such screens are not limited to portable applications; some manufacturers plan to use 19inch flat-panel displays in their engineering workstations.

The next major development in the flat-panel field will be color displays, said Von Stroh. Planar will introduce full-color flat-panel displays in military applications, such as airplane

cockpits, in early 1990, and the first industrial applications of full-color flat-panel displays will follow later that year, he said.

Von Stroh predicted that flat-panel displays will eventually capture a large share of the CRT market. By 1995 they could have 50 percent of the current CRT market, he said. Flat-panel displays have some advantages over CRTs. They are, of course, much more compact, have much less glare because of their flat surface, consume much less power (14 watts versus 50 to 100 watts), and are more reliable (according to Von Stroh, 45,000 hours mean time between failure versus 10,000 hours for CRTs). They cost 3 to 5 times as much to make as CRTs. However, Von Stroh claimed that thin-film electroluminescent displays are already displacing backlit LCDs and gas-plasma displays because of things like better contrast and greater range of viewing angle.

Ingres," that lets users add new data types and customize indexing methods depending on the application. The database will also have forward- and backward-chaining rules for expert-system applications.

Post-Ingres can store "objects," such as a graphics image or a forms specification, as a record in the database, based on an "object ID number." Objects can be shared by multiple databases. The approach Rowe and his cohorts are developing will make it possible to compile frequently used queries and also store them by ID number in the database. Thus, an application program could execute "query #47," which could be a compiled binary record in the database, for example. This would greatly improve performance of complex queries.

Post-Ingres will also give users access to historical data stored on optical disks, researchers say. In fact, the system will support a threelevel hierarchy of storagehard disks, tapes, and optical disks—allowing transparent data access on all three types of media. This capability would be extremely useful for accessing historical data, such as archived medical or legal records.

"Next-generation" database systems will appear within 3 to 5 years and will be developed using objectoriented programming and window interfaces on graphics workstations, Rowe predicts. Alphanumeric terminals eventually will be replaced by graphics workstations for most database applications, he added.

continued

Nanobytes

• Despite being recognized as technologically impressive personal computers. Atari's ST and Commodore's Amiga haven't had the kind of market success enjoyed by machines from IBM et al. and Apple. So what's the problem? Part of the problem is that "computers are not powerful enough to be used at home for anything productive," says Neil Harris, director of product marketing at Atari. "I think the ST and the Amiga are in the right direction, but we're still not there yet." Harris also blames the industry press for not covering

the Atari machines enough. "The computer press is too busy analyzing its readership," he says. He also cites less malevolent forces, such as the RAM shortage. As for Atari's success in Europe, as opposed to the U.S.: "MS-DOS wasn't entrenched overseas, and there's much less disposable income there, so when a lower-cost alternative was introduced, it was embraced" by the Europeans.

• Researchers at the National Bureau of Standards (NBS) are working on tools for measuring the performance and efficiency of multiprocessors. The tools differ from software measurement systems in that they don't affect the program that's being measured. The researchers at the NBS Institute for

continued

JULY 1988 'BYTE 11

MICROBYTES

NANOBYTES

Computer Sciences and Technology hope to examine such factors as information flow and processing loads.

• Marlboro Man goes optical: Optical data processing is making its

way into the commercial world. Carnegie-Mellon University and Philip Morris Corp. have built a device for inspecting cigarette packs. The system uses pattern-recognition techniques and is considerably faster than digital systems, a CMU spokesperson said.

• "There is too much piracy of intellectual property, including computer software," U.S. trade representative Clayton Yeutter told the International Computers and Communications Conference in Washington, D.C., recently. There are standards for patents, trademarks, and copyrights, but no enforcement teeth to make these rules effective, Yeutter said. "Lwant some clarification and effective delineation of fundamental principles to protect intellectual property rights," he said, and he threatened that the U.S. will take an aggressive approach with other governments in order to achieve enforceable agreements.

• Are you budding? Have you written some software but can't find a publisher? A company called WCE, Publishing (Surrey, BC, Canada) says it's looking for "budding software writers with publishable software" that could sell for between $50 and $100. The company thinks "the days of the megabuck software product" are over. You can

continued

New Chip Could Mean Lower-Priced 80386 Machines

In an effort to minimize software compatibility problems across its line of processors, Intel (Santa Clara, CA) has developed a new version of its 80386. The new chip is aimed at "midrange personal computers," which don't require the high performance offered by the current versions of the 80386 with the 32-bit data bus. The new 386SX runs at 16 MHz and uses a 16-bit data bus and 24-bit address bus, similar to the 80286. However, the 386SX is supposed to be able to run all 80386 software, although at lower performance levels than its full 32-bit brother. Intel rates the performance of the 80386 at 4 to 6 VAX million instructions per second (depending on if the clock speed is 16, 20, or 24 MHz) and the 386SX at 3 MIPS. Intel is planning to release a similar version of the 80387 numeric coprocessor; the 387SX is fully compatible with the 80387. The 386SX has the po

tential to make 80386 software accessible on more affordable machines. With the advent of powerful programs such as Windows/386, which runs exclusively on the 80386, the chip has become attractive to a wide range of users. However, current 80386 machines are too expensive for many individuals. The 386SX could be the ticket to 80386-based software for those users.

With the introduction of the 386SX, Intel will discontinue production of the 16MHz 80386. The chip maker will focus on high performance with the 80386 and on lower-cost computers with the 386SX, said product manager Bruce Schechter. The 80386 will continue to be aimed at high-end personal computers, while the 386SX will become the main processor for midrange machines like today's AT class or PS/2 Models 50 and 60. Meanwhile, the "80286 will move downstream to the lower end of the market,"

said Schechter. Intel expects the 80286 to become the entry-level processor in its product line; the 8088/8086 processors will gradually disappear, Schechter said.

Intel emphasized that the 386SX is not pin-compatible with the 80286. In fact, the 386SX is considerably smaller than its predecessors. With the less complex circuitry required in building a 16-bit bus, the 386SX could be ideal for portable computers and add-in boards.

Several manufacturers already have production units; although Intel won't name names, the most likely candidate is IBM, which plans to introduce 80386-based versions of the Model 50 and Model 60 next year. The chip will be shipped in volume in the fourth quarter. Initially, the 386SX will cost $212 in quantities of 100 (the 80386 is $299). But Schechter said that price differential between the 80386 and the 386SX will increase with volume production.

Will Neural Nets Put Patton in a Box?

Depending on the results of the first part of a multiphase contract awarded by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the next generation of battlefield commanders could have pearl-handled Tempest-rated cases around their silicon brains—sort of a cloned Patton on casters. Computer experts don't agree on the potential of neural networks, but the DoD is investing heavily in the new technology and has just awarded a contract to Hecht-Neilsen Neurocomputers (San Diego, CA), one of the first companies to develop commercial neural network products. So far, nearly all the research funding for neural network projects is DoD-related. The Electronics Technol

ogy and Devices Laboratory of the U.S. Army Laboratory Command awarded Hecht-Nielsen this contract to "identify Army batdefield problems and develop a design for a battlefield neurocomputer to satisfy the processing requirement." Jacqueline Townsend, a spokesperson for Hecht-Nielsen, said this first $50,000 phase is for "proof of concept. " Assuming that the concept is accepted by the Army, phase two might begin to define the actual system, which, she said, "we probably won't be able to talk about."

Asked if a battlefield computer might consist of one of Hecht-Nielsen's Anza neural network plug-in boards for an IBM PC AT

in a Tempest box, Townsend replied that it is too early to say what, if any, future configurations might be.

While the idea of a swaggering robotic commander is a bit farfetched, the inherent capabilities of neural networks, such as learning, pattern recognition, and associative memory, would lend themselves to defense applications. Performing dangerous and repetitive tasks, radar, sonar, image processing, data manipulation, delivery of defense systems with "humanlike discrimination" capabilities, "opposing force modeling (wargaming), and weapons aiming and steering" are some of the areas where neural networks might be used, according to HechtNielsen.

continued

12 BYTE* JULY 1988

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JULY 1988 'BYTE 13

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• IBM hopes to push the "standardization" of its Micro Channel architecture by licensing its patents to companies that want to build PS/2-like computers, says Gordon Campbell, chief executive of Chips & Technologies (San Jose, CA). "IBM said it will license the patent portfolio. That's very different from licensing the technology. We in the industry have missed what IBM has been saying all along; we've heard only what we wanted to hear." Campbell said that by licensing the IBM patent portfolio, "a company is free to build Micro Channel products, but they have to do all the work." IBM said that licensees will have to pay "a maximum of 1 percent of sales revenue" on a product that uses an IBM patent; the maximum is 5 percent, depending on the number of patents involved.

• Some of the well-to-do are computing. Thirtyeight percent of "affluent households" in the U.S. have personal computers, says a study by International Research Associates (Mamaroneck, NY). And what's the machine of choice among the upper crust? This study says 13 percent of the respondents have an IBM PC, 10 percent have Apples, and 7 percent have Commodores.

• Versacad (Huntington Beach, CA) has come out with three HyperCard stacks for users of its VersaCAD/Macintosh Edition. The hyperware— Bill of Materials, Door & Window Scheduling,

continued

Compromise Brings Hope of Higli-Speed Modem Standard

There's no standard yet—but it's coming. That's the word from two U.S. companies spearheading the work for a standard modem system that will work faster than 9600 bits per second over regular dial-up phone lines. USRobotics (Skokie, IL) and Telebit (Mountain View, CA) have reached a compromise and asked CCITT, the European standards agency, to give them more time to develop a complete standard.

USRobotics (USR) is proposing a system with one high-speed channel, similar to current lower-speed modems. According to Dale Walsh, USR's vice president of engineering, the main channel would send data at a top speed of 14,400 bps, while a 450-bps back channel would perform error correction and other protocol functions. USR's proposal is supported by Rockwell, Racal-Vadic, and Paradyne.

Telebit's proposed system uses more than 500 channels, each operating at rela

tively low speed. According to Ted Brown, manager of systems engineering at Telebit, the system normally sends data at up to 18,000 bps, though lab results show speeds of up to 28,000 bps.

Under the compromise, the USR single-channel system would be mandatory, with Telebit's multichannel system as an option, and a system for selecting between the two. Walsh said USR was pleased that work toward a standard would continue. "We've made significant progress, and this way we can work as a team to make more progress," he said. Dwight Decker, Telebit's director of modem engineering, agreed: "The critical thing is that the compromise means there really will be a standard."

Decker said the compromise was supported by eight modem manufacturers and the national standards agencies of Germany, France, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Both he and Walsh

said a draft standard should be ready for examination by the full study group early in the next CCITT plenary session, perhaps as soon as next February.

USR favors a traditional approach, using a single main channel running at up to 14,400 bps. Telebit wants multiple channels running up to 28,000 bps. USR's Walsh said that a multichannel system can't really run that fast. "To achieve the high speeds claimed [by Telebit], they're operating beyond the available bandwidth on a voice line," he said. "As soon as they get interference on a real phone line, it falls back to slower speeds."

Telebit's Ted Brown countered that the slower speeds are still faster than a single-channel system—up to 18,000 bps. In addition, multichannel modems can drop back by as little as 100 bps at a time; traditional modems, on the other hand, must drop by 2400 bps at a time, he said.

Video Could Be the Color Printers

Forget that serial or parallel port connection for your printer. To get the state of the art in color printer technology, you may soon be hooking up your computer's video output directly to the printer.

Sony has developed a thermal-transfer color printer that, while designed primarily for broadcasters who want still photos from videos, offers a tantalizing glimpse of where color printer technology is going.

The UP-5000 does have an RS-232C port, but it's used for picture editing and control, not for carrying the actual print data. The printer accepts a wide variety of video inputs, including

Key to Good

standard National Television System Committee (NTSC) video and analog RGB, and other standards like differential R-Y, B-Y and S-video. The interface digitizes 8 bits of video and can print 256 variations of each of the three primary colors (magenta, yellow, and cyan). That amounts to something like 10 million possible colors per pixel.

The printer captures images in an internal buffer and stores up to two frames. You can view the image on a color monitor and adjust the color and tones under computer control. A full-size print from the UP-5000 is 6 by 4'/2 inches, and the unit will also do overhead trans

parencies. It takes 67 seconds for it to do its work on each print using special color thermal paper, and you can print multiple copies from the frame buffer.

Print quality is stunning—virtually indistinguishable from a commercial color print, not at all like the muted colors from most of today's color computer printers. As you might expect, though, it's not cheap. The UP-5000, which will be shipped in July, has a retail price of $7000. But a Sony spokesperson said he expects the cost of the technology will fall dramatically in the next couple of years, bringing this type of color printer within the price range of individuals and small companies.

continued

14 BYTE* JULY 1988

Circle 124 on Reader Service Card

Are You Floating on an Ocean of Data? You need Navigational Guidance.

Discovers Relationships and Knowledge Hidden in Large Databases

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Everyday, all over the world, the number of databases and the amount of data in each database increases. The increasing size of a database mal<es it harder and harder to understand what the data means. Whether you are part of a government agency, bank, engineering firm, insurance company, hospital or any organization which relies on computers, your database already contains vast amounts of hidden knowledge.

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and CAD Text Processor—is packaged with version 1.1 of VersaCAD for the Mac. • It seemed an unlikely fit when Autodesk (Los Gatos, CA) bought into Ted Nelson's Xanadu. But the maker of AutoCAD sees the possibility of using hypertext as a means of managing and sharing CAD drawings generated by AutoCAD. John Forbes, project manager for AutoCAD, said he envisions a distributed drawing management system in which users can connect architectural and engineering drawings to text comments. (For example, a user could point to a location on the drawing and continued

No More Golden Vaporware: Xanadu Products Next Year, Nelson Says

The first products based on the Xanadu hypertext concept will ship sometime next year, say Ted Nelson and his Xanadu team. Nelson said the time has come to "get this mother out of the closet and onto peoples' desks and into their minds. We're a member of the Gold

en Vaporware Club, along with Alan Kay's Dynabook.'

The Xanadu Hypertext System, said Nelson, would create "a new unification of applications. We're going to create a uniform data structure that developers of all types of applications can use." A preliminary system

will be delivered to developers late this year, according to Xanadu's Roger Gregory. "We're looking at Suns, Macintoshes, and IBM PCs as platforms," he said.

"We have something that's real," Gregory said. "You can see that it's real because it crashes."

Big Changes to the Chip Not Lil^ely, Inventor Kilby Says

Nearly 30 years after he invented the computer chip, Jack St. Clair Kilby says improvements in the memory, performance, and cost of his invention are getting harder to come by. "Nothing goes on forever," he told the new Austin, Texas, chapter of the Ameri

can Electronics Association recently. "There may not be another 5 orders of magnitude of improvements to be made. Certainly not with the techniques we now use," he said.

The industry needs to focus on improving chip packaging, according to Kilby.

Kilby said he's not pessimistic about the future of the IC, which he invented in 1958. He said he's simply mindful that "30 years is an incredibly long time in the history of electronics for the domination of a single device."

continued

Keceiving Report

Transmitted Invoice

Price, Qty, Part# Matched

Stamped :oded

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BYTE' JULY 1988

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The change to a pure language

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retrieve a related description or report on the design characteristics of that piece of the drawing.) "We see hypertext as a means to manage information in a more intelligent way," said Chris Record, Autodesk vice president of business development and now president of Xanadu. • The Association of Personal Computer Consultants has formed with the intent of "certifying true professionals" in the field. The group plans to issue credentials and a statement of ethics "to acceptable professionals. " If you think you might be acceptable, write to the APCC at P.O. Box 14430, Philadelphia, PA 19115.

Apple Wants Developers to Push Mac into 32-bit World

Apple Computer (Cupertino, CA) and outside developers are working to move the Macintosh into the world of 32-bit computing. And since most current Mac programs operate primarily in the 16-bit realm, this direction is the one that has the most implicit fallout for developers. Some third parties have widened their programs for 24-bit-deep color monitors and cards, but

those are the exceptions.

Apple is encouraging developers to think in 32-bit terms. For its part, the computer maker has suggested revising the system software to accompany the use of a 68030 processor in its machines (Apple officials have hinted at a Mac SE with an 030 in it). Some people at Apple's Spring Developers' Conference said Apple is considering a "fat

TECHNOLOGY NEWS WANTED. The news staff at BYTE is always interested in hearing about new technological and scientific developments that might have an impact on microcomputers and the people who use them. We also want to keep track of innovative uses of that technology. If you know of advances or projects relevant to microcomputing and want to share that information, please contact the Microbytes staff at (603) 9249281, send mail on BIX to Microbytes, or write to us at One Phoenix Mill Lane, Peterborough, NH 03458.

slot" (one that addresses more than 24 bits in the slot) and "fat pixels" (up to 32 bits deep).

The move to 32 bits falls in neatly with the closer ties between Apple and DEC; if Apple software runs at the 32-bit level, DEC compatibility is easier. It will mean a total rewrite of Apple printer drivers, for example, to achieve this. It's not clear what that would mean for a company that has existing special drivers to convert QuickDraw into direct printer output, but a complete rewrite of these kinds of drivers is implied by any change in QuickDraw. "Apple is asking a lot in moving to 32 bits. I think they realize they are going to need better error-catching tools if applications are going to get written in a decent time frame," said one developer.

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18 BYTE- JULY 1988

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More Board for the Buck

That's what the EGA game comes down to. 100% IBlVf EGA compatibility is essential. But today you need more. So what does the Everex Micro Enhancer deliver?

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That's nice. But what if your Hercules* and CGA applications ran on an EGA monitor. And if an autoswitch feature automatically adjusted modes to the software running, so that you wouldn't have to hassle with switch settings. Or if there was an optional parallel port to save money and space. Wouldn't that be better?

This all comes from a leading supplier of EGA cards and costs so little that you wouldn't believe it's made in the United States. That's more board for your buck.

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EVER lo! Excellence is a regiiicred irailemaik anil EVEREX and Micro Enhancer aie trademarks of Everci Syslcms. Inc. Heiculci ii a regisiered iradcmark of Hercules CompuWr Technologies, Inc. Loius, 1-2-3 and Symphony nre regisicictl

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Letters

Memory Management

I have a few comments concerning the "Overview of Memory Management" by Randall L. Hyde (April).

The article was instructive, understandable, and well written. I appreciate the effort taken to explain what many users and programmers find to be "black magic" about computers: operating systems and memory management schemes.

Thrashing is not caused by a poor choice of replacement algorithm. A poor replacement algorithm will precipitate thrashing on a loaded system; the fact that so many replacement algorithms are explored in the literature is a testimonial to the importance placed on the subject.

Thrashing is caused by overloading a virtual memory system. A nonthrashing system running at peak load with a poor replacement algorithm will perform better with a good replacement algorithm. An overloaded system will thrash regardless of the replacement algorithm used. The real problem, then, is not the replacement algorithm, but load control.

I think 5 years is too optimistic a time frame for seeing PCs with virtual memory being generally used. Virtual memory systems are useful in the multiuser, multitasking environment that is the current niche for mini and mainframe products. The boundaries between micros, minis, and mainframes are dissolving with today's hardware advances, but before we see "deskframes" throughout the office, several major advances must occur:

• There must still be work on the microprocessor itself before it is capable of supporting the high I/O rates that are necessary to page efficiently. Where is the equivalent of the channel in the future microprocessor market? Traditional preemptive direct memory access won't cut it.

• Memory costs must fall dramatically before the general user can afford a system large enough to need paging. In today's mainframe world, 8 megabytes is tiny. We hear about OS/2 needing 2 megabytes to be functional; what about

the applications that will need 6 megabytes or more?

• Stratospheric prices for high-performance random access devices must fall. When we see a 1-gigabyte hard disk drive with 24-millisecond (innermost to outermost cylinders) seek times for under $1500, then the personal computer market might afford cost-effective paging devices. Until then, paging will be an expensive and slow toy.

• Finally, and perhaps most important, who will manage the "deskframes"? Then there is the question of the performance adjustments and required maintenance (like backups and spool cleaning).

Soon we'll have to redefine what the terms mainframe, mini, and micro mean. Will there be pico and femto machines, perhaps? You can bet there will always be a niche for the single-user, single-task operating system running on nonvirtual hardware. We all need to keep in mind the hardware and software problems that have already been addressed and occasionally solved in the mainframe world. Let's not make the same mistakes in the micro world.

Jonathan Allan O'Fallon, IL

LETTERS POLICY: When submitting a letter for publication, double-space it on one side of the paper and include your name and address. Express your comments and ideas as clearly and concisely as possible. We can print listings and tables along with a letter if they are short and legible.

Because we receive hundreds of letters each month, we cannot publish all of them. We cannot return letters to authors. Generally, it takes four months from the time we receive a letter until we publish it.

Vindication at Last

I was fascinated to see that your October 1987 issue (which I received in midMarch) has finally caught up with my book 200i; A Space Odyssey.

It is still not widely known in the com

puter industry that HAL stands for heuristically programmed algorithmic computer, even though I spelled this out carefully in Chapter 16 of my book. I've spent 20 years trying to disown the legend that HAL is derived from IBM by transposing one letter, and I even had my characters in 2070.- Odyssey Two contradict this canard (see Chapter 35).

So I'll be happy if you can help me stamp it out!

Arthur C. Clarke Colombo, Sri Lanka

Learning Difficulties

Thank you for publishing Alex Lane's nice review of Trilogy ("Trilogy: A New Approach to Logic Programming," March). It is difficult to review a new language, and Lane has to be complimented for describing Trilogy to your readers quite well. On the other hand, in the short time he had for the review, he did not quite manage to understand the difference between the scopes and programming styles of Prolog and Trilogy.

A substantial part of Lane's review concerns the comparison of Turbo Prolog's and Trilogy's stack/heap overflows. Using the Tower of Hanoi benchmark. Lane overflowed Trilogy's stack with 10 rings, while Turbo Prolog executed OK. The main predicate in Prolog (example #55 from the Turbo Prolog manual) is as follows:

hanol(1,A,B,C) :-inform(A,B) ,!. hanol(N,A,B,C) :

Nl=N-l,hanoi(Nl,A,C,B) ,

inform(A,B),hanol

(N1,C,B,A).

The predicate inform(A,B) just prints disk moved from A to B. Lane translated this program into Trilogy as follows:

pred Hanoi

(n:<I,a:<S,b:<S,c:<S) iff n = 1 & Inform(a,b) {Lane called explicit Print here}

continued

22 BYTE- JULY 1988

Who Says FoxBASE+ is Better than dBASE ?

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I {should have put n > 1 here} Hanol(n-l,a,c,b) & Inforin(a,b) & {Lane called Hanol(l,a,b,c) here} Hanoi(n-ljC,b,a)

I've modified both programs slightly here so they can be directly compared without affecting their substance. Now Trilogy executes 10 and 11 rings but overflows on 12. Turbo Prolog doesn't overflow.

Unfortunately, Lane did not realize that the programs were not equivalent. Note the cut operator (!) in the Turbo Prolog version. Whenever the recursion comes down to 1 (and it comes there 2048 times for 12 rings), the cut removes the so-called choice point from the stack. Lane's Trilogy program leaves all the choice points on the stack. In other words, Lane has explicitly commanded Trilogy to overflow. If he wanted an equivalent comparison, he should have removed the cut (!) from the Turbo Prolog program—then he would have overflown its stack/heap with 12 rings as well.

Cuts are features that violate the logic of Prologs. They were introduced as quick hacks in order to improve the execution times. Prologs are sorely missing the IF. . .THEN. . .ELSE constructs required here. Trilogy does not contain cuts, and Lane should have used an IF...THEN...ELSE:

procHanoi(n:<I,a:<S,b:<S,c:<S) iff if n = 1 then

Inform(a,b) else

Hanoi(n-l,a,c,b) & Inforra(a,b) Hanoi(n-l,c,b,a) end

The execution times for the Tower of Hanoi benchmark as given in the review are irrelevant because they just measure the speed of writing to the screen. I compared this last version with the Turbo Prolog version on 18 rings with the prints turned off. Trilogy executed in 39 seconds (on a 4.7-MHz IBM PC), whereas Turbo Prolog required 77 seconds (this ratio remained the same for any number of rings). By using the IF. . .THEN. . .ELSE construct, the stack overflow has disappeared and the program has become more readable to anyone fluent in the procedural style.

We are preparing Trilogy 2.0 for re

continued

24 B YTE • JULY 1988

Circle 76 on Reader Service Card

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DesignCAD 3-D allows you to develop and advance any design in 3 dimensional space, while providing you with features such as shading, hidden line removal, printer and plotter support. DesignCAD 3-D's extensive file transfer utilities allow you to: transfer documents to and from IGES, DXF HPGL, transfer to GEM and Post Script and to read ASCII text files and X, Y, Z coordinate files. It allows up to 4 simultaneous views (any angle or perspective) on the screen. Complex extrusions, extensive 3-D text capabilities, auto dimensioning and a host of other

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lease in the fall. This update will include incremental garbage collection, a debugger, and the large data model (Trilogy 1.20 already uses the large code model). The price of the update will be $33.

Although Trilogy 1.20 has a sophisticated relational file system, it cannot yet be characterized as a full database system. We are preparing the B-tree indexes, query optimizer, and form and report generators for release early next year.

Dr. Paul J. Voda President Complete Logic Systems North Vancouver, B. C., Canada

Dr. Voda's letter underscores the difficulty of benchmarking any new language, and, particularly, of attempting to compare benchmark results with those from other languages.

My mention of stack/heap overflow was primarily related to discussions of the list-reversal and disk-read benchmarks in Trilogy. Although I did have a problem with stack/heap overflow while attempting the Tower of Hanoi, my major observation for that benchmark noted that a substantial part of run time was spent writing to the screen. Although the rate of output to the console may be deemed irrelevant since it is not the central focus of the Hanoi test, I thought it did rate a line in the review.

As regards use of Prolog's cut (\) operator, I thought that the benchmarks should reflect the performance capabilities of each language, using all the tools available. Quick hack though it may be, the cut is part of Prolog, so I used it.

I am grateful for Dr. Voda's other comments, and I'm pleased to see that the IF. . .THEN. . .ELSE construct allows the Hanoi benchmark to run. However, it would appear that a potential Trilogy programmer must have quite a good understanding of logic programming principles to use the language to best effect. I would have liked to see such information in the user documentation. —Alex Lane

Multiplying Integers

In his letter ("A Tale of Two Integers," April), Peter Crosby asks how to get the QuickBASIC compilers to correctly multiply two integers to get a floating-point result. The problem is a common one when using compiled BASIC for the first time. The answer lies in the conventions used in compiling: Any expression will take on the precision of the highest-precision element. That is, in the program

10 = 30 20 A = *

what actually happens is that h% * B% is calculated as an integer, since both terms in the expression are integers. The result is stored in an integer temporarily, and then the assignment (with accompanying conversion) is made to A, the single-precision variable.

The problem is one that has never affected interpreted BASIC, because it always calculates in single-precision floating-point; however, it is a problem that is addressed in nearly every "changes from the interpreter" section of the manual that I've read. Unfortunately, this section is usually pretty well buried in the back of the manual. I can't seem to find it at all in the QuickBASIC 4.0 documentation. As common as this error is, it seems odd that Microsoft would not mention it prominently in the manual.

In any event, the easy fix for the above program is to change line 20 to read

20A= 1.0*B^*B^

Now, since the expression involves a real (single-precision) constant, the calculation must be done in single-precision math so that the result doesn't suffer from integer overflow when B% * B% exceeds the maximum representable integer.

Dan Mick Newbury Park, CA

Is Hartley Really Faster?

Mark A. O'Neill did a fine job of explaining Hartley transforms ("Faster Than Fast Fourier," April), and BYTE proved itself once again to be a premier forum for the intelligent discussion of technique.

The article is wrong, however, in asserting that the fast Hartley transform is faster than the fast Fourier transform (FFT). This conclusion follows only when the Hartley transform is compared with an entirely naive implementation of its Fourier counterpart. There are two essential and well-known tricks used in modern FFT algorithms that, when combined, actually serve to make the Fourier procedure the faster of the two.

The first trick was published by J.W. Cooley et al. not long after his famous paper that introduced the basic FFT method. It adapts the computation to the important circumstance of real-valued data by transforming a pseudosequence of half length. The even-numbered points in the original sequence of length are taken to be the real parts, and the oddnumbered points the imaginary parts of the pseudosequence, so that no rear

continued

26 BYTE- JULY 1988

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JULY 1988 'BYTE 27

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LETTERS

rangement of the input array is required.

The transformation of this shortened sequence can be carried out by performing NIA "butterflies" on each of log2(M2) levels. This transform is followed by an additional level of NIA butterflies to turn its results into the first half of the Fourier coefficients for the original sequence. The second half is neither calculated nor stored, since the coefficients are known a priori to be the complex conjugates: X{N-k) = Xx (k).

This last level of butterflies involves the same necessity for retrograde addressing that marks all levels of the Hartley transform and reflects the deep relationship between the two approaches.

This trick alone evens the race between the Hartley and the Fourier transforms. Both require logW levels of computation. On each level, the Hartley procedure requires N/2 butterflies, each involving two real multiplications, for a total of NxlogiN. The Fourier procedure

has only N/4 butterflies on each level (because the transform is of half length), but each requires a complex multiplication. If these were done in the usual way, as Mr. O'Neill suggests, using four real multiplications apiece, then the contest would be a draw.

A second trick, however, can be used to make Fourier transforms the more economical computation on most computers of the present era. Because multiplication instructions typically require much longer to execute than those for addition or subtraction, this trick succeeds by reducing the number of real multiplications at the cost of an increased number of the quicker operations. I learned the technique from a friend who called it "Golub's method," but I am unable to cite a reference duly crediting its originator.

The idea is to compute a complex product {A + iB) X{X + iY) with only three real multiplications:

{A+B)X{X-Y)+AXY-BXX + i(BxX + Ax Y).

When the products required for Cooley's real-valued FFT algorithm are taken in this way, the number of timeconsuming real multiplications is reduced to three-fourths of those needed for the fast Hartley transform. A wellcrafted Fourier routine is therefore faster.

Commercial Fourier transform packages also employ other tricks to achieve increased speed and accuracy. Many of these are equally applicable to Hartley and other related transformations. Probably the most important additional notion is to abandon the level-by-level sequence of calculations implicit in the foregoing discussion in favor of an ordering that groups operations involving common multipliers. This allows computations corresponding to angles of 0, 90, 45 degrees, and so on, to be handled by specialized loops that are much faster than the general case.

J.W. Hartwell Hillsborough, NC

Symmetric Summation

I was pleased to see fuzzy logic featured in "When Facts Get Fuzzy" by Bradley L. Richards (April). Unfortunately, the operations usually used in fuzzy-set theory lead to logical inconsistencies that make it difficult to apply to real situations. To use one of Richards' examples, suppose that a medical diagnostician observes that symptom A indicates a 70 per

continued

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LETTERS

cent chance of disease and symptom B indicates a 40 percent chance—then if both symptoms are present, the combined chance is

0.7p-OR0.4 = 0.7 + 0.4 - (0.7 x 0.4) = 0.82.

An optimistic patient might conclude that symptom A means a 30 percent chance of health and symptom B a 60 percent chance, and

0.3 p-OR 0.6 = 0.3 -1-0.6 - (0.3 x 0.6) = 0.72,

or a 72 percent combined chance of health. The numbers do not add up to 100 percent, as they should.

Several years ago, I investigated a class of operations on fuzzy sets

(a@b) + {{l-a)@il-b)) = 1,

where @ is called the "symmetric sum."

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An example of such a symmetric sum is the operation defined by

a@b = abl{\ - a - b + lab).

Applied to Richards' medical example, the chance of disease is

0.7@0.4 = 0.7 X 0.4/(1.0 0.4 + 2 X 0.7 X 0.4)

0.7

or 61 percent, while the chance that the patient is healthy is

0.3@0.6 = 0.3 X 0.6/(1.0 0.6 -I- 2 X 0.3 X 0.6)

0.3

or 39 percent—the two values add up to 100 percent, so both the pessimist and the optimist can agree.

Fuzzy-set definitions are always arbitrary, since for every set there is a complement, and meaningful results should not depend on which one of them we work with. Symmetric summation is the only type of operation that combines fuzzy sets in a way that leads to conclusions that are the same whether we deal with a particular choice of sets (e.g., young @ beautiful) or their complements (old ©ugly).

An interesting feature of symmetric summation is that it applies only to fuzzy sets, and indeed it is the only operation on fuzzy sets that I know of that does not correspond to an operation on normal sets. This is because of the easily proved requirement that a @ (1 - a) = Vi.

William Silvert Dartmouth, Nova Scotia Canada

Drawing Lines

There is a problem with the attempt to draw a horizontal line in "A C Interface" by Don F. Ridgway (November 1987). Listing 1 on page 363 of that article is an interesting ANSISYS.H header file (not an ANSISYS.C header file, as the caption states). Also, in the Mefine WINDOW definition, the horizontal and vertical lines should not be filled.

Harold LeRoy Ling Jackson, MN

FIXES

In the article "POP Goes the Macintosh" by Dick Fountain (May), the first line of code included in the text on page 290 should have read as follows:

pr('That took 'Xcountx' seconds');■ ■

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• Print Master II, Model 808E, features eight flexible ports: six serial and two parallel. You can set any port, including both parallel ports, as a computer port or a printer port.

• Print Master II's serial ports operate at real speeds up to 9600 baud, even when all

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• Print Master II handles protocol conversion automatically (i.e. serial/parallel, baud rates, handshaking, etc.), so it's compatible with virtually all makes of computers, printers, plotters, modems and peripherals.

• Print Master II can be used in conjunction with the printer server of a LAN to help off-load network traffic by providing port expansion and extra buffer.

• Print Master II features many little extras that make a big difference in performance: shielded connectors, a built-in power supply, easy-to-read configuration menus, fewer parts for higher reliability, sturdy metal case.

How about $595? Call us to order (iirect or for the name of your nearest dealer.

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34

BYTE' JULY 1988

Circle 32 on Reader Service Card

Chaos Manor Mail

Jerry Pournelle answers questions about his column and related computer topics

Kind Words for Multitasking

Dear Jerry,

I've been an avid reader of your column since its beginning. I have generally agreed with your comments—until you blasted multitasking operating systems in the November 1987 issue.

OS/2 is the first glimmer of hope for serious computing at the personal level. Most attempts at multitasking under MSDOS are serious kludges (e.g., terminate-and-stay-resident programs like SideKick or massive polling loops like Microsoft Windows). These programs make extra efforts to bypass the operating system.

A big problem with IBM PC software is compatibility. Every developer has a different method of bypassing the operating system. Real operating systems (e.g., VMS, Unix, and OS/2) provide standard interfaces and services to support multitasking; therefore, different vendors' software can coexist.

Regarding your comment that "... what everyone wants is not multitasking, with its inevitable slowing of what you're doing in the foreground. The new generation of 80386 machines has more than 2 million instructions per second of computing power. With this amount of power available and a multitasking operating system, you won't even notice several background processes.

"Real" networking (e.g., electronic mail, transparent file access, and remote procedure calls) cannot be done without true multitasking. Attempts to perform these operations with polling-loop implementations under MS-DOS produce mediocre results.

You say that what we really want is multiprocessing. That's nice in theory, but more processors cost more money. If the operation can be performed with a decent processor and operating system, why throw more hardware at it? Even with multiprocessing, we need multitasking to effectively coordinate the actions of several processors in a system.

I believe your blasting of multitasking is similar to the comment you made sev

eral years ago regarding type-ahead buffers for keyboards. You didn't think they were necessary until you used a system that incorporated one.

Please don't bad-mouth true multitasking until you've tried it.

Kert H. Jans Encinitas, CA

I don't recall saying anything about type-ahead buffers; indeed, I do recall insisting on n-key rollover on my early CP/M systems; isn't that what a typeahead buffer does ? Gee.

As to OS/2 on an 80386, I agree: It looks like it ought to be plenty fast and very useful. I'm not so certain about the 80286.

Multitasking is fine, but I'd settle for a really good way to do multiple applications. With luck we 'II get both.

As to not knocking something I haven't tried, it's precisely because of the bad memories I have from trying multitasking that I'll remain skeptical until I see for myself that I can type and have my words appear on-screen instantly. Some people stare at the keyboard when they type; me, I watch the screen, and even the tiniest delay is noticeable.

We'll see, and I sure hope you're right. —Jerry

Microsoft Word Macro Delays

Dear Jerry,

I am happy that Microsoft Word 4.0 "is certainly the next program to try," as you said in your column in BYTE. I have used it for 3 years, and think it's the most elegant and versatile writing tool there is.

But you should be warned about its macros. They can emulate Electric Pencil commands just fine. But as your book chapters get bigger. Word's macros get slower. The delay is not noticeable with

continued

Jerry Pournelle holds a doctorate in psychology and is a science fiction writer who also earns a comfortable living writing about computers present and future. He can be reached do BYTE, One Phoenix Mill Lane, Peterborough, NH 03458.

Circle 33 on Reader Service Card

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CHAOS MANOR MAIL

small files, but it increases with file size and the cursor's location toward the end of a file (where most writers spend much of their time). On a standard IBM PC, 25 seconds may elapse between the time you hit the macro key(s) and the time the macro starts to execute, if you are at the end of a 35K-byte file. The more you need speed, the less you will get. "Intolerable," as you remarked about Q&A Write.

The only solution is to load ProKey 4.0 along with Word; its macros have no perceptible delay.

Since macros were just introduced in Word 4.0, perhaps it will take another major version for them to be implemented correctly, as is the case with many of Microsoft's other product enhancements.

Allan Fries Seattle, WA

Gee, thanks for the tip. I expect SuperKey (or, for that matter, DESQview) macros would work the same way. I'll try it. —Jerry

Calling All PX-8 Orphans

Dear Jerry,

Do you have room for a "minority" public service spot?

On a couple of occasions, you've mentioned one of my favorite dinosaurs in your column. It's a small-in-size but bigin-bells-and-whistles CP/M machine called the Epson PX-8 (Geneva). Admittedly, between the advent of MS-DOS and all the reviews that kept saying the Geneva was only for "active computer users" (what does that mean, anyway?), it died out there in consumerland pretty quickly. Nevertheless, there are a lot of PX-8ers around still, and since Epson is out of the PX-8 business, I thought I'd pass on an address or two that might be of

some value to other orphans.

SynderScope International (1594 Hilltop Dr., El Cajon, CA 92020) still provides support, peripherals, and reams of software. The company also runs a bulletin board at (619) 442-3789. DAK Industries (8200 Remmet Ave., Canoga Park, CA 91304) also handles some hardware and software. (It seems prices these days for a PX-8 or peripherals are just a fraction of Epson's original suggested retail. Beware, it's enough to make an early Epson buyer weep!)

Another source of Geneva information is the bulletin board system at (313) 5386968. By the way, Canadian users might still get some limited support through their local Epson dealers (at least they do in Winnipeg).

Thanks for mentioning CP/M occasionally. There's plenty of life in the old gal yet.

Christopher Lars Arney Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

There sure is a dance in the old girl yet. Toujours ga/.'—Jerry

Hail the Paper Clip

Dear Jerry,

In Computing at Chaos Manor (October 1987), you mentioned that "Apple should have put a control lever on the Mac so you can eject floppies without begging permission."

Jerry, Apple did; the company just hasn't publicized it for fear of making things too easy for Mac users. There are three ways to eject disks from the Mac:

1. Pull down the window and use the "eject" feature, which you found frustrating.

2. Use the double-infinity Command key near the space bar, simultaneously pressing the Control key and lowercase num

ber 4 at the top to electronically force a diisk out (this won't hurt anything, I promise).

3. Bend the long end of a thick paper clip to a 90-degree angle from the body of the clip and insert into the little ubiquitous hole near the disk slot, located about Vi inch from the right-hand corner of the slot, keeping the wire totally at a 0-degree angle to the Mac; insert until you hit the mechanical frog (disk grabber) and press forward Vi inch; that will release the tension on the frog, and—bingo— your disk will pop out.

I have done this hundreds of times on all models of Macs and never damaged one in the least, and most of my colleagues forced to suffer Macs all keep a similar paper clip with them at all times and have done this procedure thousands of times with no damage whatsoever.

H. Kent Craig Raleigh, NC

Well, I guess the solution is to issue a box of paper clips with each Mac.'—Jerry

Stamp Out "Turbo"

Dear Jerry,

I am writing to solicit your help in promoting the enactment of federal legislation that would make it a capital offense to use the prefix "turbo" in the name of any product or service not directly and intimately associated with the powerplant industry.

I know I can count on your moral, if not your financial, support in this most \vorthy of endeavors.

(Embedded command: Remove tongue from cheek in order to lick stam^,

David Fisher Scottsville, NY

Hey, I'll join that campaign!—Jerry ■

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36 BYTE' JULY 1988

Circle 181 on Reader Service Card

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Ask Byte

Circuit Cellar's Steve Ciarcia answers your questions on microcomputing

Digitizing Live Video

Dear Steve,

Could you point out the proper combination of hardware and software that would permit an IBM PC user to display a full-motion video signal on the PC screen?

There seem to be a number of expensive video capture boards/software around (AT&T's TARGA, for example), but they are overly complex for this simple application. I'd like to be able to call up and view a video signal from a PC menu using my keyboard and return to a menu when done.

In reality, I'd like to go one step further and be able to select one video signal from a menu list of several video sources, using the PC communications port to drive a video switch. My ultimate goal is to be able to window the video into positions on the screen, such positions being controlled by a program.

Ron Van Note New York, NY

The reason those TARGA boards are so expensive is that they 're doing something quite complicated. Let me walk you through the problem.

A standard PC display (everything except the new VGA hardware) uses digital signals to represent the colors for each pixel. EGA displays can handle 64 colors, but the EGA boards can generate only 16 different colors at one time. No matter where your picture comes from, it will have only 64 colors when the EGA is done with it, and that's not enough for what you want to do.

The VGA displays use analog video signals, and the boards can produce 256 colors from a selection of about 250,000 (with 320- by 200-pixel resolution), which is closer to live video. Unfortunately, the screen scanning rates are so different that the monitor can't overlap a video signal on a digital image at the same time.

The TARGA boards sidestep the problem by digitizing the video image and using software to position the pixels in memory. That process just doesn't hap

pen in real time, if only because the PC isn't fast enough to update the picture that quickly.

Some manufacturers do make a genlock accessory for the EGA display that will superimpose the EGA (in CGA mode) signal on a background of live video. I'm not sure of all the details, but I suspect you need an analog monitor that can handle both standard video and RGB inputs at the same time. The ads showed up in BYTE and PC Magazine a while ago, but I can't track them down again.

In any event, I think it'll be a lot more expensive than you'd like. Maybe having two monitors isn't that awful. —Steve

IN ASK BYTE, Steve Ciarcia, a computer consultant and electronics engineer, answers questions on any area of microcomputing and his Circuit Cellar projects. The most representative questions will be answered and published. Send your inquiry to

Ask BYTE

do Steve Ciarcia

P.O. Box582

Glastonbury, CT 06033 Due to the high volume of inquiries, we cannot guarantee a personal reply. All letters and photographs become the property of Steve Ciarcia and cannot be returned.

The Ask BYTE staff includes manager Harv Weiner and researchers Eric Albert, Tom Cantrell, Bill Curlew, Ken Davidson, Jeannette Dojan, Jon Elson, Frank Kuechmann, Tim McDonough, Edward Nisley, Dick Sawyer, Robert Stek, and Mark Voorhees.

ROM Dislt

Dear Steve,

I use a laptop computer quite a bit. I chose the NEC MultiSpeed because it is fast, powerful, inexpensive, and can run on batteries alone for those times when AC is unavailable.

The two built-in 720K-byte floppy disk drives are sufficient for many purposes. Of course, you can never have too much disk storage space. I can usually fit each major application program onto one or two 720K-byte disks, leaving the B drive open to hold the working files. So I

have a disk for Word and a disk full of documents, two disks for Lotus 1-2-3 and a third with spreadsheets and graphs, another pair of disks for Reflex and one for each major database, two for Microsoft C, and one for each major program I'm developing. Get the picture?

While this system is adequate, it tends to involve a lot of disk swapping. Worse yet, the heavy use of the floppy disk drives runs down the battery quickly. While the battery is rated at about 6 hours' use with "minimal" disk access, the NEC service representative told me that it was "normal" for the battery to last only about 2 hours with heavy disk use. And for certain operations (most notably programming), those disk drives are running almost constantly.

An internal hard disk drive, which some of the other laptops have, solves the problem of disk swapping but aggravates the problem of battery life. Besides, it doesn't look as if NEC will offer its hard disk drive as an upgrade option for the existing MultiSpeed machines. The new MultiSpeed HD looks quite a bit different than its predecessor.

I have a solution that I think is actually superior: Why not design and build an external ROM disk for the MultiSpeed? In fact, if I'm not mistaken, you could make the IBM-compatible parallel printer port operate bidirectionally. So you could adapt a ROM disk designed to run from the parallel printer port to all current (and, presumably, future) laptop machines. It would be a silent, lowpower, expandable "disk drive" that you could carry easily wherever you went, and it could substitute for a fistful of disks.

I envision a system consisting of multiple circuit boards connected by a bus of ordinary flat ribbon cable. Board #1 would be a simple microprocessor controller board. A low-power Z80, an 82C55 parallel interface chip, a 27C128 EPROM, one or two 6264LP static RAM (SRAM) chips, and some "glue" would probably do the job. Board #2 (one or more copies in parallel on the ribbon

continued

38 BYTE- JULY 1988

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cable bus) would be filled with 27C512 EPROM chips. Each ROM board could hold up to 32 EPROMS, or 2 megabytes, of "disk" space.

With very little additional effort, you could design the system so that it also accepted a third type of board containing 43256LP CMOS SRAM chips instead of EPROMs. Then you could have an external RAM disk that did not reduce the MultiSpeed's working RAM capacity, or a mixture of RAM disk and ROM disk for maximum flexibility.

Loading software and data files into the ROM disk would be the only complicated part of the whole project. A laborintensive approach would be to use software on a host PC with a hard disk drive to build an image of the ROM disk drive, convert the changed data to an Intel hex file, figure out which EPROM chips need to be removed from the ROM disk board(s), and then dump the hex files to an EPROM programmer one chip at a time.

A hardware approach would be cleaner. You could design a fourth board that would contain EPROM programming circuitry. It could burn the EPROMs in the ROM disk boards; you wouldn't even have to remove them from their sockets. With this programmer board in place, the host PC could simply COPY or XCOPY one or more files to the ROM disk as if it were writing to a real disk.

What do you think about this idea?

John P. Toscano Apple Valley, MN

Every now and again the subject of an external ROM (or RAM) disk comes up. You've done a good analysis of the project, but you've overlooked one absolutely essential specification: the economics of the project.

The ROM disk you describe uses 32 27C512 EPROMs, which cost about $10 apiece in moderate quantities. Sockets, bypass capacitors, buffers, and the like add about $1 to the cost of each EPROM. I think that the support circuitry could be a little simpler than you describe, but let's figure about $50 in parts for the CPU and other ICs. Just the EPROMs require about 50 square inches of PC board space, so we'll stack two 6- by 8-inch boards in a box; figure $30, including the board connectors. The board needs a connector to the PC, so add another $15 or so. Figure that there will be some costs for assembly, test, and rework, and you 're up to about $500for each unit.

But we haven't allowed for design time, software development, advertising, shipping, or the profit motivator. You can

assign any markup you'd like to cover the cost of running the business that makes the ROM disk possible; I'll use a factor of 2 (which may not be enough).

The bottom-line price to the consumer would be about $1000, which seems awfully steep for a box that replaces 2.84 floppy disks—and needs a power supply and cable.

Don't feel too bad, though. I've built quite a few projects that didn't make any economic sense; they were just fun to do. If I can figure out any way to make a general-purpose ROM disk workable, I'll be sure to do it. —Steve

Improving Iris after Cataracts

Dear Steve,

My father-in-law was operated on for cataracts a few months ago. Unfortunately, complications resulted in the loss of proper function of the iris of one eye. This makes it difficult for him to cope with wide variations in light intensity and detracts from his enjoyment of his favorite outdoor activities.

I would like to build or procure a simple, lightweight, artificial iris for him. My idea is to overlay one lens of his eyeglasses with some material that can be rendered more or less transparent by a varying electrical field controlled by a light-level sensor mounted on the glasses frame. I know that somewhere, in a discussion of NASA research or similar activity, I read of a material with such properties. In fact, Edmund Scientific markets a liquid-crystal material that might be adapted to the purpose. Unformnately, it requires a high voltage, and I'm not sure that its clear state is sufficiently transparent.

Are you or is anyone on your staff aware of any material that might be suitable for the purpose?

Robert D. Williams Mathews, VA

A low-tech solution to your father-inlaw 's problem may produce better results than a state-of-the-art optoelectronic project. The trouble with the latter is that it's going to be absurdly expensive and probably ugly.

How about a simple polarizer added to a pair of Polaroid sunglasses ? If you picked the lenses carefully, they'd have a nearly spherical section so you could mount a polarizer disk against the inside .mrface. By rotating the polarizer, you could vary the transmission from about 50 percent (more or less) to almost nothing.

You could also use neutral-density fil

continued

40 BYTE' JULY 1988

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42 BYTE- JULY 1988

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Circle 78 on Reader Service Card

JULY 1988 'BYTE 43

ASK BYTE

ters; perhaps you could use two or three levels in various combinations. They might be easier to mount than a polarizer because they wouldn't need to rotate.

Drop into a good camera store and see what they have in the way of filters. You could cannibalize a second pair of sunglasses for a polarizer; that would give you good optical quality for a very low cost.

You might have to drill a few holes in the lens for the filter mount, but that's a mechanical problem and doesn't involve delicate surfaces, high voltages, or complex electronics. While it often seems as though I like high-tech gadgetry for its own sake, you 'II notice that many realworld interfaces are brutally simple and reliable—otherwise, they don't work for long.—Stsve

Too Much Space

Dear Steve,

I am using an IBM PC with DOS 2.0 and a Brother HR-35 printer with a sheet feeder. A problem shows up when I print from the word processor of MultiMate Advantage II. Specifically: Occasionally, for no apparent reason, extraneous spaces appear in lines of print. In succeeding lines, the left margin is offset the same number of spaces. If I switch the printer off and back on (which clears its buffer), the left margin goes back to its proper setting.

Ashton-Tate's only suggestion was to use TTYCRLF.PAT, but this gave me other troubles with justification and 4-line-perinch spacing.

Also, the sheet feeder of the printer moves the paper 0.6 inch to the right of its normal position. When I use sophisticated software (e.g., MultiMate, dBASE III Plus, and Norton Utilities), I can adjust for this in the margin specification. But I cannot use the shlf t-printscreen function. Brother says I cannot do anything with the printer to overcome this. Is there some way I can modify DOS or BIOS to correct this problem?

Russell G. Hill Princeton, NJ

There are a couple of possibilities, but to figure out what's going on you 'II need to do a little experimenting. I'll run through the choices and suggest how to test for them.

Because the offset is consistent from line to line, the Brother HR-35 may be getting a command to set the left margin. I don't know if getting a margin command in the middle of a line would cause additional spacing in that line, but it's worth checking.

The first step is to capture your printer's output so you can see exactly what's going on. The most practical way is to install a resident program that redirects the printer output to a file so you can look at it. PC Magazine (December 22, 1987) presented a utility called PRN2FILE (print to file) that does the deed.

PRN2FILE will create a disk file containing all the characters going to your printer. You can then use DEBUG or some file dump utility to examine the file in detail. You can also reprint the same file over and over to see if you get different results from the same data; because you use the DOS COPY command to do this, there's less chance for timing problems.

There are two possibilities: (1) either the data file will contain some extra or garbled data, or (2) it won't. If it does, the fault lies in the printer driver software. If it doesn't, then there's a problem in your printer. If you can reprint the same data file with different results, the printer is almost certainly kaput.

Check your cables, connectors, and so forth, even though you 're sure they can't possibly make any difference. Often, a 2day debugging session starts with a flaky connector.

As far as adjusting the margins for printscreen—tinkering with the BIOS code isn't worthwhile. By and large, you'd need to write a replacement routine; this isn't terribly difficult, but it shouldn't be your first whack at assembly language. What may be more practical is to set up a batch file that moves the left margin over 6 or 10 spaces, then do normal printscreeni and let the printer handle the margins. Admittedly, that's not too elegant, but it ought to work. —Steve

Hard Disk Mysteries

Dear Steve,

I have two problems that I've spent considerable time trying to resolve without success, despite reading everything I could find and writing letters to the manufacturers involved.

I built my IBM PC XT clone from components, and to date I have had no problems with hardware failures or software incompatibilities. The following list of my equipment may help you assist me, if you think my problems can be traced to hardware.

I have a DTK 4.77-/8-MHz motherboard with an NEC V20 CPU, Phoenix 2.27 BIOS, and 640K bytes of 150-nanosecond RAM mounted in a steel flip-top case. The display card is the ATI EGA Wonder with 4.02 BIOS. I have a Sam

sung SM-12SFA7 amber flat-screen monitor and a DTK Multi I/O card with floppy disk drive controller; the card is configured with a game port, a clock, and COMl enabled (COM2 is disabled). The floppy disk controller is hooked to a Toshiba 360K-byte floppy disk drive (A) and a Toshiba 3 '/2-inch 720K-byte floppy drive (B). My hard disk drive is a Seagate ST251 with a Western Digital WXl (F300) controller, configured as a 32.6megabyte hard disk drive (C) and an 8.9megabyte hard drive (D). A Fujitsu 1.2megabyte floppy disk drive and a Magitronic PE-510 Super FDC will be installed as drive E after I've resolved the problem. A 150-watt power supply (modified by the internal addition of surge and radio-frequency interference suppression) provides stable outputs. The keyboard is a DataComp DFK-777. Finally, a Zoom 2400-bit-per-second modem operates as COM2.

Now for the problems. Here's the first one. I had two Seagate ST225 21-megabyte hard disk drives with an Everex (which appears to be similar to the Western Digital WX2) controller, formatted with the MS-DOS 3.2 operating system. Wanting to install the 1.2-megabyte floppy disk drive, I installed the Seagate ST251/Western WXl and formatted everything with MS-DOS 3.30. Now my old CONFIG.SYS file no longer works (the system says unrecognized command).

Furthermore, while I can run a directory of the C drive's root and copy or edit files there, programs such as PC Tools and Menu consistently tell me there are no files in the root directory and will not read the volume name of the hard disk.

The second problem regards formatting the hard disk: Many of the Seagate ST255s (and now my ST251) ignore my interleave specification (I enter a 3) when controlled by a Western Digital WX2 or WXl controller.

I obtained a program called SPINIEST from a local bulletin board, and it gives the result of 3 revolutions to read a track (with a 174,080-byte-per-second transfer rate) when I use an Omti 5520, Microtek, HDC-1000, or DTC 5150. Occasionally I get a Western Digital WXl to format vv'ith an interleave of 3, but, typically, SPINTEST indicates 17 revolutions to read the track with a transfer rate of 30,710 bytes per second. Is there a fix for this?

Christopher Koch Buffalo, NY

I think this is one where you've got to be there to make any headway. .. Here's what I'd do. First, back up the

continued

44 B YTE • JULY 1988

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hard disks so you don't lose anything in the ensuing melee. Stick the appropriate boards into the PC, cable up the appropriate drives, check everything once, and fire it up. Do a low-level format on the drives and then run DOS 3.3'sFDISK and FORMAT /s (you should use the original DOS disks to make sure you get the right version).

If you need device drivers, set up CONFIG.SYS at this point and load the drivers into the appropriate subdirectories. Keep everything else off the disk until you 're sure the machinery plays. Once everything is OK, fill up the disk from the backup you make, taking care not to overwrite the boot files with some leftover trash.

Unless that Magitronic floppy disk controller is designed to work with a standard floppy card already installed (presumably using entirely different hardware I/O addresses and its own device driver), neither one will work. Right? So you might want to start the process without that card, just to make sure. Once the rest works, then add the new floppy disk controller and see what breaks.

From what you've told me, I think some of your problems come from mixing versions of DOS and controllers. Remember that there's absolutely no standardization of what the controllers actually slap on the disk, so you can confuse things mightily if you interchange drives and controllers without a low-level format to set things right again.

Setting the interleave often has no effect on cards with clever controllers and internal track buffers. They run with whatever interleave the controller needs to handle the data, so you can't twiddle with DOS or BIOS parameters. Your controllers probably fall into that category, but I'm not sure.

Remember, however, that an interleave of 3 may be too low. If the PC isn't ready when the next sector comes around, it will have to wait another revolution to get the data. That's the penalty you pay for trying to speed it up—it goes slower! TfSPINDISK is asking for the sectors in such a way that the controller flushes its buffer, it will take 17 revolutions no matter what the interleave is. Different controllers may react in a different manner.

In cases of mysterious behavior such as this, it often pays to start from scratch and work very carefully through all the steps. I've found that when you're convinced that a particular process is meaningless, you 're ready to learn something new. —Steve ■

46 BYTE- JULY 1988

Circle 137 on Reader Service Card

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When it's worth saving, it's worth Toligross JULY 1988 -BYTE 47

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50 B YTE • JULY 1988

Circle 234 on Reader Service Card (DEALERS: 235)

Book Reviews

roundup!

Inside OS/2

Gordon Letwin

OS/2 Programmer's Guide

Ed lacobucci

OS/2 Features,

Functions,

and Applications

Jeffrey I. Krantz, Ann M. Mizell, and Robert L. Williams

Using OS/2

Kris Jamsa

Reader's Guide to OS/2

G. Michael Vose

The first months of 1988 brought us four books seeking to explain OS/2. One attempts only to show how to use OS/2, two others offer lots of detail about the mechanics and internal workings of OS/2, and the fourth tries to explain OS/2's gestalt.

A good place to start learning about OS/2 is Inside OS/2 (Microsoft Press, Redmond, WA: 1988,289 pages, $19.95) by Gordon Letwin, chief architect for systems software at Microsoft. With chapters entitled "History of the Project," "The OS/2 Religion," and "The Future," this book should be the place to discover the vision of what OS/2 will become.

Letwin offers many insights concerning what OS/2 provides as a platform for the computing future. He discusses the electronic office, where all computers are linked together via local-area networks (LANs), sharing data and resources. And he makes implicit comparisons between OS/2 and telephones: When

/•4

telephones were invented, people scoffed and couldn't see what benefits a phone provided as a communication aid. After all, by the time you wrote out your message, had your secretary call the correspondent's secretary to dictate

the message, and then had that secretary hand the message to its intended recipient, you could have sent a letter by messenger. A change in mind-set had to occur for telephones to catch on as tools. Letwin anticipates a similar lag before peo

ALSO REVIEWED

Programming Translation Fundamentals

Programming Language Translation

The IBM Programmer's Challenge and The Apple Programmer's Challenge

Mind Tools

Elements of Functional Languages

pie really grasp the power of the new paradigm offered by OS/2. That paradigm, of course, is multitasking, with communication among the running tasks.

After extolling the advantages of multitasking, Letwin spends the rest of his book explaining why OS/2 works the way it does. This explanation serves as the mental model a programmer should adopt to write OS/2 programs.

By explaining how the pieces fit together, Letwin provides information that should save programmers time and frustration when they begin writing OS/2 programs. His explanations not only provide a conceptual framework for programmers but actually anticipate the kinds of bugs to which OS/2 programmers might fall prey. His warnings should be heeded.

For example, the chapter on multitasking has three full pages of hints and warnings dealing with parent and child processes and their associated file handles. Here, Letwin details the side effects caused by handle inheritance. He also warns readers not to "follow the standard Unix practice of blindly closing file handles 3 through 20 during program initialization," since OS/2's dynamic link libraries may have previously opened one or more of these handles.

But even after reading all the insider thinking that went into the design of OS/2,1 still found myself wondering just what an OS/2 application will do that an MS-DOS application cannot. Maybe this results from the perceptual lag Letwin warns about early on: Maybe you have to see an OS/2 application in action to really appreciate the potential of OS/2.

Letwin's book is definitely thin in source code; the samcontinued

ILLUSTRATION: DAVE RIDLEY © 1988

JULY 1988 - BYTE 51

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pies he gives rarely, if ever, run more than five lines.

Ed lacobucci's book, OS/2 Programmer's Guide (Osborne/McGraw-Hill, Berkeley, CA: 1988, 1100 pages, $24.95), promises nearly as much as Letwin's: lacobucci is Letwin's counterpart at IBM, the OS/2 system architect. And his massive volume on OS/2 provides even more detail than Letwin's on the nuts and bolts of OS/2.

lacobucci justifies OS/2 mostly by talking about what MS-DOS and Intel 8088-/ 8086-based machines couldn't do. Then he jumps right into detailed technical discussions about how to write OS/2 programs. In fact, 16 percent of this book is programs—29 different OS/2 programs or program fragments that explain how to use OS/2 features. Many of these programs might be useful to programmers as more than just examples: One displays a file in hexadecimal, and two others allow copying data to and from the standard input and output devices and shared memory segments.

The IBM influence shows through strongly in these example programs. All the code is in assembly language. (Common industry scuttlebutt says that all IBM programmers write in assembly language. One of the reasons put forth for OS/2's long gestation was that IBM's design team first had to learn C.) A disk offered separately contains the assembly code and C versions of the programs. But in a bizarre decision, possibly intended to placate lacobucci's IBM superiors, Osbome/McGraw-Hill elected to print assembly language instead of C code. The availability of a companion disk with C code remedies this potential deficiency.

I've heard several OS/2 programmers claim they've learned more from lacobucci's book than from the OS/2 documentation for software developers. One programmer bewails the prohibitive cost ($3000) of Microsoft's OS/2 Software Development Kit

(SDK) and claims that you can become an OS/2 developer just by buying lacobucci's book. This programmer learned enough from the book to construct the necessary doscalls.h and subcalls.h libraries so he could write OS/2 programs. The 159-page appendix A details all of OS/2's function calls.

lacobucci's book has even helped programmers find bugs in early versions of OS/2. I know of one programmer who was having trouble with a field in the KbdStatus structure used by KbdSetStatus. The documentation for KbdSetStatus in the Microsoft SDK Programmer's Reference lists this bit as reserved. This directly contradicts lacobucci's text. When queried about this discrepancy, Microsoft responded that shift-key reporting, as documented in the lacobucci book, is part of the OS/2 spec and is safe to use.

05/2 Features, Functions, and Applications (John Wiley & Sons, New York: 1988,282 pages, $24.95) is also written by members of the IBM OS/2 design team. Authors Krantz, Mizell, and Williams try to pass on some of the "tremendous amount of knowledge in the depth and breadth of the product" that they have accumulated. Interestingly, they wrote the programming examples in C code, not assembly language.

This book really shines in its discussions of PS/2 programming, offering some previously litde known information on the PS/2s' Advanced BIOS. The authors also provide a good discussion of the difference between the edge-triggered hardware interrupt mechanism in the IBM PC AT environment and the level-sensitive triggering of the PS/2s, and how OS/2 device drivers can use this hardware feature.

The book's drawback, however, is its dense presentation. The writing is passive and academic, making the information hard to access.

continued

52 BYTE • JULY 1988

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BOOK REVIEWS

Kris Jamsa is a recognized autiiority on MS-DOS; he wrote DOS: The Complete Reference, he presides over the DOS User's Group, and he is the editor of that organization's newsletter. Despite these qualifications, his Using OS/2 (Osborne/McGrawHill, Berkeley, CA: 1988,757 pages, $ 19.95) is the least useful of this bunch.

The first several chapters explain using OS/2 to a novice user—how to care for disks, how to boot the computer, and how to format and back up disks. Even casual MS-DOS users will find these chapters of little use. This section is twice as long as it needs to be. Many of its illustrations are redundant, while others are simply unnecessary. The reference manual included with OS/2 explains these topics as well as this book does.

Next, Jamsa attempts to explain the complexities of OS/2 programming. He was working with early beta software to explore these topics, so his explanations lack depth. Many of his descriptions read like manuals reworded into book style. But they are poorly organized, and the rewording adds littie or no additional information.

The book also has many errors. For example, on page 24 an illustration claims that OS/2 has a 4.8-megabyte virtual address space (48 is the correct number), and on page 473 Jamsa asserts, "both the program and the executable code reside in memory." This statement is only a little less confusing than an earlier assertion that "the key to OS/2's success is not necessarily its powerful capabilities, but rather the nimiber of application programs that make use of these capabilities."

Building Your Library

If you plan to write OS/2 programs, the Letwin and lacobucci books can add substantially to your understanding of OS/2: They function much like the revered Kemighan and Ritchie "white" book that specifies the C language. PS/2

programmers will also find useful information in OS/2 Features, Functions, and Applications. Only novices who find themselves in front of a computer running OS/2 might consider Jamsa's book.

For the general-to-advanced reader, I particularly recommend Inside OS/2. For readers who will be doing extensive OS/2 programming, OS/2 Programmer's Guide is a necessity.

All four books help shed light on the mysterious workings of OS/2. But none succeeds in revealing why or how OS/2 might change the face of personal computing. I suspect that The Book on OS/2 might be a long time coming. ■

BRIEFLY NOTED

Programming Translation Fundamentals by Peter Calingaert. Computer Science Press, Rockville, MD: 1988. 366pages, $36.95. This book shows perhaps the best balance of theory and application that I've seen. For his examples, Calingaert uses pseudocode reminiscent of PL/1 or Modula-2 for high-level code, and for his assembly language examples he uses an assembly language that you could easily mistake for Knuth's MIX. His explanations are clear-cut and readable, not bogged down by abstract notational syntax that can obscure what is actually going on.

The author starts off with an abbreviated exploration of one- and two-pass assemblers. Then, rather than jump immediately into the subject of program translation for higherlevel languages, he takes a dip into what he refers to as "program modules." This is a discussion of how routines (modules) are activated during a program's execution (taken, of course, from a high-levellanguage point of view), including the important issue of variable scoping. Having thus given the reader a good view of what a compiler (or an intercontinued

54 BYTE' JULY 1988

Circle 139 on Reader Service Card

MicrostaMI will have you up and running in 5 minutes

or your money back.

perating MicrostaMI couldn't be easier. No matter what your statistical needs are. Simply select the options you need from the menu system with a keyboard or a mouse and your answer is available instantly. No complex command languages to learn. On-line help is only a keystroi<e away! Plus, it only takes three disks to operate the program, Microstat-ll is simple to use and fast!

The *1 Selling Micro Statistical Package is Even Better!

Ivlicrostat is by far the most popular micro statistics package of all time. Tens of thousands of satisfied customers have relied on Microstat since 1979 for all their statistical needs. Microstat has been used for every application imaginable from checking the brine content of tuna fish to keeping game statistics for an NFL football team. Already 64 of the Fortune 100 companies have purchased Mictrostat. Virtually every major university is presently using Microstat and over 10,000 copies have been sold to the US government. Microstat-ll is even better!

The Coverage You Need

Microstat-ll has the statistical tests you need. Just some of the areas of coverage are descriptive statistics. ANOVA, correlation and regression (with stepwise), time series, hypothesis testing, nonparametrics, crosstabs and chi-sguare, probability distributions, scatterplots, plus a lot morel

Easier Installation

Microstat-ll provides all this power with only 3 disks and can run on a hard disk or a floppy disk system with two drives. Our competitors use up to 21 disks and most require a hard disk. Plus Microstat-ll is not copy protected.

Even Greater Flexibility

We have completely redesigned the data management section to include features our users have requested. You can have unequal cases in the same file, aliased variables, missing data, range checking, and built-in scalars on data entry, plus other new features. You can even use a mouse!

Improved Speed and Interface

Microstat-ll is 8 times faster than our own Microstat version 4.0 and almost twice as fast as the competition. This exceptional speed was achieved without any loss of accuracy. When running descriptive statistics the results were staggering (can be even faster with a numeric co-processor):

Microstat-ll 88 seconds

Leading Competitor 160 seconds

Microstat 4.0 731 seconds

In seconds. Tests on an 8 MHz AT-type machine, (no coprocessor). File with 12.800 cases.

The user interface has also been greatly improved. A full-model regression on the infamous Longley data takes only 9 strokes with Microstat-ll. One competing package, which claims to have the easiest command structure, requires 88 strokes. Plus, a specifically designed reversable scrolling feature has been added to save you even

more time. You don't have to rerun a test to see output that has scrolled off the screen.

Introductory Price Just $395 until July 1, 1988

Microstat-ll is being offered at the low introductory price of just S395 complete. Wantjust a peek at Microstat-ll? We'll send you a demo disk and manual for just $19.95. Also, a generous update program is available for our loyal Microstat customers. Just inquire.

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Introducing Mc

for OS/2

Microsoft Fiscal 4.0 I Microsoft BASIC 6.0 I MiciDsoft CS.I

The people who co-developed the industry's most powerful personal computer operating system are now proud to announce progranuning languages to match.

Introducing Microsoft® Macro Assembler 5.1, C 5.1, Pascal 4.0, FORTRAN 4.1 and BASIC CompUer 6.0.

Five industrial-strength, stand-alone languages that combine the implementation flexibility you've enjoyed under MS-DOS® (which, of course, they still support) with the advanced capabilities you've anticipated from OS/2.

Capabilities such as the ability to develop

large, sophisticated applications which go beyond the 640K barrier, taking advantage of up to 16MB of RAM, and utilizing the potential of today's microprocessors.

Just like their MS-DOS predecessors, these five new languages are equipped with powerful, professional features you work with, not around:

Support of direct calls to the operating system, and inter-language calling for mixing multiple languages on the same project.

Access to OS/2 system calls and a full complement of utilities, including an incredibly fast incremental linker and the

rosoft Languages

A

first protected mode programmer's editor that works equally well in real mode.

Microsoft CodeViewf our popular, advanced debugger that lets you untangle program logic at the source code level, no matter what code you're using.

(It even lets you debug protected mode programs up to 128MB of virtual meniory, and larger programs than ever before in real mode.)

As the perfect complement to our new languages, we're also offering the Microsoft OS/2 Programmer's Toolkit.

It contains a parameter-by-parameter

breakdown of all OS/2 system calls and samples to get you started.

All the tools you need for turning out larger, more powerful, more complex OS/2 applications.

(And, incidentally, all the tools we rely on for creating our own commercial software.)

For the name of your nearest Microsoft professional languages dealer, simply call 800-541-1261, Dept. B96.

Ask him for some more information on our OS/2 family.

He'll show you some languages you can reaUy swear by.

Microsoft. MS-DOS and CodeView are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Circle 306 on Reader Service Card

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preter) seeks to accomplish, the author describes the fundamental steps of compilation: lexical analysis, syntactic analysis, semantic processing, storage allocation, and target code generation.

Though none of the material is attached to a specific machine or language architecture (other than that the book examines only procedural languages), the explanations are lucid enough to make the material worthwhile.

—Richard Grehan

Programming Language Translation by Patrick D. Terry, Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA: 1987, 443 pages, $26.95. This book is aptly named. It includes more source code than many of the currently popular application toolbox books. "Complete" would be a good word to use: You'll find the complete source code for a macro assembler (for an 8-bit processor that looks like a 6800 with a foreshortened index register), complete source code of an interpreter ("simulator" might be a better word) for a hypothetical stack-based processor reminiscent of the Pascal Pmachine, and the complete source code for the compiler/ interpreter for a Pascal-like language called CLANG (an abbreviation of "concurrent language"). (Although the compiler generates code for a hypothetical stack machine that the author admits is too idealized, he adheres to his own book's title by discussing code generation for a real processor: the Z80.)

Terry's technique is powerful: He details the problem at hand, follows with an outline of the solution, and rounds off with actual source code. All the high-level-language source code examples are in Pascal. It's refreshing to see algorithms backed by executable source code rather than pseudocode. I found that this made an excellent companion book to Programming Translation Fundamentals. Whereas the Programming Language

Translation volume becomes hazy in theoretical descriptions—choosing to let programs reveal the details—Programming Translation Fundamentals could have stood more practical examples.

Not to slight Terry, mind you. Working source code often makes the best computer science textbook, and his book delivers the goods.

—Richard Grehan

The IBM Programmer's Challenge and The Apple Programmer's Challenge by

Steven Chen, TAB Books, Blue Ridge Summit, PA: 1987, 225 pages (IBM), 228 pages (Apple), $14.95. Just how good a programmer are you? This book, which is available in versions for IBM and Apple II computers, will help you find out. Steven Chen presents 10 sets of problems; each set contains 5 specific programming challenges, with time limits and details on input and output required.

After you solve (or attempt to solve) the problems, you use Chen' s guide to compute a rating for your work based on the time required to design, code, and test your program; the number of variables you used; and the execution time of your program. You can compare your results with Chen's programs, which are given in C, Pascal, and BASIC.

Programming areas include number theory, conditional statements, repetition statements, overflow problems, and restricted memory programming. The book includes 50 specific programming challenges in all.

In The IBM Programmer's Challenge, source code is given in GWBASIC, Turbo Pascal, and Microsoft C. In The Apple Programmer's Challenge, source code is given in Applesoft BASIC, Apple Pascal, and Aztec C.

The book is great for recreational programmers, but, more important, it's a good way to polish up your programming skills. And if you

continued

58 BYTE- JULY 1988

Circle 136 on Reader Service Card

Why build a printer you can stand on, when all it will ever carry is a full office workload?

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know only one or two of the languages used, the book also becomes a hands-on way to begin learning a new language.

—EvaM. White

Mind Tools: The Five Levels of Mathematical ReaUty by

Rudy Rucker, Houghton-Mifflin, Boston, MA: 1987, 328 pages, $17.95. The Roman numeral Fmay be an abstract picture of a hand with thumb outstretched, but "how many fingers?" is only the most obvious of the number-oriented questions you can ask about your hand. Number of hairs? Length of fingernails? Temperature? Salinity? Blood flow rate?... On the first page of Mind Tools, Rudy Rucker invites you to think of your hand as a "coding up" of such numbers: as a compact record of the information they contain.

That is one subtle sign of a revolution that has made our old world of hands, cats, trees, and so on, about which we busily collected information, obsolete. This revolution has also opened up a world that already is the most compact form of all the information we can possibly have "about" it. Obvious phases of the revolution include Claude Shannon's Information Theory of the 1940s, the cracking of the DNA code in the 1960s, and the coming of the microprocessor in the 1970s. Rucker fits in Conway's Game of Life, Mandelbrot's fractals. Universal Turing Machines, Goedel's Incompleteness Theorem, and a good deal more, not just dropping names but really making concepts clear.

Unlike many math books for nonmathematicians. Mind Tools is much more than a gallery full of curiosities. As Rucker's exposition weaves among the exhibits, they cohere with one another to define a cosmos in which Number, Space, Logic, and Infinity are essentially faces worn by Information; physical systems are information processors; and life itself is "a fractal in Hilbert space." If you'll read up to that statement in its con

text, you'll find to your possible surprise that you really do understand what it says.

—Hugh Kenner

Elements of Functional Languages by Martin C. Henson, Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford, England: 1987, 434 pages, $78.75 (hardcover), $40.50 (paperback). Most programmers, having been raised on imperative programming languages that currently dominate the industry, might find functional languages (e.g.. Lisp) a difficult pill to swallow. However, given the rising interest in artificial intelligence applications, some exposure to the fundamentals of functional languages seems necessary. MartinC. Henson's book provides such an introduction.

Not that the entire book is theory. Later material covers the more practical aspects of language implementation details and gives descriptions of data structures and pseudomachine architectures on which some functional languages are built. Additionally, the chapters on program verification and transformation offer information and examples useful even in imperative programming. For the novice. Elements may be too dense. However, experienced users should find the book a worthwhile map for exploration into the growing field of nonimperative programming languages.

—Richard Grehan

CONTRIBUTORS

G. Michael Vose (P.O. Box 3160, Peterborough, NH 03458) is a former BYTE editor and the current editor of the newsletter OS Report: News and Views on OS/2. Richard Grehan is a senior technical editor at large for BYTE. He can be reached as "rick_g" on BIX. Eva M. White is a technical editor for BYTE. She can be reached on BIX as "eva." Critic and author Hugh Kenner lives in Baltimore, Maryland.

0 BYTE- JULY 1988

Circle 79 on Reader Service Card

From real time embedded applications to comprehensive commercial applications on Macintosh, IBM PC, Amiga, Atari, and others, Aztec C has earned a well-deserved reputation as an innovative, tough to beat, rock-solid C development system.

But don't just take our word for it—try it yourself. We know that the best way to understand what puts you ahead with Aztec C is to use it. That's why Aztec C

systems purchased directly from Manx come with a 30-day no questions asked, satisfaction guarantee. Call for yours today

We can also send you information that details the special features and options of Aztec C. Plus information on support software, extended technical support options, and all of the services and specialized support that you may need when you're pushing your software to the limits and .,. beyond.

MS-DOS Hosted ROM Development Systems Host-I-Target: $750 Additional Targets: $500

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Circle 157 on Reader Service Card

Aztec C is available on a thirty-day money back guarantee. Call now and find out why over 50,000 users give Aztec C one of the highest user-satisfaction ratings in the industry.

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JULY 1988 'BYTE 61

RENCH TOUCH

0,

'ne can appreciate the efficiency of the Normerel ATC12 just by looking at its design.

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Built around a 12.5 MHz processor, its execution speed is from 1.5 to 2 times faster than that of its competitors and it is very user friendly.

Far from the superficial and over-populated world of clones, Normerel ATC 12 offers the well controlled quality, the sure and subtle touch of elegance of traditional french manufacturing. Dealers Wanted.

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1 1 air rand

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5 starto

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global MFt:detB!j fuel cgi:i :Z :3 M j«s«4se_ tUtm IBHhlBBP 86 4K a 4D 12 8E 81 72 E « 6P 74 21 2E Efl FB .H.)1...r.Hotl... ■tack

lara-lSFP E24DieeseB24 72Ueese839F73MISre M.-M.—ti

Beset and trace first cycles after startup Shew currant actiwity (trace iflnedlatalu) Ipigger on an address

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Trigger on a data walue after an address Filter a range of addresses

Filter excluding a range of addresses after an address

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Filter write cycles

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InSight Display. InSight blends analyzeremulator techniques to give you continuous, real time monitoring of key processor functions. And still services user interrupts. It displays changing register contents, 1/0 lines, ports, user-defined memory windows. With your own labels.

■ On top of that, you get UniLab's trademark abihty to debug by symptom, not just by breakpoint and single step. And, to help you complete the job on time, on the spot, a stimulus generator and EPROM programmer are included.

a E;ise of use, another Orion trademark, is also buUt in. So you have all the familiar features and formats you're used to working with. It doesn't matter if your project is a single chip controller or complex l6-bit

Analyzer Triggers. Commonly used triggers can be selected quickly from a list of standard and user-defined triggers.

microprocessor, the 8620 is the top price/ performance analyzer-emulator that does it ;d]. At just $4380. With processor Personality Paks typically $550 each. ■ UniLab 8620. Fast-lane debugging that gets you to market quicker.

CaUtoU-free: 800/245-8500. InCA: 415/361 8883

NSTRUMENTS

64 BYTE' JULY 1988

702 MarshaUSt., Redwood City. CA 94063 TLX 530942 FAX 415/361-8970

Computer Integrated Instrumentation

Circle 193 on Reader Service Card

BVTE

Products in Perspective

67 What's New

89 Short Takes

Dell System 310 UR/Forth 1.10 SoftPC Easy Talk GrandView Forget-Me-Not

First Impressions

103 Sun's New Workstation:

the Sun386i 111 IBM's OS/2 Extended Edition

118 134

147 155 163 173 181 189

Reviews

Fast Drives for Modem Times Amdek System/286A, Arche Rival 286, Epson Equity 11+, Leading Edge Model D2, and PC's Limited System 200 ColorVue SE

VM/386: A Virtual Solution

Concurrent DOS 386

ProBas

Designer

New Space

197 Computing at Chaos Manor

by Jerry Poumelle

211 Applications Only

by Ezra Shapiro

111 Some Assembly Required

by Rick Grehan

^•4 U fclMtetel WW-:

Jl I i I I !,;:;l,J.al r

JULY 1988 -BYTE 65

irS TIME TO DO SOME SERIOUS 386 BUGBUSTING!

PROBE'S menu bar and pulldown menus set a new standard for debugger interfaces.

PROBE has source-level debugging to let you "C" your program.

POP registers up and down with a single key.

This is an out-of-range memory-overwrite bug. Since it is interrupt related, it only appears in real time.

Welcome to your nightmare. Your company has bet the farm on your product. Your demonstration wowed the operating committee, and beta shipments were out on time. Then wham!

All your beta customers seemed to call on the same day. "Your software is doing some really bizarre things','they say Your credibility is at stake. Your profits are at stake. Your sanity is at stake.

THIS BUG'S FOR YOU

You rack your brain, trying to figure something out. Is it a random memory overwrite? Or worse, an overwrite to a stackbased local variable? Is it sequence dependent? Or worse, randomly caused by interrupts? Overwritten code? Undocumented "features" in the software you're linking to? And to top it off, your program is too big. The software debugger, your program and it's symbol table can't fit into memory at the same time. Opening a bicycle shop suddenly isn't such a bad idea.

THIS DEBUGGER'S FOR YOU

Announcing the 386 PROBE"' Bugbuster,^'Trom Atron. Nine of the top-ten software developers sleep better at night because of Atron hardware-assisted debuggers. Because they can set real-time breakpoints which instantly detect memory reads and writes.

Now, with the 386 PROBE, you have the capability to set a qualified breakpoint, so the breakpoint triggers only if the events are coming from the wrong procedures. So you don't have to be halted by breakpoints from legitimate areas. You can even detect obscure, sequence-dependent problems by stopping a breakpoint only after a specific chain of events has occurred in a specific order.

Then, so you can look at the cause of the problem, the 386 PROBE automatically stores the last 2K cycles of program execution. Although other debuggers may try to do the same thing, Atron is the only company in the world to dequeue the pipelined trace data so you can easily understand it.

Fmally, 386 PROBE's megabyte of hidden, write-protected memoiy stores your symbol table and debugger. So your bug can't roach the debugger. And so you have room enough to debug a really big program.

COULD A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP PUT YOU IN THE TOP TEN?

Look at it this way Nine of the top-ten software products in any given category were created by Atron customers. Maybe their edge is - a good night's sleep.

Call and get your free, 56-page bugbusting bible today Andifyou'reinthemiddk f of a nightmare right now,

give us a purchase order number. We'll FEDEX you a sweet dream.

•Versiiins liir COMPAQ, PS/2-«(l>

BUGBUSTERS

A division of Northwest Instrument Systems, Inc. Saratoga Office Center • 12950 Saratoga Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070 • Call 408/253-5933 today.

and cninpacibles. Copyrighl « 1987 by Alriiji. 386 PROBIi is a Iradeiiiark .if Almn. Call 44-2-85.'5-888 in the UK and 49-8-985-8020 in Wcsl Gcnnany

Circle 21 on Reader Service Card

TRBA

WHAT'S New

SYSTEMS

Radio Shack Has High-Speed PS/2 Clone

The Tandy 5000 MC is the first available computer that is compatible with the Micro Channel architecture (MCA) on the IBM PS/2 systems. It's also very fast.

Inside the 5000 MC is a 20-MHz 80386 processor with a 32K-byte cache of 35-nanosecond static memory. For graphics, a VGA graphics controller is included. Memory ranges from 2 to 16 megabytes. The system also has two 32-bit MCA expansion slots and three 16-bit MCA slots. A video bus connector is available for optional high-resolution MCA video cards.

Externally, the new Tandy machine looks about the same size as the company's older 80386-based system, the Tandy 4000. One difference is that the front panel of the new system has space for four half-height data storage devices (two 3 '/2-inch devices and two 5 '4-inch devices). One 3 '/2-inch floppy disk drive comes standard. Price: $4999; $6499 with 40megabyte hard disk drive. Contact: Radio Shack, 1700 One Tandy Center, Fort Worth, TX 76102,(817) 390-3011. Inquiry 751.

Dell's 80286 System Beats Some 80386s

Dell Computer has introduced what may be the fastest 80286 system around. The new Dell System 220 uses an 80286 microprocessor, but it outperforms some

The Tandy 5000 MC is the first Micro Channel compatible.

80386-based systems. The reason? A new 20-MHz CMOS 80286 processor from Harris, which allows the system to run faster than many 16-MHz 80386-based systems. For example, according to a small sample of BYTE benchmarks, the System 220 was 5 percent to 25 percent faster than IBM's 80386-based PS/2 Model 80 with a 16-MHz clock speed.

Although the System 220 is rather small—Dell claims its footprint is smaller than that of the IBM PS/2 Model 30-it includes a number of features as standard. Included on the motherboard, for example, are a VGA and 1 to 8 megabytes of memory.

The System 220 has only three AT-style slots and a power supply of only 85 watts. However, the company

says that the power supply is sufficient for almost all types of add-in boards because of the system's CMOS processor. Price: $1595 with a floppy disk drive only; $2699 with 40-megabyte hard disk drive and color VGA monitor. Contact: Dell Computer Corp., 9505 Arboretum Blvd., Austin, TX 78759,(512) 338-4400. Inquiry 752.

PICK System Network Supports 16 Users

The Zebra 1620 multiuser business system from General Automation represents the company's first venture into the small systems marketplace. This entry-level.

SEND us YOUR NEW PRODUCT RELEASE

We'd like to consider your product for publication. Send us full information, including its price, ship date, and an address and telephone number where readers can get further information. Send to New Products Editor, BYTE, One Phoenix Mill Lane, Peterborough, NH 03458. Information contained in these items is based on manufacturers' written statements and/or telephone interviews with BYTE reporters. BYTE has not formally reviewed each product mentioned.

12.5-MHz, zero-wait-state, multiuser business system is based on the 32-bit Motorola MC68020 microprocessor and functions with the PICK operating system.

The system unit (5 by 17 by 17 inches, weighing 35 pounds) comes with 1 megabyte of RAM (expandable to 2 megabytes), one 40-megabyte or 67-megabyte hard disk drive, and a 45-megabyte or 60-megabyte '4-inch tape drive. It has 8 asynchronous CRT terminal or serial printer ports, expandable to 16, and there is one parallel printer port. Options include a 16.7MHz microprocessor. Keyboards and monitors are not included in the standard system package.

Standard software includes Accu/Plot II, for business graphics; Compu-Sheet-I-, a spreadsheet; and Jet, for word processing. While this model of the Zebra series doesn't support the standard PC graphics cards, there are two fullsize expansion slots, one of which you can use for optional hardware to support the ARCnet 2.5-megabit-per-second token-passing-ring local area network (LAN).

You can also purchase boards and other equipment to upgrade the 1620 to a Zebra 1820, a 32-user system that runs at 20 MHz with 4 megabytes of RAM and a total of three 140-megabyte hard disk drives. Several other General Automation higher-end systems are also compatible with the Zebra 1620 and 1820. Price: $12,500; $4000 for 1820 upgrades. Contact: General Automation, Inc., 1055 South East Street, P.O. Box 4883, Anaheim, CA 92803, (714) 778-4800. Inquiry 753.

continued

JULY 1988 •BYTE 67

WHAT'S NEW

PERIPHERALS

A slide produced by ModelViewer PC.

ModelViewer PC Produces HighResolution Pliotos

Two- and three-dimensional slides, prints, and transparencies of computergenerated images are the products of the DI-100 ModelViewer PC, an XT- and ATcompatible digital imaging system that works with a camera. Data Innovations has targeted such applications as marketing presentations and design documentation.

In 3 minutes or less, the ModelViewer produces CAD/ CAE solid designs, molecular models, and other scientific images. Consisting of a film recorder, a graphics processor card, interface software, and up to three camera adapters, the ModelViewer has a database of up to 32,768 colors for image resolution of 640 by 480 or 1024 by 800 pixels. Price: $4995; $495 for 35mm camera adapter; $95 for automatic slide developing system; $395 for overhead transparency camera adapter; $50 each for software interfaces for VersaCAD, Personal Designer, or AutoShade. Contact: Data Innovations, Inc., 323 New Boston St., Wilmington, MA 01887, (617) 933-8170. Inquiry 754.

Keep Your Laptop Data Safe

While there are several companies with hard disk backup equipment for IBM, Macintosh, and other standard-size personal computers, Axonix seems to be the first to offer such equipment for the burgeoning laptop market. Its Thinstream XT/AT is a 40-megabyte streaming tape backup system for laptop storage, which is becoming much more hard-disk-driveintensive.

Potential markets include intra-office backup, backup of field measurement information, and military information backup.

Double-shielded copper

cabling from the floppy disk drive port permits backup of 20 megabytes of hard disk data from an AT machine in less than 20 minutes, at 500 kilobits per second (250 kilobits per second on the XT). The tape system weighs less than 3 pounds and measures 2 by 5 by 8 inches. Price: $849 for the XT model; $899 for the AT model. Contact: Axonix Corp., 2257 South llOOE, Suite 2C, Salt Lake City, UT 84106, (801) 466-9797. Inquiry 755.

Solutions for MassStorage Problems

For high-end processing applications with PC compatibles, the N/Hance Systems division of Symphony Systems has introduced 150and 300-megabyte hard disk drives.

Initial applications include CAD/CAM, office automation, process control, and digital imaging. All the full-height 514-inch drives are equipped with a small computer system interface (SCSI) and can be daisy chained for multiple drive configurations. A highspeed enhanced small device interface (ESDI) is also available, with disks for both XT and AT systems.

You can install disks for the XT and AT systems both internally and externally with the Model HCS-pcsl50 and Model HCS-pcs300 controller/adapter boards.

Models HCS-sunl50, HCS-macl50, and HCSmac300 are available for the Sun-3 and Mac Plus, II, and SE. Track-to-track access time is rated at 4 ms.

All drives will run DOS, Xenix, Unix, and Novell. Price: $3699 for HCSpcsl50; $5299 for HCS-pcs300; $3999 for HCS-sunl50; $3499 for HCS-macl50; $4399 for HCS-mac300. (All prices include interface cards and necessary cabling.) Contact: N/Hance Systems, 908R Providence Hwy., Dedham, MA 02026, (800) 2899676; in Massachusetts, (617) 461-1970. Inquiry 756.

"Scuzzy" Apples

Apple Crate's new 20-, 40-, and 60-megabyte SCSI drives fit under the Mac Plus, SE, and II, and include ports that let you daisy chain up to seven devices. Utilities for formatting, initializing, testing, and verifying the disks are standard. There's also a help function.

Average access time on the 20-megabyte system is 60 ms. For the 40-megabyte and 60megabyte systems, access time is 40 ms.

Price: $560 for the 20-megabyte drive; $770 for the 40megabyte drive; $839 for the 60-megabyte drive. Contact: Apple Crate, Inc., 6850 Vineland Ave., North Hollywood, CA 91605, (818) 766-4001. Inquiry 757.

continued

High-capacity hard disk drives from N/Hance.

68 BYTE- JULY 1988

Why Paradox 2.0 makes your network run like clockwork

Paradox® runs smoothly, intelligently and so transparently that multiple users can access the same data at the same time—without being aware of each other or getting in each other's way.

With Paradox news travels fast and it's always accurate

Paradox automatically updates itself with a screen-refresh that ensures that all the data is up to date and accurate all the time. Record-locking, Paradoxstyle, safeguards data integrity by preventing for example, two different users from making changes to the same record at the same time.

How 10 make your multiuser network work

To mn Paradox 2.0 of the Paradox Network Pack on a nelwork, you need:

■ Novell wilh Novell Advanced Netware version 2.0A or tiigtier

■ 3Com 3Plus wilti 3Com 3+ operating system version 1.0,1.1 or tiigtier

■ iBM Token Ring or PC Network witti IBM PC Local Area Network Program version 1.12 or tiiglier

■ Torus Tapestry version 1,45 or tiigtier

■ AT&T Starlan version 1,1 or tiigtier » Banyan VINES version 2,10

■ Ottier network contigurations ttiat are 100% compatible witti DOS 3,1 and one of ttie listed networks

System Requirements lor the Nelwork Workstoliou

■ DOS 3,1 or tiigtier

■ 640K RAM

■ Any combination ol tiard, ttoppy, or no disk drives

■ Compatible monoctirome, cotor, or EGA monitor witti adapter

Xijstomef salisradion is our main concern; il wiltiin 60 days ol purctiase Ihis pfodud does not pedorfn in accordance Willi our claims, call our customer service departmeni, and we will arrange a relund,

Paradox is a regislered liademark ol Ansa Soltwaie Ansa is a Borland Inlernalional Company Other brand and product names are registered trademarks or Irademarks of Iheir respective holders Copyrighl ei98B Borland Inlernalional Bl 1243

Circle 38 on Reader Service Card (Dealers: 39)

When 1 saw the record-locking and autorefresh in action, 1 couldn't believe it. Here was a true network application, a program that can actually take advantage of a network to provide more features and functions, things that can't be done with a standalone PC.

Aaron Brenner, LAN Magazine

With Version 2.0, Paradox becomes a sophisticated multiuser product that boasts an impressive selection of dataproduction features and passwordsecurity levels.

Rusel DeMaria, PC Week J J

Paradox responds instantly to "Query-by-Example"

The method you use to ask questions is called Query-by-Example. Instead of spending time figuring out how to do the query, you simply give Paradox an example of the results you're looking for. Paradox picks up the example and automatically seeks the fastest way of getting the answer.

Queries are flexible and interactive. And in Paradox, unlike in other databases, it's just as simple to query more than one table as it is to query one.

The program elegantly handles all the chores of a multiuser database system with little or no effort by network users.

Mark Cook and Steve King,

Data Based Advisor J J

Paradox ... has quickly become the state-of-the-art product among PC database managers ... Paradox still reigns supreme as the thinking user's DBMS.

Jim Seymour, PC Magazine J J

You don't have to be a genius to use Paradox

Even if you're a beginner, Paradox is the only relational database manager that you can take out of the box and begin using right away.

Because Paradox is driven by the very latest in artificial intelligence technology, it does almost everything for you—except take itself out of the box. (If you've ever used 1-2-3* or dBASE,® you already know how to use Paradox. It has Lotus-like menus, and Paradox documentation includes "A Quick Guide to Paradox for Lotus Users" and "A Quick Guide to Paradox for dBASE users.") Paradox, it makes your network work.

60-Day Money-back Guarantee*

For a brochure or the dealer nearest you Call (800) 543-7543

BORLAND

INTCRNATIONAL

JULY 1988 'BYTE 69

WHAT'S NEW PERIPHERALS

Sony's AT-compatible CAD/CAM monitor.

Sony's CAD/CAM Monitor Competes with the Big Boys

Sony Corporation of America has four new XTand AT-compatible CAD/ CAM color monitors to compete against higher-priced CAD/CAM workstations.

Two 19-inch models, with horizontal scan frequencies of 64 and 48 kHz, respectively, will be available next month to complement the two 16-inch monitors (with the same respective horizontal scan frequencies) that will be available in the fall. Each of the monitors will need CAD add-in boards (available from a number of vendors), bringing system pricing to $15,000.

The 19-inch monitors' specifications include vertical frequencies rated at 60 Hz, a display area of 14'/2 by 10 inches, dot pitch of 0.31 millimeter, aperture grille resolution of 1280 by 1024 pixels, and a bandwidth of 1(X) MHz. Price: $4195 for either 19inch monitor; $3095 for either 16-inch monitor. Contact: Sony Corporation of America, Computer Peripheral Products Division, One Sony Dr., Park Ridge, NJ, 07656, (201) 930-1000. Inquiry 758.

Acquire and Control Data with Your Mac

Replacing such instruments as oscilloscopes, chart recorders, and voltmeters is the MacPacq, a data acquisition and device-control peripheral designed for the Mac. It is compatible with all Macs from the 512Ke on up.

Modem or printer-port connections from the Mac instruct the MacPacq on how to acquire data from one of up to 16 different devices. The devices can include anything from microphones and solar

cells to speakers and indicator lights. Instructions from the Mac enable the MacPacq to control external devices through eight channels.

MacPacq can run as a stand-alone or connected to the Mac. It can simultaneously control external devices and acquire data. Sampling rates range from 2 samples per hour to 10,000 samples per second.

PacqManager software lets you print the data in a chart recorder format or record and save the data in a word-processing, database, or numerical analysis format. For example, the MacPacq can output

square waves to 500 kHz. Price: $995, including software.

Contact: Biopac Systems, 42 Aero Camino, Suite 215, Goleta, CA93117, (805) 968-8880. Inquiry 759.

High-Speed, High-Resolution Color Output

The Accel-500, a dotmatrix color printer from Advanced Matrix Technology (AMT), is designed for power users and power computers. AMT, a division of the Singapore-based Lam Soon Group, says speed is rated at 480 characters per second (cps) for 12- and higher-pitch printing of draft documents.

For more important documents, the Accel-500 combines letter-quality text with color resolution graphics and still operates at a sound level of less than 55 decibels. Methods of printing are serial impact, dot matrix, and logic-seeking; movement is bidirectional. During 10-pitch printing, speed is 400 cps. It operates at 200 cps and 80 cps for memo and letter modes, respectively.

Standard features include a 24-pin pinhead, addressable seven-color graphics, a builtin forms tractor, four fonts (each supports six pitches), five coresident printer emulations, and a plug-in IntelliCard for upgrades.

The 37-pound printer measures 7 by 24 by 17 inches. A Centronics-compatible parallel interface and an RS-232C serial interface are standard. Price: $1185. Contact: Advanced Matrix Technology, Inc., 1157 Tourmaline Dr., Newbury Park, CA 91320, (805)499-8741. Inquiry 760.

continued

MusicMakerfrom Roland

For IBM XTs, ATs, and PS/2S, RolandCorp US has introduced equipment for recording, playing back, and editing up to eight tracks of music. Included in the package is the EASE (editing, arranging, and sequencing environment) Song Maker software, the MT-32 sound module, and an MPUIPC musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) card. Under EASE, menus and

submenus let you perform general functions such as recording a musical phrase and scoring individual tracks. You can also perform specific functions, such as deleting incorrectly played notes.

Once familiar with the equipment, you can play all of the eight available synthesized sounds and the one rhythm sound simultaneously. Then you can assign functions to each of the syn

thesized parts: panning, volume, transposition, bender range, and velocity. A builtin reverb section allows you to select up to four reverb modes from the MT-32, process them, and add them to the composition. Price: $995.50. Contact: RolandCorp US, 7200 Dominion Cir., Los Angeles, CA 90040, (213) 685-5141. Inquiry 761.

70 BYTE* JULY 1988

When your basic quantum leap is just not enough:

ProBas. ProBas. ProBas

Professional Basic Programming Library

ProBas is a librar\- of routines that kicks OuiclcBASIC and B.ASCOM into 5th gear and gi\'es you powers and abilities f:ir be\'ond those of mortal men. Its the greatest tiling since sliced bread and if \ ou don't get it toda\', )'our hard disk ■will crasli in retaliation. So much for the h\pe, now down to brass taclo:

• 232 routines (226 in Assembly)

• 600 page 3-part manual

• Full-featured windowing

• Screen snapshots

• Virtual screens in memory

• Lightning-fast file I/O

• Access EMS as files or arrays

• Full mouse support

Plus 200 essential sendees from director.' and equipment routines to handy string, date, time, and input routines.

Sick of running out of string space' Store hundreds of K in numeric arrays or megab\ies in E.MS arrays. Tired of using a kludg)' SHELL to DIR to read a directory? Scan subdirectories using wild-cards and store thousands of file n;tnies, dates, and times. Wish you could drag a window' containing text or a menu ;u'ound the screen with a mouse? It's e;isy!

ProBas virtual screens allov,' )-ou to dra\^" ftill or parti:tl screens to memon', and then snap iliem on in an eyeblink- faster and without the Jimitations of PCOPY. Dnrw and store hundreds of piill-do'W"n menus or help screens, each in its own array, ready to be displayed an\-where on the screen at assembly specds-yoti just can't get an)' faster.

ProBas gives you a complete set of blazinglyfast file routines. Read or write up to 64k chunks of data at a clip, with file locking and error handling so that )'ou can e\'en use them in subprograms. You'll never want to use B.ASIC's file J.'O again' No ro\'aln.' and not cop'v protected. For all versions of QuickBASIC and BASCOM including BASCOM 60 for OS'2. Just $99. 00!

Add S3.00 per 'rtem IS7.00 Canada) for shipping.

Trademarks: ProBas, ProRef. ProScreen: Hammerly

Computer Services. Inc QuickBASIC. BASCOM: Microsoft Corp.

ToolKit

The ToolKit is a collection of assembh' and BASIC modules that use the ProBas librai'\' to save \'ou e\'en more hours of grunt work Call a ring, b;ir, pop-uji, or puU-down menu, l^op up a mini-word processor v,'ith -word\^Tap in a 'i\'indo'W'. Mal^e file I O faster with btree indexing. You get:

• Dozens of Menu Generators

• Fast B-tree indexing

• Mini-editor with word-wrap

• Patch .EXE files

• Protected storage areas

• Display text files in windows

• Julian date routines

• Documented BASIC source

Plus dozens of powerful, eas}' to use routines that help conser\-e the most valuable asset of aU- your time! Just $99. 00!

ProScreen™

Professional Screen Management System

ProScreen is a full-feaaired screen generator editor that will save you more design and coding time than you ever thought possible. ProScreen v,'orks with screens like a word processor works ^'ith text to provide complete control over screen characters, placement and colors. Edit up to 3 screens at a time and perform block moves, block copies, merge and cut and p;iste operations - even befw een screens- w'\i\\ ease.

Use ProScreen to protot\pe designs, create full or partial screens for import via ProBas, or create input screens that ha\'e up to 130 edit fields per screen. You can e\'en talce snapshots of other applications, edit them, and produce demos and working tutorials. ProScreen comes with subroutine source, extensive online help and a 285 page manttal with tutorial and reference Just $99.00!

TeleComm ToolKit

The ProBas TeleComm ToolKit is a collection of high-level con'ontmications modules that \'ou pk]g into )'Our code to provide popular file transfer protocols, terminal emtilations, atito-dialing, phone data base, login scripts and more. Plug jtist the routines \'0U need into your programs.

• Xmodem/Modem7/Xmodem-lk

• Ymodem (single and batch)

• CRC-16 and Checksum

• VT52, VTIOO, ANSI BBS etc.

• Auto Dialer & data base

• Script language support

• Full terminal program

• Documented BASIC source

The TeleComm ToolKit comes -with a detailed manual and a tlill terminal program in BASIC Just $75. 00!

ProRef™

On-Line Help For ProBasi

ProRef is tliree products in one- a pop-up help system for the 232 routines in ProBas, pop-up help for >'0Lir routines, and an extension of the QuickBASIC programming environment. See the calling syntax and help for any ProBas routine, or an)' of }'our routines, with just a fev,' keystrokes or mouse clicks. Pop-up an ,\SC\l chart, calculator, ke\'board scan code modttle or almost m\ DOS prognuii \'ia hot-lcey. Just $50. 00!

Our money-back guarantee asstires you the highest qualit)' and our technical support staff is always ready to help. Tn' otir BBS at (301) 953-7738 or gi\'e us a caU at:

(301)953-2191

HfiMMERLY

COMPUTER SERVICES, INC.

Circle 113 on Reader Service Card

8008 Sandy Spring Road • Laurel, Maryland 20707

JULY 1988 -BYTE 71

WHAT'S NEW

I N S

A D D

Transputer Brings 3-D CAD to PCs

Three-dimensional CAD is now possible on IBM PCs and compatibles with the first Transputer-based graphics card, says manufacturer Nth Graphics Display Products. The company claims the Nth 3D Engine can write 40,000 three-dimensional vectors per second or draw 10,000 constant-shaded polygons (with 500 pixels each) per second. In addition, the famous Teapot model (1200 polygons) can be flat-shaded and rotated in V* second.

The board comes with 1 megabyte of video RAM and 2 megabytes of display list RAM. It drives high-resolution monitors with resolutions of up to 1024 by 768 pixels and a 60-Hz noninterlaced refresh rate. The board can display 256 simultaneous colors from a palette of 4096.

There's also an optional full-length expansion card that produces higher resolutions, faster shading speeds, more processing power, and memory for a Z-buffer, the company says.

Power comes from parallel-processing INMOS microprocessors and proprietary graphics coprocessors. One of the microprocessors, a 10million-instruction-per-second floating-point processor, manages the display list and processes other graphics functions parallel to other onboard processors. Other microprocessors are used in parallel for scan control and complex rendering. Price: $5995; $2000 for optional expansion card. Contact: Nth Graphics Display Products, 1807-C West Braker Lane, Austin, TX 78758, (800) 624-7552; in Texas, (512) 832-1944. Inquiry 762.

"What Was That, R2?"

Helping the physically handicapped answer telephones and activate appliances are the aims of the voice recognition and speech synthesis equipment from The Voice Connection. But inventory control, assembly-line quality control, and medical data entry are also potential applications.

That's what the IBM-compatible Intro Voice VI system is all about. It's designed to "listen" to one of the 500 commands and data entries and respond by sending keystrokes to the computer and text to the on-board synthesizer for audio output verifications and prompting. According to the company, it recognizes the word on the first try 98 percent of the time. Subvocabularies (with 500 words maximum) are also recognized through the main vocabulary.

Included in the package are a half-length circuit board, a hand-held microphone, a manual, and a speaker. Software includes AutoCAD, Voice Executive, and examples of vocabularies. Price: $595.

Contact: The Voice Connection, 17835 Skypark Circle, Suite C, Irvine, CA 92714, (714)261-2366. Inquiry 763.

Board Unites Apple and IBM

The Deluxe Option Board, a PC expansion card from Central Point Software, transforms your standard 720K-byte 3'/2-inch PC AT or PS/2 floppy disk drive into a dual-purpose IBM/Mac drive.

The board fits into a halflength slot and includes software that emulates the Mac's Hierarchical and Macintosh File Systems. When you use a Mac disk, you need only add an M before the usual DOS command. You can also create and delete folders, format and copy 400K-byte and 800Kbyte disks, and display Mac directories with a tree command.

Central Point says it will introduce a card with Micro Channel PS/2 compatibility next month. Price: $159.

Contact: Central Point Software, Inc., 9700 Southwest Capitol Hwy., Portland, OR 97219, (503) 244-5782. Inquiry 764.

Convert Mac II Images to Standard Video

Now you can save Macintosh Il-generated video on standard VCRs and other video peripherals. RasterOps Corp. has introduced a color graphics board featuring video output to televisions meeting National Television System Committee (NTSC) and Phase Alternating Line (PAL) standards.

The ColorBoard 100, a full-size card, provides resolution as sharp as 1024 by 768 pixels, with 8 bits per pixel of color information from a palette of 16.7 million colors. Price: $1495 for board and either interface; $2495 for 16inch color monitor. Contact: RasterOps Corp., 10161 Bubb Rd., Cupertino, CA 95014, (408) 446-4090. Inquiry 765.

AT Engines Rebuilt Cheap

Replacing your AT motherboard with the Absolute 16/0 AT board is like rebuilding the engine on the old car instead of buying a new car.

The new "engines," with three chips from G2 Corp., are comprised of 16-MHz, zerowait-state motherboards with 1 megabyte of 60-ns RAM. New 80286 machines with 20 ICs do the work that originally took about 150 ICs. Price: $975; $999 installed. Contact: AdvanTech Corp., 261 Cedar Hill St., Marlborough, MA 01752, (800) 3383130; in Massachusetts, (617) 481-6009. Inquiry 766.

continued

72 BYTE' JULY 1988

ever to on a de

The LOGITECH HiREZ Mousethe only mouse expressly designed for high-resolution screens.

With a resolution of 320 dots-perinch (as compared with 200 dpi or less for ordinary mice), it covers the same area on your high-res screen, but needs less of your desk to do it. More than 50% less. Saving you valuable desk space, and effort: mouse maneuvers that used to require a sweep of the hand are now reduced to a flick of the wrist.

The LOGITECH HiREZ mouse needs 50% less desk space to cover Ifte same amount of screen area as a 200 dpi

Which makes this new mouse a hand's best friend. And a more reliable, long-lasting companion—fully compatible with all popular software, and equipped with a Lifetime Guarantee.

Equipped, too, with other advantages exclusive to all Logitech mice: A unique lightweight ergonomic design. Lowangled buttons for maximum comfort and minimum fatigue. An exclusive technology that guarantees a much greater life span. An exceptionally smooth-moving, dirt-resistant roller ball. And natural compatibility with all PCs, look-a- likes, and virtually any software.

So if you've got your eyes on a high-res screen, get your hands on the one mouse that's agile enough to keep up with it.

The LOGITECH HiREZ Mouse.

For the dealer nearest you, call 800231-7717 (800-552-8885 in California), or write Logitech, Inc., 6505 Kaiser Drive, Fremont, CA 94555. In Europe, call or write: Logitech Switzerland, European Headquarters, CH-1111 Romanel/Morges, Switzerland (++41-21-869-9656).

fflLOGITECH

Circle 150 on Reader Service Card (Dealers: 151)

Though most mice out there look pretty much aUke, they're not all equal in performance. It pays to be just a little choosy to make sure you end up with the right mouse for your needs.

Starting with software. If you want full compatibility with all of your software, all you have to do is look for a mouse with the Logitech name. There are four in all, each one designed for different hardware needs.

THE HiREZ MOUSE

If you've got your eyes on a high-resolution screen, the mouse to get your hand on is the new LOGITECH HiREZ Mouse.

With a resolution of 320 dots-per-inch (as compared with 200 dpi or less for ordinary mice), it covers the same area on your high-res screen but needs less of your desk to do it. More than 50% less. Saving you valuable desk space, and

74 BYTE- JULY 1988

The LOGITECH HiREZ Mouse needs 50% less desk space to cover the same amount of screen area as a 200 dpi mouse.

Good instincts run in this family (left to right): the new LOGITECH HiRE7. Mouse ($179), the only mouse designed expressly for high-res screetis; tlw LOGTJ'ECH Series 2 Mouse for the IBM PS/2 ($99, plugs right into mome port); and the LO(jlTECH Mouse for standard screens ($ 119, in bus and serial versions).

All come with Logitech's own Plm Software, which assures ease of use rvitli virtually any .software, mnu.se-hased or not.

effort: mouse maneuvers that used to require sweeps of the hand are now reduced to a flick of the wrist.

Which makes this new mouse a hand's best friend. And a more reliable, long-lasting companion. And, like all Logitech mice, it's fully compatible with all popular software, and equipped with a Lifetime Guarantee.

THE SERIES 2 MOUSE

For those who've chosen the Personal System/2,"' the most logical choice is the LOGITECH Series 2 Mouse. It's 100% compatible with PS/2, and plugs right into the mouse port, leaving the serial port free to accommodate other peripherals.

e right mouse

Ilogicadd

BilPaTECH/Wjsher Mouse ILOGIFWNT SET

THE ALL-PURPOSE MOUSE: SERLVL OR BUS

Most people find our standard mouse is still the best choice for their systems. It's available in both bus and serial versions, one of which is sure to fit perfectly with your hardware. And with all your favorite software—whether mouse-based or not.

It's hardly an accident that only Logitech offers you such a complete selecdon—we're the only mouse company to design and manufacture our own products. We make more mice, in fact, than anyone else. Including custom-designed models for OEMs like AT&T, DEC, and Hewlett-Packard.

The three mice pictured to the left come with all this expertise built right in. Which explains an interesting paradox: while you may pay less for a Logitech mouse, you'l I surely get more in performance.

A Logitech mome plus LvgiU'ch application software equak a complete solution (all pices include mouse. Plus Software, and application): LOGICADD... $189. PUBLISHER PACKAGE Tunis your PC into .. .$179. PUBLISHER

afull-featural CADD software lets beginners and workstation. Every- experts alike produce prothing you need for fasional, high-impact dimensimed line documents. Design templates drawing and CADD. make page layout easy.

LOGIPAINT SET... $149. Eleiieti type fonts and a 16-color palette. Creates files that move easily into both LOGICADD and PUBLISHER documents.

(800-552-8885 in California). Or fill out and mail the coupon below to: Logitech, Inc., 6505 Kaiser Drive, Fremont, CA 94555. In Europe, call or write: Logitech Switzerland, European Headquarters, CH-llU Romanel/Morges, Switzerland (++41-21-869-9656).

And in comfort. With a unique lightweight ergonomic design. Low-angled buttons for maximum comfort and minimum fatigue. An exclusive technology that guarantees a much greater life span. An exceptionally smooth-moving, dirtresistant roller ball. And natural compatibility witli all PCs, look-a-likes, and virtually any software.

All of which leads to an inescapable conclusion: if you want to end up with the right mouse, start with the right mouse company.

Logitech. We've got a mouse for whatever the task at hand.

For the dealer nearest you, call 800-231-7717

Circle 152 on Reader Service Card (Dealers: 153)

Logitech, Inc., 6505 Kaiser Drive, Fremont, CA 94555. Logilech Switzerland, European Headquarters, CH-llli Ronianel/Morges, Switzerland.

Yes! IMease send me the name of the nearest Logitech dealer

Name

Company/Title

Addre.K

Phone

H LOG ITECH

'J

Personal System/2 is a trademark of International Busines.s Machines, Corporation.

JULY 1988 •BYTE 75

WHAT'S NEW

HARDWARE • OTHER

Emulation to the Max

Ahost-independent in-circuit emulator from Microcosm helps you find faults in hardware and software when you're designing 80386-based systems and applications.

The hyperICE-386 consists of a microprocessor-specific probe and a universal chassis and gives you access to trace, registers, and memory during the emulation process.

It gives engineers with a dumb terminal, host, workstation, or mainframe a way to uncover hardware and software problems and to otherwise debug systems at full speed by emulating the 80386 at clock speeds up to 25 MHz. Overlay memory runs with zero wait states at speeds to 20 MHz for real-time firmware debugging.

Key features include three 8000-gate arrays for trigger logic—monitoring address, data, and status lines, as well as the 16 logic probe lines. Four levels of triggering are available.

Another feature is the battery-backed RAM trace collection. When combined with the trigger feature, the trace collection feature is said to simplify debugging. System commands, which can be in a macro form and can be modified, are in C. Price: $17,500, including chassis and probe. Contact: Microcosm, Inc., 15275-E Southwest Koll Pkwy., Beaverton, OR 97006, (503) 626-6100. Inquiry 767.

After a 15-second function enrolls your fingerprint on the hard disk with a mathematic characterization system called the TouchSafe, 2 seconds is all it takes for the future access (or denial of access) to your computer.

Identix has been designing such "biometric" products for several years; the company also sells a similar product for access to high-security military establishments.

Communications Tester Runs Analog and Digital

Designed to test modems, telephone lines, and computer terminals, the Linktest LT3 combines the functions of a 20-kHz analog test set, a 200K-bps digital bit-error-rate tester, and a digital multimeter. Kapusi Laboratories designed it to test level, noise, and frequency of analog equipment, and volts, ohms, and capacitance of digital equipment.

A built-in intercom allows voice connection between remote testing sites. A frontpanel switch allows testing of either CCITT (international)

Processing hardware can be either an internal module (a single-slot board for PC compatibles) or an external module that connects to any computer system with an RS232C interface. Included software. Safe Word, is designed by Enigma Logic. Price: $1795 with internal processor module. Contact: Identix, Inc., 2452 Watson Court, Palo Alto, CA 94303, (415) 858-1001. Inquiry 770.

or North American systems. The operating temperature range of the instrument—between -20° and 60°C—facilitates international telephone line testing.

Analog features include frequency measurement to 20 kHz and a transmit-and-receive accuracy of 0.2 decibels, combined. Digital features include data transfer rate measurement of up to 200 kilobits per second (with rated accuracy of +1 bit per second) and a built-in link scope that the company says is more accurate than a typical oscilloscope.

Price: $3950, with battery charger/AC adapter, cables, and carrying case.

Contact: Kapusi Laboratories, 4701 Patrick Henry Dr., Suite 1702, Santa Clara, CA 95054, (408) 496-1086. Inquiry 768.

Of Neighbors, Locals, and Those Beyond

You can link personal computers and peripherals to other personal computers by using an entry-level Commix 32 file server and some twisted-pair copper wire. Data rates for file transfer, electronic mail, printer sharing, and terminal emulation range from 300 bits per second to 19.2K bits per second.

Data-switching features include up to 32 asynchronous ports (with an optional synchronous channel module with two ports); expandable user I/O in 4-port module increments; speed and asynchronous format conversion; local echo selectable at any port; and camp-on-queue for port contention.

With an optional Ethernet card and some coaxial cable, you can use the Commix 32 to gain access to mainframe information from your personal computer.

If your business needs expand beyond LANs, a statistical-multiplexing wide-areanetwork (WAN) board links equipment in different cities with leased telephone lines at up to 64K bits per second, or with an X.25 packet network. Price: $2595 fora 16-port Commix 32; $3995 for 32-port version; $350 for 4-port cards; $2995 for Ethernet link and additional $218 per port; pricing not set for WAN board. Contact: Itron, 130 Gaither Dr., Suite 116, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054, (800) 423-8044; in New Jersey, (609) 7225575.

Inquiry 769.

continued

76 BYTE' JULY 1988

ORACLE' turns Lotus 1-2-3 into a M function database

ORACLE, the world's best selling relational database, now works from inside your Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet program. Familiar 1-2-3 menus guide you through creating, modifying and retrieving data in your database. You can even perform ORACLE database functions automatically using standard Lotus macros and formulas. The point is...

W CIS: (C2) [VnSl |S)SIIM(CB..C13)

' Execute PISH add Modify TaMe SQL Wo OpUons Next

^ Create an @SOL Qaery function via meouB

1

store unlimiled amounts of data in your ORACLE database

Use all the features of Lotus 1-2-3 to analyze, report, and graph data in your ORACLE database.

For a price that's almost unbelievable, this add-in brings the full functionality of a powerful Structured Query Language (SQL) relational databasemanagement system (DBMS) to the PC industry's most popular spreadsheet: Lotus 1-2-3... .,. But perhaps the best news is that Oracle for 1-2-3 is very easy to learn and use

Anyone already familiar with 1-2-3 already knows how to use Oracle for 1-2-3

99

PC Week, April 5,1988

... If you already know how to use Lotus 1-2-3, then you already know how to use ORACLE, the world's most powerful database.

By putting data into a database, Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet's performance is improved, long re-calcs are eliminated and your worksheets are smaller and more manageable.

Act now, get a 30-day moneyback guarantee and pay sales tax and shipping. So fill out and mail

we

the attached coupon, or call today You can also purchase ORACLE for 1-2-3 at your favorite computer store. (St "1 Yes, this includes the full

function ORACLE database

• Have ORACLE for 1-2-3 build the query automatically for you and retrieve just the data you need.

• A single command automatically creates new database tables from data in any existing worksheet.

• In update mode, changes in your worksheet become changes in your database.

And if you make a mistake, you can.,.

• Undo changes.

Or save your changes permanently in your database and worksheet.

• Share the same data in multiple worksheets, or even across a network of different computers with manv users.

I I

$199

Dear Oracle,

ORACLE for 1-2-3 • Oracle Corporation 20 Davis Drive • Belmont, CA 94002

Yes, I iKivc an 0*80286/80386 PC runnine 0*005 3-0+ and 0'Lotus release 2.01. I also have 0'64OKli of RA.M, plus either 0^1MB of extended memory or 1 will itassign 1MB of my expanded memory as extended memory Please send me the daubase 1 already know how to use — the ORACLE database add-in for Lotu,s 1-2-3, on □5'./."or □ 3'A " disks. Enclosed is my: □ check, or □ VISA □.MasterCard □ American Express credit card authorization for S199."

STRtHT I.So I'D hnxvs. pkiue)

nrv ST.\TE and ?.IP

CRKDIT C^RI) NI MBt;R

Call 1-800-0RACLE1, ext. 149 today.

COMPATIBILITY • PORTABILITY • CONNECTABILITY For international pricing call (415) 598-8290

ORACLe*

(.ARD FXPIRATION DATE

■prices valid in U.S. only. © 1988. ORACLE is a registered trademark o( Oracle CDrporation. Lotus and 1-2-3 are trademarks of Lotus Development Corporation.

JULY 1988 -BYTE 77

WHAT'S NEW

SOFTWARE • PROGRAMMING

Programming in C

C_talk is an object-oriented programming environment for use with C programming languages. It features a Smalltalk-like browser for defining and editing classes of objects. It lets you browse through all the object classes for a particular application, create new ones, modify existing ones, define the application's structural organization, and edit arbitrary text files.

A preprocessor converts the program's object class descriptions into standardized C source files. The source code for the C_talk run-time environment is also included.

A make utility controls the preprocessing, compiling, and linking of an application program. The browser produces a specification for the make utility based on the set of object classes that you are browsing; you can also add other C source files to the make specification.

C_talk runs on the IBM PC and compatibles with at least 512K bytes of RAM. It supports Microsoft C, Turbo C, Lattice C, and Computer Innovations C86. Price: $149.95. Contact: CNS, Inc., 7090 Shady Oak Rd., Eden Prairie, MN 55344, (612) 944-0170. Inquiry 771.

C_talk features a Smalltalk-like browser.

Debug Turbo Pascal 4.0

In an effort to meet the needs of Turbo Pascal 4.0 programmers, TurboPower Software has developed T-DebugPLUS 4.0. With it, you can control your programs at run time, watch the corresponding source code, singlestep, and examine and change values using symbolic names. It also gives you the capability to switch between the debug and output screens.

If you have Expanded Memory Specification or AT extended memory, the debugger uses it for additional storage.

T-DebugPLUS 4.0 runs on the IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2, or compatibles with at least 256K bytes of RAM. Price: $45.

Contact: TurboPower Software, 3109 Scotts Valley Dr., Suite 122, Scotts Valley, CA 95066, (408) 438-8608. Inquiry 772.

Professional Prolog

Applied Logic Systems' Professional Version 1.2 of its Prolog Compiler is now enhanced to assist developers in writing code and distributing applications. It also makes use of virtual code space, letting you create programs larger than available memory.

The ALS compiler is based on Edinburgh-style syntax. Price: $499.

Contact: Applied Logic Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 90, University Station, Syracuse, NY 13210, (315) 471-3900. Inquiry 773.

Smalltalk/V: Not So Small Anymore

Smalltalk/V has grown up: Now it's available for 80286 and 80386 systems.

The new version, Smalltalk/V 286, runs inprotected mode, can address up to 16 megabytes of RAM directly, and operates under MS-DOS and OS/2. It also supports multitasking, and it is com

patible with Smalltalk/V.

Smalltalk/V 286 lets you build systems larger than 64K bytes; they can have over 32,000 objects. It also has expanded debugging capabilities, allowing you to inspect and change all objects and correct source program errors, and allowing single-step program execu

tion. According to Digitalk, the product contains a faster bit block transfer and supports EGA and VGA.

Two extension kits available for Smalltalk/V 286 include Goodies #2—Carleton Tools, which contains a spelling checker and floating-point emulation, and Goodies #3—Carleton Proj

Peabody Helps You Out with Turbo C

If you use Borland's Turbo C 1.5, a pop-up help utility from the Peabody family can give you a hand. Peabody for Turbo C has a database of 560K bytes of information to offer you definitions, examples, and tips on all 563 of Turbo C's functions.

You can place Peabody's help window anywhere on your screen, and a Sticky Key feature lets you post the help message on-screen, return to your program, and copy the syntax of the message. A Hyper Key helps you find definitions, facts, and examples that illustrate keywords in the help windows. And Peabody explains how Turbo C relates to ANSI C, Microsoft C, Lattice C, and other C languages.

The Peabody family is made up of help utilities for Turbo Pascal 3.0 and 4.0 and for Microsoft C 5.0. Copia has plans for an MS-DOS 3.3 utility and one for MASM.

The program runs on the IBM PC and compatibles with at least 256K bytes of RAM and DOS 2.0 or higher. Price: $89.

Contact: Copia International Ltd., 1964Richton Dr., Wheaton, IL 60187, (312) 665-9830. Inquiry 774.

continued

ects, which provides an application browser and a neural network, among other projects.

Price: $199.95; $49.95 each for extension kits. Contact: Digitalk, Inc., 9841 Airport Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045, (213) 645-1082. Inquiry 775.

78 BYTE- JULY 1988

Take a peek

at Genoa'^ new PC graphics add-ons.

Genoa

SYSTEMS CORPORATION [

Delivering

SuperVGA HiRes™now!

You've known Genoa as a developer of high performance graphics chips, and a leading manufacturer of graphics boards and tape backup. Soon you'll be able to depend on us for all your PC graphics add-on hardware.

Over the next year, we'll be unwrapping a series of graphics products. Each is designed to give you the most reliable, yet innovative engineering features. And above all, the highest performance possible.

Our SuperVGA HiRes family, featured here, is the first in our new product series. SuperVGA HiRes offers breathtaking color and resolution. From 16 colors in 1024x768. Up to 256 colors in 800x600. You'll see more of your spreadsheets at once with SuperVGA HiRes. 132 columns and 60 rows.You'll do Windows or OS/2. In fact, every SuperVGA HiRes feature is designed to turn your IBM PC/XT/AT and PS/2 models 25 and 30 into real graphics engines.

■t' 1988 Genoa Systems Corpor.ilion. SuperVGA HiRbs is a trademark ol Genoa Systems Corporalion.Windows rs a Irademark ol Microsoll. Inc. IBM PC/XT/AT, PS/2, and OS/2 are trademarks ol Internalional Business Machines.

100% IBM VGA compatible Advanced features -1024x768 in

16 colors and

800x600 in

256 colors/Model 5200 -512x512 in

256 colors/Model 5100 132 columns text For both analog and TTL displays

If you're looking for PC graphics add-ons, take a look at Genoa first. Our new line of products is starting delivery now.'

For the Genoa dealer nearest you or to add your name to our mailing list contact: Genoa Systems Corporation, 73 E.Trimble Road, San Jose, OA 95131. Fax: 408/434-0997 Telex: 172319. Or phone: 408/432-9090. In the UK, contact Genoa Systems Limited, phone: 01-225-3247 In the Far East, contact Genoa/Taiwan, phone: 2-776-3933.

Circle 107 on Reader Service Card

Genoa

SYSTEMS CORPORATION

Delivering PC Grapiiics

408/432-9090

WHAT'S NEW

SOFTWARE • SCIENTIFIC AND ENGINEERING

AutoCAD Overlay

CAD Overlay eliminates the usual step of automatic vectorization to convert a scanned image into a vector drawing usable in a CAD model, according to Image Systems Technology. In fact, it works as if you were placing a transparent sheet over an existing drawing and working in CAD on the transparent overlay, the company reports. A scanned image becomes another layer in the CAD model but doesn't interfere with the CAD drawing that you overlay.

CAD Overlay lets you zoom, pan, turn the raster image off and on, remove speckles, change color, and manipulate it like other CAD functions.

The program lets you bring a raster image into AutoCAD so you can scan large numbers of drawings. It stores rasterized plots from any CAD or image system in a universal format, so you don't have to translate between incompatible CAD systems.

CAD Overlay also works with desktop publishing systems, such as Ventura and PageMaker, enabling you to import and export information, drawings, and images in either direction.

The program runs on DOS-based CAD systems with at least 640K bytes of RAM, a hard disk drive, an AutoCAD ADI printer/plotter file-supported graphics card, AutoCAD 2.6X or 9, and DOS 3.0 or higher. Price: $1000. Contact: Image Systems Technology, Inc., 251 New KarnerRd., Albany, NY 12205, (518)452-1147. Inquiry 776.

Create CAD designs with CAD Overlay.

Create Fast Fourier Transforms in Two Dimensions

Alligator Technologies has announced TwoDimensional Prime Factor FFT, a two-dimensional-array fast Fourier transform (FFT) subroutine library. The program includes the twodimensional forward and inverse FFT for integer, single, and double-precision floatingpoint complex number sets.

The company reports that the two-dimensional program, an enhancement to its Prime Factor FFT program, is the first PC-based FFT product to calculate rectangular FFTs.

You can call the twodimensional program from any high-level language, including Turbo Pascal, Microsoft FORTRAN, QuickBASIC, Microsoft C, and more. The program supports arrays of more than 256 by 256 data points. You can perform frequency analysis on data set sizes as small as 2 by 2 data points and as large as 65,520 by 65,520 data points.

The program runs on the IBM PC, XT, AT, and compatibles with an 8087, 80287, or 80387 math coprocessor. You also need Prime Factor FFT to run the two-dimensional program.

Price: $159 for two-dimensional program; $159 for Prime Factor FFT. Contact: Alligator Technologies, P.O. Box 9706, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, (714) 850-9984. Inquiry 777.

Managing the Lab

If you need a system in the laboratory for tracking, analyzing, and reporting, LSTAR may be just the program for you.

LStar lets you define standard procedures used in studies or lab activities. It then generates a schedule and data slots for the study. You can enter data, generate schedules, and generate standard reports that you can send to a printer or output as an ASCII file.

The program runs on the IBM PC, XT, AT, and compatibles with at least 640K bytes of RAM and a hard disk drive. Price: $995.

Contact: American CompuStar, Inc., P.O. Box 108, Belle Mead, NJ 08502, (201) 359-0010. Inquiry 778.

Scientific Words

With Mathor and Chimix, you can enter mathematical or chemical formulas and let the program calculate the size and position of the symbols. It then displays them on-screen as they will be printed and makes adjustments to text as needed, depending on the size of the formulas.

Mathor is the mathematical word processor. It includes the Latin alphabet with accented letters, Greek in upperand lowercase and italics, and other special alphabets. The program automatically centers the numerator and the denominator and aligns the elements of a matrix. An editor lets you make changes and see them on-screen as they will appear in print. You can also save formulas to memory, so you can use them again in the same or other documents.

Also available is a TgX module that you can use with Mathor to translate documents for typesetting.

Chimix is the word processor that draws your chemical formulas. By pressing function keys, you can insert chemical links and the cyclic and polycyclic compounds into your text. When you make changes, you see the formulas automatically rearranged.

Mathor and Chimix run on the IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2, and compatibles with 512K bytes of RAM, a Hercules or EGA board, and DOS 2.11 or higher.

Price: Mathor, $595; TgX module, $295; Chimix, $695. Contact: HiTech Consulting Group, Inc., 1801 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 602, Los Angeles, CA 90067, (213) 556-1628. Inquiry 779.

continued

80 BYTE- JULY 1988

FREE DEMO TO DRAMATIZE THE POWER OF IZE:

Send today for your copy of the IZE demo kit. It's free and full of valuable information about the product that will revolutionize the way you use information.

□ Please send me my IZE demo kit. □ Please have a sales person

Disk Format: □3.5" □ 5.25" give me a call.

Name

Title

Company

Address

City State Zip

Telephone ( ) Extension

Persoft, Inc. 465 Science Drive, Madison, WI USA (608) 273-6000 Telex 759491 FAX (608) 273-8227

IZE is a trademark ol Pei^sofl, Inc. Patents Pending. Persoft is a registered trademark of Persoft, Inc. c 19SS Persoft, Inc. .All Rights Reserved. BYTE788

BUSINESS REPLY MAIL

FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 3704 MADISON, Wl. Postage will be paid by addressee:

persap"

465 SCIENCE DRIVE MADISON. Wl 53791-9147

LIJnJLLulMninllLlnn.llJnlln.lJn

Vision is the power of imagination. Seeing beyond the obvious. Being able to grasp and-

comprehend the obscure.

Introducing IZE™ to realize greater visio The information age has presented vir

tually every field, from research, education, and; government to law, medicine, and business, with powerful resources. Resources that, unlike traditional data-based information, are textual. Lack'_ ing structure, this ever-growing textbase is most often unexplored, untapped power.

IZE is software designed to automatically discover the underlying structure of textbase resources and provide users the power to tap, explore, manage, and organize them.

The look of IZE is familiar: a table of contents presented in outline form, ^t the power of this elegant structure is considerable. And

transparent in use.

Randomly entered reports, proposals, research abstracts, presentations, and correspondence. Ideas, lists, and notes. Documents you've

Circle 50 on Reader Service Card

© 1987 Persoft, Inc. All Rights Reserved, IZE is a trademark of Persoft, Inc. Patents Pending,IBfylisa registered trademark of International Business Mactiines Corporation,

''Already created and those you'll generate in the ture. Imparted information from on-line services. Plus any other text capable of being read by an IBM® PC or compatible system, can now f be easily viewed in a different light.

IZE will create a fundamental change in the

i^'ay you use your compu ter And the way you I

r use information.

To gain mastery over new resources. T) ^asp.lb comprehend.T? see.To focus.T) create. To fully utilize the product of tlie information age.

li-xtlMM- Maiu^'RHiit ami ()i^jni/.atkHi

The promise of IZE is greater vision to

share your vision with the rest of the world.

persa/T'

For more informalion about IZE. please contact your software dealer, phone us at 1-608-273-6000. or write Persoft. Inc.. 465 Science Drive. Madison. Wisconsin 53711 U.S.A.

The speed of

Corvus' new Omninet®/4 is the fastest local area network on easy-to-install, easy-to-pay-for twisted pair. What else can you say about a system that has the lowest cost per user of any high performance LAN? A great deal!

Omninet/4 combines high performance, low cost and ease of installation and use. The resultmore networking value for the "more demanding" users in workgroups and businesses.

Maximizing throughput. Omninet/4 has a fast data transmission rate of 4 Mbps and a very efficient collision-avoidance protocol to guarantee transmission accuracy and enhance data throughput. In addition, it utilizes dual port memory on the network card to let your main processor function more efficiently. This combination of greater speed and increased efficiency enables Omninet/4 to outperform many networks, including Ethernet® and Token Ring®, in many system throughput tests.

Adding value—not cost. Corvus pioneered the low cost twisted pair wiring of local area networks with our Omninet/1 system. We have over nine years of experience in supporting an installed base of over 500,000 nodes on 50,000 networks.

During this time we also developed the twisted pair Omninet Cabling System (OCS) to

simplify, economize and improve the reliability of network resource connections. Utilizing these standard OCS products, Omninet/4 operates over distances up to 1,000 feet. And with our affordable Omninet Repeater you can extend your network to 4,000 feet.

Omninet/4 is compatible with Corvus' PC/NOS™ and Microsoft® OS/2 LAN Manager. It also supports Novell Advanced Netware® and can be bridged to an existing Omninet/I network.

Malting networking easy. You can install a four-user Omninet/4 Network Kit in less than an hour No complicated wiring. No tools. No technicians. It's simply a twisted pair "plug and play" system. As your requirements grow, you can add more workstations (up to 64) by simply plugging a network card into each addition and snapping the OCS cables together

Connect with Corvus. When you need more throughput for less cost check out Omninet/4 — "the speed of a jet net" on twisted pair Contact your local dealer or call 1-800-4 CORVUS. Corvus Systems, Inc., 160 Great Oaks Blvd., SanJose,CA 95119-1347.

1-800-4 CORVUS

LAN Throughput Comparison

Corvus Omninet/4 & PC/NOS

^^^^^^■f^^^I^^^H^^H :; 25% faster

IBM Token Ring & PC/LAN

Corvus 45% faster

Based on 5-user tests conducted by the LanQuest Group using dBASE III plus™ UN Pack running on 8MHz ATs.

Tests consisted of multiple retrievals and sorts of a database accessing a 203 K file containing 1050 records of 300 bytes each.

The Corvus Omninet/4 solution proved to be 45 % faster than Token Ring and 25 % faster than Ethernet in dBASE III PLUS tests.

a jet net.

The Omninet/4 Networking Kit includes four transporter cards, four workstation kits, three trunk cable kits, one termination kit, one software kit and one installation guide.

GORVUS

The Net Works

Circle 73 on Reader Service Card

Omninet is a registered trademark and PC/NOS is a trademark of Corvus Systems, Inc.

Ethernet is a registered trademark of Xerox Corporation

Novell Advanced Netware is a registered trademark of Novell. Inc.

Microsoft is a registered trademark of Micn)sofl Corporation

3Com and 3 + are registered trademarks and Htherl-ink + is a trademark of 3Com Corporation. IBM and Token Ring are registered trademarks of IBM, Inc. dBASE III PLUS is a trademark of Ashum-Taie Inc. © Copyright 1988 Corvus Systems, Inc.

WHAT'S NEW

SOFTWARE • SCIENTIFIC AND ENGINEERING

Create macromolecular graphics on an AT with ProModeler I.

Model Molecular Graphics

ProModeler I is the first professional macromolecular graphics system for the personal computer, according to New England BioGraphics. The program includes large molecule support, interactive rotations, translations and zooming, stereo viewing, high space filling and bond representations, and interactive side-chain substitutions.

In bond or backbone representations, you can rotate, translate, and scale a molecule. The system can produce shaded, colored, and spacefilling representations of large molecules at high speeds. You can also use the system to interactively substitute amino acid side chains from a dictionary that's supplied with the system. And you can save modified proteins to disk in any of the file formats that are supported.

During an interactive session, you can load individual molecules from separate files and have more than one onscreen at a time. You can also define subsets of a given molecule, which you can then color, move, or hide from view. You can color all or part of the molecule according to atom name, residue name, and residue range. Predefined color schemes are included that color molecules based on atom type or side-chain hydrophobicity.

Promodeler accepts structure files from the Brookhaven Protein Data Bank, which you can download using standard file-transfer protocols such as Kermit. The system also supports the Hendrickson-Konnert file format.

How many atoms can you display? New England BioGraphics reports that in a 640K-byte system, you can display and manipulate about

5000 atoms simultaneously in any representation, including stereo views. In a 512K-byte system, you can view about 2500 atoms.

The minimum system configuration you need to run ProModeler I is an IBM PC AT or compatible with at least 512Kbytes of RAM, an 80287 or 80387 math coprocessor, and a Microsoft or compatible mouse. You also need a Professional Graphics Adapter or compatible; however, the program does not support EGA or VGA boards. Vermont Microsystems offers the Image Manager 640 graphics board, which you can purchase bundled with the ProModeler software. Price: $750 for the software alone; $2000 for the IM-640 board and software. Contact: New England BioGraphics, P.O. Box 24, Peacham, VT 05862, (802) 633-4344. Inquiry 780.

Infinite Plotting the MicroMath Way

Whether you need to create x,y plots or develop, evaluate, and plot model equations, MicroMath

has programs to suit your needs. MINSQ 2.3, a program for developing, evaluating, and plotting model equations, is enhanced with PostScript plot descriptions that you can send to a file or print on any PostScript output device.

With MINSQ 2.3, you can plot model equations without data. Or, when you supply data, parameters in the model equations may be optimized by a least-squares procedure. You can read model equations from a file or enter them from a keyboard. A built-in editor lets you modify the models interactively. Built-in operators are also available, including Deriv, Integral, and a Unit step function.

The program also offers graphics capabilities that let you zoom in on regions for annotating plots with text, lines, or arrows. You can move or resize objects.

Graph is another new program from MicroMath. It offers many of the capabilities of MINSQ, except for nonlinear model fitting. Graph lets you prepare x,y plots, plot the data on the screen, and modify it with a built-in editor. You can also send plots from Graph to PostScript printers.

Model-independent curves available include polynomials, cubic splines, rational fractions, and a Stineman interpolating curve. You can also

perform least-squares regression for straight lines, polynomials, or cubic splines.

Like MINSQ, Graph includes a graphics section with zoom capability and the ability to add or delete arrows, text, and lines, and to move or resize objects or change character sets.

MINSQ and Graph run on the IBM PC, XT, AT, or compatible with at least 512K bytes of RAM, DOS 2.0 or higher, and a CGA, EGA, or monochrome graphics board. Price: MINSQ 2.3, $179; Graph, $79.

Contact: MicroMath Scientific Software, 2034 East Fort Union Blvd., Salt Lake City, UT 84121. Inquiry 781.

Need a Refresher on Distillation?

Distil Simu is designed to help you brush up on distillation principles.

The program is based on the McCabe Thiele model, which you can bring up onscreen and output to most dotmatrix printers. It allows you to input error checking and generate detailed reports, and it makes use of windowing, file handling, and device error checking.

Also included with the program are the VLE Curve Fit/Plot and several nonlinear regression routines for regressing sets of x,y data and plotting the resulting VLE curve on an x,y equilibrium plot.

Distil Simu runs on the IBM PC and compatibles with 512K bytes of RAM and a CGA or Hercules graphics monitor. Price: $79.

Contact: Engrsoft, 1946 Holland, Wichita, KS 67212, (316) 721-1598. Inquiry 782.

continued

84 B YTE • JULY 1988

Ail

Piepa'f'o\ReP°'^ ivA^Npe^

. Geo®'

rep'

fiou won't find software that's easier to use: Pes no accounting l<nowledge e Completely menu-driven with on-line help • 93-page fully indexed tutorial manual (on disk) A Proven Track Record. Hard to believe the $16 price? Don't worry MoneyCounts® has been marketed for three years and is continually receiving rave reviews. There's no catch. This is a fully functional system that compares with products selling for $99 and more.

Same-Day Shipping. Order today and own MoneyCounts® for only $16! Add $3 shipping and handling [outside North America add $7). Iowa residents please add 4% sales tax, Send check or money order payable to Parsons Technology VISA and MasterCard orders welcome.

copN

pr

VISA, MasterCard & COD.orders call:

1-800-223-6925

[In Canada 319/395-7300)

~~~~~ 'money

^ 7^7^^^»^ (COUNTS'

I Dept. B

373 Collins Road NE Cedar Rapids, lA 52402

$16 + S3 Shipping

I MoneyCounts' requires IBM or compatible computer I with two disk drives (of a liard d^k drive), 192k or more 1 memory, DOS 2.0 or later and printer

I Name:

I Address;

I City/Stateftip; I Ptione:

I Ctieck Money Order.

I Card #

,VISA_

_ MasterCard. Exp. Date

Circle 198 on Reader Service Card

JULY 1988 -BYTE 85

WHAT'S NEW SOFTWARE • BUSINESS

SuperProject Adds Features for OS/2

The project management tool SuperProject Expert now runs under OS/2. The program retains the features found in the MS-DOS version but has added multitasking, virtual memory management, memory protection, and a feature that lets you toggle between applications without exiting one program and reloading. SuperProject Expert as

sists you in planning, tracking, and coordinating projects. It also enables you to create a variety of work schedules. It offers multiproject, import/export, and network capabilities. You can also request reports, including detailed costing information. Other features include graphics and wordprocessing capabilities. The OS/2 version lets you

Maximize Your Sales

Keep track of clients, prospects, and personal data with The Maximizer. This sales support program from Pinetree Software is broken into seven segments: clients, letters, payment analysis, hot-list, telephone, personal records, and utilities.

In managing clients, you can add as many client names to the database as you'd like, with as much information associated with them as you need. You can also search the database using criteria that you've defined, such as occupation, status, source, and interests. You can also keep track of follow-up dates.

The program's letter-writing facility lets you write and store an unlimited number of letters. It comes with a set of standard letters, and you can edit them or create your own using the program's editor.

A set of calculation programs lets you figure out payment schedules, purchase prices, outstanding balances, financing, and more.

The hot-list feature lists all your appointments and the clients you have to contact. A day-at-a-glance feature is available in the calendar utility, and a telephone directory lets

you access your clients' phone numbers individually or in groups.

The Maximizer is written in C and uses Btrieve file access. It runs on the IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2s, and compatibles with DOS 3.0 or higher and at least 512K bytes of RAM. The program comes on 5 W-inch and 3 '/2-inch disks and is also available in a local-area network version. Price: $495.

Contact: Pinetree Software Canada Ltd., 8100 Granville Ave., 9th Floor, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada V6Y 1P3, (604)270-3311. Inquiry 783.

Bill-It on the Mac

If you run a small business, you can do your accounting on a Macintosh with Bill-It. ShopKeeper Software's accounting program integrates accounts receivable, billing, inventory, invoicing, list of services, sales, and point-ofsale modules.

Bill-It is optimized for about 4000 customers and inventory items, although ShopKeeper reports that the program can handle more

access up to 16 megabytes of virtual memory and runs in protected mode. SuperProject Expert/2 runs on IBM PS/2s and compatibles with at least 320K bytes of RAM and OS/2. Price: $795.

Contact: Computer Associates International, Inc., 1240 McKay Dr., San Jose, CA 95131,(408) 432-1727. Inquiry 787.

than 8000 of each. You can use the inventory section for anything that you can count in units, such as labor charges, lab procedures, golf lessons, and so on. The program is flexible in printing statements, reports, and summaries.

Information is stored as plain ASCII text, so you can transfer data from Bill-It to other programs or export it as SYLK files.

Bill-It runs on a Mac Plus, SE, or II with at least two 800K-byte floppy disk drives or a hard disk drive. Price: $159.

Contact: ShopKeeper Software, Inc., P.O. Box 38160, Tallahassee, FL 32315, (904) 222-8808. Inquiry 784.

More for the Investor

Investors wanting to perform technical analysis of the securities market will find that Wall Street Techniques is now enhanced with access to The Source and increased capacity. It includes a free account to both the Dow Jones News Retrieval Service and The Source. The new interface to The Source lets you automatically access historical data on stocks, options.

bonds, mutual funds, index options, and commodities. The number of securities that you can monitor is now expanded from 75 to 500 per subdirectory. You can maintain up to 750 days, weeks, or months of data (increased from 250) for each security.

The program runs on the IBM PC and compatibles and supports CGA, EGA, VGA, and Hercules graphics. Price: $295.

Contact: Smith Micro Software, Inc., P.O. Box 7137, Huntington Beach, CA 92615, (714)964-0412. Inquiry 785.

Enhancennents to Macintosh Business Software

Layered has enhanced a bundle of its business programs. In the Insight Expert Accounting Series, a Time Billing module has been added, as well as multiuser versions of Inventory, Accounts Receivable and Payable, Insight Forms Design, and Insight Export. The Notes product has been expanded to six products. Front Desk has been upgraded and is also available in a multiuser version.

Price: Insight Expert Time Billing module, $595; Inventory multiuser version, $895; Accounts Receivable multiuser version, $895; Accounts Payable multiuser version, $895; Insight Forms Design, $149; Insight Export, $149; Notes for Ready, Set, Go!, $79; Front Desk multiuser version, $99 per user.

Contact: Layered, Inc., The Schrafft Center, 529 Main St., Boston, MA 02129, (617) 242-7700. Inquiry 786.

continued

86 BYTE- JULY 1988

Speed without compromise.

QNX DELIVERS QNX delivers the speed of a dedicated real-time executive as well as multi-tasking, integrated networking and a multi-user development environment as rich and powerful as UNIX.

SPEED The tightly coded QNX kernel performs 3200 task switches/second on an AT, with full pre-emptive prioritized scheduling.

TASK COMMUNICATION QNX is

based on a message-passing architecture, radically more innovative than PC-DOS, UNIX, or OS/2. User tasks and system tasks use the same messaging interface. This results in a single unified environment.

INTEGRATED NETWORKING On

the QNX network, any task can send messages to any other task anywhere on the network. This direct communication is not available on other networks. The resultant "feel" of the QNX network is that of a homogeneous, tightly connected array of computers, rather than a collection of computing islands strung together on a network vyith comparatively limited functionality.

DEVELOPMENT ENVIRONMENT

QNX comes with a rich set of utilities including a powerful full-screen editor, C compiler, symbolic debugger and multiple full-screen windows.

RUNTIME ENVIRONMENT QNX architecture is modular not monolithic. The

system consists of a set of tasks that provide services. Software developers can easily write tasks that add services to suit their specific application needs. It is straightforward to write tasks that interface to hardware through interrupts, I/O ports, DMA and dual-ported memory.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT Technical support is provided free of charge, and updates can be downloaded 24 hours/ day from our online BBS. QNX is now installed at over 55,000 sites in North America and Europe for manufacturing, process control, process monitoring, point-of-sale and many other applications. Eliminate compromises in your realtime applications. Call for details today.

THE ONLY MULTI-USER, MULTI-TASKING, NETWORKING. REAL-TIME OPERATING SYSTEM FOR THE IBM PC, AT, PS/2,

THE HP VECTRA, AND COMPATIBLES.

Multi-User 10 (32) serial terminals per PC (AT). Multi-Tasking 64 (150) tasks per PC (AT). Networking 2.5 Megabit token passing.

255 PC's and/or AT's per network.

10,000 tasks per network.

Thousands of users per network.

Real Time 3,200 task switches/sec (AT).

Fast intertask communication between tasks on any machine.

Message Passing

0 Compiler Standard Kernighan and Ritchie.

Flexibility Single PC, networked PC's, single PC with terminals, networked PC's with terminals. No central servers. Full sharing of disks, devices and CPU's.

PC-DOS PC-DOS runs as a QNX task.

Cost From US $450.

Runtime pricing available.

For further information or a free demonstration disl<ette, please telephone (613) 591-0931.

Quantum Software Systems Ltd. • Kanata South Business Park -175 Terrence Matthews Crescent • Kanata, Ontario, Canada • K2M1W8

UNIX is a registered trademark of ATS T Bed Labs. IBM, PC, AT, XT and PSi2. PC-DOS and Oa'2 are [rademarks

oi Internaltorial Business Mactiines. HP and Vectra are registered trademarlrs ol Hewlell-Pacl^ard Cdmpany.

Circle 226 on Reader Service Card

WHAT'S NEW

OTHER

.U %. fweU II. I .M Sales gepmmtat J ;

M Boston, lb. (mui Btsin llocli ('KB; .,. , , Ifeiblock m. M har Fawli: I _

ixtriordinirs frojMS S i ks (nhinced tlw mf urjr 9iif jNntli ppojfctions Hill ke doukleJ. '

lirst kinaoKs is on( of tl* ludinj JislfitaUn of insulated mim fixtures in the Southnest, Ue ^arantet ovemijht deiiveru to any constniction site in Texas, Oklahoiia, or Ariiona, and tw-dau delivery to m oajim citu lietwen Chicajo mi Los Anjeies. In business tor over 31 years, our services include an inventory of over 3W insu ated aindoa fixtures, 29 salespeople, and regional wrthcuses n three locations.

Mod functions SeaKh/replace

i

Version 2.0 of Brown Bag's MindReader.

A Word Processor That Learns

MindReader is a word processor with artificial intelligence capabilities that teach it how you write, according to Brown Bag Software. It features an expandable dictionary, spelling checker, and calculator, and is distributed as shareware.

To teach MindReader how you write, you switch on the AI Learn feature and leave it on while you write. MindReader will analyze your writing patterns.

WordComplete is a utility that lets you type just the first few letters of a word. It then pops up a window with a list of words, from which you select the one you want with one keystroke. The FrequentWord option lets you designate the words you want to appear in the pop-up window. Using rule-based artificial intelligence, MindReader reprioritizes the words in the dictionary pop-up menus aixording to your use.

You can call the calculator up on-screen with just a few keystrokes and use it while you're working on a document. Its functions include addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and it's accurate to 12 digits with two decimal places. A paper-tape-type feature keeps a running list of every number you enter.

MindReader 2.0 runs on the IBM PC, XT, AT, and compatibles with at least 256K bytes of RAM and DOS 2.0 or higher. To run it on a LAN, you need a network license. The program supports CGA, EGA, and VGA boards. Price: $49.95 for registration fee.

Contact: Brown Bag Software, 2155 South Bascom Ave., Suite 114, Campbell, CA 95008, (408) 559-4545. Inquiry 788.

Moving Data Across Formats

Do you ever need to convert dBASE files into Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheets? Dataplex 2.0 may be your key to moving data among such formats as 1-2-3, DIP, ASCII, and dBASE. The program's strengths lie in the areas of data entry and conversion. Using AI techniques such as dynamic data dictionaries and pattern recognition, Dataplex learns validation rules from the data and creates field formats, according to Tools & Technology. Connection to other for

mats is by way of read/write two-way data paths, and you can sort, select, edit, and reformat data records while the data is in transit. You don't need a copy of your destination package.

Dataplex is written in Microsoft C. Version 2.0 requires an IBM PC, XT, AT, or compatible with DOS 2.0 or higher and 384K bytes of RAM. The program also runs on LANs. The company reports that an OS/2 version is currently in the works. Price: $149. Contact: Tools & Techniques, Inc., 1620 West 12th St., Austin, TX 78703,(512) 482-0824. Inquiry 789.

The Soft Drum Machine

Adrum is an Amiga software program that acts like a drum machine. The company calls it a rhythm maker with four voices. It is capable of stereo output using sound samples loaded from disk in Interchange File Format.

You can have up to 26 sounds in memory to create a kit from which you produce rhythms. You can alter any of a sound's parameters, such as pitch, volume, length, and number of repeats, and you can assign any sound to any of the 26 instruments.

Once you set up a kit of sounds, you can program Adrum's sequencer. You can define up to 64 measures of variable beats, from 0 to 64 beats per measure.

Pull-down menus let you select removal, replacement, measure copy, and delete/ insert editing commands.

Adrum is MIDI-compatible and runs on the Amiga. Price: $79.95. Contact: Haitex Resources, 208 CarroUton Park, Suite 1207, Carrollton, TX 75006, (214) 241-8030. Inquiry 790.

Put Your Data on the

Create, manipulate, and analyze color maps of areas ranging from 52 feet to 5000 miles wide with MapInfo. Working from information in one or more databases, the program helps you generate maps with boundaries, legends, and text. You can label points with street names, demographic information, notes, or symbols.

The program's Thematic Mapping feature lets you assign different shades to specific map areas. You can pan

Map

and zoom, locate addresses anywhere on the map, and compute the distance between two or more points.

Maplnfo comes with its own database management program; you can also use it with dBASE EI Plus. Many maps covering U.S. metropolitan areas are available.

The program runs on the IBM PC, XT, AT, and compatibles with DOS 2.0 or higher, 512K bytes of RAM, a graphics board, and a hard disk drive with 3 megabytes

of free storage space. It supports various mice, as well as the Summagraphics SummaSketch and Calcomp9100 and 2500 series digitizers. It also supports dBASE III Plus files.

Price: $750; metropolitan area maps, from $250 to $2000.

Contact: Maplnfo, Hendrick Hudson Building, 200 Broadway, Troy, NY 12180, (800) 327-8627; in New York, (518) 274-8673. Inquiry 791.

88 BYTE- JULY 1988

The 35" Migration.

As though by the force of nature, computer users are flocking to the new 3.5" standard.

A Clear Flight: A top-quality 3.5" drive allows direct access between older and newer systems, between IBM PC/XT/AT, compatibles and PS/2 systems, and between home office desktops and laptops in the field. And most experts agree that it's better to upgrade an older system with a 3.5" floppy drive than to downgrade a new system with an old-technology drive.

A Third Firstt Manzana introduced the industry's first 3.5" upgrade in 1985, and the first 1.44MB drive in 1987. Today, Manzana introduces the 3rd Internal™ drive, for those with room for more than two.

Manzana drives it honie.

Maximum Versatility! Manzana offers several drive configurations, including an internal, a hostpowered external, and a self-powered external. All systems come with Manzana's own 3Five® software, which runs with MS-DOS version 2.0 or higher, to read, write and format disks at 1.44MB, 720K, and non-standard MS-DOS formats, including HP 150 and 110.

Flying to PC Expo? See usm

Booth #2520. Or call 805/968-1387, FAX 805/968-5449, TELEX4932215 or write for the whole story on The 3.5" Migration, and literature on the full line of Manzana drives: Manzana MicroSystems, Inc., P.O. Box 2117, Goleta, CA 93118.

Soon you'll be heading in the right direction from instinct alone.

Circle 541 on Reader Service Card (DEALERS: 542)

Trademarks; 3Five and 3rd Internal - Manzana MicroSystems, Inc.; IBM and PS/2 - International Business Machines Corporation; MS-DOS - Microsoft, Inc.; HP-Hewlett Packard Corporation; ©1988, Maniana MicroSystems, Inc.

REGIONAL

WHAT'S New

METRO NEW YORK • NEW ENGLAND

Mac DA For Programmers

If you program on the Mac and spend a lot of time leafing through reference manuals, The Programmer's Online Companion 2.0 for the Macintosh may help. Based on Inside Macintosh, volumes I-V and the Apple Numerics Manual, the desk accessory includes frequently used system calls, system globals, and assembly language equates. You can modify and add information to the database.

The Programmer's Online Companion 2.0 is designed to be a crib sheet, not a teaching tool. For example, it does not teach what a "clip region" is.

but assists you in accessing and modifying one. The desk accessory assumes you know Pascal or assembly and are familiar with Inside Macintosh.

Developed by Steve Capps, a member of the original Lisa

and Mac design teams at Apple, the program takes up less than lOK bytes of RAM.

The Programmer's Online Companion 2.0 runs on the Mac512E, Plus, SE, and II. Price: $49.95.

Contact: Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., Jacob Way, Reading, MA 01867, (617) 944-3700. Inquiry 827.

Clear Up dBASE Confusion

If your dBASE program has become a bit of a mess—or if you want to keep it from becoming one—Clear for dBASE will probably help. The program reads the source code of your dBASE applications and automatically produces a system tree chart, program flow charts, and formatted source code listings.

The tree chart represents the hierarchical relationship between the procedures in the

With Prospero PC Pascal and PC Fortran you never lose your train...

88NE-2 BYTE • JULY 1988

METRO NEW YORK • NEW ENGLAND

system and lets you view the structures of up to eight levels. The flow chart shows the logical structure and control flow of the program. You can view the charts on your screen in WYSIWYG format, or print them. The spacing, number of pages, and placement of symbols are automatically calculated.

Clear supports background printing and enables you to run any DOS command from within the program. It runs on the IBM PC, XT, AT, and compatibles with DOS 2.0 or higher, 512K bytes of RAM, two floppy disk drives or a hard disk drive, and a CGA, EGA, Hercules, or IBM monochrome video card. It supports dBASE II, III, and III Plus; andFoxBASE-l-, dBXL, and Quicksilver up to

the level of the dBASE III Plus standard. Support for the Hewlett-Packard LaserJet printer is optional. Price: $99.95; with HewlettPackard LaserJet driver, $149.95.

Contact: Clear Software, Inc., 637 Washington St., Suite 204, Brookline, MA 02146, (617) 232-4720. Inquiry 829.

Create dBASE Files with Golden Common LISP

With dBLISP (a set of 50 Golden Common LISP functions and keywords that simulate dBASE III commands), you can define and manipulate dBASE III files.

The functions assist you in writing inference engines, natural language interfaces, hypertext systems, icon-based interfaces, and other front ends for creating and accessing dBASE III files. You do not need dBASE III to use the library for writing dBASE Illcompatible data, index, and memo files.

An IBM PC, XT, AT, or compatible and Golden Common LISP is required to run dBLISP. It runs under both small-memory (1.1 or higher) and large-memory (2.2 or higher) versions of Golden Common LISP. Price: $295; with source code, $495.

Contact: Chestnut Software, Inc., 636 Beacon St., Boston, MA 02215, (617) 262-0914. Inquiry 826.

Print Labels, Envelopes on the Mac

Sometimes the least expensive, simplest applications are the most useful. Label and Envelope 1.1, a Macintosh desk accessory from Eastgate Systems, lets you print labels, envelopes, and mailing lists. You can choose fonts, type sizes, and formats.

Label and Envelope 1.1 runs on Macintoshes and takes up about 35K bytes of RAM. IVice: $15.

Contact: Eastgate Systems, Inc., P.O. Box 1307, Cambridge, MA 02238, (617) 782-9044. Inquiry 828.

...of thought

Introducing the world's most productive programmer's environment:

Tlie Prospero WorlcJbench.

W

hether you program in Pascal or Fortran, you'll be more productive with the Prospero Worl<bench. It's a fully integrated programmer's environment for Fortran. And the world's most creative environment for Pascal.

The Prospero Workbench lets you design, write, debug, test and document

Circle 539 on Reader Service Card

a program in sequence, without interruption. So, you can never lose track of a complex variable in Fortran, or get side-tracked in Pascal.

With pop down menus and four or eight editing windows, the Prospero Workbench lets you know what's happening all the time. You can read and edit files in different windows, and easily copy text from one file to anotherat the press of a key

PC Fortran and PC Pascal include the widely praised symbolic debugger PROBE. And Prospero fully implements ISO and ANSI standards. If you prepare programs on a microcomputer, and then run them on a mainframe, you know how important that is.

Prospero Software is used by more

than 20,000 programmers around the world. Prospero also provides technical support, just in case you do get side-tracked.

Call 800-327-6730 to order or to request more information, and get your programming on track with Prospero PC Fortran and PC Pascal.

PC FORTRAN M99 PC PASCAL M49

Prospero Software

^ LANGUAGES FOH XTECROCOMPUTEH PROFESSEOiVALS

1-800-327-6730

100 Commercial Street, Portland, Maine 04101

JULY 1988 • BYTE 88NE-3

INDEPENDENT STORE IN NYC DEDICATED TO IBM ® PC SOFTWARE AND PERIPHERALS ONLY

»jani

If We Don't Have It, It's Probably Not Worth Having. STORE HOURS: 9:00 A.M.-5:30 P.M. E.S.T. MON.-FRI.

SATURDAYS: CLOSED JUNE-JULY-AUGUST.

Terms, Conditions and Prices May Differ In Our Store.

CORPORATE ACCOUNTS WELCOMED. PC LINK, CORP. 29 WEST 38TH STREET. 2ND FL., NEW YORK, NY 10018

CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-221-0343

FOR ORDERS ONLY

All prices listed in this ad are effecllve July. 1^ 1988. All Brands are Registered Trademarks. IBM is a Registered Trademarl^ of IBM Corp.

IN NEW YORK CALL 1 -212-730-8036

FOR ORDERS & INQUIRIES

THIS MONTH'S SPECIALS-JULY 1 stthrough 31 st

CROSSTALK COMMUNICATIONS. MICROSOFT WALLSOFT.

CROSSTALK MK IV 109.00 "C" or Fortran Compiler ea.... 289.00 Ul Programmer/Documentor ea...

CROSSTALK COMMUNICATIONS. 185.00 CROSSTALK XV1 V 3.6 80.00

BUSINESS SOFTWARE

ANSA PARADOX V 2.0 439 00

ASHTON-TATE

dBASE III PLUS 1.1 CALL

MULTIMATE ADVANTAGE II CALL

BORLAND INT.

EUREKA 99.00

PROLOG 1.1 69.00

SIDEKICK PLUS 149 00

69.00 69.00 79.00 159.00 55.00 CALL

80.00 85.00

TURBO BASIC

TURBO C

TURBO PASCAL 4.0

QUATTRO

CHIPSOFT TURBO TAX PERSONAL

CLEAR SOFT. CLEAR (CHART dBASE CODE) CONSENTRIC DATA

R & R REPORT WRITER FOR DBASE 111+ 129.00 CROSSTALK COMMUNICATIONS

CROSSTALK MK.4 109 00

CROSSTALK XVI 3.6

REMOTE 1.3

FOX SOFTWARE

FOX BASE PLUS V 2.0 229 00

FOX BASE+ MULTIUSER 379.00

GREAT PLAINS ACCOUNTING PACKAGES CALL

JAVELIN SOFT. JAVEUN 75 00

KORTEK FREEWAY ADVANCED 109.00

LrFETREES0FT.V0LKSWRITER3 129 00

LOTUS DEV. CORP

LOTUS 1-2-3(S0LD IN OUR STORE) CALL

SYMPHONY [SOLD IN OUR STORE) CALL

MECA MANAGING YOUR MONEY 4.0 139 00

MERIDIAN CARBON COPY PLUS 139 00

MICRO PRO

WORDSTAR 2000+REL3 249 00

WORDSTAR 2000+ REL3 LEGAL VERSION CALL

WORDSTAR PROFESSIONAL REL.4 249 00

MICROSOFT

CHART V 3.0 295 00

C COMPILER 289 00

FORTRAN COMPILER 289 00

MACROASSEMBLER 119 00

EXCEL 339.00

PROJECT 349.00

QUICKBASIC 69 00

QUICK C 69.00

WINDOWS 69 00

WINDOWS 386 145 00

WORD VERSION 4.0 239 00

WORKS 139:00

MIGENT

ABILITY 55 00

ENRICH 109.00

MONOGRAM DOLURS& SENSE 99 00

NANTUCKET CLIPPER 399 00

OWL INT. GUIDE 89 00

QUARTERDECK DESQ VIEW 89 00

QUARTERDECK MEMORY MANAGER ... 49 00 SBT ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE (SOLD IN STORE)CALL

SSC SOFTWARE BRIDGE 129 00

STSC

APL'PLUS V 7.0 649 00

STATGRAPHICS 64900

SOPHCO

PROTEC (HARD DISK PROTECTION) 185.00

SOFTWARE GROUP ENABLE V 2.0 399.00

SOFTWARE PUBLISHING

HARVARD TOTAL PROJECT MANAQERII 369.00

P.F.S.GRAPH/PU^N ea 89 00

FIRST CHOICE 75 00

PROFESSIONAL FILE/PLAN ea. 159 00

PROFESSIONAL WRITE 139 00

WALLSOFT

THE Ul PROGRAMMER 185 00

THE DOCUMENTOR 185 00

WORDPERFECT CORP

WORDPERFECT V 5.0 CALL

WORDPERFECT V 4,2 209 00

WORDTECH SYSTEMS

D B X L 99.00

QUICK SILVER DIAMOND 369 00

XYQUESTXY WRITE 111 + 399 00

GRAPHK: & DESK TOP PUBLISHING

aldus page maker call

ashtontate

chart/diagram/sign master call

digftal g em draw plus 175.00

lotus dev. free lance+isold in store) call

micrografx windows draw 229.00

software publishing

harvard presentation graphics... 295,00

xeroxventura desktop publisher call

z soft. pc paintbrush + 99.00

z soft. publisher paintbrush 179.00

utilfties

core int. core fast 119 00

execusystemsxtree pro 79.00

fifth generation fast back+ 129.00

funk soft. sideways 3.2 59.00

microlytics gofer 49.00

microsoft learning dos 39,00

norton utilities v 4.0 59 00

norton utilities advanced 4,0 99.00

revolution cruise control 29.00

qualitas 386 max 59 00

soft craft fancy font 149.00

soft craft u\ser font 149.00

traveling soft. lap-link 89.00

whfte crane brooklyn bridge 89.00

• graphictablets,keyboards,mk;e data desk turbo keyboard 139 00

LOGFTECH HIREZ mouse (BUS VERSION)! 19.00 L0GrTECHC7M0USE+PC PAINTBRUSH 99.00

LOGITECH C7M0USE+PAINT+CAD 149.00

LOGFTECHC7 PUBUSHERS MOUSE 119.00

MICROSOFT SERIAL OR BUS MOUSE .... 105.00 MICROSOFT MOUSE WITH WINDOWS ,.. 145.00 PRINTERS

BROTHER TWINRITER 5 CALL

BROTHER M-1709 240 CPS PAR/SER CALL

BROTHER HR-20 20CPS DAISY 359.00

BROTHER HR40 DAISY 589,00

EPSON FX-86/FX-286E CALL

HEWLET-PACKARDLASERJET II CALL

HEWLET-PACKARDDESKJET CALL

OKIDATA292 519.00

OKIDATA 293 699 00

OUTPUT TECH OT-850XL 850 CPS CALL

TOSHIBA P351 MODEL SX 1095.00

TOSHIBA P321SL 549.00

HP LASER ACCESORIES

BFTSTREAM FONTWARE (SOFT FONTS) CALL

HEWLETT-PACKARD

FONT CARTRIDGES

(A,C,D,E.G,H,) EA 129.00

(B,F,J.K,L,M,N,P,Q,T,U,V,W,X,Y) EA 219,00

(R,Z) EA 295,00

SOFT FONTS EA 169.00

MEMORY FOR LASERJET M ONLY

IMB/2MB/4MB MEMORY BOARDS CALL

IMAGEN PC Publisher Kit adds DDL, HP-GL & PostScript to HP Laserjet printers. Emulates 15 HP Cartridges, HP 7470/7475 pen plotters. Diablo 630, Epson MX-80/FX-80, & more. Comes with 30 (1 to 254 point) Fonts, 2Mb Ram PC Publisher Kit for HP Laserjet II 1995.00

MONITORS

AMDEK 1280 MONITOR 739 00

AMDEK 41 OA MONITOR 189 00

PGS MAX-12 (MONO MONITOR) 189.00

PGS ULTRASYNCH EGA MONITOR 589.00

NEC MULTISYNC II EGA 689 00

SONY CPD-I302/CPD-1303 MULTISCAN EGA CALL

WYSE700 1280X800 HI RES. MONITOR ... 789,00 MODEMS

HAYES SMARTMODEM 2400 499,00

HAYES SMARTMODEM 1200 299,00

HAYES 1200B+SMARTCOM II 299 00

HAYES 2400B+SMARTCOM II 499,00

MIGENT 1200 POCKET MODEM 139,00

TERMS AND CONDITKINS

DISKDRIVES

I OMEGA 20MB BETA II INT DRIVE 959,00

MINISCRIBE 70MB HARD DISK FOR AT ., 859,00 MINISCRIBE 40MB HARD DISK FOR AT .. 629.00

SEAGATE ST-225 20MB WITH W/D 289.00

SEAGATE ST-251-1 40MB FOR AT 595.00

SYSGENQIC FILE 60 EXT.BACKUP 859.00

SYSGEN BRIDGE FILE 395.00

TOSHIBA 3 1/2" 1/2 HT 720KB 149.00

TOSHIBA 3 1/2" 1/2 HT. 1.44MB 199,00

TOSHIBA ND-04D 1/2 HT 360KB 149,00

TOSHIBA ND-04DE-G 360KB FOR AT 159,00

TOSHIBA NO08DE-G 1.2MB FOR AT 199.00

EXPANSION BOARDS

64K 150NS RAM CHIPS CALL

256K 150NS RAM CHIPS CALL

AST SIXPAK PREMIUM 256 C/S/P 259,00

DCA IRMA BOARD II 799,00

HERCULES MONO GRAPHICS PLUS 199,00

INTELABOVE BOARD PS/286512K 489,00

TALL TREE JRAM-3 OK (TO 2MB) 179,00

VIDEO 7 VEGA DELUX , VIDEO 7 VEGA VGA

DISKETTES

DYSAN HIGH DENSITY FOR PC/AT ,

DYSAN DS/DD DISKETTES

3 M HIGH DENSITY FOR PC/AT ,

199.00 295.00

55,00 29,00 39,00

3 M3 1/2" DS/DS 135TPI 29,00

XIDEX DS/DD DISKETTES ,

12,00

21.00 35.00 30.00 30.00 65.00 35.00 45.00 99.00 75,00 65,00 12.00 99.00 119,00

ACCESORIES

CURTIS SYSTEM STAND

CURTIS MONO CABLE

CURTIS KEYBOARD CABLE

CURTIS DISPLAY PEDESTAL

CURTIS RUBY SURGE PROTECTOR

DYSAN ANTI-GLARE SCREEN

KALMAR TEAKWOOD 100 DISK FILER ..,

KENSINGTON MASTER PIECE

MICROCOMPUTER KEYBOARD DRAWER PC COOLING TURBO COOL FOR PC/XT

SMA PC DOCUMATE TEMPLETS

TRI MAG 135 WATTS POWER PC/XT

TRI MAG 150 WATTS POWER PC/XT

TRIPP LITE BCIOOO 1000W UPS 1079.00

NETWORKING SERVERTECHNOLOGY

EASYLAN STARTER KIT FOR 2 PC'S 179.00

EASYLAN EXPANSION KIT FOR 1 PC'S.... 99.00

SCANNERS & FACSIMILE

BROTHER PERSONAL FAX-100 975.00

DEST PC SCANNERS CALL

COMPUTERS TOSHIBA

T1000 512KB ONE 3 1/2" DID 4.77MHz CALL

T1100+640KB TWO 3 1/2" D/D CALL

T1200 IMBKB 20MB HD. ONE 3 1/2" D/D ... CALL

T3100/20 640KB ONE 3 1/2", 20MB HD CALL

T5100 2MB RAM ONE 3 1/2", 40MB HD .... CALL WYSE

2112 1,2MB DID 1MB RAM 8/12 MHz CPU,

101-KEY KEYBOARD MS DOS 3.1 CALL

PC 386 (l6MHz) ZERO WAIT-STATES 1MB RAM,1.2MB D/D,KEYBOARD,MS DOS 3.2 (8MHz) MODE,SERIAL/PARALLEL PORT... CALL HAUPPAUGE COMPUTER WORKS. 803e6-16MHz REPLACES IBM/XT MOTHER BOARD, 1MB RAM, FIVE 8-BIT (2 SHORT), 2-16 BIT, 1-32 BIT SLOTS & SOCKET FOR 80387, WORKS WITH MOST PRESENT HARDWARE INCLUDING HARD/FLOPPY DISKS DRIVES & KEYBOARD, OS/2,1-2-3 (V2,01), dBASE, AUTOCAD,VENTURA, WINDOWS & OTHER MAJOR SOFTWARE COMPATIBLE 1595,00

THIS AD WAS PREPARED USING HPLJ II VENTURA & IMAGEN PC PUBLISHER'S KfT

We reserve the right to repair, replace or return to manufacturer for repair, all goods acknowledged faulty or damaged on receipt by customer. Customer Must Call For . o™, Before Returning Any Goods. Prompt attention will be given to all damaged and faulty returned goods. Any goods returned for credit are

subject to 20% restocking charge, plus shipping charge. No Returns For Credit On Any Software, Customer must deal directly with the manufacturer if the customer finds any false claims made by the manufacturer. All goods are shipped VIA U,P,S, ONLY. Shipping charges are 2% of the total purchase price or $3.00, whichever is greater. Please call for shipping charges on Printers & Accesories. C.O.D. are shipped for Cash or Cashier's Check Only. Max $1500.00, Please allow 7 to 10 working days lor personal or corporate checks to clear. To expedite shipping send money order or cashier's check, or charge to your VISA OR MASTERCARD. WE DO NOT Add a Service Charge For Credit Card Usage. PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE, NOT RESPOhJSIBLE FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS.

88NE-4 BYTE' JULY 1988

INTRODUCING THE PC LINK 386

Why deal with MICROCHANNEL and find out that present adapters, memory expansion boards & other peripherals are not compatible.

When with PC LINK 386 you can be fully compatible with current and future hardware and software without spending a bundle in the process.

I

The PC LINK 386 is a powerful 80386 16 MHz, zero wart state computer based upon the highly rated Hauppauge 386 Mother Board .

Standard Features

• Memory: 1 Mb. of high speed 100ns RAM on the motherboard. This memory is configured in four banks and the banks are interleaved so that most memory accesses zero wait states.

• I/O: One 32 bit, two 16 bit and 5 eight bit expansion slots,

. Floppy Disks: One 5-1/4" 1.2MB or a 3-1/2" 1.4MB

• Disk Controller: Supports two floppy drives and up to two hard disk drives.

• Serial & Parallel Port: One serial and one parallel port

• Keyboard: Datadesk International Turbo 101 Enhanced keyboard.

• Key Lock: A physical lock and two keys are provided.

• Power Supply: The standard power supply for the PC LINK 386 is 200 watts.

■ Clock: A battery backed real time clock.

• Software: Public domain utility software included.

• Warranty: Warranty covers parts and labor for the first three months after purchase. A one year warranty from the date of purchase is provided for parts.

. Approval: PC LINK 386 is FCC class A approved.

Software & Hardware Compatibility:

The PC LINK 386 is fully compatible with IBM PC/AT expansion cards. This includes items such as CGA, EGA, and VGA monitor board, internal modems, network cards (including Novell and 3Comm Ethernet), and the Bernoulli Box board or using it as a dedicated or non dedicated File Server.

The PC LINK 386 is fully compatible with IBM PC-DOS 3.0 or higher, PC-OS/2, Unix, Zenix, PC-MOS/386, Novell Netware 286, Lotus 1-2-3 V2.01, dBase 111+, Ventura, Pagemaker, Word, Multimate, WordPerfect and more. (We have not found any business software that does not work except the some older versions of copy protected slower speed dependent business software).

Module I (Basic Unit) .

$2445.00

Module II (Basic Unit + 40MB 28MS Hard Disk)

$2945.00

Module III (40MB H/D, Vega Delux & EGA* monitor)

$3945.00

* Choice of Sony CPD 1302 Multiscan or NEC Multisync II

PC LINK 386A & 386B can accomodate upto five 1/2 height devices (three are accesable). 386B has One 32 bit, four 16 bit and 3 eight bit expansion slots. Model & Prices shown above can accomodate upto four devices.

See what some of our customers have to say about PC LINK 386.

patibility problem. It's a great way to purchase a very powerful PC but protect a substantial investment in software and add-ons. I certainly intend to purchase additional units as my budget permits.

Sincerely,

Mike Wittman, Controller 1010 WINS RADIO

These machines have extended the life of one application that was just running too slow on AT's. DOS applications run so much faster that we don't have to pass up features to get performance when selecting software. When enough software is available we will be able to upgrade to OS/2 and continue to get good performance. Finally, my partners and I are delighted that we can afford to equip our staff and ourselves with such high-performance, high-capability machines. We are lool<Ing forward to completing the conversion of

The PC LINK 386 represents the amalgamation of the best of all worlds. Most of us, with long-time PC experience, have asked, at one time or another, why one particuler manufacturer cannot have some of the benifits of another, resulting in a combination that would supposedly be greatly superior. PC LINK'S 386 has accomplished the integration of the best of the best. Coupled with support provided by the PC Link organization, and constant updating and testing of new products, we have not only purchased a "state of the art" computer but it will be the "state of the art" tom morrow and thereafter.

Sincerely,

Richard D. Hausman, Chairman BELDINC HEMINWAY COMPANY, INC.

I am quite pleased with the 386-based machines that you have provided for us. Their speed is quite impressive and we've yet to discover a com

all PCs, XTs and ATs to the new motherboard and to standardizing on the PC Link 386 for our new purchases.

Sincerely

Denis C. During, Vice President OCEAN CAPITAL CORPORATION

I had to tell you how pleased 1 am with your PC Link 386. This network we are setting up is going to use one of these machines as file server, and this will be the third PC Link 386 we've pur chased. So far, every program I've tried has run on these machines. Windows386, Foxbase/386, Excel, Lotus, and Word 4.0 all work flawlessly The only problem I have is that when I have to help someone else In the office, their AT class machines seem to crawl.

Sincerely,

Henry Citenstein Sr. VP

CALL TOLL FREE

1-800-221-0343

FOR ORDERS ONLY

IN NEW YORK CALL

1-212-730-8036

FOR ORDERS & INQUIRIES

irz: II —

ILI

in

Circle 535 on Reader Service Card

JULY 1988 'BYTE 88NE-5

ADVERTISEMENT

HIGH SPEED PC TO PC COMMUNICATIONS

Breaking the Baud Barrier

Here's how your 2400 baud modem can send data as fast as a 9600 baud modem for less than $90.00

Leigh Tracy

hen you got your first modem—that neat httle 300 or 1200 baud job—you really thought you had it made, all the power, speed and convenience you'd ever need to move data from PC to PC. Right?

Now, of course, if you've got lots of data to move, you've recently bought or are considering switching over to 2400 baud speed. And, in reality, if your company is a power user it would make a lot of sense in saved time and telephone bills to be running at 9600 baud, if it were not for the initial overwhelmingly high modem hardware costs.

Enter TurhoCom high performance PC to PC modem software by Datran, the clever Southern California based state-of-the-art data compression specialists that brought you the great dCompressor short card that triples the dBASE storage capacity of any hard disk.

Modems Run 4 Times Faster

TurboCom turbocharges your Hayes compatible modem to send data files (letters, documents, reports, data bases, spreadsheets, binary files, programs) up to four times faster with your existing 300, 1200 or 2400 baud modems. And it sells for only $89.00 to connect two PCs.

When the good people at Datran sent me TurboCom 3.0 for a test run, I was amazed at how simple and well thought out it was for the ordinary person (like me) to use.

Transfer data files PC to PC up to four times faster.

TurboCom Facts:

Version 3.0 Each package has software for use with two PCs. $89.00

Datran Corp. Order direct: 1-800-332-0456

Requirements: IBM PC/XT/AT, 386 or compatible. Minimum 384K RAM, PC-DOS, MS-DOS 2.0 or greater. Internal or external Hayes compatible modem. TurboCom at both sending and receiving PCs.

Leigh Tracy is a consultant and freelance writer whose columns have appeared in many microcomputer magazines.

88NE-6 BYTE • JULY 1988

Easy to Send and Receive

TurboCom is the easiest to learn and use modern software that I've ever tried. No menus are required. It's as simple to use as the COPY command! To send data with TurboCom, all you do is type:

C>SEND FILENAME PHONE NUMBER

To program for delayed transmission you type:

C>SEND FILENAME PHONE NUMBER AT TIME

That's all you do. Then, the continuing status of the transmission automatically appears on the screen until file transmission is completed.

Receiving transmitted TurboCom messages is automatic and unattended. Simply type C>RCV and TurboCom does the rest.

Any businessman, insurance broker, accountant, office manager, secretary or salesman on the road that can use a PC can simply operate TurboCom. It's that simple.

Unattended Electronic Mailbox

TurboCom is ideal as a fast, low cost mailing system between offices or companies. The sending PC is aware

of how much disk space is available at the receiving end. If a file is transmitted with the same name and extension, TurboCom will assign it a unique extension, i.e., !-l, !-2, !-3. If the receiving PC does not have sufficient disk space for the file you are sending, TurboCom terminates the phone connection, saving time and wasted money.

Increased modem speed allows you to save up to 75% on your telephone time and costs. Because TurboCom can be programmed for delayed unattended transmission for automatic sending, you can transmit data when telephone rates are lowest. PC to PC data is transferred perfectly because TurboCom was designed with an advanced error-free high speed protocol.

Because otTurboCom's high speed, cost savings, flawless operation and sensational low $89.00 price to connect two PCs, I give this product my highest recommendation.

Turbo Your Laptop

Each TurboCom package comes with both 5-1/4" and 3-1/2" diskettes, which makes it ideal to run with laptops, too. It is not copy protected.

To order direct from Datran, you can call toll free at 1-800-332-0456. They accept MasterCard and Visa and will ship within 24 hours with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

ORDER TODAY TOLL FREE:

1-800-332-0456

$89.00

VISA

Plus $5.00 Shipping/Handling

MaslciCsrd I

turboConf

Mil DATRAN

Leadership in Data Compression Technology

Datran Corporation 2505 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta, CA 91214

UPDATE: dBASE DATA COMPRESSION

Short card for dBase files triples the storage capacity of your existing hard disk

By Leigh Tracy

If your dBASE files are overwtielming the storage capacity of your hard disk, here's a nifty solution

If you bought a 20MB hard disk hke I did—thinking it would hold all the dBASE files you'd ever create—were we ever in for a surprise!

Datran Corp., the Southern California based state-of-the-art data compression specialists, have come up with an economical, high performance solution to our problem: the dCompressor short card.

The nice people at Datran sent me a dCompressor to try, and was I ever impressed. 1 saw average compression ratios of 3 to 1—and in some cases as much as 10 to 1. I didn't have to be a genius to figure out that my teeni-weeni 20MB disk just became 60MB, and more!

Installation was a snap on my AT. I simply slipped the dCompressor into a slot and was up and running after a few minutes of installation. It operates in the background and is completely transparent to the user. I wasn't aware that it was there—except for all the extra data I was able to work with. It even seemed to make my program work faster.

At the heart of the dCompressor is a custom designed high-speed parallel microprocessor that uses Datran's powerful high-speed proprietary compression technology. I am told that it allows for an infinite number of compression/ decompression cycles with total data integrity.

The dCompressor requires no reformatting, as is necessary with RLL con

Datran's new dCompressor board operates at high speeds that software can't touch.

trollers. It will even triple the capacity of dBASE files of a disk drive that is using RLL technology.

The dCompressor not only increases the performance of an existing disk drive, but also eliminates the need of upgrading the PC's power supply, as would be required if an additional disk drive were added. It requires only 1/2 watt of power, as compared with 15 to 30 watts to accommodate a new drive.

dCompressor is a no nonsense high speed data compression product that incorporates state-of the-art technology. It operates at speeds that software compression programs can't touch.

It's not a cutsie software product that squishes, squashes, stomps, squeezes, crushes, crunches, munches, mashes— or generally beats your data to a pulp.

In short, it effortlessly compresses your dBASE files quickly and efficiently with no mess or fuss.

This product eliminates the needless hassle and expense of upgrading to a more expensive hard disk to support those expanding dBASE files. And eventually if you must purchase a larger hard disk, your investment will triple the file capacity of your new drive, too. It works with any size hard disk and floppy.

dCompressor works with dBASE III and III PLUS on IBM PC, XT, AT, 386 and compatibles, DOS 2.0 or higher.

And the best part about ^Compressor is its low price . . . only $195.00. I can highly recommend this super compression product.

To order direct from Datran you can call toll free to 1-800-332-0456. They accept MasterCard and Visa and will ship within 24 hours. Datran gives a 30day money-back guarantee.

Datran has another data compression product worth mentioning if you send your dBASE files PC to PC. New TurboCom high performance modem software turbocharges your modem to send data up to 4 times faster!

TurboCom sells for only $89.00 to connect two PCs. Now, your 2400 baud modem can send data as fast as a 9600 baud modem! It also makes 300 and 1200 baud modems perform up to 400% faster.

As a special introductory offer for dCompressor at its $195.00 price, Datran will give you TurboCom software free with every unit you buy. The TurboCom package comes with 5-1/4" and 3-1/2" disketces, which makes it ideal to run with laptops, too.

ORDER TODAY TOLL FREE:

1-800-332-0456

$195.00

Plus $5.00 Shipping/Handling

VISA

Mciile'Co'C),

Ml DATRAN

Leadership in Data Compression Technology

Datran Corporation 2505 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta, CA 91214

Leigh Tracy is a computer consultant and writer whose pieces have appeared in numerous national publications.

JULY 1988 • BYTE 88NE-7

FULL BOARD LEVEL SERVICE & REPAIR FACILITY

CO <

lU

CD ■

O ■

Q.

CO

m o

YOU'LL

OVER OUR PRICES !!

H\ undaPs PC team delivers quaiitA and coni

> Supt-r-if>T. Tins liiM PCVXT-compatibkotTL-rs ,nll vou need to gel shirted-intliKling solu\ore!'l L-.itLirL-5-switeh.ihk' A.l/mWz proLL-siiny speeds. 640KB RAM. (jne seri,il and one pnr>illel port, .1 mulli-viileu dispKiy adaptor, and vour choice ol drives, Irnm one 5JS" floppy to a JOMB hard disk. Comes with Electric Desk " integrated word processing/spell checker/spreadsheet/ database management/communications software, and Kej-works. for creating menus and kevhoard macros.

Packaged from $699.95

EreON

COMPUTERS

EQUITYIH

■ 80286 three-speed 8/10 MHz microprocessor

• full-size expansion

slots, plus built-in serial and parallel ports

• 640KB on-board memory,

■ Fully compatible with IBM" PC/AT* hardware and software

• One year limited warranty

$1099

► Super-286C. I his pmverful K028(.-has( AT compatible leaiiires keyboard-switt lial)le K/lOMI-l/ processor speed and SI2KU RAMe.\pandable lo 1MB. Inckules six expansion slois, (wo serial and one [jarallel port, plus a S,:S:' 1.:MB lloppy disk drtve-all in a small iootprint package tbat tits aiivwhere.

Packaged from $1 049.95 • Super 286 File Server

Zero wail state 8/10 MHZ,

12 Expansion Slots. 640 K RAM Expandable,

5-25" 1.2 MB Floppy Disk Drive

SCALL

COMPUTERS

EQUITYIir+

80286 three-speed 6/8/12 MHz microprocessor Nine full-size expansion slots, plus built-in serial and parallel ports 640KB on-board memory, expandable to 15.5MB Fully compatible with IBM® PC/AT* hardware and software

One year limited warranty

$1499

POWER HAS ITS PRICE BUT IrS LOWER THAN YOU THINK.

I PowerMate 386 - SCALL

PowerMate" 1

80286 CPU

640 KB RAM on motherboard Floppy disk drive controller (on motlierboard) Parallel printer port (on motherboard) RS-232C serial port Six expansion slots

PowerMate" 2

• 80286 24/16 bit processor

• Software-selectable speeds of 8 MHz or 10 MHz

• 1.2 MB floppy disl< drive

• Parallel printer port

• Two RS-232C serial ports

• Eight expansion slots

CALL & ORDER NOW 1-800-447-1176 1-800-553-1176

(NATIONAL)

(MASSACHUSETTS)

ALL ITEMS OFFERED WHILE STOCK LASTS Ordering Information: We ship anywheie m ih UPS Puces a<

subjeci 10 MaslerCar

iubiecl lo pi

EXPIRES 8/15/88

United Stales

angewilfioul nottce Wo accept VISA DP'sonal checl's nnt! money o'ders or approval

usl have prior aulhotizalion Irom our "Vice departmenl wiih in 7 days ol lurns musi be in like-new condition, packaging Incomplete

: be !

Relumed ptoduclsare subject lee (S20IXI mmirnumj Defech

I lor 1

i 20% fCBlocking products will be replaced at APE's discrehon We do not compalibilily Not leaponsibte (or lypo

m

o >

AUTHORIZED FACTORY REPAIR CENTER

88NE-8 B YTE • JULY 19X8

FULL BOARD LEVEL SERVICE & REPAIR FACILITY

<

YOU'LL

EPSON

FX286E $444

lU

0)

■

O ■

Q.

o

s

u

Q O

s

0) DC U

OVER OUR PRICES !!

EPSON

COMPUTL-RS

LX800 S199* LQ800 S299

EX800 S399- LQ850 $519"

FX86e $304- LQ1000 $529

FX286e ....S444* LQ1050 ....$659*

LQ500 $349 LQ2500 . . . .S849

ASK ABOUT

EQUITY 1 + , 11+ & 111 + $CALL

Panasonic.

Office Automation/;^^^\^\

KX-P1080i . . .$159 \_J/ \\

KX-P1091i $199

KX-P1092i . . .$299 KX-P1524. : . .$569 KX-P1592 . . . .$399 KX-P1595 . . . .5444 KX-P3131 . , , .S269 KX-P3151 . . . .$419 KX-P4450 . .51,699

EPSON NEC

HYUNDAI MICROCOM PANASONIC CITIZEN

HEWLETT-PACKARD

MANNESMANN-TALLY OKIDATA TOSHIBA

HEWLETT PACKARD

LASER JET SERIES $1675.00

SCAN JET with Interface .... $1445.00

I PLOTTERS"

[FiPNTS

92286 B $170

92286 H 5105

92286 R $225

92286 T $170

ALL OTHERS

less 27%

CALL & ORDER NOW 1-800-447-1176 1-800-553-1176

(NATIONAL)

(MASSACHUSETTS)

ALL ITEMS OFFERED WHILE STOCK LASTS Ordering Information: We ship anywhere in the coritinenla! Umlecl Slates via UPS Pnces are suDiect to change withoui notice We accepi VISA. MaslerCarO. personal checks and money orders subject lo prior approval

All returns musi have prior authonialion Irom our jice depanmeni with m 7 days of

Applied • Progressive • Electronics

203 Southwest Cutoff Route 20, Northboro, MA 01532 FAX (617) 393-3124 • Local (617) 393-7220

t All n

;t be ir

like-m

INC

EXPIRES 8/15/88 'After Dealer Rebate

complete and in original packaging Incomplete merchandise wiH not be accepted tor return Returned products are subject lo a 20*0 restocking lee IS20 00 minimumi Defective products will be repai'ed or replaced at APE's discretion We do not guarantee compalibiiiiy Not responsible (or lypO'

AUTHORIZED FACTORY REPAIR CENTER

Circle 526 on Reader Service Card

JULY 1988 • BYTE 88NE-9

■GET Lirf-m' ™- BAi:OR^

You're in Good Company With Micro Smart !

In addition to the thousands of home-users who rely on Micro Smart, our corporate clients include: New England Power

University Of Alabama State of New York Boston University Tufts Universitv Georgia Tech University of Hartford

University of Pennsylvania U.S. Government Aetna Insurance Honeywell Mass Electric

SMART MICRO (E) -10 mhz

■ Compatibility — by lar Ihc bcs\anO mos/ compulible b'OS We guarantee that IMS-DOS software will operate flawlessly: to'us. Syniphonv. Flight Simul.ilnr. Wordstar 2000 Ward DBjse RBase. the list QOes on arrd an

• TurtK) Speed — 4 77 mhi to tO rnhz both keyboard and soltware selectable.

• Turbo light — No guessing ' II it's or. it's Turbo

' 8 expansion slot motherboard , ^ ^ / / / UfJCp^ mmm

• 512K Memory - High quality pre-tested chips on a 1MB L v fc^feCV \ sA motherboard ^^^B \~"v^ /-"^jry

• FREE Hercules compatible high resolution amber monitor and graphics card.

• ExparKtibletolMBwithFREEExtendedMemorySoftware. C*HJIAI-t-r msi^nj^ or»/-'"

• We even give von a tilt and swivel based monitor lor yoiii „ v5 iW/i fi / /W / O tt\J O O O comtort - Smart Unq Novell Unix ft Xenix Compatible.

- One hiqb quatilY 360K floppy drive. (Our head tecHnic.an * ^""^^ "° '^'^<' s'^'es (16/30MHZ Optional) checks each one | " "so 80 WS Memory Chips.

. Continuous and heavy duly \ 50 Watt power supply M 5 ' w«'^?!."*'"i^T,'"; 'fjJ^^J'^^' ^""^ ^ompaf/We b,os.

Watts -norc th^n mosi corupchtofsi *^ ^ We guarantee (hat MS-DOS software will operate flaw

lessly: Lotus. Symphony, Flight Simulaior. Wordstar 2000

• A battery baclted-up clock/calendar DBase. RBase, the list goes on and on..

• A slot lor a math co-processor chip 8067. " 1024K-memory — High quality pretested chips (80 WSJ

- I serial port - you can add a sec.ird " ^a"®^ backed up clock calendar , „ , . , . . "1 parallel port.

• 1 parallel port for your prmter. ^ „ . . „

■ 1 Senal Port (second port 520.00 additional).

• 1 game port loi loy stichs . 0 (..n . .

=''■•' » B full expansion slots

• AT Style Keyboard with 10 Function Keys. • Enhanced Keyclick Keyboard {101 key).

• FCC Class B Approved. • Hercules compatible graphics card.

_ • High-resolution monochrome monitor with a tilt and

^tf^^ JP^H ^f^^ ^™ swivel base.

^Jr^ ' 1-2MB floppy drive.

^^^^^ H^^^k ^^^^K ^^^^H ■ 3 half-height access device bays.

^L^^B ^^^^B * 2 hall-height internal device bays.

^BB^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ B " 200 watt power

• FCC Approved.

Smart Micro E with hard drive

21 megabytes - complete system $999.95 O

33 megabytes - complete system $1049.95 ^ W

42 megabytes - complete system $1099.95 ^ '

WHEN QUALITY. PRICE AND SERVICE COUNT * '»2to204n,egabytedri,esinslalled.., fromS499.95

Longwailsforyoufsyslem-'NEVERiOrdenl technical ASSISTANCE — — MAV

by2:00DmonanyweekcJayand,if instock.we We pride ourselves In our abillly lo assisi in iwlMA

rilt'JS,'?,"?™^™'''™ S*°:"lS«S;Sa"=n'jS A MEMORY MANAGER for

All of our computers are given a pnmar/ burn Steer you in llie nghl direction (or assistance. 80386-b3Sed SvstemS

(Of-18 hours and after seiup. are burned again Jusi call our well-lrained technical slat). You will ■ l, 1 -nA.. - n ui

tar72hours.WelhenconligureYOURsyslem fmd ther,. anx.cus to be of service Call (61 7, " ^^elps solve Ibe DOS RAM Cram Problem

and diagnostically check it out, 872-9090 ■ Enhances System Speed

%l "Z'Ls „ bene,. Sh,p,„e„,s are mad= SuLwl^wart^o"Toha.eao'oducl " '-° '^'l'""'*^''

Monday through Friday. 'All in-stock Hems thatyou aren't happy with, Jusilelusknowwithin SoftByteS 386"'^' piveS VOUr 386 computer tnore

are shipped ttie same day It your ordor is 21 days of receipt and, upon return, we will give r\r\e^ 1 _i ^

placed by 2:00p.m. Orders placed after 2:00 you a refund (less shipping handling and m- DOb COnventtOnal memory, mOre Speed, anid Up tO

p.m. are shipped the next business day surancei 32 Megabytes of high-pefformance Lotus/Intel/

Microsoft (Version 4.0) expanded memory.

* Available only with ^1 Q'S^

ALL of the systems shown come with ^"^^^^^^^ 386 system ^ra^A^^

PC-WRITE word processor. PC-CALC ^.^5^^^■K^s ^ ^ ■

spreadsheet, PC-DESKTEAM, and Smart Utilities.

MlC^n ORDER TOLL

^/"S^^""^Q^SSs) Technical isIistTnc^e'/?) 872-9090

FAX: 617-881-1520 OrdGf by 2:00 p.iTi.

«r,-«7cs™shipped by 5:00 p.m. •1988 Micro Smart, Inc. Csll fot th'is mofith's spBcial.

SMART MICRO/AT286 10MHz

(Optional 12MHZ - -0" Wait State)

• Smart Linq " Novell Unix & Xenix Compatible. " Compatibility — by tar the best and mos: compatible bios.

We guarantee that MS-DOS software will operate (lawlessly: LoiuS. Symphony. Flight Simulator. Wordstar 2000. Word. DBase. RBase. the list goes on and on..

• 8 expansion slots (o till all ol your expansion needs

• Turbo light — No guessing. II it's III, ifs Turbo

• 512K memory — High quality pre-icsled chips lupgradsable 10 1MB on the motherboard}

• FREE Hercules compatible high resolution amber monitor and graphics card.

• We even give you a tilt and swivel based monitor lor your comfort.

• Onehighquaiitydoppydrive. 1.2 megor360K (Ourhead technician checks each one.)

' 200 watt ooiver supply.

• AT style keyboard with 10 function keys.

• 1 parallel port,

• Slot for a Math Co-processor 80287

• A clock calendar lor automatic lime and date w/battery backup.

• FCC Class B Approved.

$999?^

AT/286 systems complete with Hard Drives

20 megabyte complete systems SI.399.95

42 megabyte complete systems SI .499.95

60 megabyte and larger from SI .699,95

Ask about our New Turbo Transfer SMART MICRO OPTIONS

(Sold with System) EGA exchange with EGA monitor 80287 math

and EGAcard(640x350re5olution) coprocessor SCALL

S449.95 Tactile 101 key enhanced

VGA exchange witfi 100% keyboard 525.00

hardware compatible EGA, CGA. DOS 3.3 SCALL

and Hercules (800 x 600 Mouse . . 569.95

resolution) S699.95 300/1 200 baud modem

CGA exchange complete with w/software S69.95

CGA Card and Monitor ,,. $210,00 2400 baud modem

(EGA. CGA and Multisync (Exchange w/sottware S149,95

replaces monochrome card and 360K floppy disk drive SS9,00 monilor) 3'/:" floppy disk

drive itom S115,00

NEW DIGITAL DISPLAY $49.95

• Digital display unit showing spaed and activity ol the printer and serial pon.

I TERMS & CONDITIONS

B The prices quoted here are for cash. We will

accept MasterCard, VISA, Discover and American Express. CCD 's are accepted without any deposit. Purchase Orders are accepted based on prior approval. Call today for details. Prices subject to change without notice. Not responsible for typographical errors, 21 day money back guarantee less shipping, handling and insurance.

88NE-10 B YTE • JULY 1988

SMART-LI NQ™

EASY INSTALLATION

We prepare the system for you (standard or custom configuration).

IT IS READY TO USE

With SMART-LINO"

you just PLUG & PLAY

SMART-LI NQ

NOVELL STYLE NETWORK

$399.95

^ (complete with software & cables)

SMART-LINQ

OUR

SMART LINQ

IS THE

MISSING LINK

IN YOUR NETWORK

SMART-LINQ"

SMART-LINO" - SMART FEATURES

■ DEDICATED FILESERVER'' NO'

Any Station in our network can be established as the tile server Unlike many networks, you do not need to dedicate a specific unit as a (lie server witti SMART-LINO'

■ FILE & RECORD LOCK-'YES'

■ 2 YEAR WARRANTYii

ADD STATIONS WITH EASE

The system will handle from two to thirty work stations. Add a station whenever you need to.

With SMART-LINQ^

you just PLUG & PLAY

2 YEAR WARRANTY

We are confident of our product. Therefore we offer you a two year repair or replacement, at our option, warranty on ail parts of our SmartLinq " Network except cables. Just ship your unit to us freight prepaid and we will ship it back within 24 hours of arrival,

AFTER WARRANTY SERVICE

As a learn, we have been serving you since 1981, We know how important it is for you to be up and running. In and out of warranty sen/ice is treated the same, YOU'RE IMPORTANT TO US! All repairs are done within 24 hours! For technical assistance call (617) 872-9090.

ORDER TOLL FREE! 1 -800-333-8841

(Orders Only) Technical Assistance (617) 872-9090 Our hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. E.S.T Monday through Friday and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. E.S.T. on Saturday Call For This Month's Special

MICRO

200 Homer Avenue, Ashland, MA 01721

1-617-872-9090

FAX: 617-881-1520

TRADEMARKS: IBM Corp.; LotuftOavslopmant;

Tandy Corp.; Microsoft. Inc.; Micro Smart, Inc.; Novoll; NEC; Smarl-Llnq.

°1988 Micro Smart, Inc.

JULY 1988 • BYTE 88NE-11

MICROMINT'S Gold Standard in Single Board

Computers and Industrial Controllers

BCC180 $395.00

Multitasking Controlier

The BCC180. only 4.5" x 8.5" uses the same e-liao CMOS Z80 instruction compatible processor as Micromint's SB 180 aniJ SB 180FX single board computers. Configured primarily for process control w/ „^84K of memory, 6 parallel I/O ports, console serial port, RS-232/422/ 485 selectable auxiliary serial port. aniJ an interrupt driven ROMresident multitasking BASIC-ISO compiler, the BCC180 uses the same 44-pin I/O expansion bus as Micromint's BCC52 controller board.

PROCESSOR

' CMOS !iD6J!iO. 9.;]6MHi !-biL CPU. 6g-pin PLCC pickage MEMORY

• Up 10 38JK byles ion! mcmorj on-boatd

• l2gK of liihet liilic RAM {6;;56) ot EPROM (;'':56)

• :S6K dynimie RAM SIMM

n IV. R INPUT/OUTPUT

* Conjole RS-232 le

* Peripheral leriol p

with ai

. 150-19.300 pinlici I/O

• 6JK I/O svaiiible Ihraugh Ihe BCC b DIMENSIONS intl CONNECTIONS

• Dull :2-pin (0.IJ6-1 edge connector

• Compillhle «ilh all Mitromini BCC-s

for RS-;32 cDiisole 1, adcr for ilS-:3: luilliarv rrminall for RS-433/-<g5 ci

BCC180-1-20 9MHz assembled and fully socketed S395.00 BCC 180 Computer/Controller with 32K bytes of static RAM, ROM Monitor, BASIC-180 development software and user's manual

For Additional 256K DRAM add SIOO.OO BCC180-1 100 Quantity w/32K RAM w/o ROM Monitor S209.00

BCC52 $189.00

BASIC-S2 Computer/Controiler

The BCC52 Computer/Controller is Micromint's hottest selling standalone single board microcomputer. Its costeffective architecture needs only a power supply and terminal to become a complete development or end-use system, programmable in BASIC or machine language. The BCC52 uses Micromint's new 80C52-B ASIC CMOS microprocessor which contains a ROM resident 8K byte floating point BASIC-52 interpreter.

The BCC52 contains sockets for up to 48K bytes of RAM/EPROM. an "intelligent" 2764/128 EPROM programmer, 3 parallel ports, a serial terminal port with auto baud rale selection, a serial printer port, and it is bus compatible with the full line of BCC-bus expansion boards. The BCC52 bridges the gap between expensive programmable controllers and hard-to-justify price sensitive control applications. BASIC-52's full floating point BASIC is fast and efficient enough for the most complicated tasks, while its cost effective design allows it to be considered for many new areas of implementation. It can be used both for development and end-use applications.

Since the BASIC-52 is bus oriented, it supports the following Micromini expansion boards in any of Micromint's card cages with optional power supplies:

BCC22 Smart terminal board BCC40R 8-Channel relay output

ADP500 User vocabulary, digitized board

speech board BCC53 Memory and 6 port 1/0

BCC25 LCD display board expansion board

BCC33 3 port I/O expansion board BCC13 8-bit and BCC30 12-bit BCC40D 8-Channel optoisolated A/D converter boards

I/O expansion board BCC 18 Dual channel serial I/O

board

BCC52 BASIC 52 Controller Board $189.00

BCC-SYST.5 "52 PAK" Starter System includes: $449.00 BCC52,ROM A&B UTIL,.CC01 ,MB08,UPS 10 BCC52 OEM 100 Quantity Price -- $149.00 BCC52C Lower power all CMOS version of the BCC52 $199.00 NOTE: The BCC52 series is available in Industrial Temperature Range, fully tested at temperature. Prices start as low as S294,00 in single quantities. Be sure to call for a quote on your specific Industrial OEM requirements.

BCCII

Z8 BASIC Computer

$139.00

BCC40D—$139.00

8-Channel Optoisolated I/O Expansion Board

The Micromini BCC'IOD is an channel optoisolated input/output expansion board designed for use with Micromint's family of BCCbus Computer/Controllers. Using industry-standard optoisolated 1/0 modules, the BCCJOD provides on/ off control and input monitoring of eight 115-230VAC or 5-48VDC devices used in data acquisition and control applications.

Up to 16 BCCJOD boards can be used together in a single system to provide a total of 128 input and output channels. Individual channels can be read or updated by reading from or writing to a single I/O address. The BCC40D can be directly controlled from BASIC or it can function completely in the background under an application program using high-speed inierruptdriven ROM C firmware. This firmware sets aside a table in memory which reflects the status, setpoinis, and change-of-state flags of the I/O modules. Interaction among programs within a multiboard BCC40x system merely consists of reading or setting these memory table values.

Each optoisolated channel is fused and has screw contacts for direct connection to the controlling device and/or the power source. Both input or output modules, and AC or DC functions can be intermixed on the same BCCJOD board.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Latched ouipuis

• Uics Induslry-stanilariJ OaC5. Ot>C5. IAC5. IDCS lypc modules

• Dual-poried modulo sditrcsstng

• I.ED on/orr indiealor on each ehanm;!

• Can be ur.ed concuftenily wiih UCCJOR and other DCC-bus peripherals

' Operates on +5V

• Operatirig condiiions: lempcraiure: 0-50=C (32-122°F) relative humidily: 10-90% noncondensing

• 4.5" % 6" board

• dual :2-pm (0,156') edsc connec

BCC40R-$169.00

B-Channel Relay Output Board

Features:

• Uses Z8 single chip microcomputer

• On-board tiny BASIC interpreter

• 2 on-board parallel ports & serial port

• 6 interrupts (4 external)

" Just connect a terminal and write control programs in BASIC

• 6K bytes of RAM or EPROM memory on-board

• Baud rates 110-9600 bps

• Data and address bus available for 56K memory and I/O expansion

• Consumes only 1.5 watts at +5, +12, and -I2V

BCCII"

BASIC System Controller $139.00

OEM 100 Quantity Price $89.00

* Now Available in Industrial Temperature Range

The Micromini BCC40R is an 8channel relay output expansion board designed for use with Micromint s family of BCC-bus Computer /Controllers. Using efficient mechanical relays, the BCC40R provides contact-closure on/off control of eight AC- or DC-powered devices for data acquisition and control applications.

Up to 16 BCC40R boards can be used together in a single system to provide a total of 128 relay output channels. The relays are controlled by writing to a board-specific 1/0 address. The relays on a BCC40R board can be controlled either as a set of eight relays at a single I/O address or individual relays at eight separate I/O addresses.

The BCC40R can be directly controlled from BASIC or it can function completely in the background under an application program using high speed interrupt-driven ROM C firmware. This firmware sets aside a table in memory which reflects the status and setpoints of the relays. Interaction among programs within a multiboard BCC40x system merely consists of reading or setting these memory table values.

The eight relay outputs have screw contacts for direct connection to the controlling device and/or the power source. Four of the relays have single-pole-double-throw (SPDT) output connections and four relays have single-pole-single-throw (SPST) output connections.

SPEClFtCAllONS

■ Conlacis rated for; l/IO HP, 3A 120V resistive, or 3A 30VDC

• Latched relay outputs

• LED on/off indicator on each channel

• Power on/off failsafe: No arbitrary closures on power up/down

• Can be used concurrently with BCC'IOD and other BCC-bus peripherals

• Operates on *12V

• Operating condiiions; O-SO^C [32-l22''F) relative humidily: 10-90% noncondcnsing

• -1,5' X 6" board (0.156-) cdgi;

20-1

re)

r

BCC18—$175.00

Dual-Serial Board

The BCC18 is a general-purpose dual-serial-port interface board for use with the Micromint BCC-bus. Optional support software is available for the BCC52 and BCCI80 computer/ controllers.

The BCC18 Serial Board contains two serial interfaces. Each interface can be either a 110/300/1200-bps modem, or a hard-wired RS-232C/ RS-422/RS-485 interface. The modem interface uses a Xecom XE1201/XEI203 MOSaRT {MOdem Synchronous/ As-itichronous Receiver/Transmitter), capable of 110, 300, or 1200 bps communication and compatible with Bell 103 and Bell 212A standards. The hard-wired serial interface uses an industrystandard 825IA USART (Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter), capable of supporting asynchronous serial communications at speeds up to 19,2 kbps and synchronous serial communications at speeds up to 64k bps.

The BCC18 can be configured with two MOSARTs, two 8251As, or one of each. Up to 16 BCCISs can be used in a single system (for a total of 32 serial ports).

Bcily [o any phone li

ilsc diiling

ilion and decoding

i moniioring

alion/checking

douhle-hurrtfcd lr«

- Sync byle deicction/inieilLon

- Eileniive bulll-in diagnaslici

- Tele phone-line diagnDslici

- Synchronous and uynchronoui opentioj

- Voice lynlhuii opihility (XE1201 only

' Suppoili biiync

- Dil rate ii loftware prt

- RS-23:C, RS-J2:, ind SollHirt

- MOSART and B23IA \ • Opliona! lupporl ioFiw

and uie moil of the (a

RS-JIS luppoiled

s{ ihc simc program inlerrace. i re for [he BCC52 and BCCI80 ii lurci or the MOSART and 8251/

OEM configuration fixed dual 8251 RS-232 only $175.00 serial port board

BCCI8S OEM 100 Quaatity Price $134.00

BCCI8U-I 8251/8251 Dual RS-232/485 serial

BCCi8U-2 8251/1201 Modem and serial port

BCC18U-3 120I/I20I Modem /Modem board

BCC52/18 BCC52 serial port utilities software

$209.00 $359.00 $499.00 $75.00

BCC-BUS

Expansion Producu

Single Qty. Price

BCC08

Single Channel UART Serial Board

SI49.00

BCC13

8-bit, 8 Channel A/D Board

SI29.00

BCC30

12-bit, 16 Channel A/D Board

SI97.00

BCC22

25-line, 80 Character Terminal Board

$249.00

BCC25

LCD Board (4x20) or (8x40')

S159.00

BCC55

Fully Decoded & Buffered Prototyping

$ 79.00

Board

BCCxx

X-10 Power Line Controller

$ 59.00

BCC53

Multifunction Expansion Board

$160.00

MB04

4 Slot Mini-Motherboard

S 69.00

MB08

8 Slot Full Motherboard

S 85.00

•Call for current pricing

8-Channel relay output board OEM 100 Quantity price SI24.00

REPRESENTATIVES ACCESS TECHNOLOGIES

1408 Richmond Dr

Placentia, Ca. 92670 Tel:(714) 996-3917

MICROFUTURE

41040 Comae Terrace

Fremont, Ca. 94538 Tel:(415) 657-0264

DISTRIBUTOR

].B. DESIGNS H TECHNOLOGIES LTD.

15 Market Place Cirencester, Glos. GL7 2PB England

Tel: 0285-68122 Fax: 0285-68859

To order call

1-800-635-3355

TEL: (203) 871-6170 TELEX: 643331 FAX : (203) 872-2204

MICROMINT INC

4 PARK STREET VERNON, CT 06066

88NE-12 BYTE- JULY 1988

Neural Network Development Tools

on the IBM PC, XT, AT and SUN workstations for

rapid prototyping and concept testing of neural network designs

Predicting tlie S«F 5B0 Ucekly Closing Price

Uliat is the trainiiiti input File ?sp5ee.iii

Trends: Het: 88''l-t'l iblv.). flue Ifr-SABW/.: IB-Ueek: 77/144 (53x1

Stock Market Forecasting

from

NeuralWare

TM

NeuralWorks Professional II

Includes 13 network types plus the ability to define your own network, 14 learning rules, 10 transfer functions, 11 summation functions. IBM PC $995; SUN $2,995.

NeuralWorks Explorer

Lets you get your feet wet in neural computing without investing a lot of money. IBM PC $199; SUN $795.

Seminars

Five-day, hands-on, applications oriented. Available throughout the country. Also available for customized inhouse presentation.

Custom engineering

Let us help solve your special problem.

Call TODAY or write for information about NeuralWare's software, seminars, and custom engineering services. Ask for Jane Klimasauskas, Vice-President Sales & Marketing.

Pop-up menus make NeuralWorks Professional II easy to learn, easy to use

Full color screens and effective graphics

guide you through the networkbuilding and testing process

Documentation includes extensive introduction to get you up to speed in neural computing

Solve modeling and forecasting problems

• finance and economics

• servo control

• sensor processing

• CAD/CAM modeling

Solve signal processing problems

• noise filtering

• matched filters & speech recog

• data compression

Solve expert systems problems

• adaptive expert systems

NeuralWare, Inc.

103 Buckskin Court Sewickley, PA 15143 U.S.A. 412-741-5959

Heiiral Hctuork Siiniliia ftrtei

Eiiler 'Uork Feeliiiys' CE-Eiiai: Hone Bonfliitit Enter 'Uorh Feelinfjs' (E^Enrf) : ?

Expert Systems

HOISE FILTERING EXflflPLE

Filtered Output Signa

Hoisy input Signal

ni^Hin

llDu lliicli Hoise B-lOBz: (lit <flETURH> to continL

Noise Filtering

lode liny a

CoHplex Surface

Train

Coiiyright (c) 1987, 1908 by NeuralWare, Inc. fill Bights Reserued. type <BEIURH> to conliime

Modeling

s

EURAL

AREINC

NeuralWare''' is applied neural computing.

Circle 534 on Reader Service Card

JULY 1988 • B YTE 88NE-13

F&cW Communications

194 MAIN ST, MARLBORO, MA 01752

CAD-GRAPHICS k ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING

LOW COST SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR IMAGE PROCESSING NEEDS

19"VGA Monitors!

Hitachi 3619A VGA $1299.00

Video 7 256 color VGA card $345.00 19"CAD monitor/card package displays 1024x800,16 colors $1799.00 Magnavox Multimode 14"monitor with 800x600 card $759.00

SOFTWARE SPECIALS

Dr. HALO III $49.00

Use this famous paint program as a business tool for mixed text and graphics. Create presentations animating charts and graphs with 21 fonts for word processed text.

DRAFIX I PLUS..$192.00

An advanced, low cost CM) package which produces AutoCad compatible drawing files and contains many of the advanced features of software packages costing well over $2000.

PagePerf ect.. NEY/1!. $399. GO

A powerful desktop publisher which combines word processing, color page layout, with scanning and printing functions in one package!

GENIUS MOUSE $35.00

200 DPI, no power supply needed

LOGITECH MOUSE $119.00

WITH DR. HALO..200 DPI

OPTIMOUSE $129.00

WITH DR. HALO, no moving parts

CALL US FOR THE BEST DEAL...

MICROTEK SCANNERS

Create and edit images with your computer from photos or artwork. Use the Eyestar Plus software for paint and pixel editing at 300dpi to produce customized images. A publisher's must from $1485.00

The Summagraphic digitizer tablets

allow electronic tracing at .001 inch resolution for any drawing or photos.

Summa Plus 12"x 12" $399.00

Summa MM1812 18"xl2" $675.00

Summa Mouse (optical) $87.50

BIG SAVINGS ON YOUR HARD COPY NEEDS"

The Mural 'D' size flatbed plotter will plot media sizes to 25" x 34". Call for full details!! $2195.00

The Blaser II laser printer is perfect for FULL PAGE graphics at 300 dots per inch. Button selectable emulation offers almost universal compatibiUty at 8 pages per minute. Blacker fill than others!! $1650.00

Houston Instruments Plotters!!!

F&W offers the complete line of fine drafting plotters including the multi-media size CALL

Attention architects, artists, designers and publishers! Our unique experience allows us to offer you the equipment which will give you a competitive edge !!

Want to Read More? Call Our Dial—Up Catalog/Bulletin Board (300—2400 baud) at (617)4-81—7222 to Access Our Database !!

CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED!

LL! (617)485-1144

OR VISIT OUR DISPLAY ROOM

WE ARE LOCATED OFF RT. 20 1 MILE EAST OF 1-495 IN DOTOTOIN MARLBORO, AT THE SIGN OF FARADAY AND WHEATSTONE

88NE-14 B YTE • JULY 1988

Circle 531 on Reader Service Card

A NOISY WORLD

BLAST IS THE UNCHALLENGED LEADER IN COMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE

PERFORMANCE LOSS WITH INCREASING NOISE

BLAST

XModerriX \

Kermit \

1 1 1 1

125 1/20 1/15

Error Rate/Second

Noise simulation tests run with a 30K binary spreadsheet file at 1200 baud between IBM-PC's, using BI-ASTII. rev. 8.1. Comparable or better results on VAX and other environments.

Most communications software performs well under ideal conditions. But in the real world of noisy communications circuits and satellite-routed phone calls, there's only one consistent performance leader—BLAST.

The secret is BLocked Asynchronous Transmission, BLAST'S protecled-pipelining protocol that won't slow down to a snail's pace, drop data or disconnect in adverse conditions. Noisy phone lines ... satellites ... PBX switches ... X.25 packet network delays—your valuable data BLASTS through it all.

Circle 529 on Reader Service Card

Link PCs, Macs, Minis & Mainframes

Only BLAST guarantees you fast, 100% error-free file transfer among micros, minis and mainframes loinning under 30 different operating systems. No matter what systems you need to connect, BLAST software links them all. Connect hundreds of sites at down-to-earth prices—and let BLAST'S speed cut your phone charges, too.

And the new BLAST II expands upon this mgged power with a streamlined user interface, VT-100/220 emulation, superior data compression, auto-dialing and all the other "state-of-the-art" features you'd expect. Plus, you get BlastScript, a powerful English-like programming language that lets you quickly create custom menu-driven applications on multiple systems. Easily set up remote polling, data collection, order entiy and other powerful applications.

The choice of the FORTUNE 500

When Bankers' Trust, Blue Cross, Exxon, Nabisco and many other FORTUNE 500 companies chose communications software for their financial data transfer operations, they chose BLAST to cut through the noise. Shouldn't yo!/ choose BLAST too? Give us a call today.

Any computer with BLAST can talk to any other computer with BLAST:

IBM VM/CMS or MVSAtSO

DEC VAX/VMS; PDP/RSX;RT-11

DATA GENERAL RDOS; AOS; AOSA/S

WANG VS

PRIME PRIMOS

HEWLEn-PACKARD 3000/MPE; 1000/RTE

HARRIS VOS

UNYSiS BIOS, CTOS, UNIX

IBM-PC & PS/2 MS-DOS

APPLE Macintosh

UNIX/XENIX AT&T; Altos; NCR; Sun;

Tandenn; HP; VAX & mVAX; SCO Xenix; etc. Many oltiers available; please inquire.

1-800-24-BLAST

Communications Research Group

5615 Corporate Boulevard • Baton Rouge, LA 70808 ■ (504) 923-0888 Crosstalk IS a registered Irademark ol Digital Communications Associates. Inc. [■ Copyright 1988, Communications Research Group. Inc.

JULY 1988 • B YTE 88NE-15

Circle 533 on Reader Service Card

You never know when it's going to happen or what it will do!

We're talking about unclean power which causes electrical fluctuations, spikes, surges, glitches or outages. They assault your delicate equipment circuits. No trace. Nothing to warn you. Just complete power failure and data loss which spells lost productivity Emerson Power Systems eliminate all this. They produce refined, clean power

that puts performance and through-put back where it belongs. Our systems are more reliable, simpler and easier to operate. And this pays off for you in failure-free operation for the equipment you now have and the next and the next.

Emerson products run the gamut. From large Uninterruptable Power Supplies

(UPS) for computer mainframes to surge suppressors for small electrical phone systems. We also offer a full line of power conditioning distribution systems. Don't wait until something happens. Protect yourself. Give us a call now!

EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR:

LOWELL CORPORATION

P.O. Box 158, Worcester, MA 01513 (617) 756-5103

Is

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Computer Power

Series 3000 DISTRIBUTION ISOLATION SYSTEM

Series 4000 LINE CONDITIONER

Important TIPS* for BYTE Subscribers: Receive Product Information 10 Days Earlier!

evTE

THE SMAU. SYSTEMS JOURNAL

IDENTIFICATION CARD

John Sample 785432189

All you need is a touch-tone telephone and your subscriber ID. number. See instructions facing the Reader Service Index in the back of this issue for outrageous time-saving opportunities!

*BYTE's Ttelephone Inquiry Processing Service

88NE-16 BYTE- JULY 1988

Make Your Last Call Your FIRST Call

1st X-T $795

20Mbyte 1/2 ht fixed disk Enlianced "Turbo" mainboard 256 Kbyte RAM included 360K 5 1/4" floppy disk 150W switching power supply

ATjr style X-T size chassis 84 key, 10 funct. key keyboard Monographic card and monitor

1st A-T $1495

40Mbyte 1/2 ht fixed disk 6/10Mhz 8 slot motherboard

512 Kbyte RAM included 1.2Mbyte 5 1/4" floppy disk 200W switching power supply

Full size A-T style chassis 101 key, 12 funct. key keyboard Monographic card and monitor

1st 386 $2995

40Mbyte 1/2 ht fixed disk 6/16Mhz 8 slot motherboard

1 Mbyte RAM included 1.2Mbyte 5 1/4" floppy disk 200W switching power supply

Full size A-T style chassis 101 key, 12 funct. key keyboard Monographic card and monitor

Options

Disk Drives:

360 Kbyte DS/DD $ 85

1.2 Mbyte DS/HD $109

720 Kbyte 3 1/2" $129

1.44 Mbyte 3 1/2" $159

Modems:

300-1200 B Int. $ 89 300-2400 B int. $169

Display Upgrades:

CGA Color 14" $250 EGA Color 14" $395 VGA Color 14" $Call

Portable PC's:

Traveler X-T $Call

Traveler 286 $Call

Many other options and upgrades are available. Ask your account exec for more information on custom configurations.

Are courteous service and a qualified people-oriented tech support staff important to you? They are to us. We are FIRST MICRO. We believe there is more to selling PC's than fast

talking salesmen and flashy advertising. We offer only first quality products backed by the kind of support money can't buy. Just because you buy at commodity prices you need

not sacrifice quality or lose the after-the-sale service and support important to us all. Check out our peers, then make your last call your FIRST call.

■ Mastercard ■

NO Service Charge Circle 532 on Reader Service Card

FIRST MICRO CORP.

47A Route 28 Windham, NH 03087

Toll Free 800 634-5872 In NH 603 898-3430 Fax 603 898-6773

30 Day Money-Back Guarantee

One Year Farts/Labor Warranty

NO-Nonsense Warranty

JULY 1988 • BYTE 88NE-17

Computers For The Blind

Talking computers give blind and visually impaired people access to electronic information. The question is how and how much?

The answers can be found in "The Second Beginner's Guide to Personal Computers for the Blind and Visually Impaired" published by the National Braille Press. This comprehensive book contains a Buyer's Guide to talking microcomputers and large print display processors. More importantly it includes reviews, written by blind users, of software that works with speech.

This invaluable resource book offers details on training programs in computer applications for the blind, and other useful information on how to buy and use special equipment.

Send orders to:

National Braille Press Inc. 88 St. Stephen Street Boston, MA 02115 (617) 266-6160

$12.95 for braille or cassette, $14.95 for print. ($3 extra for UPS shipping) NBP is a nonprofit braille printing and publishing house.

Youll Flip When You See Our Prices!

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88NE-18 BYTE" JULY 1988

Circle 528 on Reader Service Card

WE'RE LOWERING THE COST OF HOMEWORK.

TWO full-featured systems byAHYUNDAi that take the guesswork out of buying a PC for college. Each has a hi-performance computer, printer and integrated software package, plus all necessary accessories in one tidy bundle at canl-be-beat prices.

THE SCHOLASTIC

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MODEL CPU speed RAM Floppy Hard Drive Monitor

System software Warranty

XT-COMPATIBLE 8 MHz 640K 360K

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APPLICATIONS SOFTWARE

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W~ VOTED EDITOR'S CHOICE W by PC MAGAZINE

• Word Processing • Spread Sheet • Graphics • Database Management • Telecommunications

VOTED EDITOR'S CHOICE by PC MAGAZINE • 4 Fonts • 99 Characters per Second • Friction & Tractor Feed

PRINTER Panasonic KX-P1091i

ACCESSORIES

• All Cables • Box of diskettes (10) • Box of paper (1000 sheets) • Surge protector

n^v^Ik the scholastic $1595 the turbo scholastic $1995 ^^9^ Save over $1000 on each system!

PowerComputers, Inc.

POWER TOOLS FOR THE MIND.

10 WALL STREET Burlington, MA 01803 617-273-0110

XT » AT ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF IBM CORP.

Circle 537 on Reader Service Card

JULY 1988 • BYTE 88NE-19

Buy with

Confidence

In an effort to make your telephone purchasing a more successful and pleasurable activity, The Microcomputer Marketing Council of the Direct Marketing Association, Inc. offers this advice, "A knowledgeable buyer will be a successful buyer." These are specific facts you should know about the prospective seller before placing an order:

Ask These Important Questions

• How long has the company been in business?

• Does the company offer technical assistance?

• Is there a service facility ?

• Are manufacturer's warranties handled through the company?

• Does the seller have formal return and refund policies?

• Is there an additional charge for use of credit cards ?

• Are credit card charges held until time of shipment?

• What are shipping costs for items ordered?

Reputable computer dealers will answer all these questions to your satisfaction. Don't settle for less when buying your computer hardware, software, peripherals and supplies.

Purchasing Guidelines

• State as completely and accurately as you can what merchandise you want including brand name, model number, catalog number.

• Establish that the item is in stock and confirm shipping date.

• Confirm that the price is as advertised.

• Obtain an order number and identification of the sales representative.

• Make a record of your order, noting exact price including shipping, date of order, promised shipping date and order number.

If you ever have a problem, remember to deal first with the seller. If you cannot resolve the problem, write to MAIL ORDER ACTION LINE, c/o DMA, 6 E. 43rd St., New York, NY 10017.

This message is brought to you by:

the MICROCOMPUTER

MARKETING COUNCIL

of the Direct Marketing

Association, Inc.

6 E. 43rd St.,

New York, NY 10017

MMC

MICROCOMPUTER MARKETING COUNCIL

of the Direct Marketing Association, Inc.

© Direct Marketing A.ssociation, Inc. 1988

88NE-20 B YTE • JULY 1988

Compare Computers Inc

Orders, Call Toll Free Tech Support 8c Informotior^

1-800-888-2983 1-612-881-9197

Mailing Address: 9801 Dupont Ave. So., Suite 175 Blooomington, MN 55431 ' •

ORDER DESK & TECHNICAL SUPPORT OPEN: M-F 9a.m.-5pLm. CST

EVEREX

Model 3000A

16MZ-386

•64 K Static RAM caclie •1 MB-100NS Dram •1.2 MB Floppy •Hard drive floppy controller

$1795.00

EVEREX

Model 1800

10MHZ-286

•512 K RAM

•1.2 MB Floppy •Hard drive floppy controller

$949.00

HARD DRIVES

MAXTOR

1140 140MB 1995.00

2190 190MB 2095.00

4380 380MB 2595.00

MICROPOLIS

1333A 44MB 599.00

1335A 72MB 699.00

SEAGATE

ST-225 w/Controller, 20MB 279.00

ST-238 w/Controller, 30MB 299.00

ST-251 40MB 399.00

ST-4096 BOMB 699.00

PRINTERS

Citizen Call

NEC LC-890 Laser 3299.00

OI(idata 393 989.00

Panasonic Call

Toshiba Call

EVEREX

Model 1700C

12MHZ-286

•1 MB 100NS Dram •1.2 MB Floppy •Hard drive floppy controller

$1295.00

LAPTOPS

Toshiba

T-1000 789.00

T-1200H 2349.00

T-3200 3795.00

T-5100 4995.00

NEC Multispeed

EL 1559.00

HD 2395.00

MEMORY EXPANSION

Everex RAM 3000 3MB EMS w/OK 89.00

RAM 10000 10MB EMS w/OK 129.00

Uses 1MB Chips

MATH COPROCESSORS

Intel

.Call

MODEMS

Everex 1200B 75.00

Everex 2400 Bd 179.00

Everex EFAX Modem 329.00

Okidata Okitel Call

SOFTWARE

25-60% Off Retail

WE WELCOME EDUCATION AND CORPORATE ACCOUNTS

TAPE BACKUPS

Everex 60MB Internal 679.00

Everex 60MB External 759.00

Mountain 40MB 379.00

POWER BACKUPS

Stedi Watt 450VA 499.00

Stedi Watt 750VA 659.00

MONITORS

Mitsubishi Call

Sony Call

NEC Call

Evervision EGA 359.00

VIDEO CARDS

ATI Call

Everex EGA 139.00

Paradise 480 159.00

Everex EVGA 269.00

JULY 1988 • BYTE 88NE-21

TWO NEW DESIGNS!

Those fantastic Byte covers—and boy, do they look great on this stylish, sleeve T-shirt from Robert Tinney Graphics! The colored sleeves and neckline vividly complement the full-color design. And don't mistake this for a rubbery patch that cracks and peels off after a few washings. This is true fourcolor process: the permanent inks are silk-screened into the fabric, resulting in a beautiful, full-color image that lasts!

You'll also appreciate the shirt itself: a heavyweight cotton/polyester blend which combines tough washability with the cool, soft comfort of cotton. Each Byte T-shirt is priced at only $12.50 ($11.50 each for 3 or more). Be sure to include shirt size: C—(child 10-12), S(34-36), M—(38-40), L—(42-44), and XL— (46-48). Most orders shipped within a week.

#T2—Software Piracy

#T1—Computer Engineering

#T3—inside IBM

#T4—Future Past

#T5—Breakthrough

Send the foiiowing T-shirts(s) at $12.50 each, or $11.50 each for 3 or

L

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Shipping & handling (see above) □ Please send your COLOR brochure TOTAL

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□ i have enclosed U.S. check or money order.

□ C.O.D. (via UPS—stateside orders only)

□ VISA □ MasterCard □ American Express

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Ship my shirt(s) to:

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mail this coupon to:

Robert Tinney Graphics

1864 Notlh Pamela Dr. Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70815

For VISA, MasterCard or American Express orders, or for more information

Call 1-504-272-7266

88NE-22 BYTE - JULY 1988

DO NOT BUY CHEAP CLONES!!!

GET BETTER DOCUMENTATION AND LONGER WARRANTIES!!!

18 MONTH WARRANTY!! 24 HOUR SHIPPING!!!*

Ahyundai 8 MHz XT

$699.

■ 8088-2 CPU

■ 4.77/8 MHz DUAL SPEED

■ 640K RAM

■ (1) 380K FLOPPY DRIVE

■ MULTI-VIDEO DISPLAY

■ (MGA/CGA/MDA)

■ SERIAUPARALLEL PORTS

■ CLOCK/CALENDAR

■ HYUNDAI MONOCHROME MONITOR

■ MS DOS 3.2, GW BASIC

Options: 2 Drives $799 20 MB Hard Drive $988 30 MB Hard Drive $1028

LEADING EDGE MODEL D

$699.

8088-2 CPU

4.77/716 DUAL SPEED

512K RAM

(1) 360K FLOPPY DRIVE

PARALLEL/SERIAL PORTS

12" HIGH RESOLUTION MONITOR

MS DOS 3.2, GW BASIC

LEADING EDGE WORD PROCESSOR

Color System: EGA System:

Leading Edge—Add $269 Hyundai—Add $200. Leading Edge—Add $598 Hyundai—Add $400.

^Seagate HARD DRIVES.

20 MB KIT ST-225

$289

ALL XT DRIVES COME WITH CONTROLLER CARD, CABLES & MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS. ALL DRIVES ARE FORMATTED. ALL DRIVES ARE INTERNAL. HARD CARDS ARE MANUFACTURED BY CMS.

30MB KIT ST-238

$329

40 MB KIT Ti" ST-251

$429

20 MB

HARD CARD

$329

30 MB

HARD CARD

$429

40 MB

HARD CARD

$499

14" COLOR RGB

14" EGA COLOR

dS SAMSUNG MONITORS

Electron Devices

12" MONOCHROME, TTL

$85 $279 $389

W/SWIVEL BASE

W/SWIVEL BASE

W/SWIVEL BASE W/ EGA CARD $539

MATH PROCESSORS:

8087-3 5 Mhz $109

8087-2 8 MHz $159

80287-6 6 MHz $169

80287-8 8 MHz $259

80287-10 10-MHz $299

SmartLink MODEMS:

1200 BAUD 1200 BAUD 2400 BAUD 2400 BAUD

$89 $99 $179 $199

INTERNAL EXTERNAL INTERNAL EXTERNAL

ALL MODEMS COME WITH COMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE & USER'S GUIDE

MOUSES:

GENIUS GM6+

a LOGITECH

$79 $89

W/GENIUS PAINT w/PLUS software

W/ DR. MALLO ALL MOUSES ARE SERIAL, OPTOMECHANICAL.

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HOURS: M-F: 8:30 A.M.-5:30 P.M.

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ComputerAge, Inc.

55 Fishfry Street Hartford, CT 06120 FAX: (203) 724-3565 TLX: 5106008830 (COMPR AGE UQ) Inio STech Suppart:(203) 724-5100

• NO SURCHARGE FOR MASTERCARD, VISA ■NO ORDERS CHARGED UNTIL SHIPPED - ALLOW 15 DAYS FOR PERSONAL CHECK ORDERS • DEFECTIVE MERCHANDISE MAY BE RETURNED FOR REPAIR OR EXCHANGE ONLY •WE DO NOT GUARANTEE COMPATIBILITY •ANY GOODS RETURNED FOR CREDIT ARE SUBJECT TO A 10=,. RESTICKING FEE •ALL PRICIES AND POLICIES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE • NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TYPO-GRAPHICAL ERRORS

Circle 530 on Reader Service Card

JULY 1988 • B YTE 88NE-23

Quality.

Reliability.

Affordability

Pioneer Systems manufactures a complete line of personal and business computers. Pioneer backs every computer with a money-back guarantee.

All systems include the Pioneer Pack of software: Word Processing, Database Manager, Spreadsheet, Communications Software.

15 day money-back guarantee.

Prices and availability subject to change. All above prices subject to memory surcharge.

For more information on any Pioneer Model, contact Pioneer Systems.

Pioneer Systems, Inc.

132 Main Street Haydenville, MA 01039 413-268-9301

© 1988 Pioneer Systems, Inc.

MODEL 20

$795

20MB STORAGE 8088-2 PROCESSOR

• lOMHz

• 8 Expansion Slots

• 36OK Floppy

• 20MB Hard Drive

• Monographics Card

• Monochrome Monitor

• AT Style Case

• 256k ram

• 48 Hour Burn-In

• Six Month Limited Warranty

MODEL 80

$2995

80MB STORAGE 80386 PROCESSOR

• 16MHz

• 8 Expansion Slots

• 1.2MB Floppy

• 80MB Hard Drive

• Monographics Card

• Monochrome Monitor

• AT Style Case

• 1MB RAM

• 48 Hour Burn-In

• Six Month Limited Warranty

MODEL 40

$1495

40MB STORAGE 80286 PROCESSOR

• 12MHz

• 8 Expansion Slots

• 1.2MB Floppy

• 40MB Hard Drive

• Monographics Card

• Monochrome Monitor

• AT Style Case

• 512KRAM

• 48 Hour Burn-In

• Six Month Limited Warranty

MODEL 120

$4995

120MB STORAGE 80386 PROCESSOR

• 20MHz

• 8 Expansion Slots

• 1.2MB Floppy

• 120MB Hard Drive

• Monographics Card

• Monochrome Monitor

• Tower Case

• 2MB RAM

• 48 Hour Burn-In

• Six Month Limited Warranty

88NE-24 B YTE • JULY 1988

Circle 536 on Reader Service Card

Short Takes

BYTE editors offer hands-on views of new products

Dell Computer made headlines earlier this year by announcing the first real IBM PS/2 clone. But this groundbreaking system will not ship until later this year. Till then, Dell' s most powerful machine will be its new System 310, an 80386-based AT-bus system that runs at 20 MHz and may be one of the fastest 80386 systems on the market.

The new Dell system is built on an impressive history. Dell's first 80386 system, introduced under the PC's Limited label in November 1986, was regarded even by some competitors as the fastest machine at that time. That machine used only a 16-MHz processor, but it achieved its high performance through the exclusive use of high-speed static RAM chips.

In the System 310, the static RAM is limited to just a 32Kbyte cache. However, the system uses a 20-MHz processor with an Intel 82385 cache controller and paged interleaved

memory. This architecture results in some fast performances. In one small sample of benchmarks, a prototype version of the machine outpaced every other system save one, the ALR FlexCache, which it tied.

The System 310 comes in a standard AT-style case with eight AT-style slots. Up to 8 megabytes can be placed on the system's motherboard. Like most 80386 systems, it uses a proprietary 32-bit slot for memory expansion. Here, though, the slot is arranged in an ingenious way: It shares the

Forth under OS/2

UR/Forth 1.10 for OS/2 Standard Edition 1.0 will appeal to anyone who wants to learn and experiment with the OS/2 API. While the main purpose of Laboratory Micro

same space as one of the AT slots. When a memory card is inserted into the slot, the AT slot can still be used by a halflength card.

My system had a fast 90megabyte enhanced-small-device-interface hard disk drive. Copying large groups of files from one directory to another occurred in less time than it took to type the command. The hard disk drive was also very quiet, a welcome change from some other systems.

The system also came with a Mitsubishi analog color monitor, which produced good

systems' UR/Forth is to support real-time control applications across a wide range of machines, its designers added the ability to access most API functions directly.

Forth's interactive nature lets you get immediate feedback on what an OS/2 API function call does. You simply

THE FACTS

System 310 $2699

Options:

With VGA, color monitor, and 40-megabyte hard disk drive, $3999; with VGA color monitor and 90megabyte hard disk drive, $4799.

Dell Computer Corp. 9505 Arboretum Blvd. Austin, TX 78759 (512) 338-4400 Inquiry 856.

quality VGA color text and graphics. An interesting diagnostics program from Dell lets you test the monitor by creating almost any color you want by varying the red, green, and blue components.

The only thing I didn't like was the keyboard, which seemed a bit too soft. Also, there was no reset button on the front of the system.

One other interesting feature of the System 310 is its price. Although Dell does not publicize it, there are three configurations. The base price—without video adapter or hard disk drive—is only $2699. Fully equipped, the system lists for $4799. In any configuration, this is a fast, low-cost system.

—Rich Malloy

push the necessary parameters onto the stack and type the name of the function call. This eliminates the edit, compile, and run loop of a compiled language like C or Pascal.

The UR/Forth system is a complete applications development system, including an

continued

JULY 1988 -BYTE 89

SHORT TAKES

interpreter/compiler (compatible with tlie Forth 83 standard), a full-screen editor and assembler, a relocating binary overlay utility, and software floating-point and Intel 80x87 support. It also has a multitasker; a native code optimizer; and graphics support for IBM CGA, EGA, and the Hercules graphics adapter.

UR/Forth uses direct threaded code with the top of the stack in a register, a segmented memory model,anobject-compiled nucleus, a completely hashed dictionary, and a uniform file interface across all supported operating systems (i.e., MS-DOS, OS/2, 80286 Xenix, and 68000 Unix).

Much source code is included with the system, for things like the editor, the assembler, the tasker, and the floating-point routines. There are also some demonstration programs for the following: graphics routines, the OS/2 API functions, debugging aids, sample programs, and

A Real Virtual Machine

Occasionally, a Macintosh user has to handle data supplied from an MS-DOS computer on a 5 W -inch floppy disk. Some vendors supply IBM PC motherboards, which plug into a Mac SE or a Mac H, to let you deal with this problem. Insignia Solutions provides a different solution with SoftPC: It emulates a complete IBM PC XT computer in software on either a Mac SE or aMacII.

The machine emulated has an 8088 CPU, 640K bytes of RAM, a CGA display (presented as a draggable window on the Mac's screen), three hard disk drives (C, D, and E), a Microsoft Bus Mouse, two serial ports (COM! and COM2), and a parallel port (LPTl). The C and D hard disk drives are emulated as files on the host Mac's hard

THE FACTS

UR/Forth 1.10 $350

Laboratory Microsystems 3007 Washington Blvd. Suite 230 P.O. Box 10430 Marina del Rey, CA 90295 (213) 306-7412 Inquiry 855.

miscellaneous utilities.

In the graphics mode, UR/Forth includes routines for reading or setting pixels, line drawing, arcs, ellipses, circles (with clipping), region fill with patterns or solid colors, bit-block moves, custom character sets, and positioning text at any coordinate.

Because the ability to play with OS/2 API functions is an extra you get with UR/Forth for OS/2, there is no description of the OS/2 API calls in the manual. You will thus need some such documentation (e.g., the OS/2 program

Requirements: A high-density (1.2megabyte) 514-inch or 720K-byte 3'/2-inch floppy disk drive; Microsoft or IBM OS/2 1.0; 2 megabytes of RAM; a video adapter compatible with IBM MDA, CGA, EGA, or VGA.

mer's reference from IBM [$200] or Norton Guides from Peter Norton Computing [$150]). Also, using the OS/2 API calls will make your application nonportable to Laboratory Microsystems' other Forth systems.

There are some limitations on which OS/2 function calls you can make from UR /Forth. Writing multithreaded applications may cause a problem because not all Forth function calls are now reentrant. This problem is not unique, as many Microsoft C routines are not reentrant either.

Also, because a threaded language is 3 to 4 times slower than a compiled language, the monitor function calls are not available from UR/Forth. But this still leaves many of the 200 or more OS/2 functions to play with. A demonstration program includes calls illustrating the use of queues and semaphores, creating and using shared memory segments, and printing out the global and local information segments.

UR /Forth is the least expensive alternative available so far for getting some hands-on work with OS/2. The closest alternative in price that I know of is the Microsoft Programmer's Toolkit ($350) and the Microsoft C language ($450), though I'm sure this will change soon. While UR/Forth is less expensive, the ability to play with the OS/2 API is intended only as a learning tool. But for a programmer with an open mind, it can be very useful.

—EvaM. White

disk drive. You can configure these two drives in sizes from 1 to 30 megabytes.

The Mac drive itself is treated as hard disk drive E, which lets you copy files to and from the virtual PC drives with the DOS COPY command. If the combination of an Apple PC card and a PC disk drive is connected to the Mac, SoftPC treats it as drive A and allows file transfers to and from it, again using COPY. You can also format floppy disks or run programs in drive A. Printing to a networked LaserWriter is also supported.

SoftPC comes in 2- and 4megabyte versions. Installation is straightforward: You pick a configuration, place the floppy disk for its first program into the Mac, and double-click on the Install application. Then you supply disks as the application requests them, until you're done.

You get two files: the continued

THE FACTS

SoftPC $595

Insignia Solutions, Inc. 1255 Post St. Suite 625

San Francisco, CA 94109 (408) 446-2228 Inquiry 852.

Requirements: Macintosh SE or II with a hard disk drive; System 4.3/Finder 6.0 or higher; at least 2 megabytes of RAM; accelerator card required for the Mac SE.

90 B YTE • JULY 1988

^ ^^m^l

COMPACT DISCS, ECORDS OR A i

for just

plus shipping and handling with Club membaiiship. >

With No Obligation To Buy Anything...Ever/

Beethoven, Symphonies Nos. 4 & S

Academy of Ancient Music/Hogwood. L'Oiseau-Lyre DIGITAL 115009

Andre Previn: Gershwin Rhapsody In Blue, Concerto, An American In Paris. Philips DIGITAL 115437

Mozart, The Piano Quartets

Beaux Arts Trio; Bruno Giuranna, viola. "Absolutely indispensable."—Stereo Review Philips DIGITAL 115271

Teresa Stratas Sings Kurt Weill

Surabaya-Johnny, Foolish Heart, 13 more. Nonesuch 124748

Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 4

Chicago Symphony Orchestra/ Solti. London DIGITAL 125038

Vivaldi, The Four Seasons The

English Concert/Pinnock. Archiv D/G/M/. 115356

Horowitz In Moscow Scarlatti, Mozart, Rachmaninov, Liszt, Chopin, Scriabin, others. DG DIGITAL 125264

Perlman: French Violin Showpieces Havanaise, Carmen Fantasy, Tzigane, more. DG DIGITAL 115457

Tchaikovsky, 1812 Overture; Romeo & Juliet; Nutcracker Suite Chicago Symphony/Solti. London D/G/TA/. 125179

By Request...The Best Of John Williams & The Boston Pops

Olympic Fanfare, Star Wars, more. Philips DIGITAL 125360

Brahms, Cello Sonatas Yo-Yo tvia, cello; Emanuel Ax, piano. Grammy Award W/inner! RCA DIGITAL 154044

Galway & Yamashita: Italian Serenade Flute & guitar works by Paganini, Cimarosa, Giuliani, others. RCA DIGITAL 173824

Gregorian Chant Schola of the Hofburgkapelle, Vienna. Hauntingly serene. Philips DIGITAL 115434

Slatkin Conducts Russian Showpieces Pictures At An Exhibition, more. RCA DIGITAL 154358

Debussy, La Mer; Nocturnes

Boston Symphony Orchestra/Davis. Philips D/G/ML 115068

Cy/his remarkable $1 offer is being made to /~)y introduce you to an outstanding classical music membership—with never any obligation to buy.

You'll find hundreds of outstanding albums in each issue of the Society's magazine, which will be sent to you approximately every 3 weeks. That gives you 19 convenient, shop-at-home opportunities a year But there is no obligation to accept any offering at any time.

You choose only the music you want! If you'd like to accept the Main Selection, you need not do a thing. It will be sent automatically If you'd prefer an alternate selection or none at all, just mail back the Notification Card by the specified date. You'll always have at least 10 days to decide.

Substantial savings with our half-price bonus plan. For every regular purchase you do make, you'll receive bonus certificates good for half-price discounts. A shipping/handling charge is added to each shipment.

3 Compact discs or records or cassettes for just $1! Begin your membership now by choosing any 3 albums shown here for just $1 plus shipping and handling. Send no money now. We want you to judge for yourself before you decide to buy If not delighted, return your 3 albums at the end of 10 days without obligation.

Dvoi'ak, Symphony No. 9 (New World) Chicago Symphony/Solti. London DIGITAL 115168

Mendelssohn, A Midsummer Night's Dream Neville Marriner, cond. Philips DIGITAL 115546 Ravel, Daphnis et Chloe (Complete) Montreal Symphony/Dutoit. London D/G/TAL115520

Mozart, Requiem Leipzig Radio Choir; Dresden State Orchestra/ Schreier. Philips DIGITAL 115039

Pavarotti: Volare Title song, Serenata, 14 more. With Henry Mancini. London D(G;TAL 125102

Handel, Water Music Eng. Concert/ PInnock. Archiv DIGITAL 115306

Rossini, Overtures Barber Of Seville, Tancredl, 6 more. Orpheus Chamber Orch. DG D/G/IAL 115527

Horowitz Plays Mozart Concerto No. 23 & Sonata No. 13. Giulini conducts. DG DIGITAL 115436

Eine kleine Nachtmuslk Plus Pachelbel Canon, more. Marriner conducts. Philips DIGITAL 115530

The Canadian Brass: High, Bright, Light & Clear Baroque gems. RCA DIGITAL 144529 Bach, Goldberg Variations Trevor Pinnock, harpsichord. "Definitive."— Stereo Review Archiv 105318 Rachmaninov, Piano Concertos Nos. 2 & 4 Vladimir Ashkenazy London D/G/ML125074

Hoist, The Planets Montreal Sym./ Dutoit. London DIGITAL 115448 Handel, Messiah (Highlights)

Musica Sacra/Westenburg. Hallelujah Chorus, more. RCA DIGITAL 153586

SAVE

50*

INSTANT HALF-PRICE BONUS PLAN

You'll receive bonus certificates for each album you order. Use tiiem to get additional albums at half price!

P.O. Box 91406 • Indianapolis, IN 46291

□ YES! Please accept my membership in The International Preview Society and send me, for 10 days' FREE examination, the 3 albums I have indicated below. I nnay return them after 10 days and owe nothing, or keep them and pay only $1 plus shipping & handling, i understand that I'm not obligated to buy anything...ever!

Please send all selections on

I □CompactDisc □ Cassette □ Record Write Selection Numbers Here:

□ Mr

□ Mrs.

□ Miss

Address

First Name

Initial

Last Name (PLEASE PRINT)

_Apt..

City_

_Stale_

_Zip_

X

Telephone { )

Area Code

NOTE: Members who select compact discs will be serviced by the Compact Disc Club. Full membership details will follow with the same 10-day, no-obligation, no-minimum purchase privilege.

Limited 10 new members; conlinental U.S.A. only One membership per family. We reserve tiie

right to retjuest additional information or reiect any i

application. Local taxes, it any will be added, PY6

(BF)

XGPY6

JULY 1988

J

BYTE 91

Circle 308 on Reader Service Card (DEALERS: 309)

SHORT TAKES

New, Expandable Diskette Duplicator

Model 4D delivers 240 copies per hour, using any ffiM PC/XT/AT or compatible.

■ Multiple Formats, Including PS/2

■ On-Screen Production Statistics

■ Expandable Up to 8 Drives

■ Multi-tasking

*1,995

New Desktop and high-volume Production Autoloaders also available, for unattended operation. For more information or to order, call 415-651-5580.

Datapath

Precision Medio Duplication Products

■c: 1988. Datapath Tect)nologies, Inc., 46710 Premor)t Blvd., fremont. CA 94528.

MAXIT increases your

DOS addressable conventional memory beyond 640K

Add up lo 256K above 640K for programs like FOXBASEand PC/FOCUS.

Short card works in the IBM PC, XT, AT, and compatibles.

I Top off a 512 IBM AT's memory to 640K and add another 128K beyond that.

I Run resident programs like Sidekick above 640K.

I Compatible with EGA, Network, and other memory cards.

Add up to 96K above 640K to all programs.

Break through the 640 barrier. MAXIT increases your PC's available memory by making use of the vacant unused address space between 640K and 1 megabyte. (See illustrations!

Extend the productive life of your, IBM PC, XT, AT or compatible. The MAXIT 256K memory card and software works automatically. If you have questions, our customer support people will answer them, fast.

Order toll free 1-800-227-0900. MAXIT is just $245 plus $4 shipping, and applicable state sales tax. Buy MAXIT today and solve your PC's memory crisis. Outside the U.S.A. call 1-415-548-2085. We accept VISA, MC, American Express

MAXIT IS g trademark of Osborne McGraw-Hill. IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Mactiines Corporation; Sidekick is a registered trademark of Borland International, Inc; FOXBASE^ is a trademark of Fox Software; Hercules is a trademark of Hercules Computer Technology. Inc; XT and AT are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation; Compaq is a registered trademark of Compaq Computer Corporation.

SoftPC application, and a hard disk file. The hard disk file emulates a 1-megabyte DOS-formatted hard disk drive, complete with MS-DOS 3.30, including the DOS utilities and GWBASIC 3.22.

I tried both versions of SoftPC on a Mac n that was equipped with an Apple PC drive card and a 514 -inch floppy disk drive. Screen response, compared to other PC-compatibility products I've seen, was downright snappy: The window was as fast as a real PC's screen, and no lines were lost during scrolling. XyWrite III Plus, one of the most ill-behaved PC programs in existence, ran perfectly and responded accurately to the extended keyboard's function keys.

Printing to the LaserWriter with the Epson FX-80 mode from within Xy Write was slow but reliable. I encountered no problems when issuing DOS commands to drive A.

SoftPC is MultiFindercompatible, although it does no background processing, and cutting or pasting to and from the PC window is not supported. You won't be able to run under MultiFinder on a Mac with 2 megabytes of RAM: SoftPC uses 1.7 megabytes of RAM. Even if you don't use MultiFinder, this is a tight fit.

If you need to dabble in the realm of MS-DOS once in a while and own or can afford a PC drive card and disk drive, SoftPC is a viable option.

—Tom Thompson

Souping Up the Toshiba Laptop

When I sat down to install EasyTalk from Megahertz on the Toshiba TllOO Plus, I made sure I had some aspirin in the toolbox. It has been a month when everything I've touched has either continued

THE FACTS

EasyTalk $299.95

Requirements: TllOO Plus orT1200.

Megahertz Corp. 2681 Parley's Way Salt Lake City, UT 84109 (801) 485-8857 Inquiry 857.

92 BYTE- JULY 1988

Circle 195 on Reader Service Card

Six Solid Rfeasons Whyibu Should Be Developing ¥)urApplications In Clarion.

CLARION

DEVELOPER

AllNewVersion2.0

The Clarion Professional Developer Is A Total Programming Environment That Runs On Any IBM PC, PS/2, Or True Compatible With 384K Of Memory And A Hard Disk. The Retail Price Is Just $695. NOT Cop}> Protected.

CLARION

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPER'

Circle 48 on Reader Service Card

Clarion Professional Developer and Clarion Software are irademarks of Clarion Software. Copyrighl 1988 Clarion Software.

1Slash Your Total Development Effort... From Prototyping To Completion

You'll get live results fast—even before you write the first line of code. Ideas become running applications in a few hours.

Designer, the front-end application generator, allows you to produce major programs with no coding. It eliminates prototyping as a preliminary step because design and source code generation are done concurrently You can implement a dazzling color screen or a report in minutes. You'll probably never code a screen again!

2Automatically Generate Commented Source Code For Your Entire Application

The Professional Developer's Designer is the most powerful application generator in the industry It creates structured source code that is fully commented. You can easily add to it, modify it, or just admire it.

And The Professional Developer is a complete development environment with all the tools that you need.

3Create High-Speed, BuUet-Proof Data Management With Built-in LAN Support

Advanced techniques allow you to tune your data management to fit each application. Use related files, data encryption, memo fields, automatic recovery, and commit and rollback—all without compromising Clarion's high level of performance. And complete LAN features are included so the appUcations you develop will run on your network without any additional run-time or LAN PACK cost.

4Interface To Your Own C or Assembler Routines For Special Requirements

The Professional Developer will support special device routines and complex logic written in C and Assembler. You won't have to completely re-write all those existing procedures. You can produce completely open-ended solutions that can grow with your needs or requirements.

5Produce Executable Programs That Don't Need Run-Time Systems

Compile your apphcation into an .EXE program that will run on a stand-alone computer or workstation so you can distribute your programs without costly run-time systems.

6Get Started Immediately. You'll Be Productive The First Day.

Although there's a lot of horsepower "under the hood," you'll be producing programs soon after you open the package. You'll find the whole environment friendly and comfortable. PC Week says; "aarion is easy to learn and easy to use."

And One More.

We'll Give You A Free Preview!

See Your Dealer Or Call Toll Free

(800) 354-5444

For A Free Copy Of Our Tutorial Diskette And Introductory Material

(Or, simply return this coupon).

I N;uiie .

I Company _

/Vddress

I Cilv

- Zip_

I'lione („ Mail This Coupon To:

Clarion Software

150 East Sample Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33064

SHORT TAKES

GET SUPERSOFT's

Service Diagnostics

All the software, alignment diskettes, parallel/serial wrap-around plugs, ROM POSTS and extensive, professional documentation to provide the most comprehensive testing available for IBM PCs, XTs,ATs and all compatibles under DOS or Stand Alone. No other diagnostics offers such in-depth testing on as many different types of equipment by isolating problems to the board and chip level.

NEW: SuperSoft's ROM POST performs the most advanced Power-on-Self-Test available for system boards that are compatible with the IBM ROM BIOS. It works even in circumstances when the Service Diagnostics diskette cannot be loaded.

NEW: 386 diagnostics for hybrids and PS/2s! Forever nine years, major manufacturers have been relying on SuperSoft's diagnostics software to help them and their customers repair microcomputers. End users have been relying on SuperSoft's Diagnostics II for the most thorough hardware error isolation available. Now versions of Service Diagnostics are available to save everyone (including every serious repair technician) time, money, and headaches in fixing their computers, even non-IBM equipment.

All CPUs & Numeric Co-processors System Expansion & Extended Memory Floppy, Fixed & Non-standard Disk Drives Standard & Non-standard Printers System Board: DMA. Timers, Interrupt, Real-time Clock & CMOS conflg. RAM

All Color Graphics & Monochrome

Monitors Parallels Serial Ports Mono, CGA, Hercules & EGA

Adapters All Keyboards & the 8042 Controller

Join the ranks of XEROX, NCR, CDC, SONY, PRIME,... who have bundled SuperSoft's diagnostics with their microcomputers at no risk because of our 30 day money back guarantee.

Service Diagnostics for PC, PC/XT, and compatibles only $159

Alignment Diskette for PC, PC/XT and compatibles (48 tpi drives) $ 50

Wrap-around Plug for PC, PC/XT and compatibles (parallel and serial) $ 30

Service Diagnostics for AT and compatibles only $169

Alignment Diskette for AT and compatibles (96 tpi drives) $50

Wrap-around Plugfor AT (serial) $ 15

ROM POST for PC, PC/XT, and compatibles only $245

ROM POST for AT and compatibles only $245

Service Diagnostics: The KIT(includes all of the above—save $502) $495

Service Diagnostics for all other CPUs (386. V20, V30, Harris, etc.) $195

Diagnostics 11 is the solution to the sen/ice problems of users of all CP/M-80,

CP/M-86 and MS-DOS computers $125

ROM POST for PS/2 and compatibles only $245

Alignment Diskettefor PS/2 and compatibles (3.5 inch) $ 50

To order, call 800-678-3600 or 217-359-2112, FAX 217-359-7225, or write SuperSoft.

SupeiS ft

FIRST IN SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY P,O.Box1628 Champaign, IL 61820 (217)359-2112 Telex 270365

SUPERSOFT is a registered trademark of SuperSoft, Inc.: CDC of Control Data Corp.; IBIVI PC, AT & XT of International Business Machines Corp.; MS-DOS of Microsoft Corp.: NEC of NEC fnformation Systems Inc PRIME of PRIME INC.: Sony of Sony Corp.

crashed, smoked, or simply died. I expected no better from this board. Boy, was I pleasantly surprised.

To install the board, pop off the back plate, slide the board in, tighten two screws, and flip one switch. That's it. The software end is just as easy: Add three lines to your CONFIG.SYS file, and you're ready to go.

Now when you boot up your TllOO Plus, you'll not only find a full-function, 1200-bitper-second modem, you'll also discover a megabyte of additional memory, a RAM disk, a print spooler, and diskcaching capability. Easy Talk turns your floppy disk-based Toshiba into a laptop you can live with.

Ittakes some extra time, initially, to copy files over to the RAM disk. In about 40 seconds, my AUTOEXEC.BAT file activated EasyTalk's utilities, loaded Procomm and PCWrite to the RAM disk, and installed SideKick into conventional memory. This freed up my floppies for data or for additional programs. Also, because I was now working directly from RAM, everything accelerated.

Procomm, the communications software that is shipped with Easy Talk, booted from a floppy disk in 19 seconds; from the RAM disk, it booted in less than 2 seconds. It took 25 seconds to boot dBASE III Plus from a floppy disk, and 2 seconds from a RAM disk. Disk caching slashed dBASE sort and indexing times in half. Also, word-processing tasks requiring disk access enjoyed hearty speed enhancement, and print spooling keeps you working even when the printer is busy.

I also like the version of Procomm (2.4) included with the package. The screen displays were nicely done, and the beep accompanying each keystroke was unobtrusive. Though I had never used Procomm, I had no problem learning how to use it. Pressing Alt-FlO calls a help file that outlines each feature, along with the keystroke se

quence required to activate it.

Like PC-Talk, Procomm calls most features by using the Alt key in conjunction with a function key; and, by a simple change of the setup file, you can access your favorite word processor by striking Alt-A. For quicker access, I loaded PC-Write to my RAM disk. However, I could also call WordStar from drive A and use it from within Procomm.

Taking a tour of BIX, I checked many of the modem's functions: auto-dialing, manual dialing, macro log-ins, and multiple file transfers. Of the nine transfer protocols offered from Procomm, I tried five—XMODEM, YMODEM, MODEM?, Kermit, and ASCII—and each worked without a hitch.

EasyTalk adds essential features to a floppy diskbased laptop, and even a hard disk drive's performance will improve with disk caching and a RAM disk. And everything worked flawlessly.

—Stanford Diehl

GrandView: More than an Outliner

Software products that promise to organize your business or your life aren't new. But one that works is. I quickly found that GrandView is much more than a plain old outiine program, and that's where its power lies.

Describing GrandView using a standard software category is difficult because, taken as a whole, it pushes the edge of current software development technology. But for simplicity's sake, I'll call it an integrated software package that's quite adept at planning and project managing.

GrandView handles information in three different ways, called views: outline, document, and category. Outline view is indeed a state-of-thecontinued

94 BYTE • JULY 1988

Circle 259 on Reader Service Card

Great Selection + Superior Service +Competitive Prices - Top Value jM

We have the technical expertise to fulfill your specialized needs in software development, circuit design, data analysis, CAD and much more. Call todayl

• No one offers you more variety.

• 30-day Money-Back Guarantee"

• Latest versions

• Over 500 name-brand products in stock, if you don't see it — call!

Software Development Tools

ADVANTAGE Disassembler, Lifeboat ...$ 279 Microsoft MASM 99

Micro Focus Products S CALL

MS COBOL, Microsoft 452

n._i:. nnoni IQA

RM/CDBOL, Austec 763

CrOFEUin Mnrrnm HHP

BASIC

MlnSf^fe^-"'si MS Pascal, Microsoft S 1 B9

SSt'^^entSoftware;:::: :::: g SI;L^X~''

^^fKl!^&S"^^:::::::::::::;::::::::::: "i ™-l»staware::::::::::::' si

Turbo Basic Toolboxes, Borland B9

AZTECC-Commercial, Manx..

C-terp, G/mpel

Lattice C

w/Source

Microsoft 0

QuickC, Microsoft

Turbo C, Borland

PASCAL LIBRARIES ITURBOl

Turbo Pascal Dev. Lib., Borland S 289

Metrabyte Data Aco. TOOLS, Quinn-Curtis 90

^§kh Turbo Pascal SS ETools, Quinn-Curtis

Turbo HALO, Media Cybernetics

Turbo MAGIC, Sophisticated Software Turbo ASYNCH PLUS, Blaise Turbo Power Tools Plus, Blaise

232 239 499 285 69 6S

LOGITECH Modula-2 Compiler Kit

Development System

Toolkit

SOLID B - Toolbox, Solid Software StonyBroDk Modula-2

386 DEVELOPMENT TOOLS

C TOOLS PLUS 5.0, Blaise S 101

C Utility Library, Essential 125

Essential Communications 125

Creenleaf C Sampler 69

Greenleaf CommLibrary 1 25

Creenleaf Functions 125

PforCe, Phoenix 215

TimeSlicer, Lifeboat 279 386-Max, Oualitas

Turbo C TOOLS, Blaise 101 ADVANTAGE 38G C, Lifeboat.

Science & Engineering Software |

90 101

101

81 199 141

FoxBASEW3B6 459

High C, Metaware 839

NOP FORTRAN. Microway 553

Pharlap 386 ASM/LINK 422

DESOview, Quarterdeck $ 115

Microport —Sys.V/386 Comp 799

MS Windows/386. Microsoft 1 30

PC MOS/386, Software Link 181

VM/3B6. IGC 182

SCOXENIX-Complete 1279

Periscope II S 141

OTHER Periscope Products CALL

Advanced Trace-86, Morgan Computing 121

Breakout, Essential 89

Tdebug PLUS V.I.O, Turbo Power Soft... 39

w/Source 80

PfixBSplus, Phoenix 215

BRIEF, Solution Systems $ CALL

w/d^RIEF CALL

EDIX, Emerging Technology 169

EMACS, Unipress 268

Epsilon, Lugaru 151

KEDIT, Mansfield 120

MULTI-EDIT, American Cybernetics 90

Norton Editor 70

PC/EDT t , Boston Business Computing 269

Pmate, Phoenix 115

SPF/PC, Command Technology 185

VEDIT PLUS, CompuView 131

XTC, Wendin 80

Btrieve, Softcraft S 185

XtrievB 189

Report Option 109

CBTREE, Peacock System 141

c-tree, Faircom 318

r-tree 241

dBC III, Lattice 172

dBC lll/ll w/Source 363

dBC III PLUS 599

db VISTA OR db-QUERY, Raima CALL

XOL, Softcraft 599

GOTO

Drawbridge, Courseware Applic

EssentialGraphics 229

Graphic, Software Endeavors 322

GS5 Graphics Dev. Toolkit, Software

Endeavors 399

HALO'88, Media Cybernetics 229

HOOPS, Ithaca Software 554

MetaWINDOW,Metagraphics 162

MetaWINDOWPLUS 232

Turbo WINDOW/C 80

Turbo HALO ITurbo C), Media Cybernetics 80

OBJECT - ORIENTED

ACTOR, White Water Group S 423

ADVANTAGE C-^, Lifeboat 479

PforCer+ , Phoenix 215

Smalltalk/V, DiQitalk 85

Smalltalk/V286 159

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Microport DOS Merge $ 219

Microport SvsV/AT 579

SCO XENIX System V 999

Wendin-DOS 80

Other Microport, Sco, Wendin Products CALL

FILE MANAGERS

66 839

ADVANTAGE Graphics, Lifeboat

SCREENSfWINDOWS

Greenleaf Data Windows S 209

MS Windows, Microsoft 89

MS Windows Dev. Kit, Microsoft 319

PANEL Plus, Lifeboat 395

PANEL/OC or/TC 99

Vitamin C, Creative Programming 162

Windows for Data, Vermont Creative . CALL

ScreenStar w/Source, Essential 169

SoftCode. Software Bottling Co 119

Turbo POWER SCREEN 101

OTHER PRODUCTS

Dan Bricklin's Demo Program,

Software Graden S BO

MKS Toolkit 145

MS OS/2 Programmer's Toolkit 229

PCIint. Gimpel 101

PlinkSGPIus, Phoenix 279

PolytronPVCS CORPORATE 323

Prc-C, Phoenix 159

SEIDL Version Manager 269

Source Print, Aldebaran Labs 81

CIRCUIT DESIGNI5CHEMATIC CAPTURE

HiWIRE, WintekCorp S 849

MICRO-CAP II, Spectrum Software 759

PADS Drill, CAD Software CALL

PADSPCB, CALL

PADS Route, CALL

PSpice, MicroSim 899

Device Equations Source 309

Probe graphics post-processor 399

Parts parameter estimator 399

Monte Carlo Analysis 309

Digital Files 309

Schema II. Omation 449

smARTWORK. WintekCorp 849

Tango PCB, ACCEL Tech 469

Tango Route, ACCEL Tech 469

DATA ACQUISITION/SIGNAL ANALYSIS

MathCAD 2.0, MathSoft 282

Math Mate, MCAE Technologies 89

muMATH, Softwarehouse 189

SolvelTI, Structured Scientific Software 79

Solver-Q, SDOC ^79

TKISolver Plus, Universal Tech Sys 395

Asyst2.9

Asyst Modules 1, 2, 3

Asyst Modules 1, 2, 4

Asyst Module 1, 2

Asystant Plus, Macmillan ....

Asystant. Macmillaii

DADISP, DSP Systems

DADISP-48B, DSP Systems

S2.179

1,989

1,989

1.609

849

469

749

175

Fourier PERSPECTIVE II, Alligator Trans 329

HYPERSIGNAL,Hyperception 309

HYPERSIGNALPIus 439

LABTECH Acquire, Lab Tech, Corp 179

LABTECH CHROM, 709

LABTECH Notebook, 759

LABTECH Real Time Access, 269

Lotus Measure 445

Q.E.D. D.A. and Control, Hart Scientific 799

SNAP-CALC, HEM Data Corp 350

SNAP-FFT, HEM Data Corp 295

SNAPSHOT STORAGE SCOPE 495

UnkelScope Junior, Unkel Software 109

UnkelScope Level 1, 31 5

UnkelScope Level 2 +, 499

PLOTTING AND GRAPHING

AutoCAD, by Autodesk

Autosketch, by Autodesk

Speed Enhanced Version

Design CAD, American Small Bus Comp

Drafix 1 Plus,Foresight

Drafix 3-D Modeler,f^oresight EASYCAD, Evolution Computing, .

ECAD, Pelton Engineering

FASTCAD, Evolution Computing

Generic CAOD

Generic 3-D Solid Modeling

3-D Rendering Module

ln°A°Vision, Microorafx

Windows Draw w/Clip Art

Windows Graph

LaserCAD, DSL Link

PR0-3D/PC, Enabling Technologies

TurboCAD, MSA Group

CALL 65 79 219 239 1B9 139 699 1,849 69 159 119 459 239 319 89 355 79

EXP, Brooks,'Cole Publishing

For Math, Shantha Software Lotus Manuscript

PC TEX, Personal TEX

T3 Sci. IMord Proc, TCI Software Res..

ABstat, Anderson Bell

CSS, StatSoft

Microstat, Ecosoft

NWASTATPAK, Northwest

P-STAT

The Scientific Wheel, Dalin Inc

SPSS PC .

StatPac Gold, Walonlck Associates STATS ■ , StatSoft, , , , THESYSTAT _^

129 System ID Toolbox 375

379 POINT FIVE, Pacific Crest 279

445 The Professional Wheel, Dalin Inc 199

229 Units, Curtis Technical Soft 25

499

315 469 319 749 659 99 749 539 229 CALL

FORTRAN LANGUAGE;

DIFF-E-Q,Microcompatibles S 449

Extend, Design Decisions 131

Grafmatic or Plotmatic, Microcompatibles 119

LaheyF77LEM/32 805

Lahey Personal FORTRAN 89

MathPac, Svstolic Systems 445

MicrosoftFDRTRANw/CodeView 289

Numerical Analyst, Magus 249

RM/FORTRAN, Austec 479

Spindrift Library, Laboratory LTD 135

SSP/PC, Lattice 279

ADDITIONALSSE PRODUCTS

ATLAS»GRAPHICS,STSC S 339

Atoms, Curtis Technical Soft 25 GAUSS Prog. Lang., Aptech Sys $ 189

COMPEDITOR.AvecoInc 155 GAUSS Math S Stat System 339

Engineer's Aide, Eng Prog Concepts , 649

LASCAUX 1000 Calculator 55

PC-Matlab. The Math Works B59 _ ^ n»M

Control System Toolbox 375 Microtec, Reims, Uniware, Quelo $ CALL

X-ASMS/SIMULAT0R5

AUTOCAD ADD-ONS

AutoESL, Systems Unlimited of OA S 279 AutoSHAPES 189

FSIMPLEX,

Turbo View, Sublogic Corp ,

MOUSE PRODUCTS

LOGITECH HiREZ Mouse LOGITECH Serial or Bus Mouse

LOGITECH Others

LOGITECH Series 2 Mouse

Microsoft Ser or Bus Mouse

W Easy CAD

W/MS Windows

SUMMAMOUSE, Summagraphics

449

S 149

,., 99 ,, CALL 89 99 119 ,, 139 99

APLLANGUAGE

ChartBuster PC, Interchart Software, S 369

Datatap Graph, (vlilhalisin Assoc 259 .„,.„,,,.,„. ^rcr- ^ ^aa

Omninlot, Scientific Endeavors 269 APL'PLUS/PC, STSC $ 499

PC lifAP III,Peerless Engineering 755 APL'PLUS PC TOOLS, 209

PLOTZ, Curtis Technicareoft 319 Pocket APL HU

TECH^GRAPH'^PAD, binary engineering,, 259

EQUATION SOLVERS

Eureka; The Solver, Borland .

SCIENTIFIC TEXT PROCESSING

CHEM-TEXT, Molecular Design Ltd.. S 1.500 ..S 119 EXACT, Technical Support Software , .. 419

Ordering Information

We accept, AMERICAN EXPRESS, MC, VISA and PERSONAL CHECKS There 15 no surcharge on credit card or C.O.D. New York State residents must add sales tax Shipping and handling S3.95 per item within the U.5 , sent UPS ground Rush and internaLional service available. Call for prevailing rates.

• International orders add $!□ for export preparation

• Prices and policies may change without notice

• Dealers and Corporate Buyers call for special rates.

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• Ask for details before you buy, some manufacturers won't take returns if disk seals are broken

Call for your FREE catalog today! In the U.S. call

1-800-333-3141

International Orders: 914-332-0756

Science B Enqineerinc

SOFTWARE CO. —'

55 South Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591

Circle 243 on Reader Service Card

JULY 1988 'BYTE 95

A Drawing Tool,..

The Spad biplane was drawn using the Arts & Letters Graphics Editor — a drawing tool for the rest of us! Printed on the Linotronic L-300.

Short on Time?

Forthoseof us with little artistic skill, and even less time, the Arts & Letters Graphics Editor offers the ability to modify professionally drawn clip art quickly and easily

Often you will find the exact drawing you need from among the thousands of clip art drawings available with Arts & Letters. But if you don't, there is usually a drawing you can customize to your requirements.

For example, the drawing of a one-hump camel can easily be changed to a two-hump camel. Just place the cursor atthe top of the single hump and drag the curve down to form two humps.

Of course you can also split a shape at a point, delete segments, join shapes, snap to points and move a point or group of points. And the lines and curves will be smoothly joined and stay smooth throughout the editing process.

Because you don't need to specify control points when drawing Bezier curves, freehand drawing is greatly simplified. And don't worry if the lines you've drawn appear squiggly — the Graphics Editor will convert them into smooth curves automatically.

The above drawing was created in about two minutes. If that sounds too good to be true, see for yourself. Order a videotape demonstration of the Graphics Editor today

96 B YTE • JULY 1988

The house shown above was drawn using the Arts & Letters Graphics Editor — a drawing tool for the rest of us! Printed on the Linotronic L-300.

□ Mr.

□ Ms..

Mail

. Stop.

Title.

Company.

Street _

City.

Statel _ Province.

Zip!

. Postal Code

Country.

Telephone (

See For Yourself

Whether you're a professional illustrator or can't draw a straight line, we have the graphics solution for you. And it runs on your IBM or compatible personal computer.

For more information about the Arts & Letters family of products, mail this card today or for a video tour, order a demonstration videotape.

Please send me:

□ Information about Arts & Letters

□ VHS demonstration video ($9.95)

□ Beta demonstration video ($9.95)

If shipped to a Texas address, please add sales tax. Price includes shipping and handling (U.S.A. only). Add $5.00 for shipments outside the U.S.A.

Enclosed is my check or money order for $

For credit card orders, call us at (214) 661-8960.

Offer good through August 31,1988.

Arts & Letters is a trademark of Computer Support Corporation.

IBM is a registered tradetnarlt of International Business Machines Corporation.

Business Reply Mail

FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 312 CARROLLTON, TEXAS

Postage will be paid by addressee

Computer Support Corporation Attn: Marketing Communications 15926 Midway Road Dallas, Texas 75244

ll...l.l.l...l.l.l..l.l..ll.l..l.l..l„l..,l.lll,„l

for the Rest of Us,

No Need to Trade In Your PC

The Arts & Letters Graphics Editor is a freehand drawing tool for IBM and IBM compatible personal computers. You draw with a mouse using pull-down menus and dialogue boxes or select the most commonly used functions from an on-screen toolbox. Unlike a paint program, your drawing is composed of lines and curves, not pixels, so you can size, stretch, rotate, flip, bend and twist it any which way.

Can't Draw a Straight Line?

We developed Arts & Letters just for you. Depending on your level of artistic ability, there are several ways to create highquality line art.

Modify Predrawn Clip Art

The Graphics Editor comes with over 1,000 clip art drawings, and thousands of optional drawings are also available. So you can start with most of the work already done for you by a professional artist.

Trace Scanned Images

Trace scanned artwork, logos, blueprints and photos. Use the editing feamres to fine tune the drawing. Very little artistic skill is required and this approach gives you an unlimited choice of subject matter.

Draw Your Own

Of course if you're a skilled artist, you can draw complex illustrations freehand. But when you're working against a deadline, modifying predrawn clip art can save lots of time.

Perfect For Desktop Publishing

Using cut, copy and paste commands, drawings created using Arts & Letters can be incorporated in any of the popular word processing or desktop publishing applications that support Windows. You can also exchange data with any non-Windows application that supports EPS, CGM or TIFF.

ARTS& Letters

Graphics Editor

Microsoft and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Arts & Letters is a trademark of Computer Support Corporation. Product specifications are subject to cfiange witfiout notica

Product Requirements

• Any computer with Microsoft Windows, and the appropriate version of MS-DOS; one flexible disk drive and one fixed disk drive.

■ A mouse or other drawing device.

■ 512K RAM memory (640K recommended).

Send for your videotape demonstration of the Graphics Editor today.

Computer Support Corporation

15926 Midway Road Dallas, Texas 75244 (214) 661-8960

Circle 65 on Reader Service Card

JULY 1988 -BYTE 97

Circle 51 on Reader Service Card (DEALERS: 52)

C_talk ™

Object-oriented Extensions For C

SHORT TAKES

C-talk, A SERIOUS TOOL FOR SERIOUS SOFTWARE ENGINEERS

□ Adds encapsulation, inheritance and dynamic C^^^^

messaging to your C compiler.

□ Smalltalk-like Browser for building objects.

□ Semi-automatic Make tor building applications.

□ Preprocessor for converting objects to standard C source code.

□ Foundation classes to tielp you get started.

□ Professional teleptione support from our engineering staff.

Start building software components into your next application. Join Vne leading edge today.

Order Now:

CNS, Inc.

Software Products Dept. 7090 Shady Oak Road Eden Prairie, MN 55344 Tel: (612) 944-0170 Fax: (612) 944-0923 30 day money back guarantee MasterCard, Visa

Stitpping: $ 5 - U.S.

$ 25 - Intl.

CJalk is designed for an IBf^* PC (or compatible) witti; Microsoft* C, Lattice C, Turbo C, or C86. A system witti a tiard drive and mouse is tiigtily recommended.

ISM is a registered Itademark ol IBM Corp MICROSOFT is a regislered iradernaik ol MICROSOFT CORP CjalK is a trademark of CNS. Inc

DP100 MINI-AT ENCLOSURE

Ideal for Plug-In AT CPU Boards:

• MICROMINT CCAT (OEM-286) board (see "Circuit Cellar" Sept '87)

• SIGMA DESIGNS CPU 386 board set

• and Others

$25200

• Five 8/16 bit fuli-lengtii \ expansion slots

• Ttiree 1/2 iieigtit drive slots w/drive mounting rails

• 100 watt power supply w/high surge capacity & fan

• Keyboard connector, l<eylock & speaker

• Four serial/parallel connector punctiouts

• Dimensions: 6.25" H x 11.75" Wx 15.25" D

MSKS PIUS

Trademaiks. IBM PC-AT, Inieinaiional Business MacHines Corp CCAI and OEM-2B6. The MicrominT. Inc.; CPU 386, Siama Oesiflns. Inc

Microcomputers S Periptierals

Telex: 650 249 2139 MCI UW

DISKS PLUS, INC.

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Tecfinical and more info:

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• S. JUlus: Ueefk of Bail 1, 1988

1. To Do list

«. Staff Meeting at ie:3eflH

b. Outline propi)s,il for sales promo events

c. Siscnss fldveptising strategy witli Bob

d. Uorlr on W Slogan

e. Horlr on ideas for raatcrials cost sayings

f. rinalise agenda for upconing ■eetings

g. Call Sob lligglns ahont Centurion Caapairrn

2. ItcK Cwpleted

3. Dualling Follou Up

4. Hews and Correspondence

5. Projects li. Neetlngs

Ppe« He for Ifcnus: Ctrl-Hetori. to Crate . Ilni Headllm-; PI for Nelp 395k

GrandView $295

Symantec

Living Videotext Division 117 Easy St.

Mountain View, CA 94043 (415) 964-6300 Inquiry 851.

art outliner, with a host of features that let you expand, contract, and move outline elements around.

Document view is a fancy term for GrandView's word processor. Taken by itself, however, it's a word processor with features that put it nearly on a par with stand-alone word-processing packages with hefty price tags. It's also customized to work seamlessly with the rest of the package.

I found GrandView's category view its most intriguing and potentially most useful feature. It lets you take information from your outline or other document and assign it— as the name implies—to a category. It gathers related information from throughout an outline and displays it on a single screen.

For instance, in a long outline that covered all the aspects of a publishing project, category view let me quickly pull out editorial, circulation, and marketing areas and see their dependencies and schedules.

Requirements: IBM PC, XT, AT, or compatible, or IBM PS/2; DOS 2.0 or higher and 256K bytes of RAM; hard disk drive recommended.

In category view, an outline or document becomes an effective project manager, though GrandView is far from a fullfledged project-management package.

While it' s relatively easy to throw together a quick outline or two, getting the most out of the package's features requires time and dedication. You'll need to learn numerous unfamiliar terms, and I was at first frustrated by keystroke sequences that seemed strange (e.g., Control-Enter to add a new heading to an outline).

If your outlining needs tend toward simple priority lists, GrandView is much more than you need. But if you have a real need to organize scattered pieces of information into viable projects, GrandView— once you get over the top of the learning curve—will save scads of time and money. Considering this program's power, the $295 price tag is more than reasonable.

—Stan Miastkowski continued

98 BYTE' JULY 1988

Circle 90 on Reader Service Card

SHORT TAKES

- WITHOUT SACRIFICING

- HIGH PEHFORMAHCE As fast as 17msec

- HIGH CAPMCITYas large as 319mB

• HELMBILTYAt Least 1 year warranty

HARD DRIVES

301 mB and Above

N4miScribe9380E(ESDI) 319mB 17msec fh

t9AW on

Maxtor EXT4380 (ESDI) 319mB 27msec fh

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lOlmB to 300mB

MiniScribe6128(RLL)

108mB28n-isecfl-i

$749.00

Maxtor XT2190 ST506

150mB 30msec fh

$1988.00

Maxtor XT1140ST506

112mB 27msec fli

$1845.00

61mB to lOOmB

MiniScribe6085

72mB 28msec At

$649.00

MmScribe6079(RLL)

66mB 28msec fh

$599.00

MiniScribe3675(RLL)

62mB 61 msec Wi

$339.00

Seagate 4096

80mB 28msec fh

$699.00

Seagate 277R(RLL)

65mB 39msec hh

$399.00

41mB to 60mB

MiniScribe 6053-2

44mB 25msec hli

$499.00

MmiScribe3650

42mB 61msec Wi

$299.00

Seagate 251-1

42mB 28msec hh

$449.00

Seagate 251-0

42mB39mseclih

$359.00

20mBto40mB

MiniScribe 8438 (RLL)F 30mB 40msec 31/2"

$249.00

MinScribe 8425F

20mB 40msec 31/2"

$239.00

MiniScribe 8438 (RLL)

30mB65msec31/2"

$225.00

MiniScribe 8425

20mB 65msec 31/2"

$215.00

Seagate 238 (RLL)

30mB 65msec lih

$225.00

Seagate 225

20mB 65msec hh

$215.00

Seagate 138-0

30mB 40msec 31/2"

$379.00

Seagate 138-0 (RLL)

30mB 40msec 31/2"

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Seagate 125-0

20mB 40msec 31/2"

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XT Kits- Additional $50 for MFM drives, $60 for RLL drives QUANTITY PRICING AVAILABLE

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COMPUnR PItODUCTS CORPORATION

4657 MacAithtir Lane, Boulder, CO 80301 • 303-442-4747

What, Me Forget?

Just what I need, an additional terminate-and-stayresident (TSR) desk accessory program. Well, maybe I don't need this one, but it did save me the embarrassment of forgetting two birthdays.

Forget-Me-Not (FMN) from Sterling Castle Software is a calendar/timer TSR program with a unique ASCIIbased engine. (I was working with a prerelease version.) It can pop up reminders on your screen at times and dates you choose. Also, it can activate batch files you create to do tasks, such as sending multiple messages via electronic mail or a network and doing backups or disk maintenance when you aren't using the machine. To do network communications, you need a copy of FMN installed at each node.

Sterling Castle bills FMN as "the first timed-release software." The heart of it is the concept of file accessibility. FMN can read all printable ASCII characters in a file and respond accordingly. If you want to set up a biweekly midnight or lunchtime backup process, just get into your favorite word processor and type in the necessary commands, just as you would if you were going to do the backup manually. You must preface the batch file with an FMN control line that specifies the type of message it is and at what times and on what days you wish it to occur.

Save the unformatted file and copy it to the appropriate FMN message file. You can have up to 16 different message types, each customized to fit your situation. When the conditions you specified are met, the file will activate. When it's done, you'll find a message that indicates success. If there is no message, you know something went awry.

If you're worrying about a

private reminder popping up while someone is looking over your shoulder, FMN covers that, too. You can attach an acknowledgment attribute to your messages so the computer will beep when the reminder is ready to pop up. Unless you hit the appropriate key, which is also selectable, the message won't be displayed.

If you are already using TSRs like SuperKey, SideKick, Homebase, ProKey, or others that give you some sort of notepad and keyboard macro capability, you can use them to automate the reminder-writing process. For instance, if you have a "call back" file format for returning phone calls, you can set up keyboard macros to leap from your present application into your word processor or notepad TSR.

Once there, you type in the reminder you need, send the file to FMN's "call back" file, and jump back to your original application with a minimum of keystrokes. If your TSRs work with your other applications software and can produce ASCII files, FMN should work just fine for you.

FMN is written in assembly language and requires 24K bytes and some buffer memory, for a total of 64K bytes. A version that will operate in extended memory is being considered for a later release.

—Gene Smarte

THE FACTS

Forget-Me-Not $79.95

Requirements: IBM PC or compatible; 128K bytes of RAM; DOS 2.0 or higher.

Sterling Castle Software 702 Washington St. Suite 174

Marina del Rey, CA 90292 (213) 306-3020 Inquiry 854.

100 BYTE • JULY 1988

Circle 64 on Reader Service Card

© 1988 Lolus Devdopmeiil CorporaLioii, Lotus is li registered irademark of Lotus Dev(;lo!)m(;iit Curporation.

Commg from Lotus.

How To Grow A Laser Printer.

At QUME, we know you want a laser printer that grows up strong. Not grows old fast.

Which is why our full-line of laser printing products give you the right tools for today's printing needs. Plus they plant you firmly in the future by growing whenever you do.

HOW'S IT POSSIBLE?

Through our LaserTEN PLUS; the even more advanced ScripTEN; the new ScripTEN Upgrade Kit; or PageLINK, our office publishing system.

printer.

BEGIN wUh the crisp

looking text of a LaserTEN PLUS.

THE GRAPHIC DETAILS.

The QUME ScripTEN makes both you and your work look great through 300 dpi resolution. Not to mention the fact that it speaks fluent Adobe

PostScript® — offering you 35 type styles on either Apple® or IBM® computers. All at a swift 10 ppm, with 3 Mbytes of memory.

Or for general office printing needs, start with our 10 ppm LaserTEN PLUS. It gives you incredible print quality at an incredible value.

ADVANCE to the superior

text ojid graphics of a ScripTEN.

IT'LL GROW ON YOU.

Best of all, you'll Hke the LaserTEN PLUS even more when your demands become more sophisticated. Because through QUME's ScripTEN Upgrade Kit, you protect your

LaserTEN PLUS investment by upgrading it to full PostScript and ScripTEN features to meet all your desktop publishing needs.

And if that's not enough to satisfy your growing pains, there's also PageLINK. It allows up to 9 PC users to enhance their existing software to true

publishing quality.

THAT'S TRUE FAMILY CONNECTIONS.

Which is something we understand. Because QUME's family of printers has been connecting customers with great letter quality printing for years.

TO FIND OUT MORE.

Call today for a demonstration or to receive your free copy of "How QUME Grows Laser Printers ". Learn how to get a laser printer that grows strong in any business climate.

1-800-223-2479

©1988 QUME Corporadon

LaserTEN PLUS, ScripTEN, ScripTEN Upgrade

Kit, and PageLINK are trademarlcs

of Qume Corporation. Apple is a registered

trademark of Apple Computer, Inc..

DJM is a registered trademark of International

Business Machines Corporation.

Original output from QUME LaserTEN PLUS and ScripTEN. Circle 230 on Reader Service Card

FIRST IMPRESSIONS ■ Tom Thompson

Sun's New Workstation: the Sun386i

A microcomputer workstation that combines Unix multitasking, a window-based interface, and the ability to run several virtual PCs

Multitasking operating systems have been promising to provide microcomputer users with many services that mainframe users enjoy, such as electronic mail and background processing. Unfortunately, the promise has so far remained merely a promise.

The Commodore Amiga came with a multitasking kernel from the start, but its baroque command set, low-resolution display, and lack of hardware memory protection makes using it a chore at best.

Microsoft's OS/2 with the Presentation Manager is slated to be released late this year, and programs that take advantage of its multitasking features will undoubtedly arrive even later.

Apple's A/UX system provides multitasking, but it's literally Unix running on a Macintosh U: Gone is the familiar point-and-click user interface that many Mac users enjoy. Currently, some Mac applications can run under A/UX, but others can't. Like the situation with OS/2, Macintosh applications will be revised to be A/UX compatible, but until then, Mac users, like PC users, will have to wait.

A solution to this hurry-up-and-wait dilemma comes in the form of Sun's newest workstation, the Sun386i, designed around an Intel 80386 processor. Typical of its workstation caliber, it runs Unix, a time-proven multitasking operating system; it supports Ethernet commu

nications; and it uses Sun's own Network File System (NFS) to provide access to files across networked devices. A pointand-click window-based user interface with icons and buttons simplifies such operations as examining or copying files and answering mail.

But what has attracted the interest of the microcomputer community is the Sun386i's ability to execute MS-DOS programs simultaneously as sessions in separate windows. A sophisticated monitor program also allows them to utilize the workstation's hard disk and memory without conflict. And this ability to run existing MS-DOS programs while reaping the benefits of a workstation is available now.

The Sun386i comes in two models: The Sun386i/150 uses 20-MHz components and has 4 megabytes of 100-nano

second (ns) fast-CAS (column-address strobe) paged-mode RAM; the Sun386i/ 250 uses 25-MHz components and has 8 megabytes of 120-ns fast-CAS pagedmode RAM and a 32K-byte cache of 25ns static RAM.

There are some minor differences, but for the most part the two microcomputers are identical, so we'll concentrate on the Sun3861/250. A Sun3861/250 with a 16inch monitor and 91-megabyte hard disk costs $17,990, and a Sun386i/150 with a 15-inch monochrome monitor and 91megabyte hard disk (available in the third quarter of 1988) costs $9990.

The Hardware

The Sun386i is a short, floor-standing deskside unit with a single 3 '/2-inch floppy disk drive. The system comes with a

continued

JULY 1988 'BYTE 103

SUN386i

three-button optical mouse, a 107-key keyboard that has both Sun software-specific function keys (such as Help and Copy) and PC function keys, and your choice of a high-resolution color or monochrome monitor.

The heart of the Sun386i is a single system board that holds an 80386 processor; an 80387 math coprocessor (standard, not as an option); an 82380 DMA controller; an Ethernet interface using the Intel 82586 network processor, and a custom ASIC for the system interface; three slots for Sun 32-bit memory boards; and a video frame buffer slot that accepts three types of video display boards. All these components are connected on a 32-bit high-speed proprietary bus.

Interface electronics attach this 32-bit bus to a 16-bit AT bus and an 8-bit device bus. The AT bus handles the parallel printer port, floppy disk controller, three 16-bit AT-compatible slots, and one 8-bit XT-compatible slot for expansion cards. The device bus handles the SCSI port, serial port, ROM and nonvolatile RAM addressing, and clock.

The system's memory is contained on an expansion board that plugs into one of the memory slots. The memory board uses 1-megabit-density, parity-checked SIMMs (single in-line memory modules) that mount in a rack of sixteen clip-on sockets.

You can add extra memory to the board in 4-megabyte increments up to the maximum of 16 megabytes. An Intel

82385 cache controller chip is mounted on the board and implements a 32K-byte high-speed memory cache. This cache memory board is optional on the Sun386i/150.

Two optional high-capacity SCSI hard disk drives are available for the Sun386i: 91 megabytes and 327 megabytes (formatted) . You can mount these drives internally within the system, or externally in an optional peripheral expansion box supplied by Sun. The 3'/2-inch floppy disk drive serves double duty as a drive for the Unix operating system or as drive A for a single MS-DOS program. Under MS-DOS, the drive can use both 720Kbyte or 1.44-megabyte DOS-formatted floppy disks.

An external DB-50 SCSI port and switched power outlet located on the back of the computer allows you to connect the peripheral box, external tape drive, or other SCSI peripherals to the system. Also located at the rear of the computer is a "thick" Ethernet port with DB-15 connector, and two DB-25 connectors for the serial and parallel printer ports.

You have a choice of monitors and display boards to use with the system. A monochrome video board provides a 1152- by 900-pixel display for a 15- or 19-inch monochrome monitor. For color work, you have a choice of either a video board that provides a 1024- by 768-pixel color display for a 14-inch color monitor, or one that provides a 1152- by 900-pixel color display on a 16- or 19-inch color monitor. Both color video boards use a

Photo 1: On the SunView Desktop, icons represent active processes, not files.

fixed 8-bit image depth that allows you to display 256 colors on the screen simultaneously from a palette of 16 million colors.

The Software

The core of the Sun386i operating system is SunOS version 4.0, which is a converged version of BSD4.2/4.3 Unix and System V. 3 Unix. Besides the usual Unix services, SunOS provides NFS capabilities, a window-based user interface called SunView, and ease-of-use facilities such as the Sun Organizer and Color Editor.

SunView represents active programs as icons, and these icons can be selected (left button) using the mouse. Selecting an icon opens a window, owned by the program, that accepts user commands or displays information. The icons and windows are placed on a desktop image quite similar to the Macintosh desktop display (see photo 1).

These windows allow you to type commands directly into the Unix operating system (the Commands window) or a DOS program (the DOS window). A System Messages window displays error messages issued by SunOS as they occur. A window can also present a specialized display, as determined by the program that owns it. For example, the Organizer program can give you a graphic map of the hierarchy of subdirectories and files in your home directory.

As with the Macintosh, you can open, close, resize, and drag the SunView windows to different parts of the screen using the mouse. The left button of the Sun386i mouse serves as a selector; that is, it selects (or activates) the object you click on the screen.

The middle button is used to move icons or windows about on the Desktop, although you need to place the pointer on a window's name stripe (similar to a Mac window's drag bar) or on its frame (the border) to move it. The right button is used to activate pop-up menus.

Clicking the right button on a window's frame pops up a Frame menu that's used to manipulate the window (for example, resize it) or to terminate the process owning the window. If you click the rightmost button within a window's interior, a program-specific menu pops up (for example, in a DOS window this menu lets you choose the type of PC screen display to use). Clicking on the Desktop itself pops up a Services menu that allows you to start a program not visible on the Desktop, start a copy of a program already running on the Desktop, or log out of the system.

104 BYTE- JULY 1988

SUN386i

You don't click on a window to make it the active window, like on the Mac. Positioning the pointer over the desired window causes its frame to be highlighted, indicating that the process is ready to accept typed commands.

Some windows can have scroll bars that allow you to scroll through a long document or large display. Pressing the mouse's left button scrolls the window's contents upward, and pressing the right button scrolls the window's contents downwards. A window's name stripe also shows the name of the process that owns it and the current directory that the process is using.

A Mail program lets you send, receive, file, and print electronic mail. Selecting its postage-stamp icon gives you a window in which to examine or compose letters. All you need to know to send a letter is the system name of the recipient (for example, byte_mag), and their log-in name on this system (editor), so the mail address becomes editor@byte_mag. Once you've composed a letter and addressed it, you simply click on the Deliver button and Mail will transmit it to the appropriate remote system.

If you dislike maneuvering through Unix hierarchies by typing commands like cd/export/home/users/byte/pc, you can use the Sun Organizer program. The Organizer works like the Macintosh Finder by presenting a graphic representation of the subdirectories and files in your current directory. You navigate up or down directory levels by simply pointing and clicking with the mouse on icons and buttons in the Organizer's window. Unlike the SunView Desktop, icons in the Organizer program do represent files and directories (see photo 2).

You can also copy, move, or delete files within the Organizer by clicking on the desired file icon and then the appropriate button. The Organizer, like most SunOS programs, uses NFS to provide access to remote systems. From your /net directory, the Organizer lets you use the same graphic interface to select any remote Sun386i or NFS-based workstation on the network and then work with its files. This ability to seamlessly examine and copy files from a remote system makes the Organizer one of the most powerful programs on the Sun386i. Professional programmers can still use Unix programs such as cp to copy files from remote systems.

It Does DOS

OS/2 runs a single MS-DOS program in a Compatibility Box. SunOS allows you to run multiple copies of MS-DOS ver

sion 3.3, each in its own window, and each running simultaneously along with other SunOS programs. PC programs can use the Sun386i's hard disk and floppy disk and access PC expansion boards plugged into the AT bus slots. PC programs can also take advantage of the system's networking facilities.

The SunOS DOS Windows program allocates memory and initializes the MSDOS environment when you open a DOS window. Each PC program runs in the 80386's virtual 8086 mode, letting 8086 program code execute at full speed on the processor. Since the virtual 8086 mode does not support the 80286 protected mode, this type of program won't run on the Sun386i. As the program runs, the DOS Windows program intercepts hardware-specific calls and reroutes them to the appropriate SunOS routines.

For example, a call that writes to the PC's screen is emulated by DOS Windows by using the proper combination of SunView graphics routines. A DOS window can emulate a Hercules, monochrome, or CGA display. An AT-bus expansion card can provide support for EGA/VGA displays. You select the type of display to use by popping up a menu within the window's interior and choosing an item from the Show Screen item.

The DOS monitor allocates 1 megabyte of memory (for a 640K-byte DOS address space) and two megabytes of version 3.2 Lotus/Intel/Microsoft (LIM) expanded memory for a PC program when it starts. DOS Windows redirects LIM

memory accesses to this virtual memory space as they occur. Because the PC program and the LIM memory are located in the Sun386i's virtual memory, they can be swapped to and from the hard disk.

You can install four PC expansion boards within the Sun386i. However, it's not enough to physically install the board into a slot. You have to inform SunOS of the board's characteristics so it can respond appropriately when you access the board. To do this, you must become a Unix superuser and edit the boards.pc file in the /etc/dos/def aults directory. In this file, you supply the address space the board occupies and the interrupt levels it uses (if any).

Each user has a separate /pc subdirectory. In this subdirectory are four files: autoexec.bat, config.sys, setup.pc, and C:. The functions of the first two files are obvious; the other two files need explaining.

Setup.pc describes to SunOS which Sun386i devices are assigned to which DOS devices. For example, drive A is directed to the Unix device /dev/rfdOc, the Sun386i's floppy disk drive. C: is a specially formatted file made to resemble a 20-megabyte MS-DOS hard disk.

A DOS window normally places you on a drive D, which is actually the current Unix directory you're working in. However, programs with copy protection rely on certain PC hard drive characteristics that are missing on the Sun386i hard disk drive, and thus break during instal

continued

Photo 2: The SunOS Organizer graphically displays the hierarchy of a directory.

JULY 1988 -BYTE 105

SUN386i

Table 1: On the BYTE benchmarks, the Sun386i/250 did better than the Compaq 386/20. Performance dropped as additional DOS windows were opened. Only benchmarks using algorithms were selected to make the performance comparison, since the DOS window is a process running under Unix. (All times are in seconds.)

Sun386i

Sun386i

Sun386i

Compaq

IBM

IBM

1 task

2 tasks

3 tasks

386/20

PS/2 Model 80

PC AT

Matrix

2.77

5.57

10.17

3.06

4.65

11.69

Sieve

19.33

36.99

54.50

23.18

29.11

40.26

Sort

19.05

39.41

60.28

26.89

33.11

84.39

lation or operation. C: is used to sidestep this problem by emulating an MS-DOS hard disk for this type of software.

PC programs assume that they have exclusive access to a computer's resources. This assumption becomes a problem when such programs are run in a shared environment. In the case of memory and screen I/O, the DOS Window redirects these functions to the appropriate section of virtual memory or to the program's DOS window. MS-DOS files located on the Sun386i hard disk are maintained by the Unix file system via DOS Windows, which can resolve I/O conflicts when more than one copy of MSDOS attempts to access them. However, for drive C or drive A, Unix can't help. This is because drive C is a disk emulation, and is seen as one file by Unix. MSDOS drivers must be used to access files within C or on drive A, and are therefore subject to the problems described earlier.

Sun came up with a clever solution for this problem: The first DOS window opened has exclusive write access to both drive A and drive C. You release the exclusive access by terminating the DOS window that owns them, or using a menu selection to modify the drive-access mode. This seems awkward, but if you use your files on drive D, you let Unix provide the shared access to your MSDOS files.

How It Performs

I had an opportunity to examine two production Sun386i/250 workstations using a beta version of SunOS 4.0. Sun also generously supplied two thick Ethernet cables and an Ethernet multiport transceiver unit so that I could look at the system's networking capabilities. The Sun386i comes with the system software installed on the hard disk, so getting a system started was simply a matter of connecting the parts, turning on the power, and answering several questions about the system. This first system was started as a master server.

Sun claims that adding more 386i systems to the network "is extremely easy and requires no technical expertise." I soon put this statement to the test by connecting the second system's Ethernet cable to the transceiver box, which was connected to the master (first) system. Again, the system was turned on and several questions were answered, this time making the system a slave. After exchanging a flurry of data packets (as indicated by the status lights on the transceiver box), the second Sun386i announced its domain and system name, and the connection was completed. We managed to connect a Macintosh n running A/UX to the network only after we had set the Mac 11's internet address and domain name correctly and configured it as a yellow pages client. This, needless to say, took a number of attempts. Compared to the few minutes it took for the second Sun386i to connect itself automatically to the network, I'd have to say Sun's statement about ease of network installation is true.

I tried XyWrite III Plus, Lotus 1-2-3 version 2.01, dBASE III Plus 1.01, Designer 1.0, and a program compiled in QuickBASIC 4.0 in the DOS windows. All programs ran reliably. I had a problem when using the DOS window menu to switch to the CGA mode: Once in it, the window seemed to stop operating. The problem was traced to failing to issue a mode coBO command to switch to the emulated color monitor. Once this command was added to the AUTOEXEC.BAT file, I had no further problems.

Of course, how fast are these PC programs if they run as a process on a Unix workstation? To answer this question, I executed a .BAT file that ran the new BYTE benchmarks several times and recorded the results, which I then averaged by hand. I next ran the benchmark batch file simultaneously in two DOS windows, and then in three. (Bear in mind that this is a multitasking Unix system, so these numbers are only a measure of the

DOS emulation, and not an overall measurement of the workstation itself.) Although I had several SunOS windows open, these processes were idle.

With the system quiescent, one DOS window performs better than a Compaq 386/20 (see table 1). With two DOS windows, you're doing slightly worse than an IBM PS/2 Model 80. With three windows active, performance sags close to that of an IBM PC AT. SunOS doesn't limit the number of DOS windows you can open, but if you expect reasonable performance, you won't use many more than three DOS windows at a time.

Once, while running an AT program on the system, I got an "Unsupported 286 instruction" in the System Messages window, and the DOS window abruptly disappeared. All other processes and DOS windows running were unaffected. A call to Sun got an explanation. The 80386's built-in memory management hardware had trapped the illegal instruction and called the appropriate Unix routine, which then killed the process.

The DOS window's disappearing act was an example of hardware memory protection in action: that is, the ability of the system hardware to isolate a process running amok and leave the other processes intact. This is an important area that shouldn't be overlooked: Multitasking operating systems should not only run processes simultaneously, they should also protect the processes' integrity. Sun has done a good job of implementing this type of protection in SunOS.

Where does the Sun386i fit in the scheme of the microcomputer industry? As an MS-DOS system, it offers good processing power and can provide it as virtual PCs in several DOS windows. You also reap the benefits of a workstation: good graphics, multitasking, and a networking capability that allows you to share files or send mail messages without becoming mired in the intricacies of learning Unix. For those who use Unix, the complete set of standard BSD and System V utilities is included and can be used in the Commands window.

However, a workstation makes demands of its owner in exchange: You need someone with Unix experience to configure the system software and modify it to accept PC expansion boards, and manage the network as it grows. If you're willing to accept the demands of a microcomputer workstation, the Sun386i will deliver ease ofuse and performance. ■

Tom Thompson is a BYTE Senior Technical Editor at Large. He can be reached on BIX as "tom_thompson. "

106 BYTE' JULY 1988

Insist ona Sysgen 5 W drive for your PS/2.

Here's why:

A Sysgen™ Bridge-File™ gives a PS/2™ full access to your current data and software, with unparalleled 5'/4" disk drive performance and reliability You get: A larger capacity drive. Two modes — a 360Kb and a powerful 1.2 Mb — assure you comprehensive transfer cap abilities and convenience for total office needs. Others, like IBM®'s, offer only 360Kb. Proven reliability In fact, Sysgen is the choice of over 100,000 satisfied BridgeFile and tape back-up users. No slot loss. The Sysgen 5'A" drive adapter card doesn't take any additional slot space. IBM's does. Builtin flexibility of an external connector. You can add another Bridge-File drive or Sysgen's high-performance tape back-up system, Bridge-Tape?' (As a Bridge-File owner, you receive a total savings of $135 on Bridge-Tape!) What's more.

Sysgen's footprint is smaller. A full 50% smaller than IBM's. For the best PS/2 access to 5V4" disks, and the best value at only $325, insist on Sysgen Bridge-File.

Sysgen offers the only complete family of data transfer products: Including the VA" Bridge-File floppy disk drive, for transferring information from any PS/2 to any PC. And the Bridge-Tape subsystem that's

PC and PS/2 compatible, giving you total tape back-up and data transfer flexibility

Call for Sysgen literature or for the location of the Sysgen dealer nearest you.

INFO HOTLINE1-800-821-2151

SYSGEN

I NCOR PORATED

Circle 260 on Reader Service Card

Sysgen Incorporated, 556 Gibrallar Drive, Milpitas, CA 95035, (408) 263^(411. © Copyright Sysgen, Inc., 1988. Trademarks: PS/2 - IBM Corporation, Sysgen, Bridge-Tape, Bridge-File - Sysgen, Inc. Registered trademarks: IBM - IBM Corporation.

Unlimited!

un'lim'i'ted, a. [L. limitus]: The ability to expand your personal computer's storage capacity beyond your wildest imagination.

Up until now, the concept of unlimited PC storage capacity was about as practical as cramming all your office files into your briefcase. Storage capacity could only be stretched as far as the fixed capacity of your hard disk. Or to the limit of your patience for shuffling through stacks of floppies.

But imagine instead that you could insert and remove hard disks as easily as a VCR cassette—your PC's storage capacity would then be virtually limitless.

That's exactly the idea behind the Tandon Personal Data Pac, the world's first and

portable, Winchester hard disk. Just attach a lowcost Ad-PAC drive receptacle to your PC, and its powers of memory are totally transformed. You can choose from a of self-contained, portable Personal Data Pacs that can be inserted and removed as easy as a floppy. Now a whole business worth of software and data can fit neatly into your briefcase. Ready to go anywhere your business will take you.

And when you are done for the

number

day, your entire information base can be simply locked away where only you can get at it.

If you want to share your software and data with others, the landon Personal Data Pac offers you the cheapest and most reliable 'network" possible. Simply transfer what you need from one Pac to another, and turn a shared PC into a dedicated workstation, just for you.

If your travels with the Data Pac take you on a bumpy road, don't worry. Your software and files will be safe and secure inside the Pac's rugged housing. It can even take a trip in the mail or an occasional fall off your desk.

See your Tandon Dealer today or call us at 1-800-556-1234, ext. 171 (in California 1-800-441-2345, ext. 171) and learn the new definition for personal computing.

The possibilities are limitless.

Circle 264 on Reader Service Card (DEALERS: 265)

We're redefining

personal computing.

JULY 1988 'BYTE 109

^^^^^^^^^^^

Why buy a removable hard disk?

1. Data security - lock up all your files when you away from the office.

are

2. Better back up - skip the headache of tape devices - 3 times faster for backup & 1000 times faster to restore a file.

2). No down time - in the event ofdisk failure, you just snap in a new module (or your backup module) and you are on line in seconds!

4. Transportable - put a spare chassis in another machine and carry your data with you. We also offer a portable PC with a removable hard disk. Take your office hard disk with you on the road.

5. Archival - when you fill up your disk, you can lock it up and put another one in - no hassle! When you want to work with your archived disk, you're up and making changes in under a minute.

6. Fault-tolerant system - install two with our

"Mirror" software & never be down again, or use a TransPac to mu-ror your existing drive.

110 BYTE- JULY 1988

Removable Hard Disks

20 to 100MB

TransPac hard drives arc the first removable drives from 20 lo 100MB for IBM and compatible PC's, PS/ 2's and the Apple Macintosh.

The TransPacs can be used for data security - you can remove the drive and lock it up when leaving the office - or for backing up important data on an existing drive.

The 3 1/2" TransPac can be removed from its 5 1/4" chassis to provide you with a means of transferring data between PC's, AT's and PS/2's, or between Macintoshes.

The TransPac can mirror Uic computer's primary hard drive, providing a ready source of data in the event of a primary disk crash.

The shock-resistant TransPac drives are offered in capacities 20, 32, 45, 60, 80 and lOOM bytes, and feature access times between 19 and 35 milliseconds.

Industry-standard interfaces, such as ST506, MFM, RLL and SCSI are also offered as options for the drives.

ProStor's internal TransPac fits in standard 5 1/4" PC floppy drive slots. External units are available for PC's, PS/2's and Macintosh computers, enabling you to transfer data from one machine to another by simply inserting the disk cartridge into its case.

TransPac drives are Oie only removable media available that can be locked in the machine for security when you are away from your desk for a short period and don't want to remove and lock Uie drive in a file or safe.

ProStor, Inc.

55 IlawihomeSt. Suite 530 San Francisco, CA 94105

415.974.6462

Circle 214 on Reader Service Card

FIRST IMPRESSIONS RichMalloy

ffiM's OS/2 Extended Edition

This greatly enhanced version of OS/2 packs its own database manager and an array of communications interfaces

TBM's shipment of OS/2 last December was only the first in a series that will offer progressively more powerful systems. The first version, Standard Edition 1.0, features multitasking and superior memory management that lets you run several applications concurrently and switch back and forth between them at will.

This month, IBM will release the Extended Edition (EE) of OS/2, which includes all the features of the Standard Edition, plus support for communications and a database management program. At a retail price of $795, the EE may be one of the better values on the market. (Current owners of the Standard Edition can upgrade for $600.)

Unlike the Standard Edition, which is available from other computer manufacturers, the EE will probably be available only from IBM. Later this year, IBM will replace both editions of OS/2 with free upgrades that will include the Presentation Manager, a graphical user interface similar to Microsoft Windows (see figure 1).

Why include a communications manager and a database manager with an operating system? According to IBM's projections, approximately 75 percent of its PC users will be using both database and communications software on their PCs. In addition, many users will want to run both types of applications at the same time. The ultimate goal of the EE is to allow you to access several databases at several locations at the same time, and to

have the whole process appear as if you were browsing through a single database on your own hard disk. (Unfortunately, this feature—which IBM calls Remote Data Services—is only a "planned enhancement," meaning that the company will not make it available until some indeterminate date.)

In terms of code size, the EE is probably the most ambitious program to date for personal computers. It will be packaged on approximately 16 3'/2-inch disks, with each disk having a capacity of 1.44 megabytes. The system requires an OS/2-compatible PS/2 or AT with 3 megabytes of RAM, and if you load the whole package on a hard disk, it may completely consume a 20-megabyte hard disk drive. Thus, even IBM PS/2 Model 50 users may have to consider purchasing a larger hard disk drive, or implementing only part of the EE. An installation program included with the system will let you save disk space by installing only those parts of the operating system you need.

No doubt a large part of the EE's disk space is taken up by its help facilities. In addition to contextual help screens, the EE also has a feature that lets you place the cursor on a particular word and call up a help screen pertaining to it. It also has a tutorial program that, according to IBM, can be easily modified, depending on your particular configuration.

The new OS/2 will also be the first program to conform to IBM's new Systems Application Architecture (SAA). This is a standard set of interfaces for users and programmers, designed so that users can easily switch between different applications on different types of IBM hardware, and source-level programs can be easily ported to different types of IBM systems and communications facilities.

Communicating with Several Systems at Once

The Communications Manager of OS/2 provides support in three areas: asyn

chronous communications, which you could use to contact Dow Jones or BIX, or to connect with non-IBM host computers; support for the 3270-style terminals used by IBM's System/370 mainframes; and support for peer-to-peer communications using APPC (IBM's Advanced Program-to-Program Communications). APPC differs from the hierarchical structure of terminal-to-host communication in that it lets any machine communicate with any other machine on the network in an intelligent manner. Unfortunately, network support will not be available until version 1.1 of the EE becomes available in November.

The goal of the Communications Manager is to allow an OS/2 workstation to interact simultaneously with several other systems. With such a workstation you could check a number of things at once—for example, parts inventory on a mainframe database via a 3270 link, a customer database on another OS/2 system on a local network, and stock prices on a COM link to Dow Jones News Retrieval.

OS/2 Standard Version 1.0 provides good support for asynchronous communications via a device driver that supports up to three serial ports. The device driver operates with some high-level function calls that make it relatively easy to write a communications program.

In the EE, IBM provides such a program, an asynchronous communications program that can emulate a DEC VT-100 terminal or IBM's own 3101 terminal and that supports XMODEM file transfers. Unfortunately, this program can be used on only one of the asynchronous COM ports at a time.

Perhaps the most important value of the Communications Manager is its support of 3270-style communication with IBM System/370 mainframes. With the Communications Manager you may still need a coaxial 3270-style interface card (such as those provided by AST, DAC, or

continued

JULY 1988 -BYTE 111

OS/2 EXTENDED EDITION

IBM), but you will no longer need to purchase a 3270-emulation program from IBM. One advantage of the Communications Manager on a PS/2 system is that you can mix and match multiple 3270 and asynchronous adapters on the Micro Channel bus. Thus, the EE is perhaps the first program that can take real advantage of the Micro Channel architecture.

The local-area network support of the Communications Manager will, according to IBM, be part of the November release and will support calls to NETBIOS, IEEE 802.2, and IBM's APPC network functions. One notable omission here is support for Ethernet. IBM claims, however, that it may be relatively easy to write an Ethernet driver based on one of the other sets of functions.

SQL and a Query Manager

When IBM announced in April 1987 that the OS/2 EE would feature a built-in database manager with support for Structured Query Language (SQL), the ripples began to be felt almost immediately in the database world. The announcement has spurred a movement toward the use of SQL and, since the EE's database manager is just one part of a $795 bundle of software, it may initiate

an important downward movement in database prices as well.

The EE's database manager consists of an SQL-based relational database engine, called Data Services, and a frontend application for this engine called the Query Manager. The database engine can also be accessed by embedding SQL code into custom applications. Several companies are expected to modify existing database managers so that they can access this database engine. Until these front ends become available, users may choose to use IBM's Query Manager.

Like other SQL database engines, the EE database divides data into a series of relational tables, with rows (records) and columns (fields). You can construct a VIEW of a database by SELECTing various columns and JOINing tables. You have no knowledge of the physical layout of the data; you have access only to the logical layout.

According to IBM, the database engine is very compatible with the company's DB2 database, which runs under the VM operating system on IBM's 370 mainframes. IBM claims that the database will have about 92 percent to 93 percent of the capabilities of the mainframe system, though it will lack a small num

ber of features: the GRANT and REVOKE commands, which let network users see certain fields and not others; the UNION relational operator; a FORTRAN precompiler; and the ability to do date and time arithmetic.

Managing Catastrophes

One planned area of compatibility between the EE and the larger IBM databases is in transaction management. The goal of transaction management is to ensure that a transaction—a set of changes or additions to the database—is completed successfully even if a catastrophe (such as a power failure) occurs while the transaction is being processed.

This problem is handled by a pair of functions called COMMIT and ROLLBACK. All transactions are first written to a buffer. If the transactions are completed, they are written (or "committed") to the database files. But if a problem occurs before they are completed, the transactions are "rolled back" and executed over again.

The COMMIT and ROLLBACK functions are performed automatically, but a programmer can also have explicit control over them. You can set up a "unit of

continued

Extended Edition 1.1

$325*

$795*

Presentation Manager

LAN support

Standard Edition 1.1

Extended Edition 1.0 $795

Presentation Manager

Standard Edition 1.0 $325

Database manager

Communications manager

Multitasking Memory Management

Nov. 1988

Oct. 1988

July 1988

Dec. 1987 * Free upgrade for owners of version 1.0

Figure 1: The Extended Edition of OS/2 adds database and communications managers to the base operating system of the Standard Edition. Later this year, both editions will be upgraded to include the Presentation Manager, a Windows-like graphic user interface.

112 BYTE" JULY 1988

Fma%Aprograrnrnirig

tool for people who hate manual labor.

Nobody ever said programming PCs was supposed to be easy.

But does it have to be tedious and time-consuming, too?

Not any more.

Not since the arrival of the remarkable new progi'am you see here.

Which is designed to save you most of the time you're currently spending digging through the books and manuals on the shelf above.

A Guides reference summary screen (shown in blue) pops up on top of the program you 're working on (shown in green).

If s one of a quintet of pop-up reference packages, called the Norton On-Line Programmer's Guides, that search for information automatically—\n DOS or in OS/2 protected mode.

Each package comes complete with a comprehensive, crossreferenced database crammed with just about everything you need to know to write applications.

Everything from facts about language syntax to a variety of tables, including ASCII characters, line

drawing characters, error messages, memory usage maps, important data structures and more. How much more? Well, the Guides to BASIC, C and Pascal contain detailed listings of all built-in and library functions.

The Guide to BIOS/DOS/Assembly delivers a complete collection of DOS service calls, interrupts and ROM BIOS routines.

While the Guide to OS/2 API packs a handy DOS-to-OS/2 conversion table.

You can, of course, find most of this information in the books and manuals on our shelf. But Peter Norton —who's written quite a few books himself—figured you'd rather have it on your screen. Instantly.

In either full-screen or moveable half-screen mode.

Popping up right next to your work Right where you need it

This, you're probably thinking, is precisely the kind of thinking that produced the classic Norton Utilities.

And you're right

But even Peter Norton can't think of ever jrthing.

Circle 206 on Reader Service Card (DEALERS: 207)

IKMtl* Wl IW »><»• 1 lit- » S IM

, . laa,

Which is why each version of the Norton Guides comes equipped with a built-in compiler—the same compiler used to develop the databases contained in the Guides.

So you can create new databases of your own, complete with electronic indexing and cross-referencing.

No wonder PC WEEK refers to the Guides as "a set of programs that will delight programmers!'

Your dealer will be delighted to give you more information. All you have to do is call. Or call Peter Norton Computing. And ask for some guidance.

Summary data expands on command into extensive detail. And you can select from a wide variety of information.

COMPUTING

DfsiRncd for the IBM" PS/2 " and PC families, and 100% compatibles. Available at most software dealers, or direct from Peter Norton Computing, Inc, 2210 Wilshire Hlvd, It 186, Santa Monica, CA 9040.'i. 213-319-2000. Visa and MaslerCai'd welcomed 1988 Peter Norton Comimtmg.

Circle 92 on Reader Service Card

DADiSR..

Lab Data Analysis — No Assistants Required

Make Waves.

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make Sense.

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Over 150 functions for displaying and analyzing waveforms makes lab data analysis as easy as typing a name. Run external data acquisition software, or your own analysis programs; create new functions with DADiSP Macros; and, tallc to your instruments with DADiSP-488.

make a Call. (617) 577-1133

Order our $20 Interactive Demo Disk. Ask about DADiSP for IBM-PC/XT/AT, DEC MicroVAX, HP9000, Masscomp 5000, and Sun Workstations. For further information write DSP Development Corporation, One Kendall Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, (6l7) 577-1133

DSP

Development Corporation

OS/2 EXTENDED EDITION

work" in which, for example, one account is credited by some amount and some other account is debited. Here, again, if the unit of work is completed, you can COMMIT it; if not, you can ROLLBACK and do it over.

Another feature of the database engine important for transaction management is a Recovery Log. This log lists each new record and the record that was replaced. Also, the Recovery Log is written to disk before the database on the disk is updated. With the log, you can reconstruct the database or complete the updating of the database.

Sharing Performance Features

The data integrity features mentioned above do have a cost in terms of performance. To counter this, IBM has designed the database engine so that it will share some high-performance technology with its mainframe version. IBM claims that as new techniques are developed by the company's research staff, they will be implemented on all the company's database products, including the EE database engine.

One performance feature ported from the mainframe systems is high-concurrency index locking. Many multiuser databases, when they are accessing something, will lock a portion of the in

dex table to keep out conflicting accesses. For example, if you are using a particular set of records, the database engine locks part of the index table so others can't update those records or any other records in the immediate vicinity. IBM claims that it has come up with a new algorithm that locks not on the index but on the record that it points to. Thus, other users will get their data more quickly since they will get blocked only when they try to access that particular data.

The database engine will also use a query optimizer that decides the best way to access data. In most databases, you set up an index to make it easy to find particular data. But if you have set up several indexes, it may become difficult to decide which indexes to use. The query optimizer can analyze a particular query and choose which index to use, or whether to use an index at all.

According to IBM, the optimizer uses artificial-intelligence techniques to determine the best path to take. Though similar to that of the mainframe database engines, the query optimizer on the EE is more compact and makes greater use of heuristics, or educated guesses, to determine the best path. On mainframes, the queries will probably access larger databases and thus will benefit from a larger, more accurate optimization technique.

Actions Edit Specify Display Exit

Select Edit above to revise a query or

Tables: Division

Columns: Name Dept. Sales Region Job

Row conditions If Dept. ...

Row conditions

Comparison operators

Select a verb and a comparison; then press Enter.

Verb

. . . . > Is

■ Is not

Comparison

■ Less than...

■ Greater than.. .

■ Between...

■ Starting with. ..

■ Ending with...

■ Containing...

■ NULL...

Enter

Esc = Cancel F1=Help

Figure 2: The Extended Edition's Query Manager uses a Prompted Query interface that lets you build valid SQL queries. The left side of the screen shows the query terms already selected, while menus on the right list the possibilities for subsequent terms. Here, the condition "If Dept" could take the verbs "is" or "is not" and the comparison operators "equal to, " "less than, " and so on.

114 BYTE • JULY 1988

OS/2 EXTENDED EDITION

Reading 1-2-3 Files

In addition to its SQL capabilities, the database engine will also include a number of interesting utilities. The first of these is a utility for importing and exporting Lotus 1-2-3 files and delimited ASCn files. These file-import capabilities can be called from your own applications. Surprisingly, the database manager will not be able to import dBASE III files.

The system's BACKUP and RESTORE utilities let you do short, incremental backups, or restore the database to any prior condition.

Two other utilities let you optimize your data for more intensive applications. A RUNSTATS utility gives you statistics on how data has been accessed. It also updates the access plan to take into account new data that has been added. As a database grows, you may want to run this utility to make the access more efficient. A REORG utility lets you reorganize the data on your hard disk drive for more efficient access.

Writii^ Applications for the Database Engine

As mentioned earlier, programmers can access the capabilities of the database engine by embedding SQL commands in their code. Currendy IBM recommends using its C/2 compiler for this. Eventually IBM will also have available Pascal/2 and COBOL/2. In the meantime, programmers can write external SQL functions in C and call these from their favorite language.

Before compiling a program, you must first run it through a precompiler, which IBM provides free with the EE. The precompiler creates a modified source code file, leaving the C code alone but changing the SQL commands so that the compiler can understand them. The precompiler also places some information in a separate "bind file."

You then run the modified source code through the compiler, which creates an executable file. You provide the executable program to users along with the bind files. At installation, the user of the application must submit the bind file to the database engine, which then stores this information in its "catalogs" and creates an access plan for accessing the data.

The bind file may create some compatibility problems between one SQL database and another. The way one database does binding may be quite different from that of another. Thus, the source code may be similar for different systems but the bind files will be different. For

this reason, applications developers may find it difficult to support a large number of SQL databases.

The database engine supports two types of embedded SQL: static and dynamic. In static SQL commands, the table names are spelled out explicitly in the SQL commands. In dynamic commands, the table names are represented in the commands by variables, the meanings of which can change at run time. Dynamic SQL is a little slower, since the engine cannot prepare an access plan beforehand but has to do so on the spot. The engine does, however, have a PRE

w ith the

Extended Edition of OS/2, IBM has recognized that an operating system should he more than just a file handler.

PARE command that prepares an access plan once and saves it so that the application can reuse it several times.

Managing More Than Queries

The Query Manager, despite its name, is essentially a complete database systemit can create reports, procedures, menus, and panels (forms) for data entry, as well as manage queries. IBM apparently chose to call it the Query Manager to be consistent with QMF (Query Management Facility), which runs on large mainframe systems.

Since the Presentation Manager is not available yet, the OS/2 EE uses a textbased version of the interface called the Dialog Manager. The Dialog Manager conforms to the Common User Access (CUA) protocol of the SAA (including windows, pull-down menus, mouse support, and so on), but it does not use graphics. When the Presentation Manager becomes available, IBM will port the EE over to it.

The Query Manager has an additional interesting user interface called the Prompted Query interface. This interface, which uses the features of the Dia

log Manager, lets you build an SQL query term by term, by selecting the next term from a list of possible valid terms (see figure 2).

Once a query is complete, you can look at the result of the query, further modify the query, or save it for later use. For very complex queries with treeshaped or subquery elements, you may have to use SQL direcdy. However, most users can accomplish what they want with just the Prompted Query interface.

For data entry, you can set up forms, which IBM calls panels. Behind a panel there may be up to 11 tables. You can have two different tables available for update, and up to nine tables available for looking up data.

The Query Manager can also be automated by creating procedures. Procedures are essentially Query Manager commands and some conditional logic compatible with REXX, IBM's SAA procedural language. The language has variables and lets you do such things as creating your own menus that conform to the Dialog Manager standards, and even designing custom help screens.

A New Standard?

The OS/2 EE is a large, extensive package of software. It has a fairly reasonable price and a lot of functionality, including a large number of capabilities that will be especially handy for IBM's large corporate customers who need to interconnect with IBM mainframes. Indeed, largevolume purchasers will be able to pick up licenses for the package for $417, just $214 more than what they would spend for the Standard Edition alone.

The question is, how appropriate will this impressive collection of software be for single users and small network groups? It may simply be too big for many users, who may balk at having to get additional memory and a larger hard disk drive in order to use it.

Nevertheless, the EE is a very important move by IBM. It is a recognition of the fact that an operating system should be more than just a file handler, and that various types of computers should have greater connectivity between them. IBM does not have an exceptionally good track record at selling application software in the volatile personal computer market. But even if the EE does not sell well in the short term, it will probably—if nothing else—establish a standard for a large number of related products. ■

Rich Malloy is an associate managing editor at BYTE. He can be contacted on BIX as "rmalloy. "

JULY 1988 -BYTE 115

TIOOO

80C88

4.77MHz

720KB

(I

T1200F 80C86 9.54MHz 720KB(x2)

80C86 9.54MHz 720KB 20MB HDD

It l|

Obvbusk"V\fe Believe Iq

When it comes to portable PCs, we think that numbers should speak for themselves.

Perhaps that's why we have the largest number of high-powered, highly-portable PCs on the market today. All of which are IBMcompatible. All of which have industrystandard 3V2"disk drives, full function keyboards and a vast array of built-in ports. AH squeezed into packages as easy to carry as a briefcase.

The TIOOO, for example, weighs a mere 6.4 pounds, yet boasts MS-DOS^ in ROM, a 720KB 31/2" disk drive and an optional 768KB memory card which can be configured as

EMS memory or a battery-backed RAM disk.

OurT1200H, on the other hand, has the distinction of packing a 20MB hard disk, a backlit screen and 1MB of RAM into a tidy 11-pound package. We also make an economical dual floppy disk version known as theT1200F that weighs just under 10 pounds.

And tharJcs to rechargeable battery power, all three are ready to work wherever you go.

For even more computing power, the T3100/20

is one of the smallest i^^Jql iw^ 'f^—^.^! PCs with an 80286

116 BYTE- JULY 1988

T3100/20 80286 8MHz 720KB 20MB HDD

T3200 80286 12MHz 720KB 40MB HDD

T5100 80386 16MHz 1.44MB 40 MB HDD

Stoigth InNumbers.

microprocessor and an easy-to-read gas plasma display. It gives you a wealth of power and a 20MB hard disk in a trim 15-pound package.

Our T3200 goes even further, with two IBMcompatible internal expansion slots, a 40MB hard disk, an EGA plasma display system and up to 4MB of memory Still, it only weighs a scant 19 pounds.

Finally theres our powerful T5100, which at less than 15 pounds has all the best features of our other portables, plus an 80386 microprocessor for unmatched versatility and speed. And for a limited time, your T5100 purchase entitles you to buy Paradox 386,® Borland's

powerful database software for only $299 (which is nearly $600 off the retail price).

And to all those numbers, wed like to add one more: 1-800-457-7777 With it, you can find out even more about Toshiba^ full line of computers and printers.

In fact, it's one call that ought to be your number one priority

All Toshiba PCs are backed by the Exceptional Care program (no-cost enrollment required). IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corp. MSDOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. Paradox is a registered trademark of Borland Corp.

In Touch with Tomorrow

TOSHIBA

Tijshiba America Inc., Information Systems Division

JULY 1988 'BYTE 117

Product Focus ■ Hard Disk Drives

^ Fast Drives for

Modern Times

BYTE selects the top performers from a group of high-speed 40-megabyte hard disk drives

Stan Miastkowski

Hard disk drive performance is second only to system clock speed in affecting the overall performance of your computer. The 10-megabyte hard disk drive with an access time of 85 milliseconds (ms) that did so much for an IBM PC XT—and even the 30-megabyte, 40-ms hard disk drive for an IBM PC AT—seem slow and limited when attached to one of today's high-speed 80286- or 80386based computers.

As spreadsheets, databases, desktop publishing documents, and engineering drawings grow in complexity and size, many microcomputer users are choosing 40-megabyte hard disk drives as standard equipment in their new computers. Aggressive pricing strategies and ready availability from computer dealers and mail-order houses have also made 40megabyte drives the first upgrade choice for users trying to improve the performance of their existing systems.

I looked at a group of fast-access hard disk drives, almost all with claimed access times of 28 ms or less and with capacities of approximately 40 megabytes. It is clear that today's buyer has a wide variety of prices, sizes, speeds, and technologies to choose from.

The group that I looked at ranged in price from the $370 Seagate ST251-1 to

the $2592 Core AT40F. I worked through full-height 5 'i-inch drives, halfheight 5 U-inch drives, half-height Vhinch drives, and hard disk drive cards. While none of these drives are slow, the benchmark results show definite differences in their speeds. The drives I looked at use three distinctly different interfaces: small computer system interface (SCSI), used by the Tandy and Columbia Data Products drives; enhanced small device interface (ESDI), used by the Core AT40F; and the standard ST506, used by the rest of the drives. (For a closer look at SCSI and ESDI, turn to "The Importance of Being Intelligent" on page 120.)

Differences and Similarities

When I started this review, I thought one of the biggest potential problems would be how to differentiate this many drives with specifications that were, at least on paper, quite similar. The drives are indeed similar in size and general performance, but price, ease of installation, and the specifics of performance made it easy to distinguish them from one another. Documentation, cables and other accessories included, and software included also served as distinguishing characteristics.

All the drives I tested came configured for internal mounting. Some of them came to me from the manufacturer; others came from an OEM, like Tandy or Columbia, that made significant additions to the basic drive.

Many of these drives are available from other OEMs and distributors, in a variety of interface, mounting, and software combinations. The broad variety of sources and the widespread presence of discount mail-order vendors mean that prices may vary drastically, depending on your source of supply.

I judged the drives using a combination of objective and subjective measurements. For the objective tests, I used the hard disk drive benchmark programs

from the new BYTE benchmark suite. As these tests show, access time is only one factor in determining a drive's performance, and it's not the measure you should rely on. (For details on these tests, see "Putting the Drives through Their Paces" on page 121.) I made subjective calls on ease of installation and setup, the quality of construction, and how cool and quiet the drive ran.

Since SCSI and ESDI have been getting much attention recently, I was a bit surprised to find that most of the drives I tested still use standard ST506-interface controllers, like Western Digital's venerable 16-bit hard/floppy disk drive controller used in the IBM PC AT.

Developed originally by Seagate Technology, the ST506 interface is one of the uncommon instances in the computer industry where a standard quickly caught on. The interface uses a 3-bit head-select code that allows up to eight heads to be used. When the interface was first developed, many drives used two platters and three heads.

So how do today's ST506-interface drives pack so much data into so littie space and access it so fast while maintaining industry standards? The basic answer is to use more platters and more heads.

In addition, the old-style stepperbased head positioning has been largely replaced by the much more efficient voice-coil technology. A stepper does just what its name implies—steps incrementally from track to track on the disk. A voice-coil head positioner moves smoothly and directly to the track where the data you want is located, without having to stop at each and every track on its way. This is largely the reason for access speeds up to 3 times faster than on stepper-based systems.

Speaking of Standards

Most of the controllers for these drives use modified-frequency-modulation

continued

118 BYTE- JULY 1988

PHOTOGRAPHY: PAUL AVIS © 1988

JULY 1988 -BYTE 119

PRODUCT FOCUS HARD DISK DRIVES

The Importance of Being Intelligent

In the group of drives reviewed for this article, three have moved beyond the basic ST506 interface. The two interfaces that are being used with more and more frequency are SCSI and ESDI. These devices are similar in their use of more powerful logic in their control circuits, but they differ in their approach and capabilities.

SCSI is a microcomputer-oriented serial interface that was proposed as a standard in 1982. It first came to the attention of many computer users when Apple included it as a standard interface on the Macintosh Plus. SCSI offers four main advantages to system designers.

First, SCSI devices can be "chained" together, so that a single bus controller can work with multiple devices of different types. SCSI allows those devices not in current use to go "off-line," so that their mere presence on the bus does not degrade system performance.

Second, the SCSI design allows the individual device controller to be integrated into the device itself, saving money in the design and fabrication processes that, theoretically, can be passed on to buyers. This advantage is already available in Macs that have built-in

SCSI ports; on the MS-DOS side, the Sun 386i, a new Unix/DOS system, has a built-in SCSI port.

Third, SCSI hides the physical layout of the devices from the programmer or user, making them deal only with a standard logical device. In theory, this assures more compatibility between devices, since it is much more difficult for any single device to "break the rules."

Finally, SCSI is fast, with a top speed of 1.5 megabits per second (mbps) in asynchronous modes and up to 4 mbps in synchronous handshaking mode.

ESDI is a low-level serial interface that was initially designed for and used in minicomputer installations. It is similar to SCSI in its level of intelligence, but it differs from SCSI in two important respects, flexibility and speed. Where SCSI was designed from the start as a generalized interface, ESDI has been confined much more to implementation as a disk interface. More important to most users, ESDI has a higher potential speed, up to 24 mbps. Unfortunately, a product with a data transfer rate of 24 mbps is unlikely, given system overhead and the limitations of current microcomputer buses.

(MFM) coding, which uses magnetic flux-field reversals to store data. It's much like FM radio, except the music doesn't change. MFM is a proven technology, prompting most manufacturers to recommend it for their drives. There's a plus for your wallet, too, since you don't need to buy a new controller when you upgrade your drive.

Run-length-limited (RLL) coding is becoming more common, especially for 3'/2-inch hard disk drives, because it stores more data in a given physical space than MFM coding does. RLL is more correctly called "2,7 RLL encoding," because it uses an algorithm that encodes each byte into new code that's 16 bits long and has from two to seven zeros between each magnetic fluctuation.

The strange thing about RLL is that although it increases the number of bits it takes to store data, the longer RLL bit pattern doesn't need as much space as the shorter MFM pattern. However, RLL requires a very consistent, high-quality medium to handle the higher density of

information. Because of the greater demands of quality placed on the medium, reliability problems crop up with some RLL controller/drive combinations.

Installation: A Trying Experience

If you buy one of the drives reviewed here, you'll find that, unfortunately, the era of the "plug in and play" hard disk drive has not yet arrived. The problem starts when trying to deal with a hard disk drive, a controller, a computer, and setup/installation software. When any component does not recognize the type of any other one, problems quickly begin to mount.

I used an 8-MHz IBM PC AT to test these drives, and the biggest problem came with the requirement of the AT's CMOS memory to "know" what type of hard disk drive was connected. With both ATs and the niunerous available clones, you're required to enter a number that corresponds to the type of drive installed. If you don't enter the right number, the hard disk drive just won't work. If the

drive's installation documentation doesn't tell you what drive type to enter, you'll need to determine what it is. Trial and error isn't a recommended method for figuring out drive types, but solutions do exist.

I used two formatting and partitioning programs: Storage Dimensions' SpeedStor and Ontrack Computer Systems' Disk Manager, both of which can determine the drive type. Both can also do low-level formatting, media analysis, and partitioning of hard disk drives. Partitioning is important, since DOS can handle a maximum of only 32 megabytes in each partition.

I used SpeedStor for the majority of drives and Disk Manager for the MiniScribe 3053 and the Toshiba MK-54FB. Both Core drives and the Plus Hardcard 40 came with their own custom installation software.

Focusing In

Because the drives differed in the installation and setup procedures, testing them turned out to be a most time-consuming process. Overall, I found that manufacturers have settled on a number of ways to make the performance and features of an individual drive stand out—an important feat for a product that many people consider a commodity item. For a side-byside comparison of benchmark results and features, see tables 1 and 2.

Standard ST506 Drives

The drives in this section did not come with their own controllers. As a group, they tended to cluster in the middle of the performance results. I tested them with the 16-bit Western Digital ST506 combination hard/f loppy disk drive controller present in my IBM PC AT.

CMSF40-K: This full-height 5 W-inch drive carries a suggested retail price of $995 and a hefty weight of 10 pounds. The 42-megabyte unit ran quietly and kept its cool. Its performance was unexceptional, with a 1-megabyte file read time that ranked next to the bottom of the standard drives and other results that were squarely in the middle of the pack.

CMS rates this drive as a 22-ms-access device. According to the Coretest, however, the average seek time is 29.2 ms. The F40-K comes with a 40-page installation manual and does not include software. Since the documentation included the drive type to enter for the setup program, installation and setup were straightforward.

Control Data Wren II: The Wren U, with 42 megabytes, is Control Data Corp.'s latest incarnation of a well-re

120 BYTE- JULY 1988

PRODUCT FOCUS HARD DISK DRIVES

spected drive that has earned a reputation for being unusually rugged. It's a halfheight 5',4-inch drive. Although CDC doesn't sell directly to end users, the company estimates it will cost you in the vicinity of $900, a relatively steep price for a half-height drive.

But this drive exudes quality. The 3.8pound unit has a solid, hefty feel, and you hardly know it's running. CDC has built high-capacity drives for large computers for years, so it's a safe bet that this drive would be particularly well suited to full-time, heavy-duty use. When you turn it off, there's a satisfying clunk as the heads are automatically parked.

The Wren II has a rated average access speed of 28 ms, but I found that it actually showed a better speed, 23.6 ras. In the BYTE benchmarks, the drive showed up in the middle of the ST506 pack on nearly every test. In all, a solid, middleof-the-road performance.

The drive I reviewed came with two manuals. A 16-page OEM manual is well written but is designed for experienced users. If you're into the technical nittygritty, a 63-page technical specification will tell you everything you ever wanted to know and more about the inner workings of the drive.

continued

Table 1: The benchmark results show that the Northgate Turbo kit tops the list, followed by the SCSI and ESDI drives. The three hard disk drive cards were the slowest performers. (All times are in seconds, except where noted.)

Hard disk drive

Hard seek average)

DOS seek and read

File I/O

1-megabyte file

Coretest (ms)

1 sector

8 sectors

Total seek

Read 1K byte

Write 1Kbyte

Write

Read

Average seek

Average trk/trk seek

Northgate Turbo kit

16.6325

12.72

26.42

0.33

0.02

0.019

4.74

3.77

36.47

15.63

Columbia SCSI drive

N/A

N/A

N/A

0.28

0.015

0.018

5.9

4.32

.19

6

Core AT40F

4.545

8.35

12.8

0.36

0.014

0.014

4.25

4.48

10.43

2.27

Tandy SCSI drive

N/A

N/A

N/A

0.18

0.016

0.019

5.6

4.65

28

6

Core AT43

7.485

10.61

20.09

0.24

0.017

0.016

5.64

5.55

20.08

4.08

Priam ID45-AT-D2

6.64

9.7

25.75

0.09

0.018

0.016

7.41

6.81

19.88

3.89

Toshiba IUIK-54FB

7.03

9.96

24.21

0.58

0,015

0.03

16.5

7.74

25.7

4.6

Fujitsu M2242AS2

9.8875

10.66

24.11

0.44

0.016

0.029

16.51

7.76

37.8

5.1

Rodlme RO 3055

7.4575

10.67

26.97

0.35

0.016

0.018

8.26

7.78

21.86

6

Seagate ST251-1

7.8425

10.31

26.89

0.59

0.017

0.03

16.74

7.84

N/A

N/A

Control Data Wren II

7.0175

10.65

26.97

0.48

0.016

0.029

16.7

7,87

23.6

4.1

Micropolis 1333A

7.4575

10.54

26.95

0.45

0.016

0.03

16.73

7.87

27,83

5

MiniScribe 3053

7.1775

10.56

26.89

0.4

0.016

0.03

16.83

7.87

29,5

5.4

CMS F40-K

7.4375

10.59

26.86

0.24

0.016

0.029

16.66

7.88

29.2

4.7

Microscience HH-1050

8.2625

10.58

26.78

0.44

0.016

0.03

16.62

7.89

26.5

4

Plus Hardcard 40

10.24

12.39

52

0.14

0.025

0.031

17.21

13.77

39.5

6,88

CompuAdd FlashCard 49

6.9725

10.2

81.34

0.29

0.047

0.045

36.45

36,29

27

7.61

SPC Scorecard 44

8.3125

10.8

81.22

0.31

0.045

0.043

36.58

37.89

24.07

4.77

Putting the Drives through Their Paces

BYTE recently unveiled a new suite of total system benchmarks that includes a set of programs to evaluate hard disk drive performance. I used these benchmarks, along with the Coretest, to evaluate the drives for this review. (For more information on the complete suite, see "Introducing the New BYTE Benchmarks" on page 239 of the June BYTE.)

Here is a brief look at the tests and what they are designed to measure.

Hard seek: This makes direct calls to the BIOS to directly manipulate the position of the read/write heads of the drive. This test measures the average track-to-track seek time of the hard disk drive, without adding operating-system interaction. A drawback of this test is its inability to give meaningful results on SCSI drives.

DOS seek and read: This test measures the time required by the hard disk drive to seek to a given location and read

1 or 8 sectors of data. It uses the operating system's most basic level of disk-access functions.

File I/O: File I/O is a reworked version of a longtime BYTE benchmark. This test uses the full file structure support of the operating system to measure the time required by the hard disk drive to seek, write, and read while under the control of the operating system.

I-megabyte file write and read: These are straightforward tests of the time required to first write, then read, a 1megabyte file. Because I believe these tests offer closer approximations of realworld use than do the others, they were given a predominant position in determining overall performance winners and losers.

Coretest: This test, developed and distributed by Core International, was used to verify average access-time ratings as supplied by the manufacturers of the various drives.

JULY 1988 'BYTE 121

PRODUCT FOCUS HARD DISK DRIVES

Table 2: Features and prices vary widely, even among supposedly similar disks.

Hard disk drive

Suggested Formatted Form list price capacity factor (megabytes)

Cylinders Heads Platters Interface

CMS F40-K $995

Columbia SCSI drive $995

CompuAdd FlashCard 49 $549

Control Data Wren 11 $900

CoreAT40F $2156

Core AT43 $876

Fujitsu M2242AS2 $1000

Micropolls1333A $799

MicroscienceHH-1050 $750

IMIniScribe 3053 $550

Northgate Turbo Idt $695

Plus Hardcard 40 $995

Priam ID45-AT-D2 $1050

Rodime RO 3055 $1395

Seagate ST251-1 $370

SPC Scorecard 44 $795

Tandy SCSI drive $1799

Toshiba MK-54FB $1190

N/A—Information not available

42 Full-height, 51/4 inches 1024

42 Half-height, 3Vz inches 834

49 Plug-in, iy2-slol card 615

42 Half-height, 5V4 inches 989

40.4 Full-height, 51/4 inches 564 4

43 Half-height, 5V4 inches 988 5

43.2 Full-height, 51/4 inches 754 7

44 Full-height, 5V4 inches 1024 5

44.56 Half-height, 51/4 inches 1024 5

44 Half-height, 51/4 inches 1024 6

42 Half-height, 51/4 inches 809 6

42.26 Plug-in, single-slot card 612 4

42 Full-height, 51/4 inches 1166 5

45.5 Half-height, 31/2 inches 872 7 42.8 Half-height, 51/4 inches 820 6

44 Plug-in, 1V2-slot card 753 7

80 Half-height, 5V4 inches 823 6

49.2 Full-height, 51/4 inches 830 7

3 ST506

2 SCSI

3 ST506 3 ST506

N/A ESDI

3 ST506

4 ST506 3 ST506

3 ST506

3 ST506

3 ST506

2 ST506

3 ST506

4 ST506

3 ST506

4 ST506

3 SCSI

4 ST506

Core AT43: The AT43 is a half-height 5 '4-inch drive with a fast average access time of about 20 ms. It sells for $876 (plus $436 for the optional controller), but it was the fastest standard ST506 drive I tested. It's built like that proverbial tank and remains cool even after hours of hard running.

Even though the AT43 is shipped with extensive setup software and manuals, installation is on the difficult side and time-consuming. Successful installation of the drive was dependent on one key step that was not spelled out: It's vital that you run the AT's setup program before beginning Core's setup. You should

also be prepared to get a floppy disk error at every boot-up for the life of the machine if you also use its controller to control the floppy disks in your system. You can still use the floppy disks with safety, but the computer will have trouble during the post portion of booting. Fujitsu M2242AS2: This full-height

122 BYTE- JULY 1988

PRODUCT FOCUS HARD DISK DRIVES

Recording Head Average power Weight Controiler Software Documentatiori

code positioning consumption (pounds) inciuded/ included

recommended

MFM Voice coil 0.9 A

RLL Stepper motor 22.45 W

RLL

MFM

MFM

MFM

MFM MFM

MFM

MFM RLL

Voice coil

Voice coil

Voice coil

Voice coil

Voice coil Voice coil

Voice coil

Voice coil Voice coil

N/A

20 W

33 W

1.5 A

29.6 W 2A

N/A

N/A N/A

10 CMS recommended

1.9 Western Digital 7000-ASC

controller included

1.6 Controller included

on card

3.8 CD-506 recommended

7.3 Core CNTHCF controller

($436) recommended

3.8 Core CNTHCF controller

($436) recommended

6.6 None

6 None

4.2 Adaptec, Data Technology, SCI, Western Digital, or Xebec recommended

4.1 None

3 Adaptec ACB-2372 RLL

controller included

None 40-page installation

manual

Installation 50-page controller, software 149-page disk drive, and 30-page owner's manuals

PC-FullBak 35-page installation, 30-page controller, and 17-page drive manuals

None 16-page manual and

63-page technical specification

Partitioning 47-page disk drive, software 24-page controller, and 59-page software manuals

Partitioning 47-page disk drive, software 24-page controller, and 59-page software manuals

None 194-page technical

specification

None 31-page installation

guide and 30-page technical specification

None 31 -page documentation

Disk 34-page documentation Manager

Benchmark 37-page documentation software

RLL MFM MFM MFM

MFM

RLL MFM

Voice coil Voice coil Voice coil Stepper motor

Voice coil

Stepper motor Voice coil

0.48 A 35 W 0.8 A 12W

10W

24 W N/A

N/A Controller included

on card

6 None

1.65 Any capable of controlling 872 cylinders with a step rate of 5 /is to 15 ms

2.75 Any MFM,

5.0 Mbit/sec recommended

1.8 Controller included

on card

3.5 Adaptec AHA-1540 ($299)

6.6 None

Partition and install, software

Installation software

None

Disk Manager

SpeedStor, SpeedCache

None

None

74-page manual

41-page installation guide and 132-page user's manual

29-page documentation

13-page installation guide

6-page manual

13-page manual

47-page installation guide and 15-page manual

5 W-inch drive—with four platters and seven heads—ranked in the top half of all the drives in overall performance. Despite results that rank it near the bottom of the ST506 group in most of the benchmark tests, it ends up in the middle of the pack because of a relatively strong showing in the 1-megabyte file read and write.

A slow average access time is one of the reasons for its average showing; while Fujitsu rates the drive as a 30-msaccess device, the Coretest gave it a 37.8ms score—the second slowest among all drives tested. One thing it has going for it is that it runs cool, making it a particularly good choice for a cramped installa

tion or an environment that isn't always comfort-controlled.

One area where the M2242AS2 falls short is its documentation. With a 194page technical specification—the biggest manual of any of the drives I tested— you'd think you have it made. But the

continued

JULY 1988 -BYTE 123

PRODUCT FOCUS HARD DISK DRIVES

manual is long on technical information and short on practical information.

Because no end-user-oriented material is found in the documentation, the drive was relatively hard to install. After much puzzling, I finally had to call Fujitsu's customer service to find out how to set a jumper for DS2 (Disk Select). It was easy to do—once I knew where the jumper was; it wasn't marked either on the drive or in the manual. This type of problem just shouldn't happen in a $1000 product of this complexity.

Micropolis 1333A: Another fullheight 5 W-inch drive, the 1333A, with a price of $799, is 20 percent less expensive than comparable full-height drives. This 44-megabyte drive is not one of the hotter performers in the group, ranking in the bottom half of the results in every test. With a rated average access time of 28 ms versus a Coretest average access time of 27.83 ms, this was one of the few drives where my results were almost identical to the manufacturer's specs.

After wrestling through the documentation and installation procedures of some of the other drives, the clearly written, well-illustrated installation manual that accompanied this drive made it a joy to install. The 31-page manual is one of the best examples of sparse yet useful technical communications I've ever seen.

Microscience HH-1050: This halfheight 5 W-inch drive packs 44.56 megabytes of storage into its three platters and five heads. Unfortunately, Microscience wasn't able to pack top performance into the $750 unit, which ended up resting at the bottom of the standard ST506 benchmark results. The ranking is based on the device's lackluster performance in the 1megabyte file read and write.

Other tests place the HH-1050 in the middle of the speed curve, but it is the slowest drive in this group on the important 1-megabyte read test. Access time isn't to blame for the problem, since my

26.5-ms average access time Coretest results were even better than the 28-ms rating from the factory.

Like many of the drives here, it came with a very technical manual. But I didn't really need it. There were no surprises or special case instructions needed to install this drive in the AT, so it was easy to install. Its vaned outer case is effective in keeping it cool.

MiniScribe 3053: MiniScribe is another well-respected drive maker whose reputation shows in the sheer number of drives the company has sold. At $550, this half-height 5'4-inch drive is one of the lowest-priced drives I looked at. It's a solid, though not spectacular, performer, with a showing in the bottom half of the results. Its Coretest result, a 29.5-ms average access time, didn't live up to the 25-ms time stated by MiniScribe.

The 3053 was easy to install because it came with a custom version of Disk Manager. I didn't even need the 34-page manual, which was full of technical detail.

A unique feature of the 3053 among the drives I tested is that it has internal diagnostics that flash 32 different error codes when something goes wrong. Telling the service folks that the drive light is flashing "long short long long" is considerably more effective than saying "my drive doesn't work."

This drive shares one unfortunate trait with other MiniScribe units: It gets quite warm after several hours of use. While heat is a frequent problem with 3'/2-inch drives, most 5!4-inch drives get only slightiy warm. Not the 3053, although I can't say whether this has any long-term implications for the drive's reliability. One thing is certain—you should use it only in a well-ventilated case.

Priam ID45-AT-D2: Unlike most of the other drives I tested, this full-height 514-inch drive is designed for end-user installation. At $1050, it's on the high side of the pricing scale, but it is one of

the fastest standard ST506 drives I tested, with an average seek time for the Coretest that comes in below 20 ms. This drive has no thermal problems and is barely warm to the touch after extended operation.

Installing the 42-megabyte drive isn't a problem, but it is a time-consuming task. You're warned not to do a low-level format of the drive, since you'll destroy special format data that's already on the drive. Installation software is included, and you need to prepare an installation disk with MS-DOS on it. Still, the 41page installation guide takes you quickly and easily through the installation process.

Last but not least, a particularly nice touch is a 132-page user's manual that covers all the technical bases not contained in the installation manual. Need instructions on installing the ID45AT-D2 in a Novell Network or under Xenix? You'll find it here.

Rodime RO 3055: This is a quirky little half-height 31/2-inch drive that, at $1395, is quite expensive. The expense may come because of its rated capacity of 45.5 megabytes, using four platters and seven heads packed into a tiny package. But there's a problem: I couldn't format it as a 45.5-megabyte drive because AT setup. Disk Manager, and SpeedStor didn't contain a setup for a drive this large.

I contacted the company and found that Rodime has software for formatting the drive to its full capacity, but none was available in time for this review. It was suggested that I either partition the disk into two logical drives, one of 32 megabytes and one of 13.5 megabytes, or use formatting software from Golden Bow to try and establish a single large partition.

So I formatted it, using type 11 in the AT setup, as a 35-megabyte drive. The 29-page manual that came with it was nicely designed but essentially useless. Between the problems of trying to take

124 BYTE- JULY 1988

PRODUCT FOCUS HARD DISK DRIVES

Priam ID45-AT-D2

Tandy SCSI drive

Columbia SCSI drive

I

m

advantage of the drive's full capacity and a manual that contains no information on end-user installation, this one was a real pain to install. And to top it all off, it ran hot to the touch (116 °F) after only a few hours.

Seagate ST251-1: Venerable old Seagate is the drive company that almost everybody knows, and one of its latest drives is the half-height 5'4-inch ST25I1. It's a solid, though not spectacular, performer that consistently turned in results that placed it in the middle of the overall grouping. The stated average access time of 28 ms is also a solid speed in the middle of the pack. The drive runs a bit warm, though not uncomfortably so, and it makes strange raspy noises on power-down. The saving grace of all this is its price, $370, which makes it the least expensive drive in this review.

The ST251-1 comes with Disk Manager, a data cable, and a faceplate. It isn't difficult to install. If you need help, though, you're not going to find it in the 13-page "universal installation" manual that's packed with the drive.

Toshiba MK-54FB: A full-height 5 Vainch drive, the $1190 MK-54FB has good performance and a large capacity of 49.2 megabytes. The unit I tested was quite noisy on reads and writes, but that's common on some drives and doesn't seem to be detrimental.

The MK-54FB was one of the fastest drives I tested, coming in as the thirdbest performer among standard ST506 drives. The rated access speed of 25 ms was corroborated by the Coretest. While the price of this unit is high, the performance is also high, and it may be enough of a factor for those users who need very good performance to spend the extra money.

Toshiba recommends Disk Manager for installation but doesn't supply it. The OEM manual shipped with the drive was written for technicians, not end users,

aiiiiilii

ifflOiilii

but there were no surprises or particular problems in installation, so I wasn't forced to plumb the depths of the manual too often.

Dedicated-Controller Drives

The drives in this category share one important feature: They come from the vendor with a controller specially designed to work optimally with the drive. This category includes drives that win on performance and lose on convenience, like the Core AT40F and the two SCSI drives.

The difference between the drives in this category and those listed above is like the difference between a tailored suit and one you get off the rack: The dedicated-controller drives, like the tailored suit, will certainly fit better when your needs are special. But the price you pay, either in money or performance, will almost certainly be higher than for off-therack standards. The exception to this is the Northgate kit, which turns in top performance for an excellent price.

Core AT40F: Core's drives have a reputation of being "Cadillac" drives, and the full-height 5'4-inch AT40F fits into that category. If you have the need for a very fast hard disk drive, there's little to compare with this one, a 40.4-megabyte drive with a wallet-clearing price of $2156 (plus $436 for the optional controller).

Why is it so expensive? For one thing, it comes with its own ESDI card for the IBM PC AT and compatibles. The fulllength 16-bit board replaces your current disk controllers. It also offers incredible speed. The benchmarks for the AT40F were, across the board, among the fastest of any drive I tested. We're talking average seek times in the vicinity of 10 ms.

Like its non-ESDI AT43 cousin, the AT40F is obviously designed for heavy full-time use; and if you're going to pay $2592 for a hard disk drive and controller, that's the type of use you'll be putting

it to. It comes with extensive setup software and three manuals, and the complex setup procedure makes it difficult and time-consuming to install. However, the results are worth it.

Columbia SCSI drive: This drive uses the Western Digital 7000-ASC Host Bus Adapter (which has its own Z80 processor) and the Quantum half-height SViinch drive, giving it a capacity of 42 megabytes. It is faster than the Tandy SCSI drive and has documentation and installation software designed for end users. Unlike Tandy's policy for its drive, Columbia ships a friendly setup program and an easy-to-follow setup manual.

This ranked as the second-fastest drive in the review, with a Coretest-established average access time of 19 ms and consistently fast results in the BYTE benchmarks. Its $995 price tag isn't cheap, but if they follow the trends established by other small computer equipment, SCSI prices will be coming down.

But there's more. Columbia includes extensive technical documentation on the interface and the drive itself. You don't have to read it; but if you're technically inclined, it's an excellent look at how SCSI and ATs manage to fit together.

As I was writing this review. Western Digital announced that it will sell its controller, the 7000-FASST, directly to end users. For a suggested list price of $485, you get the board alone; for $495, you get a kit that includes the board, software, manual, and cable.

Northgate Turbo kit: This is an Adaptec ACB-2372 RLL controller coupled with a MiniScribe 3650R drive. The $695 kit doesn't rely on SCSI or ESDI for throughput, but with its 16-bit RLL controller and a 1-to-l interleave, it managed to come out on top of the performance chart. The half-height 5 W-inch drive provides 42 megabytes of formatted

continued

JULY 1988 'BYTE 125

PRODUCT FOCUS HARD DISK DRIVES

space and lets you use that space at a high rate of throughput.

When you look at the testing results for this drive, you'll notice that the average access time is quite slow for this group— 36.47 ms. Northgate maintains that it doesn't care about the access time, that it optimizes for throughput. Judging from the overall results, I can't argue with Northgate's point of view.

The kit includes a disk of Northgate's benchmark software and a fairly small (under 40 pages) manual. The disk I got had been low-level formatted, and installation and setup were straightforward procedures.

Tandy SCSI drive: Using a half-height 5'4-inch Quantum SCSI drive that stores 80 megabytes and a 16-bit Adaptec controller, Tandy's high-capacity, highspeed SCSI drive is a good example of where hard disk drives may indeed be headed. To pack 80 megabytes into the drive, RLL encoding is used. The Adaptec controller has a 10-MHz directmemory-access chip to help speed up performance.

The board is capable of controlling up to three SCSI drives, ranging in size from 40 to 786 megabytes. I had hoped to be able to test this controller with a 40megabyte drive, but Tandy is currently selling only 80-megabyte SCSI drives.

At $1799 for the drive and $299 for the controller, this drive is not cheap, but it's not an unreasonable price for the speed and capacity. And this drive is quite fast. It consistently came in as one of the best performers, ranking fourth overall. Its access time is only average for the group tested, 28 ms. The good performance is

the result of the high (1.5 megabytes per second) data transfer rate possible with SCSI.

Tandy intends this drive to be installed by an authorized Tandy service center, and the documentation does not include clear information for end-user installation. I did not have to lean on the documentation, since I simply plugged the controller and drive in and had a working combination. If you are not so fortunate, the documentation won't help to shorten the troubleshooting time.

Drives on a Card

High-capacity hard disk drives have come to add-in cards, and, like the ESDI and SCSI drives, these cards use dedicated controllers. But while the ESDI and SCSI drives win on performance and lose on convenience, the hard disk drive cards win on convenience but lose on performance.

SPC Scorecard 44: You'll still need a full 8-bit slot and a half in your IBM PC or AT to fit in the $795 Scorecard 44 from Systems Peripherals Consultants. It uses a Micropolis 3'/2-inch hard disk drive and is very slow—a common problem with hard disk drive cards. As a matter of fact, this was the slowest drive among all those I tested.

As an idea of its speed, it takes 10 times as long to read a 1-megabyte file from the Scorecard 44 as it takes to read the same file from the fastest drive in the group. The Scorecard 44 comes with SpeedStor for installation and also includes SpeedCache, a disk-caching program that can at least help a bit with the speed.

The Scorecard 44 packs four platters and seven heads into a tiny space, and, surprisingly enough, it runs relatively cool for all this. Since ease of installation and use are large parts of the reason behind this type of drive, it came as no surprise that it's quite easy to install.

CompuAdd FlashCard 49: Like the Scorecard 44, the FlashCard 49 consists of a 3'/2-inch drive and a card that requires a full 8-bit slot and a half in your IBM PC or AT. As the name implies, it stores 49 megabytes in an incredibly small space. The price is eyebrow raising: $549 seems too little to pay for all this capacity.

Unfortunately, it joined the other drives-on-a-card at the bottom of the benchmark table. The drive is rated with an average access time of 28 ms, and the Coretest supported this with a rating of 27 ms. But the FlashCard 49, like the Scorecard 44, fell short in the 1-megabyte file read and write times. These two drives had similar times on the test—2 to 3 times slower than the next slowest drive.

The FlashCard 49 uses a Seagate ST157R drive coupled with a Western Digital RLL controller. It comes with a well-written manual that features specific installation instructions and useful illustrations, and it is easy to get up and running. PC-FullBak software was included with the drive.

Plus Hardcard 40: Plus Development was the first company to sell hard disk drive cards. As its competition has grown, the company has branched out to provide cutting-edge technology, often at premium prices. A case in point is the $995 Hardcard 40. This little drive requires only a single 8-bit full-length addin slot in your IBM PC or AT and delivers 42.26 formatted megabytes of storage. Truly amazing. There are only two platters and four heads packed into the space, but Plus uses RLL coding (and a few other proprietary tricks) to get it all to work.

The Hardcard 40 was the fastest of the drive cards, and it turned in a performance that placed it third from the bottom of the benchmarks. The rated average access time of the Hardcard was one of the slowest of any drive I looked at, 35 ms, and the Coretest mmed in an even slower figure of 39.5 ms.

Installing the Hardcard takes a bit longer than the other drive cards because of the custom installation and partitioning software, but the same software makes the installation relatively easy. It comes with everything you need for in

continued

126 BYTE' JULY 1988

VIDEOIRAX DATA BACK UP WE JUST INIRODUCED IT. AND ALREADY 50 MILUON PEOPLE OWN HALF OF IT.

Every human in the hemisphere who owns a standard VCR has half of what's needed to back up data. The rest of what you need is neatly contained on the new Videotrax" controller board by Alpha Micro.

Slip the half-size Videotrax board into the expansion slot of any PC. Meaning any IBMf PC, XT, AT, Compaq"' 386 or true compatible.

'jmm

I I I I I1 rrr1TI

High-tech. Open your PC and slide the controller board into any expansion slot Low-lech. Hook up VCR to comr puler with standard connector cables

Connect the computer to a VCR with standard connector cables. And, as of that moment, you are under the protection of a highly sophisticated, stringently reliable, data backup system.

In fact, exhaustive testing and the long term experience of over 20,000 Alpha Micro users have proven Videotrax technology to be more reliable than any other backup option available. More dependable, even, than

Ctirixmli- Umiliiiiarlrrs: -ioOlStiiijhmx P.O. Bii.r2^059. Simla C.A !1>?W. ©.Mpliii MkriKuHleitK 1988. All rinlm resmnl. IBMi.'i a miislml lindi'iiiiirk iijliiliriinlkjiinl ISiainesiMachiiies. Vidmlrar is a rei/iilnnl Iriicli-iiinrknf.'Uplia .llirtriyipf'm. (jiinjjaqi^a regi.slrrfdtmftrtmrk<iJ'(^ot/iixi'i Com/i/ilrrCnri! liiidinShack0!iitimlnCrnU'ri.sa ivgi.'ilcmUnuli'niarkufTiiridijCiiqirmilkni

the hard disk you're covering for. QUICK STUDY Videotrax has been designed to extremely demanding standards. So that it won't put a lot of demands on you. Anyone who can run a VCR knows most of the drill.The y rest is covered by our menu-driven software. By clear, concise documentation. And by a range of backup modes that keeps it simple:

Insert a blank video cassette tape and follow the directions which appear on screen. These guide you through the painless steps for copying or restoring an entire hard disk, specific files, or only files modified since the last backup. Meanwhile, Videotrax rigorously monitors itself for proper functioning. WE MAKE THE VCR PART OF IT, TOO. If you like, opt for our enhanced Videotrax VCR and experience the extra joy of its automatic, unattended backup capabilitJies. It win be a most prudent investment. Because, for the price of

taping Dallas you can preserve your most precious data. Up to

on a single

Ycur basic video cassettes Reliable,

inexpensive,

easy to find

cassette, at less than a tenth of the cost of streamer tape.

And now the price is low. Just; for the board and $1199 for the board and enhanced VCR, suggested retail.

And of course, if you ever require service, your authorized Alpha Micro dealer and our worldwide network of factory service centers will provide all the support you need.

For the name of your nearest Videotrax dealer, call Alpha Micro at 1-800-992-9779. In California, call 1-800-821-0612.

The Videotrax System. It's a great leap forward in backing up.

Circle 10 on Reader Service Card (DEALERS: 11)

ISM

MC3..... „

...

MS j

'iff- •

■i

lllllllll!

Available at Radio /haek Computer Centers*/Plus Computer Centers

and other fine computer dealers worldwide.

PRODUCT FOCUS HARD DISK DRIVES

Company Information

Micropolis Corp.

Rodime, Inc.

Vj 1A Valencia /\ve.

91911 NnrHhoff St

Peripheral Systems Division

lusnn, yzoou

rhaf"iwnrth CA 91311

29525 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 214

f818") 718-5117

Pepper Pike, OH 44122

Tnnuirv 904.

(216) 765-8414

Inquiry 910.

Microscicncc Intcrnfltionsl Corp.

oJ 1 WcSl UO, oUllc lUOl

'^n^ Nnrth Mathilda Ave

Seagate Teclinology

/\lLaIUUlllC opilllga, JTJ-i / It

Sunnyvale CA 94086

920 Disc Dr.

Scotts Valley, CA 95066

Inquiry 905,

(408) 438-6550

Inquiry 911.

IVfiniScrihe

1861 T efthanfiCir

1 *J\J l J_f^i lllUllU \ IJL I

Systems Peripherals Consultants, Inc.

Anctin TV 7S797

T nnomnnnt CO 80501

i—'Uilglll^UilL, V^Vy \J\J.J\J L

9747 Businesspark Ave.

('3n3V651-6000

San Diego, CA 92131

¥nniiit*v QflO

l.lll|tlll V 7W*

fnniiirv 906.

J yVv9

(619) 693-8611

Tnniiirv 912

f^nnfrnl Dntii r^nrn

Norf hpatp Cornniitpr Systems

81 no "^dth Ave *5

13895 Industrial Park Blvd Suite 110

Tandy/Radio Shacli

iVilllllcdpuila, iVli> ^tV/tJ

Pivmniith MN

1800 One Tandv Ppntpr

C«001 548-1993

Fort Worth TX 76102

Inquiry 901.

Inquiry 907.

(817) 390-3700

Inquiry 913.

Core International

Plus Development Corp.

7171 North Federal Hwy.

1778 McCarthy Blvd.

Tosliiba America, Inc.

Boca Raton, FL 33431

Milpitas,CA 95035

Disk Products Division

(303) 997-6055

(408) 946-3700

9740 Irvine Blvd.

Inquiry 902.

Inquiry 908.

Irvine, CA 92718

(714) 380-3000

Fujitsu America, Inc.

Priam Corp.

Inquiry 914.

3055 Orchard Dr.

20 West Montague Expy.

San Jose, CA 95134

San Jose, CA 95134

(408) 432-1300

(408) 434-9300

Inquiry 903.

Inquiry 909.

stallation, including a custom device driver.

Which One for You?

When it comes time to buy a hard disk drive, it's important to remember that not all the drives covered here are available to end users directly from their manufacturers. Many are sold by distributors or value-added retailers, or sold only as part of complete systems.

The type of dealer you buy from—and the value of the software, hardware, and support they add to the basic hard disk drive—will have a dramatic impact on the price of the hard disk drive package and its ultimate worth to you. If you're buying a hard disk drive, it behooves you to ask what brand and model you're buying and precisely what is included.

I've also made it clear that few of these drives are easy to install. Some require advanced system knowledge to get them working, and even the easiest require

some knowledge of DOS and computer hardware. If in doubt, go to a reputable dealer who will install the drive for you.

Finally, what about reliability? All the drives reviewed here have a claimed mean time before failure of between 25,000 and 50,000 hours. That's a long time, and most drives haven't been out long enough to prove or disprove the number in the general case. In any case, reliability does seem to be increasing. I wouldn't be reluctant to count on any of these drives for my important data.

But hard disk drives are notorious for being flaky, and many's the computer user who's found months of work lost in a bum hard disk drive. The obvious answer is to make backups. This month's Views from BIX on page 129 looks at the factors that go into purchasing a tape backup system and the reasons behind the choices a number of users have made.

Choosing which drive is best for your system is far from an easy call. As I've

noted, each drive has its own idiosyncrasies. Prices vary widely, from less than $400 to almost $2600. Though it's far from the cheapest, my particular favorite is the Priam ID45-AT-D2, which just about anyone can install, given a bit of time and patience. The absolute price leader is the Seagate ST251-1, which, at $370, sells for a relatively small premium over many 20-megabyte drives.

Finally, if you're looking for the best price/performance ratio, you'll have trouble beating the Northgate Turbo kit. At $695, it has a better overall performance than some drives, like the Tandy SCSI drive and Core AT40F, costing over $2000. ■

Stan Miastkowski is a BYTE contributing editor, director of K+S Concepts (a documentation and consulting firm), and editor in chief of the OS Report newsletter. He can be reached on BIX as "stanm. "

128 BYTE- JULY 1988

PRODUCT FOCUS HARD DISK DRIVES

Views from BIX: Tape Backup Units

When a hard disk drive crash can destroy months of work, a reliable backup method becomes vital. BIX users have turned to tape backup units for many applications and are free with their opinions and recommendations. Speed, ease of use, cost, compatibility, and reliability are the main issues they deal with here.

—Curt Franklin, Senior Testing Editor, BYTE Lab

NICK BARAN (technical editor, BYTE) [nickbaran]: "I'd strongly recommend the Genoa or a similar tape backup system for disk image backup. It's definitely worth the investment. I've already had occasion to use it after my hard disk drive crashed."

LES TROYER [Itroyer]: "Buy an Irwin for backup and make an image to tape. It takes about 5 minutes (while you drink coffee). The Irwin takes care of bad sectors automatically. Occasionally, do a full file backup and restore to up the performance due to fragmented files."

RUSSELL SCHNAPP [rschnapp]: "We use the Emerald tape drive to back up and archive our IBM PC-based office automation product. We were having problems with tapes seeming to go bad. Since we bought the cartridges from them. Emerald suggested we turn them in, and they'd replace them. We did, and they didn't.

"They just sent them back and said nothing was wrong, once they were reerased. They had no interest in the cause of the tape failures. Then Emerald came out with a new version of the tape backup software called ASP.

"We purchased ASP and found we couldn't get it to seek to the end of the last backed-up volume on the tape. Rather than trying to diagnose the problem (the drive was only a few months old), they told us to buy a new drive. That cost us $700 more. On the other hand, when it works, it works well. There are other companies that make you pay through the nose for crud. At least Emerald makes you pay through the nose for useful stuff. They simply don't try to engender any customer loyalty through goodwill."

RAY DUNCAN [rduncan]: "We have been using the Emerald 60-megabyte

I I_

tape drive and 60-megabyte hard disk drive unit for about a year on a 3Com Ethernet system as the server. We've had pretty good luck with the hardware. Customer service at Emerald was pretty good a year ago but has been going downhill since they got so 'successful,' it seems. We recently bought an expansion drive for our IBM PC AT. It didn't fit in the box, we couldn't get any reasonable answers on the phone, and we finally just had to stop payment on the check to get their attention."

RUSSELL SCHNAPP: "We use an Emerald 60-megabyte tape drive to back up several servers over our TiaraLink LanWare network. It allows multiple volumes per tape, file by file or image (though we never use the latter). The transfer rate is good, somewhere around 1 or 2 megabits a minute. The only problem is that I don't like Emerald's attitude. When the drive began rejecting tapes right and left, they charged us almost the full cost of a new drive to fix/ replace it. It has now begun to reject more and more tapes again. ASP will not archive hidden or system files (and maybe not even read-only files). This is supposedly on purpose."

TED BELZER [bunnyrabbit]: "We just installed an Everex streaming tape in an IBM PC AT with Novell NetWare 86. In order to be able to do both image and file-by-file backups, the tape unit must be co-located with the hard disk drive to be backed up. This means the file server must be booted as a nondedicated file server when doing backups. The Everex software allows for backup of Novell's system files when doing a file-by-file backup should you wish to do so, but for frequent file-by-file backups, the inclusion of system files and executables just wastes tape."

BARRY NANCE [barryn]: "I've used the Tecmar QIC-60 tape backup for the IBM PC AT and the Maynstream tape backup unit. I greatly prefer the Tecmar tape machine; it's quicker and seems to be more reliable."

BRIAN COLLETT [bcollett]: "I have an Everex tape drive (20-megabyte streamer) in my machine, and it seems to be working out very well. It backs up the 10 to 12 megabytes I have on my disk at the moment in under 10 minutes (I think it's closer to 5, but I tend

to go elsewhere).

The Everex tape drive comes with some very easy-to-use menu-driven software that should make backing up pretty nearly foolproof for just about anyone, and it can even be set up so that it knows when you should be doing your backups."

BARRY NANCE: "We used to have the Maynstream tape backup unit at work; we trashed it and got a Tecmar QIC-60 in its place. Sometimes the Maynstream would work, and sometimes it wouldn't. We kept nursing it along, eventually getting a new interface card for it so that it would work with ATs, and one day we just decided it was more work than it was worth in backup/restore situations. We also decided we couldn't trust it any longer. In my opinion, the Tecmar is a much better unit."

TIM FROST [tfrost]: "We have a Cipher 5400 that comes with Sytos software. We use the same box on several machines, with an interface card in each. Sytos is fine for straight backups, but the user interface is a bit impenetrable if you need to do some of the more complex selections and exclusions. If you do a complete DOS disk backup, it can take an age to restore an individual file. And remember to remove all RAM disks, etc., before doing a backup; it doesn't tell you it's short of RAM, just runs very, very slowly.

"I have the Xenix version of Sytos, but I never use it. The Xenix support software also comes with a /dev/rat driver, and we simply use tar or cpio. You can make tapes with AT Xenix (SCO) that are readable on several other systems. Sun and NCR Tower are certainly OK. In some cases, you need to use dd with conv=swab. Transfer in both directions is OK. I don't know what the QIC number is, but it can use DC600A or DC300XLP tapes. We use the latter."

Editor's note: Views from BIX presents a variety of informal, diverse opinions from users of a selected class ofproducts. Messages chosen for publication may be edited for length or clarity. The views expressed are those of each message's author and do not necessarily reflect those of BYTE or BYTE's reviewers.

JULY 1988 -BYTE 129

If our new 286 computer

is so terrific, why doesrft it cost more?

This handsome piece of hightech wizardry is the new Dell

System 220.

It's the first 286 computer that runs at 20 MHz.

Which means it's as fast as most 386 computers, running MS'OS/2 and MS-DOS' at blistering speed. All from a tiny corner of your desk.

Yet it costs less than half of what most 386 computers sell for.

Which might lead you, quite reasonably, to ask: How can Dell offer so much for so little?

Well, you buy direct from us, the manufacturer. Eliminating computer stores and their salespeople-who can add thousands of dollars to a computer's cost, and the hassle of a middleman.

130 BYTE- JULY 1988

"Speed is a good thing. Safe, rel' iable, no hassles speed is better still!'-Al Poor, Editor's Choice, PC Magazine

We design and build our computers right here in Austin. Putting a premium on speed, compatibility, and reliability.

We're already shipping our version of MS OS/2, so you can run OS/2 applications, now and in the future.

"...includes a year's on-site support...in the price of the computer. This is the sweetest support deal offered

by any computer vendor in the business!-Eric Knorr, PC World

And each computer goes through a battery of diagnostic checks, including a comprehensive burn-in before shipment

In addition, every computer comes with a level of service most computer stores can only envy.

Including expert technical advice before you buy, and free technical phone support after

wards. Plus next-day on-site repair during the first year.

We also give you a thirty-day money-back guarantee, and a one year limited warranty.

"If your desire for speed is inex^ haustible, (this is) the machine for you...it's reassuring when a computer completes some operations even before your fingers leave the keyboard!' -Harry Miller, PC World

As one of the largest personal computer manufacturers in the U.S., we've sold computers to large companies, small companies, and everything in between. Because of this, you can be confident we'll be here to support you now and in the future.

After all, we've been offering better computers, with better service-at better prices.

Now, if you'd like the rest of the details on our hyperfast 286 computer, and the rest of our line, there's only one more thing you have to do.

Turn the page.

JULY 1988 'BYTE 131

The Dell Computer

Store*

Welcome to our store. To buy or lease a Dell computer, call (800) 426-5150. We'll help you select the right system.

For service and technical support, call our highly trained technicians at (800) 624-9896. In almost all cases, any problem can be solved over the phone.

These technicians are also supported by Honeywell Bull service engineers who can be dispatched to your office by the next business day, should on-site service be required. This optional service contract is available in over 95% of the United States, with over 1,000 engineers in 198 service locations*

We are so confident in our quality products that we also provide a Total Satisfaction Guarantee, which says that any system bought from us may be returned within thirty days from the date it was shipped to you for a complete refund of your purchase price.

We also offer a One Year Limited Warranty, which warrants each system we manufacture to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for one fuU year. During the one year period we will repair or replace any defective products properly returned to our factory.

Call or write for the complete terms of our Guarantee Warranty, and the Honeywell Bull Service Contract. Dell Computer Corporation, 9505 Arboretum Blvd., Austin, Texas 7^59-7299.

Dell products are available on a GSA contract. Call us for GSA pricing.

THE NEW 20MHz 386 SYSTEM

310.

The top of the line. It's the highest performance 80386 computer available, faster than the IBMt PS/2t Model 80 and the Compaqt 386/20. It runs at 20 MHz, with the latest 32bit architecture for maximum performance. And it's completely MS* OS/2 compatible. Since it also has Intel'st Advanced 82385 Cache Memory Controller, and high performance disk drives, the System 310 is ideal for intensive database management, complex research and development, CAD/ CAM, and desktop publishing. As a network file server the system offers an unbeatable combination of price and performance.

Standard Features:

Intelt 80386 microprocessor running at 20 MHz.

1 MB of 80 ns 32-bit RAM expandable to 16 MB without using an expansion slot

Advanced Intel 82385 Cache Memory Controller with 32 KB of high speed static RAM.

Socket for 20 MHz 80387 coprocessor.

5.25" 1.2 MB or 3.5" 1.44 MB diskette drive.

Dual diskette and hard disk drive

controller. Enhanced lOl-key keyboard. 1 parallel and 2 serial ports. 200'watt power supply Real-time clock.

8 expansion slots (6 available with hard disk drive controller and video adapter installed).

Dell System Analyzer.

MS-DOS * and MS OS/2 compatible.

Security lock with locking chassis.

12 month on-site ser\ace contract (Available on complete systems).

Options:

1 MB RAM upgrade kit

20 MHz Intel 80387 math coprocessor.

2 MB or 8 MB memory expansion boards.

SYSTEM 310

With Monitor and .Adapter

Hard Disk Drive,,

VGA Mono

VG.^

Color

_ VGA Color Plus

40 MB-28 ms

$4,099

$4,299

$4,399

90MB-I8ms ESDI

54,899

$5,099

$5,199

150 MB-lSms ESDI

$5,399

$5,599

$5,699

322 MB-18 ras ESDI

$7,399

$7,599

$7,699

THE NEW 20MHz 286 SYSTEM

220.

As fast as most 386 computers, at less than half the price-more power for the money than any other system. An 80286 system that runs at 20 MHz, with less than one wait state. Completely compatible for both MS-DOS and MS OS/2 applications (it runs OS/2 faster than IBM PS/2 Model 80), and with a remarkably small footprint, the System 220 is the ideal executive workstation for database management, business, or sophisticated connectivity applications. The system uses page-mode interleaved memory; the page-mode RAM operates at less than one wait state, and inter-leaving results in a performance increase of about 15 percent.

Standard Features:

80286 microprocessor running

at 20 MHz. 1 MB of RAM expandable to

16 MB (8 MB on system

board).

Integrated diskette and VGA video controller on system board.

One 3.5" 144 MB diskette drive.

Integrated high performance hard disk interface on system board.

Enhanced lOl-key keyboard.

1 parallel and 2 serial ports.

LIM 4.0 support for memory over 1 MB.

Real-time clock.

Three full-sized AT+ compatible expansion slots.

Socket for 80287 coprocessor.

Dell System Analyzer.

MS-DOS and MS OS/2 compatible.

Security lock with locking chassis.

12 month on-site service contract (Available on complete systems).

Options:

3.5" 1.44 MB diskette drive. Intel 80287 coprocessor I MB RAM upgrade kits.

SYSTEM 220

With Monitor

VGA Mono

VGA Color

VGA Color Plus

One DiskclTe Drive

$2,299

$2,499

$2,599

40 MB-29 ms Hard Disk

$2,999

$3,199

$3,299

100 MB.29 ms Hard Disk

$3,799

$3,999

$4,099

132 BYTE' JULY 1988

THENEW 12.5MHz 286 SYSTEM

200.

A great value in a full-featured AT compatible. An 80286 computer running at 12.5 MHz, this system is completely MS OS/2 compatible. It's ideal for general business applications, as well as software development, local area networks, CAD/CAM, and desktop publishing. The System 200 offers high speed drive options, industry standard compatible BIOS, and on-site service. At these low prices, the System 200 is the best value in the 80286 marketplace. As Executive Computing said of this computer's predecessor, "If faster processing speed and low cost are two key issues affecting your purchase decision, this machine might be the ideal choice for your officel'

Standard Features:

Intel 80286 microprocessor rurining at

12.5 MHz. 640 KB of RAM, expandable to 16 MB

(4.6 MB on system board.) 5.25" 1.2 MB or 3.5" 1.44 MB diskette

drive.

Dual diskette and hard disk drive

controller. Enhanced 101-key keyboard. 1 parallel and 2 serial ports. 200-watt power supply. Real-time clock

6 expansion slots. (4 available with hard disk drive controller and video adapter installed).

Socket for 8 MHz 80287 coprocessor.

Dell System Analyzer

MS-DOS & MS OS/2 compatible.

Security lock with locking chassis.

12-month on-site service contract (Available on complete systems).

Options:

512 KB RAM upgrade kit

8 MHz Intel 80287 coprocessor.

SYSTEM 200

Wirh Moniror and Adapter

Hard Disk Drives

Mono

VGA Mono

VGA Color

VGA Color Plus

20 MB

$2,099

$2,299

S2.499

$2,599

40 MB-40 ms

$2,299

$2,499

$2,699

$2,799

40 MB-28 ms

$2,499

$2,699

$2,899

$2,999

90MB-18ms ESDI

$3299

$3,499

$3,699

$3,799

150 MB 18 ms ESDI

$3,799

$3,999

$4,199

$4,299

322 MB 18 ms ESDI

$5,799

$5,999

$6,199

$6299

THE NEW

8088 SYSTEM

100.

A fijll-featured, yet economical one-piece computer for office, school, or home. This system is fast, easy to use, and ready to run with Dell Enhanced MSDOS 3.3, Miciosoft* DOS Manager, and Microsoft Works software-more than a $400 value, included at no extra charge. Complete MS-DOS compatibility means you can run thousands of programs for business, personal finance, education, and entertainment. And the System 100 can grow, with the high quality options listed below. A price leader in 8088 technology, the System 100 boasts an innovative design that allows for more power, speed and convenience than most of its competitors.

Standard Features:

Intel 8088 microprocessor running at 9.54 MHz selectable to 4.77

640 KB of RAM.

3.5" 720 KB diskette drive.

Diskette drive controller integrated on system board.

Integrated high-quality 84-key keyboard.

I serial and I parallel port.

Two fijU-sized expansion slots available when video adapter is installed.

One half-sized expansion slot used for video adapter.

Socket for 8 MHz 8087 coprocessor

Internal speaker with earphone jack and volume control.

Security Tie-Down bracket.

DeU Enhanced MS-DOS 3.3 Microsoft DOS Manager, Microsoft Works.

Options:

3.5" 720 KB diskette drive. 8 MHz Intel 8087.

SYSTEM 100

Widi Monitor and Adapter

Mono

COA Color

VGA Mono

VGA Color

720 KB Diskette Drive

$1,099

$1,199

$1,299

$1,499

Tm 720 KB Diskette Drives

$1,249

$U49

$1,449

$1,649

20 MB Hard Disk

$1,599

$1,699

$1,799

$1,999

PRINTERS. We now offer a M line of PC-compatible dot matrix and laser printers. Our dot matrix printers range from inexpensive near-letter quality printers to the highest resolution printers available. Our laser printers include some of the fastest, most reliable printers ever made. All are 300 dots per inch, and aU support serial and parallel interfaces. And all printers come with our 30-day moneyback guarantee and a one year warranty.

LASER PRINTERS

Laser System 150 $5,995

15 pages per minute, text and graphics

15 MB standard memory, expandable

to 2.0 MB Dual 250-sheet input trays

Laser System 80 $3,195 8 pages per minute text and graphics 1.5 MB standard memory, expandable to 2.0 MB

Laser System 60 $2,195 6 pages per minute, text and graphics 1.5 MB standard memory, expandable to 2.0 MB

DOT MATRIX PRINTERS Printer System 800 $699.95 Highest resolution text and graphics from a 24-wire dot matrix printer Draft quality at 200 cps

Correspondence quality at 132 cps Letter quality at 66 cps Standard parallel and serial interfaces Wide carriage

Printer System 600 $499.95

9-wire dot matrix

Draft quality at 240 cps

Near-letter quality at 60 cps

Standard parallel interface

12.6 KB Buffer (expandable to 28.6 KB)

Wide carriage

Printer System 300 $199.95 9-wire dot matrix Draft quality at 144 cps Near-letter quality at 36 cps Four standard fonts Paper parking 4 KB buffer

Standard Parallel interface

PERIPHERALS. With our unique manufacturing capabilities, we can build a system to your exact specifications. We offer monitors, modems, graphics boards, tape backups, hard drives, diskette drives, expanded memory boards, a serial mouse, and more. Call for details.

Operating System Software

Dell Enhanced MS-DOS 3.3 with disk cache and other

utilities $119.95. DeU MS OS/2 Standard Edition 1.0 $324.95

SOFTWARE. Complete your system with software: accounting, communications, desktop publishing, graphics, home, spreadsheet, training, word processing, and integrated packages. Call for more irJormatiorL

DELL

COMPUTER

CORPORATION

TO ORDER, CALL

800-426-5150

IN THE U.S. AND CANADA

All prices and specifications are subject to change without notice. Please inquire for current details. Dell cannot be responsible for errors in typograpl^ or photography. In Canada, leasing is not currently available, and configurations and pricing may vary. *AvailaDle on System 100 at extra charge. Microsoft?^ MSf and MS-DOS® are owned by Microsoft Corporation. tSignifies registered or unregistered trademarks owned by entities other than Dell Computer Corporation. ©1988 DELL COMPUTER CORPORATION.

AD CODE NO, UEG8

Circle 290 on Reader Service Card

JULY 1988 •BYTE 133

System Review

Of these five AT compatibles, Amdek's system ranks tops in performance, and PC's Limited comes in as the best buy

John Unger and Stan Miastkowski

The current crop of PC AT-compatible computers is pushing performance beyond that of the IBM PC AT. Granted, most AT compatibles don't yet have the speed and flash of 80386 machines. But high-speed 80286 systems are more and more closely approaching the performance of 80386 systems, are well-tested and reliable, and still sell for far less than fully equipped 80386 systems. In short, they don't shirk in performance, don't break budgets, and don't break down.

The Amdek System/286A, Arche Rival 286, Epson Equity II-I-, Leading Edge Model D2, and PC's Limited System 200 are 80286-based computers that run at 10 MHz or higher. While they are all IBM PC AT-compatible, they differ in details: Besides varying clock speeds, internal components such as graphics cards and hard disk drives are different, and the basic design of the motherboards differs significantly from machine to machine. In this review, we'll look at each machine and then do a side-by-side comparison with BYTE's new benchmarks to give you a good idea of where each computer's strengths and weaknesses lie.

Outclassing the AT

Amdek System/286A

The Amdek System/286A is a small-footprint microcomputer built on the same chassis as the Amdek System/386 computer I reviewed in the May BYTE. Amdek takes advantage of the modularity built into its system bus design. The CPU, system RAM, and ROM are mounted on a card that fits into one of the standard 16-bit AT-style expansion slots on the system bus. This configuration allows Amdek (or WYSE Technology, Amdek's parent company, which actually manufactures the Amdek microcomputers) to change the computer models by simply replacing the CPU board.

The 12.5-MHz CPU on the System/ 286A can be switched to run at a slower 8-MHz clock speed for better compatibility. The machine has a convenient 16-character LCD window on the front panel that displays the time or date and CPU clock speed, or a bar graph that shows the amount of CPU activity.

My test system had an EGA monitor, along with a 1.2-megabyte 5 '/4-inch flop

py disk drive, a 40-megabyte hard disk drive, and 1 megabyte of dynamic RAM (DRAM). The cost for this configuration is $4345. The review unit was also equipped with the Paradise EGA card.

The View

The combination of Paradise's halflength EGA card and the Amdek Monitor/722 produced excellent color graphics and text. When it's in monochrome text mode, the monitor has the capability to switch from white characters on a black background to either orange or green characters on a black background. All my "serious" software and my CGA games ran perfectly on this display combination.

Hardware and Performance

As the benchmark results show, the System/286A is one of the best-performing 80286-based microcomputers that BYTE has reviewed. The system's fine performance is due to the CPU clock's high speed (12.5 MHz) and to the fact that the hardware imposes no wait states on the system. For compatibility with some software and expansion boards, you can

134 BYTE" JULY 1988

also run the CPU at 8 MHz with one wait state. You switch the CPU speed by pressing a button on the front panel or by invoking a utility program. For mathematically intensive tasks, the system accepts either a 6-MHz or 10-MHz 80287 coprocessor.

The Control Data Corp. (CDC) 40megabyte hard disk drive in my review system did not degrade the system's performance. It had an average access time of 24 milliseconds and a data transfer rate of 165K bytes per second, as reported by the Coretest program. Using Amdek's disk-caching program increases the speed of some disk-intensive tasks by as much as 20 percent.

The 1 megabyte of system memory is mounted on a piggyback daughterboard that is connected to the CPU motherboard via a special bus. This card combo is mounted in an extra-wide expansion slot on the left-hand side of the computer. Two DB-9 RS-232C male serial ports and a single DB-25 female parallel port are located on a half-length expansion card mounted in one of the 8-bit slots. The full-length disk controller card fills a 16-bit slot and has cabling for two flop

py disk drives and two hard disk drives. The EGA video card takes up a second 16-bit slot.

This configuration leaves you with three 16-bit slots and one 8-bit slot free; the 8-bit slot isn't really usable for some purposes, though, because the second serial port is mounted on the cover of the adjacent empty expansion slot.

Essential Software

For the System/286A, Amdek supplies an enhanced version of MS-DOS 3.20 that includes a number of utility programs. The most useful of these is an online HELP command for all the DOS commands and programs. This feature is essential; Amdek's documentation on MS-DOS is skimpy and includes no explanation of EDLIN or Debug.

Fast computers can come in small packages. If you are looking for one of the top-performance AT compatibles and don't need to install more than three halfheight storage devices, the System/286A is an excellent choice. Its modular CPU design gives it the added benefit of being easily upgraded—you can simply add a new expansion card.—John Unger

Arche Rival 286

Arche Technologies is a new contender in the AT clone sweepstakes, with a distinctive yellow-arch corporate logo that's reminiscent of a certain fast-food chain. The Arche Rival 286 has the rather unusual distinction (for a compatible) of being made in the U.S., although many of its parts, including the floppy disk drive and some of the chips, are, not surprisingly, of Japanese extraction.

The system comes in a rather bewildering array of choices. The entry-level model goes for $1995 and includes 640K bytes of RAM, a single 1.2-megabyte 5 '4-inch floppy disk drive, and a 14-inch diagonal monochrome monitor.

If you have Cadillac tastes, you can equip your Arche Rival 286 with the works: 1 megabyte of RAM, a second 1.2-megabyte 5 U-inch floppy disk drive, a high-speed 80-megabyte hard disk drive, and an EGA monitor. That will set you back $4395.

The unit I tested had 1 megabyte of RAM, a single floppy disk drive, the

continued

JULY 1988 'BYTE 135

REVIEW OUTCLASSING THE AT

Amdek System/286A

Arche Rival 286

Epson Equity 11 +

Company

Amdek Corp. 1901 ZankerRd. San Jose, CA 95112 (800) 722-6335

Arche Technologies, Inc. 48835 Kato Rd. Fremont, CA 94539 (800) 422-4674

Epson America, Inc. 2780 Lomita Blvd. Torrance, CA 90505 (800) 421-5426

Components

Size

Software

Processor: 12,5-MHz 80286 with zero wait states, switchable to 8 MHz with one wait state; optional 80287 (6-or 10-MHz) math coprocessor

Memory: 1 megabyte of DRAM, expandable to 16 megabytes; 32K bytes of ROM; Phoenix ROM BIOS version 1.83

Mass storage: 1.2-megabyte 5Vainch floppy disk drive; optional 40megabyte hard disk drive Display: Optional Amdek color EGA display, 80 characters by 25 lines, 640- by 350-pixel resolution Keyboard: 102 keys in IBM enhanced keyboard layout I/O interfaces: Two DB-9 RS-232C serial ports; one DB-25 parallel printer port; six 16-bit and two 8-bit expansion slots

Processor: 12-MHz 80286 with one wait state, switchable to 8 MHz with zero wait states; socket for 80287 math coprocessor Memory: 640K bytes of 100-ns RAM, expandable to 1 megabyte on system board; diagnostics in ROM

Mass storage: One 1.2-megabyte 5y4-inch floppy disk drive; optional 20-, 40-, 65-, 80-, or 140-megabyte hard disk drive Display: Amber-phosphor monochrome; 14-inch diagonal flat screen, 1000-line resolution Keyboard: 101 keys in IBM enhanced keyboard layout I/O interfaces: One DB-9 and one DB-25 RS-232C serial port; one DB-25 parallel port; one DB-9 monochrome monitor port; two 8bit and six 16-bit expansion slots

6V4 X 15 X 17 inches; 23 pounds 6 x 17 x 17 inches; 52 pounds

Microsoft MS-DOS 3.20; Microsoft GWBASIC 3.20; custom utilities

MS-DOS 3.3; system setup on hard disk drive

Processor: 12-MHz 80286 with one, two, three, or four wait states, switchable to 8 MHz with one wait state; optional 80287 (8-MHz) math coprocessor

Memory: 640K bytes of DRAM, expandable to 15.5 megabytes; 32K bytes of ROM Mass storage: 1.2-megabyte 5V4inch floppy disk drive; optional 40megabyte hard disk drive Display: Optional Epson Enhanced color display

Keyboard: 101 keys in IBM enhanced keyboard layout I/O interfaces: One DB-9 RS-232C serial port; one DB-25 parallel printer port; three 16-bit and three 8-bit expansion slots

6 x 153/4 X 16% inches; 23 pounds

Microsoft MS-DOS 3.3; Microsoft GWBASIC 3.20; custom utilities; hard disk cache

Options

Monitor/432, VGA monochrome: $245

Monitor/732, VGA color: $625 Monitor/722, EGA color: $750

384K-byte memory expansion: $200

EGA monitor: $600

1.2-megabyte 5y4-inch floppy disk

drive: $200

20-megabyte hard disk drive; $300 40-megabyte hard disk drive: $600 65-megabyte hard disk drive: $800 80-megabyte hard disk drive: $1400

Multimode graphics adapter: $149 EGA card: $299 Monochrome monitor: $149 Color monitor: $449 EGA monitor: $599

Documentation

64-page Amdek System 286A Installation and Assembly Guide; 110-page Amdek Enhanced MS-DOS 3.2 User's Guide

User's Guide; Microsoft MS-DOS User's Guide and User's Reference; Microsoft GWBASIC User's Guide and User's Reference

User's Guide and Diagnostics; Epson GWBASIC for the Equity-f System; Epson MS-DOS for the Equity-i- System

With 1.2-megabyte 5y4-inch floppy disk drive; no monitor or display adapter: $2495

With 1.2-megabyte 5y4-inch floppy disk drive and 40-megabyte hard disk drive; no monitor or display adapter: $3595 System as reviewed: $4345

Inquiry 883.

With 1.2-megabyte 5y4-inch floppy disk drive and monochrome system: $1995

With two 1.2.-megabyte 5y4-inch floppy disk drives, an 80-megabyte hard disk drive, 1 megabyte of RAM, and EGA monitor: $4395 System as reviewed: $2595

inquiry 884.

With 1.2-megabyte 5y4-inch floppy disk drive; no monitor or display adapter: $1899

With 1.2-megabyte 5y4-inch floppy disk drive and 40-megabyte hard disk drive; no monitor or display adapter: $2999 System as reviewed: $3897

Inquiry 885.

136 BYTE* JULY 1988

REVIEW OUTCLASSING THE AT

Leading Edge Model D2

PC's Limited System 200

Leading Edge Hardware Products, Inc. 225 Turnpike St. Canton, MA 02021 (800) 872-5323 (617) 828-8150

Processor: 10-M Hz 80286 with one wait state, switchabie to 8 MHz and 6 MHz witli one wait state; socl<et for 80287 matli coprocessor

Memory: 640K bytes of 120-ns RAM, expandable to 1 megabyte on system board

Mass storage: 1.2-megabyte 5y4-inch floppy disl< drive; optional 30-megabyte or 64-megabyte hard disk drive Display: Green-phosphor monochrome; 12-inch diagonal

Keyboard: 101 keys in IBM enhanced keyboard layout

I/O interfaces: One DB-9 RS-232C serial port; one DB-25 parallel port; one EGA monitor port; two 8-bit and four 16-bit expansion slots

6 X 151/2 X 16 inches; 46 pounds

MS-DOS 3.20; GWBASIC 3.20; system diagnostics; system setup; Leading Edge Word Processor

None available

Operator's Guide; MS-DOS Reference Manual; Guide to BASIC; Word Processing User's Guide

With single 1.2-megabyte 5y4-inch floppy disk drive: $1495

With 1.2-megabyte 5V4-inch floppy disk drive and 30-megabyte hard disk drive; $1995

System as reviewed: $2495

Inquiry 886.

Dell Computer Corp. 9505 Arboretum Blvd. Austin, TX 78759 (800)426-5150

Processor: 12.5-MHz80286 with one wait state, switchabie to 6.25 MHz with one wait state; optional 80287 (either 6MHz or 8-MHz) math coprocessor Memory: 640K bytes of 120-ns DRAM, expandable to 16 megabytes with up to 4.6 megabytes on system board with optional SIMM modules; 32K bytes of ROM; Phoenix BIOS version 3.07 08 Mass storage: 1.2-megabyte 5y4-inch floppy disk drive; optional 1.44-megabyte 3y2-inch floppy disk drive; optional 40megabyte hard disk drive Display: Optional Mitsubishi XC-1429C color VGA display

Keyboard: 101 keys in IBM enhanced keyboard layout

I/O interfaces: Two DB-9 RS-232C serial ports; DB-25 parallel printer port; four 16bit and two 8-bit expansion slots

6y4 X 21 Ve X 17y2 inches; 41 pounds

Microsoft MS-DOS 3.30; Microsoft GWBASIC 3.22; custom utilities

14-inch VGA monochrome monitor: $250 14-inch EGA monitor: $700 VGA card: $300

20-megabyte hard disk drive: $370 40-megabyte hard disk drive: $600 40-megabyte 28-ms hard disk drive: $900

1.44-megabyte 3y2-inch floppy disk dnve: $200

360K-byte 5y4-inch floppy disk drive: $150

512K-byte RAM: $200

286 Owner's Manual; MS-DOS 3.30 Enhancement Guide; System 200 Support Manual; MS-DOS User's Guide; MS-DOS 3.30 User's Reference; Microsoft GWBASIC Interpreter User's Reference

With 1.2-megabyte 5y4-inch floppy disk drive, monochrome display adapter and monitor, and 20-megabyte hard disk drive: $1799

System as reviewed: $3599

Inquiry 887.

monochrome monitor, and a 20-megabyte Seagate ST225 hard disk drive—a configuration with a list price of $2595.

Using 100-nanosecond RAM, the Rival 286 runs at 12 MHz with one wait state or at 8 MHz with zero wait states. Speed selection is a simple matter of pressing a button on the front panel of the system unit. There's also a reset switch and a keylock on the front.

Keeping It Small

Inside the case, the Rival 286 has a particularly neat appearance; in fact, it looks almost empty. The motherboard is an incredibly small 8y2 by 12 inches; yet, despite its size, it doesn't look crowded. The primary reason for this is that the Arche folks decided to use the whole Chips & Technologies 80286 support set—a group of six application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) that eliminate a multitude of individual chips. Another reason for the small motherboard is that some functions that are normally supported on an AT-type motherboard, such as I/O ports, are relegated to add-in boards.

The Rival 286 has eight expansion slots: two 8-bit and six 16-bit. A Hercules-compatible monochrome graphics adapter takes up one of the 8-bit slots. A serial/printer/game-port card takes up a single 16-bit slot, as does a hard disk drive/floppy disk drive controller that accepts both 3'/2-inch and 5 U-inch drives. The hard disk drive is mounted at the very bottom of a drive stack that can take a total of three half-height drives.

Easy on the Eyes

The display of the Rival 286 is most immediately noticeable for its 14-inch diagonal size. It uses the flat-screen technology that Zenith first introduced last year. The Rival's monitor is Taiwan-made and of indeterminate manufacture; the monitor's only internal identification, Zemintron Ltd., is on the neck of the flat-screen tube. Couple the flat display with the large character size, and it's a great monitor for pampering your eyes.

Although the Rival 286 is available without a hard disk drive or with various floppy disk drives of various capacities, the unit I tested came with a venerable, albeit slow, Seagate ST225. The Coretest showed an average seek time of 70.8 ms and a data transfer rate of 159. IK bytes per second—not exactly speedy. In a disk-intensive application such as a database, using a drive this slow can seriousLy bog down system performance, 12MHz processor speed notwithstanding.

continued

JULY 1988 •BYTE 137

Outclassing the AT:

Amdek System/286A PC's Limited System 200 Arche Rival 286 Leading Edge Model D2 Epson Equity 11 + APPLICATION-LEVEL PERFORMANCE

WORD PROCESSING

Amdek

PC's Ltd.

Arche

LE-D2

Epson

DATABASE

Amdek

PC's Ltd.

Arche

LE-D2

Epson

Xy Write 111+ 3.52

Med/Lrg

Med/Lrg

Med/Lrg

Med/Lrg

Med/Lrg

dBASEIII-l- 1.1

Load (large)

11

13

15

:15

15

Copy

1:01

56

2:52

1:07

1:17

Word count

:04/:28

:05/:34

:03/:36

:06/:42

:06/:43

Index

:14

22

:23

:20

:23

Search/replace

:06/:25

:0a/:33

:08/:37

:09/:37

:10/:37

List

2:24

2

05

1 :bD

2:43

3:13

End of document

:02/:11

:03/:22

:02/:24

:02/:23

:03/:22

Append

2:25

1

50

3:27

2:09

2:31

Block moves

:12/:12

:12/:12

:07/:07

:08/:08

:15/:15

Delete

:03

03

:04

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Spelling check

:12/1:29

: 15/1:49

: 16/1:56

:17/2:16

:18/2:17

Pack

1:02

1

42

2:04

1:48

1:50 :18

Microsoft Word 4.0

Count

:11

19

:19

:16

Forward delete

2:12

22

24

28

28

Sort

1:07

1

23

1:55

1 ;20

1:39

Aldus PageMaker 1 .Oa

Load document

05

06

19

13

07

□ Index:

1.6

1.4

1.0

1.4

1.1

Change/Bold

31

40

47

53

50

Align right

26

31

37

38

38

SCIENTIFIC/ENGINEERING

Cut 10 pages

24

26

31

30

32

Amdek

PC'S Ltd.

Arche

LE-D2

Epson

Place graphic

07

07

09

09

08

AutoCAD 2.52

Print tn filp

I Hill 111 G

2

00

2

34

3

19

3

03

3

06

Load SoftWest

1:34

1:25

1:37

2:06

1:58

□ Index:

Regan SoftWest

1:01

1:06

1-17

1:45

1:39

2.2

1.9

1.8

1.7

1.6

Load StPauls

:23

20

:21

:25

:23

Regen StPauls

:11

12

:14

:16

:16

SPREADSHEET

Amdek

PC's Ltd.

Arche

LE-D2

Epson

Hide/redraw

18:41

21

11

24:53

30:01

29:16

Lotus 1-2-3 2.01

STATA 1.5

Block copy

05

05

06

07

07

Grapfiics

1:54

1

27

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2:22

3:27

Recalc

02

02

03

03

03

ANOVA

:27

:24

:21

:30

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Load Monte Carlo

20

22

23

36

38

MathCAD2.0

Recalc Monte Carlo

05

06

09

14

11

iFsaoopts.

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33

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Load rIargeS

05

05

06

09

09

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:32

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Recalc rIargeS

01

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02

02

02

Recalc Goal-seek

04

05

09

07

08

□ Index:

2.1

2.0

2.0

1.5

1.5

Microsoft Excel 2.0

Fill right

:06

08

:09

10

10

COMPILERS

Amdek

PC'S Ltd.

Arche

LE-D2

Epson

Undo fill

2:32

3

13

3:25

4

05

4:04

Microsoft C 5.0

Recalc

01

01

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04

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XLisp compile

5:39

6:50

8:41

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7:56

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41

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Turbo Pascal

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Pascal S compile

:07

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□ Index:

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.3

1.6

□ Index:

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1.2

1.2

All times are in minutes and seconds. Indexes show relative performance: for all indexes, an 8-MHz IBIul PC AT= 1,

LOW-LEVEL PERFORMANCE!

CPU Amdek PC'S Arche LE-D2 Epson Ltd.

Matrix

6,06

7,18

7,83

9.00

8,98

String Move

Byte-wide

34.07

50,24

53,23

63,49

63,00

Word-wide

Odd-bnd. 34,06

50.26

53.40

63.49

63,00

Even-bnd

17.05

25.12

26.53

31,74

32,00

Sieve

35.65

46.12

48.64

57.70

58.00

Sort

40,39

52,82

55,58

67,00

66,00

□ Index:

2.11

1.61

1.51

1.28

1.28

FLOATING P0INT2

Amdek

PC'S

Arche LE-D2 Epson

Ltd.

Math

31,55

29,1

31,1

37,2

40.53

Errors

0,0

0,0

0,0

0,0

0.0

Slne(x)

12,37

11,05

13,34

15,98

16.03

Error

2,0E-9

2.0E-9

2,0E-9

2,0E-9

2.0E-9

e"

10,89

9,78

11,43

13.75

13.81

Error

1,0E-9

1,0E-9

1,0E-9

1,0E-9

1,0E-9

□ Index:

1.6

1.7

1.5

1.3

1.2

DISK I/O Amdek

PC'S

Arche

LE-D2 Epson

Ltd.

Hard Seek'

Outer track

3,33

3.35

6.66

3.32

3.33

Inner track

3,32

3.28

6.68

331

3.31

Half platter

9.98

9,97

19.94

6.66

9.99

Full platter

13.33

13,36

33.3

10

13.29

Average

7.49

7,49

1664

5,82

7.48

DOS Seek

1 -sector

10.81

10.78

15.96

12,11

10.68

8-sector

33.70

24.99

47.45

12,55

26.98

File I/O"

Seek

0,11

0.19

0.45

0,13

0.27

Read

0,01

0.01

0.0194

0,03

0,0201

Write

0.02

0.0158

0.025

0,08

0.0231

1-megabyte

Write

8.04

8.06

9.7

4.7

8.4

Read

7.56

7.5

8.1

5.8

7.65

□ Index:

1.3

1.2

0.8

1.3

1.0

VIDEO Amdek PC'S Arche LE-D2 Epson

Ltd.

Text

ModeO

14.86

11.37

N/A

N/A

12.32

Mode 1

14.88

11,4

N/A

N/A

12.33

Mode 2

14.52

11.2

N/A

N/A

11.84

Mode 3

14,54

11.2

N/A

N/A

11.83

Mode 7

N/A

10.18

6.0

9.9

N/A

Graphics

CGA:

Mode 4

2,74

3.18

N/A

N/A

4.14

Mode 5

2,73

3.2

N/A

N/A

4.16

Mode 6

2,88

3.41

N/A

N/A

4.35

EGA:

Mode 13

4,87

5.29

N/A

N/A

69

Mode 14

5,31

5.86

N/A

N/A

7,52

Mode 16

5,25

5.84

N/A

N/A

7,51

Hercules

Mode 225

N/A

N/A

3.24

3.90

N/A

□ Index:

1.0

1.1

1.5

1.2

0.9

CONVENTIONAL BENCHMARKS

Amdek PC'S Arche LE-D2 Epson Ltd.

UNPACK 533.40 574.19 669.76 803.95 805.48 Livermore Loops^

(MFLOPS) 0.04 0.0419 0.0355 0.0297 0.0296 Dhrystone (MS C 5.0)

(Dfiry/sec) 3584 2741 2557 2136 2177

N/A=Not applicable: mode not supported by graptiics adapter.

' All times are in seconds. All figures were generated using ttie 8088/8086 version of Small-C (16-bit integers). Figures for 80386 machines do not use 80386-specific instructions.

2 The floating-point benchmarks use 8087-compatible instructions only.

3 The errors for the floating-point benchmarks indicate the difference between expected and actual values, correct to 10 digits or rounded to 2 digits.

■> Times reported by the Hard Seek and DOS Seek are for multiple seek operations (number of seeks performed currently set to 100.)

5 Read and write times for the File I/O benchmarks are in seconds per Kbyte.

^ For the Livermore Loops and Dhrystone tests only, higher numbers mean faster performance.

For a full description of all the benchmarks, see "Introducing the New BYTE Benchmarks," June BYTE. 138 BYTE • JULY 1988

Amdek System/286A

9.8

PC's Limited System 200

8.9

8.9

Arche Rival 286

7.4

Leading Edge H/lodel D2

7.1

Epson Equity 11 +

7.0

IBM PS/2 Model 80 11.3

11 7.1 7.0

'Cumulative applications index. Graphs are based on indexes at left and show relative performance.

IBM PC AT 5

Word r—I Processing I I

Spreadsheet

Database O

Scientific/ I—I Engineering LJ

Compilers Amdek System/286A

PC's Limited System 200

Arche Rival 286

Leading Edge Model D2

Epson Equity II +

IBM PS/2 Model 80

I

IBM PC AT

CPU n

FPU m

Disk I/O in

Video ED

REVIEW OUTCLASSING THE AT

If you buy a Rival 286, you should seriously consider opting for a faster hard disk drive.

All the memory chips in the Rival 286 are socketed, and if you have a 640K-byte machine, it's a simple matter to plug in a few extra chips to bring it up to the full 1megabyte AT complement.

Between the Covers

The Rival 286 ships with a generic version of MS-DOS 3.3. The excellent Microsoft manuals are included, although the relatively high level of their technical content can be daunting if you're a beginner. The User's Guide is a better place for most folks to start. It's a terse, though well-written, 54 pages of essential information.

Another plug-it-in-and-run machine, the Arche Rival 286 bears all the marks of careful design and construction. And it's frankly a comfortable system to use. On the unit I tested, the slow hard disk drive was a noticeable drag on the system. Arche Technologies has warranted its system for 24 months, and the company was in the process of setting up tollfree help lines as I was writing this review.—Stan Miastkowski

Epson Equity 11 +

The Epson Equity II-I- is a big jump forward from the original Equity H. This new model has an 80286 CPU that you can switch between 8 and 10 MHz. The improved performance of this machine is not due only to the new processor: All the critical hardware components have been upgraded. My review unit had a fast 40megabyte hard disk drive, a 1.2-megabyte 5 W-inch floppy disk drive, and 640K bytes of 120-ns DRAM. All this is attractively packaged in a light-gray, small-footprint unit. The price of this system, including Epson's Autoswitch EGA card and EGA monitor, is $3897.

As in earlier Epson computers, the Equity II-I- has a small door on the bottom left of the front panel, behind which you'll find a hardware reset switch, a toggle switch for the 8-MHz and 12-MHz CPU speeds, and another toggle for monochrome and color monitors. The keyboard cable connects to a recessed plug hidden behind another small panel at the bottom left corner of the machine.

An LED power indicator on the front of the Equity 11+ glows green when the computer is mmed on and running at 10 MHz; it changes to orange when the CPU

continued

JULY 1988 'BYTE 139

REVIEW OUTCLASSING THE AT

is set to its 8-MHz speed. You can change the processor speed only with the switch mentioned above; it cannot be changed with a keystroke combination or by software—an inconvenience compared to other systems with switchable CPU speeds. A second green LED glows when the system's CDC 40-megabyte hard disk drive is active. This hot drive shows an average seek time of 23 ms with a data transfer rate of 169K bytes per second, according to the Coretest program.

Internals

The basic layout of the Equity 11-I- components is similar to that of most other small-size AT clones. Three half-height storage device bays occupy the right front comer of the computer; behind them sits the 140-watt power supply. The left side of the box contains three 16-bit and three 8-bit expansion slots.

There are a few surprises inside, though. The 640K bytes of RAM are installed on a special memory card rather than on the motherboard. This small card is mounted vertically on its own expansion connector, just to the left of the disk drive enclosures. Also, the computer

uses two separate disk drive controller expansion cards. The floppy disk drive controller is mounted in an 8-bit slot and has connections for two floppy disk drives and the DB-9 RS-232C serial and DB-25 parallel ports. The hard disk drive controller is mounted in a 16-bit slot and has connectors for two drives. Because the video adapter card occupies another of the 8-bit slots, the machine is left with only one 8-bit and two 16-bit slots available for further expansion.

My review computer came with an EGA card and EGA monitor. The halflength Epson Autoswitch EGA card appears to be almost identical to the Paradise Autoswitch EGA card. The monitor and adapter performed perfectly with CGA and EGA software such as Brief 2.0, WordPerfect 4.2, Borland's Quattro 1.0, and my kids' current favorite, Chuck Yeager's Advanced Flight Trainer 1.2.

One peeve I have about this computer is its keyboard. The keys felt loose and somewhat flimsy, and their action was light and uncertain; it did not inspire confidence when typing fast. It's a bothersome component of an otherwise fine computer.

Software and Documentation

The Equity IH- comes with MS-DOS 3.3, GWBASIC 3.20, and an easy-to-use setup and diagnostics disk. The manuals for the operating system and BASIC interpreter are in softcover binders and are quite complete. The Equity II-I- user's guide makes setting up the computer straightforward even for novice users. Epson also includes a useful utility program from Storage Dimensions called SpeedStor, which allows you to partition your hard disk drive in a variety of ways, including into DOS partitions that exceed the normal 32-megabyte limit.

Bottom Line

The strengths of the Equity IH- are its convenient size and the fact that it is manufactured by one of the most reputable companies in the microcomputer game. The machine's performance would have been considered outstanding a year ago, but standards change quickly in this business, and a 10-MHz 80286 running with one wait state is a rather ordinary configuration these days. [Editor's note: Epson has recently announced a new version of the Equity 11+ with a clock speed

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140 BYTE- JULY 1988

Circle S3 on Reader Service Card (DEALERS: 84)

REVIEW OUTCLASSING THE AT

The Model D2 has four 16-bit and two 8-bit expansion slots. The hard disk drive controller takes up a 16-bit slot, and the EGA card takes an 8-bit slot. The floppy disk drive controller and the circuitry for single RS-232C serial and parallel ports are all included on the motherboard. There's space for two 5'/4-inch floppy disk drives in the main drive bay, and if you opt for a hard disk drive, it gets mounted vertically to the right of the floppy disk drives—an efficient use of space.

High-Test Hard Disk Drive

The 65-megabyte Microscience HH1060 hard disk drive that came with my high-end version of the system is a veritable speed demon. The Coretest showed an average seek time of 20.6 ms with a data transfer rate of 716.6K bytes per second. The 16-bit controller coupled with 1-to-l interleave definitely does the job. If you're doing disk-intensive processing, there's absolutely no question that this is the hard disk system to use.

The Model D2 comes configured with 640K bytes of RAM, 512K bytes of

continued

of 12 MHz. The new version retains the same case design and sells for $2699 with a 40-megabyte hard disk drive. ]

Another possible minus for the Equity II-t- is its limited expandability because of the need for two separate disk controllers and for the installation of a memoryexpansion card if you want more than 640K bytes of RAM.—Jo/in Unger

Leading Edge Model D2

Leading Edge is a familiar company in the battle for personal computer users' dollars. Its new Model D2 is a direct descendant of the still-available 8088-based Model D, which I reviewed in the September 1986 BYTE. Like its predecessor, the Model D2 is manufactured in Korea by Daewoo Telecom. With its 16inch-square footprint, it even looks like the Model D, although it's a bit taller.

The Model D2 comes in three configurations, all with 640K bytes of RAM, a single 1.2-megabyte 5 'i-inch floppy disk drive, a 12-inch high-resolution monochrome monitor, and a multimode EGA

card. The basic model lists for $1495. You can get the same with a 30-megabyte hard disk drive for $1995, or with a 65megabyte high-speed hard disk drive for $2495. The last is the one I tested.

Leading Edge sells no other accessories. If you want a color monitor, or if you want to expand the memory to 1 megabyte (on the motherboard), you'll have to fend for yourself.

The system uses 120-ns RAM and runs at either 10, 8, or 6 MHz, all with a single wait state. You switch the processor speed via the keyboard. There's a reset switch and keylock on the front, and single RS-232C and parallel ports are also standard issue.

Under the Hood

Inside, the Model D2 has a close-toconventional-size motherboard (11 by 12 inches). The Daewoo folks opted to use most of the Chips & Technologies ATcompatible chip set, although for some reason they didn't use the C&T 82C206, preferring to incorporate their own direct memory access (DMA) controller, interrupt controller, timer, and real-time clock/calendar using discrete chips.

REVIEW OUTCLASSING THE AT

which is permanently soldered into the motherboard; this can be a real pain if problems develop. Although there's room for the full standard megabyte of AT memory on the motherboard, the Model D2 has one slightly maddening idiosyncrasy: If you want to expand your 640K-byte system to 1 megabyte, you need to buy 512K bytes of RAM, not 384K bytes. The reason for this is that the 128K bytes of RAM from 512K to 640K is configured with 64K-byte chips. To expand the board to 1 megabyte, you need to remove the 64K-byte chips and replace them with 256K-byte chips. And you'll probably never have a use for those leftover 64K-byte chips.

The Model D2 comes with a pile of disks and a pile of manuals. There's MSDOS 3.20, a diagnostics disk, a setup disk, and the Leading Edge Word Processor thrown in for good measure. The two MS-DOS manuals are full start-fromscratch rewrites of generic MS-DOS manuals. They're particularly effective at explaining some of the vagaries of the operating system. The Operator's Guide is also a joy; it was obviously written by someone sympathetic to the needs of both

new users and the more experienced.

Thoughtful touches abound on the Model D2. There are long keyboard, power, and monitor cables, and even a depression on the keyboard for a pen or pencil. And in keeping with the increased reliability of today's hardware, it has a 20-month warranty.

The Model D2 is a prime example of today's high-quality plug-in-and-run systems: You can take it out of the box, plug it in, and be doing productive work in minutes. In addition, software compatibility just doesn't seem to be an issue anymore. The system's high-speed hard disk drive is a pleasure to use, especially with a disk-intensive application like Paradox. Last but not least, its low price makes it a real value.—Ston Miastkowski

PC's Limited System 200

The PC's Limited System 200, manufactured by Dell Computer, is an up-to-date, high-performance system. Except for its size and the general layout of its components, the System 200 bears little resem

blance to the original IBM PC AT it purports to mimic. This computer can use virtually all the software and hardware designed for the original AT, but it does so with new and better components and much faster.

The CPU runs at a maximum clock rate of 12.5 MHz, more than twice as fast as the first ATs, and Dell makes good use of very-large-scale-integration (VLSI) components, including three Chips & Technologies chips, to keep the motherboard chip count down to a minimum. My review system came with a 1.2megabyte 5!4-inch floppy disk drive, a 1.44-megabyte 3'/2-inch floppy disk drive, and a fast 40-megabyte hard disk drive—and it still had room for two more half-height storage units. It was also equipped with a VGA/EGA/CGA video card and monitor and a total of 1.6 megabytes of RAM. The total price for this configuration is $3599.

Internal Layout and Components

The physical layout of the major hardware components resembles that used in most full-size AT clones. The right rear corner is occupied by a hefty 200-watt

OOPS LITE LESS FILLING GREAT ME

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personal computing isn't just manipulating a word processor, a spreadsheet or a modem user interface. It is using tiieir PC as a sculptor uses clay And Smalltalk/V with its unique design clarity natural parallel between problem and solution, and forgiving nature gets you there with gusto.

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142 BYTE' JULY 1988

Circle 85 on Reader Service Card (DEALERS: 86)

REVIEW OUTCLASSING THE AT

power supply. In front of the power supply are two storage-device bays; the one on the right is set up to take three halfheight devices, and the left-hand bay can be used by one full-height or two halfheight hard disk drives. The bottom halfheight bay on the right is suitable only for a hard disk drive, because you cannot access it from the front panel.

The System 200 has six expansion slots on the motherboard: four 16-bit and two 8-bit. The hard disk drive/floppy disk drive controller uses one of the 16bit slots, and the video adapter uses an 8bit slot. Two DB-9 RS-232C serial ports and one DB-25 parallel port are mounted on the motherboard; you don't have to use up an expansion slot for them.

The computer comes standard with 640K bytes of 120-ns DRAM mounted directly on the motherboard. My review unit had an additional 1 megabyte of DRAM installed in special single in-line memory module (SIMM) sockets, also located on the motherboard. Using SIMMs, you can install up to 4 megabytes of memory on the motherboard.

You can switch the 80286 CPU between 12.5 and 6.25 MHz with either a

keystroke combination (Ctrl-Alt-Backslash) or a utility program. The expansion bus clock rate switches between 8 and 6.25 MHz when you toggle the CPU speed. The system's memory access uses one wait state independently of the clock speed. I had no trouble installing an 8MHz 80287 math coprocessor on the motherboard.

Storage and Display

My System 200 had a versatile trio of data storage devices installed. The mainstay is a 40-megabyte hard disk drive with an average access time of 25 ms and a data transfer rate of 167K bytes per second, according to the Coretest. For convenience in running software and exchanging data, I had the choice of using either a 1.2-megabyte 5W-inch floppy disk drive or a 1.44-megabyte 3'/2-inch floppy disk drive. This drive combination ensures easy compatibility with all MS-DOS systems, including laptops and the new PS/2 computers.

The System 200 also came with a Video Seven Vega VGA card and a Mitsubishi XC-1429C color monitor. This display system is VGA/EGA/CGA com

patible and ran all my CGA and EGA software flawlessly. I don't have any commercial software that uses color graphics in VGA mode, so I wrote some simple graphics routines to show off the VGA's colors using Borland Turbo C version 1.5. The results were stunning.

Performance

When running my software on the System 200,1 never got the feeling that I had to wait for the computer to catch up with me. (And I have built up quite an impatience quotient over the years.) The benchmark results back up my feelings about the machine's performance: It is near the top for 80286 machines. [Editor's note: Dell Computer has recently announced the Model 220, a 20-MHz 80286 system with a 3'A-inch floppy disk drive, 1 megabyte of RAM, and a 40megabyte hard disk drive. It lists for $2499.]

Dell Computer, the manufacturer of PC's Limited computers, deals strictly by mail order. Dell has a toll-free number for technical assistance, and its employees are fast and knowledgeable.

continued

any

REVIEW OUTCLASSING THE AT

However, if its technicians cannot solve your problem, you can take advantage of free, on-site service provided by Honeywell Bull if you live within 100 miles of one of that company's 180 customerservice dispatch offices. This service is free for one year and can be extended for four extra years with an additional fee.

The System 200 is an ideal choice if you need a full-size, high-performance AT-compatible microcomputer with a large capacity both for extra storage de

vices, such as disk drives and tape backup units, and for plug-in expansion boards. —John Unger

Side by Side

We were not surprised by the benchmark results. The fleetest CPU gets the gold medal; in this case, it is the Amdek System/286A with its 12.5-MHz 80286 with

zero wait states.

All the computers had a respectable showing against an 8-MHz IBM PC AT. But when you get further into the benchmark results, the distinctions are less clear.

In the FPU test, the PC's Limited System 200 is the clear leader, leaving the Amdek behind. This is significant if you plan to do intensive number crunching.

A hard disk drive can be a bottleneck for any computer system, and in the Disk I/O tests, the Arche Rival 286 was betrayed by its slow Seagate ST225. All the other reviewed systems had respectable hard disk drive performance.

The lead again changed hands in the Video tests. The Arche Rival 286's EGA card put on a good performance.

The Applications benchmarks give real-world results that reflect how a computer would perform in your home or office. In all these tests, the Amdek System/286A was the leader, consistently outperforming its competition. Its nearest rival was the PC's Limited System 200. The Arche Rival 286, while excelling in the Word Processing tests, was again slowed by its hard disk drive in the disk-intensive Database tests.

In terms of performance, then, the stand-up winner in our benchmark tests was the Amdek System/286A. The only test where it stumbled was in the Video benchmarks, and that has more to do with the function of the graphics adapter card than with the whole computer.

You should, of course, select the system that excels in the categories you work with most. Also, be aware that the prices given here are list prices. Many systems, such as Epson's Equity II-I-, are sold by independent retailers and may be available at heavily discounted prices in your area. But given our benchmark results and list prices, a couple of clear choices emerge. Top performance goes to the Amdek System/286A, but at a cost of $4345. At $3600, a PC's Limited System 200 is close in performance and more fully equipped. And if top-notch performance is not essential, the Leading Edge Model D2 comes in at $2500, the bargain of this bunch. ■

John Unger is a geophysicist for the U.S. government and lives in Hamilton, Virginia. He writes graphics software and uses computers to study the earth's crust. He can be reached on BIX as "editors. " Stan Miastkowski is a BYTE contributing editor, director of K+S Concepts (a documentation and consulting firm), and editor in chief of the "OS Report" newsletter. He can be reached on BIX as "stanm. "

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Software/Hardware Package

Every CLEO package contains all the software and hardware accessories needed at the remote site. Your selected CLEO SNA or BSC software is packaged with 1) an internal modem card for dial-up applications, or 2) an interface card and cable for use with your existing modem. There's no waiting for nonCLEOjidd-ons. And, you get prompt, singlesource service.

Package prices range from S795.00for most stand-alone packages, up to Sl,995.00 for the 32-user SNA gateway.

Call us today to discuss

your application.

CLEO Software

1639 North Alpine Rd. Rockford, IL 61107 Telex 703639 FAX 815/397-6535

Headquarters:

USA: 1-800/233-2536

Illinois: 1-800/422-2536 International: 815/397-8110

Sales and Distribution:

Benelux: 31(71)215281 Canada, East: 800/361-3185 Canada, West: 800/361-1210 Canada, Montreal: 514/737-3631 Colombia, S.A.: 12172266 Denmark: 1628300 England: 0908667737 France: 146861136 Italy: (0331) 634 562 Mexico City: 596-5539 Sweden; 8 740 5070

CLEO

CLEO and 3780Plus are registered trademarks of CLEO Software. IBM is a registered trademark of Internationa! Business Machines Corporation.

Hardware Review

Seeing Colors on the Mac SE

Orchid's ColorVue SE board taps hidden color capabilities

Don Crabb

To the world at large, it's obvious that the Macintosh II supports color. Not so obvious is that both the Mac SE and the Mac Plus, even with their black-and-white displays, also support color. These Mac ROMs use conventional QuickDraw calls to handle eight basic colors: black, red, green, blue, white, cyan, magenta, and yellow.

This limited color capability allows the Mac SE to print in color on an Imagewriter II, Imagewriter LQ, HewlettPackard PaintJet, and other devices. But because the Mac SE lacks a way to display these eight colors, achieving good color output is a matter of trial and error. The demand for a way to view color on 9 Mac SE has grown because of the increasing sophistication of desktop presentation and publishing software and the need to review the output before committing the results to the printer.

Orchid Technology's ColorVue SE provides an add-on solution. The ColorVue SE is a $695 adapter card that lets the Mac SE display colors on an attached color monitor while still allowing use of the computer's built-in screen.

The ColorVue SE version 1.0 supports a 1024- by 512-pixel virtual screen, with a region of 640 by 480 pixels visible at a given time. The board supports horizontal panning to let you view the entire virtual screen in sections (if your software provides the necessary assistance—via a horizontal scroll bar, for example). The board can display as many as 16 colors or gray scales at a time (the ColorVue software supplies eight additional colors besides the eight that QuickDraw provides) from a palette of 262,144 possible RGB values. The board also supports 2- and 8color (or gray-scale) modes.

The video output can drive either an Apple RGB analog monitor, such as the Mac n color monitor, or a VGA monitor, such as the IBM 8513 and 8514 color monitors. Many multiscan monitors, such as the Sony Multiscan and the NEC Multisync, can also be used.

The Hardware of Color

The ColorVue SE is a standard-size SE daughterboard that plugs into the Mac SE's 96-pin Euro-DIN slot. The ColorVue board does not include an extra bus connector, so if you install it in your SE, you will not be able to install other addon cards. The basic design fault is the Mac SE's, though, with its limited slot space. The SE that I used already had a SuperMac (Levco) Prodigy SE board installed, which I had to remove to test the ColorVue.

The ColorVue SE comes packaged in an antistatic bag and is well protected during shipment by closed-cell foam padding. The package includes a user's manual, a support software disk, two nylon standoffs to help anchor the board, a customer service booklet and warranty card,

continued

JULY 1988 -BYTE 147

REVIEW SEEING COLORS ON THE MAC SE

an output connector with two sockets for the color monitor connection, and ribbon cable to join the board to the output connector. A color monitor is not included.

The output connector includes both a large-format DB-15 Apple connector and a small-format DB-14 VGA-style connector. The user's manual provides a schematic of the pin-outs for each.

The board has a very clean design, with no engineering afterthoughts (see photo 1). It contains two proprietary Orchid ROMs (version 1.0), 2 megabytes of video RAM, a number of programmablearray-logic (PAL) chips, a couple of oscillators, a connector for the ribbon cable, and some unmarked custom chips. The ROMs are socketed, so the company can upgrade the board's firmware.

Installing the ColorVue board is quite easy. The instructions supplied in the user's manual are sufficiendy detailed if you've had some installation and modification experience with Macs before. However, Orchid warns against novices attempting the installation; this advice is warranted because of the high voltage danger presented by the SB's CRT yoke and analog board.

Installation and initial testing of the ColorVue SE took a litde longer than an

Y

I ou can

set the external display fori, 8, or 16 colors.

hour from removal of the computer's outer shell to its replacement. You need a Phillips screwdriver, a small flat-blade screwdriver, a long-shafted T-15 Torx driver, and a case-cracker to complete the installation. Orchid does not supply these tools.

After the board is installed, you attach the output connector to the board, using its ribbon cable, and then you mount the output connector in the SB's accessory access port; this process took another 10 minutes. The output connector is fastened by screws to the SB's chassis and fits through the access port after you have popped out its plastic cover. A small metal finishing bracket fits over the

monitor connectors in the port, giving a nice finished appearance to the installation and offering further anchorage for the monitor connectors.

The Software of Color

The software assist for the ColorVue SE comes in the form of a Control Panel CDBV called ColorVue. To install the software, you simply drag the CDBV from the supplied disk to the system folder of your start-up disk. The CDBV lets you set a number of functions, including the number of display colors; a screen saver, which you can activate manually or time to dim the screen within 5 or 30 minutes of inactivity; and the monitor type you have connected (Apple or VGA, color or monochrome).

You can set display colors to 2, 8, 16, or automatic. The 2-color mode turns the external monitor into a monochrome screen. This improves screen performance for noncolor programs, because you're manipulating bits instead of pixels for the display. It also eliminates compatibility problems for software that won't work properly with ColorVue.

The 8-color mode displays the 8 standard colors used in printing on the Imagewriter II and Imagewriter LQ: black, red, green, blue, white, cyan, magenta, and yellow. When you switch to the 16-color mode, the ColorVue board adds 8 more colors to the available palette (dark gray, orange, olive, purple, light gray, gray, brown, and tan). At this writing, current applications don't utilize these extra colors, but Orchid Technology says that 19 programs modified to use this capability will be ready to ship by August. These include PageMaker, Adobe Illustrator, SuperPaint 2.0, MacDraw n, and dBASE Mac.

The recommended mode of operation is the automatic color mode. The automatic setting displays 16 colors if they are present; if no colors are visible, the software treats the screen as a black-andwhite display. This improves video performance by using the faster 2-color mode to update the Mac SE desktop until you open an application using color.

Other screen attributes and functions are set with the ColorVue CDBV, including the ability to fine-tune your color choices on-screen to match your own tastes or to match those of your color printer (Imagewriter or PaintJet). The CDBV also lets you activate either or both of the internal and external monitors. If you use the internal monitor, it duplicates the top left (512- by 342-pixel) rectangle of the larger screen.

continued

148 BYTE' JULY 1988

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THE "DESKTOP PRESENTER PACK"

Everything you need for creating and giving presentations with your PC.

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Berkeley, CA 415-524-3950 Circle 106 on Reader Service Card

JULY 1988 -BYTE 149

Circle 120 on Reader Service Card

ChiWriter

REVIEW SEEING COLORS ON THE MAC SE

How are you currently producing your scientific documents? Are you using a "golf ball" style typewriter? A regular word processor, fiand lettering the special symbols? Are you figtiting against a "wfiat-you-see-is-definitely-not-whatyou-get" system with a special command language? Or are you using one of our competitors' expensive and inflexible programs? Find out how ChiWriter can solve your scientific word processing problems.

From an actual ChiWriter screen display

Powerful Scientific/Multifont Word Processing at a Reasonable Price

ChiWriter is a complete word processor, designed especially for scientific and foreign language text. Its features include; intuitive formula editing commands, automatic pagination, variable headers and footers, footnotes, box draw mode, a notepad window and an integrated spelling checker.

Best of all, ChiWriter is completely "what-you-seeis-what-you-get". Even complicated formulas can be entered easily because the screen display corresponds exactly to the printout.

ChiWriter runs on an IBM PC with CGA graphics, 2 floppy or 1 hard/1 floppy drive, and an Epson/IBM compatible 9 pin printer. Hi res screen support (Hercules, EGA, VGA, AT&T), 24 pin printer support and laser printer support (HP LaserJet, PostScript) is available.

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Phil Wiswell, PC Magazine

r,

■

ChiWriter Program " $99.95

Hi Res Screen Support $24.95

[ 1 24 Pin Printer Support $24.95

[ I Laser Printer Support $59.95

U International Keyboard Support $19.95

U Chemistry Support $49.95

LI Word Perfect Converter $49.95

CI Conographic Font Set SI49.95

Li IndexChi Index Generator $59.95

□ Shipping & handling S

$5 U.S. & Canada, $10 Europe. S15 elsewhere

Name

Address

City

State _

Phone ( )

Payment by □ Check □ Purchase Order □ VISA Ll MC Card ft Exp. I

-Zip.

. Country _

Horstmann Software Design Corporation 140 E. San Carlos St./P.O. Box 3039 San Jose, CA 95150-5039, USA (408) 298-0828

horstmann m^wm®

ColorVue SE

Type

Color display board for the Macintosh SE

Company

Orchid Technology 45365 Northport LoopW Fremont, CA 94538 (415) 683-0300

Features

640- by 480-pixel display in a virtual window of 1024 by 512 pixels; displays 16 colors out of a palette of 262,144; 2-, 8-, 16-, and auto-color modes; prints in color on the Apple Imagewriter II, Imagewriter LQ, and HP PaintJet color printers; automatic or manually triggered screen-saving feature; connector- and signal-compatible with the Mac II monochrome/color monitors or PS/2 series color/monochrome monitors; 2 megabytes of video RAM; Orchid ROM version 1.0; ColorVue SE CDEV

Size

4 X 8 7,6 inches; conforms to SE daughtercard form factor

Hardware Needed

Macintosh SE; Mac II monochrome/color monitor, VGAcompatible monitor, or multiscan monitor

Software Needed

None

Documentation

76-page ColorVue SE User's Manual

Price

$695

Inquiry 888.

The ColorVue SB's virtual screen is 1024 by 512 pixels, although you can view only 640 by 480 pixels at once. The documentation makes no mention of how to invoke, control, or use this capability, but I found through trial and error that the horizontal scroll bars on some applications let you move the viewable screen around in that virtual space.

I tested the ColorVue using an AppleColor 13-inch high-resolution RGB monitor (the Mac II color monitor); an IBM 8513 PS/2 VGA monitor; a Zenith 14-inch FTM VGA monitor; a Zenith 13inch RGB monitor; an Apple 12-inch

high-resolution monochrome monitor (the Mac 11 monochrome monitor); a Sony Multiscan color monitor; and an NEC Multisync color monitor. The ColorVue drove each monitor successfully, although I had to adjust the sharpness and focus controls on the Zenith RGB monitor to get a clear picture.

The power connectors of many color monitors use a special power cord that connects them to the switched outlet on a computer chassis. This is true for the AppleColor monitor, which comes with a cord meant to be hooked to the Mac 11. Fortunately, this same cable is detachable at the monitor so you can substitute a "generic" power cable. Bear this in mind if you use a different monitor with the ColorVue SE, since the Mac SE does not have a switched power outlet of its own.

A Few Compatibility Snags

I ran virtually every Macintosh application I had on the ColorVue SE-equipped Mac. Nongraphics software, such as word processors, did not have a problem with the ColorVue, since they don't support color anyway. One exception was dBASE Mac 1.01, which produces color on a Mac II. The dBASE database I used to test the ColorVue had color graphics and text in it. Neither color text nor graphics displayed properly with the ColorVue SE. Orchid Technology is aware of this problem and is currently working on a fix.

My software test list naturally included lots of graphics and desktop publishing applications, since presumably the biggest reason for buying the ColorVue board is for color graphics. Among the applications I tested were FullPaint 1.1, SuperPaint 1.0, MacPaint 1.4 and

2.0, Cricket Draw 1.0, Cricket Graph

1.1, MacProject 1.5, MacDraw 1.9.5 and 2.0, PowerPoint 1.0 and 2.0, Quark XPress, GraphicWorks 1.1, Video Works 1.0, VersaCAD 1.1, More 1.1c, MegaImages B6.C, ImageStudio 1.0, MaxWrite 0.80, MapMaker 1.0, Zoomation! 1.5, Color MacStar, PixelPaint 1.0, and Slide Show 1.0.

Of this list, only FullPaint, MaxWrite, and MacPaint would not run properly on the ColorVue in color mode, although they would work in 2-bit monochrome mode. Display problems ranged from menus with multiple ghosts, to invisible menu bars, to confused images. Color MacStar, Megalmages, PixelPaint, and Zoomation! would not work at all in either monochrome or color mode, and the computer required a hard reset to clear. Since these four programs were

continued

150 BYTE- JULY 1988

1-800-422-3525 '

CONTROL YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS FROM YOUR IBM*PC OR PC/AT COMPATIBLE

This card is what you need to TURN ON & OFF lights, machinery, and other electrical or

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r analog inpol channels |12-bl< lesolulion)

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- Progfammabie sampling tales provided by a

IBM PC*DATA ACQUISITION AND CONTROL ADAPTER provides an easy to use interface for accessing the ANALOG and DIGITAL I/O. Integrates analog, binary and time/ counter devices on a single adapter card.

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32-C ■ Evenl CO! programi

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• USES

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Some parameie's commonly moniloted or coniroHed include Pressu'e. flow. Displacemeni. Voltage. Ligfii intensily, Roialional spaed

Some insirumenls or devices iriat may utilize ff>e Adapter are Chromwographs. Spocnogfiolomelefs, Pressure gages. Relay cofHrols, Thftfmocouples. Gas anaty^'Si Hum>d.ly sensors. Valve actualors. Level gauges. Load cells. Conductivity ceils, p^ Meiers

• TECHNICAL DATA

ANALOG INPUT. The analog input lunclions o1 the adapter operate in eigher programed or interrupting mode The analog input functions provide l?-bil relative accuracy

RESOLUTION - 12 bus INPUT CHANNELS- lou' diHerenlial

INPUT MODESINPUT RANGES: unipolar

bipolar OUTPUT MODE

bipolar INPUT IMPEDANCE

INPUT CURRENT

INPUT VOLTAGE Normal mode

COMMON MODE Heieciion ratio

DIFFERENTIAL Lmt

Siabrin GAIN

Stability OFFSET

Error

Unipolar:

Bipolar sli MONOTONICIITY THROUGHPUT lo

OTO ±10volt5. user-seleclable ±5 and -tOvotis user-seleclabte

otisel binary >100 megol

power on or power oft

± ■: LSB ma.imum

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ity

: 0 fo between ranges (man) any range adjustable toD

:32 opm/degrees C ol FSR lma») adjustable to 0

±24 ppm/degrees C ol FSR (max) r 2» ppm/degrees C ol FSR (max) 3 to 50 degrees C IS.OOOconversions/second mm.

The analog output ii

! The analog output

RESOLUTION Number ol output c OUTPUT modes OUTPUT ranges Unipolar

OFFSET

E/iOf untpolar E/ror tupolai Unipolar stability Bipolar stability MONOTONICITY SETTLING TIME

PROTECTION OVERSHOOT THROUGHPUT

0 I betwoem ranges (m any range adjustable lo

^3 26miiiivcfl max adiustatDleloO

- 6 ppm/Pegrees C Ol FSR (max) -24 opm/degrees C or FSR (max) 0 to 50 degrees C

to micrcseconOsmax lo*nfiin01S FSR lor a tO votl step wiiin 1000 Qtioad

OUR LOW! LOW! PRICE FOR BOTH UNITS

IBM* DATA ACQUISTION AND CONTROL ADAPTER #6451502 ORGINAL COST $1275 IBM* ADAPTER DISTRIBUTION PANEL #6451504 ORGINAL COST $245

$195

INCLUDES TURBO PASCAL DEMO SOFTWARE W/SOURCE CODES, ADDRESSES, ANALOG & BINARY INPUT & OUTPUT MODULES

PER SET

Shipping & Handling $6.50

MENDELSON'S ADVANCED DEMO IN TURBO PASCAL AVAILABLE FOR $25

Part No. #200-108 Demo Turbo

vMendelson Electronic Co., Inc.

20% Restocking Fee on-Non-Defective Returns

STORE HOURS 8:30 - 5:00 Monday thru Saturday. *IBM PC/XT is a registered trademark of IBM corp. TERMS: MasterCard/Visa/Discover Card, Check or Money order (checks allow two weeks for clearance), C.O.D. add additional $3.00. Ohio residents add 6% State Tax.

Above shipping/handling are rates lor UPS ground in Continental U.S. only

340 East First Street Dayton, Ohio 45402 513/461-3525

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Circle 163 on Reader Service Card

JULY 1988 -BYTE 151

REVIEW SEEING COLORS ON THE MAC SE

Circle 123 on Reader Service Card

Integrand's new Chassis/System is not another IBM mechanical and electrical clone. An entirely fresh packaging design approach has been taken using modular construction. At present, over 40 optional slock modules allow you to customize our standard chassis to nearly any requirement. Integrand offers high quality, advanced design hardware along with applications and technical support all at prices competitive with imports. Why settle for less?

Rack & Desk PC/AT Chassis

F

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IBM, PC, XT, AT trademarks of International Business Machines. Drives and t»mputcr boards not included.

152 B YTE • JULY 1988

written for the Mac II, I expected this problem. The rest of the graphics software worked in monochrome mode on the external screen.

I printed color output using Cricket Draw, Cricket Graph, More, and other applications on an Imagewriter II, Imagewriter LQ, and HP PaintJet without a hitch; the pages had the colors that the screen displays led me to expect. I also printed color output on an HP 7475A flat-bed plotter, although the matchup between the displayed color on the screen and the plotted color on the paper usually did not match.

The most noticeable difference between the regular Mac SE screen and the color screen driven by the ColorVue (besides the color) was in screen-drawing performance. Cricket Draw, for example, took at least twice as long (and often much more for complex images) to redraw a color graphic on the ColorVue SE-driven screen, compared to the same image in monochrome on the internal screen of an unmodified Mac SE.

The same was true for other applications working in color (e.g., GraphicWorks, VersaCAD, and Cricket Graph). Of all the other applications I tested. More 1.1c showed the most slowdown when redisplaying an image with color text in it, compared to displaying on the internal monitor. Thus, the price of having color is some screen-drawing slowdown when you use the 8- or 16-color mode. However, you can always switch to monochrome to improve drawing speed, or you can use the automatic-color setting and let the ColorVue switch to monochrome when no color is present.

Skimpy Documentation

The user's manual supplied with the ColorVue board does a good job as an installation guide, but it is anemically thin on other issues. It doesn't mention anything about using the ColorVue SE with actual software. There is no list of compatible software, nor a discussion of which software vendors can be expected to provide ColorVue drivers with their products. The manual also fails to give any information about the card's 1024by 512-pixel virtual screen and how you're supposed to move around in it (horizontal panning).

From an end user's point of view, Orchid needs to go back to its technical writers for about 40 more pages of software and usage discussion. An updated manual should also include complete technical specifications (such as a detailed board schematic and a discussion of the board's design) and should address

other technical concerns. No on-line help is provided with the ColorVue CDEV.

Orchid is a proven accessory board manufacturer for the IBM PC. This is the company's first Apple-compatible product. I tested the customer-support phone lines by asking some questions about installation and software compatibility. The support technicians dealt with installation problems easily, but those I talked with knew much less about the ColorVue's software compatibility or about the availability of new software releases that would drive the ColorVue properly.

The ColorVue SE has a two-year hardware warranty that you can extend to four years at no extra charge by filling out and returning your warranty card.

The Big Draw: Color Now

The question you have to answer before buying a ColorVue SE is: Do you really need a color Mac SE? And at what price? At $695, the ColorVue SE isn't cheap, but it's reasonable. However, you have to add the price of a color monitor to your shopping list when you go with SE color. This will add another $500 to $900 to the tab, depending on the monitor you buy. That puts the price of SE color at $1200 and up. Not cheap, but still much less expensive than scrapping (or selling) your Mac SE and buying a Mac II. Besides, you can opt to buy one of Apple's color monitors and then continue to use it when your budget permits you to buy a Mac II.

The main reason for buying the ColorVue SE is that it provides a usable color display for the Mac SE now. If you need color for your graphic design, CAD, or publishing work, and you don't want to replace your Mac SE, the ColorVue SE is a reasonable solution. Although the board's color display lacks the subtlety of the 256-color Mac II display, you'll be surprised just how appealing 8 or 16 colors can be. And if you need 16 gray scales for your desktop publishing work, the ColorVue SE does that job nicely, too. The cost of acquiring this capability won't bankrupt you, either.

Finally, the ColorVue SE doesn't tie your Mac SE to your desk. Any time you need to move your Mac or take it on the road, you can disconnect the color monitor cable and go. ■

Don Crabb is the director of instructional laboratories for the computer science department of the University of Chicago and is a lecturer in the department and the college. His articles and reviews have appeared in microcomputer magazines, newspapers, and journals. He can be reached on BIX as "decrabb. "

w1

li'l

I

"J.

NOW YOU CAN CONNECT FOUR USERS 10 ONE LASffi PRINTER,

With the Mannesman]! Tally" MT910 Laser Printer and its Multiuser Interface option, you can connect four users for just $1050 each.

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Circle 155 on Reader Service Card (Dealers: 156)

THIS ONE

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154 BYTE" JULY 1988

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Software Review

VM/386:

A Virtual Solution

A multitasking program manager for 80386-based DOS machines

Namir Clement Shammas

VM/386 is a control program that lets you run DOS applications concurrently. It uses the virtual 8086 mode of the Intel 80386 CPU chip to create multiple 8086-based virtual machines. The amount of physical memory limits the number of virtual machines.

VM/386 1.1 ($245) from Intelligent Graphics Corp. requires an 80386-based computer with at least 2 megabytes of RAM. The system requires one highdensity floppy disk drive, and the manual

recommends that you use a hard disk drive. VM/386 supports monochrome display adapters and VGA, CGA, EGA, and Hercules-compatible graphics adapters. I used a Compaq Deskpro/20 with 5 megabytes of memory and a 40-megabyte hard disk drive running MS-DOS 3.3.

Multiple Virtual IBM PC XTs

The VM/386 control program takes up 640K bytes of memory, and lets you divide up the rest of the physical memory into virtual machines. It uses a preemptive multitasking scheduler to share the processor among the virtual machines. You can choose to have the System Resource Manager (SRM) adjust and optimize the scheduling of a virtual machine, or you can turn off the SRM and adjust these parameters yourself.

Each machine operates as though it were an independent IBM PC XT, with its own copies of DOS, AUTOEXEC and CONFIG files and memory-resident programs. These virtual machines are pro

tected from each other; a software crash in one does not affect the others. In fact, you can even reboot an individual virtual machine with the Ctrl-Alt-Del key combination. To move among the virtual machines, you call up a switcher list by pressing SysReq (or Alt-SysReq if you have an enhanced keyboard). From this list, you can choose either to enter the virtual machine manager menu or to go to a virtual machine.

To use VM/386, you first boot up under DOS and then type VM/386, which is the name of a batch file that starts the Virtual Memory Manager (VMM). The VM/386 control program uses multiple text-based windows containing menus and help or status information. The VMM contains six main menus: Virtual Machine Control, Hardware Control, System Options, Status Display, Help Information, and Exit VM/386. All these menus except the last have submenus. It is important that you exit from VM/386 via the menu option so that VM/386 can close any files it has open.

Creating a virtual machine involves two screens, each with a set of options. The first contains basic options, while the second contains advanced ones. You can alter and fine-tune the default values, with the option of storing a new set of default values in a profile file.

The basic options for creating a virtual machine are assigning a virtual machine a name, a profile, and an amount of memory (128K to 640K bytes); as shown in the photo. You can also specify whether this virtual machine will run only w.hile it is in the foreground and whether the SRM will adjust its time slice.

When you estimate the total amount of memory required, you must take into account that the video screen requires 16K bytes and 112K bytes in text and graphics modes, respectively. You can assign foreground-only mode to highly interactive applications that do not perform any task while in the background.

continued

JULY 1988 -BYTE 155

REVIEW VM/386: A VIRTUAL SOLUTION

VM/3861.1

Type

Multitasking environment

Company

IGC

4800 Great America Pkwy. Santa Clara, CA 95054 (408) 986-8373 (800)458-9108

Format

One high-density SVi-inch floppy disk

Language

Assembly

Hardware Needed

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Software Needed

DOS 3.0 or higher

Documentation

200-page user's manual

Price

$245

Inquiry 895.

The SRM is responsible for adjusting and optimizing the time slice of a virtual machine based on I/O activities. The more I/O a virtual machine performs, the more time slice the SRM will give it. You can turn off the SRM for a virtual machine that is running an important number-crunching application. Such applications tend not to perform many I/O operations and, with the SRM turned on, they are considered idle and are consequently allocated a smaller CPU time slice.

Other basic options for creating a virtual machine let you select the boot device and files. You can start a virtual machine from a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, and from ROM BASIC. The boot files are AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS by default. You can specify other boot files such that the primary filenames are the same, but you have to designate the extension names. The AUTOEXEC.VM and CONFIG.VM filenames are suggested for alternate filenames.

156 BYTE' JULY 1988

This enables you to customize the configuration during the virtual machine reboot.

Each virtual machine can have its own AUTOEXEC batch file to load RAM-resident utilities and related applications. VM/386 does not support DOS redirection and piping commands placed inside batch files. These commands work fine when issued at the DOS command level.

The advanced options for creating a virtual machine let you adjust parameters that relate to the performance, extended or expanded memory allocation, and hardware device drivers.

The performance parameters are probably the most interesting and most frequently adjusted. With these parameters, you can control the speed of virtual machines relative to each other. The parameters include the queue, priority, time slice, SRM burst, SRM swapout, realtimer switch setting, and the I/O privilege level.

The queue parameter designates the interrupt level for a virtual machine and ranges from 1 to 5, with a default of 4. The lower the queue number, the higher the priority of a virtual machine for handling external interrupts. The VMM, with a queue number of 0, has the highest interrupt level.

For virtual machines with the same queue number, you use a second parameter (called priority), which ranges from 0 to 255, to decide which machine has precedence. Low-priority values yield a higher precedence.

The third parameter is the time slice (in milliseconds) that defines the CPU time spent on each virtual machine. The time slice values range from 1 to 255, with a default of 6. The manual recommends that for optimum performance, the sum of the time slices of the virtual machines should be 60 ms.

VM/386 offers an additional level of sophistication in managing virtual machines. You can run a virtual machine for a specific number of seconds and then suspend it, either completely or for a fixed time span. The SRM burst parameter assigns the total CPU seconds before a virtual machine is suspended. The SRM swapout parameter defines the number of seconds before the suspended machine resumes running. A 0 value implies a permanent suspension.

Once a virtual machine profile is defined, you can create one or more virtual machines by pressing the Enter key after a final confirmation message. You then use the switcher to move among the virtual machines.

To automate the systematic creation of

a set of virtual machines, VM/386 supports the creation of start-up files. These files create the preselected combination of virtual machines, but they do not load or launch their applications.

You terminate a virtual machine by selecting an option from the virtual machine manager menu. You should first close any applications that perform file I/O before you terminate them because the selected application is abandoned at once. Updating a virtual machine is another option that permits you to adjust some of its parameters (e.g., the time slice) while it is running. This lets you alter the real-time speed of execution for an application.

Hardware Constraints

VM/386 supports the use of two hard disk drives (connected to the same controller) and two monitors. VM/386 also supports hard disk partitions beyond 32 megabytes if you are using Compaq DOS 3.31. If you have an EGA that autoswitches to CGA mode, you must disable this feature.

You can specify that monitors and hard disk drives be used in either floating or exclusive modes. In exclusive mode, the designated device is tied solely to a specific virtual machine. You can employ exclusive video output to monitor a special application on a secondary monitor. In floating mode, several virtual machines can intermittently access different files located on the same hard disk. Also there is a RAM disk that virtual machines and a VGA can share.

You can also specify the allocation of extended or expanded memory to work with your applications. Using either genre of memory reduces the amount of memory available for virtual machines.

In creating a multitasking environment out of the single-tasking DOS environment, VM/386 must take steps to allocate resources, such as the printer and communications ports, to specific virtual machines. It does this from the device allocation menu by letting you assign these resources to specific virtual machines. The explicit device allocation prevents various applications from simultaneously printing, which could lead to an utterly confusing hard-copy printout. The application allocated to the communications port should have its virtual machine queue parameter set to 1 so it will have a high level of access to external interrupts. This enables the communications software to keep up with the pace of the transmitted characters.

The Status Display main menu permits you to monitor the status of the virtual

I

REVIEW

VM/386: A VIRTUAL SOLUTION

Table 1: The time for the primary benchmark essentially increases proportionally with each additional background process.

Number of operating programs

Time (seconds)

Comparison to DOS performance (percent)

Compaq DOS 3.31 VM/386

Note; All processes are running at a time slice of 60 ms.

10.5

10.5 21.8 32.8 42.5 81.7

100

100 208 312 405 778

machines. The information is presented in tabular form indicating the queue number, the priority level, the time slice, the remaining time slice (for a running virtual machine), and the total number of unprocessed interrupts. You can also query the status of the total amount of storage: actual, expanded, extended, and virtual. VM/386 also enables you to peek at memory locations, presenting you with a debug-like memory dump.

Testing The Performance

To test the speed of the multitasking feature of VM/386, I wrote two Turbo Pascal 4.0 programs: BEN1.EXE and BEN2.EXE. BEN1.EXE contains the primary benchmark program that runs in the foreground; BEN2.EXE is the secondary benchmark program that runs in a background virtual machine. Both programs loop infinitely and use the Turbo Pascal function KeyPressed to exit.

The primary benchmark program performs integer calculations in a For loop, beeps, and then displays the time required to execute the For-Do loop. The secondary benchmark program performs the same calculations and displays the loop-control variable. Printing the loopcontrol variable in the secondary benchmark gives you a visual indication of whether or not a copy of the program is actually running. It also gives you a feel for how fast or slow a copy of the secondary benchmark is running.

To run the multitasking benchmark, I first saved the following settings in a 128K_STD profile file: I set the SRM to OFF, queue to 4, priority to 128, and time slice to 60 ms.

I then created a virtual machine using the modified 128K_STD profile and started a copy of BEN1.EXE in that virtual machine and measured the time between beeps.

Once I had the time for BEN1.EXE running alone, I then added copies of the secondary benchmarks to a virtual machine that runs in the background and measured how much subsequent copies ofBEN2.EXE slow down BEN1.EXE. I used the switcher to load copies ofBEN2.EXE in a virtual machine and then to switch BEN1.EXE back into the foreground. Table 1 shows the effect adding subsequent background virtual machines has on executing BEN1.EXE.

I also tested the effect of running the primary benchmark in a 512K-byte virtual machine with a 60-ms time slice, while four copies of the secondary benchmark ran in four 128K-byte machines with a 15-ms time slice. The results show that the timing of the primary benchmark was 31.2 seconds, instead of the estimated 21 seconds (10.5 seconds X (4 X 15 + 60) /60). The difference between these two timings can most likely be attributed to the extra size of the virtual machine running the primary benchmark.

The second benchmark program, DSKBENl.EXE, examines the ability of VM/386 to support multiple virtual machines that appear to simultaneously or intermittently access different files on the same hard disk. The program repeatedly reads the same text file. It displays the time that each loop iteration takes to read a text file.

The name of the text file read by each running copy ofDSKBENl.EXE is supplied on the argument list. I prepared three 128K-byte text files to be read by three copies of the benchmarks running concurrendy. I used the 128K-byte profiles with the SRM setting turned on. Up to three copies of the benchmark programs were run in three different virtual machines. The process used to bring out

continued

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JULY 1988 -BYTE 157

REVIEW VM/386: A VIRTUAL SOLUTION

Table 2: The disk benchmark program, DSKBEN1.EXE, shows that VM/386 allows several applications in virtual machines to access different files on the same hard disk.

Total number Time of programs (seconds)

1 4.1

2 7.5

3 11.6

Note; All processes are rurining at a time slice of 60 ms

each virtual machine is basically the same as the one described for the first benchmark program.

Table 2 shows the results that confirm the ability of VM/386 to allow the intermittent access of different files in the same drive. Each of the benchmark copies ran at about the same speed shown in the table. The timings fluctuated more than in the first benchmark. I also investigated the same feature in Microsoft

Windows/386 and discovered that it doesn't support the intermittent file I/O.

Short-Term Solution

VM/386 1.1 is an interim solution to the DOS single-tasking bottleneck that OS/2 is designed to address. VM/386 is like a heart bypass for the current DOS 3.x application base: It gives more life and flexibility to these applications by letting you run two or more of them simultaneously. It also provides you with excellent control for adjusting the performance and operation of each virtual machine and requires practically no effort to learn or use.

VM/386 and Windows/386 are two very similar products (see my review "Microsoft Windows 2.03 and Windows/386," May BYTE). They both let you run DOS 3.x applications in 640K bytes of memory. The main differences are that VM/386 does not allow two or more virtual machines to share the same display. With Windows/386, you can run different appUcations within the windows on the screen. With VM/386, you have to use the switcher to move from one virtual machine to another, but it does give you control over the multitasking scheduler,

whereas, in Windows/386, you don't have the options of adjusting parameters for the scheduler.

Both VM/386 and Windows/386 are very different from OS/2. Where VM/386 and Windows/386 let you run the current base of DOS 3.x applications concurrently, OS/2 provides only the ability to run one single DOS 2.x application. Most DOS applications must be substantially redesigned to run under the protected mode in OS/2. However, the OS/2 environment removes a lot of constraints that limit DOS applications. Unfortunately, there aren't many OS/2 applications around. In the meantime, VM/386 offers an interim solution while we're waiting for OS/2 applications to appear.

Editor's note: The source code listing for the programs BENl.PAS, BEN2.PAS, and DSKBENl.PAS is available in a variety of formats. See page 3 for further details. ■

Namir Clement Shammas is a columnist for several computer magazines and a freelance writer living in Glen Allen, Virginia. He can be reached on BIX as "nshammas. "

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Software Review

Concurrent DOS 386

A multitasking operating system that also supports additional terminals

Alex Lane

Some people have been quick to sum up the state of 80386-based computers: All revved up with no place to go. They're referring to the inability of MS-DOS (and PCDOS) to fully exploit the multitasking aspects of the 80386. Concurrent DOS 386 from Digital Research, Inc. (DRI) is one multitasking alternative to MS-DOS for the Compaq Deskpro 386 and compatibles with as little as 512K bytes of RAM.

The basic Concurrent DOS 386 package ($395) is capable of multiuser opera

tion, supporting two RS-232C serial terminals in addition to the main console. The console can run up to four tasks concurrently in separate screens, while the serial terminals can run up to two virtual tasks each. DRI also markets a version of Concurrent DOS 386 that supports up to nine serial terminals; it sells for $495.

I tested Concurrent DOS 386 version 2.0 on an ARC 386i microcomputer with an Award BIOS (version 2.09), but it also runs on systems with the Phoenix BIOS.

Concurrent DOS 386 comes on two 514-inch high-density floppy disks and two 3'/a-inch 720K-byte floppy disks. The accompanying documentation consists of four books that include information applicable to both Concurrent DOS 386 and Concurrent DOS XM—a DRI product for PC XTs and ATs.

Automatic Setup

Installing Concurrent DOS 386 is painless. You just boot your system with the appropriate Concurrent DOS 386 disk in

drive A and then press FIO. Once you indicate which drive the software is to be installed on, the installation routine creates a subdirectory on that drive, copies the appropriate files from the distribution disks, and installs the system files in the drive's root directory. Once transferred to a hard disk drive, the files occupy about 1.5 megabytes of storage.

During installation, the AUTOEXEC.BAT file is modified so that each time you boot the system, it asks you whether Concurrent DOS 386 should be loaded in place of DOS. This ability of Concurrent DOS 386 to coexist with DOS on the same drive is a big plus.

Once the software is installed, you must run the Setup program to configure the system for a multiport expansion card, or to connect printers and serial devices such as modems and terminals.

Device drivers are loaded and system parameters are set using the information contained in the Concurrent DOS 386 file CCONFIG.SYS (analogous to the DOS file CONFIG.SYS). Some of the parameters, such as BUFFERS and FILES, will be familiar to DOS users.

Concurrent DOS 386 would not initialize my hard disk device driver, which, when installed under DOS, allows a 20megabyte partition of my 40-megabyte hard disk drive to be addressed as drive D. In effect, Concurrent DOS 386 recognized only half my hard disk drive. Although this problem is not hard to solve, it does involve a time-consuming reformat. There is no 32-megabyte limit to the size of a partition if Concurrent DOS 386 becomes the only operating system installed on a hard disk drive. The maximum hard disk drive partition that is allowed under Concurrent DOS 386 is 512 megabytes.

According to DRI, you should be able to install and run Concurrent DOS 386 with a minimum of 512K bytes of memory installed, although, admittedly, there'll be littie you can do with such a

continued

JULY 1988 'BYTE 163

REVIEW CONCURRENT DOS 386

Concurrent DOS 386 version 2.0

Type

Multitasking operating system Company

Digital Research, Inc. 60 Garden Court P.O. BoxDRI Monterey, CA 93942 (408) 646-6464

Format

Two high-density Si/i-inch floppy disks; two 720K-byte 3y2-inch floppy disks

Language

Assembly and C

Hardware Needed

Compaq Deskpro 386 or 100 percent compatible with a hard disk drive and 512K bytes of RAM; the 10-user system requires a multiport card

Documentation

35-page Installation Guide; 170-page User's Guide; 150-page Reference Guide; 26-page Applications Guide

Price

3-user license: $395 10-user license: $495

Inquiry 893.

small system other than run a very small application. With a bare 512K bytes of memory, I was unable to install Concurrent DOS 386 on my machine.

The first paragraph of the memory configuration section in the Installation Guide tells you to disregard the rest of the section if you're installing Concurrent DOS 386—a note you may miss (as I did). The rest of the information is for Concurrent DOS XM users, who must use Expanded Memory Specification (EMS) or enhanced EMS (EEMS) with their system. I admit to fiddling a lot with the settings on my memory board, with varying degrees of success, before going back and rereading the chapter from the first word. Even so, it finally took a call to a DRI technical-support representative to convince me that I didn't need to do anything special about memory configuration.

Multitasking and MS-DOS Compatibility

Concurrent DOS 386 performs multitasking using the time-slice technique. Basically, this means that each of the programs residing simultaneously in

memory is given 1/60 second to run, after which control is passed to the next program. In an 80386 environment, this constant switching occurs so quickly that programs appear to run simultaneously.

Without having verified every permutation of every DOS command, I found Concurrent DOS 386 to be substantially compatible with DOS. However, it was missing several commands found in the MS-DOS 3.2 that was supplied with my ARC. Among the missing are CTTY, EXE2BIN, JOIN, SHARE, GRAFTABL, and GRAPHICS. On the other hand, there are over 30 commands that are unique to Concurrent DOS 386, including commands for password maintenance, programming function keys, and rebooting the system. A separate command processor shell, D0S.COM (analogous to the DOS C0MMAND.COM), is provided to act as a buffer between troublesome programs, such as SideKick and other terminateand-stay resident programs, and Concurrent DOS 386.

Concurrent DOS 386 offers several keyboard enhancements, including the ability to program up to 50 function keys using the FUNCTION command. In addition, Concurrent DOS 386 maintains a history buffer of commands entered at the system prompt, which you can recall by using the up and down arrow keys and edit by using a set of WordStar-like commands.

Perhaps one of the most titillating features of Concurrent DOS 386 is the ability to run up to 255 processes simultaneously. To the novice, this may sound like being able to run 255 programs at once. However, by "process" DRI means a specific operating system construct (e.g., one that maintains a text buffer or keeps system time). For example, each virtual terminal has two processes associated with it: a flush process that maintains a DOS video buffer (thereby allowing the terminal to perform pokes into a virtual video RAM), and a command shell process that runs the basic user interface.

About the only concession to systems programming in Concurrent DOS 386 is the inclusion of SID86.CMD, a symbolic debugger with roots going back to 8-bit CP/M days. It was included solely to allow the user to incorporate patches that are anticipated as minor bugs in the software surface over time.

Concurrent DOS 386 reads disks formatted under DOS, as well as under other DRI operating systems for the PC architecture (e.g., CP/M-86, Concurrent CP/M-86, and Concurrent DOS 4.1 to 5.2). Concurrent DOS 386 also executes

DOS .EXE and .COM programs, although they cannot take advantage of undocumented DOS functions (Microsoft's Word 4.0, for example, is not executable under Concurrent DOS, although Word 3.1 will run).

Other features that are familiar to DOS users include redirection of I/O using the <, >, and > > symbols, and the use of? and * characters as wild cards in filename descriptions. One wrinkle that's not found in DOS is the executable .CMD file, which is a contribution from previous DRI products. Another unique feature is the ability to control file access in Concurrent DOS 386 by using password-protected file attributes that can make a file a system file (invisible to the casual user) or a read-only file, or both.

If you've ever used any of DRI's earlier concurrent systems, such as Concurrent CP/M-86 or Concurrent DOS XM, the look and feel of Concurrent DOS 386 will be no surprise to you. Most system utilities like Dskmaint (for disk maintenance) and Setup (for system setup) have a function-key menu interface that involves a minimum of typing. The utility Editmenu lets you build on this interface; you can create, change, copy, or delete a menu, and use special effects such as reverse video and blinking in menu displays. Another menu utility, Runmenu, runs the menu files that you created with Editmenu, while the Copymenu utility lets you copy menu files for editing or backup purposes.

Other Concurrent DOS Applications

The Concurrent DOS package includes several other programs that can be considered applications in themselves: File Manager, Printer Manager, DR EDIX, and Cardfile.

The File Manager is a useful utility program that executes most common commands, which you can select from a menu. The main menu of File Manager consists of three parts: a command panel, which lists important Concurrent DOS 386 commands ranging from obtaining a simple directory to setting up the system; an object panel, which typically offers a list of files, directories, or drives for selection; and a prompt panel, which describes the currently selected command. You can select commands by pressing the up and down arrow keys until the desired command is highlighted, by typing enough of a command to uniquely identify it, or by pressing FIO and entering a complete command from the keyboard.

The Printer Manager is a Concurrent DOS 386 program that allows one or sev

continued

164 BYTE* JULY 1988

DOS system running Lotus 1-2-3

THIS IS AN IBM PS/2 MODEL 80 RUNNING DOS

Under DOS, this PS/2'" is a powerful 80386-based singletasking, single-user computer that can run thousands of DOS applications. In l6-bit, 8086 mode.

One at a time.

When OS/2'" software becomes available, the PS/2 can become a multitasking, single-user computer running in l6-bit, 286 mode that can also single-task those DOS applications under OS/2.

One at a time.

With DOS or OS/2, the PS/2 will support one user.

1 user (DOS) 1 user (OS/2)

Cost per system* Cost per user:

$12,389 $12,389

$12,594 $12,594

SCO XENK system mnning SCO Professional

THIS IS AN IBM PS/2 MODEL 80 RUNNING SCO XENIX

Under SCO XENDC,® this PS/2 becomes a powerftil 80386based multitasking, multiuser computer that can mn thousands of XEND( applications. In full-tilt, 32-bit, 386 mode.

Many at a time.

And using SCO W/ix,'* the PS/2 can multitask DOS applications under SCO XENIX.

Many at a time.

With SCO XEND(, the PS/2 will support one user Or 9 users. Or even 33 users. And it can do all that today because you can get SCO XEND(forthe ?S/2—now!

1 user

33 users

Cost per system* Cost per user:

$14,559 $14,559

$19,726 $2,192

$40,402 $1,224

Circle 240 on Reader Service Card

SCO XENIX System V and the SCO XENK family of software solutions are available for all industry-standard 8086-, 80286-, and 80386-based computers, and the IBM® Personal System/2'" Models 50, 60, and 80.

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■•Coslcomparisnns are based m mosl itcenllv publislied 1 .S Jiimesnc suBgesled hsl prices. Ctisl model: Base madiine; IBM PS/2 Model 80.70.Mb disk. IMbRA-M. IBM 8ii; color moniliir, 1Mb additional IBM RW. IBM ProPfinler.XL.® 1-user DOS system: Base machine, plus ma WordPerfecH 2 Uilus* l-2-f* dBASEIll PU'S® l-oserOS/2 system: l-user llOSs%5tem, subitimieOS'2 forias 1-nserSCOXENIXsyslem: Base machine. plus.SCO XENIX .(86 lor PS/2. .«OW/ii. SCO L)Ti!i® Iword processing)..SCO Fo>S»SE-e'7dBASE 111 ^ .SCO Professional'" (1 ■2-.i workalikel, 9-iJScr SCO XENIX system; 1 -oser SCO XENIX sjstem. plus intelll|ienl 8-user raultiport card, 8 IBM .(151 A.SC11 lemiinals J.l-user SCO XENIX system: 9-user SCO XENIX S)5tem. plus i more imelligera 8-user multiport cards. 21 more IBM .;iil A.SC11 temiinals, 4 Mb atidilional HA.M. additional 7()Mb disk

IBM and PniPrinlerXl. are registered trjtlemarks;oidPer5r,nalSy«em/2. PS/2 and ()S/2 are trademarks i)f international BusinessHachinesi:ittp<)rali()n."li)tus and l-2-.(aieie^^^^^ P1J.IS is a registered trademark of AshtonTate.

XENIX is a registered trademark of Microsi* Corptiralioii, • W/ix is a trademark of INTERACTm: Svsteras, Inc ■ l.yTi> is a registered trademark and SIXl Professional is a trademark of The Santa Cnit Operation, inc. • St FokBASE+ is a trademark of Fox Software. Inc. 10/87 «>1987 The Sanm Cm/. Operation. Inc.. WO Encinal Street, PO. Box IW, Sama Cruz, CA 95II6I The .Santa Cnii Operation, l.ld„ 18 Noel .Street. P.O. Box 4yN, l/indon WIA 4VN United Kingdom. 4-44 1 4.(9 2911, (FAX): 4-44 1 6.17 9.(81. TEIS: 917.(72 >ai ms

REVIEW CONCURRENT DOS 386

eral printers to print multiple files (up to 254). You can run the program either from the command line or from a set of conventional DRI function-key menus. Files that are sent to print are each assigned a job number and placed in a queue for processing. The job number can subsequently be used to remove the file from the queue, and the job queue itself can be suspended or erased by the Printer Manager. If you wish, you can specify a variety of options, such as num

ber of copies, format, margin, and tab length, when you send a file to the printer.

DR EDIX is the editor supplied with Concurrent DOS 386. It is a general-purpose WYSIWYG editor that permits up to four files to be worked on at one time, although you can view only two in the program's two screen windows. An online tutorial is provided, as well as four help screens. It amused me to read in the user's guide the suggestion that DR

EDIX is equivalent to DOS's EDLIN facility. While DR EDIX is a basic editor, it is a sleek Maserati compared to EDLIN's staid Model T.

The Cardfile program that comes with Concurrent DOS 386 is a name and address filer that lets you maintain a set of electronic index cards that hold all the usual information about business associates. I was unimpressed with this program because of its limited field size (the business name is limited to 20 characters and the address to 24 characters) and its maddening interface. Specifically, the cursor automatically advances to the next field once the current field is full, and (short of applying grease pencil to your monitor) there is no way to tell how close to the end of the business or address field you are. If you overstep, you must endlessly tap cursor keys to get to where you can make the previous field fit; the Home and End keys are ineffectual.

Using Concurrent DOS 386

For the most part, Concurrent DOS 386 acts the way a proper operating system should and stays out of sight to let you run your applications. Out of the box and freshly installed, the package let me run Word 3.1 in one window, Micro Logic's Tornado Notes 1.8 in another, DRI's File Manager in a third, and Microsoft's Multiplan 1.06 in a fourth. Although there was a perceptible slowdown in Word's performance, it was acceptable. Other programs that ran successfully under Concurrent DOS 386 included Turbo Pascal 4.0, Turbo Prolog 1.1, Framework 1.1, SideKick 1.56A (in conjunction with D0S.COM), and Command Plus.

The Wmenu utility lets you determine the shape, placement, and colors used in each of the four windows available on the console. Another useful utility is Stop, which you can invoke to specifically stop a particular program in a specified window, or to show general system statistics regarding what programs are running and how much of which type of memory remains free.

As I became more comfortable with Concurrent DOS 386, I discovered a number of commands that can optimize program performance, such as MEMSIZE, LIMSIZE, BANK, and SUSPEND. You can use MEMSIZE to restrict the amount of memory allocated to executable files (DOS .EXE or .COM or Concurrent DOS 386 .CMD files). LIMSIZE restricts the amount of LIM (Lotus/Intel/Microsoft) expanded memory allocated to a program. The BANK command controls how a program executes in banked memory.

continued

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166 BYTE- JULY 1988

UNLEASH YOUR 80386!

Your80386-based PC should run two to three times as fast as your old AT. This speed-up is primarily due to the doubling of the clock speed from 8 to 16 MHz. The new MicroWay products discussed below take advantage of the real power of your 80386, which is actually 4 to 16 times that of the old AT! These new products take advantage of the 32 bit registers and data bus of the 80386 and the Weitek 1167 numeric coprocessor chip set. They include a family of MicroWay

80386 compilers that run in protected mode and numeric coprocessor cards that utilize the Weitek technology.

The benefits of our new technologies include:

• An increase in addressable memory from 640K to 4 gigabytes using MSDOS or Unix.

• A12 fold increase in the speed of 32 bit integer arithmetic.

• A 4 to 16 fold increase in floating point

mW1167 Numeric Coprocessor Board

speed over the 80387/80287 numeric coprocessors.

Equally important, whichever MicroWay product you choose, you can be assured of the same excellent pre- and post-sales support that has made MicroWay the world leader in PC numerics and high performance PC upgrades. For more information, please call the Technical Support Department at 617-746-7341

After July 1988 call 508-746-7341

®

MicroWay 80386 Support

MicroWay 80386 Compilers

NDP Fortran-386 and NDP C-386 are globally optimizing 80386 native code compilers that support a number of Numeric Data Processors, including ttie 80287,80387 and mW1167. They generate mainframe quality optimized code and are syntactically and operationally compatible to the Berkeley 4.2 Unix f77 and PCC compilers. MS-DOS specific extensions have been added where necessary to make it easy to port programs written with Microsoft C or Fortran and R/M Fortran.

The compilers are presently available in two formats: Microport Unix 5.3 or MS-DOS as extended by the Phar Lap Tools. MicroWay will port them to other 80386 operating systems such as OS/2 as the need arises and as 80386 versions become available.

The key to addressing more than 640 kbytes is the use of 32-bit integers to address arrays. NDP Fortran-386 generates 32-bit code which executes 3 to 8 times faster than the current generation of 16-bit compilers. There are three elements each of which contributes a factor of 2 to this speed increase: very efficient use of 80386 registers to store 32-bit entities, the use of inline 32-bit arithmetic instead of library calls, and a doubling in the effective utilization of the system data bus.

An example of the benefit of excellent code is a 32-bit matrix multiply. In this benchmart< an NDP Fortran-386 program is njn against the same program compiled with a 16-bit Fortran. Both programs were mn on the same 80386 system. However, the 32-bit code ran 7.5 times faster than the 16-bit code, and 58.5 times faster than the 16-bit code executing on an IBM PC.

NDP FORTRAN-386™ $595

NDP C-386™ $595

Micro

IViicroWay Numerics

The mW1167™ is a MicroWay designed high speed numeric coprocessor that works with the 80386. It plugs into a 121 pin "Weitek" socket that is actually a super set of the80387. This socket is available on a number of motherixards and accelerators including the AT&T 6386, Tandy 4000, Compaq 386/20, Hewlett Packard RS/20 and MicroWay Number Smasher 386. It combines the 64-bit Weitek 1163/64 floating point multiplier/adder with a Weitek/lntel designed "glue chip". The mW1167™ mns at 3.6 MegaWhetstones (compiled with NDP Fortran386) which is a factor of 16 faster than an AT and 2 to 4 times faster than an 80387.

mW1167 16 MHz $995

mW1167 20 MHz $1595

Monoputer™ - The INMOS T80O-20 Transputer is a 32-bit computer on a chip that features a built-in floating point coprocessor The T800 can be used to build ariDitrarily large parallel processing machines. The Monoputer comes with either the 20 MHz T800 or the T414 (a T800 without the NDP) and includes 2 megabytes of processor memory. Transputer language support from MicroWay includes Occam, C, Fortran, Pascal and Prolog.

Monoputer T414-20 with 0 megi.. .$995 Monoputer T800-20 with 0 meg'. .$1495 Quadputer™ can be purchased with 2, 3 or 4 transputers each of which has 1 or 4 megabytes of memory. Quadputers can iDe cabled together to build arbitrarily fast parallel processing systems that are as fast or faster than todays mainframes. A single T800 is as fast as an 80386/mW1167 combination! Blputer™T800/T414v\/lth2meg'... .$3495 Quadputer 4 T414-20 with 4 meg' .. .$6000 ' Includes Occam

80386 Multi-User Solutions

AT8'" - This intelligent serial controller series is designed to handle 4 to 16 users in a Xenix or Unix environment with as little as 3% degradation in speed. It has tDeen tested and approved by Compaq, Intel, NCR, Zenith, and the Department of Defense for use in high performance 80286 and 80386 Xenix or Unix based multi-user systems.

AT4-4users $795

ATS-8 users $995

AT16-16 users $1295

Phar Lap'" created the first tools that make it possible to develop 80386 applications which njn under MS-DOS yet take advantage of the full power of the 80386. These include an 80386 monitor/loader that runs the 80386 in protected linear address mode, an assembler, linker and debugger. These tools are required for the MSDOS version of the MicroWay NDP Compilers. Ptiar Lap Tools $495

PC/AT ACCELERATORS

287Turbo-10 10 MHz $450

287Turbo-12 12 MHz $550

287TurboPlus-12 12MHz $629

FASTCACHE-286 9 MHz $299

FASTCACHE-286 12 MHz $399

SUPERCACHE-286 $499

MATH COPROCESSORS

80387-20 20 MHz $725

80387-16 16 MHz $475

80287-10 10 MHz $295

80287-8 8 MHz $239

80287-6 6 MHz $155

8087-2 8 MHz $154

8087 5 MHz $99

The World Leader in PC Numerics

P.O. Box 79, Kingston, Mass. 02364 USA (617) 746-7341 32 High St., Kingston-Upon-Thames, U.K., 01-541-5466 St Leonards, NSW, Australia 02-439-8400

Circle 173 on Reader Service Card

JULY 1988 'BYTE 167

REVIEW CONCURRENT DOS 386

Benchmark Results: A single task took about the same time under

Concurrent DOS 386 as it did under MS-DOS.

Number of

Time

Comparison to

operating

(seconds)

DOS performance

programs

(percent)

ALR MS-DOS 3.3

1

32

100

Concurrent DOS 386

1

32

100

2

72

44

3

109

29

4

144

22

Note: SUEPEKD was set to OFF in all windows.

If BANK is ON, then the program can be paged in and out of memory; otherwise, the memory taken by the program is no longer available for paging. The SUSPEND command is used either to cause a program that's in the background to execute or to prevent it from doing so. Typically, any program that spends a lot of time waiting for user input should have SUSPEND=ON set before being invoked.

So as not to continually have to issue these commands, there is the Pifed utility

that lets you create or modify Concurrent program information embedded in .EXE and .COM files. Concurrent DOS 386 uses this information to allocate the proper amount of memory for a program, to prevent corruption of interrupt vectors, and to keep other processes from accessing devices that are being directly manipulated. My only complaint about this whole gamut of commands and programs is that it requires some time to become familiar with them.

Comparable Performance

With the minimum 512K bytes of memory in your system, it's not much of an exaggeration to say that about all you can do is sit and admire the system prompt. Unlike DOS, which is relatively small. Concurrent DOS 386 takes up about 200K bytes of the address space available to the typical DOS task. Consider that memory above 640K bytes is pretty much off limits to DOS applications, which leaves about 440K bytes per application running under Concurrent DOS 386. You can adjust this figure somewhat by invoking the Setup utility and enabling 16K-byte chunks of high memory past the 640K-byte address for Concurrent DOS 386 buffers and so forth. However, making these adjustments requires a good working knowledge of what's going on inside your 80386 system, and the added available memory may not be worth the effort. Taking the figure of 440K bytes as a rough measure, 1 megabyte of memory installed in addition to the 640K bytes of base memory gives Concurrent DOS 386 the abOity to handle three full-size tasks like Word or Multiplan.

continued

A Message To Our Subscribers

FROM TIME TO TIME WE MAKE the BYTE subscriber list available to Other companies who wish to send our subscribers material about their products. We take great care to screen these companies, choosing only those who are reputable, and whose products, services, or information we feel would be of interest to you. Direct mail is an efficient medium for presenting the latest personal computer goods and services to our subscribers.

Many BYTE subscribers appreciate this controlled use of

BVTE Magazine

Attn: Subscriber Service

P.O. Box 7643 Teaneck, NJ 07666-9866

our mailing list, and look forward to finding information of interest to them in the mail. Used are our subscribers' names and addresses only (no other information we may have is ever given).

While we believe the distribution of this information is of benefit to our subscribers, we firmly respect the wishes of any subscriber who does not want to receive such promotional literature. Should you wish to restrict the use of your name, simply send your request to the following address.

168 BYTE- JULY 1988

''JPI MODULA-2 IS A 'LANDMARK' PRODUCT. THE PROGRAMMING ENVIRONMENT IS BETTER THAN ANYTHING ON OFFER FROM BORLAND OR MICROSOFT/'

-Huw Collingbourne, Computer Shopper

The successor of Pascal: JPI TopSpeed"" Modula-2 produces better code than Microsoft C, Turbo C, Logitech Modula, and Turbo Pascal 4.0.

The editor, optimizing compiler, super-fast linker, and automatic make are all seamlessly integrated into a high performance development environment.

JPI TopSpeed Modula-2 is a professional Modula-2 development system with full support of memory models, multi-tasking, long data types, structured constants, long and short pointers, 80X87 inline code and emulator, separate compilation, direct BIOS/DOS calls etc. The comprehensive library includes CGA, EGA and VGA graphics support, math functions, sorting, file handling, window management and more. Here is what our users say:

"JPI Modula-2 is the Modula-2 we have all been waiting for JPI Modula-2 will do for Modula-2 what Turbo Pascal did for Pascal." -KNKing Author of Modula-2: A Complete Guide

"The code generation is awesome, truly amazing. This is an M2 implementation that swings like Grieg music'.' —Bjoern University of Bergen

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In England and Europe contact:

Jensen & Partners UK Ltd.. 63 Clerkenwell Rd.. London ECIM 5NP. Phone: (01) 253-4333. In England call Free Phone 0800444-143, 24 Hours. Compiler Kit£59.95, TechKit£29.95 (introductory offer only valid in die US).

TopSpeed is a trademark of Jensen & Partners International. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Circle 132 on Reader Service Card

The Compiler Kit includes: High-speed optimizing compiler, integrated menu-driven environment with multi-window/multi-file editor, automatic make, fast smart linker. All Modula-2 sources to libraries included. Bonus: Complete high-speed window management module included with source.

The TechKit includes: Assembler start-up source code for system, JPI TopSpeed Assembler, TSR module, communications drivers, PROM locator and technical information.

Systems requirements: IBM PC or compatible, 384K available RAM and two floppy drives (hard disk is recommended).

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6

6^' C^" <i^JULY 1988 'BYTE

169

REVIEW CONCURRENT DOS 386

The Quick Route

to

QuickC "Mastery

environment — now's the time to discover the Microsoft QuickC compiler. MICROSOFT QUICKC PROGRAMMING —your springboard to the core of this hot new compiler. This book is loaded with practical information and advice on every element of QuickC, along with dozens and dozens of specially constructed listings.

With MICROSOFT QUICKC PROGRAMMING you have the tools to: master QuickC's built-in libraries ■ manage file input and output ■ work creatively with strings, arrays, pointers, structures, and unions ■ use the graphics modes and the built-in graphics library ■ develop and link large C programs ■ and debug your source code.

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The BYTE Lab ran the benchmark tests on an ALR FlexCache 386. It was equipped with 2 megabytes of RAM and Phoenix BIOS version 1.00 04.

P

\^ oncurrent DOS offers multiuser

support while Windows/386 does not.

The benchmark program that the lab used to test the speed of Concurrent DOS 386 was the same one used to test Windows/386 (see "Microsoft Windows 2.03 and Windows/386" by Namir Clement Shammas in the May BYTE). This test runs a program that performs integer arithmetic in a FOR-DO loop in each window. The results of running the primary program are shown in the table on page 168. Generally, Concurrent DOS 386 ran a single task in about the same time as did MS-DOS. However, the execution speed of a program under Concurrent DOS 386 is roughly inversely proportional to the number of tasks being executed.

Based on the compute-intensive benchmark tests, Concurrent DOS 386 fared well compared to MS-DOS. In fact, the overhead for running BYTE's benchmark tasks, again compared to MS-DOS, is less than that for Microsoft Windows/386, although as the number of programs increases. Concurrent DOS 386's comparative performance deteriorates. Also, Concurrent DOS 386 proved to be as much as nearly twice as fast as MS-DOS when handling video I/O, and it provides multiuser support while Windows/386 does not.

Much hoopla has been directed up the road, where bigger and better operating systems for the 80386 are expected to roll some dme in the future. Concurrent DOS 386 is a multitasking and multiuser operating system that is here today and ready to go. And even though it's not the only choice for multitasking alone, the fact that it is a complete operating system may make Concurrent DOS 386 the best choice. ■

Alex Lane is a knowledge engineer with Technology Applications, Inc., in Jacksonville, Florida. He can be reached on BIX as "a. lane. "

170 B YTE • JULY 1988

Circle 171 on Reader Service Card (DEALERS: 172)

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The Hotkey toolkit handles all floating point functions in resident mode.

The 32 page manual includes an interesting discussion of the origin and history of undocumented MS-DOS function:.. calls, together with a full explanation of the theory and practical use of TSR's.

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© Nantucket Corporation. 1988. Nantucket is a registered trademark and Clipper is a trademark of Nantucket Corporation. dBASE is a registered trademark of Ashton Tate.

172 BYTE- JULY 1988

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Software Review

A Supercharger for BASIC Compilers

Over 200 ways to add speed and power to Microsoft BASIC

Namir Clement Shammas

ProBas 2.0 is a $99 collection of over 200 subroutines callable from BASCOM or QuickBASIC programs. Many of the subroutines enable you to tap into the hardware and operating system in ways not afforded by the BASIC language itself; others provide enhanced or speeded-up versions of built-in BASIC routines.

The programs are, for the most part, coded in assembly language and compiled to .OBJ format according to Microsoft conventions for library files. You can integrate them into your programs at link time (when using BASCOM or the compiler of QuickBASIC). ProBas 2.0 works with all BASCOM versions and QuickBASIC 1.0 to 4.0.

Considering the advances made in QuickBASIC 4.0, in particular, the ProBas routines are remarkably compatible with the various levels of compilers from Microsoft. The only areas where you have to use caution are with arrays and communications.

In QuickBASIC 4.0, so-called static arrays are, in fact, dynamic internally: Their location in memory can change during execution of a program. This necessitates a little caution; you may as well declare all arrays dynamic if you intend to pass arrays to external routines such as those from ProBas. A known bug in 4.0 causes QuickBASIC to write zeros to the communications ports during certain initialization conditions such as exiting to the shell; this can lead to problems when you use the communications libraries.

However, in both cases (communications and arrays), ProBas documentation provides the needed workarounds.

A Taste of ProBas

Table 1 lists all the ProBas library routines, arranged by category and alphabetized within categories. Space limitations preclude me from explaining every one, but the library name typically provides a clear indication of the routine's purpose.

Among the most useful routines are those that assist you in setting or querying your hardware and operating system. Thus, you can detect the amount of base, expanded, and extended memory; query the computer and processor/coprocessor types (80x86/80x87); obtain disk space information; query the video display type; and request information about communication status and parameters.

Memory management routines include sorting indexed and unindexed arrays, string to integer-array copy and its inverse, and storing and recalling arrays in expanded memory. ProBas provides two routes to accomplish the latter function. The first family of routines allocates space in the expanded memory area, writes and reads array elements, and deallocates the memory area. To store or recall an element from expanded memory, you employ a Call subroutine and use a memory handle and an array-like index. The second family of routines resembles file I/O routines and transfers data between the expanded memory and entire arrays.

ProBas offers a collection of routines that quickly save, recall, and swap screens. The routines are very flexible. First, you are able to save and recall entire or partial screens to arrays (ideal for creating windowing applications). ProBas permits you to specify the video page number saved, so you are not tied to the visible page number 0 in a CGA or EGA monitor. The second feature is the ability to handle resizable virtual screens (areas of user RAM that operate like the video

memory but are under your own control)—this is also good for windowing applications. In addition, ProBas provides a special version of the screen recall/store routines that can handle screens of any dimension. The third feature is the ability to store and recall a text screen in graphics mode using an array to store the screen image. The ProBas routines handle only text screens.

Putting some speed into screen output requires the ability to write directly to the video display. The BASCOM and QuickBASIC compilers still use calls to the BIOS in compiling print and print using statements. ProBas provides two sets of direct-to-memory screen output routines: one for any video page and the other for the virtual screen. The xqpr int routine replaces print with the ability to put strings on the screen. The arguments of this subroutine include the cursor location, video page number, display attribute (to control the foreground and background colors), and screen mode. A variation of xqprint exists to display a string at a specified screen location using the existing display attributes. Other versions of xqprint permit you to write to medium- and high-resolution screens. In addition to writing in text mode, ProBas provides routines to write characters to graphics screens (e.g., large characters used to create eye-catching titles).

A third collection of screen-related subroutines offer support for windows. ProBas offers a couple of routines that let you create windows in which you can place, insert, and delete text in them. You can create windows with titles, exploding effects, and optional shadows. The demonstration program quickly displays 300 colored windows.

For the applications that need to query the files in a directory, ProBas offers a family of related routines. They enable you to obtain the names of the files that match wild cards and specific file attributes. ProBas uses the DOS calls to find

continued

JULY 1988 'BYTE 173

REVIEW

A SUPERCHARGER FOR BASIC COMPILERS

Table 1: Routines included in ProBas, listed alphabetically by category.

Communication

setcomm

Data Conversion

any2dec

date2int

daten2s

dates2n

dec2any

doub2long

int2date

int2time

long2doub

time2int

timen2s

limes2n

Disl(

copyfile

delfile

delsub

dtread

dfwrite

diskstat

drvspace

drvspacel

exist

f close

fcreate

fgetloc

findfirstf

findnextf

fopen

fread

fsetend

fsetloc

fsetofs

fsetrec

fsize

fwrite

getattrf

getdatef

getdrv

getfattr

Input

Mouse

stripchar

getvidmode

getfdate

checkkey

getmouseloc

striprange

gqprint

getftime

cirkbd

mmbutton

tinstr

grafprint

getnamef

getkbd

mmcheck

upease

grafrest

getsizef

getkey

mmclick

xiate

grafsave

getsizefl

setkbd

mmcursoroff

gxqprint

getsub

sinput

mmcursoron

Time

inschr

getswitoh

sinputset

mmgetloc

gettime

insline

gettimef

mmsetloc

month

Iscroll

getverify

Keyboard

mmsetrange

weekday

mdelchr

gload

dosinkey

setmouseloc

minsohr

makesub

getvalidkey

setmouserange

Video

mprint

rename

keypress

bigprint

mwindow

setdrv

Sort

bkscroll

printscreen

setfattr

iVIiscelianeous

dsort

bkspace

putscreen

setftd

addmati

dsortb

blink

qprint

setsub

blockmove

iptrsort

calcattr

recolor

setverify

breakoff

Iptrsort

calcsize

recolorarea

sfread

carrier

sptrsort

drools

resetpoint

sfwrite

checksum

cireol

rscroll

subexist

crc

String

cireop

scr2file

writebltf

crG2

bickel

cirsol

scr2filess

Equipment

dataseg

bsq

cirsop

scroll

ddostasks

busq

dbigprint

scrrest

equipment

delay

busqien

dclear

scrsave

getddos

delay18th

cipher

dclearss

scrunch

getdosv

dgetrec

cipherp

delchr

setpixel

getextm

dputrec

crunch

delline

setpoint

gettview

dtr

elapsed

dgetscreen

setrows

numproc

dynptr

extract

dgetscreens

testpixel

pctype

prtcheck

locase

dgqprint

testpoint

processor

prtswap

1 rotate

dgxqprint

unscrunch

Expanded Memory

readbitf

multiand

dissolve

vgetscreen

reverseptr

multior

dmprint

vgetscreens

emsclose

seterror

multixor

dputscreen

vputscreen

emsget

setmati

numformat

dputscreens

vputscreens

emsopen

shifti

parsefspec

dwindowmanager

windowmanager

emsput

shiftll

replace

dxqprint

xmprint

getlimm

shiftr

reverse

fadeout

xqprint

getlimv

shiftrl

r rotate

getcrt

Iclose

speaker

soundex

getega

Iget

ssrch

getline

lopen

strip

getrows

Iput

stripblanks

getscreen

the first and next matching files. Other routines enable you to obtain the file size, the time and date stamps, and the attribute. These ProBas routines are a welcome addition to a BASIC programmer's toolbox.

In the category of subroutines that provide improved versions of predefined BASIC routines are the ProBas file I/O routines. While these routines pass information via integer-typed arrays, they offer a form of file I/O that is available in C and Pascal. This includes the ability to read a specified number of bytes; query and set the file pointer; and directly handle file I/O errors by returning numeric error codes.

In the area of console input, the ProBas library offers routines that enhance user input. The highlight of this set of

routines is one that provides a one-line editor with Microsoft and WordStar editing commands. Another routine waits until you enter a single character from a list of valid characters. This is appropriate for menus, letting you select options with a single keystroke.

Another interesting set of subroutines provides support for mouse input devices. They enable an application to check the status of the mouse buttons, to count the number of times you click the mouse buttons, to set and query the mouse cursor, and to define the valid window area for the cursor. These routines empower you to write highly interactive applications.

Error-handling of the subroutines appears to be quite robust. For instance, I experienced a program crash while using

one of the expanded-memory library routines—apparently due to my use of a nonstandard extended memory driver. Upon crashing, ProBas didn't hang the system. Instead, it presented me with an error message and the opportunity to make a graceful exit from the program.

How Fast?

I wrote a number of BASIC programs to test the speed of a few routines. I then performed these tests on an IBM AT with an Intel Inboard 386 running at 16 MHz. The system has 640K bytes of basic RAM and a 2-megabyte RAM disk running under PC-DOS 3.1. An 80387 numeric coprocessor was present, but I did not use it in the testing, since the data manipulated was either integers or characters. I

continued

174 BYTE- JULY 1988

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REVIEW

A SUPERCHARGER FOR BASIC COMPILERS

ProBas 2.0

Type

Library for Microsoft BASIC compilers Company

Hammerly Computer Services, Inc. 8008 Sandy Spring Rd. Laurei, MD 20707 (301)953-2191

Format

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Language

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Hardware Needed

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Software Needed

PC-DOS or MS-DOS 2.0 or higher (3.0 is recommended); BASCOM compilers (ail versions) or QuickBASIC (ali versions)

Documentation

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Price

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Inquiry 896.

then used the QuickBASIC 4.0 command-line compiler (BC.EXE) and linker to compile and link the test programs. The benchmark programs were a sorting test, a screen recall test, and a direct screen output test. [Editor's note: Listings for the four benchmark programs (filenames pbsort.bas, pbqsort.bas, pbscrn.bas, and pbprt.basj are available in a variety of formats. See page 3 for further details. ]

For the sorting test, I wrote two programs to test the iptrsort subroutine used to perform indexed sorting on an array of integers. The first program, pbsort.bas, compared the speed of iptrsort with the Shell method coded in BASIC. The second program, pbqsort.bas, compared the same ProBas routine with the recursive Quicksort methods written in BASIC. In each program, an array of 1000 integers with indexes were created and sorted, with the entire process being repeated 100 times. The BASIC-coded Shell method sorted the indexes of the array in 34 seconds, compared to the 22 seconds it took the ProBas routine. However, the Quicksort method managed to sort the indexes in

only 5 seconds, versus the 22 seconds it took the ProBas routine.

The pbscrn.bas screen recall program fills two screens, one at a time, and saves them in an integer array. The program tests the speed of recalling screens from the storage arrays, alternating between the two arrays. The program prompts for the number of iterations used in the timing, as well as the numeric code for the screen mode. It took 48 seconds to recall 500 screens, in screen mode 0 or 1.

To test direct screen output, I wrote the pbprt.bas benchmark to compare the speed of compiled print statements with that of the xqprint subroutine, which is a faster print version that writes directly to the screen. In filling 1000 screens, it took the print statement 24 seconds, compared with 9 seconds for the xqprint subroutine. This is a 266 percent increase in screen output speed.

A Big Manual for a Big Pacltage

The ProBas package includes two distribution disks. If you use a color monitor, one of the disks offers an impressive and very informative demonstration of ProBas's feamres. You can query the demonstration program about the collections of libraries and their features. The installation of ProBas is fairly easy and includes the use of a batch file to create the appropriate version (i.e., matched to your hardware) of the library file PROBAS.LIB.

The 602-page manual is written in a friendly style and consists of tutorial and reference sections that are generally readable and thorough.

Tlie ProBas Advantage

The ProBas library routines bring added power and convenience to programmers who use Microsoft BASIC compilers. Using the routines saves you the trouble of writing your own in BASIC, and, in most cases (sorting being one possible exception), ProBas will far outperform an equivalent routine in BASIC. The manual is thorough and fairly well written, so that you won't have too much trouble learning to use the routines.

If you are involved in developing advanced and well-polished applications using a Microsoft BASIC compiler, the ProBas library can provide you with a time-saving and valuable software toolbox. ■

Namir Clement Shammas is a columnist for several computer magazines and a freelance writer living in Glen Allen, Virginia. He can be reached on BIX as "nshammas. "

176 BYTE • JULY 1988

Embedded systems designers have already used CrossCode C in over 172 different applications.

Introducing CrossCode C for the 68000 Microprocessor Family

FinaUy, a 68000 C Compiler that's tailor-made for ROMable applications

CrossCode C is designed specifically to help you write ROMable code for all members of the Motorola 68000 family.

A ROMable C CompUer?

To get truly ROMable code, you have to start with a truly ROMable compiler Here are three CrossCode C features that you won't find in any ordinary C compiler:

• Compiler output code is split into five independent memory sections that you can assign into ROM or RAM as you please.

• You can optimize the code for your application because/ou control the sizes of data types. For example, you can optimize for speed by using two byte ints, or get maximum versatility by using four byte ints.

• You can easily write assembly language routines that call C functions and viceversa, because the compiler uses simple, well documented parameter passing conventions.

How About Low Level Control?

CrossCode C comes with an assembler that has all the features that assembly language programmers require. In fact, you could write

your whole application with it:

• The assembler features an advanced macro language, conditional assembly "include" files, and an unlimited size symbol table.

• Detailed cross references show you where you've defined and referenced your symbols.

• After a link, you can actually convert your "relocatable" assembler listings into "absolute" listings that contain absolute addresses and fully linked object code.

Can It Handle The Link?

The CrossCode C linker is designed to handle truly huge loads. There are no limits on the number of symbols in your load or on the size of your output file. And you can always count on full 32 bit target addressability, becaase the linker operates comfortably in the highest ranges of the 68020's address space.

How Does It Get To ROM? CrossCode C comes with a downloaderihal puts you in touch with all EPROM programmers and emulators. It can convert your load into Motorola S-Records, Intel Hex, Tek Hex, Extended Tek Hex, and Data I/O ASCII Hex. You can also produce a binary

image and convert that image into any format you might want. In all formats, bytes can be split into EPROMs for an 8. 16, or 32 bit data bus.

Why Wait?

Once you start using CrossCode C, you may just wonder how you ever got the job done before! It's available under MS-DOS for just $1595, and it runs on all IBM PCs and compatibles (640K memory and hard disk are required). Also available under UNIX & XENIX.

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SKRIOUS

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180 BYTE' JULY 1988

Circle 258 on Reader Service Card

I

Application Review

Graphic

Design

for the PC AT

Designer bridges the worlds of drawing and bit-mapped images

Lament Wood

When you approach the world of graphics for MS-DOS computers, you quickly discover (aside from a swamp of incompatible file formats) that you can draw, or you can paint, but not both. Now there's Designer from Micrografx that can do both.

Designer is a $695 software package for PC ATs and compatibles with at least 512K bytes of RAM and an EGA, VGA, Hercules, or other graphics adapter compatible with Windows 2.0 or higher.

Micrografx recommends that you use an 80286- or 80386-class machine. While Designer has provisions for using a keyboard instead of a mouse, I tested it with a mouse. Not only does Designer let you bridge the two worlds (with a big assist from Microsoft Windows), but it also offers design tools previously seen only on minicomputer CAD systems.

First, consider the difference between drawing and painting. Drawing packages normally use "primitives" such as circles and lines to compose drawings, much as a draftsman uses a compass, a ruler, and related tools to compose even the most complex blueprint. Freehand drawing (with a mouse or other input device) is used only for special cases, and some drawing packages don't even provide for it.

Such "object-oriented" graphics software produces "line art": The drawing is ultimately just a collage of line and circle segments drawn to precise specifications. The advantage of line art is that the reso

lution of the final product is independent of the computer screen's resolution. Output devices can follow these specifications using whatever resolution is available, whether it's a laser printer of either 75 or 300 dots per inch, or a 1200-dpi phototypesetting machine.

Meanwhile, painting involves bitmapped images. The picture is composed of pixels or dots. The device from which the pixels were mapped (i.e., the computer screen on which the original picture was drawn, or the scanner that digitized a picture) sets the resolution of the image. Since laser printer resolution is generally much higher than screen resolution, the quality of bit-mapped printouts on such a device can be disappointing.

Designer's Solution

By merging these two worlds. Designer lets you import bit-mapped images, trace over them using its drawing primitives, and then discard the bit-mapped image. You can add gray scales or colors to the resulting drawing to match the original image, and then print the drawing in the same resolution-independent fashion that you print any drawing.

Designer also imports bit-mapped images by using functions built into the Microsoft Windows environment. An application designed for Windows includes cut-and-paste facilities that load or unload material to a Windows entity called the Clipboard. Having cut an image into the Clipboard, you can load another Windows application and paste the contents of the Clipboard into it. The bit-mapped image that you load into Designer need only be compatible with Windows.

Note, however, that you need other Windows-compatible software besides Designer that can generate or manipulate bit-mapped images; Designer can only paste them from the Clipboard. It has no way to load them into the Clipboard, and certainly no way to generate them. I used Windows Paint for this review.

continued

JULY 1988 •BYTE 181

i

Circle 154 on Reader Service Card

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REVIEW GRAPHIC DESIGN FOR THE PC AT

Designer 1.0

Type

Technical illustration software for the Windows 2.0 environment

Company

Micrografx Inc.

1820 North Greenville Ave.

Richardson, TX 75081

(800) 272-3729

(214) 234-1769

Format

Five 5y4-inch floppy disks and five 3V2inch high-density floppy disks; other media available upon request

Language

C and assembly

Hardware Needed

PC AT or compatible running DOS 3.0 or higher with one high-density floppy disk drive, 512K bytes of RAM, and an EGA, VGA, Hercules, or other graphics adapter compatible with Windows 2.0 or higher

Documentation

90-page Installation Guide 320-page User Manual 82-page Clip Art Pictorial Guide

Price

$695

Inquiry 897.

Designer's image integration lets you scan or trace almost anything and turn it into a powerful illustration. For example, you can add corporate logos to blueprints or design a building plan on top of a site photo. You can combine elements from multiple pictures, since you're not limited to your screen or scanner resolution. Because of this, you can afford to set your scanner to a low resolution (e.g., 75 dpi) and save file space.

You will find that tracing even random blobs is no problem, requiring only a little attention to drafting, especially for the curves. When you finish, you just slide the original image out from under the drafted copy and either discard it or admire its similarities. These similarities evaporate when you print out the images. While they may look the same on the screen, the line-art copy is much snappier, being composed of smooth lines rather than jagged trails of dots. Gray areas are actually gray, rather than bitmapped grids of dots.

However, with Windows and image integration aside. Designer is primarily a drawing package, so I'll look at its drawing features.

Object-Drawing Features

Like many other drawing packages. Designer gives you a screen that is bordered by rulers as your drawing surface and a selection of tools that is represented by icons along the edge of the screen. The rulers are important, because with the snap command invoked, you can draw lines only to connect the intersections of ruler gradations. Using snap makes it easy to line up and connect objects. You can specify the unit of measure (e.g., inches or centimeters) for use with the picture rulers and the number of gradations per unit (from 1 to 100).

In default mode, the drawing is shown at approximately actual size (see photo). You can zoom in for detail work, with the desired portion of the drawing blown up to fill the screen. How close you can zoom in depends on the setting you give for the coordinate grid, which is separate from the rulers. You can set the grid from 200 to 2900 points per inch, or 100 to 1100 points per centimeter. A finer coordinate grid gives you greater accuracy, but also a smaller drawing surface. The default setting of 480 points per inch provides a 68- by 68-inch area, while 2900 points per inch gives you an 11- by 11inch area.

Use of the tools is fairly standard. You select a tool, go to the spot where you want it to start on the screen, press the mouse button, and drag a "rubber band" (dashed outlines) of the shape until you get the size you want. If it's not in the right place, you can move it later. The drawing tools include the arc, elliptical arc, circle, ellipse, rounded rectangle, rectangle, square, horizontal or vertical line, diagonal line, parabola, curve, polyline, freehand, and pie.

An elliptical arc is an ellipse with only the part of the circumference that you specify drawn in. Both arcs and elliptical arcs are drawn by designating the two endpoints, with an arc or elliptical arc stretching to connect them. The pie tool is similar, except that lines connect ends of the arc to the center of a circle, creating instant pie chart segments. Parabolas and curves are a different matter. After selecting the tool, you simply draw a line. Next, you go to the middle of the line and "push" it in the direction that you want it to bulge.

You can move objects around or resize them by selecting and then dragging them with the mouse. You select an object by placing the cursor on it and clicking the mouse, or by enclosing it with a dashed line using the block-select tool. Eight black square dots, called "handles," sur

continued

182 B YTE • JULY 1988

i

TrueVista™ Videographics Adapters

Adjust Made Choosing Your Gr^hicsCard

AT

NU

As Easy As 1,2,4.

You've probably seen ourTrueVista products, or you've heard about their powerful features like the real-time frame capture, on-board Tl 34010 coprocessor, large frame buffer, NTSC/PAL compatibility and more. Recently, we announced several new products in the series, each with unique potential for your

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REVIEW GRAPHIC DESIGN FOR THE PC AT

round the selected object. You can resize an object by dragging one of the handles in or out. You can also treat bit-mapped images this way, but the effect is more a distortion than a resizing.

Advanced Features

All the things listed above are fairly standard for a PC drawing package. But Designer also boasts a unique reshape command. You select an object and then invoke reshape from the command

menu. "Reshape handles" then appear at each of the object's "vertices" (i.e., every place a line changes direction). You place the cursor on one of these handles and drag it to a new location. The object is redrawn with the bend, as represented by the handle's new location, with the lines running to and from it curving appropriately. The effect is as if the object was made out of fairly stiff rubber and, by moving the handle, you have dented it in or out with your fin

ger—a very intuitive way of doing it.

The power of the reshape command becomes apparent when you use the block-select command with the reshape command to select a group of handles and move them all with one nudge of the mouse. Thus, you can proportionally change part of an object in relation to the rest. An example in the user's manual demonstrates using the block-select and reshape commands to make the tail on a drawing of a fish wag up and down.

The connect-closed command is useful while tracing bit-mapped images. This command connects objects made with different elements. If you use a line, a curve, and then a freehand element to trace something, you can use connectclosed to turn them into a single object that you can move, rotate, scale, and so on. If the elements don't quite touch each other, lines automatically link their closest endpoints. I discovered that this command made it much easier to be precise, especially as the snap command was a hindrance during tracing, since I had to place the lines fairly randomly. There's a connect-open command to combine elements without linking them, and a break-apart command to reverse the procedure.

Multiple Layers and Colors

When using a color monitor, you can assign colors to objects, just as you can assign fill patterns and levels of gray when you use a monochrome monitor.

But a graphic artist will be interested not so much in the screen colors as in Designer's layers facility. You can define and give names to up to 64 layers. You can also assign a selected object to a layer and define which layers will be displayed at any one time: one, all, or a combination. The printer command prints only the layers currently displayed.

This last feature is important. If you define three layers and name them red, green, and blue, Designer becomes a tool to do color separations. You would keep objects of a particular color in the appropriate color layer and arrange the objects until you get the desired image on your color monitor. Then you print out the individual layers on a laser printer. Of course, these printouts will be black and white, but a commercial printer uses the correct ink when printing them. By overprinting the various color separations, an accurate copy of your screen image is reproduced. Please realize that this description is a gross simplification. Color printing is fraught with complications that should be left to professionals'—al

continued

WHY SETTLE FOR THIS?...

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...WHEN WHAT YOU REALLY WANT IS THIS.

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184 BYTE- JULY 1988

Circle 203 on Reader Service Card

i

WYSEpc 386 SYSTEMS

Sfandard Features

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. Socket for 80387 Math Co-Processor

• WYSE Window System Status Display

• 2 Serial and 1 Parallel Ports . 220 Watt Power Supply

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• 11 Slots«Real Time Clock

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. 20 MB 28ms HARD DISK DRIVE

WYSE pc 286 SYSTEMS

Sfandard Features

. INTEL 80286 Processor . Model 2108 Running at 8 MHz . Model 2108 512k RAM Standard . Model 2112 Running at 12.5 MHz . Model 2112 1MB RAM Standard . Phoenix Bios 1.2 MB Floppy Drive

. MS-DOS 3.3 GW-BASIC

• Small Footprint

. 1 Serial & Parallel Port

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• WYSE Window System Status Display

. 20MB 28ms HARD DISK DRIVE

Model 2108 Model 2II2

Model 3216

EGA COLOR SYSTEM

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Mode/ 2108 Sysfem $2,295 Model 2II2 System $2,745 Mode/ 3216 Sysfem $3,940

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• 1 extra Parallel Port

. 720 X 350 Resolution

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Mode/ 2108 Sysfem $1,795 Mode/ 21/2 Sysfem $2,245 Model 3216 System $3,440

SYSTEM UPGRADES

• 2108 Math Co-Processor $185

• 2112 Math Co-Processor $350 . 3216 80387 Co-Processor $500 . 360k 5.25 Floppy Drive $99 . 720k 3.5 Floppy Drive $155 .1.44 3.5 Floppy Drive $179 . 1.2 MB 5.25 Floppy Drive $155 . 41MB ST 251 Hard Disk Drive $210 . 71MB Hard Disk Drive $660 . 80MB 4096 Hard Disk Drive $660 . 130MB Priam Hard Disk Drive $1780

• WY-60 Terminal $455 . NEC MULTISYNC II $150 . NEC MULTISYNC gs $99

1200 Baud Modem & Software $ 99

2400 Baud Modem & Software $199

PC MOS/386 5 User OS $495

■ SCO XENIX 286 $499

SCO XENIX 386 $599

NEW VGA COLOR SYSTEM

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Circle 30 on Reader Service Card

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Circle 125 on Reader Service Card

REVIEW GRAPHIC DESIGN FOR THE PC AT

though professionals can use Designer for this purpose.

Filing Capabilities

Remember that swamp of file incompatibilities? Designer tries to slash a path through it, but unfortunately without enormous success.

Designer has two file formats: DRW and PIC. DRW is Designer's internal format, while PIC is a format inherited from earlier Micrografx products. PIC should not be misinterpreted for the similarly named Macintosh PICT format. Through the Clipboard, Designer also accepts Microsoft Windows bit-mapped images and outputs Windows object-oriented format "metafiles."

Designer comes with a coupon for a free copy of a program that converts between the PIC format and the DXF format used by AutoCAD files. The conversion program lets you use Designer files with Xerox Ventura Publisher and Aldus PageMaker, two desktop publishing programs. You can import Designer files into PageMaker directly through the Clipboard, since the latter also runs under Windows.

Designer also comes with a clip-art library. Micrografx offers about two dozen clip-art libraries, with contents varying from world flags and maps to electrical symbols. Each library costs $49.95. Designer comes with a general library, with some flowchart and geometrical symbols, symbols suitable for logos, and a world map.

If you don't have Windows, Designer can run stand-alone using a run-time version of Windows that comes with Designer. Most of Designer's distribution disks are, in fact, for the purpose of installing this abbreviated version of Windows. The installation procedure for runtime Windows is the same as for standard Windows, even down to the screen messages. And, of course, there's no way to import bit-mapped images from outside Designer. For those using the run-time Windows and who presumably don't have the Microsoft Windows user manual. Designer's Installation Guide has several chapters of basic Windows information. Expect Windows and Designer to occupy about 1 megabyte on your hard disk drive.

Micrografx gave Designer powerful commands like reshape and connectclosed because it assumed the use of an AT- or 386-class machine, making functions that would have been unacceptably slow on a PC practical. Designer also makes no use of a math coprocessor, since the software uses integer numbers for the

coordinate grid instead of floating-point numbers. Lookup tables are used to speed up the math where necessary.

I reviewed Designer 1.0 with a 4.77MHz Eagle XT, and I found Micrografx's warnings about performance to be somewhat overstated. Aside from file loading and printing, the only responsetime problem with the program was with the reshape command. It took 40 seconds to redraw a reshaped object. Otherwise, the program ran at interactive speeds.

File loading and printing are slow, but usually you have to cope with it only once per session. A sample file that contained a complex rendering of a Ferrari engine took 5 minutes to be displayed on the screen, element by element. As the screen redraws after major changes, you'd think working on such a drawing would be rather sluggish with an AT and unbearably slow with a PC. However, you normally do most of your work zoomed in on a small part of the drawing, where only a couple of elements are on the screen. These elements redraw themselves within moments. The same drawing takes 20 minutes to print on a Hewlett-Packard LaserJet-compatible laser printer, even at a resolution of 75 dpi. Simple drawings take 1 minute at 75 dpi and 4 minutes at 300 dpi.

Obviously, it would be better to have an AT-class machine. You can do simple drawings with no strain on a PC, but if your aims are simple you may as well save your money and stick with Windows Paint or the like.

The Overall Design

Designer has all the attributes of a twodimensional drafting package: dimensioning, rotation of objects, and control over line width and endings. Threedimensional features, like selectable points of view and hidden lines, are not present.

But Designer is aimed not so much at architects or mechanical engineers as at graphic artists who have to illustrate technical manuals with detailed drawings. Such drawings have to be not only precise but also based on real objects (possibly by tracing scanned images). The use of color will also be attractive to graphic artists. If you want to turn your MS-DOS machine into a precise yet flexible artist's tool. Designer may be what you're looking for. ■

Lamont Wood is a freelance writer from San Antonio, Texas, in the computer and electronics fields. He can be reached on BIX as "editors. "

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The economics of IBM ASCII displays.

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JULY 1988 'BYTE 187

This Software Worft Run*

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Copyright

188 BYTE' JULY 1988

Rainbow Technologies, Inc. Software Sentinel and SentinelPro are trademarks of Rainbow Technologies, Inc. SEA-TRAC is a trademark of Sea-Land Corporation.

Circle 232 on Reader Service Card

Application Review

Need Some Space?

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Space coupwssed files Bsuld occupsj if uncoi^pessed; coHppessed files actuails occups: saved by usiug ftewSpace:

i8,584,K4 fetes 7,529,975 fetes 6,396,398 fetes

4,18".665 fetes 4,1S7,4@ fetes

2,797,568 ktes 1,663,991 fete

es;

to continue

Increase the capacity of your hard disk with NewSpace

Diana Gabaldon

There's no addiction more pernicious than the lust for more hard disk storage space. Beginning with a deceptively modest craving for 10 megabytes or so, your needs rapidly escalate to 20 megabytes, then 30 megabytes—soon no amount of space is enough. Data files breed like coat hangers in a dark closet. Eventually, subdirectories bulge at the seams, and the hapless space addict looks for a new solution. NewSpace, a hard disk file-compression utility, promises some temporary relief.

NewSpace 1.00 is a terminate-andstay-resident (TSR) program that automatically loads each time you reboot the computer. The installation routine rewrites your AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS files, inserting the proper FILES and PATH commands for automatic execution. NewSpace also places itself between DOS and the data files on your hard disk drive. It compresses your data files into a proprietary file format. (For more detailed information on how NewSpace functions, see the text box on page 192.) When DOS or an applications program, such as a word processor, calls for a file, NewSpace intercepts the call, retrieves the compressed file, decompresses it in memory, and sends the file to DOS and the applications program.

DOS stores data files in clusters of 2048 bytes or 4096 bytes, depending on your version of DOS and your hard disk drive. This is a constant, regardless of the actual size of the data file, which means that data files of 2 bytes, 2K bytes, 20K

bytes, or 200K bytes all use hard disk space in the same way. Small files cannot fill an entire cluster, and large files can be broken up into clusters or portions of clusters.

NewSpace compresses data files and reallocates storage space so that each file occupies only the actual number of bytes it really needs, rather than taking up space in whole clusters. This frees considerable wasted space, which can then be used for additional storage.

NewSpace compresses only data files into its own file format. Because compressed files are no longer stored according to standard DOS file format, read and write operations, which are controlled by DOS, are affected. In the case of data files, you'll see a slight slowdown in operation when using NewSpace. Files are automatically decompressed in memory when called by an applications program, such as a word processor.

NewSpace does not compress hidden, system .EXE or .COM files. In the case of program files, the program calls to DOS would be affected by compression, so NewSpace ignores these files.

As an added attraction, NewSpace lets you recover erased files. The program creates compressed copies of the last five files erased. If you want these back, you just use the Recover oommand. As a convenience, NewSpace keeps a listing of the erased files that are available for recovery, so you can check to see whether the one you want back is still in the lineup.

NewSpace in Action

I tested NewSpace on a variety of IBM PC compatibles, with a variety of DOS versions, hard disk sizes, and software.

Initially, I had a minor problem with installation on the first computer I tried, an IBM PC XT with 540K bytes of RAM, a 10-megabyte hard disk drive, and Orchid Technology's TinyTurbo 286 accelerator board running Microsoft MSDOS 3.10. The documentation instructs

continued

JULY 1988 -BYTE 189

i

REVIEW NEED SOME SPACE?

NewSpace 1.00

Type

Data compression utility

Company

Isogon Corp. 330 Seventh Ave. New York, NY 10001 (212) 967-2424

Format

One 5y4-inch floppy disk; a 3y2-inch floppy disk is available on request with a registration card and a fee of $5

Language

C and assembly

Hardware Needed

IBM XT, AT, PS/2, or compatible with a hard disk drive, 256K bytes of RAM, and PC-DOS or MS-DOS 2.0 or higher

Documentation

69-page user's manual

Price

$69.95

(additional $3.50 for postage and handling)

Inquiry 894.

you to type a: install to begin installation. When I tried this, I got an error message stating that one or more files was missing from the installation disk and that the install procedure was canceled. After some experimentation, I discovered that I could get the program installed by logging onto drive A and then typing install. However, once installed, the program didn't work; every command resulted in an error message saying invalid function, and the help screens failed to work. A conflict with the accelerator board may have caused the problems with the installation and operation of NewSpace.

I tried NewSpace on five other machines. Two machines had the same type of installation problem, but once installed, the software worked fine. The other three machines had no difficulty with either installation or performance.

Of the five machines I tested, three were IBM PC XTs. With two of these, I ran IBM's PC-DOS 3.30, and the software installed properly. The third computer, an IBM PC XT that was running PC-DOS 3.10 and TOPS software in a local-area network, had problems with the NewSpace software. The NewSpace documentation states that the software

190 B YTE • JULY 1988

currently doesn't work in a multitasking environment, such as Microsoft Windows or IBM's Top View. It also does not work on the file server(s) in a network, but does work on individual workstations in a network. Once the networking software was disabled and the computer was operating as a workstation and not a file server, the software did install and work correctly.

The other two machines tested were a Zenith Data Systems Z-158, running Zenith's MS-DOS 3.21, and a Phoenix 286 AT clone, running IBM's PC-DOS 3.30. The Zenith was also initially running TOPS networking software. The Zenith exhibited the same installation problem, but once the networking software was disabled, NewSpace ran well. The Phoenix 286 computer had no installation problems, and the software ran fine.

An Isogon technical-support representative said that the software runs on systems that have PC-DOS or MS-DOS 2.0 or higher. The NewSpace program requires 120K bytes of hard disk space. NewSpace itself requires very little RAM: lOK bytes of RAM is the default setting, but it can use up to 99K bytes of RAM, if specified during installation. The technical-support person also said that a few TSR programs might interfere with NewSpace installation; I found no difficulty in using SideKick 1.56 or a prerelease version of an executive organizer program with NewSpace.

Performance

After I installed NewSpace, performance was good. It has only four commands: Compress, Disk, Status, and Recover. Compress is used to compress eligible files. An eligible file is a data file that does not have one of the prohibited file extensions, such as .COM or .EXE. Once you install NewSpace, you must use Compress to squash all your eligible files; thereafter, new files are automatically compressed when you save them.

The Disk command assesses the compression status of the entire hard disk drive and produces a table that tells you which of your files are eligible for compression, how many bytes the files occupy in a decompressed state, how many bytes they actually occupy, how many files you have, and how much space is left on your disk for compressed and decompressed files.

The Status command tells you if a given file is compressed, decompressed, erased but recoverable, or not found. If the file is compressed, this command gives you statistics on the compressed versus decompressed size, and the per

centage compression achieved. You can also use the wild-card characters ? and * to check the status of a group of files.

The Recover command is what you use to recover an erased file. If you use the command without specifying a filename, you get a display that tells you which files are available for recovery. When you want to recover a specific file, you just add the filename to the command newspaoe recover filename. The Recover command works even if you have another file existing with the same name as the erased file. In this case, the recover routine changes the extension of the existing file to .))) and recovers the erased file under its original name.

The Compress routine ran to completion on two of the five machines. The results for the first machine's lO-megabyte hard disk drive are shown in the photo on page 189. However, the Compress routine ended on the 80286 machine when a Data error reading Drive C: message occurred, presumably as a result of a bad sector on the hard disk drive. The abnormal ending did not abort the compression routine; several subdirectories had been compressed, and these remained in the compressed state. In fact, the Compress routine is interruptible; since it may take as long as an hour to compress a very full hard disk drive, you can interrupt the process at any time and resume at the point where you left off.

All the commands worked well on all the machines except, of course, the first XT with the accelerator card. The Compress routine ran approximately 3 times as fast on the 80286 clone as on the XT machines.

I tried compressing files of all sorts: word processors (WordStar 4.0, WordPerfect 4.2, Microsoft Word 4.0, XyWrite III Plus, and PC-Write 2.72), spreadsheets (Lotus 1-2-3 version 2.0, Quattro 1.0, and Excel 2.0), databases (dBASE m and dBASE III Plus), and miscellaneous others.

The amount of savings in hard disk space was an average of 35 percent for all the machines I tested, considering all types of data files. Small files (less than IK bytes) showed proportionally higher percentages of savings than large files, presumably because these files are not taking up most of the space in their original cluster, while the large files are. Overall, word-processing documents, which averaged 8K bytes to 14K bytes in size, showed space savings rates of 40 percent to 50 percent. Spreadsheet worksheet files compressed as much as 50 percent to 60 percent in the case of fairly

continued

I

Now that the best name in CAD is this affordable, why settle for a generic brand?

What's in a name? When it comes to the Autodesk name, a lot. In fact, it's the bestselling, most well-respected name in the CAD business. There simply is not another company with the credentials to make that claim.

That's why you shouldn't settle for anything less than AutoSketch,® the best way to get started in CAD. AutoSketch is the precision drawing tool from the Autodesk family of products. Not only is AutoSketch priced at just $79.95,* but unlike some entry-level CAD products, you don't have to keep spending more to add the features AutoSketch already has. Standard features like boxes, circles, stretching, mirroring and rotating—to mathematical precision. And advanced CAD capabilities like dynamic PAN and ZOOM and automatic dimensioning and scaling, in up to 10 working layers.

'A speed-enhanced version (9 times faster), requiring a math coprocessor, is available for$99.95. Circle 22 on Reader Service Card

AutoSketch and AutoCAD are registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office by Autodesk, Inc. IBM and Personal Computer AT are registered trademarks of International Business l\/lachines Corporation. Personal Computer XT and PS/2 are trademarks of International Business Ivlachines Corporation.

Of course, if you do want to move up from AutoSketch at some point, your files can easily be uploaded into AutoCAD.®

AutoSketch mns on IBM® PC/XT™/AT®and 100% compatible computers, and supports IBM's PS/2.™ So if you' re ready for CAD, why not go with the name that rates highest among both critics and users.'' Anything else is, well, second-rate.

To order your AutoSketch directly, call 1-800-223-2521. For the name of your nearest AutoSketch Dealer or for more information, call 1-800-445-5415 or write to AutoSketch, 2320 MarinshipWay, Sausalito, CA 94965.

AUTODESK, INC.

REVIEW NEED SOME SPACE?

How NewSpace Works

NewSpace sits in RAM and examines the calls to DOS. When it encounters an interrupt 21 hexadecimal, it intercepts the call to see if it is a file access. If a file is being accessed, NewSpace swings into action and compresses or decompresses the specified file.

The program uses three techniques to compress files: It uses its own file format to store files in sectors (typically 256K bytes to 512K bytes) rather than in clusters (IK bytes to 2K bytes), and reduces wasted hard disk storage space for small files; second, long strings of identical characters (e.g., blank spaces) are handled with a repeat string compression routine; the third method uses a self-adapting Huffman Encoding Binary Tree algorithm.

DOS files are composed of ASCII characters. Each ASCII character is composed of an 8-bit binary string. In essence, the NewSpace program using the Huffman algorithm takes data files composed of ASCII binary strings and translates the ASCII strings into variable-length bit strings. For example, the

letter E is represented as 01000101 in binary. NewSpace would translate the E, the most commonly used letter in the English language, into a much shorter bit string. The letter X, not as commonly used, would be translated into a slightly longer bit string. Each one of the 256 ASCII bit strings is translated into a correspondingly shorter NewSpace bit string, according to the frequency of its use. This is why text files show the greatest degree of compression.

In rare instances, when dealing with a file composed mostly of rarely used characters (e.g., ASCII graphics or control characters), a compressed file may take up more space than the original version. NewSpace compares the compressed version with the original version and will not compress a file if there is no decrease in size.

Files are stored with file-control information to allow random access to a file. NewSpace can retrieve only the portion of the file actually required, not the entire file.

—Stan Wszola, Technical Editor

small (lOK bytes or less) files, though larger files had rates of around 20 percent to 25 percent. Database record files compressed about 20 percent to 25 percent, while database index files compressed as much as 90 percent, these being usually quite small files. Graphics files in the .PIC format compressed, though only by about 15 percent to 20 percent. Compression rates for very large files, such as word processor dictionaries and thesauri, which are usually in a compressed format already, were as low as 2 percent to 3 percent. Considering all file types, compression ranged from 25 percent to 35 percent for an entire hard disk drive, which means that, by using NewSpace, you might increase the capacity of the average hard disk drive by an extra one-third.

Data files automatically decompress when programs load or use them and automatically compress again when they are saved. New files are also compressed when they are saved. I didn't notice that much of a difference in storage speed or retrieval between compressed and decompressed files; in cases where it was noticeable (mostly in spreadsheet files), the difference amounted only to 2 or 3 seconds for large files. The negligible

192 BYTE' JULY 1988

difference in speed is because large files require more time for storage and retrieval. They also show the smallest amount of compression. With small files, which can be substantially compressed, you can generally save or quickly retrieve them even when not compressed.

Operation of NewSpace is very smooth. I noticed no difference in the operation of my normal software when I used NewSpace; normal DOS commands, such as DIR, showed no change. The DIR command still shows data files and available storage space as occupying the same amount of space as before compression; you must use NewSpace's Status or Disk commands to find out how much space a compressed file actually does occupy.

Ease of Use

The documentation consists of a single user's guide in booklet form. It starts out with the disarming statement, "You Don't Have to Read This Manual," followed by a single page of instructions for installation and use. The rest of the manual consists of very clear explanations of the four main NewSpace commands and the ways in which NewSpace does or does

not work with the common DOS commands. The error messages listed in the manual are clear and well documented.

This program couldn't be any easier to use. If remembering the four commands is too complicated, you have the option of using only the initial letter of each command. You can then specify parameters, such as a single filename or a group of files, for each command to operate on. There are excellent help screens that explain the form and use of each command, as well as a general help screen, accessible at any time by typing newspace /? from a DOS prompt.

Software Problems

NewSpace can cause problems with the operation of a few software programs that don't make standard calls to DOS, such as Tecmar's tape backup program, or that demand an enormous amount of RAM, such as Xerox's Ventura Publisher, which is so huge that it requires all the available RAM, begrudging even the modest amount needed by NewSpace. Programs known to cause problems are mentioned in a README file on the distribution disk. An Isogon technical-support representative was also helpful in resolving problems.

Some utility programs, such as the Norton Utilities, bypass the normal DOS system calls for accessing data. If you use these programs to look at the contents of your hard disk drive, you will not be able to read compressed files, since the utility program is bypassing the NewSpace program, which acts as an interface between DOS and most programs. The manual warns against using such a utility program to modify data on the hard disk.

Last Words

While there are some freeware/shareware utility programs available that do file compression, these all require the user to manually compress and decompress files as they are saved or retrieved. NewSpace does all this offstage, without interfering noticeably with your normal operations.

Barring the touchiness I encountered in the installation routine, NewSpace is a remarkably smooth and elegant utility, especially for version 1.00. Overall, I would rate its performance as excellent. NewSpace is competent, simple to use, and unobtrusive. ■

Diana Gabaldon is the editor o/Science Software and an assistant research professor at the Center for Environmental Studies at Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona. She can be reached on BIX as "editors. "

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JULY 1988 •BYTE 193

PC MAGAZINE REPORTS../TC Labs tested drive

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Find out if ycur -zippy-fas,- ^rd drive system Is ,^EALI-Y in the fast lane Send us or money order and we'll send you the THHUPU ° " ' "ogram. In seconds you'll know how your sys. yec^pares to Northgate systems^ A>rd when you buy a Northgate system, we 11 refund the S5.00. NO PHONE REQUESTS PLEASE

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194 BYTE* JULY 1988

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Northgate guarantees its systems will operate any standard, commereialy available DOSprograrns written for use on IBM Compatible Computers. If. on consultation with Northgate, a program cannot be made to operate satisfactorily, owner may return the system, complete and unaltered for a prompt and full refund including all freight costs.

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Nortligate Computer Systems warrants that all systems sold by Northgate will be free of defects in workmanship and materials for one year from date of shipment.

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In the event of a part replaced under warranty, the new part carriesa NEW ONE-YEARGUARANTEE FROM SHIP DATE! NOTE: Many computer vendors extend only the parts manufaeture'r's warranty which may be as little as 30-days. All products sold by NORTHGATE are fully guaranteed by Northgate for one year from date of shipment.

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COMPUTING AT CHAOS MANOR ■ Jerry Pournelle

Dr. Pournelle vs. The Virus

Jerry observes the West Coast Computer Faire and gives a prescription

Iwas late getting to tine West Coast Computer Faire this year because William Lowell Putnam, the new sole trustee of the Lowell Observatory, appointed me to the observatory's advisory board. The board meeting was held the same week as the Faire, and while I've never missed a West Coast Computer Faire, I wasn't about to pass up the chance to look through the telescopes that Percival Lowell used to map Mars and Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto with.

Incidentally, while those are the best known of the Lowell Observatory's discoveries, the most significant thing done there was probably V. M. Slipher's discovery of the red shift and the recession of faraway galaxies.

Anyway, the meeting was held at the observatory on Mars Hill outside Flagstaff, Arizona, and while it wasn't a lot of trouble getting to Flagstaff, getting out of there in time for my speech at the Faire was a bit more difficult. I wasn't able to get to San Francisco until early Saturday morning.

Even so, I had time to see all the exhibits. I can remember when it just wasn't possible to see everything at the Faire, even getting in a day early and running hard every moment.

On the other hand, I did miss most of the conference sessions, which is a pity, because the Faire continues to attract the best speakers and panelists in the industry. Also, they talk about meaningful subjects rather than just hyping products, the way so many people do at other computer shows.

Although there seemed to be fewer booths, there was no shortage of people.

I'm told that once again there was a record attendance, and from the crowds I can believe it. There were the usual feeding frenzies at Jade, Jameco, and other large discount equipment vendors.

WordPerfect attracted its standard cheering crowds and got the standard complaints from other exhibitors. I have mixed emotions about that. On the one hand, having people cheer and shout in unison is a bit disruptive for those trying to conduct a more serious discussion of their products. On the other hand, WordPerfect certainly adds to the general air of excitement. I'm also curious as to how they get people to do it: when I was invited to give "the WordPerfect cheer," I managed one straight out of the Bronx. Oh, well.

Signs of the Times

Early Faires were dominated by Apple, which used it to get acquainted with hackers and end users. Apple now seems more interested in keeping their customers away from the rest of the microcomputer community. They hold their own shows and don't come to the Faire at all.

In the old days, we had serious discussions between CP/M, Radio Shack, and Apple users, and were able to get some cross-fertilization. When the IBM PC and compatibles came in, Apple was still there, and the debates were illuminating. That doesn't happen much anymore. The only Apple presence at the Faire are the stacks of Apple machine boxes at vendor booths.

Meanwhile, IBM, which used to all but ignore end users, comes to the Faire in a big way. Their impressive booth was filled with knowledgeable people, including a couple of genuine programmers, one of whom I actually managed to talk into removing his necktie. I hope they don't fire him.

Borland wasn't at the Faire, which surprised me. Neither was Microsoft, which wasn't a surprise since they haven't been coming for a while. I think both ought to

be there. It can't hurt the big language houses to come to the one place where hackers and language users get together. Neither Borland nor Microsoft has such perfect products that they can afford to ignore their customers.

For years, the biggest question at the Faire was which group would throw the largest and wildest party, Microsoft or InfoWorld, and this year neither one was there. I don't know about parties on Thursday and Friday, because I wasn't there.

Saturday evening, Logitech furnished a large open area, tortilla chips and dip, beverages, and no loud noises masquerading as entertainment, a perfect setting for conversations. For me it was the high point of the Faire: a place to sit and talk to everyone. A lot of people showed up, legendary figures from the early days, like Lee Felsenstein, as well as new users and readers. I sure hope Logitech makes that one an annual tradition.

One outfit that I'd as soon have skip the Faire is the FCC. Since they keep bureaucrat hours, they weren't there a good part of the time anyway; but I don't see why taxpayers should pay for them to be there at all. As far as I can see, the FCC's major role in the computer industry is to make it very difficult for start-up companies: it doesn't matter how well your machine is designed, you can't sell it until you get FCC approval, and that takes time and money; meaning that small undercapitalized outfits can't bootstrap their way to success. If the FCC had been around at the first West Coast Computer Faire, there would be few companies other than IBM and the Japanese. Apple wouldn't exist.

My vote for the most spectacular Faire exhibit goes to Koei, producer of two IBM PC games: Nobunaga'a Ambition and Romance of Three Kingdoms. Both are strategic-level multiplayer games, one set in sixteenth-century Japan, and the other in Han dynasty China, which

continued

JULY 1988 -BYTE 197

CHAOS MANOR

followed the Warring States period. The booth was decorated with fantastically beautiful Chinese and Japanese armor, and it attracted my attention from the other side of the hall. The games were shown only in demonstration versions; but from everything I can find out, the finished versions will be pretty spectacular, too.

Prodigy

BIX wasn't at the Faire, but several other on-line services, including General Electric's Genie, were.

The oddest one was Prodigy. Prodigy is a partnership of IBM and Sears, and it is supposed to be the on-line information service for the rest of us. You can't (as of April) subscribe to Prodigy just yet, but they did have an on-line demonstration, and they handed out demonstration disks that ape what Prodigy does on your home computer.

The demonstration disks say they can be "copied in whole and given to others solely for use in demonstrating the Prodigy service. Copying for any other use is prohibited by law." I can't conceive of any reason I'd want to copy the disk at all. My guess is that the joint venture got some of the IBM and Sears lawyers as a bonus....

Anyway, Prodigy will shortly be available at a flat rate of $9.95 a month for unlimited time on-line. They can do that because it isn't a conferencing system like BIX; it's mostly a one-way information service. You get news, weather reports, financial information, Consumer Reports, and special newsletters. The demonstration had messages from Sylvia Porter, John Dvorak, and Stewart Alsop.

There is a limited capability for sending messages to information providers (but not to other subscribers). I sent notes to Alsop and Dvorak, but so far neither has acknowledged getting them.

There are also advertisements: on every screen full of information, a significant part is taken up with an advertising blurb. You have the opportunity to expand the ad to a full page if you like. The ads weren't very clever, and I didn't have much temptation beyond curiosity to do that. I wonder how many paying customers will? For that matter, I wonder how many companies will "advertise" in the Prodigy format.

Prodigy is still under development, which is just as well. The demonstrated interface was pretty grim, simplified to the point of near imbecility. There are menus everywhere. No mouse support. It was all very slow. After watching it for a while, Brett Glass struck a pose and pro

nounced it "Stodigy!" The people in the Prodigy booth were not amused.

We'll just have to wait and see. I wasn't terribly impressed by Prodigy at the Faire, and the demonstration disk hasn't changed my opinion; maybe when it's up for real it will be better. From what I've seen, though, for $119.40 a year I'd rather have my local newspaper and the Wall Street Journal.

Trilogy

The West Coast Computer Faire has long been the spawning grounds for important microcomputer products. Dozens of start-ups—including MicroPro (WordStar), Broderbund, Logitech, and Sorcim (SuperCalc)—got their first real exposure at the Faire. It doesn't happen so often now, but it's still possible. Take, for example, Trilogy from Complete Logic Systems.

Trilogy is a new computer language. Now I know most of us put new languages a long way down on our needs list, but in fact there is room for one. I've written before that I wished I had a language that combined the logic/constraint features of Prolog with the procedural techniques of Pascal and the modularity of Modula-2.1 even said it would be nice if the result was a bit faster than any of those.

Trilogy was designed to meet those criteria. It may have done that.

It's pretty easy to get the wrong idea about Trilogy. Indeed, Alex Lane's review in the March BYTE did just that; a Prolog expert. Lane compares Trilogy exclusively to Prolog, which is at least as wrong as my initial impulse to compare it exclusively to Pascal. The fact is that Trilogy combines many of the features of both languages. [Editor's note: For more information on Alex Lane's review, see the letter on page 22. ]

Trilogy doesn't have the cut (!) operator or any other extra-logical additions put into Prolog to achieve efficiency. Instead, it uses IF. . .THEN.. .ELSE and CASE to achieve the same end, and it adds constraints to guide the logical solution without endless backtracking. This gives the language an enormous speed advantage in analyzing complex problems.

I haven't had a lot of time to play with Trilogy, but what I saw at the Faire and what I've been able to do with it here have really impressed me. I may use it to write a major program if Complete Logic Systems brings out the graphics and DOS modules in time (they're supposed to be finished before you read this). At my suggestion, they're also adding a number of I/O and string-handling functions that

should also be available when this is in print.

Deciding to adopt a new language is a pretty serious step. If it doesn't catch on, you could find yourself with a useless orphan. On the other hand, if it works but doesn't catch on, you might find yourself with a secret weapon that dramatically improves your productivity; after all, users don't care what language an application program is written in.

My impression of Trilogy is that it's fast and easier for a Pascal programmer to learn than Prolog is. More as I experiment more; but if you're interested in logic programming languages, you might want to look into Trilogy. Incidentally, Peter Grogono, whose Programming in Pascal (Addison-Wesley, 1980) is one of the best language books I've ever seen (it has the best explanation of pointers in any book on any language), is doing a book on Trilogy, so I'm not alone in my impression that it may have the potential to be one of the "big" languages like Prolog or Pascal. Recommended for those willing to take a chance.

Virus

The specter of computer piracy stalks the land. One promising new start-up company recently called me to ask my view of yet another copy-protection scheme, this time a hardware device that plugs into the printer port where it is transparent to printing but responds to coded inquiries in a way that enables the software.

Hackers call this a "dongle," and I won't put one on my computer. Leave alone the problem that it's not easy to access the back of my machines, and that if very many companies do this I'll have a train of dongles 2 feet long sticking out of the printer port: the real problem is that I don't know precisely what the thing is doing. If I did know, the dongle would be useless.

For all I know, the gizmo may infect my machine with a virus. Now, sure, no reputable company would do that—but companies don't always know what's going on. Recall that back when Microsoft used copy protection—to their credit they abandoned that a few years ago—a summer hire inserted deep into the Microsoft kernel a worm that, on detecting what it thought was an illegal copy of a Microsoft program, said Illegal Copy. Now trashing your master disk.

In fact, the worm did nothing of the sort, but no one who saw that message was amused, especially since it could be triggered by a bad disk or a power failure. How am I to know that the guy who wrote the dongle PROM doesn't have an even

198 B YTE • JULY 1988

CHAOS MANOR

weirder sense of humor?

Some people do. Someone once took the trouble to make up a board and sent it to me for "evaluation." I forget what the cover letter said it would do, but I got suspicious and wouldn't put it in my machine. I later learned that copies went to several others. One editor turned the thing over to Brett Glass, who disassembled the PROMs and discovered that if the board were in the machine on bootup, it would change the partitions on your hard disk drive, rendering it unusable until reformatted. I don't know anyone who got burned by this elaborate scheme, but it does show there are some sick people out there.

Anyway, I won't use a dongle for fear of catching a fatal computer virus; but interestingly enough, the fear of a virus may help mitigate the software piracy problem (which, except with games, I think is less severe than most suppose; but leave that for another time).

A computer virus is eerily similar to a real one: what it does is infect a computer program, often the operating system, then await a chance to reproduce itself. A virus can be stupid, like the board I described above, or quite clever. Simple viruses add themselves to programs and can be detected by a check of program size.

More clever ones find empty areas in the program and hide there. Sometimes they hide only a tiny part of themselves in the infected program; that part points to a new file disguised as an ordinary system file that is generally hidden from the user's view. They all try to reproduce themselves by examining susceptible files for hiding places.

What happens next depends on the virus's creator. Some hackers only want to prove they're clever. An example of that was the Christmas Message Virus that went around last year. Even so, adding needless code to a system can have unintended but disastrous side effects.

Many viruses are deliberately destructive. There was the Lehigh Virus, which infected hundreds of disks at Lehigh University. After sitting about harmlessly for days, the virus woke up and erased all data on infected systems. Backup copies were often similarly affected, so that some users were bitten more than once.

I have also heard of the Israeli Virus, although I never met anyone who has actually seen it. This one is supposed to do nasty things on May 13, 1988, the fortieth anniversary of the founding of Israel (and the extinction of Palestine as a sovereign state). It is said to be defused.

The Israeli Virus may be a legend, but

many are not; one bulletin board sysop found that a full 15 percent of the programs posted on his board were infected. If he counted only programs posted by people he didn't know, the percentage went up to about 50 percent. Many sysops are getting scared enough to deny upload capabilities to new users. Recent reports in the Wall Street Journal indicate that a number of businesses have infected computers. Viruses can affect Macintoshes as well as PCompatibles.

The best way to avoid computer virus infections is to be careful where you get software. If you don't put strange programs in your system, you can't get strange results. That "free" copy of a program you got from a bulletin board may be more costly than you think. You're not even safe getting pirated software from a friend; even if there have been no signs of infection, some virus programs don't wake up for a long time.

continued

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JULY 1988 -BYTE 199

CHAOS MANOR

Vaccine

One possible defense is to use a "vaccine" program.

Obtaining one is a simple matter if you're on BIX: simply download the program called Flushot. This was written by one of the BEX regulars; people I respect say it's very good. Fair warning: I have not tried it yet and know it only by reputation.

You can also get a vaccine from a commercial source.

200 BYTE • JULY 1988

There were at least two at the Faire. One, called Vaccine, is published by Foundation Ware. I didn't get a copy of the program, but that could be because I missed their cocktail party Friday night. I mention them because they had an impressive booth and gave out expensive brochures that contain both hype about their program and some pretty good (if sensationally presented) information about computer viruses.

FoundationWare's brochure says Vac

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cine gives "5 levels" of protection. The first is to write-protect critical system files, like C0MMAND.COM, and watch out for unusual disk writes that bypass DOS. The second level is to write-protect the hard disk drive. In both cases, if the program detects a write operation, it asks if you really want to do that.

Their third level is what they call the "Quality Assurance Mode"; it appears to be a checksum program that runs against C0MMAND.COM, CONFIG.SYS, and other critical files each time you start up the system or invoke Vaccine. They say this will reduce the odds of virus infection to one in a billion. I hereby offer to bet 10 of my dollars against 10 million of theirs that their program will fail within a year. I might be wrong, but I sure like the odds.

The other virus-protection program I saw at the Faire was Mace Vaccine, from Paul Mace Software. This is a 4K-byte memory-resident program to be installed using AUTOEXEC.BAT. Once invoked, it offers two levels of protection: (1) write protection of vital areas and system files, and (2) protection against all direct writes, things like DOS FORMAT, CHKDSK/F, DEBUG, Vopt, and UNFRAG; other disk optimizers; and, hopefully, viruses.

Whereas Foundation Ware says of their program, "The probability of a system 'fully secured' by Vaccine having a disastrous and damaging write-to-disk by an unauthorized or altered software program is less than 1 in 100 million," Mace says, "Understand, the people who make these things are clever and we haven't seen their worst. We're clever too, and will keep on improving the vaccine. We can only hope they will tire of this malicious nonsense before we do." I leave it to the reader to decide which is the more reasonable attitude.

Mace, you'll recall, is the publisher of the Mace Utilities, which I consider to be nearly as essential as DOS.

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CHAOS MANOR

Quattro and 1-2-3, VP-Planner Plus has a handy text editor and report generator. All in all, it's a more-than-just-adequate package.

Paperback Software began with tirades and crusades; I recall Dr. Osborne's speech about "obscenely high retail prices" given the low cost of software production. For all that, his prices have been creeping ever higher. I suspect it's because Osborne, like many others, has run up against a curious fact about the computer market: within wide limits, computer software doesn't obey the classical laws of economic demand.

If you prefer to say it exhibits an unusual demand curve structure, feel free. The bottom line is that lower prices do not necessarily result in more sales. One reason is dealers: unless the list price is reasonably high, there is not enough profit in it to serve dealers and distributors. In any event, the street price of VPPlanner Plus is lower than Quattro, but not all that dramatically so.

Anyway, VP-Planner Plus is a good, solid spreadsheet and limited database program, complete with a text editor, oodles of statistical and mathematical functions, good macro capability, and, as they say, much more. The newest version is a definite improvement over the last one, too. Lotus 1-2-3 remains the "standard" spreadsheet; Quattro is running hard to catch up; Excel under Windows is as nice on the IBM PC as it was on the Mac; but when you come down to it, nearly any job that you can do with the others can be done with VP-Planner Plus. They're all good enough for any job I've needed a spreadsheet for.

Tlie Transfer Game

One perennial visitor to the Faire is Xenosoft. The booth tends to be a hangout for hackers, which is one reason I spend more time there than most places. Xenosoft's only current product is XenoCopy-PC, which is one of those programs you don't need often, but when you do need it not much else will do.

Some of you may not remember the bad old days of 5U-inch-disk CP/M, when every computer company had its own notion of how 5 W-inch floppy disks ought to be formatted, with the result that you couldn't transfer programs from one machine to another without a great deal of work.

IBM and PC-DOS ended all that. Actually, we still have the problem that high-density IBM PC AT floppy disk drives can read IBM PC XT floppies all right, but they can't write anything the IBM PC can read reliably; still, that's

202 BYTE • JULY 1988

Circle 53 on Reader Service Card

Circle 143 on Reader Service Card

CHAOS MANOR

nothing compared to the mess we had back in the old days.

Anyway, XenoCopy-PC is a program that will read foreign disks and transfer their files. It will handle about 200 5 '4inch formats and a dozen or so 8-inch formats; it can also format blank disks into those foreign formats, so you can use your PC to, say, read a disk made by a Bondwell 12, then format a disk for the Epson QX-10 and transfer to that.

Just after I got home from the Faire, Norman Spinrad called me. Years ago, partly on my advice, Norman bought a Kaypro 10 CP/M system. He wrote several novels and most of his book review columns on it. The machine still works fine, but Norman kept hearing about all the new software available for PCompatibles; and when he needed a portable machine to take on location, he decided to change to a PCompatible.

After consulting with me, he bought a Zenith Z-183. He clearly likes it: he just ordered a second one for Lee Wood, his fiancee and traveling companion. I've always said the best maintenance policy is a second computer, and that's especially true if you're traveling.

The Z-183, like most laptops, uses 31/2-inch floppy disks. It's no big deal to transfer files between the Z-183 and a PCompatible desktop; but Norman just got a contract to turn some of his columns for Isaac Asimov 's Science Fiction Magazine into a book, and those columns were written on the Kaypro 10.

"No problem," I told him when he called. "We'll use XenoCopy-PC to move them onto my Zenith 386 and then pipe them over to your machine with LapLink."

There was only one problem. When Norman got here, I couldn't find XenoCopy-PC. I still can't imagine what happened to it: I know they handed me one at the Faire. In some embarrassment, I called Fred Cisin at Xenosoft and left a message on his machine.

"Well, I've got this CP/M program called Uniform," Norman said. "If supposed to let the Kaypro write stuff an IBM can read, but it says first you have to format the disks with a PC." (Workman and Associates sell Uniform.)

That was no problem. You can't trust a high-density AT floppy disk drive to format 360K-byte PC disks, but my new Cheetah 386 system has an old-fashioned 360K-byte standard floppy disk drive as the B drive. This would be a good test of the Priam enhanced-small-device-inter face controller. The controller's main job is the 330-megabyte hard disk drive, but

continued

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Questions? Want faster action? Call (212) 777-6707, ext. 418.

Circle 54 on Reader Service Card

JULY 1988 'BYTE 203

CHAOS MANOR

it also does floppies in both XT and AT formats. I used it to format some disks in vanilla XT format.

The next day XenoCopy-PC arrived, and Fred Cisin called. "You've got a problem," he said. "The Kaypro 10 has a flaw in its format routine. Kaypro used the Western Digital chip, and the floppy disk controller doesn't pay any attention to the Head Number field on the sector headers. Most of the double-sided Kaypro disks put a 0 in that field, even when

they're formatting side 1. It doesn't matter to the Kaypro because the WD controller ignores the field. PCs use an NEC 765 [Intel 8272]. That chip can't ignore the field and gets all choked up...."

"So what do we do?"

"Simple enough. Use XenoCopy-PC to format some floppies in Kaypro 10 format on your machine. XenoCopy-PC will put the right head number in the field. Copy the data onto those, and XenoCopy-PC will do the rest."

That worked, too. I did find some ambiguities in the XenoCopy-PC help screens, but there weren't any real problems. Actually, we didn't have to do that except as a test, because Uniform let the Kaypro 10 write onto the disks I'd formatted as DOS disks the day before. Norman brought them down, and we used LapLink to move his files onto the Z183. LapLink was impressively speedy— and reliable—as always.

The moral of the story is that data transfer still isn't simple.

Amiga 2000

I've always had mixed emotions about the Commodore Amiga. On the one hand, it's an incredibly fun machine, the kind of thing that BYTE readers in particular will just love. You can do things with an Amiga that simply can't be done with anything else.

On the other hand, it can be a real pain in the neck. The operating system almost works. The floppy disk access is incredibly slow. Commodore, having bought Amiga, proceeded to fire nearly all the machine's developers and move the rest to Pennsylvania, where, except for networks like BIX, they're out of touch with the rest of the ferment in Silicon Valley.

Worst of all. Commodore cuts comers when they shouldn't.

The Amiga 2000 is a case in point. The basic idea is excellent: PCompatibles are (or at least were when the 2000 was designed) pretty boring machines, with little capability for graphics. On the other hand, there's a lot of software for PCompatibles, and many need that. Why not combine the graphics and just plain fun of an Amiga with a PCompatible? People can use the PC software until they find something as good for the Amiga side of their computer.

The idea was exciting, and many of us looked forward to seeing the result. The original machine Commodore described had a 68020 chip on the Amiga side and could accommodate an 80286 in the IBM half. There would be PC expansion slots. The result would have been a truly great machine. Alas, that's not what they brought out. The Amiga 2000 has a standard 68000 for the Amiga and an 8088 on the PC Bridge Board.

The Amiga half, with a hard disk drive and plenty of memory, is none the less a very nice machine. I still see the guru meditation—Amiga's not so very amusing system error message that appears when the machine crashes—more often than I like, but then I run a fair amount of untried software, and I don't always know what I'm doing.

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204 BYTE • JULY 1988

CHAOS MANOR

1 don't know what I'm doing because the Amiga has a goofy operating system. In fact, it has two of them. First, there's the icon-based system based on work done at Xerox's Palo Alto Research Center; it's similar to Windows, Niklaus Wirth's Lilith, or the Mac. Behind that is the command line interface (CLI), which sort of works like DOS.

Now the idea of having both icon command and CLI systems is a very good one; but the Amiga implementation of it leaves a lot to be desired. For one thing, the CLI system is harder to learn than DOS, doubly so because the commands are, for some silly reason, just slightly different from DOS. For another, if applications programmers don't create proper icons, you must use the CLI; but the user must deliberately turn on the CLI, and if I don't use it regularly, I forget how it works.

When we first got the Amiga 2000, I invited several Amiga experts, including Joanne Dow ("jdow" on BIX) and David Joyner ("talin" on BIX), to help set it up. One thing we wanted to do was test a number of speedup boards for the PC side since what comes standard is very vanilla (and thus slow). We tried a Sota MotherCard; genuine Intel boards, both 286 and 386; and a few others.

Alas, none of them worked, because Commodore employs the same interrupts to communicate between the Amiga and the PC sides that the PC enhancement boards use. I don't have one, but I understand there are boards, including at least one 386 board, that do work. At the moment, though, the Amiga runs all my PC software exacdy as fast as the original 1981 PC. The Atari Mega ST using an emulator runs PC software even slower, about 80 percent of the PC's speed. I don't often use PC software on either machine, but that could change when I get a 386 card.

The Amiga 2000 has a lot more memory than my original Amiga did. Incidentally, I sent that Amiga off to be used in some Lunar Society experiments, and Henry Vanderbilt ("hvanderbilt" on BIX) found that it had a defective mouse: the left mouse button worked most of the time, but it would sometimes fail. That may have been the reason for some of the problems I had; but mostly, I think, I just kept running out of memory. That does not happen with the 2000.

I've had the Amiga 2000 for some months now. In some ways, it's still the most exciting machine I have. It's terrific for games. It's great for artists. There's a lot of fun software for it. It can be blooming frustrating to work with, but the re

sults are often worth it. If you like computers and know what you're doing, it can be one terrific machine. I would not recommend it for people just trying to get some work done.

Dream Machines

When IBM first brought out the Micro Channel bus, I liked it a lot. Now I'm not so sure.

One thing is certain: you don't need the new bus to get a lot of speed from a

PC; at least you don't if you have a Cheetah 386 motherboard.

The Cheetah 386 is the hottest machine here. It has Intel 20-MHz 80386 and 80387 chips, a Priam 330-megabyte internal hard disk drive, an Award BIOS, an Award EGA/VGA board (that at the moment connects as EGA to the Logitech Autosync monitor but works fine as VGA with the Electrohome 19-inch monitor), and a Maximum Systems WORM (write

continued

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JULY 1988 -BYTE 205

CHAOS MANOR

once, read many) drive. It also has 8 megabytes of fast Cheetah memory.

My Cheetah 386 is in a "tower" configuration (i.e., it sits on edge on the floor, but the floppy disk drives are horizontal). The tower has a number of advantages. The boards are kept cooler. It doesn't take up space on the desk. The reset button and power switch are on the front, where they're easy to reach. The main disadvantage is that I had to get extension cables for my

video board and the mouse.

Anyway, you don't need to put the Cheetah board in a tower; it's made to drop into any IBM PC AT case. If you replace your 80286 motherboard with the Cheetah 386 board, you'll have a machine as fast as any PS/2, without the expense. The really neat part is that if I get faster Intel chips, I can step up the speed to 25 MHz and maybe faster. There's also software to slow the Cheetah down for real-time programs like games.

The Cheetah has become our major experimental machine: we're setting it up to run Santa Cruz Operations Unix. That's said to run DOS programs. Since I got the American Management Systems' Unix Directory Shell, I'm not so afraid of Unix; indeed, I'm actually looking forward to getting DOS-under-Unix up and running. We'll see.

WORMS

The Cheetah tower has a Priam InnerSpace hard disk drive. This thing is awesome. Not only does it have 330 megabytes formatted, but the access time is 11 milliseconds! It's reliable, too. Priam invented the technique of mechanically lifting the disk head on power-down or power failure and a number of other safety features. I've had several machines with Priam hard disk drives, and so far I have not had a single problem. I don't anticipate any with this one.

I don't anticipate trouble, but I still like to back up my data. The only trouble is that even with Fastback, backing up data takes enough time and trouble that I don't do it often; at least I didn't until I got WORMS.

I already had an Information Storage WORM drive on my Zenith Z-386, and that works fine. The Cheetah tower came with another WORM, the APX-3200 from Maximum Storage. As I understand it. Maximum Storage licenses hardware technology from Information Storage but developed their own WORM operating system.

Whatever they did, this thing is a bloody wonder. It's as simple to use as any drive I have. You can even "erase" files if, like me, you manage to write them onto the wrong subdirectory. Of course, the files aren't really erased anymore than a file is erased if you save another with the same name to the same subdirectory. In both cases, you can use Maximum Storage's XDIR program to find previous versions of a file and CPY to copy any version anywhere you like.

The WORM is a wonderful backup system. Removable WORM cartridges cost about $100 and hold 300 megabytes, and for all practical purposes, the copies made on the WORM are eternal. I routinely copy everything. With novels, I even copy new work onto a separate cartridge I keep in my box at American Vault.

WORMs are also great for software developers.

Did it ever happen? You did some programming work; tested the new version and liked it; and when you saved it, you erased the old. Later you discover a hid

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206 BYTE* JULY 1988

Circle 296 on Reader Service Card (DEALERS: 297)

CHAOS MANOR

Items Discussed

APX-3200 $2675

Maximum Storage 5025 Centennial Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80919 (719)531-6888 Inquiry 935.

Cheetah 386 Motherboard

16 MHz

20 MHz

Cheetah International 107 Community Blvd. Suite 5

Long view, TX 75602 (800) 243-3824 Inquiry 936.

.$1495 .$1995

InnerSpace

Priam Corp.

20 West Montague Expy. San Jose, CA 95134 (408) 434-9300 Inquiry 937.

.$4890

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Mace Vaccine

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Nobunaga's Ambition $59.95

Romance of Three Kingdoms . $69.95

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Prodigy $9.95 per month

Prodigy Services Co. 445 Hamilton Ave. White Plains, NY 10601 Inquiry 940.

Trilogy $99.95

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Unix Directory Shell

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Vaccine

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VP-Planner Plus

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Word Exchange $69.95

Systems Compatibility Corp.

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XenoCopy-PC

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den bug; something that used to work won't work at all. If you had the old code you could compare, but you don't have it.

That won't happen if you back up everything onto a WORM, because you can always go back through the versions and select whichever one you like.

You can also run programs off a WORM drive, meaning that you can put your compilers, editors, and other large programs you never write to on the WORM to save hard disk drive space. If you have a Priam InnerSpace, you may not need to do that for a wiiile, but consider this: since nothing can alter a WORM file, a WORM is the ultimate in protection from virus infections.

I've been using the Maximum Storage WORM for about a month and have 100 megabytes of files on it. I've yet to have a problem.

If you're in the software development business; if you write books on a PC; if you develop valuable data; you have to be nuts not to get a WORM. It's faster and easier to use than any other backup system I've seen, including tape.

Winding Down

I'm completely out of space, and once again my desk is piled high with stuff I meant to tell you about. We're taking another look at Fact Cruncher; Lattice has a new data-encryption system that works like a charm; MacInTax and Excel both work beautifully with the IBM PC, so you don't have to buy a Mac to use those wonderful programs; and if you have any interest in self-replicating systems, you will love Cellular Automata, a $34.95 program from Intelligrafix to create graphics life on your PC. Just be careful you don't spend so much time with it that you don't do anything else.

The book of the month is by Martin van Creveld, Command in War (Harvard University Press, 1985). Creveld is a professor of history at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and he has a fresh and valuable approach to military history.

The text editor of the month is the newest version of Q&A Write, which fixes most of the problems I mentioned in previous reviews. I'll say one thing about Symantec, they listen. The utility of the month is Word Exchange. This thing painlessly translates formatted Microsoft Word text files to and from a number of formats, including Display Write (2, 3, and 4), WordPerfect, WordStar, Wang PC, and a bunch of others. It will even read and analyze an ASCII file to make guesses about page lengths, centering, headers, footers, and so forth. Since it

translates both ways, you can use it (with Microsoft Word as an intermediate) to translate among any of those and other formats. Alas, it doesn't know about Q&A Write.

The game of the month—and maybe of the year—is FTL Dungeon Master for the Atari ST. Everything you heard about this is true; the graphics are incredible. I'm told there will soon be an Amiga version.

Next month, with luck, I'll look at Unix versus OS/2. ■

Jerry Poumelle holds a doctorate in psychology and is a science fiction writer who also earns a comfortable living writing about computers present and future. Jerry welcomes readers' comments and opinions. Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Jerry Poumelle, do BYTE, One Phoenix Mill Lane, Peterborough, NH 03458. Please put your address on the letter as well as on the envelope. Due to the high volume of letters, Jerry cannot guarantee a personal reply. You can also contact him on BIX as "jerryp. "

JULY 1988 -BYTE 207

1

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208 BYTE • JULY 1988

• MKEYED

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Mit aggressivem Marketing ohne Kompromisse im Bereich Kundenservice, wird der Erfolg von BB'' in 1988 fortgesetzt. Es steht auf samtlichen Systemen namhafter Computerhersteller zur Verfugung und stellt seine Akzeptanz bei den anspruchvollsten Anwendern unter Beweis.

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BB*^ PROGRESSION/2'^ is available for Intel Based Computers, Altos, Arete, AT&T, PCS Cadmus, Computer Consoles, Convergent Technologies, Counterpoint/MultiTech, Cubix, Data General, Digital Equipment Fortune Honeywell. Hewlett Packard, ICL, Motorola, Nixdorl, Prime, Pyramid, Rexon. Sanyo, Sequent, Siemens Texas ' Instruments, Unisys, and the IBM family of products. BASIS is continually adding new systems.

brld Class Business.

Portable, il franchit tous les cadres d'operation, et sa performance traverse, maintenant, tous les oceans.

Dans le monde, les meilleurs et les plus brillants programmeurs de I'industrie decouvrent I'etonnante puissance que BB" amene au BASIC des affaires. Ecrivez votre programme une seule fois, et accedez totalement a MS/PC-DOS, OS/2, UNIX/XENIX, AIX, 1X370 et a VMS.

Cette annee, plus de 50 000 copies de BB*' fonctionnent aux Etats-Unis, au Canada, en Europe, en Asie et en Amerique du Sud.

Un esprit constant d'innovation, un developpement conforme aux normes de I'industrie, et une position de leader dans le domaine technologique, tels sont les atouts qui ont contribue a la croissance de BB" dans le monde entier.

En 1988, un marketing dynamique et un appui inconditionnel a notre clientele continueront a couronner notre reussite, et a etendre le standard BB'' a de nombreuses societes parmi les plus respectees au monde.

Contactez I'un de nos distributeurs mondiaux et decouvrez la puissance de BB"!

BB" PROGRESSION/2''. BB" and BASIS Incorporated are trademarks and/or service marks of BASIS Incorporated, Albuquerque, New Mexico. All references to computer systems and software products contained wittiin this advertisement recognize the trade and/or service marks of the corresponding manufacturer and holder of the trade and/or service mark.

Circle 31 on Reader Service Card

Su portabilidad traspasa todos los medios de operacion y ahora su funcionamiento esta cruzando todos los oceanos.

Los mejores y mas brillantes programadores del mundo, estan descubriendo la asombrosa potencia que BB"* ofrece al negocio BASIC. Escriba su programa una vez y tenga movimiento completo a MS/PC-DOS, OS/2, UNIX/XENIX, AIX, 1X370 y VMS.

Este ano, mas de 50,000 copias de BB" estan funcionando en Estados Unidos, Canada, Europa, Asia y America del Sur.

Empefio de inovacion, desarrollo en los estandards de la industria y superioridad tecnologica han hecho crecer a BB" en todo el mundo.

En 1988, mercadotecnia agresiva y apoyo constante a nuestros clientes seguiran complementando el exito y desarrollo de BB'' entre las companias mas respetadas del mundo.

Comuniquese con uno de nuestros distribuidores mundiales y sienta la potencia de BB"! ^_

World Distributors:

Edias Hans Kirchhoff & Co. KG

Pfingstbornstt. 25. 6200 Wiesbaden

West Germany

TEL: (06122)2016

FAX; (06122) 16505

TLX:418-2563 ediad

Multlsys

Torgeir Vraas Plass 5A 3044 Drammen Norway TEL: (03)83.86.05 FAX: (03) 89.02.53 J. P. Brown and Associates 780 Gordon Baker Road Willowdale. Ontario M2H 3B4 TEL: (416) 494-0472

PI Informatique

8, rue Benjamin Constant

75019 Paris. France

TEL: (01)40.05.10.65

TLX: 214.583

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Soflech Pty. Limited

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TEL: (011)787-8839

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Risegold Pty. Ltd.

678 Paramatta Road

Croydon. I^.S.W. 2132

Australia

TEL: (02)799-6622 FAX: (02) 799-9090 Tompo Computadoras Av. Americas #670 Guadalajara 44680 Jalisco, Mexico TELS: 30-28-45

30-28-46

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West Germany. The Netherlands Austria. Switzerland Denmark. Luxembourg. Belgium England. Italy

Norway. Sweden. Finland. Greenland, Iceland

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Risegold Pty. Ltd.

86 Havelock Street West Perth

Western Australia 6005 TEL: (09)481-0607 FAX: (09) 481-3162 Intotei, S.A., de, C.V. Laguna de Mayran No, 258 3 piso Col. Anahuac CP 11320 Mexico, D.F. TELS: 05 45 6730 al 05 45 6734

In the United States: BASIS Incorporated

P.O. Box 20400

Albuquerque, New Mexico 87154 TEL: (505) 821-4407 FAX: (505) 821-1625

BASIS J,

INCORPORATED

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SYSTEMS, INC

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Circle 23 on Reader Service Card

APPLICATIONS ONLY Ezra Shapiro

From

Shareware to Hyperware

Two word processors, MicroSpeed's nifty addin, and an easy way to read HyperCard stacks

Afew weeks ago, I was walking around a fairly large computer show and stumbled across two booths pushing shareware word processors. One was MindReader (Brown Bag, $49), and the other was PC-Write (Quicksoft, $89). What a world of difference!

I wrote about MindReader two years ago, before it had become a shareware product; that is, it cost four times as much, and you could get it only from dealers or the manufacturer. It struck me then as an odd but occasionally wonderful piece of software; I always enjoy seeing new ways to do old things, and MindReader was certainly brimming with wacko concepts.

In its earlier incarnation, MindReader gave you an opening screen and sound effects worthy of an arcade game. The program itself featured an as-you-type spelling checker, a truly impressive glossary feature for storing and retrieving chunks of boilerplate text, a decent address book for mail merge, and a process called WordComplete.

WordComplete would interrupt you a few characters into every word you typed and present you with a list of alternatives. You'd select the right choice, and the program would finish typing the word for you. This was disconcerting at first, but once I got into the rhythm of it, it wasn't bad. It sure saved me lots of keystrokes. I figured that if a typist could adjust to the WordComplete system, it could be a device that would save time and labor.

My final reaction, though, was mostly negative. Although I urged anyone that

was developing a word-processing program to study MindReader carefully for its innovative features, I recommended against its purchase for day-to-day use. Unfortunately, it just wasn't up to snuff on the fundamentals.

As an example of one problem, you could perform block operations only on complete lines or groups of lines; if you wanted to move or copy a sentence that began in the middle of a line, you were out of luck. I felt guilty about trashing MindReader, but I just couldn't see using it for real work.

So here we are, two years later. How does MindReader stack up these days? Well, it's basically the same program. The block-operation problem has been fixed—you can now manipulate sections of text that start somewhere other than the beginning of a line. WordComplete, the address book, and the glossary are all still as fine as they were the first time around.

But I noticed something that I hadn't reported on in 1986 (probably because I was listing some of its other flaws, like the block problem): Every time you access one of the pull-down menus, MindReader goes off and sucks in the information from disk. On a hard disk drive, this represents a jerky hesitation that might not distract some people. Run from a floppy disk drive, however, h's absolutely unacceptable.

Essentially, MindReader seems to have been dusted off, bandaged a little, and then exiled to the Land of Shareware to live out its twilight years. Which is sad. There are still some great touches in this program, but it's waiting to die. I really wish its authors had looked on "going shareware" as a new beginning rather than as a way to salvage a few bucks and cut their losses from the first go-around. If they had rebuilt MindReader around the good stuff and thrown out the bad, the program could have been a real contender in the low-end word-processor market. Pity.

Quite a contrast to PC-Write, which was selling like the proverbial hotcakes. Bob Wallace continues to improve his program, which now boasts a fast spelling checker, and his company has mrned out to be one of the biggest success stories in shareware.

Quicksoft is the only firm I know of that actually shares its profits with its customers. If you buy the program from the company and pass a copy to a friend, and the friend proceeds to register the copy by sending in money, Quicksoft will cut you in to the tune of $25.

After using an unregistered copy every so often (shame on me!), I finally became guilt-ridden enough to register my own copy two years ago. I distributed copies to friends, posted the program on a number of bulletin boards, and waited to see what would happen. To my great surprise, I made money on the deal. So yes, the scheme does work. It's all pretty amazing if you think about it; I'd guess Quicksoft has given away over 10 percent of its revenues up front, and it's going like wildfire.

The difference between PC-Write and MindReader is the difference between a healthy athlete and a zombie. One program is still on the rise; the other is sinking into the sludge of obscurity.

Mice on the Bus

From the gang at MicroSpeed, the trackball manufacturer, comes one of the niftiest IBM PC add-in cards of the epoch. Called the PDA, for Pointing Device Adapter, it started out as a bus card for the company's trackball product, so you'd no longer need to tie up a precious serial port. Purchased with one of the MicroSpeed trackballs, the card adds $20 to the list price. Purchased by itself, the card is $69.

However, MicroSpeed didn't stop there. The PDA functions as a bus card for any serial pointing device. Not only can you retrofit one of the MicroSpeed

continued

JULY 1988 -BYTE 211

Circle 273 on Reader Service Card

Importers: It's time to change bad habits.

^ Don't think Germans offer high quality only at high prices.

9 Don't Umit your market survey

to Asian products. 0 Don't forget to order our catalogue.

Printer Buffer inside cable.

For the average user, most buffers are too complicated. So we designed a buffered cable with 64K or 256K inside. Just a cable. As easy to use. Neariy as inexpensive.

Take out your data.

In a battery-operated buffer. Up to I28K with parallel or RS232-inpuL Batteiy will hold data for as long asl 3 years. Record and play as often as you like. Carry data to a printer or to another computer.

Share your printer.

Forget these boxes that occupy lot of your desk space. Forget the times when you had to switch manually. We have a cable that allows two computers share one printer automatically.

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For IBM-compatibles. 2 printers to one computer. Complete set incl. all cables and a small switch-box. No bulky box on your desk!

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Data Isolators

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We have a complete line of interfaces: 20mA, Ataril30, C64/128, Centronics, IEEE488, RS232 and RS422.

The following are registered Iracieniarics: Ami, 064, C128, CentroniM, IBM

[1

Austria: Zahrer, Wien 0222-347671

France: Neol, Strassbourg (88) 623752

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USA: Tectrans, L.A. (818) 2853121

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Items Discussed

.$69

HyperDA

Symmetry Corp. 761 East University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85203 (602) 844-2199 Inquiry 947.

MindReader $49

Brown Bag Software

Telemarketing Resources

2155 South Bascom Ave., Suite 114

Campbell, CA 95008

(800) 523-0764

(800) 323-5335 (in California)

Inquiry 948.

PC-Write $89

Quicksoft, Inc. 219 First Ave. N, Suite 224 Seattle, WA 98109 (206) 282-0452 Inquiry 949.

PDA (Pointing Device Adapter)... $69

MicroSpeed, Inc. 5307 Randall Place Fremont, CA 94538 (415) 490-1403 Inquiry 950.

XHELP

Exwells Software Co. 7677 Oakport St., Suite 110 Oakland, CA 94621 (415) 430-1876 Inquiry 951.

. $59.95

trackballs, you can plug in any serial mouse from Microsoft or Logitech and mouse off into the sunset. Whatever pointing device you attach, you're still freeing a serial port. The PDA is a universal card for pointing devices.

If that weren't enough, MicroSpeed has developed a magnificent universal mouse driver, distributed with the company's own products or available separately for $49. It will work with any mouse out there.

Why do I say magnificent? Well, I'm one of those people who frequently move back and forth between a Macintosh and an IBM PC AT clone. The Mac mouse has a well-mannered, smooth feel. The AT mouse seems light and uncontrollable in comparison, and I'm always missing my target on the AT screen. For a long

time, I thought that the problem was inherent in the weight and other physical properties of the different mice. This is not so.

According to Tim Barry of MicroSpeed, the problem lies in the driver software. The standard Microsoft mouse driver is set up to offer only two rates of speed. Let's say you start off moving the mouse slowly; the motion translates to the screen at a 1-to-l ratio. When you hit a predetermined speed, that ratio suddenly jumps to 2-to-l, and the mouse flies across the screen. That's all the control you have.

The Apple mouse, on the other hand, is designed for what is called "ballistic" gain. Rather than two speeds, the driver uses a number of speed ratios that fit on an exponential graph; the result is less choppiness in the feel as you speed up or slow down, because the jumps in ratio are less severe.

MicroSpeed has implemented a similar ballistic algorithm for its driver. It uses 10 different speed ratios for nice, even gain. Further, the ratio set is selectable. A command line switch (or a CONFIG.SYS parameter, if you use the device-driver version of the software) lets you choose among steeper and shallower curves for the gain. In other words, you can fine-tune the feel of the pointing device.

If all this is as far over your head as it is over mine, sit down with a Mac and a PC and play with the mice. Imagine how pleasant it would be and how happy you'd feel if the PC mouse moved like the Mac mouse. Then go check out the MicroSpeed product line.

Help, Help

I recently stated that if I saw another popup "MS-DOS made simple" program, I'd throw up. There are too many of these things on the market, and most of them aren't worth the price of a blank disk. It's perhaps my least favorite product category, and that's saying a lot. Thus, when I saw a demonstration of XHELP (Exwells Software, $59.95) that looked suspiciously like a DOS guide, I was tempted to move on. Quickly. I confess I didn't listen too closely to the first few minutes of the pitch, but when I figured out what was really happening I quickly got drawn in.

XHELP is a help authoring system; the demonstration I was watching used a sample database that offered assistance to MS-DOS users, but you can write help or information systems for anything you like. Need a help system for order entry of auto parts? How about a study guide

212 BYTE' JULY 1988

Circle 200 on Reader Service Card

APPLICATIONS ONLY

for nuclear physics? The awful cliche is "you're limited only by your imagination," but in this case it happens to be true.

The organizing metaphor is the one most people are most familiar with: table of contents, data organized by page number, and index. You look up your area of interest in either the table of contents or the index, enter the page number, and you're on your way. XHELP will take an ASCII document, compress it, and break it into pages for you, or you can insert characters to indicate page breaks and have the screens look pretty when they pop up. Compiling the table of contents and the index is equally simple.

The lookup engine is a straightforward memory-resident program that works as well as any. This is not a supersophisticated package, but it does its job efficiently and it lets you get on with your life.

My only criticism is that the product was still very new when I looked at it, and the company hadn't figured out pricing for site licenses, which is how I think XHELP will be sold. But that's a minor point indeed.

This is a good tool if you need it.

Hyper De-hype-er

Over on the Macintosh, there's HyperDA (Symmetry, $69), a desk-accessory program that lets you read HyperCard stacks (or programs or applications or databases or whatever you call them) without needing HyperCard itself. Which is fine by me.

For some reason, I've never thought that learning how to program is a revolutionary new idea in computing, and it's the last thing I want to do. Maybe it's neat, but I really don't have the time. With a powerful machine like the Mac, I'm waiting for tools to let me write little Hyper-like programs by sliding pictures or symbols around on the screen.

I'll grant that HyperTalk could easily serve as the underlying language in tomorrow's advanced system for program development—a system that used actual code at only the deepest level—but I don't have much desire to master it in its present form. HyperDA lets me use other people's HyperCard work without having to become an expert.

Written by Bill Appleton, an expert and prolific Mac programmer with such gems as CourseBuilder and some excellent games to his credit, HyperDA is a terrific solution for anyone who wants to read HyperCard stacks but doesn't have the oodles of memory required. It's a

desk accessory, and you can run it on anything from a 512K-byte Mac on up. Note that HyperDA is only a reader; you can't use it to modify programs or add to databases.

The HyperDA implementation is not perfect. You can't see fancy screen dissolves, wipes, or other visual tricks. Playing sounds stored in stacks is impossible. Also missing is the HyperCard flowchart—a visual display of the screens you've viewed, shown in chronological order. But if you're merely flipping through a stack of cards, do you really need all that stuff? HyperDA does have a good "find" function, which will jump you quickly to the right spot.

In my experience, it was easy enough to move from card to card, but it wasn't always possible to pop open a card's windows in the correct sequence. Sometimes I found dealing with HyperCard's hypertext aspects confusing; HyperDA is better suited for reading stacks that display only full screens of information rather than ones that move you all over the place by presenting large assortments of buttons and hidden text chunks. But even with its obvious flaws, HyperDA is still a quick way to get at data buried in your stacks.

"But wait," you say, "I have MultiFinder. Can't I just run HyperCard as a single application under MultiFinder and gain the ability to modify stacks?" Sure, if you've got a huge amount of RAM and nerves of steel. I'm always edgy about the devastating crashes that can occur when running MultiFinder. And HyperCard is a big program that takes a while to load, particularly annoying if you launch it every time you start work. If all you want is access to information, HyperDA is faster.

Finally, HyperCard stacks seem to want to take over the entire screen on my standard SE (I don't know about thirdparty big-screen monitors); HyperDA lets me look at stacks in a window that I can resize and reposition. At last I can look at stack data and other data at the same time.

Hooray for this product. My most major problem with it is that I keep wanting to pronounce it as "hyper-dah" rather than "hyper-dee-ay." It is definitely recommended. ■

Paul Mace

SOFTWARE

Ezra Shapiro is a consulting editor for BYTE. You can contact him do BYTE, One Phoenix Mill Lane, Peterborough, NH03458, oronBIXas "ezra. "Because of the volume of mail he receives, Ezra, regretfully, cannot respond to each inquiry.

TEST

FORMAT

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Included in the /iTEST • JtFORMAT package is an interleave optimizer, ^OPTIMUM. It calculates the optimum value for interleave, then resets the disk, automatically, for peak performance.

The second casualty to improper setup is your data . . . because some hardware vendors take the easy route. They skip low-level testing and entry of manufacturer's bad-track information.

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JULY 1988 -BYTE 213

fotrod

TdoIs

DESQview API Reference Manual

This is the primary source of informatiori about the DESQview API. It contains all you need to know to write Assembly Language programs that take full advantage of DES(>iew's capabilities. The Reference manual comes with an 'include' file containing symbols and maaos to aid you in development. AVAILABLE NOW!

DESQview API C Library

The DESQview API C Library provides C Language interfaces for the entire set of API functions. It supports the Lattice C, Metaware C, Microsoft C and Turbo C compilers for all memory models, hicluded with the C Library package is a copy of the API Reference Manual and source code for the library AVAILABLE NOW!

DESQview API Debugger

The DESQview API Debugger is an interactive tool that enables the API programmer to trace and single step through API calls from several concurrently running DESQview-specific programs. Trace information is reported symbolically along with the program counter, registers, and stack at the time of the call. Trace conditions can be specified so that only those calls of interest are reported. AVAILABLE JUNE 88!

DESQview API Panel Designer

The DESQview API Panel Designer is an interactive tool to aid you in designing windows, menus, help screens, error messages, and forms. It includes an editor that lets you construct an image of your panel using simple commands to enter, edit, copy and move text, as well as draw lines and

214 BYTE • JULY 1988

new power to DOS

boxes. You can then define the characteristics of the window that will contain the panel, such as its position, size, and title. Finally, you can specify the locations and types of fields in the panel. The Panel Designer automatically generates all the DESQview API data streams necessary to display and take input from your panel. These data streams may be grouped together into panel libraries and stored on disk or as part of your program. AVAILABLE ]UNE 88!

DESQview API Pulldown Menu Manager

The DESQview API Pulldown Menu Manager is an interactive tool to aid you in designing pulldown menus. This DESQview API tool assists you in giving your DOS program an OS/2-like look and feel. AVAILABLE JULY 88!

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Call for registration information (213) 392-9851

guarteideck Office Systems 150 Pico Boulevard Santa Monica CA 90405 (213) 392-9851

MS-DOS and IBM PC-IXS are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation and IBM Corporation rre Circle 227 on Reader Service Card (DEALERS: 228) JULY 1988 • B Y T E 215

ComputerExpg

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SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED ■ RickGrehan

Part 1

The Pitfalls OF Porting

Introducing a new column that illustrates progrannming concepts and techniques that underlie the software you use today and will use tomorrow, and gives you lots of useful, hands-on code

Editor's note: "Some Assembly Required" serves a dual purpose: First, it will show you, via concrete examples, the programming techniques that shape the current and future generations of software. For example, once you see how complex a relatively simple port is, you can understand why it's taking so long for DOS-to-OS/2 ports to show up. Information such as this will give you a better understanding of the hows and whys of your software.

Second, this column is the place you can come for working sample code that's useful in its own right, and that serves to define and illustrate larger issues such as those mentioned above. Because the column is geared toward illustrating real-world programming issues and techniques, it will rely on the tools of today 's software industry: assembly language for optimum performance, plus lots of C and some Pascal.

The column's author. Rick Grehan, is primary programmer of BYTE's new

low-level system benchmarks, and has programmed everything from a KIM-1 to a building-size mainframe; written everything from accounting software to programs for Schroedinger wave equations; gotten as high as COBOL on a mainframe and as low as toggle switches on an ALTAIR 8800.—FSL

In an industry where new computer systems are rolled out as frequently as new car models, all the major software companies are counting on porting to save their popular programs from landing in the scrap heap.

For example, with the success of the Mac n, companies who previously offered programs only for the DOS machines are porting their software to the Mac and vice versa. And with the release of OS/2, every major software company in the DOS world—including Microsoft, Lotus, and Borland—is scrambling to prepare OS/2 versions of its programs.

Successful porting can ensure the survival of a good program in a world of rapidly evolving CPUs and operating systems. "Effective porting" sounds simple, but, in reality, it's a bloody job.

I know from experience: I recently ported the original incarnation of a C compiler to MS-DOS, and then ported that version to the Macintosh, as part of the task of creating our new benchmarks.

Looking at this specific case—porting a language—can serve in several ways: First, it illustrates the general concepts in porting, and thus can give you some insight into what's happening now in the major software development houses. Second, if you're a programmer, you'll also come away with useful, working code and practical examples of how you can apply the general principles.

High-Level Headaches

One of the major benefits of working with a high-level programming language

continued

•<—Circle 62 on Reader Service Card

JULY 1988 -BYTE 217

SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED

is that it insulates you from the system you're programming on; the language handles the intricacies of talking to the hardware and operating system so that you don't have to go gray writing assembly language. Altering a high-level language to deal with a new operating system and different hardware can get pretty hairy.

Sometimes there are ways to make the porting process easier. For example, it is sometimes possible to alter a compiler to port itself—use an existing compiler to write a new compiler. This is exactly what I did when I created the BYTE version of Small-C. In the first two installments of this column, I'll outline some of the problems I had to overcome in porting it to MS-DOS (this month) and the Macintosh (next month).

Here's how the procedure looks broken into an actual step-by-step example. (This example is specific to the Small-C port, but the general steps apply to any similar project.)

Step 1: Modify the source of the 8080 CP/M compiler to emit 8088 code. Compile that, yielding a compiler that runs under CP/M but produces 8088 code. Step 2: Write the C source code for an MS-DOS-compatible run-time library (the part that talks to the operating system). Pass that through the new compiler to yield 8088 assembly source. Transfer this source to a PC and use MASM (Microsoft's assembler) and LIB (Microsoft's library manager) to create the actual library.

Step 3: Take the modified source of step 1 and send it through the new compiler; you now have 8088 assembly source for Small-C on a CP/M disk. Move that source to a PC, assemble it with MASM, and link it to the library from step 2 to create an 8088 version of Small-C running on the PC.

Now that we see the broad brush strokes of using a compiler to port itself, how about the fine-line definitions that made this specific project work? This demands that we first take a closer look at Small-C.

Small-C

A complete description of the original Small-C would be inappropriate here. Suffice it to say that Small-C executes a subset of Kemighan and Ritchie C, with its most noticeable restrictions being the following:

• The only data types are Int and char (it supports pointers)

• There are no structures or unions

• Arrays may be only one-dimensional

• The only control structures are for, while, do, If, and goto

• Small-C emits assembly source code; you must have an assembler and linker to execute programs you create with the language

For more details regarding Small-C's external appearance, check the references at the end of this article. As for its internals:

• The "Small-C Machine": Much as some languages (e.g., UCSD Pascal) define a hypothetical processor and emit instructions in that machine's repertoire, you can think of Small-C as executing on a theoretical machine. That machine would have three registers (a primary, a secondary, and a stack pointer) and an unspecified amount of memory. (For BYTE Small-C, BX is the primary, DX is the secondary, and SP is the stack pointer.)

All mathematical and logical operations take place in the primary and secondary registers, and results always end up in the primary. The stack holds temporary results during the execution of complex instructions, and also serves as a repository for a function's local variables. The original Small-C ran on an 8080, so all registers (and therefore integers and pointers) were 16 bits.

• Code, Data, and Stack: The 8080 had no segment registers, so Small-C views memory as equally available to code, data, and stack. You'll discover later on that it makes things easier if we locate code at the bottom of physical memory, with data and stack space near the top.

• Support Library: Small-C possessed a respectable library. It's only real disadvantages were the restrictions its filehandling routines suffered at the hands of CP/M (and even these were minimal).

Making It Work

File-access techniques differ from system to system; a successful port has to deal with this. For example, the original version of Small-C was born within CP/M, an operating system that only accesses files a sector at a time (where one sector is 128 bytes). The original version of Small-C carried this restriction with it; you had to do some extra high-level coding if you wanted to implement Unixstyle (files as streams of bytes) file access.

For example, most C language implementations allow you to position a filepointer to any byte within a file using

seek(). In the original Small-C, you would have had to do something like:

mode=0; sect=off/128; soff=off%128; cseek(fd,sect,mode) while (soff!=0) { fgetc(fd) ; —soff;

)

where off is the byte offset to which you intend to position the pointer, and mode=0 tells cseek to treat offsets as being from the beginning of the file. In case you're wondering, the repeated calls to fgetG() did not make multiple requests to the operating system in the original Small-C. The language's standard library could optionally buffer sectors. In fact, an easier way to accomplish the above would be to simply read the entire sector and work with its 128 bytes of data as an array.

None of this is unique to my port. For example, Kernighan and Ritchie mention similar contortions they had to go through with a PDP-11 version of C. In that version, to access a given byte in a file, you had to issue two seek() function calls: the first call required that mode be 3, 4, or 5, which set the file pointer to the start of the nth 512-byte sector; you had to make the second call with mode set to its expected value of 0, 1, or 2, which selected the byte within that sector.

To proceed with the port, I therefore rewrote the library for the 8088 version of BYTE Small-C so that it used the MSDOS file-handling function calls (interrupt 21 hexadecimal, functions 3Ch through 42h). This allowed me to make the seek() function more akin to its counterpart in "big" C packages. I say "akin" because BYTE Small-C's seek() requires two Int arguments where most big C packages would use a single long.

As an example, say you have a 128Kbyte file, and you want to read the 355th byte into character array buff. In BYTE Small-C, you could do this with

mode=0;

seek(fd, 0,355,mode); read (fd,buff, 1) ;

You can see that this seek() function adds at least the overhead of an additional argument. In addition, once you begin working with files bigger than 64K bytes, you have to do what amounts to treating a pair of integers as single 32-bit quantities. So, to access byte number

continued

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JULY 1988 "BYTE 219

SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED

Listing la: Divide operation for the original Small-C.

DIV:

MOV

B,H

MOV

C,L

MOV

A,D

XRA

B

PUSH

PSW

MOV

A,D

ORA

A

CM

CCBCNEG

/Negate BC

MVI

A, 16

PUSH

PSW

XCHG

LXI

D,0

CCDIVl:

DAD

H

/Rotate

DE left

1 bit

CALL

CCRDEL

JZ

CCDIV2

:Compate BC and

DE

CALL

CCCMPBCDE

JM

CCDIV2

MOV

A,L

ORI

1

MOV

L,A

MOV

A,E

SUB

C

MOV

E,A

MOV

A,D

SBB

B

MOV

D,A

CCDIV2:

POP

PSW

DCR

A

JZ

CCDIV3

PUSH

PSW

JMP

CCDIVl

CCDIV3:

POP

PSW

RP

CALL

CCDENEG

/Negate DE

XCHG

CALL

CCDENEG

XCHG

RET

Listing lb: Division in BYTE Small-C.

MOV AX, DX IDIV AX,BX ^DV BX,AX

65536, you would write

mode=0/

seek (fd, 1, 0, mode) / read(fd,buff, 1) /

I decided that the additional software (and mental) gyrations you'd have to go through to manipulate integer pairs was worth the reduced number of calls you'd have to make into the library. This be

220 BYTE- JULY 1988

came especially important when we decided to use BYTE Small-C as a basis for benchmarks; had I gone with the CP/M version's style of seek(), we would be forced into timing two physical calls to the MS-DOS seek function per one logical seek operation.

Using MS-DOS's Unix-style file I/O also relieved me from having to worry about buffering; I could let the operating system (or any disk-caching terminateand-stay-resident programs that might be in place) do it. Finally, the MS-DOS file-open call (INT 21h, function 3Dh) returns a handle, and is therefore easier to interface with C's file-handle I/O routines. (BYTE Small-C doesn't support the standard I/O functions that make use of the FILE type; it manipulates all files via handles.)

Adolescent Processors

When you consider Small-C's birthplace, it's obvious that 16-bit math and logic operations there would be nontrivial operations. If you're familiar with the 8080, you might think about what would have to go into a 16-bit divide operation on that processor (I'll show you one in a minute). The original Small-C had to perform all substantial math and comparison operations by making calls into a math/logic library. Space-wise, it was impractical to emit code for a 16-bit division every time a division operation appeared in the C source program. Consequently, the original suffered from the added time overhead of making piles of subroutine calls.

The 8088's instruction set gave me the ability to reduce most of BYTE SmallC's math and logic routines to in-line instructions. As compared to a program written in the original Small-C (as much as we can compare across processors), the same program in BYTE Small-C will certainly have a smaller run-time library, likely include slightly more instructions per operation, and run substantially faster.

As a direct example, compare the code in listing la with listing lb. Listing la shows the original Small-C's library routine for performing a 16-bit signed division. Listing lb is the same operation in BYTE Small-C. Keep in mind that the original Small-C would have generated a CALL to function DIV, and so incurred the additional time for the CALL and RET instructions; BYTE Small-C's three instructions compile in-line.

Life In the 16-bit World

This first version of BYTE Small-C for the MS-DOS machines supports only 16

bit integers. I'll agree with anyone that this is a less-than-desirable legacy of the language's ancestry, but it made my life easier by orders of magnitude. I could also reasonably argue that since 16 bits is the size of the 8088/80286's primary registers (accumulator and index registers, in particular), it should also be the size for Small-C's integers.

Since Small-C informally defines integers and pointers to be the same size (there is no coercion), it follows that all addressing is restricted to 16 bits. Consequently, the 8088/80286 version of BYTE Small-C runs within a 64K-byte window; if I was making a commercial announcement of Small-C, I would probably say that "the product supports the small-memory model exclusively."

Integer size is something you should be aware of as you interpret benchmark results obtained in BYTE Small-C. As you'll discover next month, the 68000 version uses 32-bit integers. Therefore, an operation in BYTE's 68000 SmallC—especially an integer math operation—is essentially handling twice the throughput of an equivalent operation in 8088/80286 Small-C.

Getting Logical

Examine the following code fragment:

int 1, j,k/

1=12/

j=(i==12)/ k=(i!=12)/

Execution of this code would assign to j a nonzero value (typically 1, but officially defined in the standard header file as Yes), and assign to k a value of 0. In essence, Small C does not define a separate. Boolean type (as in Pascal, for example); logical operations yield an integer result.

This produces some problems when you go to translate logical operations to their machine language equivalents on the 8088/80286. Why? Because logical operations on those processors ultimately translate to comparison operations, and comparison operations serve only to alter bits in the flags register. Consequently, you have to somehow map the contents of the flags register to an integer quantity. One way is to move the flags register into the AH register with the LAHF instruction, but I ruled this technique out for two reasons: First, it would resolve into too many instructions per logical operation. Second, different logical operations would yield different results for a true condition.

continued

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Instead, I chose to use short conditional branches to control the setting or clearing of a 16-bit register. For example, an equality test in BYTE Small-C emits code like:

CMP BX,DX MOV BX,CX JNZ LI INC BX LI: ...

Here's where I took advantage of two features of the 8088/80286. First, (and I realize this isn't apparent in the above code) BYTE Small-C requires that the CX register always be 0. This requirement saves a few bytes and clock cycles— a MOV BX,CX is one byte and several cycles shorter than a MOV BX,0 instruction—and it doesn't cost us anything because the CX register isn't used to support the "Small-C machine" model. Second, on the 8088/80286, moving the

contents of one register to another does not alter the flags. I couldn't clear the BX register with an XOR BX, BX instruction, as XOR alters the flags register.

Notice how the above code ensures that a TRUE condition always results in a 1 in the primary register (BX), while a FALSE condition leaves a 0 in that register. This brings BYTE Small-C in line with the Kernighan and Ritchie definition of comparison operation results for C (i.e., TRUE is 1, FALSE is 0). All other comparison operations in BYTE Small-C work in this fashion; simply replace the JNZ instruction with the appropriate conditional branch.

Memory

I wanted BYTE Small-C to support the storage allocation functions (alloc () and its ilk), so I had to be careful with the memory layout. Figure 1 shows the scheme I ultimately settled on (which, if you ignore segmentation, actually

looks a lot like the layout of the original Small-C). BYTE Small-C's library defines entry point _Uend as the starting address of any program you create in that language.

Notice that _Uend is in segment SCSEGl, while the remainder of the code is in segment SCSEG. The source code generated by BYTE Small-C includes the preamble instructions shown in listing 2. This preamble ensures the segment SCSEGl loads higher in physical memory than segment SCSEG (Link controls this), and that _Uend is, therefore, the topmost code routine in memory. BYTE Small-C uses the remainder of memory above _Uend as the stack and dynamically allocated memory.

The _Uend routine sets the stack pointer to near the top of the segment, loads global variable _Umemptr with the offset of _Uend, and transfers control, ultimately, to main(). The initialization routine sits in memory that is claimed as data space the first time the program calls alloc (); this is not a problem since the initialization code will have done its job.

You'll notice things are on a collision course: The stack grows down, and allocated memory grows up, so if the two run into each other, things go bonkers at clockspeed. Small-C does not incorporate stack overflow checking, like its bigger commercial cousins. However, Small-C programs tend to be, at most, modest in size, and none of the many benchmark programs the BYTE lab has run have crashed on account of stack overrun.

So Long to 16 Bits

If you want to discover more about what I had to do to make the port, I encourage you to get a copy of the 8088/MS-DOS version of BYTE Small-C and examine the source code. I've tried to cover the most important points, here; you may find something that's important for you in the actual source.

Next Month

Small-C on the Macintosh. ■ REFERENCES

1. Dr. Dobb's Toolbook of C, A Brady Book, New York, NY: Prentice Hall, 1986.

2. Hendrix, James E. The Small-C Handbook, Reston, VA: Reston Publishing Company, 1984.

Rick Grehan (bixname: "rick_g") is a BYTE senior technical editor. He has a BS in physics and applied mathematics and an MS in computer science/mathematics from Memphis State University.

Stack

1

■<

Free space

t

Dynamically allocated data

<

Segment SCSEG1 *■

Initialization code

-*

Segment SCSEG —

User progran

-*

Offset of 65000 (SP initialized here) SP (Note that stack grows down)

_Umemptr (Used by alloc function; note that dynamically allocated data area grows up)

■ _Uend (Starting location of the executable file. _Umemptr is initialized here.)

DS, ES, and SS segments point here

Figure 1: BYTE Small-C's memory map.

Listing 2: This preamble to the source code ensures that segments load into physical memory in the proper order.

SCSEG SEGMENT WORD PUBLIC

SCSEG ENDS

SCSEGl SEGMENT WORD PUBLIC

SCSEGl ENDS

SMC GROUP SCSEG,SCSEGl

SCSEG SEGMENT WORD PUBLIC

ASSUME CS:SCSEG,DS:SCSEG,SS:SCSEG,ES:SCSEG

222 BYTE- JULY 1988

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224 BYTE* JULY 1988

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JULY 1988 •BYTE 225

IN DEPTH

Multitasking

229 Fair Share

by Jonathan Robie

239 It's a Natural

by Bud E. Smith

251 Weighing the Options

by Brett Glass

259 First Come, First Served

by Michael Benjamin Parker

274 Resource Guide

ultitasking is the computer equivalent of walking and chewing gum—that is, the ability to do more than one thing at a time. Minicomputers and mainframes have been multitasking for years, and now microcomputers are gaining ground on them.

The faster and more efficient our machines become, the more impatient we seem to become. Waiting time seems interminable now when it reaches into the minute range—especially when that waiting means we must sit idly by while the computer works. We want to be able to tell our machines what to do, then forget that task and go on to something else while the computer handles both that internal task and the work we are currently doing.

Enter multitasking—the subject of this month's In Depth section. Multitasking involves the sharing of resources; "Fair Share" by Jonathan Robie discusses all the combinations and permutations that this sharing can encompass. Jonathan provides an explanation of the different parts of multitasking, the various means of scheduling tasks, and the communication required between tasks for all this to occur in an orderly fashion. He also deals with some of the problems you can run into when you try to do more than one thing at a time.

Some microprocessor chips are actually designed with multitasking in mind—in fact, with multitasking built in. The 80386 chip is one of these. In "It's a Natural," Bud E. Smith explores some of the internals that give this chip a jump on multitasking, including its hardware support for paging and virtual memory.

The 80386 machines, however, are not

the only option for multitasking—not by a long shot. The Amiga comes with a multitasking system, and the Macintosh's new operating system, MultiFinder, is set up for it as well. In "Weighing the Options," Brett Glass discusses the many different systems available and contrasts and compares them by capability and by how they choose to handle the various functions of multitasking.

And, finally, Michael Benjamin Parker gives you a multitasking system with which you can experiment. In "First Come, First Served," he provides his Mailbox system, a portable multitasking environment written in C. It's user-portable to a variety of systems and operating systems. You'd have to call it a cross between ready-to-use and do-it-yourself, but we think you'll enjoy it.

Once again, microcomputers enter what was once the exclusive realm of minicomputers and mainframes—and once again, we come out the winners.

—Jane Morrill Tazelaar, Senior Technical Editor, at Large

226 BYTE- JULY 1988

ILLUSTRATION: ROBERT TINNEY © 1988

JULY 1988 -BYTE 227

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228 B YTE • JULY 1988

Circle 252 on Reader Service Card

IN DEPTH MULTITASKING

Fair Share

In a multitasking system, resource sharing determines whether your applications fly—or die

Jonathan Robie

fficiency means different things to different people. Multitasking is a way of using the computer more efficiently by sharing both it and its resources among programs. Many different multitasking strategies have evolved, each of which optimizes those things that were most important to the designer of the system. Some approaches evolved to optimize use of the computer, others to allow certain programming problems to be more easily solved, and still others to let you keep working on the computer even when long jobs are being run.

Multitasking originated on early mainframes as a way of using expensive computer resources efficiently. When a program performed relatively slow I/O operations, it could not continue execution until the I/O operation was complete. This wasted the power of the CPU during I/O. With commercial data processing, this I/O wait time often took between 80 and 90 percent of total run time. A multitasking operating system takes the CPU from the program that's waiting for I/O and gives it to another program that's ready to use it. If enough jobs are in memory, it's pos

sible to keep the CPU in use most of the time. This form of multitasking, called multiprogramming, provided dramatic improvements in computer throughput. But this improvement came at a cost: Although more programs could run, each one took longer to complete. During this time, most programmers longed for a computer that they wouldn't have to share.

On minicomputers, Unix provided programmers with a straightforward model for multitasking. At first, this was used mainly at the operating-system level, but programmers quickly realized that this tool could help them to simplify many complex programs.

Multitasking on micros evolved as a convenience to the user. It has become so popular that almost every modern microcomputer has an operating system or a custom program that allows some form of it. Compiling a program, downloading a file, and sorting a large table in a database all have one thing in common—they can all hog the computer for quite a while. Most of us hate to wait. Multitasking allows us to keep working while another job is being completed. Because different types of programs make different demands on the computer, it's often possible to combine several programs without dramatically slowing performance. For instance, I have found that I can do background communications with RamNet while I compile and link large programs without significandy changing the time it takes to compile and link.

continued

ILLUSTRATION; ROBERT TINNEY © 1988

JULY 1988 'BYTE 229

IN DEPTH FAIR SHARE

Many people who have had to share a computer with others are surprised to learn that multitasking can make their work more efficient.

If I May Interrupt...

The simplest form of multitasking is called serial multitasking, or simple context switching. This is nothing more than stopping one thing temporarily to work on another. If you have used the Macintosh Desktop or SideKick, then you have

used serial multitasking. While a program is running, you decide that you want to use the calculator, so you pop up the calculator and use it. When you stop using the calculator, the program continues running. This is analogous to how many of us do our work—while I'm programming, I often stop to answer the telephone, drink a cup of coffee, or clean my glasses. Afterward, I continue with my work.

To switch contexts, you need some way

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to interrupt the program that's currently executing and to remember everything necessary to continue work on it later— the program and all current data, plus all information that was in the computer's registers when the program was interrupted. This information is called the process image. The computer uses one or more of its registers to keep track of which program instruction should be executed next, so this information is also preserved when you save the registers. Therefore, if the program and its data are still in memory (and in the original location), then you can start the program up again by restoring the contents of the registers.

MS-DOS pop-up utilities generally use a DOS call to terminate and stay resident—that is, to remain in memory and update DOS so that it won't try to put another program in the same location. Programs that do this are called TSRs. They install a keyboard interrupt handler that looks for special key combinations. When it detects the appropriate key combination, it saves all the registers and passes control to the TSR. After you are finished with the TSR, the registers are restored and the original program continues where it left off.

Time by the Slice

While serial multitasking can help you work more efficiently, it makes the computer work much less efficiently. If the computer is performing calculations when you interrupt it, then all work on these calculations stops. If you have interrupted it for word processing or to use the calculator, you're using only a small fraction of its power, but none of the surplus capacity is used to continue work on the original program. It would be nice to give the new program only part of the computer's time and use the rest to continue work on the calculations. You could write a program called a scheduler to determine which program should run at any given time. But you can do this only if you can find some way to divide up time on the computer.

Virtually all multitasking operating systems run on computers that have some form of timer interrupt, which generates an interrupt at some fixed interval. On the IBM PC and its clones, this interrupt occurs about 18 times per second. On many other computers, it's in the range of 50 to 60 times per second.

You can use this timer interrupt to ensure that the scheduler gets control after each program has run for a specified period of time. This period, known as a

continued

230 BYTE- JULY 1988

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IN DEPTH FAIR SHARE

quantum or a time slice, must be a multiple of the interval between timer interrupts so that you have some mechanism for enforcing it. If you give each program enough time slices every second, then it will seem as though all the programs are running at the same time, but each program will run more slowly than it would without multitasking.

Now that you can divide up the CPU time and allocate it to various programs, you have to decide how much time to give to each program and when. This is known as processor scheduling, and much has been written on the subject. Since you can't make these decisions without some concrete purpose, let me propose some widely accepted goals for scheduling algorithms.

• Maximize the usage of the CPU.

• Maximize the number of jobs processed in each hour.

• Finish each program as quickly as possible.

• Make sure the time required to run a given program is always consistent.

• Minimize response time for interactive users.

Unfortunately, some of these goals are contradictory. You can minimize response time for interactive users only by giving interactive use more access to the CPU, which means that programs running in the background will run more slowly. Whenever you share the CPU among a variable number of processes, you make it difficult to judge exactly how long a program will take to execute.

Scheduling algorithms are just like everything else—you have to decide what is most important and how much of the other desirable things you can sacrifice. It should come as no surprise that different systems show different sets of values and use different scheduling algorithms. I'll examine two of the commonly used scheduling algorithms, round-robin and simple priority-based scheduling.

It's My Turn

One approach is to have all processes take turns. Each process that's currently

running can run for one time slice. Then it must wait until all other processes have had a turn before it receives its next time slice. This approach, called round-robin, is eminently fair. It is especially well suited for sharing the computer equally among interactive users.

The major design question in roundrobin scheduling is the size of the time slice. If it's too large, jobs are forced to wait too long to support interactive use. If it's too short, the overhead of switching between programs becomes greater than the time available to run them.

VIPs Go First

A round-robin scheme assumes that all programs are equally important, but this assumption is not always useful. For instance, you may want to ensure that interactive processes have a very high priority so that you can always work on your computer even if a lot of long programs are running. In multiuser environments, priority schemes are often used to give one class of users priority over another.

In a priority scheme, each program receives a priority code. If there's only one CPU, and one program has the highest priority code, then that program receives the CPU. If several processes have the same priority code, this scheme implements a round-robin scheduling algorithm among them.

This simple priority algorithm is precisely that of the Commodore Amiga. The original implementation of Unix has a similar scheme, but all system processes are guaranteed to have priority over user processes. Unix dynamically changes the priority for user processes to ensure that interactive processes receive precedence. OS/2 uses a slightiy more complicated scheme that divides tasks into several classes based on a variety of factors. Like Unix, it also changes userprocess priority to favor interactive processes.

Mixing It Up

Regardless of the scheduling algorithm, it almost never makes sense to allow a process to hold the CPU while it's waiting for something to happen. Looping

while waiting for an event is called busy waiting. It's considered a cardinal sin in the world of multitasking, because it steals valuable CPU time from other processes that could be using it. Since I/O is generally slow, programs almost always relinquish the CPU while doing I/O.

Most multitasking systems seek to keep the computer's devices busy; those systems favor processes that quickly relinquish the CPU in order to begin I/O. Since I/O can usually be performed while the CPU is doing other things, this increases throughput. If the device isn't currently available, the system remembers that it has a program that needs the device as soon as it's free.

Of course, if all programs are heavily I/O-bound, the CPU can sit idle while the programs are waiting for I/O. Multitasking systems are most efficient when there's a blend of CPU-bound programs and I/O-bound programs. In many batchoriented systems, another scheduler, called a long-term scheduler, seeks to choose an appropriate blend of programs to use the computer optimally.

Block That Run

To this point, I have discussed the handling of programs. But a program may actually consist of a number of tasks that operate "in parallel" and that are scheduled separately (actually, they don't operate in parallel, but multitasking gives the illusion of parallelism). For instance, a word processor might contain one task that accepts user input and another that runs a spelling checker at a lower priority. Each task has its own memory, register image, and resources.

The terms process and task can be used interchangeably. I'll call the task that currently has the CPU a running task. If it's waiting for some event to occur (e.g., for an I/O operation to complete), then I'll call it blocked. If it isn't blocked and doesn't have the CPU, I'll call it a ready task (see figure 1).

Any task that's capable of running is ready. When it receives the CPU, it runs. The process that's currently running ends either because its time slice is done or because it's blocked when it requests I/O or a resource of some type. In the first case, the process is ready again; in the second, it's blocked. In general, a number of programs will be ready or blocked at any particular time, but only one program will be running. (If the system has more than one processor, it's considered a multiprocessing system, and one task may be running on each processor.)

continued

< ^

Start ^Ready ^Running ► Finished

^ Blocl^ed-*^

Figure 1: The various state changes that can occur as a task proceeds from start to finish.

232 BYTE' JULY 1988

MICRO-CAP 11: The CAE tool with fully interactive analog simulation for your PC.

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JULY 1988 -BYTE 233

IN DEPTH FAIR SHARE

When one task starts to write a message to the screen, you want it to finish before another task starts to write its display. This contention is known as a race condition: If the first task loses the race, weird things can happen. For example, the single C statement printf () initiates the execution of a great many assembly language statements, so it's likely that another task's printf () may interrupt them; if it does, the screen will display a garbled mess of characters.

Critical regions are regions of code for which it is critical that they not be reentered by other tasks while they are still active. You have to build some form of protection into your system so tasks will mutually exclude each other from entering a critical region in parallel.

One possible form this protection can take is the use of a lock variable (see listing A). Each task that wants to enter a critical region must first check the lock variable. If it's already set, the task waits (and gives up its time slice) for the task currently using the critical region to clear the lock. Then the task sets the lock and enters the critical region. After processing, the task clears the lock.

When you examine listing A closely, you'll discover another race condition. Suppose the task is interrupted between while (lock) and lock=l. Both the current task and the waiting task will see the lock as zero, and both will enter the critical region. One remedy to this situation would be that shown in listing B: You first set the lock and then check to see if it was already set. If it was, you

Off to the Races

Tom Wagner

reset the lock to its prior state.

This code might work on the 8086 processor series, which has incrementand decrement-memory instructions. But the same routine executed on an IBM RT PC or a similar reduced-instruction-set-computer processor will fail, since the ++loc}c and lock— expressions expand to more than one processor instruction. If the tick interrupt occurs between the LOAD and STORE instructions, both tasks will again find the lock free and enter the critical region.

A number of complicated solutions have been devised for this, most notably by Dekker and Peterson. They address the problem by providing additional variables to check for interruption and to restrict write access to a variable to a single task. However, these solutions are based on the principle of busy waiting. In a real-world multitasking system, you would never allow busy waiting, due to its inherent shortcomings. The most obvious of these is the waste of processor time; the most serious is the possibility of deadlock. In a prioritized system, the task with the higher priority will run if it's ready. If one of the two tasks vying for a critical region has a higher priority than the other, it will wait forever for the lock to be cleared, since the task that could clear it is never scheduled. (For a further discussion of deadlock, see the text box "A Deadly Embrace" on page 236.)

To solve the deadlock problem, every preempting multitasking kernel that deserves the name provides at least one task-blocking mutual-exclusion con

struct. Task blocking means that the task no longer receives processor time; it is marked as waiting for a specific event. Only if and when this event occurs is the task awakened.

In CTask, the appropriate construct for this example would be the resource. [Editor's note: CTask is a publicdomain multitasking package written in C by Tom Wagner. It is available with full source code in the ibm. arc area on BIX under the name ctask. arc. ] The kernel makes sure that only one task can own a resource at one time. All other tasks that request the resource while it's busy are blocked. When the resource is released, the waiting task with the highest priority is unblocked and assigned the resource (see listing C).

Naturally, race conditions exist in requesting and releasing resources as well. But in all kernel routines, the multitasking system provides the necessary mutual exclusion, so the user doesn't have to worry about it. On the kernel level, this is usually done with interrupt disables, since the time spent in the kernel routines is relatively short. Using interrupt disables in user routines to implement mutual exclusion, however, might prove fatal to overall system operation. If you disable interrupts for too long, overruns, which usually lead to the failure of critical system services, may occur.

There is an often-overlooked alternative to these mutual-exclusion concepts. Device drivers are commonly used to access peripheral devices, but you can easily expand the driver concept to en

Talk to Each Other

Multitasking evolved as an operatingsystem construct, but it's also an extremely powerful model for building complex software systems. By using multitasking primitives, you can leave the actual intermingling of separate tasks to the programming environment and program at a higher conceptual level.

You might use this capability to write a telecommunications package for commercial bulletin board services like BIX. Since connect time is expensive, it's best to log in and out of the bulletin board as quickly as possible. The program should log in, collect all messages into a file.

download the file, and log out. Unfortunately, downloading tends to be slow, forcing the program to wait. Since reading and commenting to messages is even slower, you'd like to be able to do these functions while the download is occurring. This would give you the feeling of an interactive system with the connecttime charges of a batch download.

Without a multitasking environment, this would be complicated—you'd need to determine when to call the routines for downloading, viewing, and commenting. This kind of program is hard to structure well without multiple tasks.

In a multitasking environment, the

solution is somewhat simpler. You can create two tasks: The first dials the bulletin board, downloads the data, and logs out; the second displays the messages and lets you add responses with a special editor. You can then activate the first task again to post your responses in the appropriate places on the bulletin board.

These two tasks need to communicate if they are to work effectively. For one thing, they'll both be writing information to the status line; if these messages become intermingled, the display will be confusing (see the text box "Off to the Races"). If you establish a semaphore for the status line, you can ensure that only

234 BYTE- JULY 1988

IN DEPTH FAIR SHARE

Listing A: To enter a critical region of code, you first check the lock variable to see if it's already in use.

int lock = 0;

/* wait for lock release */ while (lock)

schedule () ; lock = 1; printf (...); lock = 0;

Listing C: Only one task can own a resource at one time, so you request it just before you use it and release it immediately afterward.

resource screen_resource;

request_resource (Sscreen_resource, OL); printf (...);

release resource (Sscreen_resource);

Listing B: To avoid one race condition, you first set the lock variable, then check to see what it was before you set it.

C Code 80x86 RISC Processor

while (++lock > 1)

xxO: INC

lock

LOAD

REG,lock

{

CMP

lock,l

INC

REG

JLE

xxl

STORE

lock,REG

COMPARE

REG, 1

JLE

xxl

lock—;

DEC

lock

DEC

REG

STORE

lock,REG

schedule () ;

CALL

schedule

CALL

schedule

1

JMP

xxO

JMP

xxO

printf {...); xxl: ...

compass other shared-data problems. Resource drivers can enforce mutual exclusion without blocking tasks.

One device driver in CTask is a printer driver. The user task writes data to the driver's input pipe, and the printer-driver task handles the port I/O to actually write the characters to the printer. If you wanted to implement spooling—that is, ensure that a file is completely printed before another task has access to the printer—you could create and request a printer resource. However, this would mean that all other tasks that want to print a file would be blocked while your file prints; this isn't usually desirable. Instead, you can provide a spooler task. Tasks place the names of the files they want to print in the spooler task's mailbox. Only the spooler has direct access to the printer driver; it will wait while the printer's pipe buffer is full, and the other tasks can continue with more useful work.

To ensure that only one task writes to the screen at a time, you may want to delegate screen writing to a screen-resource task. The original tasks no longer call printf () directly, but send messages to the screen-resource task telling it what data to write. Thus, the original tasks can continue with other work; they need not be concerned with synchronizing screen usage.

Tom Wagner is a freelance consultant specializing in systems and communications programming and hardware design in Berlin, West Germany. He can be reached on BIX as "twagner. "

one process will use the line at a time.

The second type of communication is more interesting and more complex—the display task must receive all its data from the telecommunications task; this task must tell the display task when new data arrives and how much there is. It might also communicate other information about the status and format of messages.

For this kind of communication, either mailboxes or pipes would be appropriate. Different systems use these terms somewhat differently, and a full discussion would have to delineate differences in terminology. For my purposes, I'll use the terms generally to indicate a means

of passing messages from one task to another.

The Amiga accomplishes message passing with messages and ports; OS/2 and Unix do it through pipes of various sorts. Any full-fledged multitasking system must provide a way for tasks to exchange messages.

Finally, the telecommunications task must deliver the downloaded messages to the display task. You could do this with a single file, but that could be slow if you're exchanging large amounts of data. You could also do it through a pipe or a mailbox, which would be faster. Or you could use shared memory, which is faster

yet; this is what OS/2 uses. Two processes can share a segment of memory so the display task can have access to a memory buffer used by the telecommunications task.

The task scheduler specifies when to call each task. Since download protocols are time-critical, it's essential to give the telecommunications task a priority that's high enough to execute promptly. You will also want a rapid response time. Balancing priorities is essential to the operation of this system. Using the multitasking system gives you added flexibilitymost hard-coded solutions to this kind of

continued

JULY 1988 •BYTE 235

IN DEPTH FAIR SHARE

A Deadly Embrace

When tasks are running, they need access to disk drives, memory, printers, and other resources. The operating system grants these resources to a task, which generally holds them until it's done with them. Since each task competes with others for the same resources, it's likely that one task will have the resources needed by another. It's also possible to allocate resources in such a way that it becomes impossible for any task to proceed. This condition is known as deadlock.

Suppose two tasks each read images from a scanner into a file on a hard disk. While a task is reading, it has exclusive access to the scanner and to the disk. Now suppose that the first task has the scanner and the second has the disk.

The first cannot proceed until it obtains the disk, and the second cannot proceed until it obtains the scanner. This is deadlock.

The resource allocation graph is one way of showing which processes are holding which resources; computer representations of this graph are used to detect deadlock. It also provides a basic model for discussing the algorithms used to combat deadlock. This graph has two kinds of nodes: Tasks are shown as circles, and resources are shown as squares. Arcs between the nodes indicate requests for resources and the resources being held. A cycle in your resource graph means deadlock is possible (see figure A).

Deadlock occurs only when you let

tasks hog resources even though they can't use them to finish execution. This happens only if some resources are restricted to being held by one task at a time. Also, deadlock can't occur unless you let tasks hold a resource while they wait for additional resources held by others. If you require that a task relinquish all resources when it is denied a resource request, deadlock cannot occur. (Unformnately, this tends to destroy system performance for many programs.) Further, if your multitasking system preempts resources from some tasks in order to grant them to others, you can always prevent deadlock.

In the detection-and-recovery method, the multitasking system keeps track of the resource-allocation graph. If it finds cycles in the graph, it kills as many processes as necessary to eliminate the deadlock condition.

If deadlock happens quite rarely, many people prefer to do nothing at all. This is known as the ostrich algorithm: Put your head in the sand and ignore the problem. This is precisely what most microcomputer multitasking systems do. All deadlock detection, prevention, and avoidance algorithms increase system overhead, and many times you don't want to pay this price. Most computers have special hardware support for the ostrich algorithm—the on/off switch.

Deadlock is guaranteed to bring your entire system to a grinding halt. All the approaches mentioned here impose significant overheads, so when deadlock is rare, some people would rather face the risk than try to find a way to avoid it.

Process A has resource X.

Process B wants resource Y, which has not yet been granted.

Deadlock. Process A wants resource X, which B now has. Meanwhiie, process B wants resource Y, which A has.

Figure A: Deadlock will occur if and only if a cycle exists in the resourceallocation graph.

problem don't easily let you change priorities or modify the relationships between modules.

Share and Share Alike

When computers were very expensive, multitasking maximized the number of programs you could run. When computers became less expensive, multitasking made programmers more efficient by giving them a better programming environment and a better programming model. In the user-oriented world of microcomputers, multitasking lets you make more efficient use of your time.

With multitasking, you can choose to maximize throughput on the computer or

minimize waiting for the people involved—but you probably can't do both. Or you can use multitasking to provide a convenient programming model for complicated software systems. The kind of multitasking you choose and the parameters you use for that implementation will determine how well your system meets your needs. ■

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Amiga ROM Kernel Reference Manual: Exec. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley, 1986.

Deitel, Harvey M. An Introduction to Operating Systems. Reading, MA: AddisonWesley, 1984.

DESQview Manual. Santa Monica, CA: Quarterdeck Office Systems.

"In Depth: Memory Management." BYTE. April, 1988.

Letwin, Gordon. Inside OS/2. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Press, 1988.

Lions, J. A Commentary on the Unix Operating System. Dept. of Computer Science, Univ. of New South Wales, 1977.

Tanenbaum, Andrew S. Operating Systems: Design & Implementation. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1987.

Jonathan Robie is a freelance systems consultant working in Berlin, West Germany. He can be reached on BIX as "jrobie. "

236 BYTE' JULY 1988

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JULY 1988 •BYTE 237

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238 BYTE • JULY 1988

Circle 165 on Reader Service Card

IN DEPTH MULTITASKING

The 80386 was designed with multitasking in mind

—and it shows

It's a Natural

BudE. Smith

The 80386 is a natural for multitasking. With a speed of up to 4 million instructions per second and capabilities like paging and virtual memory support built into the chip, microcomputers built around Intel's 80386 processor have many capabilities of minicomputers and mainframes. And much of the work done to optimize those computers, such as support hardware and efficient, capable operating systems, applies to 80386 machines.

Multitasking

The 80386 allows multitasking of several different operations at once, while still viewing at each application as if it were running on a simple, single-function computer. In a "task switch" on the 80386, program X controls the entire system for a while, then, based on some "trigger" such as elapsed time, the processor (in conjunction with the operating system) saves the values of all program X's registers in an area of memory called a task-state segment (TSS). Then, the processor reloads the registers from the TSS of the program that's taking control, program Y. When execution proceeds, program Y is in control, and program X

ILLUSTRATION: ROBERT TINNEY © 1988

is waiting to be called again.

For multitasking, the 80386 recognizes several data structures, which are stored in a standard form for quick handling, and a special register, the task register (TR), which points to the current task. The TSS, which is a special kind of segment, is always at least 26 doublewords long. It has room for copies of all the 80386's registers, including EFlags

and EIP, the instruction pointer. It also contains a 16bit pointer to the TSS that previously had control in case there is a need to return to it. This pointer is useful when the current task is a subordinate task (like an exception handler) that has been called by the previous task and, when finished, must return control to it.

All segments have descriptors that contain necessary information about them, including location, size, and privilege level. A TSS has a special descriptor. Its limit, or length, must be at least 103 bytes (104 if an I/O permission map is used; the last word of the TSS contains a pointer to it). Longer limits let you use bigger TSSes, but you must define the values in the additional bytes. TSSes are not reentrant; if a task is busy (based on the available bit in the segment descriptor), you can't start it again.

There is also a task-gate descriptor (see figure 1). The task gate is a short data structure that allows access to a TSS (other gates allow access to other data structures). The descriptor privilege level (DPL) field contains the task gate's privilege level. A procedure must op

continued

JULY 1988 -BYTE 239

IN DEPTH IT'S A NATURAL

31 23 15 7 0

(Unused)

P

DPL 1

0

0

1

0

1

(Unused)

Selector

(Unused)

Figure 1: The task-gate descriptor. A procedure may gain access to a task through a task gate rather than the task-gate segment. Once it passes the privilege-level check at the task gate, no further protection checking takes place.

erate at a privilege level as high as or higher than that of the task gate to access it. If a procedure meets this criterion, the selector lets it access the TSS without further protection checking. In other words, a procedure that couldn't normally access a given TSS through the TSS descriptor may be able to reach it via a task gate.

Unlike the TSSes, the task-gate descriptor can be kept in a local data table and be visible to some procedures, such as interrupt and exception handlers. This process allows flexible access to a task, which can have several task gates, each accessible to different procedures and each having a different privilege level, but all sharing the same selector field.

In addition to these software structures, the 80386 has a register dedicated to multitasking—the TR register. Its upper 16 bits are visible and contain a selector that points to the current TSS descriptor. Most of the TR register, however, is invisible. The hidden part holds a 16-bit TSS base and a 16-bit TSS limit. The TR acts as an on-processor cache so the processor can access these fields quickly when a program references the current TSS.

Using these elements, the processor can switch between tasks in 268 clocks (about 17 microseconds on a 16-MHz system). If it did no other work between task switches, this would allow nearly 60,000 of them per second (not counting operating-system overhead). In other words, the processor can make many task switches per second and still have plenty of time left in which to execute programs.

A task switch is triggered when a j mp or call refers to a TSS descriptor or a task gate, when an interrupt or exception points to a task gate, or when the current task executes an iret and sets the nestedtask (NT) flag. If the NT flag is set, the processor uses the pointer to the previous TSS, which is stored in the current TSS, to bring back the calling task.

The processor makes several checks for privilege level and for the presence in

memory of the current TSS; if it's "paged out" (stored on disk by a virtualmemory operating system), an exception occurs. If the checks are passed, the processor saves the current task's registers in the current TSS. Then it loads the TR register with the selector of the new TSS and the rest of the registers with the new information. Finally, the task-switched (TS) bit in the machine-status word is set to alert coprocessors that a task change has occurred.

80386 a la Mode

The 80386 operates in one of two modes: real and protected. In real mode, one operating system and one program run at a time; this system is compatible with PCand AT-style programs but uses little of the power of the processor other than its sheer speed. To the operating system and the programmer, the 80386 in real mode seems much like a fast 8086/8088 with additional instructions and registers but with the same 1-megabyte memory limit. (To avoid redundancy, I will use "8086" to mean 8086/8088 for the rest of this article.) An 80386 microcomputer running DOS operates in real mode.

The alternative to real mode is protected mode, which has two "flavors": 80286 protected mode, and 80386 protected mode, also known as 80386 native mode. In 80286 protected mode, the processor uses the 24-bit addressing and 16bit data-element size of the 80286. An 80386 microcomputer running OS/2 operates in 80286 protected mode. 80386 protected mode, or native mode, offers access to all the capabilities of the 80386: multitasking, paging, virtual memory, and so on.

While the processor is in native mode, individual tasks can run in virtual 8086 (V8086) mode, which provides an 8086style environment just as real mode does. This task can be a single program with or without a copy of its own operating system. Meanwhile, the 80386's operating system and other programs are running in protected mode and thus have access to all its capabilities.

An 8086 operating system, like DOS 2.x or 3.x, can run as a task in V8086 mode. While this task is running, you can start up, run, and exit nearly any program that runs in real mode, such as Turbo Pascal or Lotus 1-2-3. This creates a situation in which an operating system is running as a task under the 80386's own operating system, which handles paging, virtual memory, and priorities among all the tasks running together. To avoid confusion, I'll call the 80386's own operating system a hypervisor to differentiate it from any other operating system that may be running under it. The hypervisor lets you set priorities and switch control among the different tasks in a multitasking environment.

Operating Room

Instead of the 64K-byte segments of the 8086, the 80386 allows segments as large as 4 gigabytes each. You have a great deal of flexibility in managing memory, but the operating system determines the possible memory structures. An 8086 operating system (or any 80386-real-mode or V8086 program) running on the 80386 imposes the 64K-byte segment limit of the 8086 on it. Even an 80386 operating system may impose arbitrary restrictions to maintain compatibility with existing code or to simplify its work.

The 80386 can support a totally unsegmented and unprotected memory model. If you set all the segment registers to 0 and give each segment a limit of 4 gigabytes, the instruction pointer, stack base, index pointer, and data pointers can all refer to the same 4-gigabyte area, so you can intermix them at will. This is called a flat-memory model. A flat-memory model has only one segment: in this case, a 4-gigabyte segment. It is available on the 80386 only in protected mode. This setup isn't necessarily good for all applications, but it does, for instance, let you port Unix-type operating systems (which generally use a flat-memory model) directly to 80386-based systems. This configuration will attract ports of many operating systems and large programs from minicomputers.

The important difference between operating systems for this processor lies in the amount of access they provide to the potential power of the 80386. Many different levels of capability exist. The simplest level is a control program, a hypervisor that lets one or more V8086 tasks run under one or more copies of an 8086 operating system. To extend this initial model, a hypervisor can support virtual

continued

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IN DEPTH IT'S A NATURAL

memory (the 80386 has built-in support for swapping variable-size segments or fixed 4K-byte pages), mixing 80386 native mode and 8086-type programs, and other features. (For more details of the paging process, see the text box "Page By Page.")

This level lets several V8086 tasks run at once. When multitasking, however, the hypervisor may need to trap all accesses to instructions that change the interrupt flag; otherwise, one program can hang the entire system. The operating system can also turn such trapping on and off or offer it as a user option. The hypervisor can be a single-user multitasking system, a multiuser system with each user running one task, or even a multiuser multitasking system. The hypervisor must either require that the computer have enough physical memory to support all tasks, or use virtual memory (which utilizes a hard disk for page or segment swapping). The individual tasks, however, are still V8086 tasks that don't use the full power of the 80386.

A full-feamred hypervisor would include multiuser and multitasking support with virtual memory and let 80386 protected-mode programs run along with the V8086 tasks. It would include a full operating system to handle system calls by the protected-mode programs.

Despite the support given by the 80386, an operating system with all these capabilities is difficult to write. There are many decisions to make, such as which pages to have in memory at any given time, and which pages to overwrite first when memory fills up (called "page-replacement strategies"). Debugging such an operating system is also a large task. Only when such a system is available, however, will programmers be able to tap the full power of the 80386.

Virtual Memory ad Infinitum

At this point, we should review virtual memory on the 80386. In general, virtual memory gives programs access to more physical memory than the computer actually has. The amount of free space on the hard disk can be seen as main memory, and RAM can be seen as a holding area for the code and data that the processor is currently using. The number of bits in the largest address that a processor can construct determines the size of its virtual address space.

An advanced processor like the 80386 has two different address sizes: A large address determines the virtual address space, or the amount of memory that you can access; a smaller address determines the real address space, or the amount of

242 BYTE- JULY 1988

real memory that the processor can support. On the 80386, the address information in paging tables allows a virtual address space of 64T bytes (over 64 trillion bytes). This is equivalent to 64,000 1gigabyte CD-ROMs. (As a point of reference, one copy of every book ever printed would require fewer than 64,000 CD-ROM disks.)

The real address space on an 80386 can be directly accessed with a 32-bit address, with or without paging, allowing access of up to 4 gigabytes of real memory. However, these limits exceed the reach of current hardware. In practice, real addresses are used to access RAM, and virtual addresses are used to address large spaces for convenient systems and large applications programming.

Some large programs already use a simple form of virtual memory. In this form, a core part of the program remains resident in memory while the rest of it is divided up into sections of about 64K bytes each. As different parts of the program are accessed, these sections, or "overlays," are brought in from disk. However, dividing a program into overlays and managing their swapping in and out of memory is a big chore.

In the 80386's virtual memory, every program, data file, and so on is seen as a series of 4K-byte "pages." The real address space, RAM, is divided into 4Kbyte "page frames," and the virtual address space, the hard disk, is divided into 4K-byte "page slots." The paging capability of the 80386 is one of its most interesting and novel aspects, yet it is completely a tool of the operating system and invisible to the application programmer. However, it will probably be the main tool used to access large amounts of actual memory, and it is vital to the operation of V8086 mode. (80286-based operating systems such as OS/2 use segment swapping instead.)

As different parts of a program are accessed, different pages are brought from their page slots on disk to page frames in real memory. When real memory is full and a new page is needed (i.e., the system is "overcommitted"), the processor overwrites an existing page frame so long as it hasn't been changed since it came into memory; if it has been changed, the processor copies the page frame out to its page slot on disk before overwriting it. All this takes place invisibly; the program simply accesses code and data at different virtual addresses, and the processor and operating system cooperate to bring the page into memory when it's actually needed. The 80386 processor supports virtual

memory with its abilities to access large address spaces, translate virtual addresses into real addresses for accessing real memory, and cause an exception if a "page fault" occurs (a needed piece of code or data is not currendy in memory); it also supports virtual memory with instructions that can be restarted if a page fault prevents their completion.

This is a lot for a processor to do, but much of the work is still left to the operating system. When a page fault occurs, the operating system must get the desired page from disk and bring it into memory. When memory is full, the operating system must write an existing page to disk, if necessary, and then overwrite the page frame with the desired page.

How much real memory do you need to support a given amount of virtual memory? Estimates based on existing work vary from 1 megabyte of RAM per megabyte of external storage, to the 80/20 rule: 80 percent of virtual address space must be backed by real RAM. The important issue is the size of the "working set" of each program. If each program in an overcommitted system accesses a large number of pages repeatedly (i.e., has a large working set), the operating system will have to access the disk frequently for more pages, causing "page thrashing." For example, repeatedly recalculating large spreadsheets while doing a large compile or sort at the same time might well cause page thrashing.

Preserving Your Environment

On the 80386, you can run V8086 tasks that duplicate the 8086 environment, and then 8086 programs and operating systems can be run in those tasks, but 80286 and 80386 operating systems can't be run as tasks under an 80386 hypervisor. That is, the 80386 can "virtualize" the 8086, but it cannot virtualize the 80286 or itself.

In other words, the 80386 can run 8086-style operating systems under itself, but not OS/2 or Xenix 286 as guest tasks. However, it can run this type of program as its sole operating system; the processor will emulate an 80286 completely and won't have the capabilities of the 80386, such as paging, multitasking, and so forth. Thus, these operating systems are only stopgaps until the development of true 80386 operating systems.

When the 80386 runs in real mode, it acts like a fast 8086. When it runs an 80286 operating system, it acts like a fast 80286. But when it runs a V8086 task, the operating system and native-mode tasks running concurrently with the

continued

IN DEPTH IT'S A NATURAL

Page by Page

An 80386 page is a 4K-byte piece of memory. Pages are placed at locations, called page frames, whose addresses are 4K bytes apart (0, 4K, 8K, and so on). A data item that starts at one of these 4K-multiple addresses is said to be "aligned on a page boundary." Only the first 20 bits of a 32-bit page address are significant; the last 12 are always 0. When virtual memory is in use, pages are swapped between disk and memory as needed. The 4K-byte sections on disk that hold pages are called page slots.

Paging doesn't have to be used at all; in real mode, it can't be. A bit in the MSW, which is inaccessible to realmode and application programs, allows paging to be on or off.

However, paging is an almost irresistible tool for a systems programmer, since it provides an easy way to assign almost any actual address to replace the linear address calculated by a program. Nearly all 80386 operating systems will do at least some paging.

Let's Get Physical

The physical address is the address that comes out of the paging unit. (The 80386 is divided up into functional pieces called units. Each has its own function, which is described, in brief, by its name: prefetch, instruction decode, control, timing, execution, segmentation, paging, and bus units.) When paging is off (or even sometimes when it's on), the linear address from the execution unit that goes into the paging unit is the same as the physical address that comes out. However, the process of translation is complicated and can affect every aspect of the system.

A physical address has three parts; a 10-bit directory (dir) entry, a 10-bit page entry, and a 12-bit offset. They generate a physical address in the following way:

The 32-bit CR3 register holds the address of the current page directory. The low-order 12 bits of CR3 are always Os, because the page directory always starts on a page boundary. The 10-bit dlr value from the linear address points to the page-directory entry (PDE).

The high-order 20 bits of the PDE point to a page table (12 low-order Os are added to make a 32-bit linear address). The 10-bit page value from the middle of the linear address points to the page-table entry (PTE).

The high-order 20 bits of the PTE point to a page frame (12 low-order Os are added to make a linear address). The 12-bit offset value from the low-order bits of the linear address points to the location in memory.

The PDEs and PTEs are nearly identical. Figure A shows an entry like that found in either table. Bit by bit, this is how it breaks down:

• Paging address (bits 31 through 12). For a PDE, this address points to a page table; for a PTE, it points to a page. The low-order 12 bits of the address are always Os, since both page tables and pages are aligned on 4K-byte boundaries.

• Operating system reserved (bits 11 through 9). These bits are available for the operating system to use. Typically, it might use them to keep statistics on virtual memory and page swapping— such as the number of times a page has been accessed in a given period.

• Bits 8 and 7. These bits are set to 0.

• D (bit 6). This is the "dirty" bit for a PTE; when the page is written to, the D bit is automatically set to 1.

• A (bit 5). This is the "accessed" bit for both a PDE and a PTE; when the page is read from or written to, the A bit is automatically set to 1.

• Bits 4 and 3. These bits are set to 0.

• U/S (bit 2). This is the "user/supervisor" bit. If it's set to 1, then user access is allowed, and programs with a protection level of 3 (the lowest level) can access the page.

• R/W (bit 1). This is the "read/write" bit. It works in conjunction with the U/S bit. If U/S is 0, then R/W doesn't really matter: The page can be neither read from nor written to by nonprivileged code. If U/S is 1 and R/W equals 0, then the page can only be read from; if U/S and R/W both equal 1, then it can be written to as well. U/S and R/W are meaningful for PDEs and PTEs. An individual page's protection depends on the most restrictive pair of bits from its PDE and PTE.

• P (bit 0). This is the "present" bit that indicates whether or not the PDE or PTE points to a page currently in memory. If the P bit is 1, the rest of the bit fields defined here mean what they say. However, if the P bit is 0, the desired page is on disk, and the remaining 31 bits in this descriptor-type record can be the location of the page slot on the disk that has the page.

Each page directory has up to 1024 entries, allowing that many page tables. Each page table can point to as many as 1024 pages, each 4K bytes long. This means that a single page directory can address 1024 X 1024 x 4096 bytes, or 4 gigabytes (the entire physical address space of the 80386).

While the PTE contains a lot of useful information about a page, it's very hard to get to; you need two memory accesses just to get the address of each page. The translation look-aside buffer (TLB) in the paging unit contains the 32 most recently used PTEs. The TLB often has the desired PTE, eliminating the need to actually look at the memory-based tables over 95 percent of the time.

31

12 11 '■' 9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

Paging address

OS reserved

0

0

D

A

0

0

U/ S

R/ W

P

Figure A: Page-directory entry and page-table entry layout. PDEs and PTEs are almost identical, but a PDE points to a page table, while a PTE points to a page.

JULY 1988 -BYTE 243

I

IN DEPTH IT'S A NATURAL

V8086 task have access to the full power of the 80386. The V8086 task doesn't need all these powers; it just wants to think that it has its own 8086-based computer.

If multitasking is going on, the V8086 task may be slower than it was in real mode, because it's not running all the time. Even if it's the only task running, it is still one more system layer away from the processor. Many DOS calls result in task switches to the hypervisor, which

must determine what has happened and what to do before it returns control to the calling task. Many lines of code outside the task may execute between the call and the return, increasing the time it takes for the application to execute. The exact effect on a particular application depends on which DOS calls the hypervisor traps—and how many of them there are— and which ones it doesn't.

When a hypervisor supports multiple V8086 tasks, it must use paging, because

each task produces addresses in the same range: from 0 to I megabyte. Paging remaps most of these addresses to physical addresses beyond 1 megabyte, helps the various tasks share the hypervisor, and protects the I/O areas from direct access by a V8086 task.

The Power of Paging

Operating systems that allow some degree of multitasking on the 8086 have problems with ill-behaved programs. For example, to update the video display, a well-behaved program calls the operating system to write to the screen. However, this is a slow process. An illbehaved program writes directly to the screen map in memory, which is a much faster process. It can cause problems, however, when two programs run at once, one in the foreground where the user interacts with it, and one in the background. The foreground program controls the video monitor, if running full-screen, or the foreground window in a windowed system.

The operating system can intercept any calls from a well-behaved background program to the monitor. But if the background program writes directly to video memory, its results appear on the foreground screen, or it "crawls out" of its window.

On the 80386, a multitasking operating system can use the paging tables to remap the background task's direct accesses to video memory. Now the background task updates some other area of memory; the operating system controls the actual video memory and thus completely controls what appears on the screen.

A Machine of Your Own

A virtual machine extends the concept of virtual memory to the entire computer: the keyboard, the monitor, the register set, everything. A program acts as if it had the whole machine to itself—in the case of virtual 8086 mode, an entire 8086-based computer. When a program calls on system resources—for example, writes to the video RAM—the 80386's hypervisor can take one of three actions: let the write execute, trap the call and perform some other write itself, or not do the write at all, before it returns control to the calling program.

For example, if a well-behaved 8086 assembly language program (running under DOS 3.1 in V8086 mode) wants to write Hello on the screen, it issues an int 21, and DOS executes a write to the screen. However, DOS is running as a

continued

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JULY 1988 'BYTE 245

IN DEPTH IT'S A NATURAL

V8086 task, which has a privilege level of 3. The I/O area has a privilege level of 0, so the DOS write causes a protection exception.

The interrupt vector initiates a task switch to the hypervisor's TSS, which must decide what the V8086 task is trying to do, emulate it (by doing the actual write or by ignoring the attempt), and then return control to the V8086 task. The more of this intercept-and-decide work there is, the slower the program be

comes as it tries to perform I/O or use other system resources.

In V8086 mode, addresses are created with the 1-megabyte limit of the 8086. The 8086-style address is sent to the paging unit, which can map it to any page, either in memory or out on disk (in other words, virtual memory). Thus, the operating system can enforce page-based protection whenever a V8086 task is running; it can also support virtual memory for several V8086 tasks at once with the

paging unit and page tables. This type of protection checking and simulation can occur whenever the 80386 runs multiple tasks.

How does V8086 mode fool the program into "thinking" that it's running on a 16-bit 8086 instead of a 32-bit 80386? When a V8086 task begins executing, bit 17 of the EFlags register, called VM, for virtual mode, is set. This bit tells the 80386 to generate addresses and handle segments for this task the same way it would if the whole machine were in real mode. So, the processor generates addresses by shifting the proper segment register four positions to the left, adding the appropriate 16-bit offset, and then using the result as a memory address, exactly as on an 8086. This 20-bit number can address a maximum of 1 megabyte of memory.

The VM bit also tells the processor that the current task can access only the lower 16 bits of the 32-bit registers. This means that a V8086 task cannot access the VM flag in bit 17 of EFlags. Also, the VM bit tells the processor not to accept certain privileged op codes; only 80386 real-mode instructions and address modes, an extended version of those found on the 8086, are allowed to execute.

The 80386's real mode functions in a similar way. When the protection-enable bit in the 80386's machine status word (MSW) is not set, the machine is in real mode, and the 16-bit addressing and op code restrictions described for V8086 mode apply. The difference is that the MSW controls the whole machine, while EFlags controls only the current task. In protected mode, the hypervisor and other protected-mode tasks can use privileged instructions and address modes, while the V8086 task cannot.

Dressed for Success

From virtual memory and paging to virtual machines, the 80386 is designed for the multitasking world. As the operating systems to take advantage of its capabilities are written, we will begin to see not just the already obvious speed increases, but the real power of the 80386. ■

Editor's note: This material is adapted from Programming the Intel 80386 by Bud E. Smith and Mark T. Johnson. Copyright © 1987 Bud E. Smith. All rights reserved. By permission of Bud E. Smith.

Bud E. Smith is technical writing manager for IGC (Santa Clara, California), makers of the VM/386 control program.

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JULY 1988 'BYTE 249

Buy VM/386. Proceed to multitasking.

VM/386: The Fast Track To Multitasking.

Run smart. Run efficient. Run VM/386 on your 386-based PC and start multitasking now! No detours, no waiting, no runaround.

True multitasking. VM/386 uses tl:e virtual 8086 mode of tlie 80386 processor to create many Virtual Machines (VMs) in one computer.

You can load a different application into each VM. Each VM has up to 640K RAM, plus its own DOS, CONFIG.SYS, AUTOEXEC.BAT and memory-resident programs along with its applications. Tailor each VM to your needs. You have complete control.

Circle 122

Each VW is protected from the others. A malfunction in one VM won't affect the others, but all VMs can share the same disk and other peripherals.

Recalculate a spreadsheet, sort a database file, and receive your E-mail—all at the same time. You can even work with two AutoCAD™ programs concurrently. EGA applications run perfectly too—background and foreground.

Protect your investment in software. No need to buy anything new. VM/386 runs existing DOS programs, unmodified. No PIF files required.

Eliminate the hidden costs of retraining. VM/386 is easy to install, easy to learn, and easy to use. There's no new operating system, interface, or application to learn.

Get on the fast track to multitasking. Call (408) 986-8373 for more information or to order VM/386. Everything else is just the runaround.

System Requirements

80,386-based computer .such

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One 1,2 Mb (5'/) ") or one i'A"

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on Reader Service Card

IN DEPTH MULTITASKING

Weighing the Options

Comparing the many flavors of multitasking

Brett Glass

Broadly defined, multitasking is the ability to execute more than one program, or many copies of the same program, at the same time. Long the domain of expensive minicomputers and mainframes, this ability has now become a desirable feature for all computer systems, regardless of size or cost.

Multitasking in mainframe computers was a product of economic necessity: Computing power was too scarce and expensive a resource to be wasted. However, in the microcomputer world, the move to muhitasking has been driven primarily by a desire for greater convenience and increased personal productivity. In this article, I'll explore the features and limitations of some of the most popular multitasking environments available for personal computers today.

Contrary to what you might think, multitasking is not a new development on small personal computers. As early as the mid-1970s, vendors offered environments such as Cromemco's Cromix, a Unix-like operating system hosted by a 4-MHz Z80 with bank-switched memory. But the overwhelming majority of

ILLUSTRATION: ROBERTTINNEY © 1988

microcomputers available today, such as the IBM PC and the Apple Macintosh, weren't designed originally with full multitasking capabilities in mind.

For these systems, the technology that allowed concurrent use of several programs evolved in three stages: desk accessories (termed TSRs in the IBM PC world from the MS-DOS terminate-andstay-resident call), program switchers,

and complete add-on multitasking environments. At the same time, manufacturers (and, in some cases, innovative third parties) began to reengineer existing hardware and software to multitask smoothly by design, rather than as an afterthought.

Add-On Program Switchers

J The first personal computers

ran a single program at a time. If you were, for instance, running a database program and wanted to make a quick change to a word-processing document, there was no way to do it other than to save your work, quit the database application, enter the word-processing program, and bring up the document. On floppy disk-based computers, this might require a change of disks, and would certainly take enough time to let you forget the inspired idea you were going to add to the document.

Clever developers perceived this problem and began to come up with solutions. The result was a small program called a desk accessory that could instantly "pop up" when needed, regardless of what application was running. Examples of these

continued

JULY 1988 •BYTE 251

IN DEPTH WEIGHING THE OPTIONS

Table 1: The multitasking environments compared.

'Add-on" multitasking environments

Features

Windows 2.0

Windows/386

DESQview

MultiFinder

QphoHi ilinn Ob 1 icu u 111 ly

Cooperative

Preemptive

r icci 1 IjJUvc

Cooperative

Run "ordinary" applications?

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

In windows?

No

Yes

Any with 80386; some otherwise

Yes

Background execution

Windows applications only

Yes

Any with 80386; some otherwise

Specially written applications

Memory protection

No

Yes

vvitn ouoob

NO

Memory management

Purgeable code segments and resources; can swap inactive DOS applications to disk, EMS, and EEMS; dynamic link libraries

Can swap inactive DOS programs to disk, EMS, and EEMS

Purgeable code segments and resources

Interprocess communication

Semaphores

No

No

Yes

No

Pipes

No

No

No

No

Queues

No

No

Yes

No

Messages

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Signals

No

No

No

No

Named Pipes

No

No

No

No

Shared Memory

No

No

Yes

Yes

Sockets

No

No

No

No

Other

DDE

DDE

AppleTalk***

Windowing environment?

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

" SCO Xenix and Microport Unix Macintosh tools.

for tile IBM PC support optional packages ttiat run DOS applications wittiin the Unix environment. Apple's A/UX provides limited support for access to

DESQview requires the use of QEMM (Quarterdeck Expanded Memory Manager) or CEM M (Compaq Expanded Memory Manager) to take full advantage of the 80386 microprocessor. Under MultiFinder, it is possible for tasks on the same machine to communicate v»ith one another via AppleTalk. This mechanism can be used to pass a handle to a block of memory on the system heap, allowing further communications through shared memory.

programs are SideKick for IBM PCs, and the MockWrite desk accessory for the Macintosh.

Although these desk accessories didn't allow the main program to run while they were on the screen, they let you save that inspired thought to a file without quitting your database, or could pop up the day's schedule without leaving your word processor. The limited but useful capabilities of desk accessories made their users ask, "If a small program can be made to 'pop up' when needed, why not a full application of my choice?" Developers once again responded with a new class of utility: program switchers.

A program switcher lets you switch quickly between two or more applications without reloading each program or saving your work. Each of these utilities allows switching among several programs, although it's important to note that the program switched in "owns" the

entire machine while it runs, while those programs switched out are inactive. Examples include Andy Hertzfeld's Switcher for the Macintosh, and a number of programs for the IBM PC, such as Jason Loveman's Multiple Choice, SoftLogic Solutions' Software Carousel, and Quarterdeck's DESQ.

Finally, programmers began to address the formidable task of making multiple programs appear to run not one at a time, but concurrently, on the same system. These environments are called add-on multitaskers. Apple's MultiFinder began as a program switcher that simply switched programs repeatedly (and very quickly), and was refined later to perform more "intelligent" multitasking. In the IBM PC world. Top View, Wendin-DOS, Microsoft Windows, and DESQview made some multitasking possible (subject to architectural limitations). The 80386's appearance in IBM

class machines finally makes multitasking of existing applications possible in environments such as PC-MOS/386, Windows/386 and DESQview.

Multitasking By Design

While some developers struggled to do multitasking with programs that were never written to share a machine with another application, others were developing new and complete environments that were designed from the beginning to run multiple applications concurrently. On the IBM PC were ports of Unix and PICK, two well-established minicomputer multitasking environments, and new systems such as OS/2.

Because of its complexity and the proprietary nature of its internal workings, fewer third parties have attempted to develop new operating environments for the Macintosh. However, the new Mac n, if equipped with the proper resources

252 BYTE- JULY 1988

IN DEPTH WEIGHING THE OPTIONS

"Native" multitasking environments

Unix

OS/2

Amiga

Preemptive

Preemptive

Preemptive

Some versions*

One at a time (Compatibility

N/A

Box)

No

No

N/A

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

Fi ill \/irti ml mpmnrv run VMLUdi iiiciiiuiyi

Full virtual memory; code

Shared code libraries,

code sharing

sliaring; dynamic link

fonts, and other resources

libraries

Yes

Yes

Yes (signals)

Yes

Yes

Yes (add-on device)

Some versions

Yes

No

No

Presentation Manager only

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes (softvi/are interrupts)

Yes

Yes {LAN Manager)

No

Some versions

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

DDE

Varies

Witti Presentation Manager

Yes (Intuition)

and memory management chip, runs a version of Unix supplied by Apple known as A/UX.

Many of the multitasking systems for existing machines support some mechanism for running one or more "old" applications, so that you can migrate gracefully from one environment to the other. Microport's Merge 386 and Phoenix Technologies' VP/ix 386 each let MSDOS applications run under their respective versions of Unix for the IBM PC. QNX, a Unix look-alike for the PC, supports MS-DOS as a task. The OS/2 Compatibility Box lets you run a single MSDOS application together with multiple new applications. And Apple's A/UX provides a limited ability to launch conventional Macintosh applications from the Unix environment.

Finally, there are the newest machine/ operating-system combinations where multitasking is a feature from the time

the hardware is designed. Most prominent of these in the microcomputer world is Commodore's Amiga. With special graphics hardware tailored to support tasks running in multiple screens and windows, the Amiga is at least partially responsible for the rush to bring multitasking to other PCs.

What's the Difference?

The words multiprogramming, multiprocessing, and multitasking are often confused. Before continuing, I want to draw some distinctions between these similar, but distinct, terms.

The term multiprogramming refers to the situation in which a single CPU divides its time between more than one job. Time-sharing is a special case of multiprogramming, where a single CPU serves a number of users at interactive terminals.

In multiprocessing, multiple CPUs

perform more than one job at one time. Multiprocessing and multiprogramming are not mumally exclusive: Some mainframes and superminicomputers have multiple CPUs, each of which can juggle several jobs.

Some sources consider multitasking equivalent to multiprogramming. Others define it as any situation that involves multiprogramming, multiprocessing, or some combination of the two. For the purposes of this article, I'll use the term multitasking to describe any system that runs, or appears to run, more than one application program at one time.

An effective multitasking environment must provide many services, both to the user and to the application programs it runs. The most important of these are resource management, which divides the computer's time, memory, and peripheral devices among competing tasks, and interprocess communication, which lets tasks coordinate their activities by exchanging information.

Sharing the CPU

The key resource that all multitasking environments must manage, or schedule, is the use of the CPU itself. While there are many schemes that can be used to distribute CPU time among the different tasks within a system, all fall into two major categories: preemptive and nonpreemptive scheduling.

In preemptive scheduling, a task may lose control of the CPU at any time, and another task is made to run instead. The task that loses control, or is preempted, need not know that this has occurred; in fact, it may not even be aware that it's running in a multitasking environment. This is accomplished by system hardware and software that's designed to fool the task into thinking it owns the machine.

Most preemptive-scheduling algorithms give interactive tasks larger and more frequent time slices so that they can respond rapidly to a user's request. Because the level of interaction can vary in different parts of the same program (e.g., a spreadsheet requires a high level of interaction during data entry, but none during recalculation), many environments are designed to monitor the current behavior of each task and adjust its time slice appropriately.

In nonpreemptive scheduling (also called cooperative multitasking), a task that gains control of the CPU continues to do so for any amount of time until it explicitly yields control to the next task. While nonpreemptive schedulers are usually very simple to implement, they

continued

JULY 1988 -BYTE 253

IN DEPTH WEIGHING THE OPTIONS

are generally not as robust, or tolerant of errors, as preemptive ones. With nonpreemptive scheduling, a task that fails to relinquish the CPU—due to a software bug or a hardware problem—locks up the entire system, destroying all the data used by every task. Also, a task that yields control too infrequently to other active tasks causes the entire system to appear sluggish. In practice, nonpreemptive scheduling works best when enforced either by the compiler that creates the program or by rigorous program design standards.

Last but not least in the area of time management, a scheduler must determine which task is to run next, and for how long. A preemptive scheduler can interrupt a task when there is something more important to be done (say, to service a peripheral device), and both preemptive and nonpreemptive schedulers can determine how often each task is given a chance to run. Generally speaking, it is desirable to give the task that occupies the frontmost window in a windowed enviroimient priority over those in other windows, since this improves the responsiveness of the system as perceived by the user.

At the other extreme, multitasking systems must also prevent "starvation," the condition in which a task never runs because its priority is set too low. OS/2, for example, sets a maximum amount of time for which a task, regardless of priority, can languish without gaining control of the CPU.

Sharing Memory

Besides sharing CPU time, all multitasking environments must help applications share available RAM with one another. The three main functions that an environment can provide include storage allocation (required on all machines), storage overcommitment (also called swapping or paging), and protection (available only where the hardware permits).

In a multitasking system, each task must be relegated to a specific part of memory, and each task must not attempt to manipulate storage belonging to other tasks without permission. In systems designed from the ground up, tasks are expected to ask the operating system for memory before using it. In add-on multitasking environments, the system often "lies" to a task, telling it that the system has less memory than it actually does. Thus, a task that commandeers all available memory still runs correctly. Some systems also provide the ability to temporarily halt a task and copy its memory to disk, which makes room for other tasks

254 BYTE' JULY 1988

while the first one is dormant.

When a task interferes with others by directly accessing key parts of a machine's hardware (such as the screen), it may not be able to run simultaneously with other applications in a multitasking environment. Both Microsoft Windows 2.0 and DESQview (without an 80386)

D

U esides sharing CPU time,

all multitasking environments must help applications share available RAM with one another.

allow such applications to be "switched" on and off, either swapping them to disk or leaving them inactive in RAM when they are not in use.

Making a task dormant and swapping its memory to disk is a primitive form of storage overcommitment—that is, running more tasks than can fit in RAM at one time. However, to overcommit storage without suspending at least one task usually requires a special piece of hardware known as a memory management unit (MMU). Popular personal computers that contain MMUs include the IBM PC AT, AT compatibles, and the Macintosh 11 (as an extra-cost option). The IBM PC XT, all Macintosh machines developed prior to the Mac 11, and the Amiga do not contain MMUs.

An MMU facilitates storage overcommitment by quickly and automatically detecting when a program tries to access information not in RAM. When it sees such an access, it activates special software that reads the needed information off the disk, then restarts the program where it left off. The program that attempted to make the access isn't aware that anything unusual has happened. Execution continues exactly as if the data had been in RAM all along, although perhaps a bit more slowly.

Some systems without an MMU, such as Windows on a PC and the Macintosh, have a limited ability to overcommit stor

age. The memory occupied by certain parts of the code ("segments") and by blocks of data that do not change ("resources") can be deallocated, or purged, and reused for other purposes.

Another useful function in multitasking systems is memory protection—that is, preventing programs from reading or modifying RAM that doesn't belong to them. This protection contains the damage done by a crashed program, and usually the information being manipulated by other programs survives intact. An MMU also provides memory protection of this level.

The 80386 microprocessor contains particularly powerful facilities for memory protection. Many "ill-behaved" programs (i.e., programs that take over some or all of the IBM PC's hardware) can safely be contained within a virtual machine and prevented from interfering with other applications. DESQview, Microsoft Windows/386, Merge 386, and VP/ix all use this facility on a single 80386-based machine to multitask IBM PC programs (and, in the latter two, Unix applications).

Finally, multitasking systems also control access to resources such as printers, serial ports, disk files, and the computer's screen. Often, a system spools printer output by saving the information generated by each program and printing it separately rather than enforcing exclusive access. {Spool, by the way, stands for "simultaneous peripheral operation on-line.") Parts of disk files can be locked to prevent simultaneous access by more than one task. Also, the screen can be divided into windows so that you can simultaneously view the output of many programs.

Interprocess Communication

A multitasking environment becomes vastly more useful if the tasks, or processes, can communicate with one another. While the number of possible communication mechanisms is infinite, a relatively small number have gained wide acceptance. These include semaphores, pipes, queues, messages, signals, named pipes, shared memory, and sockets.

A semaphore is simply a variable (an integer or a yes/no flag) that can be read, incremented, or decremented by more than one process. Most implementations provide a means to attempt to change the variable and retrieve its original value in a single indivisible operation; this feature is necessary to prevent "race conditions" when two processes attempt to manipulate the semaphore at the same time.

IN DEPTH WEIGHING THE OPTIONS

A pipe is a mechanism that allows a stream of characters from one task to be passed to another in order. Pipes are a one-way communication mechanism: Data always flows from the write end of the pipe to the read end of the pipe. Pipes are often used to feed the output of one application directly to another as input; the Unix, MS-DOS, and OS/2 command-line interpreters can connect long strings of applications via pipes to accomplish complex tasks.

Queues allow larger blocks of data, usually records larger than one character, to be passed between applications in order. Queues are often used to implement other interprocess communication mechanisms, such as messages.

Many multitasking environments have facilities through which applications can exchange messages—blocks of data with a format defined by the system or the applications involved. The exact formats and semantics of messages vary widely from system to system.

A signal (sometimes called a software interrupt) tells a task to drop what it is doing and immediately handle an asynchronous event. Usually, this is done by executing a special piece of code called, logically enough, a signal handler. Most multitasking environments that implement signals will terminate an application at once if it receives a signal it is not prepared to handle. In the jargon of some systems (like the Amiga), the term signal is used to describe what I have defined earlier as a semaphore.

Named pipes are similar to pipes in that they let tasks exchange data a character at a time. Unlike ordinary pipes, however, they can also support the transmission of larger blocks of data, be used across a network, or carry data in both directions (like a pair of ordinary pipes). In systems that implement named pipes, ordinary pipes are often called anonymous pipes to make a clear distinction between the two.

Most multitasking systems provide a way for two tasks to share a common block of memory, and this is perhaps the fastest form of interprocess communication. When shared memory is used, other mechanisms (such as semaphores) are often useful to arbitrate access to the common area. Shared memory is rarely (if ever) available to processes communicating over a network—a constraint that limits its usefulness in some situations.

Versions of Unix developed at the University of California at Berkeley contain a useful interprocess-communication mechanism called sockets. Similar in some ways to named pipes, sockets let a

process on one networked computer start a program on another, feed that program input, and collect the output. This feature has proved useful enough that it will likely be implemented in all versions of Unix (and perhaps other operating systems) in the future.

Some Real-World Environments

So far, I've covered most of the points required to understand the inner workings of many real-world systems. What products are available, and what are the capabilities of each?

While a thorough description of any one system could (and often does) fill several volumes, I'll survey some of the most popular multitasking environments for personal computers and discuss how they support some of the facilities mentioned above (see table 1).

Microsoft Windows 2.0

Microsoft Windows 2.0 provides a windowed, graphical user interface and limited multitasking capabilities on the IBM PC and compatibles. The interface conforms to IBM's Systems Application Architecture (SAA) standard, which means that it has the same appearance as the forthcoming OS/2 Presentation Manager.

Applications written specifically to work with Windows run in windows and participate in nonpreemptive multitasking. Some other MS-DOS applications— mosdy those written to be compatible with Top View—can be run in Windows, but only one at a time. But for poorly behaved DOS applications, Windows 2.0 can serve only as a program switcher. Windows-specific applications can communicate with one another via a message-passing scheme; no other interprocess communication facilities are provided. TSR programs cannot be run in a Window, but a number of "desktop applications" are provided, including the traditional calendar, calculator, notepad, and clock, as well as simple paint and draw programs.

Windows uses message passing to implement a unique high-level protocol called Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE). Using this protocol, applications can send data to one another on the fly, so that a spreadsheet, for instance, could continually be updated with information that enters the system via a communica tions program.

Microsoft Windows 2.0 uses a number of unique methods to manage storage Applications can share the code in dy namic-link libraries: routines linked to

continued

Circle 4 on Reader Service Card

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IN DEPTH WEIGHING THE OPTIONS

B

ecause it runs in protected mode, OS/2 can often catch errant applications before they crash the machine.

the application automatically when it is loaded. Parts of Windows applications as small as a single procedure or function can be marked as "discardable" and swapped in or out as needed. In addition, conventional MS-DOS applications can be swapped to and from disk.

Microsoft Windows/386

Microsoft Windows/386 provides the same user interface as Windows 2.0, but it uses the virtual 8086 mode of the 80386 processor to let any MS-DOS application run in a window concurrently with other programs. Multitasking is preemptive. All programs can also run in the background without user intervention.

The 80386 architecture provides memory protection; an application that fails cannot crash the entire machine. As in Windows 2.0, interprocess communication is done via message passing.

DESQview

DESQview, by Quarterdeck Office Systems of Santa Monica, California, is billed as a multiwindow integrator. Designed to run on all members of the IBM PC family and compatibles, DESQview's capabilities vary depending on the features of the specific hardware used.

When running on a non-80386 system, DESQview tries harder than Windows 2.0 to make many ill-behaved programs run in windows. Using loaders to apply special patches to programs such as Lotus 1-2-3, it gains the ability to run them in windows. As with Windows 2.0, any MS-DOS program can be run if it is given the full screen and complete control of the processor.

On an 80386 system, DESQview can join forces with another program from Quarterdeck, QEMM (Quarterdeck Expanded Memory Manager) to run each program in a virtual machine. As with Windows/386, this allows any applica

•<— Circle 178 on Reader Service Card

tion to run in a window.

Multitasking in DESQview is preemptive, with priority given to the task running in the frontmost window (the foreground task). The DESQview API (Application Program Interface) provides interprocess-communication facilities, including queues, message passing, and signals.

DESQview can use extended or Expanded Memory Specification (EMS) memory to store itself and your application programs, but it works best when as much RAM as possible is EEMS (enhanced EMS, also known as LIM 4.0). However, if you do run out of RAM, you can deactivate an application and swap it out to disk. Some applications, such as communications programs, cannot be retired to the disk in this manner.

OS/2

OS/2, developed jointly by Microsoft and IBM, is a multitasking operating system designed from the ground up specifically for 80286-class machines. It provides preemptive multitasking and a vast range of application services, as well as the ability to run a single MS-DOS application in a special envirormient known as the Compatibility Box. When augmented by the OS/2 Presentation Manager (to be available during the second half of 1988), OS/2 provides a user interface and multitasking capabilities similar to those of Windows/386, plus powerful facilities for networking, all on a standard 80286 machine such as the IBM PC AT.

Scheduling in OS/2 is performed according to a complex, stratified scheme. Each thread, or task, can fall into one of three categories: time-critical, general, or low-priority. Within the general priority category, there are additional sublevels, the highest of which are assigned to tasks that are interactive and in one of the frontmost (foreground) windows. In addition, there are mechanisms to prevent "starvation" and to boost perceived system throughput.

OS/2 implements a vast assortment of interprocess-communications mechanisms (IPCs), including semaphores, pipes, queues, named pipes, shared memory, signals, messages, and DDE (as in Windows). With the possible exception of Unix, no operating system comes with as many IPC facilities builtin as OS/2.

OS/2 implements storage overcommitment for all applications as needed (except in the Compatibility Box).

Because it runs in protected mode, OS/2 can often catch errant applications before they crash the machine. Unfortu

I

IN DEPTH WEIGHING THE OPTIONS

nately, because the Compatibility Box does not run in protected mode, a misbehaved DOS application can hang the entire system.

Unix

Unix, the granddaddy of modem multitasking systems, is the only environment in this group that was also designed to be multiuser. Virtually all Unix implementations can accept users at terminals as well as the main console.

Unix and its look-alikes are available for many varieties of machines. Apple's A/UX implements Unix on the Macintosh, while Microport and Phoenix Technologies (among others) are the leading suppliers of Unix for IBM PC AT compatibles.

Unix does scheduling by measuring how long each process in the system runs before it stops to perform I/O. Any task that runs for a full time slice without performing any input or output is considered to be hogging the CPU and is given a lower priority. Conversely, a task that does a great deal of I/O gets a higher priority, not only because it has not used much of each time slice, but because perceived performance improves if the keyboard, screen, and disk appear to respond quickly.

IPCs vary from version to version of Unix. However, those most commonly used include semaphores (implemented through the file system), pipes, and signals. Also available in many implementations are shared memory, sockets, named pipes, and more esoteric facilities such as streams and remote procedure calls (used across networks).

Amiga Exec/AmigaDOS

Multitasking on the Amiga is managed by the Amiga Exec, a high-performance multitasking kernel. Together with AmigaDOS and the rest of the Amiga ROM Kernel, Exec manages tasks on a strict priority basis. The Amiga windowing system, Intuition, provides user interface facilities.

Interprocess communications on the Amiga is based on three mechanisms: signals (which are really semaphores), message passing, and software interrupts (similar to what I called signals above). Because of the "lean and mean" nature of the Amiga systems software, interprocess communications must be done with care; sending a signal or a message to a nonexistent task will crash the machine. If used properly, however, the speed of interprocess communications on the Amiga approaches the theoretical limits of the 68000 microprocessor.

MultiFinder

MultiFinder runs on the entire Apple Macintosh line of computers and performs nonpreemptive multitasking on Macintosh applications. By trapping system calls and carefully managing memory, MultiFinder can allow up to 30 applications to run concurrently in windows on the Macintosh screen. The application that owns the frontmost window has the highest priority. Each task relinquishes control when it calls SystemTask or GetNextEvent. According to the Macintosh programming rules, tasks should call these functions at least 60 times per second. Task switches cannot occur during file operations.

MultiFinder allows only two IPCs: the AppleTalk network (which allows intramachine as well as intermachine communications) and shared memory. Shared memory must be carefully managed so as not to corrupt the system heap space. MultiFinder offers no memory protection, since only the Mac II has an MMU.

Choose Your Environment

The microcomputer world has evolved drastically in the past few years, in terms of both hardware and software. No longer is it merely a matter of higher hardware performance that sells a microcomputer: Hard looks are being taken at how well the computer's operating system performs. Can the software improve your productivity by switching rapidly among several programs all at once? Can you download a lengthy report from the office while working at home in your word processor?

Vendors plan to move slowly so that users can adapt to the powers of the new operating systems and phase out illbehaved software. Microsoft's OS/2 provides the familiar DOS interface while allowing you access to multitasking capabilities. Apple plans to upgrade MultiFinder and release improvements every 6 months.

Nevertheless, microcomputer multitasking is still in its infancy. Not everyone needs it: You may be content to run in single-user mode, squeezing out every iota of performance from your microcomputer without incurring the penalty in overhead required by multitasking. If you do need the capabilities that multitasking provides, no matter what machine you use, as you can see, you have a choice. ■

Brett Glass is a freelance programmer, writer, and hardware designer residing in Palo Alto, California. He can be reached on BIX as "glass. "

Circle 5 on Reader Service Card

A new concept in managing

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^ INTERFACE TECHNOLOGIES

3336 Richmond, Suite 323 Houston, TX 77098-9990 (713) 523 8422

Dealer inquiries welcome

International

Austria: 0222/4545010 United Kingdom: 01/6567333

Belgium: 071 /366133 Germany: 02983/8337;

France: 20822662 0731/26932;

Italy: 02/405174 0821/85737;

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Switzerland: 01 /9455432 0531 /347121

A. + L. Meier-Vogt Im Spaten 23 CH-8906 Bonstetten/ZH Switzerland Tel.(41)(1)700 30 37

JULY 1988 •BYTE 257

Buy with

Confidence

In an effort to make your telephone purchasing a more successful and pleasurable activity. The Microcomputer Marketing Council of the Direct Marketing Association, Inc. offers this advice, "A knowledgeable buyer will be a successful buyer." These are specific facts you should know about the prospective seller before placing an order:

Ask These Important Questions

• How long has the company been in business?

• Does the company offer technical assistance?

• Is there a service facility ?

• Are manufacturer's warranties handled through the company?

• Does the seller have formal return and refund policies ?

• Is there an additional charge for use of credit cards?

• Are credit card charges held until time of shipment?

• What are shipping costs for items ordered?

Reputable computer dealers will answer all these questions to your satisfaction. Don't settle for less when buying your computer hardware, software, peripherals and supplies.

Purchasing Guidelines

• State as completely and accurately as you can what merchandise you want including brand name, model number, catalog number.

• Establish that the item is in stock and confirm shipping date.

• Confirm that the price is as advertised.

• Obtain an order number and identification of the sales representative.

Make a record of your order, noting exact price including shipping, date of order, promised shipping date and order number.

If you ever have a problem, remember to deal first with the seller. If you cannot resolve the problem, write to MAIL ORDER ACTION LINE, c/o DMA, 6 E. 43rd St., New York, NY 10017.

This message is brought to you by:

the MICROCOMPUTER

MARKETING COUNCIL

of the Direct Marketing

Association, Inc.

6 E. 43rd St.,

New York, NY 10017

MMC

MICROCOMPUTER MARKETING COUNCIL

□f the Direct Marketing Association. Inc.

© Direct Marketing As.sociation, Inc. 1988

IN DEPTH MULTITASKING

First Come, First Served

Mailbox is a portable multitasking environment

written in C

Michael Benjamin Parker

M

ailbox is an environment, not an operating system. It does

not provide the file, memory, and other resource management functions required of a complete operating system. However, it does provide a multitasking environment for the programs that you write with it.

With Mailbox, you can write multitasking programs that are portable to many different machines and operating systems. Because the code for Mailbox is easily ported and its interface is the same on all machines, your own multitasking code can also be portable. What's more, if the machine has multiple processors, your program can take advantage of them.

Traditionally, multitasking, when available, has been a function of the operating system and usually machine-specific. Macintosh MultiFinder, for example, provides some multitasking support, but the programs that use it are limited to the Macintosh. Microsoft's OS/2 provides an impressive library of multitasking functions, but OS/2 is highly IBM PC AT specific. Although Unix provides portable multiprocessing, the operating system is usually

found only on workstations and mainframes; also, its common Berkeley Standard Distribution (BSD) processes are big and "expensive" and cannot share memory. See table 1 for a comparison of the features of some of today's multitasking systems for microcomputers and workstations.

The Mailbox package is built on three layers of portability. Each layer adds a

degree of functionality and machine independence.

• MPTHD (context switching): independent threads of execution and simple multiprocessor context switching.

• MPTSK (task organization): prioritized multiprocessor scheduling and "mailbox" message passing, with provisions for user schedulers and communication protocols.

• MPRES (resource management): preemptive concurrent processing; regulated access to the basic resources, with provisions for sophisticated user resources, resource managers, and optimizations.

(All global names in the package are prefixed with my initials, MP, to prevent naming conflicts with other global names your environment may

have.)

The lowest and most device-dependent layer, MPTHD, implements the basic context switching required for any multitasking package, it provides threads of execution. The middle layer, MPTSK, implements scheduling and interprocess communication, nonpreemptive multitasking based on MPTHD's; it provides

continued

ILLUSTRATION: ROBERT TINNEY © 1988

JULY 1988 'BYTE 259

IN DEPTH FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED

Table 1: A feature comparison of some multitaskers. (Tele is both a programming environment and an operating system.)

Features

Applications Integrators

Prog. Environments

Both

Operating Systems

DESQ\/iew2.0

MultiFinder 1.0

Windows 2.0

Mailbox 1.0

TlmeSlicer 5.0

Tola

leie (Kernel)

OS/2 1.0

Xenix Unix 2.00 BSD 4.3

"Lightweight" threads

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

• O

"Heavyweight" processes (with protected memory)

O

O

o

O

O

O

•

O •

Low-level resource management (contention management)

•

•

•

w W

IVICUIUI 11 ItSvCl ICoUUlL/C

management

/I/O \A/3itinn HoqHIpii^Ic

handling)

•

o

•

*

High-level resource management (high-level optimized interfaces)

•

0

•

o

O

•

•

* *

Intertask communication

•

0

•

•

0

*

•

• •

Preemptive multitasking

•

o

o

•

•

W

•

• •

Multiprocessor support

o

o

o

•

o

o

• •

Task delay/alarm timers

•

o

•

*

•

•

•

Task priority levels

o

o

o

•

•

•

•

Task hierarchies/inheritance

•

o

o

•

o

o

•

Task suspension/termination (forced)

•

•

•

*

•

•

•

User context switching

o

0

o

•

0

*

o

o o

User interrupt handling

o

o

•

•

•

*

•

•

User task schedulers

0

0

o

•

o

*

o

o o

User resource management

*

o

*

•

*

*

•

• *

• Present

O Not present

* Can be implemented

independent, communicating tasks. The top layer, MPRES, implements basic resource management for all standard resources and those you may add, and preemptive multitasking based on MPTSK's. Since each layer depends only on the layer below it, you can incorporate only those layers you need.

MPTHD: Context Switching

Essential to any multitasker is the ability to switch the processor's context from one process to another. Traditional multitaskers do this by having interrupt handlers save the state of the processor; they push the state on the stack when they are invoked. This is an efficient but complex and machine-dependent approach. The

MPTHD layer achieves the same effect in an easy-to-understand portable way.

The MPTHD layer introduces the notion of an independent thread of execution. Like a normal process, a thread has its own stack on which it executes. With this stack, you can save the state of the thread so you can resume it later.

To perform this context switch, the thread must call the mpthcLswltch() function (see listing 1), which is not an ordinary function. Like an ordinary function, mpthcLswltch() can return to you, but it can also return to anyone else you specify. Indeed, it can return to any active mpthd_^witch() call. You specify as an argument the thread you want the switch to go to, and it returns from

r/ia? thread's call of mpthd_swltch(). In fact, it tells that thread (via the switch's returned argument) the thread it switched from (see figure 1).

The mpthd_switch() function also works in a multiprocessor environment. If another processor is executing a thread when you switch to it, it will wait until the other processor switches out of the thread before you switch in. If you switch to an invalid thread or one with a corrupted stack, mpthd_switch() returns nil, indicating the error.

The mpthd_swltch() interface is also portable. In many cases, you can directly implement it with C's standard set j mp () and longjmp() functions. In other lan

continued

260 BYTE- JULY 1988

Circle 261 on Reader Service Card —.

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Paradise 480 155

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Vega VGA 259

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215

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82

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359

3C505B ELink Plus

645

3C523 ELink/MC

432

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EGA MONITORS

Magnavox

$Call

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509

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619

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359

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Keytronics 5151

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MS Bus Mouse

Optimouse w/DrHalo

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100

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MSG Compiler $ Call

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Lotus 123 $Call

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CopyllPC $ 19

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WORD PROCESSING

Chartmaster $ 199

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MS Word v4.0 Call

Word Perfect 5.0 192

Wordstar ProPack Call

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No Charge for Mastercard or Visa

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Call For Items Not Listed

SC Systems

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TERMS: No charge for Visa or Mastercard. We do not charge your card UNTIL WE SHIP your order. Manufacturers warranty applies in all cases, all warranties are handled by the manufacturers. We accept Purchase Orders from authorized companies only, for 3.5% above cash price. No COD orders. No refund on opened software. All prices are subject to change. Allow 14 days for personal/company checks. Arizona orders add 6.7% tax.

.IN DEPTH FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED

Listing 1: The mpthd_switch() function suspends the current thread of execution and switches into the new thread.

MPTHDID mpthd_swltch(newrapthd) MPTHDID newmpthd;

if (newmpthd->stackoverflow) return((MPTHDID)0) ;

if (newmpthd!=mpthd_me0) (

mpsem_critsect(S(newmpthd->mpsem),{

if (!setjmp(mpthd_me0->state)) { newmpthd->oldmpthd= mpthd_me(); mpthd_me()= newmpthd; longjmp(rapthd_me()->state,1);

}

newmpthd= mpthd_me()->oldmpthd;

}) ,

/* return old thread switched from */ return(newmpthd);

Thread A

print f("Hello, "); mpthd_swltch(B); printf("Goodbye!");

Control flow

Thread B

prlntf("Welcome!") mptd_switch(x); printf("there!");

Figure 1: Context switching as performed by mptlid_switch(). The output from this context switch would be "Hello, there!"; "Hello, " comes from thread A, which switches to threadBfor "there!".

guages, you can quickly code the function in assembly language and "link it in." And even if you're not programming in C, most stack-based languages and machines can support an implementation of mpthd_switch() (see figure 2 for internal data-type representation). With a few additional support functions, you can easily create and destroy threads.

The initialization function, mpthd_ init (), requires three arguments: buff, the memory buffer used to store the thread; size, the size of the buffer; and rapthdfn, the function to execute. Since all this is awkward to specify, a default size stored in a global variable would be convenient. However, you're in a concurrent environment: Different tasks may change the default value, and different tasks may want different defaults.

Therefore, a thread maintains its own heap, private to its current task. Instead of a default size, you can set up a global constant containing an offset into the current thread's heap; the default buffer size resides here. This way, each task has its own defaults but refers to them with the same variable name.

MPTHD automatically copies the parent's heap when initializing a new thread, so defaults are inherited. This simple feature can also be used for passing arguments from the parent to the child thread.

If you also don't want to specify buff, the buffer storing a thread, you could have MPTHD call malloc to dynamically allocate storage for you. But storage is a resource. Not all languages have this resource, so using it would limit portability. More important, dynamic memory allocation sometimes takes time; it

continued

- Semaphore (to control multiprocessor access to the thread)

- Byte flag (for detecting stack overflow and thread corruption)

MPTHDID

Thread pointer

mpsem

C j mp_buf l\

r- SXacW (for iocal variables and function calls)

-i h

Heap size

Heap

Stack

Heap (for storing inherited defaults and passing arguments) jmp_buf (for saving the thread's execution state)

Figure 2: Internal representation of the thread data type.

262 BYTE' JULY 1988

Circle 160 on Reader Service Card (DEALERS: 161) —►

The Graphics Toolkit for Contemporary Software Developers

■ Already the fastest and most W powerful graphics toolkit on the ' market, the new HALO® delivers subroutines and device support for exciting, contemporary applications in publishing, office automation, vision, and image processing.

HALO '88 is a device independent library of 190 graphics subroutines. It is compatible with 18 programming languages, and over 140 hardware devices such as image scanners; graphics, vision, and imaging boards; printers and plotters; and mice. HALO '88 is designed for the complete IBM compatible microcomputer line including the PS/2 and VGA.

Join the HALO Family

HALO has an installed base of 60,000+ end-users, hundreds of site-licensed corporations, government agencies, universities, and national laboratories and most importantly, over 220 Independent Software Developers (ISVs) who market applications written with HALO.

HALO '88 provides the software designer with the richest environment of graphics functions; the programmer with reliable and

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HALO is a registered trademark of Media Cybernetics, Inc. IBM PS/2, VGA and OS/2 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corp.

Today's Tools for

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HALO '88 has new subroutines which control scanners and scanned images — even images which are larger than screen resolution and available memory. Extended character set support enables software developers to address IBM's

IN DEPTH FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED

(a)

r- Message header

MPTSKID

Task *.

pointer

- Schedule mailbox (on which to wait for a processor)

mpmsg

mpthd —^—

I- Mailbox on which the tasl< waits (or nil if running)

sched

mpbox

) !

waitingfor

1:

Resource sources that the tasic owns

Private mailbox (for "personal" messages) Thread (for storing the tasi<'s state and heap)

The last three fields are maintained but not used by Mailbox, Rather, they are there to suggest possible uses for the system.

(b)

T- Message header

MPMSGID

Message pointer

mpmsg

Your record structure here

t

? i

Any record structure of any size (the message)

(c)

p Message header

MPBOXID

Mailbox >

pointer

mpmsg

mpsem —!(

X

Waiting message count

(if negative, waiting tasl< count)

msgont

msgs

L A

circular queue of messages

Semaphore (to control multiprocessor access to the mailbox)

Figure 3: Internal representations of the (a) tasks, (b) messages, and (c) mailboxes data types.

Messages

M

M

Mailbox

Tasl<s

Figure 4: Mailbox "message bank. " The upper diagram is of a mailbox with messages waitingfor tasks (positive count); the lower diagram is of a mailbox with tasks waiting for messages (negative count).

must be interruptible, so the computer can perform other possible time-critical tasks. But a high-level scheduler may switch into another thread that allocates memory while your thread is doing the same. Since memory allocation is a resource, this feature will have to wait for MPRES. MPTHD is a simple and portable way to do context switching.

MPTSK: Task Organization

It's nice to be able to switch contexts whenever you choose, but you may want more. If, for instance, you reach a point where you have to wait for keyboard input, which thread do you switch to? Or if you want to send a message to another thread to tell it that its printout has finished, how do you pass it the message? What if the other thread is busy?

The MPTSK cluster answers these questions by providing a general-purpose integrated scheduler and message-passing system based on mailboxes (from which the package gets its name). Essentially, MPTSK organizes threads into a powerful (multi)task force.

MPTSK introduces three new data types: tasks (mptsk), messages (mpmsg), and mailboxes (mpbox) (see figure 3). Tasks are essentially enhanced threads. They are automatically scheduled, and you don't need to explicitly switch between them. They can also send and receive messages.

Messages can be of any record type for maximum flexibility. Its structure needs only to begin with an mpmsg field (for internal message-management purposes). Indeed, even tasks and mailboxes are treated as messages.

Mailboxes tie tasks and messages together and make the package work. A hybrid of the queue data structure, a mailbox contains either a list of messages or a list of tasks (waiting for messages). If the

264 BYTE- JULY 1988

IN DEPTH HRST COME, FIRST SERVED

count of items in the mailbox is positive, it contains a list of messages; if the count is negative, the mailbox contains a list of tasks (see figure 4).

Tasks can either send or receive messages in a mailbox. If a task sends a message and there are no tasks waiting for it, then the sending task adds it to the end of the list of waiting messages; if there are tasks waiting for it, then the sending task gives it to the first task waiting in line. On the other hand, if a task attempts to receive a message from a mailbox, and there are no messages waiting, then it adds itself to the end of the list of waiting tasks; if there are messages waiting, then it takes the first message and proceeds.

As an analogy, think of a mailbox as a bank account and messages as money. Like a bank account, a mailbox has either a credit or deficit of messages. And messages, like money, can be deposited or withdrawn. Of course, when people come to the bank, they must usually wait in line. Likewise, a mailbox services its tasks and messages on a first-come, firstserved basis.

Although it's a simple concept, the mailbox, mpbox, is a remarkably versatile structure. It's used not only for intertask communication, but also for scheduling, resource management, and even message-passing semaphores. For instance, if you view the three messages waiting in the printers mailbox as representing the computer's three printers, when a task wants a printer, it simply receives a printer message from the printer's mailbox. The message tells it which printer to use. If no printers are available, the task is queued; when a printer becomes available, it will go to the next task in line, which will automatically be restarted. Since this first-in/ first-out (FIFO) ordering holds for messages as well, the least recently used printer is always chosen, ensuring that the three printers are evenly used.

If you think of a processor as a resource as well, the mailbox abstraction makes a good scheduler. You can imagine a schedule mailbox with tasks waiting to "receive" a processor to run them. Due to the FIFO ordering, tasks are automatically processed in round-robin fashion. For prioritized scheduling, a task receives a priority by assigning a mailbox in which to schedule it whenever it can be run. You list these schedule mailboxes in order of priority. When a processor needs to run a task, it searches this list sequentially—it's a short list—until it finds the highest-priority task (see figure 5).

A key advantage to mailbox multitask

continued

Priority ievel Priority scheduie Taslcs waiting to be run

1. l/Otasl<s

2. User tasks

3. Bacl<ground tasks

4. Idle tasks

<Z)

Figure 5: A mailbox scheduler example. To find a new task to run, a processor simply searches down the schedule list until it finds a task.

Listing 2: The mptslejcf er () function contains the routines to send, receive, and schedule messages.

MPMSGID raptsk_xfer(MPBOXID mpbox, MPMSGID mpmsg, BOOL block,

MPBOXID sched) { mpsig_critsect(do { /* disable interrupts */ /*SEND*/

if (mpmsg) ( /* if sending a message */ MPTSKID mptsk;

mptsk= mpbox_xfer(mpbox, /* queue msg XOR get task */

mptsk_sendside, block?mpmsg:(MPMSGID)0); if (mptsk) { /* a task was waiting */

/* transfer message */

mptsk_mprasg(mptsk)= mpmsg; mpmsg= 0;

/* schedule both tasks */

mpbox^xfer(mptsk_sched(mptsk),mptsk_recvside,mptsk); rapbox__xfer (mptsk_mYSched () , mptsk_recvside,mptsk_me () ) ;

} else (

if (block) mpmsg=0; /* message sent */ break; /* return immediately */

)

/*RECEIVE*/

) else ( /* if receiving a message */

mpmsg= mpbox_xfer(mpbox, /* get msg XOR queue task */

mptsk_recvside, block?mptsk_me():(MPMSGID)0); if (mpmsg) break; /* message recvd: return immediately */ if (Iblock) break; /* don't wait for msg: rtn at once */

}

/*SCHEDULE*/

{ /* schedule a new task to run */ MPTSKID mptsk;

MPBOXID cursched= sched; /* use user sched list */ /* search from high to low priority until task found */ while (!(mptsk= mpbox_xfer(cursched,mptsk_recvside, (MPMSGID)0))) { cursched= mprng_next(cursched) ;

if (cursched==sched) /* if end of user sched list */ cursched= mptsk_topsched(); /* use system list */

mptsk_mympmsg0=mpmsg; /* save msg between switches */ mpthd_switch(str2fId(mptsk,mpthd));

mpmsg= mptsk_mympmsg(); /* return result message */

}

} while (0) ;) ; return(mpmsg); }

JULY 1988 -BYTE 265

When you want to talk computers..

ATARI COMPUTERS

65XE 64K Computer 99.99

130XE 132K Computer 139.00

520ST-FM Monochrome Syst. . 649.00

1040ST Color System 969.00

SF124 Monochrome Monitor . .159.00 SF1224 Color Monitor 329.00

a

Atari 520 Color System

$779

Includes: 520ST-FM, 512K RAM with 3V2" Drive Built-in, Basic, RF-MOD, Atari Mouse, and SF-1224 Color Monitor.

ATARI ST SOFTWARE

Access

Leaderboard Golf 24.99

Antic

CAD 3D 29.99

Avant Garde

PC Ditto (IBM Emulation) 64.99

Batteries Included

Degas Elite 39.99

DAG

Easy Accounting 61.99

Soft Logik Corp.

Publishing Partner 64.99

TImeworks

Swiftcalc/Wordwriter 47.99

VIP

Professional Gem 139.00

Absoft

AC Basic 139.00

Aejgis Development

Animator/Images 89.99

Draw Plus 149.00

Sonix 49.99

Discovery Software

Marander II 31.99

Electronic Arts

Deluxe Video 1.2 89.99

Gold Disk Software

Pagesetter w/Text ed 89.99

Micro Illusions

Dynamic Cad 349.00

AMIGA SOFTWARE

WE SHIP 90% OF ALL ORDERS WITHIN 24 HOURS

AMIGA SOFTWARE

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Amigen Gen Lock 159.00

New Tek Inc.

Digi-View 2.0 149.00

Digi-Paint 44.99

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Flight Simulator II 39.99

Word Perfect Corp.

Word Perfect 199.00

MACINTOSH PRODUCTS

CMS

60MB Tape Backup $799

Hard Drives CMS

MacStack 43 839.00

Everex

91MB SCSI 1499.00

PCPC

MacBottom HD45 1149.00

Floppy Drives Cutting Edge

800K External 189.00

Central Point

800K Floppy External 199.00

Monitors

Network Specialties

Big Top 20" 1,549.00

Radius

Full Page Display Plus 1,499.00

Two Page Display SE 2,199.00

Sigma Designs

Laser View Display for SE .. 1,749.00 Memory Upgrades Dove Computer

Mac Snap 548S 429.00

Scanners AST

Turboscan 1,349.00

Datacopy

730 Flatbed Scanner 1,199.00

Ast Premium 286 & 386 Call

Compaq Deskpro and Portbls. . .. Call

IBM PS/2 25, 30, 50, 60, 80 Call

Leading Edge 899.00

MS/DOS SYSTEMS

NEC APC-IV Powermate 2,399.00

NEC Multispeed Laptop 1,229.00

PC-TOO 80286 1.2MB, 512K. .899.00 Toshiba T-1000 Laptop 799.00

TOSHIBA

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$749

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6-Pak Plus 576 Board 149.00

Hot Shot 286 Accelerator 349.00

Hercules

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Graphics Card Plus 159.00

Intel

Inboard 386 Board 799.00

5th Generation

Logical Connection 256K 339.00

Quadram

Quad386XT 80386 PC-Upgr. . . 799.00 Video 7

Vega V.G.A. Adapter 299.00

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Color Card w/Parallel Port 89.99

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d-Base 111+ 389.00

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Quattro 129.00

5th Generation

Fastback Plus 84.99

Fox Software

Fox Base & Development 219.00

IMSI

Optimouse w/dr. Halo 89.99

Logitec

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Lotus

Lotus 1.2.3 299.00

Software Publishing

First Choice 99.99

Word Perfect Corp.

Word Perfect 5.0 NEW

MS/DOS SOFTWARE

SELECT FROM OVER 3000 PRODUCTS

266 BYTE- JULY 1988

COMPUTER MAIL ORDER

When you want to talk price.

MONITORS

Amdek

Video 21 OA 12" Amber 89.00

Video 410 12"A/G/W (ea.) 139.00

Magnavox

7BM623 12" TTL Amber 99.00

CM8505 14" RGB/Composite .189.00 CM8515 14" RGB/Composite .269.00

9GM053 14" EGA 379.00

NEC

GS-1400 14" Monochr. TTL . .219.00

JC-1402 Muitisync-ll 599.00

Packard Bell

PB-1418F 14" Flat TTL A/G/W

(ea.) 119.00

PB-1420CG 14" Mid-Res CGA 269.00 PB-1422EG 14" Hi-Res EGA. .369.00 PB-8426-MJ Uniscan Monitor .399.00 Princeton Graphics

Max-12 12" TTL Amber 149.00

Thomson

450 15" 132 coL TTL Amber. .119.00 4120 14" RGB/Composite . . . .239.00

□

Magnavox CM 8762 ^^^f. 14" RGB/Composite ^269

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Atari

AA314 DS/DD ST Disl< 209.00

SHD204 20MB ST Hard Drive .569.00 C.LTD (For Amiga)

G.LTD 20MB (A2000) 769.00

C.LTD 33MB (A2000) 879.00

C.LTD 44MB (A2000) 1099.00

C.LTD 50MB (A2000) 1139.00

C.LTD A500 SCSI Controller . .179.00 Indus

GT Disk Drive Atari XL/XE 189.00

GTS-WO ST Drive 189.00

Jr. Expansion Chassis 299.00

Seagate Technologies

ST-225 20MB Drive 249.00

Supra

Atari ST 20MB Hard Drive 559.00

Amiga 2000 20MB Hard/Drive .629.00

MODEMS

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6480 C64/128 1200 Baud 99.99

520 ST520/1040 1200 Baud ..129.00 1200E 1200 Baud External . . .129.00 Atari

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2400 External 189.00

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2400 Baud V2 Card w/software 149.00 Everex

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=1

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Smartmodem 1200 279.00

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1200 External 89.99

2400 External 169.00

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Complete Telecom Package . .. 79.99

2400 Baud Stand-Alone 189.00

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2400AT 2400 Baud Atari 169.00

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Direct 1200 Baud Internal 99.00

Direct 2400 Baud External 199.00

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MD1-M SS/DD 5V4" 8.49

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MC-6000 DC-600 Tape 23.99

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PRINTERS

Atari

1020 XL/XE Plotter 35.99

XDM-121 Letter Quality XL-XE 209.00 XM-M801 XL-XE Dot Matrix . . .199.00

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FX-286E 240 cps, 132 col Call

LQ-500 180 cps, 24-wire Call

LQ-850 330 cps, 80 col Call

LQ-1050 330 cps, 24-wire Call

Hi-80 4 Pen Plotter 279.00

Hewlett-Packard

2225A ThInkjet 369.00

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P2200 Pinwriter 24-wire 379.00

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P760 Pinwriter 132 col 679.00

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Okimate 20 color printer 129.00

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Epson FX-86e 240 cps, 80 col.

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KX-P1080i 144 cps, 80 col. . KX-P1091i 194 cps, 80 col. . KX-P1092i 240 cps, 80 col. . Star MIcronics NX-1000 140 cps, 80 col . . . NX-1000C C64/128 Interface

NX-15 120 cps, 132 col

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$319

. .189.00 . .209.00 . .339.00

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.499.00 .999.00

In the U.S.A. and in Canada

Call toll-free: 1-800-233-8950

Outside the U.S.A. call 717-327-9575, Fax 717-327-1217 Educational, Governmental and Corporate Organizations call toll-free 1-800-221-4283 CMO, 101 Reighard Ave., Dept. A1, Williamsport, PA 17701

POUcTAddSo/o (minimum $^ shipping and handling. Larger shipments may require additional charges. Personal and company checks require 3 weeks to clear For faster delivery, use your credit card or send cashier's check or bank money order. Credit cards are not charged until we ship. Pennsylvania residents add 6% sales tax All prices are U.S.A. prices and are subject to change, and all items are subject to availability. Defective software will be replaced with the same item only Hardware will be replaced or repaired at our discretion within the terms and limits of the manufacturer's warranty. We cannot guarantee compatibility All sales are final and returned shipments are subject to a restocking fee. We are not responsible for typographic or photographic errors.

Circle 63 on Reader Service Card

JULY 1988 -BYTE 267

IN DEPTH FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED

r- Message header

MPSORID

Source *

(of a resource) pointer

- Ring of all the sources of the resource (optional; for locating resources)

mpmsg

mptsk —! (

mpres

1 ^

Resource ID and characteristics ■

—e ^

t

Details particular to this source of the resource *- Tasl< (if any) that owns this source of the resource

Figure 6: Internal representation of a source (of a resource) data type.

Listing 3: The one-argument thread-initialization routine. Notice how the resource is claimed before allocating memory and released afterward.

MPTHDID mpthd_create(MPTHDFN mpthdfn) {

int mydef tasksize= mpthd_mydef (mpdef_task:size, int) ; MPTHDID mpthd;

/* claim memory resource */ mpres_take(mpres_memory); mpthd= (MPTHDID)malloc(mydeftasksize); /* release memory resource */ mpres_give(mpres_memory);

if (mpthd) mpthd_init{mpthd,mydeftasksize,mpthdfn); return(mpthd);

)

Listing 4: This Turbo C code will enable preemptive multitasking in Mailbox.

void interrupt (* mpsig_oldclocktick) (); void interrupt mpsig_clocktick () {

mpsig_oldclocktick0; mptsk_yield ();

)

/* interrupt 0x08 on IBM PC */ #define MPSIG_CLOCKTICK (0x08) void mpres_setup0 {

mpsig_oldclocktick= getvect(MPSIG_CLOCKTICK); setvect(MPSIG_CLOCKTICK,mpsig_clocktick) ;

J

ing is speed. Many multitasking systems iiave a single Icemel task tiiat sciiedules all processes and manages all resources. To switch between tasks, or even to send a message, requires at least two context switches (into and out of the kernel). Mailbox requires, at most, one context switch—sometimes none—to send a message, and only one to switch between tasks. This is because it does these kernel

functions simply and within the current task. Mailbox achieves this efficiency at the cost of some intertask protection, an acceptable price since all the memory is shared anyway.

Also, multitasking systems usually let only one processor execute inside the kernel at once. Thus, the kernel scheduler itself becomes the bottleneck as you add more processors. For this reason, it

is unusual to find a shared-memory machine with more than half a dozen processors.

A mailbox can likewise be opened by only one processor. However, a processor can open only one mailbox at a time—and then only momentarily. More important, mailbox multitasking distributes message passing and scheduling between multiple mailboxes. Although its scheduling algorithm is simple, Mailbox is fast and potentially independent of the number of processors. For this reason, Mailbox should be able to make good use of multiprocessing machines.

An apparent disadvantage of mailbox multitasking is that it doesn't come with functions that allow one task to force another to stop or suspend, a feature common in other multitaskers. But this is because Mailbox has been designed to also work in multiprocessor environments, where the scheduler can't automatically assume that other tasks are suspended while it executes a task. Although I don't have a multiprocessor machine at my disposal, I designed Mailbox to take advantage of multiprocessing environments when they become available, and to better understand the issues involved in real concurrent environments.

Actually, Mailbox is easily extended to support sophisticated task-control operations due to its uniformity. Everything, even scheduling, works by sending and receiving messages. More sophisticated operations follow logically and don't need to be tailored. For example, to yield the current task so other tasks can run (useful when polling some condition), the task merely attempts to "receive" a processor "resource" from its schedule mailbox. It's also possible for a task to specify which tasks (which schedule list) it wants to yield to. Thus, when optimizing performance, a task can implement its own scheduler and "break" the strict priority scheduling. Or, for modular program

268 BYTE- JULY 1988

IN DEPTH FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED

ming, it can duplicate (i.e., a task can multitask itself).

Even the send and receive "primitives" are special instances of a general mptsk_xfer() function (see listing 2), with flexibility similar to that of mpthd_switch(). Since all task switching and message passing go through this single function interface, any sort of performance monitoring, message monitoring, or task control is possible simply by patching the desired instructions into the mptsk_xfer() function. Instead of being big and complicated with every possible feature included. Mailbox has been kept simple so you can tailor it to your own needs.

MPTSK implements prioritized multiprocessor scheduling and simple "mailbox" message passing based on threads. It introduces the message, task, and mailbox data types, and a simple set of operations with which you can build many sophisticated scheduling, communication, and monitoring environments. Still, the MPTSK layer only takes into account the tasks' interaction among themselves, not with the outside world. If two or more tasks want to use the same resource at the same time, you will need the final layer, MPRES, to share resources.

MPRES: Resource Management

The MPRES layer is best viewed as an open-ended extension of the MPTSK environment. Unfortunately, only basic resource management (regulated access) can be defined in a portable fashion

M

ailbox has been kept simple so you can tailor it to your own needs.

(short of writing an entire operating system). Although all machines have processors and memory, they vary widely in what devices they have. MPRES contains support for a default set of resource types. For other devices, it shows how you can build resource managers tailored to your environment.

MPRES introduces the resource and source data types. The resource is merely

a mailbox data type, used for storing the available sources of the resource as messages. The source data type is a message with two extra fields. The first specifies the task that owns the source (NIL if none), and the second is a double-pointer structure (the same as the mpmsg header) that keeps all the sources of a resource in a ring (see figure 6). You can take (mpres_take()) and give or release (mpres_recv()) a source of a resource (these routines are implemented with mptsk_send() and mptsk_recv()). MPRES also provides operations to initialize—and to deinitialize—a resource of a particular type.

These two fields in the source data type allow you to locate all sources—and users—of a resource. This feature could be useful for reclaiming resources from crashed or discourteous tasks, although it's not currently taken advantage of.

By incorporating the knowledge gained from the waltingfor and owns fields of tasks (see figure 3a), it's also possible to detect deadlock (a cycle of tasks waiting endlessly for each other) before it occurs. When a task is about to be suspended to wait for a resource, it first checks if any other tasks that have

continued

IBM PC interrupt-vector table

Interrupt number Handler address

IBM PC ROM BIOS

BIOS routines

Hardware

0x08: 0x09:

Software

0x14: 0x15: 0x16: 0x17:

Patch routines

Call BIOS routine

Send message to key ready mailbox

Clock tick Keystroke

Read/write serial ports Read/write cassette Read keyboard Write printer

key_ready mailbox:

Receive key ready message (if any)

Call BIOS routine

k_r

Figure 7: Intercepting interrupts (advanced optimizations). To prevent tasks from wasting processor time waiting for keystrokes, you can intercept the IBM PC's BIOS interrupt routines to check and signal when a keystroke has occurred. Since you can call Mailbox's send and receive primitives within interrupts, many such schedule optimizations are possible without rewriting the scheduler.

JULY 1988 'BYTE 269

IN DEPTH FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED

A Few Rules of Thumb for Concurrent Processing

1. Divide problems into modular tasks, units of highly coupled data and control.

2. Know the order in which things must happen, and the order in which they could be allowed to happen.

3. Know which objects are shared, and which objects are local.

4. Synchronize access to all shared objects.

5. Know the unit of transaction, what operations should be atomic, and when they should commit.

Note: Modular and object-oriented programming styles are aiso helpful for reasoning about concurrent systems.

the resource are already waiting for it. (Since this check potentially involves a great deal of searching for every access to a resource, it's not implemented, but it could be if deadlock is a serious problem.) You should be wary, however, of the base case of deadlock, where a task requests a resource that it already has.

The MPRES layer also defines a few general resources, the most universal of which is rapresjiemory. With memorycontention management, you can finally write a one-argument thread-initialization routine (see mpthd_Greate () in listing 3). Notice how the memory resource must be claimed and released around the standard raalloc memory-allocation call. This ensures that no other task can allocate memory at the same time. Likewise, protection must be provided around free, the memory-deallocation call, and other memory management calls.

In general, every C function that accesses resources must be executed within an appropriate resource lock. This is true for any concurrent system. To make the job easier, the MPRES package defines a macro, mpres_crltseGt, which takes as arguments a resource and a block of code. The macro claims the resource, executes the code, and then frees the resource before exiting.

MPRES also duplicates many of the common C function calls with this extra locking added (e.g., mpresjiallocO). Operations such as malice (), which are completed in a single transaction, are well suited for this. In contrast, operations such as printf, which usually require several calls ("or the," "Hello," "output may not stick," "Goodbye," "together") are best locked explicitly by the caller. Explicit locking is also necessary when calling library functions that use resources and are unaware they are executing in a concurrent environment.

One way to simplify the complexities of having to lock and unlock resources is to assume a single-processor environment, which is often the case, and to have tasks yield control explicitly only when

they're not holding any resources. This may be an acceptable compromise in many circumstances, and Mailbox allows for this style of programming.

MPRES also provides three levels of I/O locking granularity. On the highstream level are the standard streams: mpres_stdln, mpres_stdout, and mpres_stderr. On the middle-component level are standard operating-system components: rapres_fllesystem, rapres_network, rapres_termlnalin, and mpres_termlnalout. And on the low-device level are the standard devices: mpres_harddlslc, mpres_floppydisk, mpresjiodem, mpres_prlnter, mpres_ parallel, and rapres_serlal. Locking at a lower granularity level allows for a higher degree of concurrency at a cost of complexity and portability. These locking levels are likely to be incomplete and to overlap; they are merely suggested names for resources and their locks. It is up to you to tailor the locking appropriate to your environment and task.

One optimization you may want is to tap into the power of the hardware and operating-system interrupts. Both the MPTHD and MPTSK layers have been carefully designed so you can also call their functions from interrupt handlers with no modifications. For example, if you add the Turbo C code in listing 4, the package becomes a preemptive multitasker. Now, 18.2 times a second (the frequency of the IBM PC clock), the current task will yield if another task is waiting to run. You can achieve a similar effect in Unix by using the alarm signal.

Putting Idle Time to Work

In general, you can tailor Mailbox to take advantage of almost any interrupt-driven resource. For example, personal computers waste most of their processing power waiting for keystrokes.

Suppose you wanted to suspend tasks waiting for keyboard I/O, without modifying the standard functions, like scanf(), which might access the keyboard. On the IBM PC, the keyboard is

typically read through a ROM BIOS software interrupt. The keyboard also generates a hardware interrupt each time a key is pressed. By intercepting requests to read the keyboard and signaling when a key is available (see figure 7), you can put this idle time to more productive uses—like saving the data you're working on.

You can use a similar trick in Unix with signal(3C) and fcntl(2). The calling task must explicitly wait for a mailbox, associated with a particular stream, if an I/O operation exists on the stream EWOULDBLOCK; in turn, a signal handler for SIGIO would restart the task by sending it a message that the stream was ready. Likewise, you could make optimizations for the other computer resources.

Resource management is a difficult issue. Since computer devices differ and most languages have several wired-in I/O calls, portable resource management is nearly impossible, short of writing another operating system. Mailbox provides portable processor (preemptive multitasking) and memory (dynamic allocation) resource management, and contention management for many standard resources. Beyond this, I encourage you to tailor Mailbox to your own particular resource needs.

Thinking Concurrently

Concurrency buys you modularization, the ability to divide your programs into their logical "tasks"—in the full sense of the word. It also buys performance. But the price is high. You must face complex issues of managing resources and ensuring data integrity. You must learn to think concurrently. A few rules of thumb are given in the textbox above.

A major problem with concurrent systems, especially distributed systems, is "getting them right." The concurrency issues introduced here are just the tip of the iceberg. No language extension can provide a complete solution. We need to write new operating systems to take real advantage of concurrency; Microsoft's OS/2 is just the beginning. Nevertheless, Mailbox allows you to explore multitasking and learn to appreciate the pros and cons of concurrent processing. ■

Editor's note: The source code listing for the Mailbox package is available in a variety of formats. See page 3 for details.

Michael Benjamin Parker is a computer science major at MIT. Mailbox is part of his larger research project, SHARE, a distributed shared-iriformation operating system for personal computers.

270 BYTE- JULY 1988

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UNDERSTANDING & USING dBASE III® PLUS. By R. Krumm. 674 pp., illus., softbound. Widely regarded as the most comprehensive one-volume reference on the subject, it covers everything from basic concepts to advanced programming techniques.

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TURBO PASCAL PROGRAMMER'S LIBRARY. By K. Jamsa and S. Nameroff. 495 pp., illus.. softbound. An outstanding and varied collection of more than 200 routines that you can quickly key into any computer that runs under PC-DOS. Includes some vital math functions not provided jn Turbo Pascal's standard package. 583762-5 Pub. Pr, $18.95

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A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO AI AND EXPERT SYSTEMS: Turbo Pascal Edition. By R.I. Levine, D.E. Drang, and B. Edelson. 256 pp., 99 illus. A must for everyone who wants to understand and utilize artificial intelligence for commercial, military scientific, or educational applications. It's all in clear, simple language with many illustrations and sample programs.

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CIARCIA'S CIRCUIT CELLAR, Volume VI. By 8. Ciarcia. 224 pp., 75 illus., softbound. More marvelous projects from the incomparable Ciarcia! This new volume contains easyto-follow plans for a home security system, a serial Eprom programmer a turnkey bulletin board, an audioand-video multiplexer, plus 10 more projects.

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PROGRAMMER'S CHALLENGE: SO Challenging Problems to Test Your Programming Skills. By S.

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RUNNING MS-DOS®. By V. Wolverton. 2nd Ed., 423 pp., 40 illus. Now updated to cover all versions of MSDOS through 3.1. You'll see exactly how to manage files and diskettes, manipulate display, printer, and telecommunications devices, create your own commands and menus, set up a network to connect several PCs, and much more.

583694-7 Pub. Pr., $34.95

dBASE COMPILERS. By K. Knecht. 276 pp. Gives you a thorough understanding and comparison of the four major dBase III Plus compilers: Clipper, Quicksilver OB III Compiler, and Foxbase +. A sample application is used to describe the compilation and linking process for each compiler 584576-8 Pub. Pr, $18.95

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE USING C: The C Programmer's Guide to AI Techniques. By H.

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JULY 1988 'BYTE 273

IN DEPTH MULTITASKING

Resource Guide

Amiga Exec 2000 $1995

Multitasking operating system; runs on the Amiga.

Commodore Business Machines, Inc. 1200 Wilson Dr. Westchester, PA 19380 (215) 436-4200 Inquiry 955.

AAJX

Multitasking Unix operating system; runs on the Mac.

Macintosh Toolbox

Windowing system; runs on the Mac.

MultiFinder $49

Multitasking operating system; runs on the Mac.

Apple Programmers and Developers Association 290 Southwest 43rd St. Renton, WA 98055 (206)251-6548 Inquiry 956.

Concurrent DOS 386

Three-user $395

Ten-user $495

Multitasking operating system; runs on 80386-based machines.

Concurrent DOS XM 6.0

Three-user $295

Six-user $395

Multitasking operating system; runs on IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2, and compatibles.

FlexOS286 $1995

Multitasking operating system; runs on 80286-based machines.

FlexOS386 $2995

Multitasking operating system; runs on 80386-based machines.

Digital Research, Inc. 70 Garden Court P.O. Box DRI Monterey, CA 93942 (800) 443-4200 Inquiry 957.

Ctask Public domain

Multitasking operating system; runs on IBM PC, XT, AT, and compatibles.

Tom Wagner BIX("twagner") Inquiry 958.

DESQview 1.3 $99.95

Windowing system; runs on IBM PC, XT, AT, and compatibles.

DESQview 2.0 $129.95

Concurrent environment; runs on 80386-based machines, IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2, and compatibles.

Quarterdeck Office Systems 150 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405 (213) 392-9701 Inquiry 959.

MacScheme + Toolsmitli $395

Concurrent programming environment; runs on the Mac.

Semantic Microsystems 4470 Southwest Hall, Suite 340 Beaverton, OR 97005 (503) 643-4539 Inquiry 960.

Mailbox 1.0... $35 (sliareware)

Multitasking programming environment; user-portable to IBM, DEC, Apple; user-portable to MS-DOS or Unix.

Michael B. Parker BDC

Inquiry 961. Merge 386

Two-user with Unix $795

Unlimited with Unix $1595

Multitasking operating system; runs on IBM PC, XT, AT, and compatibles.

Locus Computing Corp. 3330 Ocean Park Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405 (213) 452-2435 Inquiry 962.

News

Windowing system; runs on the IBM PC.

Sun Microsystems, Inc. 2550 Garcia Ave. Mountain View, CA 94043 (415) 960-1300 Inquiry 963.

OS/2

Multitasking operating system; runsontheIBMPS/2s.

Windows 2.03 $99

Windowing system; runs on IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2, and compatibles.

Windows/386 $195

Multitasking environment; runs on 80386-based machines under MS-DOS

Microsoft Corp. 16011 Northeast 36th Way P.O. Box 97017 Redmond, WA 98073 (206) 882-8080 Inquiry 964.

PC-MOS/386 $195

Multitasking operating system; runs on 80386-based machines.

The Software Link 3577 Parkway Lane AUanta, GA 30092 (404) 448-5465 Inquiry 965.

QNX $450

Multitasking operating system; runs on IBM PC, AT, PS/2, and compatibles.

Quantum Software Systems, Ltd. Kanata South Business Park 175 Terrence Matthews Crescent Kanata, Ontario, Canada K2M 1W8 (613) 591-0931 Inquiry 966.

RM/FORTRAN with RM/Forte $595

Multiwindow programming environment; runs on IBM PC, XT, AT, and compatibles.

Austec, Inc.

609 Deep Valley Dr.

Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274

(213) 541-4828

Inquiry 967.

SCO Xenix 386 2.2 $695

Multitasking operating system; runs on 80386-based machines.

VP/ix

Two-user $495

Three-user $995

Multitasking operating system; runs on IBM PC, XT, AT, and compatibles.

The Santa Cruz Operation, Inc. P.O. Box 1900 Santa Cruz, CA 95061 (800) 626-8649 Inquiry 968.

SideKick Plus $199

Desktop manager; runs on IBM PC, PC, XT, AT, PS/2, and compatibles.

Borland International, Inc. 4585 Scotts Valley Dr. Scotts Valley, CA 95066 (408) 438-8400 Inquiry 969.

Tele (Kernel) $50

Multitasking programming environment and operating system; runs on IBM PC and compatibles.

M&T Books 501 Galveston Dr. Redwood City, CA 94063 (800) 533-4372; in California, (415) 366-3600 Inquiry 970.

TimeSlicer 5.0 $295

Multitasking environment; runs on IBM PC, AT, and compatibles with MS-DOS

Lifeboat Associates 55 South Broadway Tarrytown, NY 10591 (800) 847-7078 Inquiry 971.

TopView $175

Windowing system; runs on IBM PC, XT, Portable, AT, and compatibles.

IBM Corp. 113 Westchester Ave. White Plains, NY 10604 (800) 447-4700 Inquiry 972.

Unix

Multitasking operating system; runs on 80386-based machines.

AF&T Information Systems 100 Southgate Pkwy. Morristown, NJ 07960 (800)247-1212 Inquiry 973.

VM/386 $245

Multitasking operating system; runs on 80386-based machines.

Intelligent Graphics Corp. 4800 Great America Pkwy. Suite 200

Santa Clara, CA 95054 (408) 986-8373 Inquiry 974.

Wendin-DOS2.14 $99

Multitasking operating system; runs on IBM PC. XT, AT, and compatibles.

Wendin's Operating

System Toolbox $99

Multitasking environment; runs on IBM PC, XT, AT, and compatibles.

Wendin, Inc. P.O. Box 3888 Spokane, WA 99220 (509) 624-8088 Inquiry 975.

274 B YTE • JULY 1988

Circle 281 on Reader Service Card —»

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Three new portables-three more reasons why Zenith is the battery-powered leader. For the name of your nearest | Zenith Data Systems Dealer, call: 1-800-842-9000, ext. 1. |

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276 BYTE' JULY 1988

Hatfold

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for under $500?" led to our new Allegro 24 and its unique flatbed design. "How about a 24-pin printer with 9- and 18-pin emulation, paper parking and two built-in type fonts?" resulted in our new enhanced ALQe series. And "Laser printers should have larger memories and greater versatility" inspired our rugged new LPX600, with 2MB of

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Allegro 24, ALQe and LPX600 are trademarks of Alps Electric Co., Lid. G1988. ALPS America.

JULY 1988 'BYTE 277

FEATURE

The Ultimate Link?

ISDN—a new communications technology that could change the way we use our computers and telephones

Jay Duncanson and Joe Chew

P ou are sitting at your desk, first thing in the

IYmorning. Your computer downloads several large files from a shared hard disk over the telephone system. Sipping your coffee, you start another download from an information service, then check your electronic mail (E-mail) while the error-free transfers continue.

The telephone rings. A window pops up on your computer, telling you it's your mother calling. In the midst of the conversation with your mother, the window reappears: Your division manager is calling from headquarters. Putting the personal call on hold, you and your manager discuss a new assignment, augmenting the discussion with interactive graphics.

As you return to Mom's call, the pop-up window informs you that a call from a pesky salesman has just been automatically rejected. At the same time as all this, your laser printer has made a hard copy of a facsimile that has come in from one of your remote divisions.

Sound futuristic? It is, but not by much. Even as you read this, functions like these are being demonstrated in field trials and actual commercial implementations of ISDN, the Integrated Services Digital Network. (The grammatically proper usage is "an ISDN" or "the ISDN," as if the acronym were spelled out, but most use it without remorse as a noun in its own right.)

ISDN is a technology that integrates digitized voice and data—not only computer data, but other digital information, such as fax and video. It works over simple twisted-pair wiring such as that currently in use for telephones (see figure 1). At monthly rates from 20 percent to 60 percent higher (depending on the services chosen) than we are now paying for basic telephone services, ISDN will offer high-speed digital transmission and many enhanced communications services.

More Than Just a Service

The keys to understanding the concept of ISDN are in its name. First and foremost, its services are integrated. Voice and data,

circuit switching, and packet switching all come to you on one line from one source. Standards for interoperability are being developed and approved by the CCITT, or International Consultative Committee for Telephone and Telegraph, under the aegis of the United Nations.

Whereas today's conventional networks have islands of modern digital apparatus in a sea of analog technology, ISDN is completely digital (except, of course, for certain parts of the telephone, such as the microphone, speaker, and tone pad). This approach allows performance unheard of in analog days.

With a few local exceptions, these integrated digital services will eventually be provided over existing telephone wiring to all subscribers who want them. The first tentative commercial offerings are already in place, and ISDN lines should be available in most places by the mid-1990s. However, technical and financial problems may slow its progress.

Batteries Not Included

The telephone system uses the complex embedded technology you'd expect from an international network that serves hundreds of millions of people. Fortunately, to understand how ISDN affects end users, we need to deal with only two key elements: the central offices (electronic switchboards that route calls and provide services) and the local loop from the central offices to the customers' premises.

In most of the Western industrial countries, the central offices and the networks connecting them are well on the road to complete digitization, a process that began in the early 1960s. Most circuits from the central office to the customer, though, still use the analog technology that Alexander Graham Bell would have recognized: talking by modulating a continuous DC signal across a loop. A present-day telephone's interaction with the central-office switch is both limited and simple-minded, especially during a call. The burdens of knowing the state of a connection and of providing extra services, such as call waiting, rest entirely upon the switch.

continued

278 BYTE- JULY 1988

ILLUSTRATION: LANE SMITH ® 1988

JULY 1988 -BYTE 279

FEATURE THE ULTIMATE LINK?

Customer premises

Terminal Voice

ISDN Architecture

Video

Facsimile

JL

Standard ISDN interface

Networl< termination

User-to-network interface

Exchange carrier

Common access loop

ISDN serving central office

Circuit switchied network

Channel network*

Wideband network

Network-to-network interface

Packet switched network

Common channel signaling network

Circuit switch

Circuit switched network

Channel network*

Packet Circuit switch switch

Packet switch

Database

Wideband network

Packet switched network

Interexchange carrier and service vendors

'Channel networkTransmission facilities and switching systems

Figure 1: ISDN is an evolving international standard for voice and data communications. Its major features include integrated access of multiple services over a single access line, network transparency via standard customer-to-network and network-tonetwork interfaces, and end-to-end digital connectivity.

Some interaction can be done with brute force, such as applying voltage to a telephone to make it ring, or interrupting the current loop to send dialing numbers. Modern extensions to this approach, like dialing tones, are more sophisticated and capable, but they still tread upon the bandwidth used for the connection.

ISDN represents a fundamental severing of the ties with Bell's technology. Whereas today's conventional telephone and network services are cost-inefficient and awkwardly configured mixtures of digital and analog technology, ISDN is a completely digital approach. Under ISDN, the telephone is a computer. It sends digital rather than analog information, and it talks interactively with central-office switches that are themselves large, specialized mainframe computers. The difference opens many doors—and creates a few problems as well.

Since ISDN customer equipment can communicate intelligently with the switch, even during a call, it is easier to implement advanced features. Furthermore, features that are cur

rently implemented only in proprietary ways on private branch exchanges can be provided in standard ways through the telephone companies.

This change in signaling methods has some drawbacks, which will probably be temporary. One is that different manufacturers' ISDN switches now use subtly different signaling methods. As an early ISDN customer, you would have to be aware of what is in the central office and set up your equipment accordingly. This situation will change, but achieving compatibility among products from different manufacturers is always slow and difficult.

Another problem is the huge installed base of "dumb" analog equipment that must be accommodated during the changeover period. Analog telephone sets, for instance, will have to be adapted to ISDN or replaced with ISDN units. Interoperability between ISDN and analog subscribers will also have to be accommodated.

In the new ISDN environment, you will be able to pick and

280 BYTE- JULY 1988

FEATURE THE ULTIMATE LINK?

Implementation of ISDN is well under way. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested in equipment purchases, research and development, and marketing efforts. The government has given it a vote of confidence by making a smooth migration path to ISDN a requirement for FTS-2000, the new federal telephone system now in the bidding stage. But the odds are slim right now that you'll see workers around your home climbing poles and digging up the street to install ISDN.

For over a year now, all seven regional Bell holding companies (RBHCs) have been conducting ISDN trials through their subsidiaries, the local telephone companies. Only one or two local carriers per RBHC, however, have really gotten involved to this date.

The trials and first implementations so far have generally involved only large companies with considerable telecommunications experience. Southwestern

ISDN to Date

Bell, for instance, has signed contracts to provide ISDN services to Shell and Tenneco. Illinois Bell is developing a commercial relationship from its ongoing field trial with McDonald's. Lockheed, 3M, and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory are among the other companies that have done considerable work with ISDN.

In Atlanta, Georgia, Southern Bell Telephone is offering ISDN as a new class of commercial business service. AT&T, Hayes Microcomputer Products, Contel Corp., Prime Computer, Suntrust Banks, and Digital Equipment Corp. have already begun using the network's services.

Perhaps the most audacious of all early adopters is Boeing. It has just installed the last of five central-office switches of its own as part of a multiyear, $100 million effort to build a private ISDN system. Boeing's telecommunications needs are so huge and

sophisticated that, in the long run, the company expects to save money with ISDN by building its own ISDN system rather than using the public network.

However, most businesses, followed by residential customers, can expect to wait awhile for ISDN, depending on their proximity to central offices where ISDN-capable equipment is being installed.

As this was being written, AT&T became the first domestic carrier to announce ISDN service supporting the primary rate interface. And Illinois Bell Telephone Company filed a tariff proposing two types of basic rate service. A single circuit-switched voice channel with a signaling-only D channel will carry a one-time installation fee of $ 146.50 and a monthly charge of $ 16.5 8 per line. 2B+D service, with circuitswitched data on the other B channel and packet-switched data on the D channel, costs $246.50 plus $29.68 a month.

choose the services you want. If, for instance, you are satisfied with your present telephone services, you will be able to use your telephone in exactly the same way after ISDN is installed. In order to take full advantage of ISDN's benefits, though, you will have to learn to live with the new complexity, just as you learned to cope with the esoteric features and moon-mission control panels of today's audio and video equipment.

Two Types of Services

ISDN services will be provided to customers in two classes: the basic rate interface and the primary rate interface. The basic rate is referred to as 2B-I-D and consists of two 64K-bits-persecond (Kbps) B channels that can carry either voice or data, and one 16-Kbps D channel used for network signaling and control, and user packet data. An additional 48Kbps is also used for other purposes, such as echoing the D channel, synchronizing the terminal units, and conveying other internal network information.

In North America, the primary rate is referred to as 23B -l-D. It consists of 23 64-Kbps B channels and one 64-Kbps D channel. Primary rate will support 1.544-megabyte-per-second (Mbps) bidirectional transmission rates. It could be used, for example, to interconnect computing facilities and to connect private branch exchanges (PBXes) to the network rather than to directly serve residential end users.

Basic rate access can include various combinations of circuitswitched voice, packet-switched data, and circuit-switched data. The difference between circuit switching and packet switching lies in the way the data is routed through the network. Circuit-switching technology is the closest thing to a traditional telephone connection; it can be compared to a pair of wires dedicated to a particular connection for the duration of the call. In packet switching, data bits are grouped into packets with origin

address, destination address, and error-control information. The packets are routed to their destinations through networks of packet switches at the central offices and elsewhere, taking whatever paths the intelligent network considers best at the time.

Packet switching has several advantages for data transmission. The individually addressed packets can be intermingled; packet switching is more akin to a conveyer belt in the post office than to a conventional telephone connection. Like timesharing on a large computer or the multiplexing of several terminals onto one communication line, it keeps high-capacity facilities from sitting idle between sporadic bursts of usage.

Packet switching has other advantages as well. With appropriate equipment, the user can maintain multiple simultaneous connections over a single channel. Packet switching also opens the door for services such as remote meter reading, polled security monitoring, and wide-area versions of local area networks (LANs).

Traditionally, circuit switching and packet switching have used different equipment, and in fact have reflected opposing philosophies. ISDN will be the first widely available network to integrate them.

An ISDN switch can also provide supplementary voice services such as call forwarding, conference calling, and hold—all the services now available on office telephones—plus a few more that are not currently feasible, such as prescreening and selective answering. It can provide these services without modification of the twisted-pair wiring scheme used in today's phone service.

This seems like a trivial issue, but it is tremendously important. A substantial fraction of the world's copper production has gone into "last mile" telephone circuits, and the labor costs of

continued

JULY 1988 -BYTE 281

FEATURE THE ULTIMATE LINK?

What a Tangled Web We've Woven...

While drafting the ISDN specifications, the CCITT defined five interfaces—R, S, T, U, and V—that are access points into the network (see figure A).

The R interface is an access point for existing, non-ISDN equipment (a TE2 in the CCITT specification), such as an analog telephone or an RS-232C port, which requires terminal adapters to tie into the network. While the other interfaces are associated with ISDN standards and are ISDN-specific, the R interface implements whatever standards are required for a particular piece of customer equipment. For example, the

analog telephone and RS-232C port, which differ greatly in physical, electrical, and logical needs, both meet the network at the R interface.

The S interface connects the ISDNcompatible equipment and the computer side of the network termination (an NT2, such as a PBX or a LAN). The T interface is where the premise-based ISDN switching equipment connects to the carrier's side of the network termination (NTl). The U interface is the connection between the customer premises and the central office equipment, while the V interface connects the central office to the rest of the network.

Both the S and T interfaces use two twisted pairs of wire, for a total of four wires. The T interface uses one pair for transmit and one for receive, to provide full-duplex operation, and it has the capacity to operate at the primary rate.

At the U interface, the use of echocancellation techniques permits full-duplex operation over a single twisted pair. It operates at the basic rate. This interface has a greater range (2500 to 6500 meters versus 1000 meters for the S and T interfaces) and doesn't need that extra pair of wires. It allows the existing local loop—a single pair—to be used all the way from the central office to the user.

Customer premises

Central office

ISDN

TE1

TE2

NT2

Nil

TA

TE1

Passive bus

TBI TE1

LT

ET

TA TE1

TE2

NTl NT2 LT ET

= Terminal adapter

= Terminal equipment type 1

(ISDN-compatible) = Terminal equipment type 2

(non-ISDN compatible) = Network termination 1 = Network termination 2 = Line termination = Exchange termination

Figure A: The CCITT, a communications governing body of the United Nations, has designated five ISDN reference points: R,S,T,U, and V. These are places in the network where one or more interfaces for specific functions will occur.

replacing it would dwarf the material costs. Despite the bestlaid plans of supporters of fiber optics, it is axiomatic that the next generation of the telephone system, whatever its other characteristics, has to work over twisted-pair wiring already in place.

ISDN and Computing

Most of ISDN's impact on the public will come from voice service, which, after all, is the main business of the telephone companies. But ISDN integrates voice and high-speed data. For the first time, data will stand beside voice as an equal partner in the public telephone network.

Establishing data connections over ISDN from a personal

computer can be accomplished with the addition of a terminal adapter (TA). A TA is like a modem in one way: It allows the computer to talk over the telephone network. But the similarity ends there.

TAs are being designed so that existing terminal-emulation programs can work with them after little or no modification. (Generally speaking, TAs and other ISDN equipment will isolate the user from the complexities of dealing directly with ISDN.) But taking full advantage of ISDN's capabilities will call for special software that is just beginning to appear.

Take the wide-area network, or "metroLAN," for instance. When you think of a LAN, you probably think of high performance, great complexity, and someone standing on a ladder in

282 BYTE- JULY 1988

FEATURE THE ULTIMATE LINK?

your office to run coaxial cable through the ceiling. The highspeed packet-switching capability of ISDN makes it feasible to build a LAN that runs over switched connections through the public telephone system.

Such a LAN can interconnect users across the street or across the continent. It doesn't need dedicated cables and adapter cards—just the existing telephone wiring, plus ISDN terminal adapters and software. And you can reconfigure the network without having to call in someone with a ladder.

Multiple simultaneous connections, each fast enough to accomplish something useful, will also become feasible under ISDN. With a personal computer running a multitasking (or at least multiwindowed) operating system, you will be able to exchange information with different parties simultaneously. What's more, you will be able to do so without sacrificing voice quality or capabilities.

Some computers that include ISDN interfaces and features are already on the market; they are often called "integrated voice/data terminals." That term, though, is also used for telephones with small displays, such as a receptionist might use.

One of the major issues of the transition years, a special case of the analog-interoperability problem, will be connecting ISDN-equipped computers to other computers that have modems. This could be done either through centralized modem pools or by digitizing the modem signal at the modem and sending it over a B channel as circuit-switched data.

The Holdup

One obstacle in the adoption of ISDN comes from the financial rather than the technical side. Converting to digital technology is expensive, and the telephone companies, operating under heavy regulation, will have to get their money back somehow.

For the first several years, they will probably get it from business users. Residential users could provide a great deal of revenue, but at present, they don't have much use for ISDN. It has been proven time and again that the celebrated Man in the Street wants nothing more than analog voice (known to the trade as Plain Old Telephone Service, or POTS), and at the lowest possible tariffs.

Should the phone companies force this new, expensive, and perhaps intimidating technology upon residential customers who already have adequate phone service? Or should they resign themselves to a long, long transition period of providing both analog POTS and ISDN while private individuals figure out what to do with their connectivity?

Thus far, ISDN has been used in familiar ways: as a more capable phone and as a faster modem. Only time will reveal the effects of having 144 Kbps of communications power in every home and office. ISDN could be revolutionary, changing the way we live and work. Then again, it could be evolutionary, merely updating the telephone without changing the familiar uses and social rituals surrounding it.

In either case, ISDN will be the hidden engine behind the changes. The changes themselves will come through applications. And therein lies the quandary and the opportunity.

The Pull Forward

In marketing parlance, the telephone companies and equipment manufacturers are pushing ISDN, but, so far, only a few venturesome companies are pulling it with demand. In a classic chicken-or-egg problem, the demand will presumably be increased by applications, but the applications won't arrive until there is a market.

Here's a look at a few of the possible applications that could

continued

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FEATURE THE ULTIMATE LINK?

pull ISDN and some of the obstacles that it would face (see figure 2).

• Telemetry. If ISDN were ubiquitous, utility companies could install smart meters and read them remotely. But this would not happen overnight. The hundreds of millions of existing meters have no intelligence or communications capabilities.

• Networking. We've already mentioned wide-area networksLANs that use the phone lines to connect to other, more distant environments. They are much less trouble than traditional hardwired LANs, but there are disadvantages. For one thing, your connectivity habit shows up on the phone bill each month. Furthermore, they have comparatively low performance. The slowest traditional LANs run at about 4 times the speed of a B channel, and many users have become spoiled by the now-commonplace 10-Mbps LANs, such as Ethernet.

Although its performance may not be adequate for every

need, an ISDN LAN would probably serve most users quite well. However, the argument is not entirely technical. Analyzing throughput needs and spotting performance bottlenecks is not nearly as difficult as changing customers' perceptions. Only time will tell if the real price/performance characteristics of these networks can overcome their pokey image.

The ISDN wide-area network might also catch on as a personal convenience. Nearly everybody who uses E-mail at work comes to love it, so how about a standard, public, nationwide Email system? The catch here is obvious: Although embedded processors are in everything from TVs to thermostats, the computer, per se, has not entered the personal lives of many people. Since home computing has not emerged as a force strong enough to push ISDN, perhaps ISDN will pull home computing. • Video. Even that old science-fiction standby, the videophone, could be bom anew. AT&T showed a videophone at the 1964

continued

Customer locations

Telemetry Voice Audiotex Packet

2B + D

NT

Two 64Kbps + one 16Kbps channels

Digital PBX LAN

Mainframe

23B + D

NT

24 64Kbps channels

Video conf Bulk data Private line CAD/CAM

3H0 + D

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channel

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©

(^P^ Primary rate interface

Long-distance carriers

Packet networks

Express mail

Information & database services

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Public utility meter reading

Security services

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Polls

Video services

Figure 2: Many services will be available over ISDN's basic and primary rate interfaces when the technology is fully employed. Some of the potential applications are shown here.

284 BYTE- JULY 1988

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100%

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O) CO ID

Q 10%

« ,o

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ice —1

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|j3w-speed data —'

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High-speed data —'

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World's Fair, but the technology and economics of the day would not support its commercial adoption. Granted, a 64Kbps channel will not provide broadcast-quality television images, but it can transmit real-time video with acceptable resolution. Imagine working at home and "sitting in" on a meeting at the office, or showing a document and your honest, trustworthy face to a bank's customer-service representative. Or even sending live images of a heart attack victim to paramedics while they simultaneously transmit a videodisk refresher course on cardiopulmonary resuscitation to you.

But will videophones or nationwide E-mail networks ever really catch on? It depends on ISDN, but ISDN depends to some extent on whether applications become popular.

ISDN is an "enabling technology." Think of it as a highway that enables new cities to spring up. It is more than just a new switch or even a new network; it is a potential revolutionary force for the role of technology in society.

But the revolution requires demand as well as capacity. Fast new chips don't sell personal computers. The ability to process words, calculate finances, keep databases, and so forth sells personal computers. And as others have pointed out, no one foresaw word processing when computers were invented.

Technology for technology's sake is almost never a success. The right applications may not be invented until after ISDN has been around awhile, but the conversion to ISDN will be slow and piecemeal until the applications come about.

This situation leads to much ulceration in the telephone service and equipment businesses. The developing ISDN technology is well on the way to being implemented. Strategic commitments, the momentum of vast equipment purchases, and ever-increasing demands on the network will see that it continues. But fortunes will be made and lost over the details.

ISDN equipment and services will reach businesses first, and then probably residential users in islands of high-tech connectivity, such as new construction, and neighborhoods that are

near facilities being upgraded to serve businesses. While not exactly egalitarian, this approach makes economic sense.

A Taste of the Future?

Though the implementation of ISDN has just begun in earnest, standards committees have begun talking about its successor. A technology known as broadband ISDN will eventually provide individual subscribers with performance in the megabit rangeenough for television-grade video and high-performance LANs. Adoption of a broadband ISDN could take place at the beginning of the next century. ISDN might suffice for many years; then again, it might merely whet customers' appetites.

Ben Bova once wrote an essay comparing the Douglas DC-2 with its successor, the DC-3. The DC-3 made air travel safe, reliable, and, above all, profitable. The DC-2 did not have the necessary capabilities, but it gave Douglas Aircraft the technical expertise needed to develop the DC-3. It also gave the fledgling airlines an idea of what the next generation of equipment could do. The DC-2 was an enabling technology.

In all likelihood, the capabilities of the ISDN basic-rate interface will be an embarrassment of riches to residential users. But not long ago, you could have said that about a microcomputer with 64K bytes of memory. If it turns out that what the world wants is packet-switched voice or high-resolution video, ISDN will be a DC-2: merely a tantalizing taste of the future.

Neither regular nor broadband ISDN will take off just because the technology is there. Technology vendors have seen the future, and, much to the chagrin of their planning departments, it consists of yet-unforeseen applications. ISDN is coming, but what shape it arrives in remains to be seen. ■

Jay Duncanson is the ISDN department manager, and Joe Chew a staff information developer, at the San Francisco office of Hayes Microcomputer Products Inc. They can be reached on BIX as "editors. " The views expressed in this article are their own and not necessarily those ofHMP.

286 BYTE* JULY 1988

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288 BYTE- JULY 1988

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FEATURE CIARCIA'S CIRCUIT CELLAR

Part 2

Computers ON THE Brain

Making sense out of the data by Steve Ciarcia

ast month, I introduced you to the Circuit Cellar

Lelectroencephalogram (EEG) monitor called HAL (Hemispheric Activation Level Detector) and discussed its hardware design. This month, I'll look at the system software and provide some directions for HAL's use.

Software Overview

The overall operation of HAL is relatively straightforward. It samples four channels of analog brain-wave data 64 times per second and transmits this data serially to a host computer. The host analyzes two channels of the data to determine frequency components, and it then displays the results on a monitor as a series of continuously changing bar charts.

As I mentioned last month, the frequency range of interest in brain-wave detection is 4 Hz to 20 Hz, which includes alpha, beta, and theta waves. I could have designed HAL with many independent band-pass filters to separate each channel's complex waveform into discrete sinusoidal components, but that would have involved much more hardware. Instead, HAL's raw digitized analog data is analyzed on the host computer using a fast Fourier transform (EFT).

An EFT is like a mathematical prism. Just as a prism breaks down light into its component colors, the EFT breaks down a waveform into the sinusoidal components that make up the signal. In this way, I can extract amplitude and phase values for any given frequency in the target spectrum of 4 Hz to 16 Hz (I didn't display frequencies from 16 Hz to 20 Hz because of speed constraints on the IBM PC).

The system software coordinates four major tasks, which are graphically outlined in figure 1. The Intel 8031 microcontroller's task is precise sampling of hemispherical data and transmission via an optocoupled RS-232C link to the host IBM PC (the 8031 firmware is called BI031). An IBM PC task called COMMO is an interrupt-driven communications routine that receives HAL's incoming data. Being interrupt-driven, COMMO operates independently of the activities of the EFT analy

COPYRIGHT © 1988 STEVEN A. CIARCIA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

\

sis-and-display routine (and any other tasks that happen to be running on the IBM PC).

As the data comes in, the host loads it into 1024-byte sample queues for left brain and right brain data. The EFT algorithm reads this incoming data, calculates amplitude and phase values per frequency, and updates integer arrays. Finally, the BIO program reads these arrays to continually update the bar graphs on the video display.

Simple—right? Just like using a hammer to make gravel out of a boulder. Simple in theory, at least.

While HAL is technically independent of the host computer (by virtue of its serial interface), I chose to present the demonstration display on an IBM PC for the sake of convenience. (I invite conversion to other computers and will make such conversions available through the Circuit Cellar bulletin board system.)

Because HAL is supposed to be both an educational and a functional presentation, my fundamental goal for the software was to keep it simple and fast. To that end, I used BASIC wherever possible. However, to maintain processing speed, I incorporated certain assembly language routines that are called from BASIC (i.e., the QuickBASIC compiler).

Refer again to figure I, the overview block diagram of the system. The COMMO and FFT routines are written in assembly language. COMMO is really a group of subroutines; BASIC merely calls the initialization code.

I wrote the EFT block in assembly language for maximum speed in the EFT calculations. Using a BASIC program, a 64point EFT took about 20 seconds to do. The existing EFT algorithm in assembly language will calculate 64-point transforms for both channels in about 240 milliseconds (ms). More about this later.

HAL's Brain

The 8031 is a remarkably capable processor that I have been using for many stand-alone projects lately. I described the inner

continued

JULY 1988 -BYTE 289

FEATURE CIARCIA'S CIRCUIT CELLAR

workings of BI031 last month with the hardware description, since BI031 works so closely with the hardware. Basically, BI031 is a simple read-transmit-wait loop (see figure 2). The read portion of the loop samples the switches and the A/D converter. It then places this information in the output buffer and transmits it out the serial port at 4800 bits per second (bps) to the host computer. The transmission is a 5-byte sequential string: switch position/sync, channel 1, channel 2, channel 3, and channel 4.

Once transmission is completed, the program waits for the 8031's internal timer to time out. Since proper sampling of a

Figure 1: A block diagram of the complete HAL system, showing major components of the brain-wave monitor and the host machine.

290 BYTE* JULY 1988

continuous waveform requires sampling at a fixed rate, this precise time delay is what provides the host program with data samples that the FFT can successfully analyze.

The IBM PC Communications Interface

The IBM PC's COMl port is configured as the headset interface port. Recall that the data coming from HAL arrives at 4800 bps in packets of 5 bytes, transmitted 64 times a second. The first byte indicates HAL's switch configuration, and the host computer uses this byte for synchronization purposes.

A switch position/sync byte value of 00000011 binary indicates that both the left and right switches are closed; a value of 00000000 indicates they are both open. The maximum value the switch position/sync byte can have is 3. BI031, as one of its functions, tests all outgoing data and limits the lowest A/D channel data to a value of 4. Since any incoming data with a value of 3 or less must therefore be the switch position/sync byte, it is possible for COMMO to synchronize easily with the incoming data stream.

COMMO's service routine uses a state machine to synchronize itself with the incoming data (see figure 3). It reads the data byte from the Data Receive register and stores it according to which state the routine is in. If state equals 0, it saves the switch bits and advances to the next state. If state equals 1, it loads the sample data into the left brain sample queue. If state equals 2, it loads the sample data into the right brain sample queue. If a value of 3 or less is encountered, the state will automatically change to 0, and it will save the data as switch parameters.

The Software Prism

After the computer receives HAL's data, the FFT takes over, transforming the collected information into something useful. In this application, I wanted to see what frequencies are active in whatever brain is connected to the EEC and how powerful those frequencies are.

My first impression of the FFT was stated earlier: a mathematical prism. I've read articles that have used the FFT on everything from spectral analysis and digital filtering to biorhythms and random numbers. But what does the FFT do here?

Consider figure 4. The four sine waves on the bottom represent energy levels at four different frequencies plotted with respect to time. The vertical bars represent a 1-second sample window. (The 64 dots on each graph between the two vertical lines represent '^4-second intervals.) The top squiggle is an integrated waveform, the sum of the four waveforms below it at any given point in time.

This integrated waveform is similar to what we find in the real world. I used values generated from this integrated waveform to test HAL's software. The results of the FFT on this waveform appear on the screen shown in photo 1. The bars are read side to side, with their respective frequencies labeled in the middle. Energy levels are defined both above and below the bar charts. Notice that I applied the same test data to both the left brain and right brain sample queues. I will discuss the display in greater detail later.

There is a little more to structuring an FFT than just using an algorithm out of a book. Without getting into any mathematical formulas, I will explain the impact of modifying FFT parameters. The text box "Understanding the Fast Fourier Transform" on page 292 explains the FFT, using a version written in BASIC. The initial lines of code are configuration data, and only the last 11 lines perform the actual transform on the data in the array RAWDATA.

You must address three major factors when building a simple FFT algorithm: the duration of the sample window, the sample

Brain-wave monitor

Channel 1

Channel 2

A/D converter

Switches

BI031

RS-232C

>■ Isolation

RS-232C

COMMO

Channel 1 Left brain sample queue

Channel 2 Right brain sample queue

FFT

Left brain power array

Left brain phase array

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Right

Right

brain

brain

power

phase

array

array

BIO

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IBM

mono/CGA

video

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FEATURE CIARCIA'S CIRCUIT CELLAR

SYSINIT Initialize microcontroller features.

SYSINIT

1

NEWTIME

READ_AD

TRANSMIT

TIMING

Set timer for next V64-second interval. Get brain waveform samples. Output samples as binary data to host. Wait for end of Versecond interval.

Figure 2: A flowchart for HAL's firmware program, BI031.

Byte <4

Save as right brain data

Figure 3: The host computer's receiver routine executes a finite-state machine, shown here graphically. Each circular node of the graph represents a state, and transitions from state to state occur when the system receives a byte.

Figure 4: If you add together the lower four sine waves, you get the topmost, random-looking waveform. The FFT does just the reverse: It takes the composite waveform and extracts its components.

rate, and the actual frequencies desired for output. These factors are identified as:

• WDW: The sample window in seconds.

• PT: The number of samples to be taken in the sample window.

• MIN and MAX: Lowest and highest frequencies to be evaluated.

The FREQ array represents the sinusoidal frequencies to be integrated into the waveform I talked about earlier, A represents the peak amplitude of these sine waves, and P serves to introduce a phase offset in a given channel. The variable SM specifies the starting offset of the points of data to be analyzed by the FFT. Graphically, SM locates the vertical bars on the display seen in figure 5.

Faster FFT

Speed was a key issue in this project. For a visual display to be of any value to a user, the software has to analyze and display the brain-wave data as quickly as possible. Ideally, you should

continued

Channel 1 Left brain sample queue

1

ROOTS Square root table

Channel 2 Right brain sample queue I

FFT

SINCOS Sine/cosine tables

1

1

1

Left

Left

Right

Right

brain

brain

brain

brain

power

phase

power

phase

1 array

array

array

array

Figure 5: Main components of the FFT.

JULY 1988 'BYTE 291

FEATURE CIARCIA'S CIRCUIT CELLAR

Understanding the Fast Fourier Transform

Listing A is a heavily commented code fragment in BASIC tliat performs tlie FFT on an array of data points (RAWDATA). The following are important program variables and their usage in the program.

WDW, the sample window: The time period over which the sample is taken will affect the resolution you can expect in your output. A period of 1 second will yield 1-Hz intervals of frequency. This is the way the program is set up now. If you reduce the sample window to half a second, the resolution is halved and the frequency output will be in 2-Hz increments. By increasing the sample window to 2 seconds, you get 0.5Hz intervals.

PT, the sample rate: The number of points taken during the sampling period determines the range of frequency increments (dependent on window period) you can calculate.

Listing A: This BASIC program performs the FFT on an array of data points.

REM FREQUENCY(Hz) FREQ(0)"1S: REM FREQ{l)-=9: REM FREQ(2)=8: REM FREQ(3)=2: REM

REM AMPLITUDE

Channel Channel Channel

Channel 1

A(0)=10 A(l.)=20 A(2)=30

REM Channel 1 REM Channel 2 REM Channel 3

A(3)=40 REM Channel 4

REM PHASE (Radians)

P (0) =0 P(1)=0 P(2)=0 P(3)=0

REM Channel 1 REM Channel 2 REM Channel 3 REM Channel 4

WDW=1.0: REM Sample period in seconds

PT=S4: REM Number of sample points

MIN=2: REM Min freq to evaluate (1 - 25) MAX=16: REM Max freq to evaluate (MIN - 25)

be able to see changes in hemispherical activity every half second or sooner.

Clearly, a high-level language was not going to do the trick. (Running the FFT algorithm above in compiled BASIC takes about 5 minutes.) Ultimately, I created a machine language version of the FFT algorithm described in FFT.BAS. Figure 5 shows the flow of sample data from the left and right brain sample queues through the algorithm and into the power and phase arrays defined in the BASIC program. On an IBM PC XT, it takes about 2 seconds to complete the entire feedback cycle; an IBM PC AT processes a cycle in about half a second.

To get the necessary speed, I used a variety of techniques to optimize the FFT:

• Number of data points: I chose 64 data points as the sample size for a few reasons. First, you can perform integer division by 64 using shift operations instead of a divide instruction.

292 BYTE- JULY 1988

According to the Nyquist sampling theorem, you must sample at a frequency of at least twice as fast as the greatest frequency you expect to encounter. If your high end is 40 Hz, you must take at least 81 samples during that sample window. HAL takes 64 samples during a 1-second window, so it should be able to evaluate frequency output up to 30 Hz.

MIN and MAX, the output frequencies: The countervariable HZ need only be the frequencies desired. The FFT algorithm is really an accelerated version of what is called a discrete Fourier transform (DFT). The DFT calculates frequency output from 0 to the number of points taken. But this output includes something called negative frequencies. These mathematical monkeyshines can be ignored for the purpose of understanding this project. However, FFT.BAS can easily be tweaked to display this graphically, also.

SM=040:

REM Offset to start of .limple perioa

FOR HZ = MIN TO MAX

REM ** Clear the real and imaginary

REM ** components.

REAL ■= 0

IMAG = 0

REM ** Begin the frequency analysis REM ** loop.

FOR X=0 TO PT-1 REM ,** Calculate reference ar.gle

G - 2*PI*HZ*X/PT REM ** Calculate real components

REAL ° REAL + RAWDATA (X) *COS (G)/PT REM ** Calculate imaginary component

IMAG - IMAG - RAWDATA(X) *SIN (G)/PT NEXT X

REM ** Power calculation

FFT (HZ, 0) - 2*SQR(IMAG*IMAG + REAL*REAL) REM ** Phase calculation

FFT (HZ, 1) - ATN(IMAG/REAL) NEXT HZ

When I used the 8088's integer-division instruction, it took about 340 ms to calculate a single 64-point FFT. In contrast, division using shift operations takes about 120 ms to accomplish the same thing.

Second, taking the division by shifting into account, 64 points per second will give the resolution and the range needed to evaluate frequencies from 4 Hz to 20 Hz. The Nyquist sampling theorem dictates that you must sample a waveform at a frequency of at least twice its highest frequency component. Consequently, 32 points would not be enough samples to analyze anything above 15 Hz. On the other end, 128 points would give you a greater frequency range for analysis, but it would take considerably longer to calculate.

• Table lookup: The FFT algorithm requires only a fixed number of sine and cosine values. By building these 64 values into a table rather than calculating them on the fly, you can save a lot

continued

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JULY 1988

FEATURE CIARCIA'S CIRCUIT CELLAR

ou can display HAL's output in either CGA or monochrome.

of time. Using a table of square roots is similarly much faster than calculating them.

• Scaling: When I built the tables, I took care to scale the integer values so power calculations can divide by 256. This magic number lets the software shift bytes instead of bits, giving considerable savings in time.

• Phase octants: Because the accuracy of this device is limited to integer calculations—and again because of speed—the pro

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Photo 1: HAL properly unravels the complex waveform shown in figure 4. Note the four long horizontal bars; each corresponds to one of the four component sinusoidal waves.

gram reports phase results in 45-degree increments. Instead of using the arctangent to calculate phase results, it is quicker in machine language to determine them using the sign and absolute amplitude of both real and imaginary components. The result is in phase octants.

Finally, the FFT is a much deeper subject than I can possibly cover in this article. I recommend a book entitled The FFT: Fundamentals and Concepts by Robert W. Ramirez (Prentice Hall, 1985). It provides an excellent look at the FFT and the theory behind it.

Driving the IBM Video Display

The last major block in the system diagram is called BIO. This module takes calculated output from the power and phase arrays just loaded by the FFT, converts this output into character strings, and writes them to the display. This part of the software displays the window opened by HAL into your brain.

Photo 2 shows a typical HAL display. You can display HAL's output in either CGA or monochrome. The horizontal bars represent the relative energy levels found in the frequencies evaluated. The bars that lead to the left represent the energy in the left hemisphere (channel 1); the bars to the right of center are the right hemisphere (channel 2).

Respective frequencies are labeled down the middle of the display under the "Hz" heading. The numbers 0 to 60 located in the rows above and below the energy bars represent relative energy levels only (pressing F3 changes the scale). They do not necessarily indicate absolute voltage levels that a much more expensive EEG machine might provide.

The phase angle of any given frequency is shown under the "OCTANT" heading for its respective hemisphere. An octant is nothing more than an eighth of a cycle. Octant 0 means the waveform is within the first 45 degrees of its cycle. A value of 1 puts it between 45 and 90 degrees, and so on.

Relative phase is indicated in a box at the bottom center of the screen under the "PHASE DIFFERENCE" heading. This feature selects the frequency from the left hemisphere with the greatest energy level and compares its phase angle with the phase angle of the corresponding frequency in the right hemisphere. The two rows of asterisks represent the position of the right hemisphere relative to the left hemisphere. If the right

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Photo 2: HAL's output can be displayed on an IBM PC using the CGA.

Photo 3: While testing HAL, I injected a 10-Hz sine wave through the headset electronics. The resulting output, shown here, indicates that the system works properly.

294 BYTE- JULY 1988

I

FEATURE CIARCIA'S CIRCUIT CELLAR

Warning

HAL is presented as an engineering example of the design techniques used in acquiring brain-wave signals. It is not a medically approved device, no medical claims are made for it, and it should not be used for any medical diagnostic purposes. Furthermore, the safe use of HAL requires that the electrical power and communications isolation described in its design not be circumvented. HAL is designed to be battery-operated only. Do not substitute plug-in power supplies.

hemisphere is one octant ahead of the left hemisphere, the right hemisphere indicator will be advanced one column in front of the left hemisphere indicator.

Yes, But Does It Work?

How do we know that what we see on the display is really what is going on in our head? What makes data from the headset electronics different from a string of random data? Testing, of course.

I've already discussed the first test: Taking a waveform built of known sinusoidal components, passing it through the FFT algorithm, and verifying that the frequency and energy levels coming out are what I put in. The next level of confidence comes from using a sine-wave generator to force-feed the hardware with real data. Photo 3 is a sample of a 10-Hz sine wave being introduced into the headset electronics channel 1 input. Note that all other frequency bands are null.

Once we know how the FFT algorithm works—and we have the confidence that the hardware will deliver the data correctly—the rest is up to interpretation by the users. A sample session using the complete system seems to indicate that many frequencies are active. There also appears to be a difference between the right and left hemispheres in both amplitude and phase. But just what that means will have to be left to a person more involved with biofeedback.

Using HAL

HAL is one of the few Circuit Cellar projects in which the circuitry and software are relatively simple in comparison to the application. While the basic EEC apparatus has been in use for 60 years, we are just beginning to understand the "circuitry" and "software" operating within our own heads. Hundreds of volumes are devoted to clinical and research electroencephalography. I have included some possibilities for further reading at the end of the article; you may find them interesting as you explore this complex and fascinating field.

HAL provides an effective demonstration of how our gross behavior is in some way mirrored in the electrical activity of the brain. To view this behavior, however, you must learn how to connect HAL to your head.

You can purchase disposable EEG electrodes with adhesive pads and conductive gel from medical supply houses. Reusable silver/silver-chloride electrodes are also available. The reusable electrodes are more expensive initially, but you can use them almost indefinitely if you care for them properly.

Five wires are involved in a two-channel HAL connection: common reference, left-channel differential input pair (Jl A and J2A), and right-channel differential input pair (JIB and J2B). You should construct the differential pair wires with shielded cable. I found that standard shielded microphone cable—with a male RCA connector at one end and a snap to mate with the electrode at the other end—is quite sufficient. The shield is, of course, grounded only at the RCA jack on HAL. Be careful not to accidentally short the shield to the differential input electrodes or HAL will produce erroneous results.

You can place the common reference electrode on the mastoid, the bony projection just behind the ear. You should first clean the area with soap and water to remove oils from the hair and scalp. Next, rub the area lightly with a piece of alcoholdampened gauze. Finally, peel the adhesive from a disposable electrode, fill the well with conductive gel (but do not overfill), and place the electrode on the selected spot.

Follow a similar procedure to place the differential-pair electrodes on each hemisphere. One wire (J2A or J2B) goes over the frontal lobe—directly above the eye and just below where your

hairline was before it started receding! The second electrode (Jl A or JIB) is more difficult to place (unless you happen to be completely bald). You should put it over the occipital lobe, which in most people is covered with hair.

On the back of your head is a ridge, where your skull begins to bend inward toward your neck. Find a spot about a third of the way from the midline of your head to the common electrode placed on the mastoid and just on or below the ridge. Prepare the scalp as before, taking care to hold the hair carefully away from the site. You might try using a sweatband to hold the electrode in better contact with the scalp, making several small holes in the sweatband to allow easier access to the electrode connector.

Figure 6 shows the general location and nomenclature for commonly used electrode placements. If you build a multichannel model of HAL, you should refer to more detailed literature about electrode placement, monopolar and bipolar placement, and other esoteric subjects.

Assuming that you have successfully placed both channels of electrodes appropriately, it is time to fire up the software supplied with HAL. Remember, to retain its electrical isolation,

continued

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Figure 6: Commonly used locations and nomenclature for electrode placement.

JULY 1988 •BYTE 295

FEATURE CIARCIA'S CIRCUIT CELLAR

you should operate HAL only on batteries, exactly as presented.

Attach the electrode wires to the electrode connectors, connect HAL to the computer's COMl port, turn on HAL, load BIO.EXE into the computer, and watch your monitor. The sample display illustrated previously will let you see your own brain activity as you produce it. Actually, due to sampling and processing time, you will see it delayed by about half a second.

You may see little high-amplitude activity, and the dominant frequency may drift quite a bit (pressing F3 will change the amplitude range). But if you close your eyes and make your mind less blank than usual, your "lab partner" should see a dominant frequency appear somewhere in the alpha-wave range. Of course, if you open your eyes to see it, it will immediately disappear. Somehow this is reminiscent of the old question about a tree falling in a forest making a sound or not. Since HAL's data is serial, you could store a session to disk and view it "off-line" later.

The display also shows the condition of the two optional switches that can be attached to HAL. The intent here was to provide a way for you to monitor either some external condition or internal state, so you can correlate it with your brain-wave activity. You could use two momentary contact switches, one for each hand perhaps, to see if you can correctly identify from internal cues some aspect of brain functioning (e.g., what band you are producing a dominant frequency in, whether the left or right hemisphere is showing greater power output for different mental tasks, and so forth).

Alternatively, some external source—the presence or absence of music, a strobe light, or other stimulus—could trigger the switches. Since you have two switches, you could test for four different conditions.

You can also modify the BIO code to ttarn HAL into a standard biofeedback device. In this case, you would want to add threshold controls. That is, the program could provide audio feedback only when you had achieved certain minimum values of relative amplittide within a certain frequency band. You could provide different feedback for each channel, or feedback could be tied into both channels meeting the same (or different) criteria.

A multichannel HAL would need a completely different display to provide meaningful feedback about the brain's activity. An EGA display could be mighty useful here, in some way showing activity in terms of color on a map of the brain.

A Final Thought

As I said earlier, we are only starting to understand the relationship between our brain-wave activity and our mental states. HAL is not intended to take the place of a $100,000 EEC analyzer in a modem neurologist's lab, but it certainly can provide the serious experimenter a valid vehicle for entry into the fascinating world of neuroscience.

Next Month

I'll present a development system for Intel's 8051 family of microcontrollers using the IBM PC as a base. ■

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Brown, Barbara. New Mind, New Body: Bio-Feedback; New Directions for the Mind. New York: Harper & Row, 1974.

Kooi, Kenneth. Fundamentals of Electroencephalography. New York: Harper & Row, 1971.

Scientific American Editors. Altered States of Awareness. San Francisco: W. H. Freeman & Co., 1972.

Segalowitz, Sid J. Two Sides of the Brain: Brain Lateralization Explored. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1983.

296 BYTE- JULY 1988

Special thanks for help provided on this article to Dr. Robert Stek, David Schulze, Rob Schenck, Jeff Bachiochi, and Ed Nisley.

Editor's Note: Steve often refers to previous Circuit Cellar articles. Most of these past articles are available in book form from BYTE Books, McGraw-Hm Book Co., P.O. Box 400, Hightstown, NJ 08250.

Ciarcia 's Circuit Cellar, Volume / covers articles in BYTE from September 1977 through November 1978. Volume II covers December 1978 through June 1980. Volume ///covers July 1980 through December 1981. Ko/Mme/Kcovers January 1982 through June 1983. Volume V covers July 1983 through December 1984. Volume K/covers January 1985 through June 1986.

Circuit Cellar Ink

It's virtually impossible to provide all the pertinent details of a project or cover all the designs I'd like to in the pages of BYTE. For that reason, I have started a bimonthly supplemental publication called Circuit Cellar Ink, which presents additional information on projects published in BYTE, new projects, and supplemental applications-oriented materials. For a one-year subscription (6 issues), send $14.95 to Circuit Cellar Ink, P.O. Box 3378, Wallingford, CT 06494. Credit card orders can call (203) 875-2199.

The following item is available from

CCI

P.O. Box 428 Tolland, CT 06084 (203) 875-2751 Inquiry 934.

Circuit Cellar Hemispheric Activation Level Detector (HAL) complete printed circuit board kit. Comes with printed circuit board and all chips and board-mounted components, including 80C31, IC sockets, 27C64 EPROM, user's manual, and IBM PC demonstration display on PC format disk. Does not include battery holders, batteries, scalp electrodes, or connecting cables. HAL-4-KIT $179;

add $19 if you want an IBM PC cable.

The Circuit Cellar HAL design is available for licensing to qualified manufacturers. Call for information.

All payments should be made in U.S. dollars by check, money order, MasterCard, or Visa. Surface delivery (U.S. and Canada only): add $5 for U.S., $8 for Canada. For delivery to Europe via U.S. airmail, add $14. Three-day air freight delivery: add $7 for U.S. (second-day Federal Express), $15 for Canada (DHL), $22 for Europe (DHL), or $30 for Asia and elsewhere in the world (DHL).

There is a multiline Circuit Cellar bulletin board system (running TBBS 2.0M) that supports past and present projects in BYTE and Ink. You are invited to call and exchange ideas and comments with other Circuit Cellar supporters. The 300-/1200-/2400-bps BBS is on-line 24 hours a day at (203) 871-1988.

To receive information about the Circuit Cellar Ink publication for hardware designers and developers, please circle 100 on the Reader Service inquiry card at the back of the magazine.

Steve Ciarcia (pronounced "see-ARE-see-ah") is an electronics engineer and computer consultant with experience in process control, digital design, nuclear instrumentation, and product development. The author ofseveral books on electronics, he can be reached at P. O. Box 582, Glastonbury, CT06033, or on BIX as "sciarcia. "

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It's indispensable.

FEATURE

A TURBO TSR

Turbo Pascal 4.0 has everything you need to craft your own TSRs

Scott Robert Ladd

erminate-and-stay-resident (TSR) utilities are popular among users of the IBM PC family of computers, and it's easy to see why. A TSR can I^BIHH fill just about any utilitarian need you have: ^^"^^^ spelling checker, keyboard macro generator, pop-up calendar and notepad, special device driver, LAN manager, and the list goes on. What's the secret behind the TSR's flexibility?

A TSR performs some sort of task, either automatically (in response to some interrupt) or when you request it. After it has executed, it returns control of the system to MS-DOS but remains resident in the computer's memory. Since MS-DOS is a single-tasking operating system, a TSR can provide a limited level of multiprocessing. Borland's SideKick and Living VideoText's Ready are two currently successful commercial TSRs.

By their nature, TSRs violate many rules of "proper" programming. They often commandeer system resources that documentation clearly states should not be commandeered, and they can interrupt an unsuspecting program. However, with careful planning and design, you can create a TSR that minimizes its impact on the other programs that are running on your computer.

Nearly every programmer I've talked with has had the desire to write a TSR program. Until recently, most TSRs were written in assembly language, which requires some fairly advanced technical skills. With the advent of Turbo Pascal 4.0, you can now write a well-behaved TSR entirely in a high-level language.

The advantage of this is the ease of code creation and maintenance. Turbo Pascal 4.0 (for the remainder of this article, any references to Turbo Pascal will mean version 4.0) provides many facilities applicable to creating TSRs; facilities the programmer would otherwise have to spend hours creating (see the textbox "Turbo Pascal 4.0" on page 303). I believe these conveniences far outweigh the only disadvantage of using Turbo Pascal to create a TSR: larger program size. It adds about 8K to the resident size of a TSR, although this becomes less important as the size of the TSR increases.

Case Study: The Quick Time TSR

The TSR that I designed displays a clock on a PC's CRT when you press a special key sequence known as a hot key. Once the clock appears, you can press any key to make the clock vanish and remm control to the interrupted application. I call this TSR Quick Time (QT for short), and, although it is not terribly complex, it has all the elements found in more complicated TSR utilities:

• A hot key activates the program.

• Since QT will make changes in the video display, the program saves the current display and cursor of the underlying application, then restores them upon exit.

• QT can determine if it has already been installed and will not allow multiple copies of itself in memory.

• MS-DOS is not reentrant—meaning it must not be interrupted by a TSR when it is in the middle of doing something. QT will not activate during critical MS-DOS activities.

• If QT is already activated, it will not allow itself to be activated "on top of itself."

• You can deinstall QT (remove it from memory) when you no longer need it.

[Editor's note: Pseudocode for Quick Time is in listing 1. The complete source for QTis available on disk, on BIX, on BYTEnet, and in the Quarterly Listings Supplement. See page 3 for further details. \

Getting Your Toe in the Door

From the user's standpoint, installing a TSR program proceeds in the same way as executing a normal program: You simply enter the name of the program at the MS-DOS prompt. A normal program goes about its business and, when finished, frees the memory it was using. A TSR program, however, does several things before returning control to the system. For instance, QT does the following:

continued

JULY 1988 -BYTE 301

FEATURE A TURBO TSR

^TMrZ^o Pascal 4.0 provides many facilities applicable to creating TSRs; facilities you would otherwise have to spend hours creating.

1. It checks to see if a copy of itself has already been installed. If so, it aborts the installation.

2. It determines the type of video adapter installed.

3. It intercepts required interrupt vectors and reroutes them to its own interrupt handlers. For example, QT captures the keyboard interrupt to watch for the hot key.

4. It locates the INDOS flag. This is an undocumented feature that QT uses to determine if it can interrupt MS-DOS.

5. It terminates using the Turbo Pascal procedure Keep, returning control to MS-DOS and remaining resident in memory.

It is essential that a TSR determine whether or not a copy of itself has already been installed. Unfortunately, MS-DOS has no built-in functions for identifying which programs are in memory. Some TSRs search through the memory allocated for an identifying sequence. This is a slow method that may not

Listing 1: Pseudocode for Quick Time.

START:

Display heading;

Call INITIALIZATION;

If INITIALIZATION = TRUE then

Tell user of successful install; Terminate and stay resident (Use Turbo Pascal's KEEP procedure}, else

Tell user of failure; Exit.

INITIALIZATION:

If QT already installed then

return FALSE. Set display buffer based on video mode; Reroute INT 28H vector; Reroute INT IIH vector; Reroute INT 09H vector; Locate the INDOS flag; Store location of QT's stack; Set BUSY to FALSE; Return TRUE.

INT28: {INT 28H handler} Clear interrupts;

Call original DOS INT 28H handler; (A) :

If BUSY = TRUE and HOTKEY pressed then

call DEINSTALL. If BUSY = FALSE and HOTKEY pressed and current video mode is text mode then Begin

Set BUSY to TRUE;

Save caller's stack;

Set stack to QT's stack;

Save current display {SaveScrn};

call PROCESS;

Restore display {RestScrn};

302 BYTE- JULY 1988

work with all flavors of MS-DOS. Other TSRs check for special codes in and around the entry points to specific interrupts. That method is simple to implement in assembly language, but very difficult to use from a high-level language such as Turbo Pascal.

QT uses an entirely different method. BIOS interrupt 11 hexadecimal returns the equipment status word from a fixed location in low memory. When first installed, QT intercepts interrupt 1 Ih and watches the CX register for a special 2-byte code. If QT receives this code, it places a second (answering) code in CX. In any case, QT will load the AX register with the equipment status word, so that any program calling this interrupt will still get the proper information. The first thing QT does when executed is load CX with the first code, execute an interrupt llh, and then look for the response code. If CX does not contain the response code, QT knows that it has not been installed, and so it proceeds normally. Otherwise, the installa

Set BUSY = FALSE; End.

Restore interrupts; Exit.

INTll: {INT IIH handler}

Call original DOS INT IIH handler; If CX register has call code then

Load CX register with response code. Load AX register with equipment list word; Exit.

INT09: {INT 09H handler} Disable interrupts; Call original BIOS INT 09H handler;

(Remainder of code identical to (A) in INT 28H HANDLER routine.)

PROCESS:

Turn the cursor off; Repeat

Get current time;

Position output location;

Display time; Until key is pressed. Restore the cursor; Exit.

DEINSTALL:

Save caller's stack; Set stack to QT's stack; Turn cursor on; Restore screen;

Restore original INT 28H, IIH, and

09H vectors;

Deallocate QT's memory;

Restore caller's stack;

Exit to DOS {Use Turbo Pascal's

1

FEATURE A TURBO TSR

tion terminates with an appropriate message. You can use this method for multiple TSRs by just changing the request and response codes (InstCodel and InstCode2 in QT's source code).

QT displays information on the screen, and so must save the display of the current application when activated. QT gets the current video mode using function OFh of BIOS interrupt lOh. If the mode is 7, QT knows it is dealing with a monochrome adapter with video memory beginning at segment BOOOh. Otherwise, QT knows it is dealing with a color adapter (CGA or EGA) whose video memory begins at segment B800h.

Next, the program must intercept several interrupts. You can declare a Turbo Pascal procedure to be an interrupt handler by using the Interrupt statement in the procedure definition. An interrupt handler must save all registers when called, and return using a special IRET (interrupt return) function. The Interrupt statement tells Turbo Pascal to handle all this automatically.

QT uses the Turbo Pascal function GetlntVec to obtain a current interrupt vector address. QT saves the vector (a pointer to the interrupt handler code in the BIOS) and "wires" a new interrupt handler into the interrupt. I used the Turbo Pascal SetlntVec procedure, which assigns a Turbo Pascal procedure's address to an interrupt. In this way, any program that calls the old interrupt will pass through QT's new handler code, which transfers control to the saved vector. This keeps other programs that use the same interrupt from being "cut off." When you deinstall QT, it restores the old interrupt vector.

QT intercepts three interrupts: 1 Ih, used for determining the TSR's installation status (see above); and interrupts 09h and 28h, so that QT can watch for its hot key. (Pressing a key invokes interrupt 09h. Interrupt 28h is the MS-DOS "idle" interrupt; the operating system calls this interrupt when the system is at the DOS prompt, waiting for a key.)

An undocumented MS-DOS function, 34h, retrieves the address of what is known as the INDOS flag. This counter represents the number of currently active MS-DOS functions. MSDOS is non-reentrant. Simply put, this means a program cannot interrupt an MS-DOS procedure in progress to call another MS-DOS procedure. QT's Int09 interrupt handler uses the INDOS flag to avoid interrupting MS-DOS when it is busy (e.g., when INDOS is greater than 0). The TSR has to be clever, however, because INDOS is set to 1 whenever MS-DOS is awaiting input at the DOS prompt. However, since MS-DOS periodically executes an interrupt 28h while waiting, and since QT intercepts this interrupt, the TSR can deduce when it's safe to activate.

Finally, QT sets a Busy flag to FALSE, indicating that the TSR is inactive. (The Int09 and Int28 interrupt handlers check the Busy flag to ensure that QT is not activated while it is already active.) It then calls Turbo Pascal's Keep procedure, which calculates the program's size and uses MS-DOS interrupt 21h, function 31h to terminate the application and keep it resident. You can use Turbo Pascal's $M directive to set the size of a program's stack and heap (where the program keeps dynamically allocated variables); I have set each to IK bytes. If you're writing a more complex TSR, you'll probably need to set your stack and heap size to some larger value.

Pop It Up

The interrupt-handling procedures Int09 and Int28 watch for QT's hot key. When either interrupt is invoked, the handler executes the Callint function (which I wrote in in-line code) to execute the original interrupt handler. Upon return from the original handler, QT compares the hot key code in constant Ac

Turbo Pascal 4.0

Here's a quick list of the Turbo Pascal 4.0 features that relieve some of the burdensome work of writing a TSR:

GetlntVeo—This procedure accepts an interrupt vector number (must be in the range 0-255) and returns the address stored at that vector's location.

Interrupt—Not a procedure itself, the interrupt directive defines a user-written procedure as being an interrupt handler. Such a procedure automatically saves all registers upon entry and initializes the DS register.

Pref ixSeg—A predefined word variable that contains the segment address of the Program Segment Prefix.

SetlntVec—Inverse of GetlntVec. You pass an interrupt vector number and the address of an interrupt service routine (ISR) to SetlntVec. The ISR becomes the new interrupt handler for the vector.

Keep—This procedure calls the DOS terminate-and-stayresident function (interrupt 21h, function 31h). The program's code, data, and stack segments remain in memory, and control returns to DOS.

Halt—Stops the program and returns control to the operating system.

tlvate against the keyboard status byte. Each bit in the keyboard status byte represents the current state of the shift and toggle keys. The 8 bits are mapped as shown in table 1.

QT looks for the value OAh in the status byte, which indicates that the user is pressing the Left Shift and Alt keys simultaneously. (If you're going to write your own TSR, you should make sure that different TSRs use different key combinations for activation.) QT then checks the Busy flag to verify that it is FALSE, proceeds if so, and exits if not. As a final check, the TSR confirms that the video display is in one of the text modes. If not, QT will not activate. (Graphics modes use large amounts of memory—from 4K bytes to 256K bytes on standard PC video adapters—and QT would have to reserve enough memory within itself to preserve the graphics screen, making QT's memory requirements prohibitive.)

Once QT has determined that it can activate, it saves the current value of the stack segment and pointer (the SS and SP registers). QT then sets the stack to the TSR's own local stack. This is a preventative measure that guarantees there will be enough stack space for QT to execute. Of course, QT will restore the interrupted programs stack at exit time.

QT also saves the current video mode, display buffer, and cursor position using Turbo Pascal's SaveScrn procedure. Because some programs (e.g., SideKick) don't use the BIOS to manipulate the cursor (they talk directly to the 6845 video controller chip), SaveScrn must save the position in two ways: through the BIOS, and by accessing cursor information internal to the 6845. SaveScrn's counterpart is RestScrn, which restores the original mode, display, and cursor.

QT's Process procedure handles the actual visuals. The program simply runs in a loop, retrieving, formatting, and display

continued

JULY 1988 'BYTE 303

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FEATURE A TURBO TSR

Table 1: Format of the keyboard status word. If a bit is set to 1, the associated key is activated; ifO, it is not.

Bit Meaning

0

Right shift

1

Left shift

2

Control

3

Alt

4

Scroll lock

5

Num lock

6

Caps lock

7

Insert state

Circle 277 on Reader Service Card

ing the time. The loop exits when you press any key. I've defined procedures CursorOn and CursorOf f (using BIOS interrupt lOh, functions 1 and 3) to turn on and off the display of the cursor, avoiding a flashing cursor on the screen.

Out! Out! Damned TSR!

Often, you will want to remove (or "deinstall") a TSR once it has become resident. This is usually done to make the memory taken up by the TSR available to other programs.

The Int09 and Int28 procedures watch all keystrokes, and if they see that you've pressed the hot key while the Busy flag is TRUE (i.e., while the TSR is activated) they call procedure Deinstall.

Deinstall first restores the original screen and cursor. Then it reinstalls the previous interrupt handlers for interrupts 28h, 1 Ih, and 09h (saved during the initialization of the TSR).

Finally, the TSR must free the memory blocks it has taken control of. There are two such blocks: one for the program itself and one for its environment. When you execute a program under MS-DOS, the operating system places a program segment prefix (PSP) in the first 256 bytes before the program. The PSP includes several items of information, but there's only one that we're really interested in: the segment program's environment block, located at an offset of 44 bytes within the PSP.

Fortunately, Turbo Pascal provides a predefined variable, Pref ixSeg, which contains the segment of the PSP. Using Pref ixSeg, QT creates a pointer to both the environment block and the program block. The TSR then uses MS-DOS function 49h to free a given block of memory beginning at a specific segment. Once QT has released its memory, it exits using Turbo Pascal's HALT procedure. QT is no longer resident.

There is one significant problem you can encounter when you deinstall QT (or any TSR, for that matter). QT does not know if any other programs, TSR or otherwise, are loaded into memory after it. If QT is not the last program in memory when you deinstall it, a hole will be created in memory, causing the operating system to faU with the message "Memory Allocation Error." Your only recourse in this situation is to reboot your PC.

Termination

Using QT, it should be easier for you to develop advanced TSRs like pop-up calculators and notepads. I hope I've helped bring the writing of TSRs down from the rarefied altitude of assembly language to environs frequented by programmers who might feel more comfortable using a high-level language. ■

Scott Robert Ladd owns Elegant Technologies, a consulting firm in Denver, Colorado that specializes in IBM PC compatibles.

i

FEATURE

Fast Track vs. Failsafe

It may not he as fast as other RISC chips, but VIPER's error-free design could be a life-and-death matter at Mack 3

Dick Fountain

ost microprocessor manufacturers are quite

Mshameless in their pursuit of execution speed. The latest architectures use massive register files, pipelined instruction fetches, on-chip caches, internal concurrency, and many other tricks to get data through the chip as fast as possible. Unfortunately, this pursuit of speed often comes at the expense of accuracy.

By contrast, in the design of VIPER (Verifiable Integrated Processor for Enhanced Reliability), a new 32-bit MSG design microprocessor, speed was of only secondary importance. England's Ministry of Defense plans to use VIPER in control systems for the Royal Air Force's next generation of "fly-by-wire" military aircraft. Such aircraft have no mechanical link to the pilot's control stick, but depend on a microprocessor to move the airplane's control surfaces. These chips must be absolutely correct—any bug could be fatal. In the U.S., NASA is also evaluating possible applications for VIPER.

Designed by the Royal Signals and Radar Establishment (RSRE) in Malvern, England, VIPER is the first microprocessor designed using mathematical correctness proof techniques. These prove that the chip meets its specifications and that it will always function as intended.

ILLUSTRATION: BART GOLDMAN © 1988

Bugs vs. Bucks

In applications where human lives are directly at risk, microprocessor system integrity takes on a special importance. But ever since the first IC microprocessors were invented, chips have had bugs in them that programmers have had to work around. The recent spate of bug reports for the Intel 80386 is typical of the eariy days of any major new CPU chip.

The reason chip makers don't immediately fix microprocessors with known bugs is simple: The masking process for making VLSI (very large scale integration) chips is so expensive that

it's not commercially feasible to make a new mask and a new chip revision for every minor bug that emerges. However, "minor" bugs are only as minor as their consequences; if they could crash the control program that is the only thing connecting your joystick to your elevator at Mach 3, you have a right to regard them as major.

There's no need to fear bugs that everyone knows about. However, there may be a deep-rooted fault in the logic that becomes apparent only in a rare combination of circimistances. Such bugs can slip through the best-constructed test regimens and remain undetected until Murphy's Law dictates that they surface.

System integrity and safety problems aren't new. For cenmries, engineers have had to continued

JULY 1988 -BYTE 305

FEATURE FAST TRACK VS. FAILSAFE

create systems where human life is at stake, and they have established many strategies for coping with risk. One of the most effective is to create redundancy by duplicating critical components to reduce the probability of system failure. For example, a truck might have two braking systems, or an aircraft two or more hydraulic systems.

Unfortunately, the introduction of digital computers has created almost intractable problems with this strategy. Computers, especially those using VLSI technology, are so complex that no one can comprehend the entirety of their possible states, interactions, and failure modes. Even designers are wholly dependent on automated aids to create these chips. This complexity can undermine a safety strategy based on redundancy.

Crisis of Confidence

Imagine a control system that uses three identical, independent microprocessors that make all decisions by majority vote. This provides an effective solution in cases where one of the processors fails due to physical damage. But a deep-seated bug is likely to appear in all three processors simultaneously. For genuine redundancy it's better to use processors from three different manufacturers, all running different programs. However, this makes the task of writing the control systems more complex and introduces more opportunities for error.

And that's only the hardware side of the problem. A similar crisis of confidence exists in the software world and has spawned the discipline of software engineering. A few years ago, I attended a seminar where a transport safety engineer described a redundant system he'd designed using Forth on twin Intel 8008 microprocessors. He felt personally responsible for the safety of railway passengers but couldn't guarantee the integrity of an 80286 or a 68000 chip. Instead, he stockpiled 8008s (which have been out of production for 10 years) because he was sure he understood all its bugs. He chose Forth because it was a simple language in which to write his own compiler, and he felt that he could trust no one else's. Even after going to such lengths, however, the engineer will never know for sure whether he provided 100 percent reliability—unless the system fails.

VLSI computers and related software are so complex that de

signers can't progress without depending upon the work of previous generations of designers and programmers. Unfortunately, this means that, as far as reliability is concerned, designers can have little confidence in the correctness of their work. For the defense industry, it was this potentially deadly paradox that prompted the design of VIPER.

VIPER'S Architecture

VIPER'S design was completed in 1987, and the RSRE staff first implemented it using a standard gate array. Marconi Electronic Devices has now licensed VIPER and implemented it as the MAS 1908 VIPER-1. The company fabricates VIPER-1 chips using both bulk CMOS technology and Silicon on Sapphire for radiation hardness, and packages them as a 120-pin grid array. In redundant systems, designers may use versions of the same architecture implemented using different fabrication technologies. This reduces the chance of bugs appearing as a result of the manufacturing process (i.e., the 80386's temperature-sensitive math bug).

VIPER is a 32-bit processor with a 20-bit address bus and a 20-bit I/O space that can address up to 1 megaword of memory (1 megaword equals 4 megabytes) and 1 megaword of I/O space. It uses a very small instruction set and a minimum of functional units to make the correctness proof feasible. Unlike typical RISC designs, which execute 1 instruction per clock cycle, VIPER'S instructions take between 6 and 26 clock cycles to execute, and the number of registers provided is very small. Its performance is rated at 1 million instructions per second (MIPS), which, while far from breaking records, is not to be sniffed at.'

A VIPER programmer sees only three 32-bit registers—the accumulator A and the two index registers X and Y—plus a program counter, P. The programmer can use the A, X, and Y registers interchangeably as general-purpose registers, but VIPER uses the Y register to hold the return address during subroutine calls. Only one flag is used, a 1-bit B register that holds the result of comparison operations (see figure 1).

In addition to the B flag, the VIPER's ALU has a "stop" output, which goes out to an external pin. Whenever VIPER computes an illegal operation, arithmetic overflow, or an ille

Register set

Buffer

External data

External address

Address latch

Stop

ALU

Instruction latch

Instruction decoder

Figure 1: Proving the mathematical correctness of the VIPER-1 microprocessor required a simple architecture, as shown here.

306 BYTE • JULY 1988

FEATURE FAST TRACK VS. FAILSAFE

gal address (i.e., more than 20 bits), it stops and raises an exception signal on this pin. The system in which it is embedded then knows that an error has occurred. The only way to continue after a stop is to reset the processor, which clears all registers. The stop condition also occurs when a read from memory or a peripheral device exceeds 63 clock cycles. This stop feature reflects the strict view that when an error occurs, it's dangerous to continue processing. The external system must heed the stop signal and perform some predefined corrective action, like switching to another processor or loading a new program.

Unsafe at Any Speed

VIPER'S designers deemed certain hardware features to be so intrinsically unsafe that they excluded them. There's no hardware stack, because overflow and underflow pose insurmountable problems for validation. For similar reasons, there's no interrupt system. Hardware validation is currently possible only for fully synchronous systems, so VIPER avoids the internal concurrency that provides the high performance of the 68030 and most new RISC processors. No refresh circuitry is provided for dynamic RAMs, so VIPER must be used with static RAMs.

All instructions have the same 32-bit-word format, of which 20 bits can hold an immediate constant, an address, or an offset. The remaining 12 bits select source and destination, registers or memory, and the function to perform. VIPER has 32 function codes, 16 of which are comparison operations. The rest are arithmetic, logical, shift, and memory-read operations.

Every ALU operation has a stop condition that can stop the processor and raise an exception. For example, most operations cannot use the P program counter as a destination. For those operations, destination P is a stop condition. Only Read from Memory, Call, Increment, and Decrement can be performed on P, and the latter two cause a stop if an overflow occurs.

Proving Correctness

VIPER'S designers chose an extremely Spartan architecture so that a small number of state machines could describe the processor (a finite-state machine is a mathematical device that has a finite number of mutually exclusive states).

When in a particular state, the state machine can perform actions that determine which state it will move to next. A simple analogy is a typewriter, which has uppercase and lowercase states controlled by the Shift and Shift Lock keys. When in the Shift Lock state, pressing any alphabetic key causes an uppercase letter to print, but pressing the Shift key causes a transition back to the lowercase state. A state machine is an attractive model for simple physical systems, because designers can completely define their behavior by describing the states and the allowed transitions between states.

Eleven simple state machines, or major states, describe VIPER, and these combine to form the major-state machine in figure 2. The node marked dummy represents the state immediately before an instruction fetch. Any VIPER instruction can be represented by a path through this diagram, starting and ending at dummy. For example, the path dummy->f etch-> dummy represents the skip (i.e., do nothing) instruction, because it simply fetches the next instruction. Four of VIPER's pins are called major states 0 to 3. They indicate the processor's current major state to the outside world, for use in debugging and testing.

VIPER'S top-down design has four description and documentation levels. The top level is an abstract specification of what the machine is to do. It's written in LCF-LSM (logic of computable functions/logic of sequential machines), a functional logic language based on first-order predicate calculus developed by Dr. Michael Gordon at the Computer Laboratory

Figure 2: Eleven major states represent the mathematical model of the VIPER microprocessor.

of Cambridge University.

A state vector that holds the contents of the memory, registers, flag, and stop stattis describes the state of VIPER when resting between instructions:

state: (RAM, A, X, Y, B, stop)

Writing the top-level specification consists of defining a function called next: (state -> state) that describes all possible transitions of this vector when the machine executes a single instruction. Next is itself defined in terms of auxiliary functions, including a function called ALU, which completely specifies the machine's arithmetic. The full specification for VIPER comprises some 240 lines of LCF-LSM and can be printed on a single sheet of paper. By contrast, if the Motorola 68000 had a formal specification, it would probably fill a telephone book. A sample of the specification for ALU is shown in listing 1.

The second description level is the major-state machine itself, which is also written in LCF-LSM. It describes the inner workings of the component state machines. To describe the major states, VIPER's designers concatenated a second vector that contains the values of the control fields in the first 12 bits of a VIPER instruction with the following state vector:

major: (RAM, A, X, Y, B, stop)(T, regselect, meraselect, destination, compare, function)

T is an internal register not available to the programmer. This combined vector represents the transient state as an instruction executes. The description of each node in figure 2 now comprises two functions, one defining the exit conditions from this node and another defining the corresponding transformation of its major-state vector.

The third level is the electronic block model, consisting of an ALU, an instruction decoder, and the rest of the units shown in figure 1. This is written in both LCF-LSM and ELLA. A lower-level language, ELLA's advantage is that tools already exist to convert it into input for a VLSI CAD/CAM system. No such tools exist for LCF-LSM. A library of LCF-LSM functions in ELLA provides the bridge between the two languages.

continued

JULY 1988 "BYTE 307

FEATURE FAST TRACK VS. FAILSAFE

The final description level, a gate-level circuit description, was written entirely in ELLA and converts directly into CAD/ CAM input for Ferranti or Marconi's fabrication processes.

Proofs Performed

The task of verifying that VIPER was a correct implementation of the top-level specification in figure 3 involved proving that each level of the hierarchy was a faithful translation of the one above it in every respect. Between the first three levels, from top level to major state, and from major state to electronic block diagram, VIPER's designers performed the proofs algebraically using first-order logic within the LCF-LSM language. While the details of the proofs used are beyond the scope of

Listing 1: A fragment of the top-level specification of VIPER in the LCF-LSM language, which defines 32-bit addition. This language can represent values either as positive integers, as machine words of various lengths, or as lists of Boolean values (bits). It provides built-in functions like V, TL, EL, WORDn and BITSn to convert between these representations and to manipulate bit lists.

TRIM34T032 :word34 -> word32

TRIM34T032(w) == WORD32(V(TL(TL(BITS34 w)

ADD32 :(word32 # word32) ->

(word32 # bool # bool) ADD32(r,m) ==

LET sum = WORD34((VAL33(SIGNEXT r)) + (VAL33 (SIGNEXT in))) IN LET opposite = {EL31(BITS32 r))

XOR (EL31 (BITS32 m)) (TRIM34T032 sum, (EL32(BITS34 sum))

))

IN

XOR opposite.

((EL32(BITS34 sum)) XOR (EL31(BITS34 sum))))

Language

LCF-LSM

LCF-LSM

LCF-LSM & ELLA

ELLA

Description level Verification

Top level specification

Major state model

Electronic

block diagram

Circuit layout

Silicon

Algebraic proof

Algebraic proof

Intelligent exiiaustive simulation

CAD system checks

Figure 3: VIPER's hardware validation process uses a hierarchy of description levels.

this article, an overview is in order. The first-level proof involves generating a spanning tree, which contains all the paths through figure 2 to establish the completeness of the proof. Completeness is extremely important, as unforeseen processor states are more likely to cause hidden bugs than are the wellstudied main states.

This use of a spanning tree is valid only for synchronous systems in wliich transitions occur in a regular time sequence. (This accounts for the design restrictions mentioned earlier.) Chief VIPER designer, Dr. John Cullyer, performed a first informal proof by hand, and the proofs have subsequently been repeated by researchers at Cambridge University using a powerful automatic theorem prover. The automated prover, which had to perform over 1 million primitive inferences, detected three errors in the manual proof.

To prove the correctness of the translation from electronic block diagram to circuit layout, the design team devised the Intelligent Exhaustive Simulation technique. In principle, to verify the circuit for a function block, you would have to prove for every combination of inputs that the block specification and the circuit produce the same results. However, this is often impractical, since for n inputs, 2" tests are needed.

Intelligent Exhaustive Simulation relies on ELLA's ability to handle multivalued logic where, in addition to true and false, the values don't care and don't know are possible. The programmer can set inputs that, according to the specification, should be irrelevant to don't care. If they're truly irrelevant, the output is unaffected. But if, due to an implementation error, they do have some effect, the output will expose this by delivering a don' t know value. With this technique, far fewer than 2" tests can yield an equivalent level of proof, given that the multivalue logic is first verified as correct. For example, the VIPER instruction decoder has 18 inputs. This theoretically required 262,144 (218) tests, but 995 tests were sufficient.

VIPER'S designers assumed that the semicustom CAD/ CAM system would deliver correct masks from a correct circuit network, and they deemed the final level of proof, from circuit layout to silicon, unnecessary. The grounds for this belief are that the VLSI companies have invested tremendous sums to ensure that this is the case, and the CAD/CAM system itself performs numerous checks on which it's hard to improve. The design team backed up the formal mathematical proofs by conducting extensive simulations of each level. To do so, they wrote a compiler from LCF-LSM into Algol68 and then compiled and executed the actual specifications.

As well as establishing that VIPER contains no fundamental logic errors, the proof process provides complete, unambiguous documentation of the processor's operation at each description level with the LCF-LSM descriptions. This is of great importance, as incorrect or ambiguous documentation of a correct hardware feature can produce bugs in a program just as easily as can a fault in the hardware. Similarly incomplete documentation has plagued microprocessors since their earliest days.

VIPER Software

Although VIPER'S designers have established the correctness of the chip's design, the problem of writing correct software for it remains. There has been much research into mathematical software verification techniques, such as Oxford University professor CA.R. Hoare's work on the laws of programming (see "Mathematics of Programming," August 1986 BYTE), but few such techniques are practical for commercial use. Even so, programmers can apply several methods to improve the prospects of writing correct VIPER programs.

Most programmers will write VIPER programs either in

308 B YTE • JULY 1988

FEATURE FAST TRACK VS. FAILSAFE

VISTA (VIPER Structured Assembler), a block-structured high-level assembly language with a Pascal-like syntax, or in SPADE-Pascal. Two sophisticated program-analysis tools are available to handle programs written in these languages. The RSRE staff developed MALPAS (Malvern Program-Analysis Suite) to analyze VISTA programs, while researchers at Southampton University developed SPADE (Southampton Programs Analysis and Development Environment).

Both programs perform static analysis; that is, they investigate the structure of a program from its source text without running it. Both also require translation of the source program into an intermediate language in which the programmer can write the high-level specifications of the program's behavior. Finally, both provide the automated tools to do the translation.

MALPAS performs six different analyses on translated VISTA programs. Control Flow Analysis finds all routes through the program and isolates dead code; Data Use Analysis identifies program inputs and outputs; and Information Flow Analysis checks the dependencies between inputs and outputs. Partial Program Analysis decomposes the program into modules for checking by the Semantic Analyzer, which determines the relationship between inputs and outputs for all paths through the program. Compliance Analysis compares the results of the Semantic Analyzer with the program's intermediate language specification and reports noncompliances. Static analysis can find many deep bugs in a program structure, and programmers can use the results of the analysis further to help design test suites for dynamic analysis of the running program.

SPADE-Pascal is a subset of ISO-Pascal, minus some potentially unsafe constructs, such as variant records and procedural parameters. Soon, SPADE will include translators for Ada and Modula-2 in addition to Pascal. SPADE-Pascal uses formal comments, or "annotations," that SPADE can use to verify programs. SPADE includes a verification condition generator that works on programmer assertions expressed in these annotations, and a proof checker (written in Prolog) that can prove that the conditions are satisfied. Both of these tools, and the language systems they support, run under the VIPSE (Viper Integrated Programming Support Environment) operating environment.

A Failsafe Future?

It will be some time before hardware and software verification impinges significantly on the mainstream of personal computing. One reason is that the technique used to verify VIPER can cope only with chips with a complexity of up to 10,0(X) gates (VIPER has 5,(XXD, while processors like the 68020 have closer to 100,000). In the interim, while researchers develop more powerful proof methods, it may be possible to use a verified chip like VIPER as a watchdog that checks the inputs and outputs of riskier chips. Marconi intends to use this approach to interface VIPER-1 to an off-the-shelf floating-point coprocessor, since the verification of floating-point arithmetic is currently controversial.

The prospect of a bug-free microprocessor may seem unexciting to those who love to argue over who has the fastest 80386 system and swap stories of bugs in their C compilers. But, sooner or later, hardware and software verification will affect everyone directly. Beyond its application in military aircraft control and weapons arming systems, VIPER may appear in control systems for nuclear power plants and even commercial passenger jets, which are moving toward fly-by-wire technology. ■

Dick Fountain is a BYTE contributing editor, a technical author, and a software consultant living in London, England. You can contact him on BIX as "dickp. "

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FREE CATALOG

Thousands of parts and new surplus electronic parts at super low prices. FAST ORDER PROCESSING AND SHIPPING (95% of all orders shipped within 48 hours)

CALL OR WRITE FOR A FREE CATALOG. , .

ALL ELECTRONICS CORPORATION

P.O. Box 567, Van Nuys, CA 91408-0567

1-800-826-5432

Inquiry 576.

SOFTWARE PACKAGING, DISKS

Cloth binders & slips like IBMs. Vinyl binders, boxes, and lolders-many sizes. Disk pages, envelopes & labels. Low qly imprinting. Bulk & branded disks. Much More! Low prices. Fast service Call or write for FREE CATALOG.

Anthropomorphic Systems Limited

376-B East St. Charles Road Lombard, IL 60148 1-800-DEAL-NOW (312) 629-5160

Inquiry 577.

JOB PROTECTION

If your job depends on your computer, you should have our FREE catalog. Call (800) 356-5794 Ext. 1001 for a FREE catalog from the world's largest manufacturer of single phase uninterruptible pcwer supplies. Call or write today!

BEST POWER TECHNOLOGY, INC.

P.O. Box 280, Necedah, Wl 54646 In Wis. (608) 565-7200 Ext. 1001 (800) 356-5794 Ext. 1001

Inquiry 578.

ACCESSORIES

FREE Source-Book

1988 Industrial Computer Source-Book For Engineers & Scientists 164 page Sourca-Book Includes • Industrial & Lab Computers • Data Acquisition & Control I/O Cards • NEW 366 CPU Cards • CMOS I/O Cards • NEW PS/2 I/O Cards • Broad selection of Engineering and Scientific Software • And Much Morel

Industrial Computer Source

6466 Complex St. #206, San Diogo, CA 92123 (619) 279-0084 Ext. 1 The Single Sourca for Industrial Computer Supplies

Inquiry 581.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

muLISP" 87 for MS-DOS

Fast, compact, efficient LISP programming environment. muLISP programs run 2 to 3 times faster & take V2 to 1/3 the space of other LISPs. 450 Common LISP functions, multi-window editing & debugging, flavors, graphics primitives, lessons & help, demo programs, comprehensive manual.

Soft Warehouse, Inc.

3615 Harding Ave., Suite 505, Honolulu, HI 96816 (808) 734-5801

Inquiry 582.

BAR CODE

BAR CODES & BIG TEXT

On EPSON, IBM, OKI dot matrix or LaserJet. Design any lormat/size on ONE easy screen. 1-120 fields/label. 13 text sizes to 1" — readable at 50 II. AIAG. I^IL-STD, 2 of 5, 126. UPC/EAN, Code 39, etc. Color, Reverses, File Input, FAST—$279. Other menu-driven bar code programs from $49 30 day $ back.

Worthington Data Solutions

-ll/A Ingalls SI. Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (800) 345-4220 In CA: (408) 458-9938

BAR CODE

BARCODE BARGAINS

Buy direct and save. We'll beat any written quotes for competing equivalent bar code readers or bar code label generation software. Call or write for brochures. Quantity discounts, warranty, same day shipping. Bar codes are all we do at ITS.

international Technologies & Systems Corp.

1950 While Star Or, Diamond Bar. CA 91765 (714) 861-7977 Telex 6502824734 MCI

Inquiry 583.

BAR CODE MADE EASY

PERCON* E-2-READER'- keyboard interlaces and multiuser RS-232 models make it easy lo add bar code lo virtually any compuler/lerminal WITHOUT SOFTWARE MODIFICATION Immediate shipping. Two year warranty Bar code pnnting software available Call lor deiails on last, accurate, easy data entry. Substantial reseller discounts

PERCON®

2190 W. nth SL. Eugene, OR 97402 (503) 344-1189

Inquiry 584.

READ & PRINT BAR CODES

Fast, reliable data entry into your programs as if from your keyboard. Internal unit for PC, XT AT PS/2-IVI30. RS-232 unit for DOS S, Non-DOS systems (incl. all PS/2). Stainless steel wand and LASER interfaces. Powerful Bar Code and Text printing software.

Seagull Scientific Systems

601 University Ave, Suite 150. Sacramento. CA 95825 (916) 386-1776

RE-INK FABRIC RIBBONS

Cut ribbon cost by using Borg Ribbon Inkers. Do all cartridge ribbons with just one inker. Choose from 3 models. Ivlanual E-Zee Inker — $39.50 Electric E-Zee Inker — S89.50 Ink Master (Electric) — $159.00

1000's ol satisfied users in 5 years. Moneybaci^ guarantee.

BORG INDUSTRIES

525 MAIN ST., JANESVILLE, lA 50647 1-800-553-2404 In IOWA 31S-987-2976

Inquiry 579.

BAR CODE READERS

From the manufacturer for PC/XT/AT & PS/2. Attaches as 2nd keyboard, reads as keyed data. External or bus install. With steel wand—$399. Also Kimtron, Link, Wyse, & RS-232. Portables, Lasers, (hand-held or counter top), slot badge readers, and magnetic stripe too! 30 day $ back.

Wortliington Data Solutions

417-A Ingalls St., Same Cruz, CA 95060 (800) 345-4220 In CA: (408) 458-9938

BAR CODE READERS

Among the industries best and most widely used barcode reader, reads all major barcode fomials (code 39, 2 of 5, UPC/EAN, codabar), connects between keyboard & system, advanced CMOS uses keyboanJ povwr supply, connects lo all IBM compatibles and DIN terminals, completely OS independent, software independent. Same day ship, 1 year warranty, 30 day satisfaction guarantee, CALL for prices too low to advertise.

Solutions Engineering Sales

8653 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910

800-635-6533

Inquiry 585.

SELFINKING PRINTER RIBBON

Awarded United States Palent #4701062 Lasts 10-15 limes longer lhan the conventional ribbon For printers using Vj" vvidtli open spool ribbon: Okiaaia-S2A-83A-84-92-93 Dec LA 180/120 Teletype-33, 35 Dec LA 30/IBM 1443

Slar Gemini 10X Teleiype-Model 40

Exiel Tl 800/810, 820. 880

Contaa us by mail, phone or telex and we will lorward you a brochure,

CONTROLLED PRINTOUT DEVICES, INC.

POB 869. Baldwin Rd.. Arden, NC 28704 (704) 684-9044 ' TELEX: (FILMON-AREN) 577454

Inquiry 580.

310 BYTE" JULY 1988

PRINT BAR CODES/BIG TEXT FROM YOUR PROGRAM

Add bar codes and big grapfiics text lo your program. Print Irom ANY MS-DOS language. Bar codes: UPC, EAN, 2 ol 5, r^SI. Code 39. Epson, Oki, IBM dot matrix text up to Vj". LaserJet up to 2". Font cartridges not required. $159-1239. 30 day $$ back.

Worthington Data Solutions

417-A Ingalls SL. Santa Cruz. CA 95060 (800) 345-4220 In CA: (408) 458-9938

DATA INPUT DEVICES

Bar Code & Magnetic Stripe Readers for microcomputers & terminals, including IBM PS/2 & ottiers, DEC. AT&T, CT, Wyse, Wang, All readers connect on the keyboard cable & are transparent to all software. Low cost bar code print programs & magnetic encoders are also available. GSA contract #GS00K87AGS5346.

TPS Electronics

4047 Transport, Palo Alto, CA 94303 415-856-6833 Telex 371-9097 TPS PLA Inquiry 586.

The BUYER'S Mart

BAR CODE

COMMUNICATIONS

CROSS ASSEMBLERS

BAR CODE SCANNER/READER

For PCIXT/AT and compalibles, and APPLE II. Keyboard emulating model with wand for only $249. Reads 2 of 5, UPG/EAN/JAN/UPC E, Code 39, CODABAR with 1 yr. warranty.

Also RS-23ZC and CENTRONICS models with choice of wands, hand-held, and auto scanners.

Call or write for free catalog.

TRADE MATRIX of Silicon Vaiiey

3639 Satinwood Dr., San Jose, CA 95148 (800) 222-4229 Ext. 39, (408) 238-1784

Inquiry 587.

CAD/CAM

FAX MACHINES $395

MURATA FAX 1200/1600 S795/925

SHARP FAX FO300/FO500 $1195/1495

TOSHIBA FAX 30100/3300/3700 S1088/1240/CALL

RICOH 10/20 $1295/1595

CANON FAX 20 $1279

PC/XT SYS.Receive/Transmit FAX+Scanner $1595

PC/XT Telephone Answer & Voicemail $1195

Prepay prices Visa/MC 2% cod 2% reslack 20% TELEPHONE PRODUCTS CENTER

23591 #213 El Tofo Rd.. El Toro. CA 92630 714/739-9555

Inquiry 593.

COMPUTER BOOKS

CROSS ASSEMBLERS 8 BIT DEBUG/SIMULATORS DISASSEMBLERS

EPROM, 8748, PLD Programmers All run in PC/XT/AT Full featured

MICROCOMPUTER TOOLS

Phone (800) 443-0779 In CA (415) 825-4200

912 Hastings Dr., Concord, CA 94518

Inquiry 599.

New! CADKEY3 (Ver. 3.02) $2,695

CADKEY CAOExpert $325

Newl CADKEY 1 $425

Newl CADKEY Solid Synthesis $426

We also carry CADJET Input Tablets and Templates and other fine support products for CADKEY. Call or write.

HLB Technology

PO Box 527, Blue Ridge, VA 24064

703-977-6520 MC/VISA

Inquiry 588.

CASE

Affordable CASE

A new concept in Computer Aided Engineering for developing PC/DOS applications! C Dispatcher generates fast, efficient C code for command and menu driven applications. Develop, document, and change easily, fulany features. For many compilers. $295.00 MC/Visa

Amaryllis Inc.

563 Wallaquadoc Rd., Bolton, MA 01740

(617) 365-5456

Inquiry 589.

FINITE STATE PROGRAM COMPILERS

A Case program that develops complex software programs in minutes instead ol hours! The COMPEDITOR forms source Finite State programs in; ADA, BASIC. C, FORTRAN and PASCAL. IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2 175K RAM Dos 2.0+ Price: $175.00 per compiler (With Primer) Sampler $30

AYECO 5025 l^assau Circle, Orlando

INCORPORATED FL 32808 1-800-537-4753

Inquiry 590.

COMMUNICATIONS

MULTI-LINE PC-DOS BBS

Ttie Bread Board System (TBBS). Secure, reliable, lullfeatured commercial information system for IBfyl XT/AT/3e6/PS2 or compatible, fi^enu editor allows customization by nonprogrammers. Kermit, X & YModem. High performance allows up to 32 simultaneous callers. User audit trail.

300/1200/2400/9600 bps.

eSoft, Inc.

15200 E. Girard Ave. #2550, Aurora. CO 80014

(303) 699-6565

Inquiry 591.

Books! Books! Books!

If it's published and about IBM or compatible computers, we probably have it. Books about applications, programming, operating systems, utilities, hardware and much more. Call today for a free catalogue.

Book Express

Dept 100. 851 Weidner Ct South. Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 1-800-234-2620

Inquiry 594.

COMPUTER INSURANCE

INSURES YOUR COMPUTER

SAFEWARE provides full replacement of hardware, media and purchased software. As liltie as $39 a year provides comprehensive coverage. Blanket coverage: no list of equipment needed. One call does it all. Call 8 am-10 pm ET (Sat. 9 to 5)

TOLL FREE 1-800-848-3469

{Local 614-262-0559)

SAFEWARE, The Insurance Agency Inc.

Inquiry 595.

CROSS ASSEMBLERS

FASTER TMS32020/C25

Macro Assembler only $49.95

Ariel Corpol-ation

212-925-4155

110 Greene Street, Suile 404, New York, New York 10012 DSP BBS: 212-925-4131

300.1200/2400 MNP-5, 9600 UST 8 bits, no parity. 1 stop bit

Inquiry 596.

CROSS ASSEMBLERS

Universal Linker, Librarian Targets for 36 Microprocessors

Hosts: PC/MS DOS, micro VAX, VAX 8000 Developed and supported at:

ENERTEC, INC.

BOX 1312, Lansdale, PA 19446 215-362-0966 MC/VISA

Inquiry 597.

680X0 Cross Assemblers

Now, inexpensive quality 608X0 Cnass Assemblers itial use your IBM PC ot compalible. All veraions indtxJe exlensive listing fadlilies. up to 32 char labels, sorted symbol tables, INCLUDE files, FVtTH names, OHG. DC, DS, EQU. many otiter directives (encspl MACROS), printed manuaJs, Basic versions creaie Srecortis. Unking versions create either SiWonJs or relocatable modules, and include a linker wtiicti creates S-reconJs ortSnary output files. Not cop/ protected. Minimum rBquirements are 320K, DOS 2XX, & l-S'A" OSDD. Basic 5e000/6801O-$4995 Unking 6800W68010—S8935

Base 6802068851-514935 CfiftAs, VISA. MC accepted. MN isskJenls t6% sales tax. No PO's of COO's.

RAVEN Computer Systems

Box 12116, St. Paul, MN 55112

(612) 636-0365

Inquiry 600.

Z80/HD64180

SLR Systems cross assemblers run on PC and are compatible with Microsoft MBO/i.80. $195.00 for assembler and linker. We have CP/M emulator cards for PC. Up to 12.5 mhz Z80 clock speed, starting at $249.95! Also 280/HD641B0 C compilers.

Z-World

1772 Picasso Ave., Davis, CA 95616 (916) 753-3722 Please see our ad on page 325.

Inquiry 601.

DATA CONVERSION

MEDIA CONVERSION/DATA TRANSLATION

More than just a straight dump or ASCII lrar)sferl Word Processing, DBMS, and Spreadsheet data on Disks or Tapes transferred directly into applications running on Mainlrames, Minis, Micros, Dedicated Word Pnscessors, Typesetters, and Electronic Publishing systems. IBM PS/2 & Macintosh supported #1 in the translation industry!

CompuData IVanslators, Inc.

3325 Wilshire Blvd., Suile 1202, Us Angeles, CA 90010 (213) 387-4477 1-800-825-8251

Inquiry 602.

DATABASE MGMT. SYSTEMS

dBASE ill WORKALIKE $39

1 on 1 = 3!! "a programmable relational DBf^S.. .the menu mode is a fancier and more complete version of dBASE's. . .faster operation in the interactive mode.. .runs command files slov^er.. .at $39, 1 on 1 = 3n is a great deal for those who would be glad to tiave a dBASE 111 Plus clone" PC MAGAZINE 5/17/88. SEND CHECK $39 + $4 s/b or INQUIREII

1 on 1 Computer Solutions

26 Finctiwood Dr., Trumbull, CT 06611 203-375-0914

Inquiry 603.

DATA/DISK CONVERSION

MULTI-USER BBS (FOR IBM PC AT)

TEAMate — a mainframe quality BBS. A mini CompuServe. Full screen cursor-controlled interface, topic outline structure, public and private topics, audit trails, xmodem, integrated mail, content retrieval and more. tilS-DOS, XENIX and UNIX versions.

MMB Development Corporation

1021 No. Sepulveda Blvd., Suile K, Mantialtan Beacti, CA 90266 1-800-832-6022, In CA (213) 545-1455

Inquiry 592.

Professional Series

Pseudocode rBleases its PseudoSam Professional Series of cross assemblers. All popular processors, f^acros. Conditional Assembly, and Include Files. Virtually unlimited size For IBM PC's, (i«S-DOS 2.0 or greater. With manual lor $35.00. Each additional $20.00. (Ml res. 4% lax). Visa/MC. (Dealer Inquiries Wslcor.ie.) Order from distributor:

Micro Kit

6910 Patterson, Caledojlia, Ml 49316, 616.791-9333.

Inquiry 598.

Get the Expertise You Need!

Disk/Disk • Tape/Disk • OCR

Over 1,000 formats! 3V2. 5%, or 8 inch disks: 9 track mag tape; 10 MB Bernoulli cartridge. Data base and word processor translation. Specialists in Government Security Data. Call for free consultation.

Computer Conversions, Inc.

9580 Black Mln. Rd., Ste J. San Diego CA 92126

(619) 693-1697

Inquiry 604.

JULY 1988 -BYTE 311

The BUYER'S Mart

DATA/DISK CONVERSION

dBASE III COMPILERS

ENTERTAINMENT

DISK CONVERSIONS

Media transfer to or from: IBf^, Xerox, DEC, Wang, Lanier, CPT, liflicom, NBI, CT, also WP, WS, tulSMRD, DW3, MM, Samna, DEC DX, MAS 11, Xerox-Writer, ASCII.

FREE TEST CONVERSION CONVERSION SPECIALISTS

531 Main St., Ste. 835, El Segundo, CA 90245 (213) 545-6551 (213) 322-6319

Inquiry 605.

FREE dBASE III +

COMPILER DEMO DISK

Don'l buy Clipper'" until you see our FREE dBASE Compiler Evaluation Kil. Includes DEMO DISK with 8 PRG's and results of compiling with Clipper Quicksilver & FoxBASE +. Also 15 benchmark tests, complete magazine reviews, and detailed broctiures aboul all 3 compilers. FREE. No obligation. Call 24 tiours, 7 days.

dataBASE Specialties (415) 652-2790

P.O. Box 2975, Oakland, CA 94618

DEMOS/TUTORIALS

NEMESIS™ Go Master

Go is a popular Oriental game of intellectual complexity and elegance. NEMESIS, recognized worldwide as the best Go program, is an ideal playmate and tutor. Pournelle's game of the month twice: "If you are interested in Go, buy this program." BYTE 7/87

Toyogo, Inc.

100 Fifth Ave- Dept. Y. Waltham. MA 02154 (617) 890-4184

Inquiry 616.

FLOW CHARTS

DISK & TAPE CONVERSIONS AUTOMATICALLY SAVE TIME AND MONEY

Over 1000 formals from Mini, Micro Mainframe, Word Processors, S Typesetters.

TAPE Conversions as low as S23.00 MB DISK Conversions as low as $15.00 per Disk Call or write TODAY for a cost saving quotation.

CREATIVE DATA SERVICES

1210 W. Lalimer Ave., Campbell, CA 95008 (408) 866-6080

Inquiiy 606.

INSTANT REPLAY III

Build Demos, Tutorials. Prototypes, Presentations, Music, Timed Keyboard Macros, and Menu Systems Includes Screen Maker, Keystroke/Time Editor, Program Memorizer, and Animator Reed Great Reviews! Simply the BEST Not copy protected No royalties. 60 day satisfaction money back guar, IBM and Compalb $149.95 U.S,Chk/Cr. Crd. Demo Diskette $5.00

NOSTRADAMUS, INC.

3191 South Valley Street (ste 252) Salt Lake City, Utah 84109 (801) 487-9662

Inquiry 611.

FLOW CHARTING 11+ HELPS YOU!

Precise flowcharting is fast and simple with Flow Charting II +. Draw, edit and print perfect charts: txjid and normal fonts. 26 shapes — 95 sizes; fast entry of arrows, bypasses & connectors; Fast Insert Line; shrink screen displays 200-column charl; 40 column edit screen for detail work, much more!

PATTON & PATTON

81 Great Oaks Blvd . San Jose, CA 95119 1-800-525-0082 (Outside CA) 408-629-5376 (CAyint'l)

Inquiry 617.

DISK DRIVES

DISK INTERCHANGE SERVICE COMPANY

DISC specializes in transferring files between incompatible disl< formats, and between disk and 9-track tape

• Dedicated Word Processors

• Mini, Micro & Mainframe Computers

• g-Track Taoe (800, 1600 and 6250 BPI)

• MSDOS, CP/M, UNIX, DOS, PRODOS, TSX+, RT-11

2 Park Drive • Westford, MA 01886 (617) 692-0050

Inquiry 607

QUALITY CONVERSIONS

^'^^ • Scanning * ^^^^

•TYPEWRITTEN $.33 per page to ASCII •TYPESET 6-24 point Low Rates ("WP Formats available)

lli/IAGES Logos/Line Art/Glossies

1st Run Computer Services Inc.

1261 Broadway, Suite 508, New York, NY 10001 (212) 779-0800

Inquiry 608.

PS/2 DRIVES FOR PC's AT's

CompatlKit/PC $329

CompaliKit/AT $309

Built-in floppy controllers—no problem. Supports multiple drives and formats. Lets your computer use IBM PS/2 ^.AM diskettes plus more! Call for further information or to place an order

VISA/MC/COD/CHECK.

Micro Solutions Computer Products

132 W. Lincoln Hwy„ DeKalb, IL 60115 815/756-3411

Inquiry 612.

DUPLICATION SERVICES

SOFTWARE DUPLICATION

• One Stop Shopping • Technical Support

• Custom Packaging • Drop Shipping

• Copy Protection • Fast Turnaround

• Competitive Pricing

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

800-222-0490 NJ 201-462-7628 MEG ASoft

P.O. Box 710, FreeliQld, NJ 07728 See our atf on page 334.

Inquiry 613.

STRUCTURED FLOW CHART

NSChart creales Nassi-Shneiderman (structured) flowcharts from a simple PDL. Keywords define structures & text strings appear in the chart. Easy to create, even easier to revise! Automatic chart sizing, text centering. Translators from many languages available. For tvtac and IBM PC.

SILTRONIX, INC.

P.O. Box 82544, San Diego, CA 92138 1-800-637-4888

Inquiry 618.

HARDWARE

IBM PS/2's upto4i%offi

Retail

Your Cost

MODEL 50-336

(New)

SCall

MODEL 60-041

5,295

3,395

MODEL 60-071

6,295

3.850

MODEL 80-041

6,995

4.395

MODEL 80-071

8495

4.995

MODEL 80-111

10,995

7,895

MODEL 80-311

13,995

9,995

American Micro Computer Center (305) 985-9406

2890 Grillin Rd., Suite #4, Fl. Uuderdale, FL 33312

Inquiry 619.

IBM PC «ito# HP

FILE COPY

IBM PC to HP File Copy allows IBM PCs, PS/2, compatibles to read, write files written by Hewlett Packard Series 70, 80, 200, 300,1000, 9000's. We offer custom work using our file copy utilities and program translators. Call for estimate, catalog, data sheet.

Oswego Software 312/554-3567

507 North Adams St. Fax 312/554-3573 Oswego, Illinois 60543 Telex 858-757

Inquiry 609.

CONVERSION SERVICES

Convert any 9 track magnetic tape to or from over 1000 formats including 3'/2", SVi". 8" disk formats & word processors. Disk to disk conversions also available. Call for more info. Introducing OCR Scanning Services.

Pivar Computing Services, Inc.

165 Arlington Hgts. Rd,, Dept #B Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 (312) 459-6010

Inquiry 610. 312 BYTE- JULY 1988

SOFTWARE PRODUCTION

• Disk duplication • Warehousing

• All formats • Drop shipping

• EVERLOCK copy • Fulfillment protection • 48-hour delivery

• Label/sleeve printing • Consultation &

• Full packaging guidance ^-^'^^^ Star-Byte, Inc.

713 W. Main St., Lansdale, PA 19446 215-368-1200 800-243-1515

Inquiry 614.

ELECTRONIC PROJECTS

BUILD TALKING ROBOT!

- Build B,E.R.T(^! thB Basic Educational Robot Trainer

- Featured in BYTE April & May / 87

- Even a child can program itiis talking Robot, built from off-the-shelf componenls

- Minimum Kit S43.00 U-S.

- Complete Kit $165.00 U.S.

- For further information write to:

GoCo Dist.

Suite 806, 1146 Harwood StVancouver. B.C. Canada V6E 3V1

Inquiry 615.

DISCOUNT CLONES

• XT Turbo - $435.

• AT 8/10 MHz - $995.

• Seagale ST225 20MB hard drive with controller — $300.

• 386 25MHz — $2,650.

• Hayes compatible 1200 baud modem — $99.

• Everrexx EGA — $150.

• Seagate 40M8 hard drive — $375.

Automated Business Solutions 516-379-3995

30 day money bach guarantee • 1 yr pans & labor wananlee Dealer Inquiries Inviied Please call lor complete price lisl

inquiry 620.

CHIP CHECKER

• 74/54 TTL + CMOS • 8000 Nat. -i- Signetics

• 14/4000 CMOS • 9000 TTL

• 14-24 Pin Chips • .3" -1- .6" IC widths Tesls/ldentifies over 650 digital chips with ANY type

of output in seconds. Also tests popular RAM chips, IBM compatible version $259 C128 + C64 version $159.

DUNE SYSTEMS

2603 Willa Dr., SI. Josepil. Ml 49085

(616) 983-2352

Inquiry 621.

The BUYER'S Mart

HARDWARE

HARDWARE/ADD-ONS

INVENTORY MANAGEMENT

INDUSTRIAL STRENCTH SINGLE BOARD COMPUTER

Has Qptimum features for monitor + control applications: 16 Chan AID • 4 RS232;422 Ports • 46 Prog l/D Lines • 8 Opto INs • 8 HiDrive OUTs • 4 Timers • Watctidog • 104K Memory • 5.25 x 8.0 Options: Residenl FORTH OS with Target Compiler, Editor. Assembler, + Auto Load/Start: 5 MHz 8085 • 4 Chan D/A • Battery Backed Clock/RAM • Networking • PC Support. E-PAC 1000<f $249.00 E-PAC 2000<f $449.00 ElUIAC INC.

PO Box 2042. Carbondale IL 62902 (618) 529-4525

Inquiry 622.

MYRIAD MODEM

2400BPS ONLY $135

' Hayes compatible

• For IBM PC/XT/AT & compatibles

• Made in USA

• Free Bitcom software

• 4 Com ports selectable

• 2 years warranty

DATA ERA STORE (408) 729-4589

1556 Hallord Ave., No. 168, Santa Clara. CA 95051

Inquiry 628.

STOCK-MASTER 4.0

Commercial grade Inventory management software at micro prices.

• Stock Status Reporting

• Activity History Analysis

• Bill of Materials

• Purchase Order Writing

• Order Entry

• Material Requirements

• On Line Inquiry

• Supports all 1 transaction types

• Trend Analysis

• Quality Control

• Multiple Locations

• Purchase Order Trackim

• Open Order Reporting

• Serial/Lot # Tracking

Applied Micro Business Systems, Inc.

177-F Riverside Ave.. Newport Beacti, CA 92S63 714-759-0582

Inquiry 634.

LAPTOP COMPUTERS

FREE CATALOG

Protect your computer power from black-ouls, brownouts, audioA/ideo hash and surges! Complete line of low cost Emergency Power Supply units. Line Conditioners and Surge Suppressors prevent damage and loss of valuable data. Prevent errors, malfunctions and false printouts! Send for money saving catalog today.

INDUS-TOOU

730 W Lake St., Chicago, IL 60606

Phone 312-648-2191

Inquiry 623.

87051 PROG. $125.00

The UPA 87C51 Programming Adapter lets you use your general purpose programmer to program the 87C51. 8751H, AMD8753H. 87C252, and 8752BH. Also lets you program the 87C51/8751H security bits and the 87C51 encryption array. It's very simple and VERY cost effective

LOGICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION

6184 Teall Station, Syracuse NY 13217 (315) 478-0722 Telex 6715617 LOGS

Inquiry 624.

NorthStar

Sales and service. NorthTech Specializes in Horizon and Advantage hardware/software/support. Largest full service distributor of NorthStar products in United Stales. We buysell-trade NorthStar products and peripherals. • complete repair lacililies • lech support and training • all hardware and software in slock • same day service available • ten years of customer satistaction

NorthTech Support Services, Inc.

Oberlin. OhiiO / Arlington, Virginia 1-800-426-7898 216-775-0525

Inquiry 625.

BUY ★ SELL ★ TRADE

Apple • IBM • Compaq • Service Parts • Accessories • Systems •

PRE-OWNED Electronics, inc.

30 Clematis Avenue, Waltham, MA 02154 800-274-5343 FAX 617-891-6851 Service Centers and Dealers welcome

Inquiry 626.

SANYO 5SO/555 USERS

3.6/7.2MHZ TURBO BD. W/8088-2 S79.95

IBIVI STYLE CGA VIDEO BD S159.95

IBM STYLE RS-232 $79.95

SANYO RS-232 $49.95

768K MEM/CLK/EXPANSION BD $169.95

20 MEG HARD DISK SYSTEIUI $599.95

COMPOSITE MONO rulONITOR $109.95

550 COMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE $49.95

TAMPA BAY DIGITAL

1750 Drew St.. Clearwater, FL 34615 ■•• FREE CATALOG ■•• B13-443-7049

IBM PC's USE Mac DISKS

MatchMaker lets you plug any Macintosh external floppy drive into an IBM PC. Half size card and software lets you copy to/from, view directory, initialize, or delete files on the Mac diskette. Works with PCs, XTs, ATs, and compatibles. The easy way to move information!

$149.00 Visa/MC/COD/Chk.

Micro Solutions Computer Products

132 W, Lincoln Hwy, DeKalb, IL 60115 815/756-3411

Inquiry 629.

HARDWARE CO-PROCESSOR

DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSOR

DSP products for ttie IBM PC/XT/AT based on tfie Tl TMS32010 and TMS320C25. Designed for applications in cornmunications, instrumentation, speecti, and numeric processing. Offered with 12 bit 80 KHz AID and D/A and continuous data acquisition & playback option. $650 and up.

DALANCO SPRY

Suite 241, 2900 Connecticut Ave, NW, Washington DC 20008

(202) 232-7999

Inquiry 630.

PC MINI-SUPERCOMPUTER

Up to 40 MIPS In Your PC!

Fill your PC/XT/AT witfi 1 to 6 PC4000 boards for a fiigfi speed PC-RISC system. Ttie PC4000 uses ttie NC4016 RISC Engine wfiicfi executes tilgfi level Forth in silicon. Eacfi PC4000 is a general purpose parallel coprocessor that delivers speeds in the 5 to 7 fullPS range.. .over a 100 times faster than a PC, uses Forth, C or Assembler. From $1295.

SILICON COMPOSERS (415) 322-8763

210 California Ave., Suite K, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Inquiry 631.

HARDWARE/PERIPHERALS

BUILD SCALE SYSTEMS FOR LESS

For a fraction of your present cost, you can produce professional computerized weighing systems using building-block interface modules and software. They're versatile, easy to use and unbeatable value.

Call or write for brochures, prices and examples taken from our wide industrial experience.

SCALE-TRON INC.

P.O. Box 424. Lachine, QuebBC, H8S 4C2 CANADA (514) 634-7083

Inquiry 632.

INFORMATION

100 TABLES

From the U.S. Statistical Abstract

"The U.S. Statistical Abstract" has a wide variety of public information on (economics, health, education, crime, the world and more.) 100 selected tables of the 1988 Abstract are now available on disk in (CAL, WKS, CSV, or TXT) formats for (PC or MAC or most CP/M)—$49.95

FAIRFACTS

Box 536, San Rafael. CA 94915

Tel. 415-485-1781

LAPTOP SPECIALS

Toshiba • Zenitti • NEC • DATAVUE • SHARP • LAPTOPS • AFFORDABLE 51/4" or 3V2" DRIVE UNITS for LAPTOPS & DESKTOPS Including Tandy 1400 LT. • DICONIX PRINTERS • 768 Card for T1000 • 2400 BAUD I^ODEIVIS for Laptops • Laptop software • Hard drives • Fast reliable and friendly service. For I..OW Pricing call

COMPUTER OPTIONS UNLIMITED

201-469-7678 (7 Days, 9 am-10 pm Eastern lime)

Inquiry 635.

I_ A P - L I N K

The ultimate solution for linking laptop compuler with any IBM compatible desktop PC. 115. 200 baud transfer rate—faster than any other product available. No installation necessary, easy to use split screen design. Includes incredible "universal cable" that connects any two computers. Transfer entire disks faster than a DOS copy command! Only S129.95 including universal cable and both 3Vz" and 5Vj" disks. "Bridge" owners can trade in for only $89.95 w/o cable.

Traveling Software, Inc.

19310 North Creek Parkway, Bothell WA 98011 1-800-343-8080 (206) 483-8088

Inquiry 636.

LEGAL

LEGAL DOCUMENT MAKER

All pleadings and documents. Any word processor software.

Free Brochure.

New! Supra IT".

TSC

The Software Company

P.O. Box 872687, Wasilla, AK 99687 (907) 745-6267

Inquiry 637

- MEMORY CHIPS

MEMORY CHIPS

41256-15-12-10 Call 51000 (1 Meg) Call

4164-15 Call 51258 lor Compaq 386 6,43

4164-12 Call 8087-3-2 96/143

41128 Piggy Back for AT... 2.63 80287-6-8-10 - -. 155/233/293

41464-12 (64Kx4) 3.27 80387 Call

414256 (256Kx4) Call NEC-V-20-8 Call

2764,27128,27256 27512 . Call Mouse $49

Prices subject to change

ESSKAY 718-353-3353

Inquiry 638.

MUSIC

MIDI — PC/XT S84.95

Your MIDI instruments can talk with your PC/XT via a IVllDIATORtS. Software INCLUDED! MT-8 Sequencer. Performance Splitter/Auto-Chorder, & MIDI Monitor Requires256K, DOS 2.0-1-, Std. Serial Port {C0M1 or COM2) & std, cables. Needs no modifications, exp. slot, or power sup. Introductory Price 584.95-1-5.00 s/h, TX res. add 7,25% tax. MC, VISA, Check (allow 10 days).

Key Electronic Enterprises

9112 Hwy. 80 W., Suite 221-B, Fort Worth, TX 76116 (817) 560-1912

Inquiry 627.

Inquiry 633.

Inquiry 639.

JULY 1988 - BYTE 313

The BUYER'S Mart

MUSIC

PC/MIDI Hardware & Software-$149.95

The new standard in the PC/MIDI world!

• MIDI Interface Card • 64-track digital recording

• Sequencer Software • 600 ticks per quarter

• MIDI Cables nole resolution (1 in/3 out) • 60,000 events

Developer's source code S19.95. Best MIDI offer ever made! Make check payable to:

MiaiMusIc

500 E. Arapaho. Suite 609. Richardson. TX 75081 1400^564^101 214/238-5269

Inquiry 640.

PROGRAMMER'S TOOLS

CUPPER" DEVELOPMENT TOOLBOX

Alternative Business Training. Inc. introduces BOATSWMN'S MATE©, a set of over 150 functions, procedures, and DOS Utilities for dBase" programmers who use clipper as a compiler. Thousands of development hours have gone into this software in order to save you hours of programming time. Whether you are a novice or a serious clipper developer, the BOATSWAIN'S MATE& is for you. Free list of library functions available. Call 1-800-328-7677 In N.H. 1-357-8665

ALTERNATIVE BUSINESS TRAINING, INC.

206 Washington St.. Keene, NH 03431

Inquiry 641.

ASCII WILL PAY YOU $40

for your old screen or application generator when you buy Turbo Programmer (formerly TGhostWriter) for Turbo Pascal 4.0 or Turbo C. Complete data base T-Pascal or C source code in under

5 minutes from screens you draw. B-Tree indexes

6 file manager included. Unlimited technical support that our customers brag on.

$289 ($249 after rebate).

ASCII 800 227-7681

Inquiry 642.

TUB " 4.0 Version Control

The best gets better! They loved TUB 3.0: "packed with features. - .[does deltas} amazingly fast... excellent"—PC Tech Journal Sept 87. "has my highest recommendation"~H. Richardson, Computer Shopper Aug 87. Now TLIB 4.0 has: branching, more ke/words, wildcards & file lists, revision merge, LAN and WORM drive support, more. MS/PC-DOS 2.x & 3.x $99.95 + $3 s&h. Visa/MC,

BURTON SYSTEMS SOFTWARE

P.O. Box 4156, Gary, NC 27519 (919) 469-3068

Inquiry 643.

TURBO PLUS $99.95

Programming tools for Turbo Pascal 4.0 Screen Painter, Code Generator. I/O Fields. Dynamic Menus, Programming Unit Libraries. Sample Programs. 280 Page Illustrated Manual. 60 Day Satisfaction Guarantee! Brochures & Demo Diskettes avail. Highly Favorable Reviews! IBM & Compatibles.

Nostradamus Inc.

3J9t South Valley SI. (Suite 252) Salt Lake City. UT 84109 (801) 487-9662

Inquiry 644.

Modula-2

Graphix is the Modula-2 interface to the widely used Mel^ndow professional graphics library. Supports multiple fonts, mouse tracking, many printers {incl. PostScript & LaserJet), over 30 display adapters, and hundreds of modes, S149 ($189 with source). Includes MelaWindow package. For JPI. Logitech, StonyBrook, ITC, and other compilers. From the creators of Repertoire, ModBase, Macro2, EmsSIorage. DynaMatrix, and Ihe Repertoire/Btrieve Toolkit. Foreign currencies welcome. MCA/ISA/AUEX/COD.

■ IVl I (503) 777-B844; TLX: 6502691013

Inquiry 645.

314 B YTE • JULY 1988

PROGRAMMER'S TOOLS

FREE BUYER'S GUIDE

See Page 39

Programmer's Conneclion is an independent dealer representing more ttian 250 manufacturers witti over 700 software products for IBM personal computers. Call to receive our FREE comprehensive Buyer's Guide or refer to page 39 of tfiis issue 10 see a partial list of our software products.

Programmer's Connection

800-336-1166 216-494-3781

Inquiry 646.

DISASSEMBLERS

MPU OBJECT CODE on your PC

Relocatable, symbolic disassemblers are now available for the Motorola, Intel. RCA, Tl, Rockwell, & Zilog micros! Automatic label generation, assembly capability and mucfi more Call and ask for what you need,

HELMS'"

P.O. Box 6719, San Jose, OA 95150 (408) 356-1210 TWX 910-379-0014 (800) 448-4880

Inquiry 647.

PUBLIC DOMAIN

$3.00 SOFTWARE FOR IBM PC

Hundreds to choose from, wordprocessors, databases, spreadsheets, games, lotto, communications, business, music, bible, art, education, language and useful utilities for making your computer easier to learn, fvlost programs have documentation on the disk. WRITE FOR YOUR FREE CATALOG TODAYl

BEST BITS & BYTES

PO. Box 8245, DepI B, Van Nuys, CA 91409 (81B) 781-9975

Inquiry 648.

FREE CATALOGUE PUBLIC DOMAIN/SHAREWARE

• 400 IBM PC & compatibles disks • 200 Amiga disks • 125 Alari ST disks PC disks as low as $1,25 each, Amiga & ST as low as $1,60 each! Rent or buy. Free shipping! Call toll free, write or circle reader service for FREE BIG CATALOGUE with full descriplions. Please specify compuler—48 hr. turnaround!

Computer Solutions

P.O. Box 354—DepI, B, Ivlason, Michigan 48854 1-800-874-9375 (M-F 10-6 EST) 1-517-628-2943

Inquiry 649.

RENT SOFTWARE $1/DISK

Rent Public Domain and User Supported Software for $1 per diskfull or we'll copy. IBM (3V2" also), Apple, C-64, Sanyo 550 and Mac. Sampler $3. VISA/(^C. 24 hr. info/order line. (619) 941-3244 or send #10 BASE (specify computer) Money Back Guarantee!

FutureSystems

Box 3040 (T), Vista, CA 92083 office: 10-6 PST Mon.Sat. (619) 941-9761

Inquiry 650.

QUALITY SOFTWARE IBM/COMPATIBLES

Get a Word Processor, Spreadsfieet, Database, f^oney Manager and 5 arcade games plus our 10,000 program catalog for ONLY $10.00 (+s/ti) 800-992-1992 (National) 800-992-1993 (Ca only) 619-942-9998 (Foreign) VISA, MC, AMEX Accepted. (COD + 1.90)

The International Software Library

511-104 Encinitas Blvd., Encinilas, CA 92024

Inquiry 651.

PUBLIC DOMAIN

FREE SOFTWARE

The PUBLIC DOMAIN USERS GROUP provides public domain software for IBf^, CP/I^, C64 & C-128 computers. PDUG is one of tfie oldest {est. 1982) & largest (over 10,000 membere worldwide) users groups.

SPECIAL OFFER—Send $10 and receive not only our 1 year membersfiip but also our new member disk free (contains 21 great programs). Or for more info,, send a SASE (specify computer) to:

PUBLIC DOMAIN USERS GROUP

P.O. Box 1442-BM. Orangepark. FL 32067 904-264-3512 (ORDER LINE)

Inquiry 652.

FREE SOFTWARE

Buy or Rent $1/disk

World's largest Free Software Library of IBM PC & Compatibles and Macintosh. Over 3000 programs for Religion, Utilities, Business, Com., Word Processor, Education, and Games on 5.4" and 3.5" format. Best quality. Lowest rate, and Fastest service. For fast free catalogue write to:

SOFTSHOPPE

RO. Box 15022, Ann Arbor, Ml 48105 (313) 763-8721

Inquiry 653.

$4.00 SHAREWARE $4.00

IBM-PC Compatible Software

• Over 700 Disks to Choose From

• Not Half Full Like Some Distributors

• Dozens of Programs in All Categories Call or Write for FREE Catalog on Disk — Please specify 5V4 " or SVz" Disk —

The Software Kingdom

P.O. Box 358. Manciiester. NH 03105-0358 1-800-S52-DISK (In N.H.) (603) 627-0444

Inquiry 654.

SECURITY

BIT-LOCK® SECURITY

Piracy SURVIVAL S YEARS proves effectiveness of powerful multilayered security Rapid decryption algorithms. Reliable/small port transparent security device. PARALLEL or SERIAL port. Countdown and timeout options also available. KEY-LOK" security at about V2 BIT-LOCK cost. MICROCOMPUTER APPLICATIONS 7805 S. Windemere Circle. Littleton, CO 80120 (303) 922-6410 or 798-7683

Inquiry 655.

COPY PROTECTION

The world's leading software manufacturers depend on Softguard copy protection systems. Your FREE DISKETTE introduces you to SuperLock"—invisible copy protection lor IBM-PC (and compatibles} and Macintosh.

• Hard disk support • No source code changes

* Customized versions • LAN support

• New upgrades available (408) 773-9680 SOFTGUARD SYSTEMS, INC.

710 Lsliow3y. Suite 20Q. Smnyvaie. CA 94086 FAX (403} 773-U05

Inquiry 656.

SOFTWARE/ACCOUNTING

dBASE BUSINESS TOOLS

' General Ledger • Purch Ord/lnvntory

* Accounts Recvbl. ' Accounts Payable ■ Order Entry * Job Costing

* Sales Analysis * Job Estimating

$99 EA. s&h w/dBASE 2, 3 or 3+ SOURCE CODE

dATAMAR SYSTEMS' Cr Crd/Chk/coD

4876-B Santa iJlonica Ave.

San Diego, CA 92107 (619) 223-3344

Inquiry 657.

The BUYER'S Mart

SOFTWARE/ACCOUNTING

FINANCE MANAGER II

Easy to learn, fully integrated, menu-driven bookkeeping system for small business and personal use. General Ledger, IBI^ PC, XT, AT, PS/2 or compat. Try before you buy! Fully functional 11 montfi General Ledger evaluation copy for only $10!

CALL TODAY! (719) 528-8989 HOOPER INTERNATIONAL: PO Box 62219, Colprado Springs, Colorado 80962

Inquiry 658.

SOFTWARE/A.Li

Learn Al Fast

If/then'" is a book and a disk of Ij3tus spreadsheets. "A marvelous little Al training package. .. you'll find it an excellent tutorial... this product is a must"

Ezra Shapiro, BYTE, Aug. '87. p.263 H/then is only 569.95

If/then Solutions

PO Box 52097 Palo Alio, CA 94303 415-322-3430

Lolus 1-2-3 rel 2 required, S3 for shipping N A., 58 elsewhete

Inquiry 659.

SOFTWARE/BASIC

XGRAF DRAWS IN BASIC!

FINALLY! XGRAF replaces QuickBASIC's poor drawing commands witfi assembly language calls tfiat work on Hercules, EGA, VGA, CGA and EEGA screens. Only $99.00 + $4.00 S&H. Call us at 1-800.423-3400 (9:00 AM to 8:00 PM EST)

KOMPUTERWERK, INC.

851 Parkview Blvd., Pittsburgfi, PA 15215 For info., call (412) 782-0384

Inquiry 660.

SOFTWARE/BASIC TOOLS

LP88 SPREADSHEET LP

Our besl-selling menu-dnven linear programming syslem now solves problems with 1000 constraints and 5000 variables up lo 30 times taster New version reads'wnies Lotus worksheets. Use 1-2-3/SymphDny as a malnx generator or post processor. Many other features including interactive and batch operation, spreadsheet-style display, equation processor, problem/basis storage, die I/O, Simplex restart, repon generator, sensitivity analysis lENews says: "The flexibility and features ol this program are a bargain at its low price" $149 with 8087 support and 100-page manual £29 for working demo and manual. EASTERN SOFTWARE PRODUCTS, INC.

PO, Box 15328, Alexandria. VA 22309 (703) 360-7600

Inquiry 661.

QuickWindows

As seen In the Microsoft Value-Pack Catalog!

Create windows, pop-up and pull-down menus, data-enlry screens, and multiple-input dialog boxes quickly and easily. Full support of fylicrosoft mouse. Join Itie many Fortune 500 companies using QuickWindows and order your copy today. QuickWindows S79. Advanced $139. For Microsoft QuickBASIC or BASCOiyi,

Software Interphase, Inc.

5 Bradley St., Suite 106 • Providence. HI 02908 (401) 274-5465

Inquiry 662.

SOFTWARE/BUSINESS

DATA ENTRY SYSTEM

Heads-down data entry with two-pass verification for tfie PC/XT/AT & compatibles. Loaded with features like: Auto dup & skip, verify bypass, range cfiecks, & table lookups. Fully menu driven only $395. Call for free 30 day trial period.

COMPUTER KEYES

21929 Makah Rd., Woodway, WA 98020 (206) 776-6443 1-800-356-0203

SOFTWARE/BUSINESS

dFELLER Inventory

Business inventory programs written in modifiable dE3ASE source code.

dFELLER Inventory $150.00 Requires dBASE II or III. PC-DOS/CPM dFELLER Plus $200.00 wiin History and Purchase Orders Requires dBASE III or dBASE III Plus (For Stockrooms)

FgIIgt AssocistBS

550 CR PPA, Route 3, Istipeming. Ml 49849 (906) 486-6024

Inquiry 663.

1-2-3® + ©RISK = Risk Analysis

Manage risk witti ©RISK 1-2-3 Add-lnl An ©RISK simulation automatically reflects thousands of "wtiat-if" scenarios. ■ View full range of possible outcomes ■ Monte Carlo simulation ■ Graphs in .PIC format ■ 30 new probability distribution ©functions Now required for all Harvard IviBAs FREE DEMO

Palisade Corporation

2189 Elmira Road, Newlield, NY 14867 (607) 564-9993

Inquiry 664.

SOFTWARE/CtlURCH

PowerChurch Plus®

Fast, friendly, reliable church administration system. Full fund accounting, mailing lists, membership, contributions, attendance, word processing, accts payable payroll, multi-user support, and much more - all for $695 complete. FREE demo version.

F1 SOFTWARE

PC. Box 3096, Beveriy Hills, CA 90212

(213) 854-0865

Inquiry 665.

ROMAR CHURCH SYSTEMS'"

rvlembership-61 lields plus allernale addresses; labels, letters, repons any field(s) Offering 256 lunds; optional pledge, statements; post to 255x/yr. Finance-gen ledger w/budgel; up 10 500 subtotals & 99 depts,, montti & YTD reports anytime for any month Attendance—8 service times, 250 events per service; 60 consecutive weeks Available tor floppy. 3V2 & liard disk. Ad too short! Write lor free 48-page guide

Romar Church Systems, Attn: BJB

P.O. Box 4211, Elkhart, IN 46514

(219) 262-2188

Inquiry 666.

SOFTWARE/CULINARY

Ethnic Recipes

IBM Compatible Floppy Greek, Arab, Slav, Ethiopian

Send $9.11 inc. tax & shipping

Golden Cobra

RO. Box 25, Palmer, TX 75152

Inquiry 667.

SOFTWARE/EDUCATION

WE CAN MAKE IT TALK!

Talking educational programs from Dataflo Computer Services for IBI^* /compat. & Apple® ll's support most speech cards or run w/o speech. 3 SPELLING programs share 2000-word files! Create words/files, adjust pronunciation! Spanish versions, too! 2 early MATH programs; MEMORY program; Access speech from compiled BASIC with SONCOM'VA// Unprotected! Contact:

U.S.A. DIRECT

Dept. B. HC 32—Box 1, Enfield, NH 03748 (603) 448-2693

Inquiry 668.

SOFTWARE/ENGINEERING

Affordable Engineering Software

FREE APPLICATION GUIDE & CATALOG Circuit Analysis • Root Locus • Thermal Analysis • Plotter Drivers • Engineering Graphics • Signal Processing • Active/Passive Filter Design • Transfer Function/FFT Analysis • Logic Simulation • Microstrip Design • POtulSDOS • Ivlacintosh • VlSAiMC

BV Engineering 'ProfessionalSoftware

2023 Ovcago Ave., Suite B-13. Riverside. CA 92507 (714) 781-0252

Inquiry 669.

VERSATILE DSP & DISPLAY

PC DATA MASTER is a DOS s/ie/l wh/c/i inlegrales a full set of signal processir}g functions: flexible graphics, data file math, DSP utilities, data sampling/generation, and interactive help. Support for CGA. EGA, VGA, Here & AT&T. Add custom analysis or graphics functions easily using your favorite compiler. $115. Toolkit $45. Demo S10.

Durham Technical Images

P.O. Box 72, Durham, New Hampshire 03824-0072 (S03) 868-7203

Inquiry 670.

PROFESSIONAL SOLUTIONS

FOR PCs artd MS-DOS

DEFLECTION OF BEAIVIS OF UNIFORM OR VARIABLE

CROSS SECTION (not an FE-program): Statically deter.

minate problems & continuous beams

SIMPLE OR MULTIPLE SHRINK-FITS: Shrinkage pressures.

stresses, torsional holding ability etc.

HERTZ: Pressure between bodies

MICROMim — Software

Dan Sleurer, P.O Box 344, Mannlord, OK 74044 Recorded Message: (800) 336-2072, ext 540

Inquiry 671.

STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

MICROSAFE; Inexpensive, easy to learn and use Finite Element Analysis for IBM PCs and compatibles. Up to 400 nodes, 600 beams, 500 plates. Graphics. 2-D: $75, 3-D: $120, Both: $160. Overseas add $20. Evaluation copies. NOT COPYPROTECTED. Ask for brochure.

MICROSTRESS Corp. (Dep. bmi)

10950 Forest Ave. S., Seattle, WA 98178-3205 (206) 772-0508

Inquiry 672.

SIMULATION WITH GPSS/PC™

GPSS/PC" is an IBM persona! computer implementation ot thie popular mainframe simulation language GPSS. Graphics, animation and an extremely interactive environment allow a totally new view of your simulations. Simulate complex real-world systems with the most interactive and visual yet economical simulation software.

MINUTEMAN Software

P O Box 171/Y. Stow, Massachusetts. U S.A (617) 897-5662 ext. 540 (800) 223-1430 ext. 540

Inquiry 673.

Circuit Analysis — SPICE

Non-linear DC & Transient; Linear AC.

♦ Version 3B1 with BSIIVl, GaAs, JFET, MOSFET, BJT, diode, etc. models, screen graphics, improved speed and convergence.

* PC Version 2G6 available at $95.

Call, write, or check inquiry # for more info.

Northern Valley Software

28327 Rothrock Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90274 (213) 541-3677

Inquiry 674.

JULY 1988 -BYTE 315

The BUYER'S Mart

SOFTWARE/ENGINEERING

FREE ENGINEERING MAGAZINE

Personal Engineering is a monthly magazine sent tree of charge (USA only) to scientists/engineers who use PCs for technical applications. Topics each month include Instrumentation • Data Acq/Control • Design Automation. To receive a free sample issue and qualification form either circle below or send request on letterhead to:

Personal Engineering Communications

Box 1621, Bfookline. MA Q2M6

Inquiry 675.

SOFTWARE/GRAPHICS

FPLOT PEN PLOTTER EMULATOR

Use your dot matrix or laser printer as an HP pen plotter. Fast hi-res output. Vary line width. Includes VPLOT virtual plotter utility to capture plotting commands. Supports NEC P5/P6, IBM Proprinter, Epson LQ/MX/FX, HP Laserjet. Uses Hercules, CGA. EGA or VGA for screen preview. $64 check or m.o.

HORfZON SOFTWARE

Suite 605, 24-16 Steinway Sl„ Astoria, NY 11103 212-418-8469

Inquiry 680.

SOFT W./LANGUAGES

INCREASED EFFICIENCY WITH DRUMA FORTH-83? YES!

strict '83 STANDARD. Ideal lor teactiers/learners. 1fyIB+ memory. 64K speed & compactness lo 320K. Instant on-line doc/glossary. ASCII & SCR files. Editor, Assembler, FULL file/DOS interlaces. Developers' ideal.

• IBM PC/XT/AT 8, ALL COMPATIBLES

• BEST VALUE: S79, SSH $2, VISA/MC

■ 15 day money back. CALL OR WRITE today

DRUMA INC.

6448 Hwy. 290E, Suite E-103, Austin, TX 78723 Orders: 512-323-0403 BBoard: 512-323-2402

Inquiry 686.

EC-Ace ANALOG CIRCUIT ANALYSIS

You can afford to get started with EC-Ace, a subset of the powerful ECA-2 circuit simulator. Includes all the basics and built-in graphics.

• AC, DC, Temperature, Transient

• A full 525 pg. ECA-2 manual.

• Interactive, twice as fast as SPICE.

EC-Ace 2^1 IBM PC or Mac $145. Call 313-663-8810 for FREE DEMO

Tatum Labs, Inc.

1478 Mark Twain Ct., Ann Arbor, Ml 48103

Inquiry 676.

SOFTWARE/FORECAST

FORECAST PRO

An excellent forecasting package that uses artificial intelligence to fielp both the beginner and the experienced forecasler achieve top-notch results. Time series analysis techniques include exponential smoothing, Box-Jenkins, & dynamic regression.

CALL NOW FOR A FREE DEMO DISK!

Business Forecast Systems, Inc.

68 Leonard Street, Belmont, MA 02178 (617) 484-5050 TELEX #710-3201382

Inquiry 677.

SOFTWARE/GENERAL

US$5. . .INCLUDING DISK

Over 2,000+ software lilies (or IBM-PC Apple ] [,+,e,c,GS, Macintosh, 064/128. Amiga. Latest lilies and versions. Lxrts of hi-qualily manuals. Best services,

1200 bps Pocket-size Modem $159

256K Auto Hi-Res EGA card $179

16 MHz AT/286 Motfierboard/4 Mb $649

Lots of bargains, ram chips, etc , -. Specify your computer type. FREE catalog sent to you by air-mail. Write: IBRAHIM BIN ABU BAKAR, Dept. BYTE Raffles City PO, Box 1029, Singapore 9117 REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE

Inquiry 678.

SOFTW./GEOLOGICAL

GEOLOGICAL CATALOG

Geological software for log plotting, gridding/contouring, hydrology, digitizing, 3-D solid modelling, synttietic seisrrogram, fracture analysis, image processing, scout ticket manager, over 50 programs in catalog. Macintosh too! Please call, or write, for Free Catalog!

RockWare, Inc.

4251 Kipiing St.. Suite 595, Wiieat Ridge. CO 80033 USA (303) 423-5645

SOFTWARE/GRAPHICS

HirboGeometry Library

(Source & Manual)

Turbo Pascal. C. Mac. S t^icrosofl C. Over 150 2 & 3 dimensional routines including: Intersections. Transformations, Equations. Hidden Lines. Perspective. Cun«s. Areas, Vtolumes, Clipping. Planes. Matrices, \fectors. Distance, PolyDecomp. IBM PC (Comp.), MAC.

VISA/MC $99.95

Disk Software, Inc.

2116 E. Arapatio #4S7, Richardson, TX 75081 (214) 423-7288

Inquiry 679. 316 BYTE- JULY 1988

GRAPHICS PRINTER SUPPORT

AT LAST! Use the PrtSc key to make quality scaled B&W or color reproductions of your display on any dot matrix, Inkjet, or laser printer GRAFPLUS supports all versions ol PC or I^S-DOS with IBM (incl. EGA, VGA), Tecmar and Hercules graphics boards $4935,

Jewell Technologies, inc.

4740 44tli Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98116 800-628-2828 x 527 (206) 937-1081

Inquiry 681.

FORTRAN PROGRAMMER?

Now you can call 2-D and 3-D graphics routines within your FORTRAN program.

GRAFMATIC: screen routines $135.

PLCfTMATIC: plotter driver 135.

PRINTMATIC: printer driver 135, For the IBM PC, XT, AT & compatibles. We support a variety of compilers, graptiics bds., plotters and printers.

MICROCOMPATIBLES

301 Prelude Dr. Dept. B. Silver Spring. MD 20901 USA (301) 593-0683

Inquiry 682.

CGA^Hercules™ Graphics

Mode-MGA"* allows you to use business graphics, games, BASICA graphics and other CGA specilic software with your Hercules" Monochrome Graphics adaptor and monochrome monitor Vtorks with all CGA programs. S79.95 (+ S5 s8h) for the 3k-TSR version. 3CWay money back guarantee. Call or write:

T.B.S.P. Inc.

2265 Westwood Blvd.. Suite 793, Ins Angeles, CA 90064 (213) 312-0154

Inquiry 683.

SOFTWARE/HEALTH

FamilyCare™ Software

This comprehensive medical diagnostic program gives parents peace of mind when dealing with health problems of newborns through teenagers. It analyses hundreds of possible symptoms, injuries, and diseases, offering specific instruction for medical care, home treatment, and medic^ions. It provides answers quickly in life-threatening situations.

FamilyCare" Software Lundin Laboratories, Inc. 29451 Greenfield Rd,. Suite #216. Soulhfield. Ml 4S076 800/426-8426 or 313/559-4561

Inquiry 684.

SOFfW./INVESTMENT

The new Business Week TOP 1000 and Mutual Fund Scoreboard DlBkettss USB the enormous power ol your IBM of compatible PC lo select, rale, and compare every equity and lixed income mutual fund on the market (Mutual Fund Scoreboard), and virtually every Business Week 1000 company (TOP 1000)—Al the touch ol a key. Mutual Fund Scoreboard Diskettes: S4995 each or S23990 lor subscriptions lo tiotfi. TOP 1000 & TOP 1000 ELITE Diskettes: $199 lor lti8 TOP 1000 & $299 for IhB ELITE version which offers names & addresses ol the lop officers loo! Order new or rsceive more information by calling 1-800-553-3575 (In Illinois, call 1-312-250-9292)

Or write lo: Busincss Week Diskettes

PC. Box 621. Elk Grove. IL 60009

Inquiry 685.

FORTRAN for Macintosh

Language Systems FORTRAN is a full-featured FORTRAN 77 compiler integrated w/MPW. Full ANSI FORTRAN 77 plus VAX-type extensions. SANE numerical calculations & data types incl. C0rv)PLEX'16. 68000, 68020 and 68881 object code. Arrays greater than 32K. Link with Pascal, 0, MacApp. S304 w/MPW via air MC/VISA/Check. MAC+, SE, Mac II, HD req.

Language Systems Corp.

441 Carlisle Drive. Herndon. VA 22070 (703) 476-0181

Inquiry 687.

MULTI-USER DEVELOPMENT PLATFORM

Gain the 80386 edge lor your applications with THEOS C, an advanced compiler for ihe new THEOS 386 mulli-user. multitasking operating system. Meets ANSI C standard, plus offers the power of 250 additional functions for VD! graphics, real-time processing and file access. Provides UNIX and DOS source code compatibility. Breaks 64K limitation. Two-volume manual set, BASIC Language package also available. For complete multi-user solutions, call us today.

THEOS Software Corp.

1777 Bolhelho Dr. Suite 360. Walnul Creek. CA 94596 (415) 935-1118 FAX (415) 935-1177

Inquiry 688.

SOFTWARE/LOTTERY

WIN LOTTO

GAIL HOWARD'S systems have won S27 million for 9 Lotto jackpot winners! New available on IBM PC 5Va" disl^ettes the complete authentic Gail Howard Wheeling Systems (Smart Luck Computer Wheer $29.95 + $2 s/h); also Gail Howard's Smart tjjck Computer Advantage'" $39,95 + $2 s/h (specify bDtto game). VISA/fVIC wefcome, Smarl Luck Computer Systems, Dept. B-1

1271 West Dundee Rd., Suite 16-A, Buffalo Grove. IL 60089 312-934-3300 A list ol Gsil Hoard's lotto books is also available.

Inquiry 689.

THE ULTIMATE LOTTERY PROGRAM

"LOIDSYSTEMS" BY USA-LOTO Hoi 31 Easy to use. menu dri\en complete slalislical anal^^is program for any Lotto or Keno Game. Over 100 frequency and selection reports displa>«d or printed tiy ball II, pairs, triplets, families, mates, most frequent, and past due in sorted or numeric order Includes Proven Wtieeling Systems. Data lor any game also available. IBM PC/XT/AT/LAFTOPS. 256K RAM, DOS 2.0 5.25" & 3.5" disks. $49.95 + S4.00 Shipping. VISA/MC

WESTERN EN-COMM, INC.

4909 Stockdale Hv/y. #649 Bakersneld. CA 93309

(8001 872-5686 or (805) 831-1633 FAX: 1-805-831-5622

Inquiry 690,

SOFTWARE/MATHEMATICS

What? You've never seen a complex function?

Try f(z} - The Complex Variables Graphing Pacl<age for PC's virith CGA/EGA

"Let our animated screens show you wttat tlie printed page cannot."

Lascaux Graphics

(212) 654-7429

Inquiry 691.

The BUYER'S Mart

SOFTWARE/MODELING

MOVING 3-D NAVIGATOR

■ Rapid moving natural views of wire-frame objects you create: fly about or through the models in any arbitrary path by easy fingertip control. $449 + $4.00 S&H. {Foreign rate 549.00 + $11.00 S&H.)

♦ Require IBI^ PC or connpatible (256K up, 32 bit recommended.). 5Va " demo-disk $7.00 + $1.00 S&H.

bp-Coding Systems

(YOSHINO ENTERPRISES U.S.A., INC.) 2445 University Heights Ave., Boulder, CO 80302 telephone (303) 449-3640 • facsimile (303) 442-1967

Inquiry 692.

SOFTWARE/PACKAGING

SAVE SAVE SAVE SAVE

LET'S TALK LABELS

Wg do disk labels (5V4" & 3Vi) • Better • Faster • Cheaper • Because we specialize in disl< labels. . . Let's Talk We also have Tyvek Sleeves Mailers • Binders • Vinyl Pages

We are a complete software packaging service. Hice & Associates

9303 Cincinnali-Columbus Rd.. West Chester, OH 45069 513-777-0133

Inquiry 693.

SOFTWARE/PRODUCTION

ECONOMICAL DISK DUPLICATOR

Automatically formats, verifies, and copies 4 disks, signals for reload. Doubles as a label maker, and disk eraser (software included). Production up to 3,000 disks/week. Only $1950. Money back guarantee. VISA/MC

Corbin Software

600 Industrial Circle, White City OR 97503 503-826-6737

Inquiry 694.

SOFTW./SALES & MKTG.

Lead Management System

The next generation in sales management. Follow up, to-do lists, telemarketing, product lists, appointments, mail-merge, word processor, and spreadsheet. Tracks expenses to show cost of sales. Uses your sales cycle and generates top ten lists. Industry specific versions available. IBM PC/XT/AT, compatibles, and laptops. $99.96 VISA/MC/COD. Demo Disk 15.00

Powerhouse Systems Inc.

1022 West First St. Suite 104, Winston-Salem, NC 27101 (800) 525-5774 or (919) 721-0241

Inquiry 695.

FOLLOW-UP

SOFTWARE FOR SALESPEOPLE

Manage & control all of your sales activities on your desktop or laptop.

$179.95 XYCAD GROUP

1577 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44114 (800) 428-8457 (216) 589-5788 in Ohio

Inquiry 696.

SOFTWARE/SCIENTIFIC

Data Acquisition & Analysis on PC's

* FOURIER PERSPECTIVE II Advanced Oigrtal Signal Analysis.

* PRIME FACTOR FFT subroutine library. Call from Turtw Pascal, C, RirIran, Basic. Up to 65520 data points. 2D iniefface availabJe. Rectangular FFTs noiv possiWe in a muHitixJe ol dimensions.

* 2 & 30 Scientific Grapfw: packages with plotter support from Golden Sollware.

* Data Acquisition 8 Control Boards lomi MelraByte, Analog Devices, Burr-Brown, Slrawbany Tree, National Inslnjments, Contec, & Tecmar

* Data ^uisition & Analyse Software—Labtech Notebook. Asyst, UnkelScope, Lctus Measure with l-2-3/Symphony, & OuinrvCurlis.

Call tor FREE Application Assistance & Technical Literature LOW PRICES-Satisfaction GUARANTEED

Alligator Technologies — (714) 850-9984

P.O. Box 9706. Fountain Valley, CA 92708

Inquiry 697.

SOFTWARE/SCIENTIFIC

FAST FOURIER TRANSFORMS

• Subroutine for integer data: 1024 points in 44mSec on PS-Z/Mod 80.

• Subroutine for floating-point data: (witfi 80387) 1024 points in 220 mS.

• NEW subroutine for double-precision data: 1024 points in 157 mSecl

• Call from FORTRAN, C, BASIC, Pascal.

Ctieck or PO: $175 ea;$360 all ttiree.

J.W. Hartwell & Associates

Route 4 Box 1540, Hillsborougti, NC 27278(919) 732-7951

Inquiry 698.

ORDINARY/PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQN SOLVER

FOR THE IBM PC & COMPATIBLES

MICROCOMPATIBLES INC.

301 Prelude Dr., Silver Spring, MD 20901 (301) 593-0683

Inquiry 699.

SCi-GRAF anid SCI-DATA

SCI-GRAF produces huge hi-res graphs thru easy menus or linkable C libraries. Supports log scales, error bars, screen and printer output,

SCI-DATA performs least squares and normal curve fits, scaling and polar coordinate transformations.

Prices start at $59.95.

Microcomputer Systems Consultants

Box 747, Santa Barbara, CA 93102

(805) 963-3412

Inquiry 700.

Scientific/Engineering/Graphics Libraries Turbo & LIghtspeed Pascal, Modula-2, C

Send for FREE catalogue of software tools for Scientists and Engineers. Includes: Scientific subroutine libraries, device independent graphics libraries (including EGA, HP plotter and Laserjet support), scientific charting libraries, 3-D plotting library, data acquisition libraries, menu-driven process control software. Versions available for a variety of popular languages.

Quinn-Curtis

1191 Chestnut St., Unit 2-5, Newton, MA 02164

Inquiry 701.

SOFTWARE/SORT

OPT-TECH SORT/MERGE

Extremely fast Sort/Merge/Select utility. Run as an MS-DOS command or CALL as a subroutine. Supports most languages and filelypes including Btrieve and dBASE. Unlimited filesizes, multiple keys and much more! MS-DOS $149. XENIX $249.

(702) 588-3737 Opt-Tech Data Processing

P.O. Box 676 - Zephyr Cove, NV 89448

Inquiry 702.

SOFTWARE/TAX PREP.

W-2 (COPY A) ON FLOPPY

The W-2 IVIAG program makes an IRS/SSA FORMAT floppy from a data entry screen or imported ASCII file. Includes manual and application forms,

• Used nation wide • Menus, user friendly

• Slep-by-step data entry • Prints W-2 forms

• Free phone support • PC compatible

Illinois Business lUlachlnes inc.

Department PC 1403 Box 310 Troy Rd., Edwardsville. IL 62025 PH. tt (618) 692-6060

Inquiry 703.

SOFTWARE/TOOLS

SCREEN MANAGER

MENU, WINDOW, and DATA ENTRY Support for the Professional Programmer! Interfaces to most languages. BASIC, C, FORTRAN, COBOL, PASCAL, ASSEMBLER. 100 Page Manual. Thirty day money back guarantee. No Royalties, from $79. Visa/MC

The West Chester Group

P.O. Box 1304, Wesi Ctiester. PA 19380 (215) 644-4206 CALL FOR FREE DEMO

Inquiry 704.

STATISTICS

STATA

Statistics and graphics join to make STATA the most powerful package for the PC. No comparable program is as fast, friendly, and accurate. $20 Demo. Quantity discount available. Call toll-free for more information. AX/VISA/MC.

1-800-STATAPC

Computing Resource Center

10801 National Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90064 (213) 470-4341

Inquiry 705.

THE SURVEY SYSTEM

An easy-to-use package designed specifically for questionnaire data. Produces banner format, cross tabs & related tables, statistics (inci, regression) & bar charts. Codes and reports answers to open-end questions. All reports are camera-ready for professional presentations. CRT interviewing option. CREATIVE RESEARCH SYSTEMS

15 Lone Oak Ctr., Dept. B, Petaluma, CA 94952

707-765-1001

Inquiry 706.

RESULTS NOT SIGNIFICANT?

Next time use EX-SAMPLE. Expert program estimates sample size using power analysis for comparisons of means, props, regression, ANOVA. chi-square, loglinear, LISREL, surveys, experiments, many more. Justify sample size to funding agencies, plan sampling budget. Can pay for itself in a single study. IBM/MSDOS, $195-fs/h (50% educ. disc). VISA/MC/PO, 30-day guarantee. Call now for FREE brochure.

The Idea Works, Inc.

100 West Briarwood, Columbia, MO 65203 Order toll free 1-800-537-4866

Inquiry 707.

NUMBER CRUNCHER STAT SYS

Menu-driven. Multiple & stepwise regression, ANOVA, time series, discriminant cluster and factor analysis, principal components, scatter plots, histograms, t-tests, contingency tables, nonparametrics. Import export data. Spreadsheet, sort, join, merge. $99. MS-DOS. Graphics program, $59.

NCSS-B

865 East 400 North, Kaysville, UT 84037 801-546-0445

Inquiry 708.

STATISTIX™ II

Comprehensive, powerful and incredibly easy-touse. Full screen editor, transformations, linear models (ANOVA, regression, logit, PCA, etc), ARIIi^A, most standard stat procedures. Clear, well organized documentation. Satisfaction guaranteed. $169 PC DOS, $99 Apple II,

NH Analytical Software

P.O. Box 13204, Roseville, MN 55113 (612) 631-2852

Inquiry 709.

JULY 1988 -BYTE 317

The BUYER'S Mart

STATISTICS

Spreadsheet Statistics

NEW! 23 comprehensive statistics and forecasting modules for analyzing LOTUS worksheets. Low cost $24.95 each. Easy to use. Includes tutorial. Basic and advanced statistics with graphics and many user-definable options. Compare, Free brochure.

Walonick Associates, Inc.

6500 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis., MN 55423 (612) 866-9022

Inquiry 710.

UTILITIES

Cleanup

the File Management System FEATURES; global file search, wild card & Attribute file marking, source & target space info, file copy to multiple disks wfien full, pop up windows, prompted file deleting and many more. Price: $49.95

1-800-553-0846 Acme Software Works

1380 156lh Ave. N.E, Suite 147, Bellevue. WA. 9B007

Inquiry 711.

UTILITIES

Recover deleted files fast!

Disk Explorer new includes automatic file recovery. You type in the deleted file's name, Disk Explorer finds and restores It. Disk Explorer also shows what's really on disk; view, change or create iormats, change a file's status, change data in any sector fy|S-DOS $75 US, Check/Credit card welcome.

QUAID SOFTWARE LIMITED

45 Charles St. E. 3rd Fl. Toronto, Ontario, Canada mY 1S2 (416) 961-8243

The SPINDRIFT Library

At last! Now there's a way for FORTRAN programmers to do the things they always wanted to do: Execute other programs via CALL EXEC; edit key control of CURSOR; WINDOWS; POP UP HELP; Wildcard file search; Save/ restore screen images; COLOR. 150 subroutines and functions in all. PHce: S149. + S&H Write lor DEMO DISK: $5 credited to purchase. Specify your Compiler

Spindrift Laboratories, Ltd.

116 S. Harvard Ave., Arlington His., IL 60005 (312) 255-6909

Inquiry 714.

WORD PROCESSING

FARSi / GREEK / ARABIC / RUSSIAN

Hebrew, all European, Scandinavian, plus either Hindi, Punjabi. Bengali. Gujarati, Tamil, Thai. Korean, Viet, or IPA, Fullfeatured multi-language word processor supports on-screen foreign characters and NLQ printing with no hardware modifications. Includes Font Editor. S355 dot matrix: $150 add'l for laser; $19 demo. S/H in U.S. incl'd. Req. PC, 640K, graphics. 30 day Guarantee, MC/VISA/AMEX

GAMMA PRODUCTIONS, INC.

710 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 609, Santa Monica. CA 90401 213/394-8622 Tlx: 5106008273 Gamma Pro SN^A

Inquiry 717.

CompareRite™

CompareRite saves editing time by comparing Iwo documents and generating a third that shows the differences in an average oi two seconds per page, CompareRite highlights changes the way you want to see them. Works with all major word processing programs. Price — S129.95 + shipping/handling

JURISoft, Inc.

763 fwlassactiusetts Ave.. Dept 11, Cambridge, MA 02139 1-800-262-5656 ext. 11 In MA — 617-864-6151 ext. 11

Inquiry 718.

Enhanced DOS Commands

Get directory listings of all files that don't matcti a template. Searcti all directories for files matching a template. New commands and new versions of existing commands, all with lots of variable options. Plus all commands accept special codes to reduce repetitive entries. Get the most from DOS with these time-saving routines. For tiJS-DOS/PCDOS 2.0 and higher $29.95

Driscoll Graphics

135 E. Church, P.O. Box 625 Clinton, W 49236

Inquiry 712.

COPY AT TO PC

The 1.2mB drive has long been known to READ but NOT reliably WRITE on 360kB floppies. With ■■CPYAT2PC'"1.2mB drives CAN reliably WRITE 360kB floppies saving a slot for a second hard disk or backup tape. '■CPYAT2PC" (Not Copy Protected) offers 'the preferable SOFTWARE SOLUTION.' ONLY $79+S4 S/H VISA/t^C/COD UPS B/R

MICROBRIDGE COMPUTERS

655 Skyway, San Carlos, CA 94070 Order toll free 1-800-523-8777 415-593-8777 (CA) 212-334-1858 (NY)

TELEX EZLNK 62873089 FAX 415-593-7675

Inquiry 713.

HANDS OFF THE PROGRAM®

- Locks Hard Disk. ■ Restricts Floppy Use.

- Protects Subdirectories.

- Normal Use of DOS Commands and Application Software.

- IBf^ PC, XT, AT and True Compalibles.

- DOS V2.0 and Higher Hard Disk System.

- Keep Other People's HANDS OFF Your System

- $89.95 VISA/lylC

SYSTEM CONSULTING, INC.

314 Canterbury Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 (412) 963-1624

Inquiry 715.

$59.95U

Buy the RED Utilities now! Programs include: Disk cache to speed hard disl<. Printer spooler. Batch file compiler Path command for data files. Wild card exceptions. Protect hard disk from accidental formatting. Sort directories. Over 10 more programs. IBM PC. Visa/MC. The Wenham Software Company

5 Burley St.. Wenham, MA. 01984 (617) 774-7036

Inquiry 716.

DuangJan

Bilingual word processor for English and; Armenian, Bengali Euro/Latin, Greek, Hindi, Khmer, Lao, Punjabi, Russian, Sinhalese, Tamil, Thai, Viet.. . $109-i-$5s/h (foreign -i- $12 s/h). Font editor Included. For IBfvl with dot-matrix & LaserJet printer Demo $6 + S1 s/h.

MegaChomp Company

3524 Coltman Ave.. Philadelphia. PA 19149-1606 (215) 331-2748

Inquiry 719.

PC-Write™ Shareware Ver. 2.71

Fast, full featured word processor/text editor for IBf^ PC. With spell check, screen clip, mailmerge, split screen, ASCII files, macros. Easy to use. Supports 400 printers - LaserJet-f and PostScript. Software, User Guide, and Tutorial on 2 disks for $16. Try it, then register with us for only $89 and get User f^anual, 1 year tele-support, newsletter and 2 upgrades. 90-day guarantee. VISA/MC.

QuIckSOft 1-800-888-8088 CALL TODAY! 219 First N., #224-BYTC, Seattle, WA 98109

Inquiry 720.

Advertise your computer products in THE BUYER'S MART.

It's easy to get your sales message into print. Just send us typewritten copy or phone in your ad. And as a unique feature, every BUYER'S MART ad is assigned a reader service number which will provide your company with valuable inquiries. Call Mark Stone for more information at 603-924-3754

BYTE/McGraw-Hill

One Phoenix Mill Lane Peterborough, NH 03458

318 BYTE- JULY 1988

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I l(Hl% EBM XT-Owip.iilil.' »/lilllK lr\M on \\,m,A J. ClH^-nnoriVf !■ BIOS In.ljillril .< tin- 12' Hi|[li-R». 4inlHTMiimt..ri::il . llHl

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JULY 1988 - BYTE 319

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5im^on Mail-Order Electronics

dill^MJ 24 HOUR ORDER HOTLINE ALL OTHER INQUIRIES (7AM-5PM PST)

415-592-8097 415-592-8121

NEC VgO & V30 CHIPS

Replace the 8086 or 8088 in Your IBM-PC and Part No Increase Its Speed by up to 40%! Price

UPD70108-5 (5MHz) V20 Chip $7.49

UPD70108-8 (8MHz) V20 Chip $8.95

UPD70108-10 (10MHI) V20 Chip $21.05 $14.95

UPD70116-8 (8MHz) V30 Chip $11.95

UPO70116-10 (10MHz) V30 Chip $24.95 $19.95

7400. . 7402. .

7404. .

7405. .

7406. .

7407. .

7408. . 7410. . 7414. .

7416. .

7417. . 7420. . 7430. . 7432. . 7438- . 7442. .

7445. .

7446. .

7447. .

7448. .

7472. .

7473. .

7474. ,

7475. .

7476. .

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Part No,

7485- , . 7486. .

7489. . .

7490. . . 7493. . , 74121. , 74123. . 74125, . 74126 . 74143 . 7415a . 74154, . 74158. ,

74173. .

74174. .

74175. .

74176. . 74181. . 74189. , 74193. . 74198. , 74221. , 74273. . 74365. , 74367. ,

, .45 .35

. .45 .35

. .55 .45

. .55 .45

, .69 ,59

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1,25 155

1,85 1,85

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74LS00, , , 74LS02, , , 74LS04, . , 74LS05, . , 74LS0a , , 74LS07, , , 74LS08, , , 74LS10, . , 74LS14, . , 74LS27, , , 74LS30, , , 74LS32, , , 74LS42. , , 74LS47. , , 74LS73, , , 74LS74, , , 74LS75. , . 74LS76, . . 74LS85. . . 74LS86. , . 74LS9a , , 74LS93, , , 74LS123,, 74LS125,, 74LS138,, 74LS139,, 74LS154,, 74LS157,, 74LS158.. 74LS163,, 74LS164.,

, 1,09 , 1,09

- ,49 . .49 . 1.09

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. 6,05 595 ,&e5 1.49

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74586. . , 74S124,,

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29

35

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1.49

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74F32

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CD—CMOS

CD4001, , CD4008, , CD4011,. CD4013, CD4016, CD4017,, CD4018,, CD402a , CD4024., CD4027, . CD4030.. CD4040.. CD4049,, CD4050,, CD4051,, CD4052., CD4053,, CD4063-, CD4066., CD4067., OD4069,. CD4070,. CD4071,. CD4072,.

:69 .49 19

CD4076

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CD4082

CD4093

CD4094

CD40103,,. CD40107, , , CD40109,,,.

CD4510

CD4511

CD4520

CD4522

CD4538

CD4541

CD4543

CD4553

CD4555

CD4559

CD4566

CD4583

CD4584

CD4585

MC14411P,. fVtC14490P.,

, 2,49 9 ,29

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4.95

79

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89

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WICROPROCESSOR COMPONENTS

MISCELLANEOUS CHIPS

Part No. Price

D76SAC *95 3,95

WD9216 &95 4.95

95H90 9:95 4.95

Z80. ZSOA, Z80B SERIES

280 -HSS .99

Z80-CTC W9 .99

ZeO-DART 4.95

ZaO-PIO 477^ .99

Z80A 1,69

Z80A-CTC 1,79

Z80A-DART 4,95

Z80A-PI0 1,69

Z80A-8(0/0 5,75

Z80B 3.49

Z80B-CTC 3.95

Z80B-PI0 4*9 3,95

6500/6800/68000 SER.

6502 2.65

65C02(CMOS) &957.75

6520 1,95

6522 3,95

6532 &49 5,49

6551 -MS 2,95

65C802(CMOS) 15,95

6800 1,95

6802 3,95

6810 1,25

6821 1,75

6840 ass 3,49

6600/6800/88000 Cont. Part No. Price

6845 ass 2.95

6850 1,95

6852 ^hHS ,75

6854 1,19

Mcesoooua, -ff^ 9,95

MG6B000L10 +a95 11,95 MC68010L10 29 95

MC68020RC12il 109,00 99,95

8031, """""'^.^ 395

80C31 9.95

8035 1.95

8073 9,95

8080A &SS 2,49

a085A 2,49

8086 &S5 4,95

8086- 2 5,95

8087 (5MHz) 99,95

8087- l(10MHz),,229,95

8087- 2(8MHz).,,159.95 8088 67*3 5-75

8088- 2 8:95 7.75

8116 4.95

8155 2.49

8155-2 3.49

8156 3-95

8202 SSS 4.95

8203 ass 6-95

8212 2-29

8224 2.25

8000 SERIES Cont.

Part No. Price

8228 2.95

8237-5 4:95 4.49

8243 aeS 1-75

8250A 649

8250B (For IBM),,,, 6.95

8251 A. 1.89

8253-5 1.95

8254 4.95

8255A-5 2,95

8259-5 2,25

8272 4as 3,95

8279-5 2,95

8741 9,95

8742 eaSS 19,95

8748 (25V) 7.95

8748H (HMOS) (Z1V).,, 9.95

8749 9.95

8751 (3,5-eMH;l,,,, 39,95 8751H (3,.5.l2MHl)...44,95 8755 14,95

DATA ACQUISITION ADC0804LCN , - StIS 2,79

ADC0808CCN 5-95

ADCOaOgCCN - - ass 3.69 ADC0816CCN -++:95 8.95 ADG1205GCJ-1 - - . 19.95

DAC0808LCN 1.95

DAC1008LCN 4 95

AY-3-1015D 4.95

AY-5-1013A 2-95

MICROPROCESSOR SALE!

Part No. Price

8052AHBASIC CPU w/BASIC Interpreter $29.95

MC68008L8 32-Bit MPU (8-Bit Data Bus).. $1G.95 $9.95

MC68701 8-Bit EPROM IMicrocomputer $14.95

MC68705P3S 8-Bit EPROIWI Microcomputer. .$14.95 $9.95 MC68705U3S 8-Bit EPROIM Microcomputer $10.95

80286- 10 16-Bit Hi Performance MPU $99.95

80287- 8 Math Co-processor (8MH2) $245.95

80287-10 Math Co-processor (1 OMHz) $309.95

80387-16 Math Co-proc. (16MHz) grid array ,. $494.95 80387-20 Math Co-proc. (20MHz) GRID ARRAY.. $795.95

Part No.

-DYNAMIC RAMS

Price

•4116-15 16,384x1 (150ns) 1.09

4128-20 131,072x1 (200ns) (Piggyback) 9*5 2.75

•4164-100 65.536X 1 (100ns) 4.25

•4164-120 65,536 X 1 (120ns) 3.75

•4164-150 65.536x1 (150ns) 3.25

"4164-200 65,536x1 (200ns) 275

•TMS4416-12 16,384x4 (120ns) 7.49

•41256-80 262,144 x 1 (80ns) 14.95

•41256-100 262,144x1 (100ns) 14.49

•41256-120 262,144 x 1 (120ns) 13.95

•41256-150 262,144 x 1 (150ns) 12.95

•50464-15 65,536 X 4 (150ns) (4464) 9.95

•511000P-10 1,048,576x1 (100ns) 1 Meg .49:95 39.95

•514256P-10 262,144x4 (100ns) 1 Meg 89.95

STATIC RAMS

•2016-12 2048 x 8 (120ns) 3.95

2018--45 2048x8 (45ns) &95 5.49

2102 1024X 1 (350ns) 89

2114N 1024 X 4 (450ns) 99

2114N-2L 1024 x 4 (200ns) Low Power 1.49

21C14 1024x4 (200ns) (CMOS) 49

5101 256 X 4 (450ns) CMOS 1.95

'6116P-3 2048 X 8 (150ns) CMOS 6,49

•6116LP-3 2048x8 (150ns) LP CMOS 6.95

•6264LP-12 8192 X 8 (120ns) LP CMOS 8.95

■6264P-15 8192x8 (150ns)CMOS 7.75

•6264LP-15 8192 X 8 (150ns) LP CMOS 8.75

6514 1024 X 4 (350ns) CMOS 3.49

•43256-15L 32,768x8 (150ns) Low Ftower. . . , 12.95

EPROMS

TMS2516 2048 x 8 (450ns) 25V 6.95

TMS2532 4096 x 8 (450ns) 25V 6:95 6.49

TMS2532A 4096x8 (450ns) 21V 5:95 4.49

TMS2564 8192x8 (450ns) 25V 9:95 7,95

TMS2716 2048 x Q (450ns) 3 Voltage... 9:95 6,95

1702A 256x8 (Ifjs) 6:95 4.95

2708 1024 X 8 (450ns) 4.95

2716 2048 X 8 (450ns) 25V 3.75

2716-1 2048x8 (350ns) 25V 4.25

27C16 2048 x 8 (450ns) 25V (CMOS) , . , 5.49

2732 4096 x 8 (450ns) 25V 3,95

2732A-20 4096 X 8 (200ns) 21V. 4,25

2732A-25 4096 x 8 (250ns) 21V 3.95

27C32 4096 x 8 (450ns) 25V (CMOS) . , . 5.95

2764-20 8192x8 (200ns) 21V 4.25

2764-25 8192x8 (250ns) 21V 3.75

2764A-25 8192 x 8 (250ns) 12,5V 3,95

2764-45 8192x8 (450ns) 21V 2.95

27C64-15 8192 x 8 (150ns) 21V (CMOS) .. . 6.49

27128-20 16,384x8 (200ns) 21V 6.95

27128-25 16,384x8 (250ns) 21V 5.95

27128A-25 16.384 x 8 (250ns) 12,5V 5,25

27C128-25 1 6,384 x 8 (250ns) 21V (CMOS) . , 6,95

27256-20 32,768x8 (200ns) 12.5V 695

27256-25 32.768x8 (250ns) 12-5V 5.95

27C256-25 32,768 x 8 (250ns) 12.5V (CMOS) . 7.95

27512-20 65.536x8 (200ns) 12.5V 13.49

27512-25 65,536x8 (250ns) 12.5V 11.95

68764 8192 X 8 (450ns) 25V 13.95

EEPflOMS

2816A-25 2048 x S (250ns) 5V ReadAAA-ite,... 5,95

2817A 2048 x 8 (350ns) 5V ReadAA/hte,.,. 7.95

2865A 8192x8 (250ns) 5V Read/Write,.,. 9.95

52B13(21V) 2048x8 (350ns) 5V Read Only. ... 1.49

COMMODORE CHIPS

Part No.

Price

U\G570 . WD1770 . SI3052P.

6502

6504A. . .

. 10.06 9,95 , "^"^."05 9,95 ..^48 1.25

2.65

. .4t96 1.19

6507 4:39 2.95

6510 9.95

6520 1.95

6522 3.96

6525. . . . 2.49

6526. . . . 44aS 12.95

6529 2.95

6532 fe49 5.49

6545-1 4:96 3,25

6551 4r4S 2,95

6560 10.95

6567 19.95

6569 84:96 15.95

6572 8:96 6,95

6581 (12V) 14,95

6582 (9V), 44:S6 6.95 8360 14.95

8501, , , . 49:96 8,95

8502, , , . ?:96 4,95

8563 15.95

8564. . , , 9:96 4.95 8566. . . . 24:96 15.95

8701 9.95

8721 44*611.95

8722 9:96 6.95

■251104-04 49:96 8.95 310654-05 9,96

318018- 03 49:9§ 8,95

318019- 03 49:96 8.95

318020- 04 49:96 8.95

325302-01 10.95

325572-01 14.95

■82S100PLA" . , , 15,96

901225- 01 44t96 9.95

901226- 01 11.95

901227- 03 11.95

901229-05 11.95

"No specs, available "Note: 82S100PLA ^ U17 IC-64)

SPECIALS!

SMP81FY Prec, Sample S Hold Amp ,, ,, 7.95

MAX232CPE Dual RS232 Rec./Trans 5.19

LM306P Dual Comparator 79

6116P-1 16K CMOS SRAM (100ns)... 7.49

27128-45 128K EPROM (450ns) 21V , ,. 4,95

74LS612 Memory Mapper, Tri-State . , , 7,95

7aHC HI-SPEED CHIOS

Part No,

Price Pan No.

74HC00 ±S ,19

74HC02 *5 .19

74HC04 «9 ,19

74HC08 «9 ,19

74HC10 :Se .19

74HC14 749 .29

74HC30 :29 ,19

74HC32 res .25

74HC74 39 .29

74HC75 :99 .35

74HC76 7*5 ,35

74HC85 7fe ,55

74HCS6 :99 ,35

74HC123 fl9 ,69

74HC125 ji9 ,39

74HC132 :69 .39

74HC138 :49 .39

74HC139 749 .39

74HC154 4:491.19

74HC163 res .39

74HC174 *9 ,49

Price

74HC175 m ,49

74HC221 «9 ,89

74HC240 :99 ,69

74HC244 99 .69

74HC245 99 79

74HC253 99 .39

74HC259 S9 -39

74HC273 99 .69

74HC373 99-65

74HC374 99 .65

74HC595 4:291.09

74HC688 99 .79

74HC943 8.95

74HC4040 99 .79

74HC4049 :59 -39

74HC4050 :59 .39

74HC4060 S9 .89

74HC4511 4*9 .99

74HC4514 4tt9 .99

74HC453B 89

74HC4543 4t49 -89

7AHCT — CiWOS TTL

74HCT00

74HCT02 :?9 .

74HCT04 *9

74HCT08 :e9

74HCT10 :?§

74HCT32 :*9

74HCT74 7*9 .

74HCT86 7t9 .

74HCT138 *9 .

74HCT13974HCT157, 74HCT174, 74HCT175, 74HCT240 74HCT244,

, :S9 ,35 ,:69 ,19 , :69 35 :69 ,39 ,:99 ,89 -99 39

74HCT245 IrW 79

7aHCT373 «9 ,55

74HCT374 +7*9 49

7ac—CiWOS

74C00 29

74C02 29

74C04 29

74C08 35

74C10 :95 ,19

74C14 59

74C32 35

74C74 59

74C85 1,49

74C86 35

74C89 57«9 3,95

74C90 99

74C154 2,95

74C173 4:65 .59

74C174 79

74C175 79

74C221 1,79

74C240 4:79 ,69

74C244 1.79

74C373 195

74C374 1.95

74C912 895

74C915 4:99 ,99

74C920 695 4,95

74C921 695 4,95

74C922 3,95

74C923 3,95

74C925 5,95

LIIMEABt

DS0026CN 1.95

TL074CN 1.19

TL084CN 99

AF100-1CN 8,95

LM307N 45

LM309K 1,25

LM311N 45

LtVI317T 79

LtVI318N 99

lJu1319N 1,29

1-M323K 3,95

LIV1324N 39

I-M338K. 4.95

LIV1339N 39

LF347N 1.79

UVt348N 69

LIVI350T 2,95

LF351N 39

t_F353N 49

LF355N 79

l_F356rj 89

LF357N 1.09

Lrul358N 49

1-M360N 219

LM361N 1.79

Lfvl380N-8 99 .85

UU1386N-3 89

UV1387N 99

lJv4393N 39

1-M399H 2.95

U=411CN 79

TL497ACN. . . . 4:49 ,99 NE540H (C540H) , fe95 1.49

NE555V .29

XRL555 59

UV1556N 49

NE558N 89

LM565N 99

IJ^567V 79

tME592N «9 .69

U\4741CN 29

IJV1747CN 59

rvlC1350P 4:99 ,89

tv/IC1372P 4:96 ,99

MC1377P 2,29

tu1C1398P. 895 4,95

LM1414N 4S9 ,49

Lr\41458N 39

I-M1488N 49

DS14C88N (CrvlOS) 1,19

1-M1489N 49

DS14C89N (CMOS) 1,19

1-M1496N m ,69

MC1648P. ,, , , 9749 1,95

LM1871N 1,95

1-M1872N 1,95

1-M1896N-1 4749 .79

ULN2003A 79

XR2206 3,95

XR2211 295

XR2243 1,95

26LS29 9:95 2.95

26LS31 1.19

26LS32 1,19

261_S33 1.49

UV12901N :99 -15

1-M2907N 1-29

LA12917N (8 pin).. - . 1-95

MC3419CI 695 3.95

MC3446N 4:69 -99

MC3450P. 4:95 .49

MC3470P- 1.95

MC3471P 4:95 .75

MC3479P 4.79

MC3486P 1.69

MC3487P- 4:69 .99

LNI13900N 49

l_M3905N 1.19

UV13909N 99

l_M3914N 1.95

l_M3915N 1.95

NE5532 69

NE5534 69

7805K(LM340K-51 1.29

7812K (LM340K-121.--1-29 7815K (LM340K.15)...1.29

7805T (LM340T-5) 49

7812T(Lt^340T-12)... .49 7815T(LM340T-15)... 49 7905K (LM320K-5) 4:95 .99

7905T |LtJ320T-5) 59

75472 :59 .39

75477 99 -49

MC145106P . . 9749 195 fylC145406P 2.95

IC SOCKETS

aip

Low Profile

.11

Wire Wrap (Gold) Level 113

8WW 59

14LP

.12

16LP

.13

16 WW 69

24 LP

.25

24WW 1.19

28LP

.27

28 WW 1-39

40 LP

.29

40 WW 1-89

Soldertair Standard (Gold S Tin) & Header Plug Sockats Also A¥ailable

PARTIAL LISTING • OVER 4000 COMPONENTS AND ACCESSORIES IN STOCK! • CALL FOR QUANTITY DISCOUNTS

VRAM'S SUBJECT TO FREQUENT PRICE CHANGES

320 BYTE* JULY 1988

Circle 129 on Reader Service Card

Now Available.,-Jameco's NEW mjmwlm^

Summer Flyer ^137 with 48 pages of IVI|VI%p Computer Peripherals J Components & More!

MICROCOMPUTER MARKETING COUNCIL

iif the Dir-ecr. Markpung AssDcaLion. Inc

PROTOTYPING PRODUCTS

Jameco Solderless Breadboard Sockets

Part

Dim.

Contact

Binding

No.

L" X W

Points

Posts

JE20

61i X 3,4

200

0

JE21

3M X 2'/8

400

0

JE22

6V2 X 1%

630

0

JE23

6'4 X 2'*

830

0

JE24

6'/! X 3'A

1,360

2

JE25

6''! X 4V.

1,660

3

JE26

6'/8 X 5*

2,390

4

JE27

7' i X 7!i

3,220

4

$ 2.29 $ 4.49 $ 5.95 S 7.49 $14.95 $22.95 $27.95 $37.95

Jameco's IBM PC/XT/AT Compatible Motherboards

• Award BIOS ROMs included

JE1001

JE1001 4.77/8MHZ (PC/XT) $ 99.95

JE1002 4.77/10MHZ (PC/XT) . . . $119.95 JE1007 6/8/10/12MH2 (AT) $349.95

2&3MB Memory

Expansion mmmm-i Cards for - - ^ IBM AT and Compatibles

2MB ot expanded or extended

JE1081 memory (zero-K on-board) (AT)

3MB of expanded or extended memory, parallel printer porl, serial port and

JE1082 game port (zero-K on-board) (AT).. $169.95

JE1082 $119,95

Jameco Computer

Power

Protection jeii9o

JE1190 Power Base $29.95

JE1191 6-Outlet Power Strip $11.95

IBM PC/XT/AT Compatible Keyboards

JE1016

-~.-.^^ Pictured ■ Taclile touch keyswilches • Switch selectable between PC/XT or AT ■ IlluminatecJ Caps Lock. Num Lock and Scrol' Lock

JE1015 $59.95

■ Ennanced keyboard layout • lliuminated Num Lock, Caps Lock and Scroll Lock • Automatically switches between PC/XT or AT

JE1016 $79.95

DATA BOOKS

400041 NSC Linear Data Book-Vol.l (87) $14.95

400042 NSC Linear Data Book-Vol.ll (87). ... $ 9.95

400043 NSC Linear DaU Book-Vol.lll (87). ... $ 9,95

210830 Intel Memory Handbook (87) $17.95

230843 Intel Microsystem Hndbk. Set (87) $24,95

IBM AT COMPATIBLE KTT Mini-286 6/8/10/12MHz Kit

Bally AT Mothert}oard (2ero-K RAM - includes JE1007 Award BIOS ROMs) $349.95

JE1015 XT/AT style Keyboard $ 59.95

JE1017 Baby AT Rip-Top Case. ...$ 69.95

JE1022 5V," Hi-Density Disk Drive .. $109.95

JE1032 200 Watt Power Supply $ 89.95

360K/720K/1.2M Floppy JE1043 Controller Card $49.95

JE1065 Input/Output Card $59.95

Now Wlth^ FREE QAPLUS Diagnostic.^ Software!^

.1 <^>teilMj»Mi

Regular Ust $789.65 SAVE $99.70!

JE1059 $519.95 (EGA Monitor and Card not included)

JE2009* IBM AT Compatible Kit $689.95

JE286M JE2009 Technical Manual $29.95

•RAM not included - Minimum RAM configuration 512K (18 Clllps 41256-120, see left)

IBM COMPATIBLE DISPLAY MONITORS

12" Amber Monochrome —

TTL Input, High Resolution (PC/XT/AT)

AMBER $99.95

14" RGB Color — CGA compatible Amber/Green/Color Switctiable, 640 x 200 Resolution (PC/XT/AT)

TTX1410 $279.95 ttxuio

14" EGA Color - EGA/CGA Compat., 720 x 350 Max. Resolution (PC/XT/AT)

TE5154 $399.95

14" Multiscan Color - VGA/PGC/EGA compatible, aOO x 6OO Max. Resolution (PC/XT/AT)

CTX1435 $549.95

EGA/VGA MONITOR AND CARD SPECIALS^

14" EGA Monitor and EGA Card - ega compatible, 720 x 350 Max.

Resolution - displays up to 16 colors (PC/XT/AT)

JE1059 $519.95

13" VGA Monitor and VGA Card - vga compatible, soo x 560 Max.

Resolution - displays up to 256 colors (PC/XT/AT)

JEVGA $649.95

IBM PC/XT/AT COMPATIBLE CARDS

Graphic Display

Cards

JE1050

JE1050 Mono Graphics Card w/Printer Port (PC/XT/AT).

JE1052 Color Graphics Card w/Printer Port (PC/XT/AT) $49.95

JE1055 EGA Card with 256K Video RAM (PC/XT/AT) $169.95

,_^„_^ Multi I/O with Driue Controller <ti-iQoc JE1071 and Mono Graphics (PC/XT) $119.95

Multifunction, I/O and Expansion Cards

I/O Card with Serial, Game, Parallel Printer JE1060 ft)rt and Real Time Clock (PC/XT) $59.95

JE1061 RS232 Serial Hall Card (PC/XT/AT) $29.95

I/O Card with Serial, Game and JE1065 Parallel Printer Porl(AT)

$59.95

, $59.95

Expand to 384K (zero-K on-board) Multifunc. w/Serial, JE1078 Game, Parallel Printer Bart 8. Real Time Clock (PC/XT) . ■ $69.95

Floppy and Hard Disk Controller Cards

JE104 0 360KB Floppy Disk Drive Controller Card (PC/XT). ■ . . $29.95

JE1041 20/40MB Hard Disk Controller Card (PC/XT) $79.95

JE104 3 360K/720K/1.2MB Floppy Disk Conl. Card (PC/XT/AT) $49.95

360K/720K/1.2MB Floppy/Hard Disk JE1045 Controller Card (AT) $149.ab

COMPUTER PERIPHERALS

ST225

ST225XT

ST238

ST238)a

ST238AT

ST251

ST251XT

ST251AT

ST277

ST277AT

Seagate 20,30 40 and 60MB Half Height Hard Disk Drives

'ST225XT (Pictured)

20MB Drive only (PC/XT/AT) $224.95

20HB w/IDontroller (PC/XT) $269.95

30MB Drive only (PC/XT/AT) $249.95

30MB w/Controlter (PC/XT) $299.95

30MB w/Controller (AT) $389.95

40MB Drive only (PC/XT/AT) $429.95

40MB w/Cont. Card (PC/XT) $469.95

40MB w/Contloller Card (AT). . . . $539.95

60MB Drive only (PC/XT/AT) $499.95

60MB w/Controller Card (AT). . ■ ■ $639.95

Jameco 5.25" PC/XT & AT Compatible Disk Drives

JE1022 (Pictured)

JE1020 360KBIackBzL(PC/Xr/AT) . . . $ 89.95 JE1021 360K BeigeBzL (PC/XT/AT) ... $ 89.95 JE1022 1.2MB Beige BzL (PC/XT/AT) . $109.95

Toshiba 3.5" PC/XT/AT Compatible Disk Drive

^, 3.5" 720KB (Bezels and Instal- * . 352KU lation Kit incl) (PC/XT/AT) . . . »1^a.ab

2400/1200/300 Modems Datatmnics

1200H 1200/300 Baud Internal Modem.

24008 2400/1200/300 Internal Modem.

1200C 1200/300 Baud External Modem.

2400E 2400/1200/300 External Modem .

■ Hayes command compatible ■ Bell 103/21 2A compatible ■ Aulo-dial/auloanswer ■ FCC approved 1-year warranty ■ Includes MaxIMIte Communication Software

$ 69,95 $139.95 $119.95 $179.95

Jameco Extended 80-Column Card for Apple lie

■ 80 C0I./64K RAM • Doubles amount of data your Apple lie can display as well as its mem; ory capacity • Ideal for word ; processing ■ Complete w Instructions

JE864 $39.95

ADD12

(Disk Drive II, 11+, lie)

$99.95

TESTEQUiPMEWT Digital Multimeters

Kingdom KD302:

■ Pocket Size in handy carry case

■3Vz Digit LCD

■ Auto or manual ranging

■ Audible conlinuily tesler ■Tesls: AC/DC Voltage,

Resistance and Continuity

■ One Year Warranty

■ Size: AU'Lx 2"W x 'I'V

KD302.. $27.95

Metex M4650:

■ Handheld,tiigh accuracy

■ -I'.i Digit LCD

■ Manual ranging wilti Overload Protection • Audible continuity tester - Tests! AC/DC Voltage.

Resistance, Continuity Capacitance, Frequency

■ One Year Warranty •Size-.7"Lx3'-t!"Wx1'^;"H

M4650.. $89.95

US. Funds Only

Shipping: Add 5% plus $1.50 Insurance

(May vary according to weight)

California Residents: Add 6%, 6V2% or 7% Sales Tax FAX: 415-592-2503

7/88

$20 Minimum Order

IBM is a registered trademark of Inlervational flus/ness Machines

mil Order Electronics - Worldwide

ameco

ELECTRONICS

VISA

®

Data Sheets - 50C each Prices Subject to Change

Send $1.00 Postage for a FREE 1988 CATALOG

Telex: 176043

©1988 Jameco Electronics

1355 Shoreway Rd., Belmont, CA 94002 • 24 HR. ORDER HOTLINE415-592-8097 • All Other Inquiries (7am-5pm PST) 415-592-8121

Circle 129 on Reader Service Card

JULY 1988 'BYTE 321

NNhat's New at

AMERICAN DESIGN COMPONENTS?

"The Source" of the electro-mechanical components for the hobbyist.

We warehouse 60,000 items at American Design Components expensive, often hard-to-find components for sale at a fraction of their original cost!

You'll find every part you need — either brand new or removed from equipment IRFE) in excellent condition. But quantities are limited. Order from this ad, or visit our retail showroom and find exactly what you need from the thousands of items on display. OPEN MON. - SAT., 9-5

THERE'S NO RISK!

With our 90-day warranty, any purchase can be returned for any reason for full credit or refund.

5'A", FULL-HT. HARD DISK DRIVES... 40Mb (AT/XT Compatible)

High speed. 40 ms. access time. Quantum

#Q540. Item #17765.

New - $379.00

10Mb (ST412 Compatible)

Major manufacturers —

Get them while they last!

Hem <'17199 $99.00 ea.

2V2" MICROFLOPPY DISK DRIVE

1 Mb {unformattetj), 135 TPI,

3 ms. access time. Power requirements: -t- 12V. 4- 5V. Removed from oper, computers —

Tested — Like New! Mfr ~ NEC, model FD1035

Item tl^^^^^ $79.00 ea

2 for $150.00

574" FULL HEIGHT DISK DRIVES

48 TPI (IBM' Compatible) DS/DD, 40 Track

Tandon #TM1 00-2 or equiv.

Item #7928 $79.00 New 2for$150.00 New 48 TPI (TRS80/Zenith/Xerox 800 Compat.) DS/DD, 40 Track Shugart #450. Item #1892.

$79.00; 2 for $150.00

48TPI, SS/SD,40 Track

Shugart #SA400. Item #1895.

$39.50; 2 for $75.00

96 TPI, DS/Quad Density

CDC #94097 .

Item #1893 $89.00

TIMEX-SINCLAIR. . .

2040 PRINTER

COMMODORE/AMIGA POWER SUPPLY

32 column — compatible w/any of the Timex-Sinclair computers, as well as our PC 8300 Computer Uses standard 4'/;" thermal paper Item #16851 $39.95 New

DC Output: + 5V @ S amps.

-H 2V @ 1 amp. -5V @ 250 ma. Input: 110VAC/60 Hz., ±20% Dim.: 12"L x 3%"H x 5%"D End. in alum, housing. Fan cooled. Shindenger Elect. #130569SXD Item #14047 New - $24.95

EXTERNAL

DISK DRIVE CHASSIS

With 60W power supply (fan cooledt Can accommodate 2 full ht. drives ouritem #7928 2 floppy drives #1904 1 hard drive & 1 floppy #13250 Input: 115/230V. 50/60 Hz. Originally for Burroughs computer. Dim.: IV'W X 8"H x 12" deep

Item #14541 $59.50

SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY

DC Output: -F 5V (ffl 8A

+ 12V@500ma - 12V §) 200ma + 24V |) 2.OA

Input: 116/230VAC, 50/60Hz.

Dimensions: S^j" x 4%" x 2"H

Mfr - Power Systems #PS1 547 Item #16585 $19.95

SMART WATCH DS1216

DSl 216 is a 28-pin, 6"-wide dip socket w/built-in CMOS watch function. Non-volatile RAM controller and lithium energy source. Accepts either 24-pin 2K x 8 or 28-pin 8K x 8 CMOS static RAM. Communication w/Smart Watch function is established by pattern recognition on a serial bit stream of 64 bits on D.O. Dallas Semiconductor ltem#1S939 /Vew- $29.95

5-WATT AUDIO POWER AMPLIFIER in a CHIP - SGS830S

Freq. response:

40 to 10 Khz., .3% distortion. Input sensitivity: 50mv. Power req.: 4-20 VDC. Ideal for building custom amplifiers, etc. Item #15390.

$5.95 ea.: 2 for $10.00

12 " HIGH-RESOLUTION 25KHZ. COLOR MONITOR

ADAI\/I COMPUTER

Operates ideally w/the ATI Wonder Card (avail, from American Design for $199,00), Perfect for text, CAD & other graphics applications. Scanning freq. to 25 KHz. Std Hi-Res.: 800 x 560. 752 x 410. Input: 110/220V. 50/60Hz.. 75W. Mtd. in metal chassis. (Hook-up diagram included.) Mfr -- Hitachi #CD1 21 5DTL. Item #18059 $179.00 used (Tested - Like New.'}

PleasB Call or Write with Your Requirements!

HIGH RESOLUTION TTL MONITORS. .

(Open Frame)

9"- 12VDC. Green phosphor. Schematic incl. Motorola # MD2003-190.

Item #17198 /Vew - $14.95 12"— 12VDC, green phosphor. Subassemblies, CRT, board & transformer incl. Comes w.'hook-up diagram.

Item #6811 New - $19.95 15" Data Display/Monitor Kit Alphanumeric & graphics display. Green phosphor. Input power reg. 24 VDC. Bandwidth: 22-72Khz. Consists of 2 subassemblies (monitor & board). Hook-up diagram incl. Mfr - Wells Gardner #1 5V7025.

Item #16171 /Vew- $24.95

PC 8300 HOME COMPUTER

(Advanced version of the Timex 1000)

42-key mechan. keyboard 2K RAM. Reverse video, Z30A. 6.5MHz processor, ROM 8K BASIC. Graphics cap./sound music. TV or monitor. Joystick input. 11 5 VAC. AC adapt, TV cable & cass. cables. Runs tapes for Sinclair'Timex 1000 ZX85. IVIfr-Power 3000. In original boxes

Item #10336 A/ew - $29.95 * 16K RAMPACK upgrade

Item #10337 New - $9.95

(Less printer)

No wiring necessary

■just plugs together). Incl.: hook-up diagram, keyboard, 1 cassette digital data drive, 2 game controllers, power supply & one cassette. Cap. of running CP/M, w/built-in word processor. Item #7410 .

Complete - $99.00

Accessories. . . DATA DRIVE

Item #6641 $19.95 PRINTER POWER SUPPLY Item #6642 $14.95 ASCII KEYBOARD

Item #6643 $19.95 CONTROLLERS (Set of 4)

Item #7013 $9.95 RFE ADAM CASSETTES (Incl.: Smart Basic, Buck Rogers & blank cassette.) Item ttHQQ

BAKER S DOZEN - $19.95 ADAM LINK MODEM (Software incl.)

Item #12358 $29.95 DISK DRIVE POWER SUPPLY

Item-14603 $14.95 ADAM DAISY PRINT WHEEL

Item #13305 $3.95

STEPPING MOTORS for ROBOTICS . . . /

Precision steppers -'^ with increments from 1 to 7.5°. Speeds up to 5,000 steps.

Shaft Vi" L ) die Stall

Item Step Volts Torque

No. Angle DC (oz/in) Type

115 CFM MUFFIN FANS

Fig. 1

Mfr. & Part fJo. Fig Price

5275

72

7630 1.8 3.0 200

16410 1.8 12.0

PM Superior Electric 2 $19.95 ea.

2 0 MO61-FF-6201B 2/$37.50

PM Superior Electric 2 $34.50 ea.

M092-FT-402 2/$59.50

Applied Motion 1 $12.95 ea.

Prod. 4017-839 2/$19.95

115VAC

60Hz., 21W., 28A., 3100 RPM, 5blade model, alum, housing. Can be mounted for blowing or exhaust. Dimensions: 4'\6"sq. x IV;" deep NEW - Mfr: IMC

Item #1864 $9.95 USED - Mfr: Centaur/Howard

Item #5345 $5.95

WE CARRY A FULL LINE OF COMPUTER & GAME EQUIPMENT and ACCESSORIES; ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS; MODULES!

MAGNIFYING LAMP

Multi-position, 30", completely adjust, swing arm w/3-way metal C-clamp. Has 4" diopter magnifying lens, w/ruler. Porcelain lamp socket, & on/off switch; uses up to a 60W bulb. Color: Beige. UL listed.

Item #13136 Weiv-$24.95

GELL CELL/LEAD ACID BATTERIES. . .

Rechargeable: Used for solar energy storage, alarm ^ffiMM systems, model ■ J

boats, planes, | cars, trains... f 6V@2.5AH t I Contains 3 D cells. Plastic casing. Dim.: 4"W x 2%"H x 1 'A"deep Mfr - Gates j.« «

Item #9306 $3.95 6V @4.0AH Dim.: 4"H x 2s,"W x 1%"D Major Manufacturers

Item #15757 $7.95 6V (3) 9.5AH Dim.: 51'i"H x 4V,"W x 2''i,"D Mfr — Elpower

Item #7039 $ 1 4.95

MINI MICRO-COIVIPUTER REGULATOR

140 VA

Provides voltage regulation Si ultraisolation for microprocessor-based equipment. Contains less than 3% harmonic distortion, better than 60 dB traverse noise rejection. Contains dual outlet for CPU & monitor, & 6 ft. line cord.

Input: 95 - 130V, 60Hz.

Output: 120V (S) 1.17A Dim.: n%"L X 4^'e"H x 5^b"W Mtd on metal base w/rubber ft. Sola #63-13-114 Item #9999 /Vew - $89.00

AMERICAN DESIGN COMPONENTS, 62 JOSEPH STREET, MOONACHIE, N.J. 07074 MINIMUM

YES! Please send me the following items:

Item How

No. Many? Description Price

Total

Total

r-,.^^^ Shipping & tiandling, we sfiip UPS unless / ^""---^.^^^ otherwise specified. Add $3 plus 10% total. / ^a//^^>^^-..^anadian: $3 plus P.O. cost. Charge only.

Jv/y^ ^Opu Sales Tax {N.J. residents only, ^e„, / please add 6% of total) / ORDER TOTAL

[J My check or money order is enclosed. □ Charge my credit card.

□ Visa □ Master Card □ Amex Card No.

Exp. Date

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Signature

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Number

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Address

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All inquiries and free catalog requests call 201 ■939-2710.

For all phone orders, ca//TOLL-FREE 800-524-0809. In New Jersey, 201-939-2710.

322 BYTE- JULY 1988

Circle 91 on Reader Service Card

CONVERT YOUR PC PARALLEL PORT TO SERIAL

B&B-'ParalleltoRS'232 Serial CONVERTER" Model 232PSC

Add another serial porl on your PC, easily and economically. B&B's Model 232PSC connects directly to most PC compatible parallel ports; gives you a serial output; works with practically any serial pimter.

Parallel lo serial CONVERTER comes complete with AG power supply; can be proqrammed (or 150-9600 Baud, Parity, 7 or 8 Bits. Number of Stop Bits, and Busy input (pin 4 or pin 20).

SAUE DAY SHIPMENTI MONEY SACK GUARANTEE FROM MANUFACTURER! BUY DIRECT AND SAVEI

Wrlle or call for FREE B&B ELECTRONICS MFG. CO, CATALOG TODAY! Terms; Visa, MC cash orders postpaid, PO.'s from rated lirms accepted. Illinois residenis add 6'i4% stale sales tax

&B Blectrnnics

1502G Boyra Memonal Diive • RO. Bo>! 1040 • Ottoa, IL 61350

815-434-0846

Circle 24 on Reader Service Card

PC488A

$145/195

LOW COST PC/XT/AT INTERFACE FOR lEEE-488 (GPIB/HPIB)

• Includes IN.STALLMILE DOS DEVICE DRIVERS jnd soflw.irc supporl for HA.SIC

• Oplional language sunporl for C. P.VSCU.. FORTRAN and AS-SEMBLY - S5I)

• .Sokaalilc base I/O address, IRO and DMA

• CONTROLLER / TALKER / Ll.STENER capability

• Cuslomer support via dedicated 24 liours B&C Microsystems BULLETIN BOARD

• Quantity discounts available

VLSA MC AMEX Cull toiluv for ilulasliirl.'.'

B&C MICROSYSTEMS

m West Olive Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 I'll: (4I]3)73II-55I1 FAX: (408)730-5521 TELEX: 984185

Circle 26 on Reader Service Card

ATTENTION p«cad USERS

Now you can increase the productivity of your software by using the new...

RAPICAD buffer/decoder. Two buffers in one unit with parallel and serial in/out. Up to 1 Meg total mennory.

NO EXTERNAL DECODER needed any more... because RAPICAD is fully pcad box compatible and software transparent, allowing the use of p-cad and any other software with any printer, plotter,

laser, etc. ttnnr nn

Prices as low as $995.00

INTECTRA Inc. 2629 Terminal Blvd. Mtn. View, CA 94043 (415) 964-5018

• Multi-user Database!

• Powerful!

• Multiple Operating System Compatibility!

• Attractive Dealer Pricing!

• Full Dealer Support!

D.iialli'^ fs .1 ii.idcmflik of Data Access

Dealer Inquiries Invited

24000 Teiecjfaph Rodd Southfield. Michigan 48034 USA (3131 352-2345

Circle 56 on Reader Service Card

PC488B

$445

IEEE-488 INTERFACE CARD WITH BUILT-IN BUS ANALYZER

• GPBASIC package compkmirnls IBM/Micro.sofl BASIC inicrpreltr and compiler to crcali: a programming environment similar to HP desktop computers.

• Addilionai libraries of over 20 high level 488 dedicated functions for C, Pascal or Fortran available ($50).

• Powerful menu-driven bus analyzer, which can run in Ihc foreground or in the background while 488 programs or commands arc cxeeuled, features program stepping, break points and real lime bus data capture {4k circular buffer).

• Instant toggling between foreground and Anal)Mr screen.

• Complete Talker/Listcner/Controller capability.

• Dipswilch selectable Base Address, IRQ, DMA

VISA MC AMEX Call today for datasheet!!

B&C MICROSYSTEMS

35S West Olive Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 Pil: (408)730-5511 FAX: (408)730-5521 TELEX:984185

Circle 27 on Reader Service Card

< i'aiag"^^ Presto!

■ ^^S^^'a Link to Mainframe "iMilPlM! Graphics

FituI out how our whole I'limily ot EMU-TEK graphics terminal emuliition .iiftwiirc iniikes tjocd sense tor the work yon tto. Call ttxlay tor more infomiarion.

FTC

SYSTEMS

(714) 995-3900 (800) 962-3900 (800) 972-3900 (Calif.) 10801 Dale St., Suite M-2 St:inton, CA ^10680

Circle 104 on Reader Service Card

100% certified and tested. Error free life time warranty. All disks Include generic white box, Tyvek sleeves, labels, write protect tabs, shrink wrapped.

5.25 Black Disks, DS/DD 56 ea.

5.25 color Disks, 8 colors

Available, DS/DD 46 ea.

5.25 Black Disks, DS/HD 86 ea.

5.25 color Disks, 8 colors

Available, ds/hd 94 ea.

3.5 Blue or Gray Disks,

DS/DD 1.12 ea

3.5 color Disks, 7 colors

Available, DS/DD 128 ea.

3.5 High Density, Black only ... 3.80 ea.

BULK MEDIA AVAILABLE

5.25 DS/DD .32 ea.

5.25 DS/DD Colors 42 ea.

5.25 DS/HD -82 ea.

5.25 DS/HD colors 90 ea.

3.5 DS/DD Blue or Cray 1.07 ea.

3.5 DS/DD colors 1.23 ea.

5.25 Tyvek Sleeves 03 ea.

5.25 paper Sleeves 02 ea.

5.25 Label Sheet 08 ea.

3.5 Label Sheet 20 ea.

5.25 White BOX 15 ea.

3.5 White BOX 14 ea.

CONTINUOUS FORM LABELS

BOX

Price

size

Across

QtV.

Per/1000

2VaX7/16

1 across

10,000

$1.95

2V»X7/16

4 across

20,000

$1.95

21/2X15/16

1 across

5,000

$2.18

2% X 15/16

3 across

15,000

$1.98

2Va X 2V»

1 across

2,500

$12.00

2% XI- 7/16

1 across

5,000

$3.00

3X15/16

4 across

20,000

$2.00

3.3x15/16

4 across

20,000

$2.05

3V2 X15/16

1 across

5,000

$1.90

3V2 X 15/16

2 across

10,000

$1.90

3% XI5/16

3 across

15,000

$1.90

JVaX 15/16

4 across

20,000

$1.90

4X15/16

1 across

5,000

$3.21

4x15/16

3 across

15,000

$3.21

4x1-7/16

1 across

5,000

$3.25

4X1-7/16

3 across

15,000

$3.25

Prices quoted for full boxes only.

1040 Broadway

westvllle, NJ 08093

609-456-6996

FAX# 609-456-7172

All orders F.O.B. Westvllle, NJ. COD or(ders add $2.20. visa & MC accepted. All orders shipped same dav^

JULY 1988 -BYTE 323

MICROMINT'S Gold Standard in Single Board Computers and Industrial Controllers

The BCCI80. only 4.5" x 8.5" uses the same 64180 CMOS Z80 instruction compatible processor as Microminl's SBI80 and SD180FX single board computers. Configured primarily for process control w/ „384K of memory, 6 parallel I/O ports, console serial port, RS-232/422/ 485 selectable auxiliary serial port, and an interrupt driven ROMresident multitasking BASIC-180 compiler, the BCC180 uses the same 44-pin I/O expansion bus as Microminl's BCC52 controller board.

PROCESSOR

• CMOS HD64r80. 9.;i6MHt 8-bil CPU. 68-pin Pl.CC pictLagc MEMORY

0 384K byin loial m

• I2!K of ( ■ ;S6K dynamic RAM SIM

• Full-function SK ROM ir INPUT/OUTPUT

• ConioLc sciial not

• Pcfiphcral Ktiil pod. ISO

DIMENSIONS and CONNECTIONS

• Dual 22-pin (0,156"} etiac conneclor

* Ccmpsliblc wilh oil Miciomlni BCC-ii

Ir EPROM i:7;i6|

n I/O

• T*o 26-p

• ;5-pin DB.:5 for R5-;3J console I/O

• 20-pin headei for RS-232 auiilioiy icrini potl

• J screw icrminali for R5"i;;/4Bi cnnneclion

BCCI80-I-20 9MHz assembled and fullv socketed S395.00 BCC180 Computer/Controller with 32K bytes of sialic RAM, ROM Monitor, BASIC-180 development software and user's manual

For Additional 256K DRAM add $100.00 BCC180-1 100 Quantity w/32K RAM w/o ROM Monitor S209.00

BCC52 $189.00

BASIC-52 Computer/Controller '

The BCC52 Computer/Controller is Micromint's hottest selling standalone single board microcomputer. Its costeffective architecture needs only a power supply and terminal to become a complete development or end-use system, programmable in BASIC or machine language. The BCC52 uses Microminl's new 80C52-BASIC CMOS microproces.'ior which contains a ROM resident 8K bvte floating point BASIC-52 interpreter.

The BCC52 contains sockets for up to 48K bytes of RAM/EPROM. an "intelligent" 2764/128 EPROM programmer, 3 parallel ports, 3 serial terminal port with auto baud rate selection, 3 serial printer port, and it is bus compatible with the full line of BCC-bus expansion boards. The BCC52 bridges the gap between expensive programmable controllers and hard-lo-justify price sensitive control applications. BaSIC-52"5 full floating point BASIC is fast and efficient enough for the most complicated tasks, while its cost effective design allows it to be considered for many new areas of implementation. It can be used both for development and end-use applications.

Since the BASIC-52 is bus oriented, it supports the following Micromint expansion boards in any of Micromint's card cages with optional power supplies:

BCC22 Smart terminal board BCC40R 8-Channel relay output

ADP500 User vocabulary, digitized board

speech board BCC53 Memory and 6 port I/O

BCC25 LCD display board expansion board

BCC33 3 port I/O expansion board BCCl 3 8-bit and BCC30 12-bit BCC40D 8-Channel opioisolaled A/D converter boards

I/O expansion board BCCiS Dual channel serial I/O

board

BCC52 BASIC 52 Controller Board $189 00

BCC-SYST.5 "52 PAK" Starter System includes: $449 00

BCC52.ROM A&B UTIU.CCOI ,MB08,UPS 10 BCC52 OEM 100 Quantity Price -- S149.00 BCC52C Lower power all CMOS version of the BCC52 $199.00 NOTE: The BCC52 series is available in Industrial Temperature Range, fully tested at temperature. Prices start as low as $294.00 in single tjuantities. Be sure to call for a quote on your specific Industrial OEM requirements.

The Microniini BCC40D is an 8channel oploisolated input/output expansion board designed for use with Microminl's family of BCCbus Computer/Controllers. Using industry-standard optoisolated I/O modules, the BCC40D provides on/ off control and input monitoring of eight 1I5-230VAC or 5-48VDC devices used in data acquisition and control applications.

Up to 16 BCC40D boards can be used together in a single system to provide a total of 128 input and output channels. Individual channels can be read or updated by reading from or writing to a single I/O address. The BCC40D can be directly controlled from BASIC or it can function completely in the background under an application program using high-speed interruptdriven ROM C firmware. This firmware sets aside a table in memory which reflects the status, setpoints, and change-of-state flags of the I/O modules. Interaction among programs within a multiboard BCC40x system merely consists of reading or setting these memory table values.

Each optoisolated channel is fused and has screw contacts for direct connection to the controlling device and/or the power source. Both input or output modules, and AC or DC functions can be intermixed on the same BCC40D board.

SPECIFICATIONS Latched ouipui; Uses indusiri-siandard OAC5, ODCS. lACS. IDC5 type modules Dual-ported module addressing LED on/off inilieaior on each

Can be used concurrently with BCC'IOR and oilier BCC-bus peripherals Opciaii

icmpcr;

i on *5V

ture: 0-50'K: (32-i::°l-) humidity: 10-10% non

BCC40D/0 without modules BCC40D/4 with 4 modules BCC40D/8 with 8 modules

mm

BCC11 $139.00

Z8 BASIC Computer

BCC40R-$f69.00

B-Oiannel Relay Output Board

Featui

• Uses Z8 single chip microcomputer

• On-board tiny BASIC interpreter

• 2 on-board parallel ports & serial port

• 6 interrupts (4 external)

• Just connect a terminal and write control programs in BASIC

• 6K bytes of RAM or EPROM memory on-board

• Baud rates 110-9600 bps

• Data and address bus available for 56K memory and I/O expansion

• Consumes only 1.5 watts at +5, +12, and -I2V

BCCll"

BASIC System Controller $139.00

OEM 100 Quantity Price S89.00

* Now Available in Industrial Temperature Range

The Micromint BCC40R is an 8channel relay output expansion board designed for use with Micromint's family of BCC-bus Computer /Controllers. Using efficient mechanical relays, the BCC^OR provides contact-closure on/off control of eight AC- or DC-powered devices for data acquisition and control applications, Up to 16 BCC40R boards can be used together in a single system to provide a total of 128 relay output channels. The relays are controlled by writing to a board-specific I/O address. The relays on a BCC40R board can be controlled either as a set of eight relays at a single I/O address or individual relays at eight separate I/O addresses.

The BCC40R can be directly controlled from BASIC or it can function completely in tlie background under an application program using high speed interrupt-driven ROM C firmware. This firmware sets aside a table in memory which reflects the status and setpoints of the relays. Interaction among programs within a multiboard BCC40x system merely consists of reading or setting these memory table values.

The eight relay outputs have screw contacts for direct connection to the controlling device and/or the power source. Four of the relays have single-pole-double-throw (SPDT) output connections and four relays have single-pole-single-throw (SPST) output connections.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Coniacis rnted for: 1/10 HP. 3A nOV resistive, ci 3A 30VDC

• Latched lelay outputs

• LED on/off indiealor on each channel

• Power on/off railsafc: No arbitrary closures on power up/down

• Can be used concurrently »ilh nCC-lOD and other BCC-bus peripherals

' Operates on tl2V

' Operaiing conditions: 0-50°C

(32-l22''F) relative humidity: 10-90%

noncondensing

• 4 5" I 6- board

• dual ;2-pin (0.156") edge

• 20-tcrmin:il screw connector ( wire)

The BCCIS is a general-purpose dual-serial-port interface board for use with the Micromint BCC-bus. Optional support software is available for the BCC52 and BCCI80 computer/ controllers.

The BCC18 Serial Board contains two serial interfaces. Each interface can be either a 110/300/1200-bps modem, or a hard-wired RS-232C/ RS-422/RS-485 interface. The modem interface uses a Xecom XE120I/XEI203 MOSART (MOdem Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter), capable of 110, 300, or 1200 bps communication and compatible with Bell 103 and Bell 212A standards. The hard-wired serial interface uses an industrystandard 8251A USART (Universal Synchronous/Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter), capable of supporting asynchronous serial communications at speeds up to 19.2 kbps and synchronous serial communications at speeds up to 64k bps.

The BCC18 can be configured with two MOSARTs, two 8251 As. or one of each. Up to 16 BCClSs can be used in a single system (for a total of 32 serial pons).

MOSART

- Connect] directly to iny ;

- DTMF or pul» dtiling

- DTMF rtceplion ind dec.

- Piiity gcntUii^in^checkln BIS IA

- Sync byte iJeiection/injertion

- Giteniive built-in diagnottio

- Teltphont-Iine diignoilici

- Synchronoui and iiynchronoiu operation

- Voice jyntheiii cipibility (XEI2D3 only)

11 ipeed ind ehiricier model

run, ind rraming

ilic breik delect ind handling

le BCch ind BCCISo'^ ihe MOSART ind t25JA

BCC18S OEM configuration fixed dual 8251 RS-232 only $175.00 serial port board

BCC18S OEM 100 Quanllty Price $134.00

BCC18U-I 8251/8251 Dual RS-232/485 serial

BCC18U-2 8251/1201 Modem and serial port

BCC18U-3 1201/120! Modem /Modem board

BCC52/18 BCC52 serial port utilities software

S209.00 $359.00 $499.00 S75.00

BCC-BUS

Expansion Products

Single Qty. Price

BCC08

Single Channel UART Serial Board

$149.00

BCCl 3

8-bit, 8 Channel A/D Board

$129.00

BCC30

12-bit. 16 Channel A/D Board

S197.00

BCC22

25-line, 80 Character Terminal Board

S249.00

BCC25

LCD Board (4x20) or {8x40-)

$159.00

BCC55

Fully Decoded & Buffered Prototyping

S 79.00

Board

BCCxx

X-10 Power Line Controller

$ 59.00

BCC53

Multifunction Expansion Board

S160.00

MB04

4 Slot Mini-Motherboard

$ 69.00

MB08

8 Slot Full Motherboard

$ 85.00

'Call for current priciag

8-Channel relay output board OEM 100 Quantity price $124.00

REPRESENTATIVES ACCESS TECHNOLOGIES

1408 Richmond Dr

Placentia, Ca. 92670 Tel:(714) 996-3917

MICROFUTURE

41040 Comae Ten^ce

Fremont, Ca. 94538 Tel:(415) 657-0264

DISTRIBUTOR

J.B. DESIGNS et TECHNOLOGIES LTD.

15 Market Place Cirencester, Glos. GL7 2FB England

Tel: 0285-68122 Fax: 0285-68859

To order call

1-800-635-3355

TEL: (203) 871-6170 TELEX: 643331 FAX: (203) 872-2204

MICROMINT INC

4 PARK STREET VERNON, CT. 06066

324 BYTE • JULY 1988

BYTE LISTINGS YOUR WAY!

It's easy. Now there are three ways to get sourcecode listings that go with BYTE articles —on disk, in print or on line.

LISTINGS ON

DISK BYTE listings on disk are right for you if you want to connpile or run programs quickly. Also included on disk are the month's BIX highlights specific to your machine format.

LISTINGS IN

PRINT This print supplement contains sourcecode listings described in the issues of BYTE.

LISTINGS FROM

BIX (BYTE Information Exchange) By joining BIX, you can download BYTE source-code listings at standard BIX rates. See BIX informational ad listed in Reader Service index in this issue.

FOR DIRECT ORDERING GALL TOLL FREE: 8002585485

Call: M-F, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p-m. Eastern Time

(603-924-9281 for New Hampshire residents)

For credit card orders only.

ON DISK

* Including the Month's BIX Highlights Specific To Your Machine Format.

Disks of listings from December 1985 to present are available at the prices stated at rigtit. Please mark the appropriate format and note the issue date below. If you are ordering a subscription, please note the issue date on which you would like it to begin.

Month

Year

IN PRINT

1988 Supplement Issues

□ January through March

S6.95 in USA $7.95 outside USA

Monthly supplements replace quarterly supplements starting in April. Indicate the month you're ordering in the space below.

Month

Year

$2.50 per issue in USA $3,50 per issue outside USA

Annual Subscriptions:

$19,00 in USA $22,00 outside USA

Please note month and year you would like the subscription to begin.

Month

Year

COMBINED DISK AND PRINT SUBSCRIPTION

Bundled together, giving you the convenience of diskbased source-code plus the ease of reference of print.

If you are ordering a subscription, please note the issue date on which you would like it to begin.

SVt inch:

□ IBM PC

□ Apple II

□ Kaypro 2 CP/M

□ MS-DOS 8 Sector'

□ Tl Professional

3</2 inch:

□ Apple Macintosh'

□ Atan ST"

□ Amiga*

□ IBM PS/2'

IN USA:

Single Annual Month Subscription (one disk) (13 disks)

□ $8.95 □ $69.95 (Save $46.40)

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OUTSIDE USA: Single Annual Month Subscription (one disk) (13 disks)

□ $10.95 □ $89,95 (Save $52,40)

□ $11,95 □ $99,95 (Save $55,401

1987 Supplement Issues

IN USA:

□ January through March 1987 for only $6.95.

□ April through June 1987 for only $6.95. (Includes 1986 Index),

□ July through September 1987 for only $6.95,

□ October through December 1987 for only $6.96.

□ 1987 subscription only $18.00. OUTSIDE USA:

□ January through March 1987 for only $7.95.

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□ 1987 subscription only $21,00,

1986 Supplement Issues

IN USA:

□ Januan/ through June 1986 for only $8,95,

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□ 1986 Annual Subscription for only $18,00.

OUTSIDE USA:

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□ 1986 Annual Subscription for only $21,00,

FOLD HERE

IN USA:

OUTSIDE USA:

Annual Subscriptkm

Annual Subscriptmn

5% inch:

□ $89,95

□ $109,95

□ IBM PC

(Save $58,35)

(Save $75,35)

□ Apple II

FOLC

□ Kaypro 2 CP/M

□ MS-DOS 8 Sector

HERE

□ Tl Professional

3% inch:

□ $99,95

□ $119,95

□ Apple Macintosh

(Save $61,35)

(Save $78.35)

□ Atari ST

□ Amiga

□ IBM PS/2

Please complete in full.

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Date.

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□ U,S, Funds enclosed (If ordering from outside the U,S, please remit in U.S, funds drawn on a U.S, bank. Thank you.)

EVTE m

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FIRST CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO. 10 PETERBOROUGH, NH

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Listings

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lll.....ll..l..l.l.l.l..l.l.l..l,l„l,l„li 11,1

Circle 89 on Reader Service Card

9-TRACK MAG. TAPE SUBSYSTEM* FOR THE IBM PC/XT/AT AND...

For inlormation inlerchangc. backup and aichival storage. AK Systems oilers a 9-ttack, IBM lormal-compatible " magnelic tape subsystem lorlhe IBM PC, leaturing'

■ IBM format 1600/3200 and 800 cpi,

■ Software for PC-DOS. MS-DOS. XENIX,

■ Also (or AT&T, DEC. VAX. VME, S-100. RS-232. IEEE48S.

AKSystems

Chalswoifti,CA9131' (ami 709-8100 TWX 9lO-rt93-?OT1

Circle 9 on Reader Service Card

12.5 MHZ Clock Speed!

Intel

ISIS

Very Fast

Co-Processor

Our co-processor card plugs into your PC or PC/AT. With the included software you can run your ISIS-II development tools, such as ASM80, PLM51, etc. Serial communications program for PC-Intel file transfer included. $495 gets you a complete 6 mhz system. Clock speeds of 10 and 12.5 mhz also available. We have the best and fastest products in this area.

Z-World

2065 Martin Ave #110 Santa Clara, CA 95050 (408) 980-1678

In Germany. iSystem Tel: 08131/1687

Circle 286 on Reader Service Card

Coniiilcrcc Ccnicr Dr. Suilc 1. t.a.juiKi 1 tills CA'JZW.!

Stocking Distributor of Semiconductors

8087 • 5 • 8 • 10

80287 • 6 • 8 • 10 MEG

80387 • 16'20 MEG

256K-64K.128K.V20-V30 Fast* Reliable • Everytime

IPhone: Fax:

714-855-0411 714-855-8504

No leiund - exchange only - Exchange good tor 30 days unless manufaclurer warranties merchandise longer

Circle 93 on Reader Service Card

PC-LabCard

Lab, Industrial and Engineering I/O Cards for IBM PC/XT/AT

PCL-714

PCL-712

(14 bits) A/D + D/A + D/l + D/0 t Timer/Counter Card

S495

(12 bits) A/D + D/A + D/l + D/0 + Timer/Counter Card PCL-720 Digital I/O & Counter Card PCL-725 Relay & Opto-isolated D/l Card PCL-738 Stepping Motor Control Card PCL-742 RS-422 Interface Card PCL-748 IEEE-488 Interface Card PCL-750 Prototype Development Card PCL-754 PC Slot Extension Kit PCLS-700 Data Acquisition & Control Software $195 PCLS-705 Waveform/Oscilloscope Software $125

Dealer and OEM inquiries welcome. Call lor free catalog!

A 1460 Tully Rd. #602 A San Jose, CA 95122 ^dvantocS TEL; (408) 293-6786 FAX: (408) 293-4697

$295 $160 $240 $395 $130 $395 $ 70 $ 50

Circle IS on Reader Service Card

HD64180 Single Board

Protyping / Control Computer Get voiir 64180 project going quickly!

The StK"! 00 is a complele computer powered by a wall iraiisronner. Available C compiler, assembler, linker and debugger run on a PC. tias baltcry-backcd RAM. ballery-backed clock, power fail inlerrupE. SBX bus conncclors. serial and parallel I/O. prololype area lor up 10 20 IC's. Only S295 including serial cable, power supiily. 32k of ballery backed RAM and scliemalics.

Z-World

1772A I'icasso Avenue

Davis. CA 95616 (9 1 6) 753-3722 "Z80 Family Specialistsla Gcrmauy: iSyslcmOKl.il/lfiS7

Circle 287 on Reader Service Card

the

LOGIC LAB

tlie

LOGIC "

LiA-B is a complete logic development system ' Complete System Including Programmer, Sample GAL Devices, Soffwore and ail Cabling.

• Programs GAL Devices Including 16V8, 16Z8, 20V8, & 39V18.

• Allows Prototyping of 42 different standard PLD's.

• Includes Updated Equation Assembler Software. ' Accepts All Standard JEDEC Download Files.

' Software Updotable.

• 30 Day Money Back Guarantee.

' Viso and Master Card Accepted ' CALL FOR FREE DEMO DISK

Programmable Logic Technologies, Inc.

P.O. Box 1567

Longmont. CO 8Q5Q1 gal ii □ renlHerod trodL-mofk of

Ph. 1303) 772-9059 Lolti.r Somiconductor Corpo.cllon

Circle 210 on Reader Service Card

■■WITH TYVEK SLEEVES

29^

BULK 5tf DISKS

Double Side-Double Den. 100% Tested & Certified Error Free, at "Minimum 55% Clipping Level or Higher:"'Lifetime Warranty'.' With Tyvek Sleeves & Write on Labels

100

.38*

each

200

.35«

each

600

.32*

each

DEALERS WELCOME

Telex *4933362- Fax*405-495-4598

Shipping Cliarges Vary Witti Quantity Call

DisCettft-^'^

r^inimum GrOor - Visa.fvlaslerC^ird arcopied, COD add 3QP. UPS delivery. US Mail lorAPO.FPO AK,HI,oi PR add 5% addilional lor PAL.

, Oklahoma 1-800-6S4.4058

Bl)'^^. 95-0 85-0 795 Bfn^. 175-0165016Q0

"Worldwide" O rders Accepted

S^S^de 119_5 D'Side 16i0 H^Den. 47¥

DATA CARTRIDGES|o"SSide,-,n

DC 1000 _ 12.95 s Den. 1545 DC 2000 17.50 8'|Side

DC300XLP.19.75 IZ DC600A„21.95|8d Den 209-5

Authorized Distributor Magnetic Media Division

3M

Delaware 1-800-451-1849

PO BOX 10?*7. WILyiMGTOK. M 19650

Oklaticma 1-800-654-4058

P.OeOXt67*. BETHANY.OK 7300U

;6iiftec(tor '^$sig?„l;?9g-vi?s''-.?i^,l

fcti^Ortrr 1!S.W) VLM.IUilMCJrtKctftri COD tcittfi»*d SIM S»ri»« SkMiiij

l»r m. fro. er rt »« w W<rt««iiSv fer ML Pricfs urtjtti !• duntf «

Telex*4933362 ■Fax*405-495 4598

BASF

IQUALIMETRIC

m

D-Side

750

I MinSBox

5'4 Kigh Den,

VMinSBox

1

DI5KPL^60

(51)

With Each Purchase of 5 Boxes

€7

I "INTERNATIONAL ORDERS ACCEPTED"!

pjOklahorpa 1v8pO;6S4-4058

Cofweciior

>.0 BOJH6M, BETHlU**, OK. 73OO0

Nevada 1;80p-J21-6221

inuRiOiilti ilbW ViM.K^ltiC^il icccplcd CO D wdtit »M SJ.DO - Sarljct Sliifpinc tto 3SwS.;r«MS]0G{H(lKldnki. TaMS4 0aIMdnks UPSilcliittiM}) US uil lDrAra.fPD U.HIorPRjdduiulditiMidS'-liir PIL PiKtf MtjKt tg clunte ■iHwcl mHia'

|TELEX#4933362 - FAX#405-495-4598l

JULY 1988 'BYTE 325

FOR PS/2

MODELS 50, 60, 80

Two Channel Transfers to 256 K baud Address Selectable Interrupt Selectable 1-800-553-1170

I QUA TECH

I irslCOnPORATED

478 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44304 TEL: (216) 434-3154 FAX: (216) 434-1409 TLX: 5101012726

MODULAR DATA ACQUISITION

• FOR IBM & Compatibles

• Flexible and Inexpensive

• Money Back Guarantee

• Free Technical Support

Fast Delivery 1-800-553-1170

I QUA TECH

I INCORPORATED

Leaders in Communication Technology 478 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44304 (216) 434-3154 TLX: 5101012726

CURRENT LOOP

Communications Board

• Dual Channel

• Address Selectable

• Supports 20, 30, 60mA

• Configureable as Active & Passive

• Selectable & Shareable Interrupts

1-800-553-1170

I QUA TECH

I INCORPORATED

478 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44304 TEL: (216) 434-3154 FAX: (216) 434-1409 TLX: 51C1012726

Circle 215 on Reader Service Card

Circle 216 on Reader Service Card

Circle 217 on Reader Service Card

RS-422/232

CURRENT LOOP

DS-225

Single channel async communication board for IBM PC/XT/AT Software selectable to be RS/ 422/485, 232 or Current Loop Selectable Address & Interrupt 1-800-553-1170

I QUA TECH

1 INCORPORATED

478 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44304 (216) 434-3154 TLX: 5101012726

Circle 218 on Reader Service Card

SERIAL/PARALLEL

Communications Board

• Two Parallel Printer Ports

• Two 8-Bit Digital I/O Ports

• Two Serial Ports, RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485

• Address Selectable

• Selectable & Shareable Interrupts

1-800-553-1170

I QUA TECH

I INCORPORATED

478 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44304 TEL: (216) 434-3154 FAX: (216) 434-1409 TU: 5101012726

72 DIGITAL I/O

FOR PS/2

MODELS 50, 60, 80

Parallel Expansion 72 I/O Lines Address Selectable 1-800-553-1170

I QUA TECH

I INCORPOnATED

478 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44304 TEL: (216) 434-3154 FAX: (216) 434-1409 TLX: 5101012726

Circle 219 on Reader Service Card

IEEE-488 CONTROLLER

FOR

PS/2

MODELS 50, 60, 80

• GPIB Compatibility

• Control Up to 14 Devices

• Selectable Addressing

• Software Included

1-800-553-1170

I QUA TECH

P INCORPORATED

478 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44304 TEL: (216) 434-3154 FAX: (216) 434-1409 TLX: 5101012726

WAVEFORM

SYNTHESIZER

• For IBM PC/XT/AT and compatibles

• Generates user-definable signal

• Up to 2000 points per envelope

$795.00 1-800-553-1170

I QUA TECH

I INCORPORATED

478 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44304 (216) 434-3154 TLX: 5101012726

Circle 220 on Reader Service Card

24 DIGITAL I/O

1 i u «

• 24 Bit Digital I/O

• Buffered Output

• Selectable Address

1-800-553-1170

I QUA TECH

I INCORPanATED

478 E. Exchange St., Akron, OH 44304 TEL: (216) 434-3154 FAX: (216) 434-1409 TLX: 5101012726

Circle 221 on Reader Service Card

Circle 222 on Reader Service Card

Circle 223 on Reader Service Card

Circle 59 on Reader Service Card

(tompu$ave

Call Toll Free: 1-800-624-8949

BOARDS

I Above Board 286 319 Artist 1 795

ATI VGA Wonder .SAVE AST 4 Port 309

ATI EGA Wonder 172 ATIV.I.P 258

AST5251-11E 595 BOCARAMAT 142

Genoa VGA SAVE Hercules VGA 242

I Orchid Tiny Turbo 259 Orchid Designer... 299

NEC MVA 1024 789 Melheus 1104 965

Paradise 480 Aulo... 148 Paradise VGA+... 238

Paradise VGA Pro ...352 STB VGA EM 299

Tecmar EGA Master ....95 VMIIM 1024 2345

Video 7 Vega VGA.. 252 Vega Deluxe 182

ADC/BNW/Everex.'Number e Computone CALL

I Talltree/Quadram/Verticom/lntel/Sigma CALL

MONITORS

I Amdek410A 139 Amdel( 1280 658

Goldstar TTL 69 Hitachi CALL

Intercolor 19" VGA.. 1595 Mitsubishi VGA ... 462

Mitsubishi 1371A 485 PGS Ultra Synch .499

NECMullisyncll 569 PGSLM 300 539

I NEC Multisync + 915 Sigma Laser 19 ' 1765

NEC Multisync XL .2025 Samsung EGA ...349

NEC Monograph .. 1295 Taxan 770+ 515

NEC Multisync GS . 179 VJyse 700 678

Iverticom 2Page 1795 Zenith 1490 598

SCANNERS

[Panasonic FXRS505 965

Datacopy Model 730 1095

PGS LS-300 ;w PC Paintbrush 8. OCR 965

AST/Hewlett Pacl<ard/Taxan/Others CALL

COMPUTERS

I AST Model 286 CALL AST Model 386 CALL

NEC Multtispeed EL CALL NEC Multispeed.... 1299

NEC MultispeedHD 2199 Sharp 4521 1975

Sharp PC 7221 2645 Sharp PC-7000A...1165

Sharp PC-7100 1745 Sharp PC-4502 1165

Samsung Laptop ....2149 Toshiba 1000 729

Toshiba 1100+ 1339 Toshiba 1200 2285

Toshiba 3100/20 3145 Toshiba 3200 3745

Toshiba 5100 4345 Zenith Laptops SAVE

Acer 80386:16 MHz/0 WaiMOM Drive CALL

Acer 80386:20 MHz/0 W/ait CALL

NEC Powermate Portable 286/640k/20M 2645

NEC Powermate Portable 286/640k/40M 3095

Sperty PC IT 512k/44M HD/Keyboard 2795

Samsung S500 AT: 10MHz'40M Drive 1565

Televideo 386:16 MHz/2m/1.2M Drive 2495

Wyse 2108:8 MHz/512k/1.2M Drive 1199

Wyse 2112:12.5 MHz/1 M/1.2M Drive 1699

Wyse 2214:12.5 MHz/0 Wait/1.2 Drive 1895

Wyse 386:16 MHz/1 M/1.2M Drive 2725

1 ITT'Altos;Mitsubishi'Tandon/AT&T/Apple CALL

TERMINALS

I Altos V 489 IBM 3151 395

Kimtron KT-70 PC 359 Link CALL

Televideo 955 CALL Televideo 905 315

Televideo 955 375 Wyse 30 289

Wyse50 359 Wyse60 395

Wyse85G 429 Wyse99GT 469

Visual/Link/CIE/Adds/Qume/Falco CALL

PLOTTERS

Calcomp 1023GT ...3785 Calcomp 5902 3395

Calcomp 1043GT ...6275 Enter SP 1800 3395

Houston DMP 52 2795 Houston 41/42 2095

Houston 56A 3795 Houston 61 3295

Houston 62 4495 HP 7475 1395

HP 7550 A 2895 HP 7595 7595

Ioline 3700 3045 Ioline4000 3995

Roland 980 1195 Roland 880 929

NumonicsTaxan.'Versatec/JDL'Other Models.... CALL

DIGITIZERS

Calcomp 44 x 60 3745 Calcompi 2x12 375

Calcomp36 x 48 3195 GTCO 24 x36 1945

GTCO 36 x 48 2395 Hitachi 11 x 11 439

KurtalS3 CALL Kuria IS 8.5 x 11 ....249

Kuria IS 12x12 315 Kurta IS 12x17 535

Summa24 x 36 3095 Summa 12x 12+ ..358

Summa 12 x 18 598 Summa 42 x 60 4195

MODEMS

AST 9600 789 Anchor 2400E 145

Avatex 1200 Ext 95 Hayes 1200 279

Incomm T2400 MNP... 245 Hayes 2400 412

Incomm T4800 299 Multitech 224 EH ... 388

Migent Pocket 109 Multitech 224 EC... 329

Prometheus 2400B,'2 .119 Practical 12001 65

Prometheus 2400G ..149 Novation Parrot 85

Racal-Vadic 2400VP 399 USR 2400E 345

USR HST 9600 649 USR Courier 2400 ..299

Ven-Tel 18000 939 Zoom 2400 HC 139

Avatex/Case/Everex/UDS/Other Models CALL

PRINTERS

Alps 224 465 Citizenl20D 142

Citizen 1 SOD 158 Citizen MSP40 282

Citizen MSP50 ...379 Diconix D150 299

Okidata 390 475 Okidata 320/321 ...CALL

Okidala 391 649 NEC P6/P7 CALL

NEC P5XL 815 NEC P9XL 1018

NEC P2200 325 Panasonic 1080 M2... 175

Star NX1000 169 Panasonic 1091 iM2.. 198

Toshiba 321SL ...489 Panasonic 1524 549

Toshiba 341SL ....645 Panasonic 1595 469

HPLazerJetll ..1689 Cannon 8-11 1545

NEC LC 890 3145 Panasonic 4450 1665

CEI/Data South,'.'OTC/Brother/Epson/TI CALL

C.ltoh/Diablo/Data Products/Genicom/OMS CALL

SOFTWARE

C Compiler 5.1 .279 Carbon Copy+ 5.0... 108

DBase III Plus.... 369 Harvard Graph 2.1.. 275

FastbackPlus 95 MS Word 4.0 212

Quattro 142 PC EXCEL 2.01 299

WordPerfect5.0 199 Ventura Publisher...499

DISK DRIVES

Iomega Bernoulli Call Miniscribe 30M card.. 385

Miniscribe 6053 ..559 Miniscribe 40M 329

Miniscribe 6085... 765 PlusCard 20M 525

PlusCard 40M ... 655 Seagate 20M Kit 265

Seagate 40M 385 Seagate 30M Kit 285

Seagate 4096 ...765 Toshiba3.5" Kit 94

AST/Ailoy/Everex/Genoa/Maynard/Maxtor.. CALL Archive/Priam/Tallgrass/CDC/Tecmar CALL

HOURS: MON-FRI 7AM-6PM/SAT 9AM-2PM IN ARIZONA CALL: (602)437-4855 CompuSave: 4207 S. 37lli St. Phoenix AZ 85040. Prices reflect cash discounts and are subject to change without notice. We do not guarantee compatibility. Major credit cards and selected PO's are accepted.

International orders are welcome.

PACIFIC-286-12

«ao286-i;!

• 1 2Ma Floppy Dnvs (Option S)20 3'/- Drive)

• 6J0K Ram (Option S95 tor 360K Drive)

• Serial/Parallel

• 101-Key EnMenced Key Board

• SM 13 3 (1 Waill

SI ^ 15 2 (o Wail S150 Opnon)

• 5/12 MHz Key Board Switchable

• WA3 HD 8. FD Conlroller

LCD-286 PORTABLE

• SI 10.3

• Kfey Board

• LCD Screei

• Super Ti Back Ligfi'

IST

• Serial/Parallel

• 1 2 MB Floppy Drive

• 80287 Socket

• 200 W Power Supply

• 20 MB Hard Disti

• 23 lbs

• Size 15'." X 9'." X 8

$1595

'T,

LCD-386

• 20 MHz SI = 23

• 60386-16

• One 1 2 MB Floppy Drive

• 40 MB Hard Disk iST-251)

• LCD Screen (640x200)

• Key Board

• I'O Serial/Parallel

$2795

MONO SYSTEM

• W.'Mono Moriilor

• 20 MB Hard Disk

CGA COLOR SYSTEM

W. CGA Momlor 20 MB Hard Disk

EGA COLOR SYSTEM

• W'EGA Card W/EGA Monitor W/20 MS Hard Disk

$1195 $1395

$1580

PACIFIC-386

• 80386-15 (20 MHz)

• SI - 23

• 1 MB Memory

• One 1.2 MB Floppy Drive

• 40 MB (Seagate ST-251j

• 101 Enhanced Key Board

• 200 W Power Supply

• I/O Card Serial/Parallel

• 80387 Socket

MONO SYSTEM

• W/Mono/P Card

• Mono Monitor

$2395

EGA COLOR SYSTEM

• W.'EGA Card (6-10x350)

• EGA Monitor

$2785

CRT-PORTABLE 8088

• Compaq Type

• 8088-1 10 MHz

• 2 Floppy Drive

• 150W Power Supply

• TTL Disply 9" Ai

• Key Board

$770

ber

CRT-PORTABLE-286

• Conpaq Type

• 80286 (10 MHz or 12 MHz)

• One 1 2 MB Floppy Drive

• 200 W Power Supply

• TTL Dispiy 9" Amber

• At Key Board

• I/O Card Senal'Parallel

• WA2 HD & FD Controller

• 20 MB Hard Disk

$1389

PRICE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

Dealers are welcome Call For Quantity Price

PACIFIC COMPUTER (818) 571-5548 MS

120 E. Valley Blvd., ffH. San Gabriel, OA 91776 (800) 346-7207 (California) ORDER ONLY

FAX: 818-571-0905 (800) 421-1102 (Outside California)

Circle 196 on Reader Service Card (DEALERS: 197)

JULY 1988 -BYTE 327

Circle 192 on Reader Service Card

MULTI-LINE INTEGRATED VOICE MAIL TELEPHONE RESPONSE CARD

Mhotics

FAMOUS

■ BRAND

9600 HST

WITH 17,200 BPS THRUPUTAND ERROR CORRECTION.

WHILE SUPPLY LASTS.

2400 BAUD MODEMS

• Hayes compatible

• 300, 1200, 2400 Baud

• 2 year warranty

NOW CAA ONLY ^5151

IN PAIRS - SINGLES ADD $9

FAX

ON-A-CARD

Fully automated FAX now to any Group III FAX machine. Unattended background operation. Send scanned, ASCII, or word processed files. Use any laser or dot matrix printer for output. PC EDITOR'S CHOICE

$289

Hand Scanners Available

IDEALLY SUITED FOR: 100s * Information & Order Taking

• Voice Mail Answering System AC • Mail Fonwarding & Pager Alert

• In & Outbound Telemarketing I ICCC * '^^"y '^snu Driven by Calling UOCO Party. Fits in PC card slot.

FROM

THE PROFESSIONAL only

iru biui.

$239

BEST PRICES ANYWHERE!

286AT

• Intel 80286 Processor

• 80287 Co-Processor Slot

• 30 MB Seagate H/D

• VGA/EGA Graplnics Card

• Novell, IBM, & OS/2 Compatible System

NOW ONLY

$995

Your Choice of Optional Monitors

HUNDREDS OF SALE ITEMS EVERY DAY!

TOSHIBA 130 MB HD $999.

TOSHIBA 2 MB 3V2 IN. FD 129.

TOSHIBA 1.2 MB 5V4 FD 99.

MINISCRIBE 43 MB HD 369.

SEAGATE 30 MB HD 299.

VIDEO-7 VGA CARD $289.

ORCHID (1024x768) 319.

ORCHID 286 CARD 389.

QUADRAM 386/XT 699.

GENOA EGA & GEM 199.

VISIT OUR 24 HR BBS (805) 650-0193 (8/1/N) FOR COMPLETE CATALOG & PRODUCT LISTINGS

111

Jillll

BRAND NAMES FOR MUCH LESS!

(805)650-0188

Ask About

THIS SUPERCEDES PRIOR AOS • SUBJECT TO SUPPLY ON HAND BBS Software

9-Track Tape Subsystem

for the IBM PC/XT/AT

Now you can exchange data files between your IBM PC and any mainframe or minicomputer using IBM compatible 1600 BPI 9-Track tape. Unit can also be used for disk backup. Transfer rate is up to 4 megabytes per minute on PCs and compatibles. Subsystems include 7' or 10 Vi" streaming tape drive, tape coupler card and DOS or XENIX compatible software. Prices start at $2,995.

nunLSTHRl

9621 Irondale Ave., Chatswortfi, CA 91311 Telephone: (818) 882-5822

DYNAMIC RAMS

1MBIT 51258 41464 41256 41256

1> 41256 41264

|>4164

100ns 100ns 150ns 100ns 120ns 150ns 150ns

150ns

Far high-speed. Zip, PIcc. Siihh

$39.00 $13.50 $ 9.50 $14.50 $12.50

$16.00

..Please Caill

80387-16 !6rnHz 80287-10 lOmHz 802e7-8 80287-6 8087-1 8087-2 8087 V-30 V-20 V-20

6/iiHz 6mHz

lOmHz 8mHz 5mHz SmHz

lOmHz amHz

$495.00 S285-00 $235.00 $159.00 $189.00 $146,00 $102,00 $ 12.75 $ 17,00 $ 0.50

■ E PROMS

27C101 250ns $24.00

27C512 aoOns $ 15.00

27512 250ns $ 12.95

27C256 250ns $ 5.50

27256 250ns $ -1.95

2712aA 250ns $ 5.25

27C64A 200ns S 4.95

27S4 250n5 $ 3.50

IS. RAMS

43256 120ns $ ia.95

4364 150ns $ 12 75

Circle 225 on Reader Service Card

I.e. EXPRESS

115358 Valley Blvd. City of Industry.CA 91746 Tel:818 369-2600 I ■ ORDER TOLL FREE (Mcxi-Fri 8-5 PSTI

(800| 892-8889 • (800) 882-8181

CALL FOfl CUnnEMT PRICES S VOLUME DISCOUNTS^"''' Pfco Shown (or casfi. MaslerCaraA'isa add 3%. Prices a/e subiccl lo cfiarwie Mmimum ofiMt 510,00. Shipping & Hanalmg UPS Ground S5 00 Air S7 00 (riB 1 ALL MERCHftNDISE 15 100% GUARWTEED WflH PROMPT DEUVERY.

Circle 121 on Reader Service Card

UNIVERSAL ECE)PROM PROGRAMMER $495 (Kits from $165)

• No personality modules; Menu driven device selection.

• Built-in Erascr^'imer option (SSO); Conduclive foam pad.

• Direct technical .support; Full I year warranly.

• Stand alone duplication & verify (27XX parts).

• Quick pulse algorithm (27256 under 60 sec).

• 21xx IQ I Mbit; 25xx\ 68xx; CMOS; EEPROMS.

• 874I.-2,-4,-8,-8H,-9,-9H.-51,-C51,-S2,-55, 9761 & more.

• IBM-PC. Apple, CPM or Unix driver; Aulobaud RS232.

• Orfscl/splil Hex, Binary, Intel & Motorola 8,16,32 bil

• Manual with complete schematics.

VISA MC AMEX Call today for daiasheels .".

B&C MICROSYSTEMS

355 WEST OLIVE AVE. SUNNYVALE, CA 94086 PH: (408) 730-5511 FAX: (408) 730-5521 TELEX: 984185

Circle 25 on Reader Service Card

328 BYTE* JULY 1988

OUTSIDE USk--CALL

(718)692-0071

FOR CUSTOMER SERVICE Call Mon-Fri: 9:30am-5pm;: (718)692-1148

Warehouse address: 33 34th Street, Brooklyn, N.Y. 11232 FOR ORDERS & INFORMATION CALL TOLL FREE

18007596565

OR WRITE TO: Montgomery Griant P.O. Box 58 Brooklyn.NY 11230

FAX NO. 2125641497 TELEX NO. 422132HMOLLER

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK FOR ORDERS: Monday-Friday 9:00 am-8pm/Saturday & Sunday 9:30am-6pm (EDT)

The LAPTOP BOX

TOSHIBA 1000

■512KRAM-720K Floppy Drive 477MHz • Super Twisl LCD Screen

$749

NECMUTISPEED $979

NECMULTISPEEDEL.II$1369 NECMULTISPEEDHD..$2179

TOSHIBA 1200 $2199

TOSHIBA 3100/20 $2929

TOSHIBA 3200 $3695

TOSHIBA 5100 $4895

TOSHIBA 1100+ $1399

ZENITH 181 $1399

ZENITH 183 $1999

SPARK by Datavue

640KW/2720K Drives $989

SPARK EL $1149

MODEMS, EXTERNAL DRIVES and ACCESSORIES available lor all Laptops!

SEC PowerMate

IBU PC/XVAT COMPATIBLE

PACKAGE

• 800286 10 MHz Processor 640KRAM-1,2 MB Floppy Drive

Powermate II wilh Monitor

^7799

Same Package wilh NEC I 20 MB Hard Drive

^7599

comPAa

1 DESKPRO 386 MODE/. 40 | |\ I Hard Drive Package

\' ''I ■ Keyboard ■ B0386 16 MHz I

Microproccessof'l MBRAM-40 I MBHarri Drive-1.2 MB Floppy j .Drive (monitoroptional)

M495

HARD DRIVES

SEAGATE

20MB 1 /2 HI. w/Controller *26»

30MB 1 /2 Ht. w/Controller »319

40 MB 1 /2 Ht. w/Conlroller $439

MINISCRIBE

40MB 1 /2 HI. w/Conlroller »369

CMS20MaCard t339

CMS 30MB Card $379

commodore

I mPACKkat

I Commodore 128 Computer ■ Commodore 1571 Disk | 1 Drive'Commodore 1902 Color RGB Monitor Commodore 1515 Column Printer $

I 64;c PACKAGE

I Commodore 64/c Computer ■ Commodore 1541 Disk| I Drive -Computer Printer i ^ QQ

■ 12" Computer Monitor 0x3^

r 1

MovlwCatd]

VISA

\<>mr

^1

□

EPSON

EPSON EQUITY 1+ Package IBM PC/XT COMPATIBLE

■ 640K RAM w/Clock Calendar 360K Drive-Keyboard-Serials Parallel Ports-12" High Resolution Monitor-Box of 10 Diskettes

^^^^ ^769

^—-"^ame Pkg w/One h"loppy i 1 HOO

& 20 MR Hard Dfiye ^ I U^Y

Same Pkg. w/Two 360K $QAO Floppy Drives

EPSON EQUITY 111+ 40 MB Hard Drive Package IBM AT Compatible

-Keyboard -80286 Proccessor 640K RAM-6/8;iOMH2-l,2MB Floppy Drive -40 MB Hard Drive 12" Monitor -8 Expansion Slots Serial and Parallel Pons

PACKARD-BELL 386 40 MB Hard DriveSystem

IBM AT Compatible

- 1 MB RAM - B03B6 16 MHz Microproccessor - 1,2 MB Fl(3ppy Drive -40 MB Hard Drive 8 Expansion Slots - Enhanced Keyboard - Serial S Parallel Pons -12" Monito'

^2699

^899

PACKAGES

- Apple lie or HE Keyboard5,25" Disk Drive ■ 12''Monitor - All Hook-up Cables & Adaptors ■ Pkg, o( 10 Diskettes

APPLE lie

APPLE liE

^579 ^779

Apple IIGS Computer • 3,5" Disk Drive ■ Apple RGB Color Monitor * • '3~jn Package Pi 10 Diskettes - Alt / J/Tr Cables S Adaptors - Apple Solf/zare

MAC PLUS Comouter Package S1399

IMAGEWRiTER II Printer $449

MACSE Computerw/Dual Drive....$1949 MAC SE Computer w/20MB

APPLE Hard Drive S2599

APPLE MAC It CALL

PRINTERS

EPSON PANASONIC

FX-86E J299.95 ,oroi-1| S159 95

FX-286E M49.95 ' '

LQ-aOO J349!96

1092i..!r.!;!$289;95

rtfHS!tfl'-Ti 1091 i-ii.- $189.95

tg-S:.:.:.r3?ili ^^-'l^'^r'

LQ-1050.... $669.95 ILK^Itl/^

EX-800 $419.96 321-SL $479.96

EX-1000....$459.96 341-SL $649.95

LX-800 $199.95 351-11 $799.95

cammodore

AMIGA 500 Computer f -j-jq I w/1084 RGB Monitor / / T AMIGA 500 Computer w/1084 Monitor A 1010 3.5" Floppy Drive

ALL PERIPHERALS IN STOCK

A-501 512K EXPANSION ■ A-1010 3.5" FLOPPY DHIVE-A-1020T 5.25" DISK DFIIVE WITH THANSFOBMER - A-208aD BRIDGE CARD- A-1084 RGB COLOR MONITOR ■ A-ieflO MODEM ■ A-10eO SIDECAR • A-2090 HARD DRIVE CONTFtOLLEH FOR A-2000 - A-2010 3.5- INTERNAL DISK DRIVE FORA-2000-A-S052 2MBEXPANSI0N FOHA-2000

AMIGA 2000 IN STOCK

=^-=bM' personal

k^r'= SYSTEM 2 MODEL 30 Package

• IBM Computer - Two 720K Drives - 640 K RAM - Built-in Graphics - Serial and Parallet Ports-Optional 12" Monitor

n]99

PS;2 MODEL 30 wilh 720K < 1 C rM^ Floppy; Drive 5 20MB IBM I Q 7 7

MODEL 50

640K HAM 720K Floppy Drive 20 MB Hard Drive

PS;llModel25 S1049

PS/II Model 25 w/Color Monitor $1299

PS'll Model 60 w/44 MB J, 720K Floppy $3299

PS;ll Model 60 wM MB 8, 720K Floppy $3799

PS;il Model 80 w;44 MB & 720K FlopDV 54295

PS.'II Mpdel 80 wOT MB S 720K Floppy 54895

5.25 External Drive lor PS/II $229

/SM Personal System II Monitors 8503 Monochrome Monitor $209

8512 Color Monitor $459

8513 Color Monitor 5519

AMSTRAD

IBM PC/XT Compatible PACKAGE

512K - One 360K DriveClock Calendar - Monoiraphlcs Card - Serial & 'arallel Pons - Mono Monitor - Mono Monitor Stand

Same Pkg. with 20 MB Hard Drive

J569

\lnclijdes FREE Mousel I and FREE Soltware \

^839

VENDEX HEADSTART IBM PC/XT I

4,7 a MHz; Dual Floppy Drives-7 Expan-- Compatible |

slon SI01S-512K Expandable lo 768K Parallel & Serial Poris-Mouse- Available in Color or Monochrome Sysiem ■ Over $1000 Worth of Soltware-NO

^849

Color $000\

Sysiem yyy I

THOMSON 14"CGAMonitor $289 |

THOMSON TTL Amber 12" :

MAGNAVOX 13" RGB Color....$199 I

MAGNAVOX EGA Monitor S339 I

with EGA Card 5459 I

NEC Multisync II Monitor S559 [

Laserjet Series I

^7599

1 MB Expander S349

HP DESKJET PRINTER-'719|

commodore

PC10-1

IBM PC/XT Compatible |pcio-i| PACKAGE

■ PCtO-l Computer -512K RAM Expandable to 640K -360K Disk Dnve Enhanced Keyboard-Serial & Parallel Pons ■ 12" Monitor ■ AC Adaptors - All Hook--jpCables-Pka ol to Diskettes

$499

Same Package with 20 MB Hard

$749

chMk for credit caidtufL

NO ADDITIONAL SURCHARGE FOR CREDIT CARD ORDERS WE WELCOME CORPORATE & EDUCATIONAL ACCOUNTS^'

n be ihipped Air Eipren, Call lor detain, For your protection m

Circle 117 on Reader Service Card

OPTICAL DISKS

as featured In PC WEEK 4/26/88

• 800MB storage on single disk

• connecting to any host via SCSI interface

• Plug'n Play to any operating system

only $4995 Limited time only

PANASONIC LS5000

$2495 - 200 MB

OPTICAL MEDIA

For IBM & Panasonic Optical Drives - $52

We carry a full line of 51/4" & 12" Optical Drives

SKAN TEKNOLOGIES, INC.

optical storage systems (212) 809-5570 (516)295-2237

Circle 248 on Reader Service Card

The ideal solution for embedded control applications and stand alone development.

• 8052 Basic CPU

• PROM Programmer

• iSBX* Expansion Bus

• Higtiest Quality

• 1 Year Warranty

$228.00 QTY 1 Call Now! (603) 469-3232

Inquire about our 8051 product development kit for ttie IBM PC/XT/AT

□I

Binary Technology, Inc.

Mam St.. P.O. Box 67 Meriden, NH 03770

"iSBX is a trademark o( Inlel Corporation.

Dealers!

Network-OS LAN Systems - Includes Boards, Cabling, Terminators and Software. Two-user hardware and software for under $1,000 list!

Close-Up Remote Communications - Support your customer without leaving your office. Authored by Cogitate for Norton-Lambert!

Context Sensitive Help for Dataplex, RM/ COBOL, Clipper and dBase III - Puts your application's documentation "on line."

Dataplex Database Management - True MultiUser database for MS/PC-DOS, Unix and Xenix. Site licensing available.

Dump/Restore-XT- Seven utilities for the MS/ PC-DOS user.

Call or write today for our catalog and pricing!

COGITATE, INCORPORATED

"A Higher Form of Software" 24000 Telegraph Road Southfield, Ml 48034 (313) 352-2345/Telex: 386581 Visa/MasterCard Accepted

Circle 55 on Reader Service Card

Sure itls imured?

SAFEWARE® Insurance provides full replacement of hardware, media and

purchased software. As little as $39/)'r. covers: • Fire • Theft • Power Surges

• Earthquake • Water Damage ♦ Auto Accident

For information or immediate coverage call:

1-800-848-3469

In Ohio call 1-614-262-0559

SAFEWARE, The Insurance Af>eTicy Inc.

IT'S NOT 29- PLUS THIS AND THAT, IT'S

2 lor 1 repbcemeni guarantee on bulk 5'A" il found initially defective wilhin six monlfis Wittt sleeves, tabs, labels

EACH

5V4"DS/D0(Min. 100) 29e

0S;DD (Min. 50) 39e

Color 5%' DS/DD (Min. 50) 49«

SVt IBM-AT HD (Min. 50| 79(

Box of 10 5%' DS/DD (Min. 10). S4.29

Boxol10Color5%-DS'DD

Free Plaslic Case (Uin. 5) S5.99

3y2"-SSiDD(Mia.25) m

■DSiDD (Min. 25) S1.09

Data 205'40 MB Mini Caitlidge

3m/DEI Compalible (Min. 5).... S15.90

M'lZOMBDalaCartiidge

(Min. 5) St9.20

Immediale shipping—Guaranleed satisfaclion Call lor greater discounls on larger orders 'Subjecl lo availability 100% Lifetinw Warranty

Shipping: S3.50 per min. otder;S1.50 each addll. lol MCVISA a

1.800-537-1600

Operator No. 227

Depl. No. 1523 P.O. Box 61000, San Francisco, CA 94161

Get the \^ole stoiy on graphics terminal emidation.

To find out more about software that lets your PC emulate TEKTRONIX™ 4105/6/7/9 and DEC VTIOO™ terminals, call or virrite:

if GRATPoinr

4340 Stevens Creeks Blvd., Suite 280, San Jose, CA 95129 (408) 249-795]

Circle 239 on Reader Service Card

Circle 164 on Reader Service Card

Circle 109 on Reader Service Card

aj] VT240 Smart Terminal Emulator m and Communications Program

^ lor the IBM XT, AT, PS/2 and campallbles

•Comprehensive Vrao . \VJ\ emulalion al 2-4 limes ihe speed 'Complele VT240 ANSI emulalion ineluding irue double-high/doublewide eharaclers, Inie smoolh scrolling, nalional/niullinalional support, g^f\f\^m,ff and downloadable fonls. ^W^r ^l'^ 'Al leas; 128 eolumns displayable W w in l.i:-eolumn mode on ihe CGA.

EGA, VGA. and Hercules adapters. •f-"ullTeklronn4010.'4OI4, sisel and ReGIS graphics supporl. •KERMIT and .XMODEM transfers. •Ungcrmann Bass Net/One and VMS Sers'ices for MS-DOS sup[ion. Also available VT220, VT100, D4C0, 4014 emulators and the Poui-iSiniiuir VT200 style keyboard.

KEA SYSTEMS LTD.

Suite 412. 2)50 West Bmimy. Vmcomer. B C. Cmdi VBK iL9 Telefhom 16041732-74)1 Telex: 04-352848 VCR Fsx: (604} 732-0715 Oidei mi Free 800-663-8702

30 day money back guarantee AMEX/MC/VtSA

VT241

*plus your PC or compatible

$475

PAL/EPROM PROGRAMMER CARD

For PC/XT/AT Systems

NEW •- VERSION 2 OF SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

■Programs 20 and 24

PinWMI, NS. TI.AMD

ALTERA, CYPRESS.

RICOH, and PANATEC

PALS. Supports EPLD,

polarit/, RA, and shared

product term types. ■Functions Include: Read,

Write, Verily, Protect,

Edil, Print, and File load

and save ol program. -JEDEC supported, -Sollware Included

100MHZ LOGIC ANALYZER CARD

For PC;XT;AT Systems

$1199

■24 Channels at 25Khz-25Mhz ■6 Channels at 100 Mhz ■Internal Clock up to 100 Mhz ■Exlerrat Clock up to 25 Mhz ■Threshottl Voltage TTL, ECU, or variable ttom -10 lo +10v ■Can Slack f.1ulllple Boards ■All Sollware Included

CALL NOW FOR ORDERS AND TECHNICAL INFO (201) 994-6669

Link Computer Graphics, Inc. 4 Sparrow Dr.. Livingston, NJ 07039. TLX: 9102409305 LINK COMPUTER

Schematic to Hardware

First PCB Assembled

in as little as 3 weeks or as low as $5 / Component pin -^ materials

We will take your schematic in Schema™ OrCAD™ or Tango™ formal and:

Review for Design Errors • Layout PC Board Fabricate Board • Assemble Prototype • Inspect

Also available: Sctiematic Capture • Test Service Engineering Design Sen/ice • Volume Manufacturing Diagnostic Test Software • PAL/PLD Designs

HiTech Equipment Corporation 9560 Black Mountain Road San Diego, CA 92126

(619) 566-1892

Circle 138 on Reader Service Card

Circle 145 on Reader Service Card

Circle 117 on Reader Service Card

Low Prices, Fast Service.

Satisfaction Guaranteed! Since 1975

Turbo-XT

$398

• 4.77 & 8 MHz

• 640K Motherboard with 256K

• 8 slots • 8087 socket

• 150W power supply

Turbo-AT

t mum R

• 1 MB Motherboard with 640K

• 200 watt power supply

• AT-style keyboard

• One year warranty

• Clock/calendar Option A

• High resolution amber monitor

• Hi-res graphics card ^dd

• Parallel printer port *148

Option B

• Hi-res RGB color monitor

• Hi-res graphics card ^'''^

• Parallel printer port ^298

Option C

• Hard disk drive

• Dual hard disk controller

30 MB lor XT 40 MB For PC/XT/AT

=^298 add M98

add

inteT Math Coprocessors

8087 '98 8087-1 ^198 80287-8 ^228 80387-16 5438

8087-2 *138 80287-6 5178 80287-10 5268 80387-20 5728

1200 Baud Deluxe Modem

558

2400 baud V2 card internal . . .5128

1200 baud external 588

2400 baud external 5-|68

30 MB Hard Disk

Complete kit with controller

C@D$298

20 MB PC/XT Kit 5248

20 MB Card ...5398

40 MB for AT 5393

40 MB PC/XT Kit 5498

Mountain 40 MB Tape 5393

360K Disk Drive

Half height, IBM compatible Direct Drive

PC Mouse

LoglTech mouse ^78

Mouse systems mouse ^98

Microsoft mouse 5118

Genius mouse 558

Fastrap trackball ^98

Deluxe joystick ^24

Place orders foil free! Continental U.S.A. 1-800-421-5500 Inside California 1-800-262-1710

Fax machine 1-213-675-2522 All others 1-213-973-7707

Prices at our eight store locations will be higtier on some items.

California Torrance, Santa Ana. Woodland Hills Kearny Mesa, Sunnyvale Texas Addison. Houston Georgia Smyrna

Tandon TM100-2 full height

for IBM PC or XT 5-|-i8

1.2 MB for AT 593

SVV drive for PS/2 5268

3V2" Disk Drive

720K....598 1.44 MB....5128

VGA Package

Monitor & Card $Q48

• 800 X 560

• Up to 256K brillant colors

Hi-res EGA card 640x480 ... .5128

EGA monitor 640x350 5373

NEC Multisync II 640x560 .. .5598 RGB color monitor 640x240 .5258

Amdek 310A $98

Best selling hi-resolution non-glare amber monitor

EPSON 24 Pin

5369

LQ-500 List Price S529

EPSON Letter Quality Printers LQ-850, LQ-1050, LQ-2500 ..Call

EPSON 9 Pin

LX-800

EPSON Near Letter Quality FX-86e, FX-286e, EX-800 .... Call

HP LaserJet II

M698

List Price 52595

HEWLETT PACKARD

Extra Toner Cartridge 593

POP 4 MB RAM card w/OK . .5198 1 MB 2 MB 4 MB 5348 5648 5-1148

HP DeskJet

=^748

List Price 5995 300 x300 DPI with ful with full page graphics

PDP 128K RAM 593

Extra ink cartridge

Laser Printer

51198 ^ Limited

Quantity!

1,5 MB RAM card 5193

Toner cartridge 553

No Slot Clock

MICROSOFT. MS-DOS 3.21 *98

JADE COMPUTER

MEMBER

We accept ctiecks, credit cards or purchase orders from qualified firms and institutions. No surctiarge on credit card orders. CA., TX. & GA. residents add sales tax. Prices & availability subject to change without notice. Shipping & handling charges via UPS ground 50(t/lb. UPS air si.00/lb. Minimum charge ^S.OO.

4901 W. Rosecrans Ave. Box 5046 Hawthorne, California 90251-5046

Circle 128 on Reader Service Card

JULY 1988 'BYTE 331

Circle 87 on Reader Service Card

$109

2400 Baud

MODEM

DiskMAST

The Ultimate Diskette Value...

Discover the Difference...

2 FOR 1 LIFEVME WARRANTY Qg[^g|{

/ Pkg'd in 6 different colors, bu\k or boxed / 100% tested and certified ✓ Made to exceed A.N.S.I, specs by 62.5% witti a guaranteed clipping level of 65% or above

/ Includes tyvek envelopes (not paper), write protect

tabs and user labels / Brand-name quality at affordable prices

5-1/4" - 48 TPI DS-DD

.49

.59

BULK COLOR OR GRAY

BOXED COLOR

DS-HD 96 TPI IBM-AT Compatible

.90 .99

irCENTECtf^emSsualiti/

Color Diskettes

✓ TIMELESS WARRANTY

✓ 75%+ clipping level guaranteed

✓ Performance exceeds A.N.S.I, spec, by 88%

✓ Eacti disk 100% tested and certified / 16 COLORS for data organization

/ Pkgs. includes tyvek sleeves, w/p tabs, & ID labels 5-1/4" - 48 TPI DS-HD 96 TPI

DS-DD IBM-AT Compatible

.84 .63

3-1/2"-135 TPI DS-DD COLOR

1.75

PLASTIC STORAGE BOX COLOR

BULK COLOR

PLASTIC STORAGE BOX

1.39 1.15

3-1/2" -135 TPI BLACK DS-HD

4.50

Call for best prices on 3M diskettes & Pelikan Ribbons

5-1/4"

48 TPI DS-DD

DS-HD 96 TPI IBM-AT Compatible

3-1/2" DS-DD

1.25 1.42

Nashua

5-1/4" - 4 DS-DD

.50

DS-HD 96 TPI IBM-AT Compatible

*i nn*

BOXED I .IIU

BULK

320

5-1/4- DS/DD 48 TPI Exceeds ANSI specifications ■^ 6(6 FOR TYVEK

ORDERING INFORMATION

TERMS: P.O. orders accepted, government and schools on net 30. SHIPPING: U.S. orders add $3.00 per 100 diskettes or traction thereof, add $3.00 for GOD orders. PRICE PROMISE: We will better any lower delivered price on the same products and quantities advertised nationally.

V/SA

Toll Free Order Line: information Line:

1-8002332477 1-801 561 0092

.^I5C INTERNATIONAL

SUPPLY COMPANY 1376 W. 8040 S. / WEST JORDAN, UT 84088 HRS:8AMT0 5PM (MTN. TIME)

332 BYTE- JULY 1988

AVPAt k

$395

•Quickly and inexpensively create logic devices — simplilyyour project design.

•Program Irom, copy to standard JEDEC Hies.

•Free PAL starter kit included •Ask about our Logic Assembler

For specs & tree catalog, calk

800-448-8500

or (207) 236-9055

AV€)CET

SYSTEMS, INC..

120 Union St. P.O. Box 490, Rockport, IVIF 04856

HARD DISK CONTROLLERS

ADAPTEC

PC/XT Controller ST506/412 $45

2071 PC/XT to ST506 HLL (1 drive) $79

2072 PC/XT RLL $98

2370 PC/AT to ST506 RLL $149

3530 SCSI to Tape QIC 36 $78

4000 SCSI toST506/415 $89

4070 SCSI to ST506/412 RLL $98

4520 SCSI to ESDI $98

5500 SCSIlo ST506/412 $125

5580 SCSI toSMD $175

XEBEC

S1410 SASI Controller $89

S1420 SASI to 5'A" Floppy & Hard Disk Controller $99

Apple II, ll-f, HE Host Adapter $29

OTHERS

OMTI 20C, L SASI Controller $99

DTC510ASASI Controller S99

Shugart 1610-1,3 or 4 SASI/SCSI Controller $79

WD 1002-SHD Xebec Compatible SASI Controller $109

' Call (or cable prices. • Controller manuals S8 each.

.r^i Computer Surplus Store

•vS P'"'"^ 408-434-1060 'r<^'X FAX 408-434-0931 y-<^ Telex 1561447 ' y^^'^ MC/VISA/Discover/COD's

"WE BUY AND SELL"

Circle 67 on Reader Service Card

... at your command Master Switch is sophisticated jet riexiblc. Several computers can access one another or share printers and mr)dems. Use serial r)r parallel interfaces, up to nine pons. The buffer is expandable up to one megabyte. Access a job control menu from each computer to view the queue or cancel, hold, and release jobs. Many other features.

MaslerNcl software allows computer networking and electronic mail capabilities f^or PCs.

Other solutions from ROSE

• Printer Sharing • fvlultiplexers

• Protocol Conversion • Modems

• Buffering • Manual Switches

• Micro to mainframe • Cables

U'e dcsifin a varicly of qualilypwditclsfor compuUv nciworkifif; and dala commuiticatioii sotiiliott.t pwrarilced lo H ort. Dealer and OEM inquiries are welcome.

#RQS E P.O. BOK 7«s;i HOUSION, TX ELECTRONICS c«i ior c«iaiiio 713 933 7673

Circle 236 on Reader Service Card (DEALERS: 237)

2400 -(- 1200 -f 300 BAUD IBM INTERNAL AT-HAYES COMPATIBLE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY 30 DAYS MONEY BACK 2 YEAR WARRANTY

MADE IN USA, FCC certified Dealers Inquire

(800) 228-6648

Compu Com Corporation

(408) 732-4500 (CA)

Circle 58 on Reader Service Card

9 TRACK TAPE SYSTEM

FOR IBM PC/XT/AT

• Mainframe to PC Data Transfer

• High Speed Backup

• All Software, Complete System

• Service and Support, easy Installation

call (818) 343-6505 or write lo: Contech Computer Corp.

P.O. Box 153 Tarzana, Calif. 91356

CONTECH

Circle 70 on Reader Service Card

]/^[]| CR0SS-16META

T I ASSEMBLER

I Tnble hascd 8/16 bit cross nssemblei.

I Uses miinufaclurer's assembly mnemonics,

I Tables & Example Source files aie incliidert lor ALL ol ibe following processor families:

1802

3870

64180

6502

65816

6801

6805

6809

681 1

68000

7000

8048

8051

8085

8086

8096

COP800

SUPERS

Z8

Z80

■ Users may modify or create new tables for additional processors

■ Produces lisliny, symbol table, and 8/16 bil binary, Intel anri Motorola hexcode.

■ 5" DSDD for PC/IVIS-DOS 2 0 or greater, 599,95 US 5 1 39-95 CDN

■ Portable C sourcecode is available.

Worldwide ^hi[)()ing (AIRMAIL! fii handling included. Credit Crird ofders ISI39 95 CDNl please specify: Card number n^imc; on card .ind t.-xpiry diite

Universal Cross Assemblers

P.O. Box 384, Bedford, M.S. Canada B4A 2X3

Circle 270 on Reader Service Card

CArSMHZ

BASE SYSTEM

' 256K (Opl. 640K) • 150 Watt Power

Supply • AT Style Keyt)oard • 4.77 or 8 MHZ Keyboard Selectable • FDC

• 8087 Socket • 360K Floppy Drive

$399"o

COMPLETE SYSTEM CALL FOR PBICE } J/' 1 Year Warranty

iillill

CAT™ 286-10

BASE SYSTEM

• 512K Exp. to 1 MEG • 200 Watt Power

Supply • AT Style Keyboard ^iy^i^"

• Western Digital Controller • 1.2 Meg ^^"^ Floppy • Legal Bios w/manoals • Systems

Documenlation • 1 yr war. • Clock/Calc ^

$92900 *»»^^>'

COMPLETE SYSTEM CALL FOR PRICE 11.3 Nortons SI

OPTION A

12" Mono Amber Monitor Graphics Card w/par port

ssigofl

OPTION B

640 X 300 Color Monitor Graphics Card w/par port

$75900

OPTION C

12" Mono Amber Monitor Graphics Card w/par port 20 Meg Hard Drive

S81900

OPTION A AT

12" Mono Amber Monitor Graphics Card w/par port

SI 099*""

OPTION B AT

640 X 200 Color Monitor Graphics Card w/par port

S1299'">

OPTION C AT

12" Mono Amber Monitor Graphics Card w/par port 20 Meg Hard Drive

51399"

PANASONIC

KXP1080I 144CPS 199

KXP1091I 192CPS 229 KXP1092I 240CPS 379 Tractors — Sheet Feeders

PRINTERS

CITIZEN 180D 180CPS 9 Pin 10" .199 MSP15E160CPS9Pin15"369 MSP40 250CPS 9 Pin 10" 369 Cables — Ribbons Available

EVEREX MEMORY & 10 CARDS

EV138 0-576K For XT 89™

EV173 Par/Ser/Clock 0-1 Meg XT 109»"

EV173A Par/Ser 0-1 Meg AT 109°»

EV159 RAM 3000 Lotus/Intel 0-3 Meg 119»"

EV170 1.0, Par/Ser/Clock 69°°

EV659 EGA 640 x 350 Auto Sviritchlng 149°°

no*

MONITORS

GOLDSTAR

EGA 640 X 350

SAMSUNG

12" Monoctirome Amber

14" RGB Color 640 x 200

14" EGA Multisync

369"

7900

249™ 44900

EPSON SVz DISK DRIVE

• In 5>A Mounting • 720K i-/°£^S3

^QQ"" 10 for ^92<"> ^'Nc

150 WATT POWER SUPPLY

' Direct PC Replacement S5900

EVEREX TAPE BACKUPS

4aMB Mini Carlridge. 1.8MB/min, XT 389°°

40IVIB Mini Canridge, 3.6MB/min, AT 389°°

40MB Streanning Cassette, 5MB/niin w/cont 539°°

60MB Streaming Cassette, 5MB/min w/cont 619°°

60MB Streaming Cartridge, 5MB/mln w/Full cont... .779°° 125MB Streaming Cartridge, 5MB/min w/Full cont.. .989°°

External Add 195°°

RAM UPGRADES

4164 150 NS. 64 X 1 3«°

4164 120 NS, 64 X 1 3^5

4164 100 NS, 100 NS, 64K X 1 4«

41256 150 NS, 256K x 1 12«

41256 120 NS, 256K x 1 13«

41256 100 NS, 256K x 1 13"

4464 150 NS, 64Kx4 12°=

IMeg 100 NS, 1048 x 1 49°°

HARD DRIVES

(WSeagate

COMPLETE KITS

ST225 20Meg w/cont. & Cables 279°«

ST238 SOMeg w/cont. & Cables 299°°

ST251 40Meg V2 HT 40 Mil w/sottware 399°°

ST251-1 40Meg, 2.8 Mil Sec 489°°

ST4026 20Meg Full HT 40 Mil 279°°

ST4096 SOMeg Full HT w/software 749°°

MODEMS

EV-920 EverCom 12 300/1200 bps 79°°

EV-940 Internal 300/1200/2400 159°°

EV-945 External 300/1200/2400 239°°

Meail / Hayes Compatible

1200 Baud w/8itcom 5 yr. Warranty

1200 Baud External, 5 yr. Warranty

2400 Baud Internal. 5 yr. Warranty

69°° 119°° .149°°

INTEL COPROCESSORS

Intel 8087 5Mhz 102°°

Intel 8087 8Mhz 149°°

Intel 80287 6Mhz ^-0, 179°°

Intel 80287 8Mhz „.vt!i^V 239°°

Intel 80287 lOMhz o&^^v»* 289°°

Intel 80387 16Mhz 498"

Intel 80387 20Mhz 799°°

SIMM RAM UPGRADES

256K X 9 120 NS . .139°° 1 Meg x 9 120 NS .649°°

BELOW EVERYONE'S COST - CLEARANCE SALE

LETTER QUALITY PRINTER

Why pay $1149 for a Cltoh

STARWRITER™F-10

When our 40 cps letter quality daisywheel printer from the same manufacturer is only

DAISYWHEEL PRINTER MANUFACTURED BY C.ITOH

$299«o.

ea. 100 for $249

These printers were originally priced to sell at over S1100. Through a special arrangement MEAD has purchased these units from a major computer manufacturer and is offering these printers at a fraction of their original cost.

3 MONTH WARRANTY

' 6 ft. Serial Cable

• AT or XT RS232/Serial Interface

• Bidirectional Tractor

• Cut Sheet Feeder

$ 19»o 390" 149™ 199™

STANDARD FEATURES

• 40 CPS • Accepts Paper to 15 inches • Form Length and Pitch Set from Conrol Panel Industry compatible ribbon, printw/heels and control comnnands • RS232 Serial Interface

lANUUN IBM BOXES

360K FLOPPY DRIVE 160K FLOPPY DRIVE

• TM100-2A Full Height • TM 100-1A • 160K

' Orig. Drive used by IBM • IBM Pkg & Instructions

Usi 249°° Hal 89°° List 199°° Mesi 39°°

10 MEG HARD DRIVE

• 1/2 Height ' 65 Mil Sec.

List 299°°

Mead 129°°

Add 70°° w/conlioller

EPSON OR IBM PRINTER STANDS

Lis! 39°°

Mead 19°°

NEC MONITOR

COMPOSITE MONITOR

12" Green Screen • JB 1201 New 90 Day Warranty

List 199°° Mead 79°°

MITSUBISHI FLOPPY DRIVE

1.2 MEG

• Black Face • 1 Year Warranty

List 99°° Mead79°°

DATA CARTRIDGE

3M COMPATIBLE

' DC 300 XLP • 45 Meg or Less • Indiv Wrapped

Lisl 39°° Mead 14°°

800-654-7762

SALES: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. PST

702-294-0204

CUSTOMER SERVICE / ORDER STATUS: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. PST

FAX 702-294-1168

le Hegisierea wim men lespeciivc Co S /Vices SuD/ec/ lo Ui.inge

NO SURCHARGE FOR IVIC/VISA

TERMS: MC • VISA • COD • CASH

Purchase Orders from Qualltied Firms Personal Checks • AE add 4V>

1000 Nevada Hwy. • Unit 101 • Boulder City, NV 89005

SHIPPING: (min 6") UPS •

Fed Express

Circle 159 on Reader Service Card

JULY 1988 -BYTE 333

Circle 130 on Reader Service Card (DEALERS: 131)

FCC APPROVED!

Sub-Mini AT! The Space Saver 3-DR. Capability 8-Expansion Slots!

Basic System:

• 8/IOMHz Speed, B Wait

• 3-LEDs, Reset & Turbo Switch

• 0-1MB on Board With 8K

• 200-Watt Power Supply

• AT Style Keyboard

• tea 1.2M Floppy Disk Drive

• tea Floppy/H.D. Controller

• 1ea Mono Graphics Card W/Printer

• tea 12" TTL Amber Monitor W/Swivel Base

• Assembled & Tested $963 oo

10MHz XT Turbo Basic System:

' Baby AT Case W/Keylock

• 4.77/10MHZ Hardware Selectable

• 8 Expansion Slots

• I8-640K on Board With OK

• 150-Watt Power Supply ' XT Style Keyboard

' tea Floppy Disl< Controller

• tea Mono Graphics Card W/Printer

• lea 12" TTL Amber Monitor W/Swivel Base

• lea 360K Floppy Disk Drive • Assembled & Tested Sa93.00

10MHz or 12MHz AT-286 Basic System:

6/10 or 6/12 MHz Speed, 0 Wait

• 8 Expansion Slots

• B-1MB on Board With 0K

• Regular AT Slide Case or Digital Display Case

• 200-Watt Power Supply

• AT Style Keyboard

Regular Case Digital Case

• lea 1.2MB Floppy Disk Drive

• lea Floppy & H,D. Controller

• tea Mono Graphcis Card W/Printer

• lea 12" TTL Amber Monitor W/Swivel Base

• Assembled & Tested 10MHz 12MHz

93a00 1001.00 959.00 1022.00

PERIPHERALS AT/XT For XT

1. Floppy Disk Controller With Cable S22.50

2. Hard Disk Controller With Cable $72.20

3. 0-384K Mullitunction Card, OK $86.30

4. Monochrome Graphics Printer Card S43.80 5- Color Graphics Card $46.30

6. Color Graphics Printer Card $50.00

7. Enhanced Graphics Adaptor (EGA) $131.10

8. Color/Monochrome Display Card S61.30 Parallel Printer Card $18.80 Dual Game I/O Card $18.80 Serial I/O Card $25.00 Dual Serial I/O Card $43.80

Mouse For AT/XT W/Driver Software $61.30 Multi I/O W/Controller $68.80 Multr I/O $56.30 No-Slot-Clock $28.80 576K RAM Card, OK $35.00 4.77/8MHZ XT Turbo Motherboard $93.80 4.77/IOMHz XT Turbo Motherboard $100.00

XT Slide Case $35.30

XT Flip Top Case $32.90

Baby AT Case, XT $47.10

150-Watt Power Supply $48.80

150-Watt Power Supply (UL) $68.80

For AT

25. Floppy/H,D. Controller W/Cables $156.30

26. 128K RAM Card, OK $68.80 27 2MB EMS RAM Card, OK $123.80

28. Serial/Parallel Card $46.30

29. 6/IOMHz AT tVlotherboard, 0 Wait $331.30

30. 6/12MHZ AT tVlotherboard, 0 Wait $393.80

31. 8/10h/1Hz Mini AT Motherboard, 0 Wail $362.50

32. AT Slide Case $64.70

33. AT SLide Case W/Digital Display 85.90

34. Mini AT Slide Case 61.20

35. 200-Watt Power Supply 81.30

36. 200-Watt Power Supply (UL) 95.00 37 200-Watt Power Supply For Mini AT 78.80

ORDER HOT LINE 1-800-543-5107

Technical Information (714) 990-2097

Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9:00 am - 6:00 pm PST Please write for our complete price list.

JAWIN COMPUTER PRODUCTS

565 W. Lambert Rd.,

Brea, CA 92621 Sd

Terms: Please add 5% (or $2.00. whicfiever is higher) plus 25' (or each SIOOOO CA residenis please add 6% sales tax. We accept VISA/MC/Cash Personal checks please allow 2 weeks lo clear All merchandise is warranted (or 1 year unless otherwise stated.

MAXELL

100% CERTIFIED SVV BULK DISKS

5V4' DS/DD 59* 5V4 DS/HD 1,59 3V2" DS/DD 1.09

Price based on quantity of 300 includes sleeves, labels and tabs.

800-222-0490

In NJ 201-462-7628

• 24 Hour Shipment •

MEGASoff

P.O. Box 710, Freehold, NJ 07728

Circle 162 on Reader Service Card

GANG EPROM PROGRAMMER

Stand Alone $995.00

QUICK PULSE ALGORITHM FASTEST EPROM PRODUCTION TO 512K BITS, RS-232 OPTION.

From A Name You Can Trust

LOGICAL DEVICES INC.

1201 N.W. 65th Place Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309

1-800-331-7766 (305) 974-0967 Telex 383142 Fax (305) 974-85 31

Circle 146 on Reader Service Card (DEALERS: 147)

2400 Baud Perfonnance Incredible $149 Price!!

• 2400,1200, 300 Baud Async Modem

• Hayes "AT" Command Set

. CCnr V.22 bis, V.22 8. Bell 212A/103 Compatible

• Auto Answer/Auto Dial

• Compact Size

• Programmable non-volitile phone number memory, user configuration & speaker volume

.Oneyearwarranty QrCler NOW

Toll Free

USA:800-533-8049 CA:800-624-5628

MC/VISWAMEX Accepted (805)524-4189

330 Central Avenue Fillmore, CA 93015

Serving Computer Users Since 1982

IMAGING CARD

DV-01

GRAYSCALE FRAME GRABBER

Composite video in/out 256 X 240 resolution Digitize/display at frame speed 256 gray levels in 16 Meg. color palette out PC/XT/AT compatible

$849 00 Complete with software

Contra/lesion

P.O. Box 596, Pittsburg, KS 66762 (316)231-6647

Circle 71 on Reader Service Card

the

HUSKY™

EPROM

PLD

MICRO

GANG

SET

PC based PROGRAMMER

1599.00*

From A Name You Can Trust

LOGICAL DEVICES, INC.

. 1201 N.W. 65th Place, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309

1-800-331-7766 (305)974-0967

Telex 383142 Fax (305) 974-8531

Circle 148 on Reader Service Card (DEALERS: 149)

! not only a printer buffer !

[)Qg Jj J THIS IS THE MOST SOPHISTICATED

PRINTER BUFFER - MULTIPLEXOR ~ SWITCH

WITH TWO SEPARATE INPUTS |SERIAL AND PARALLBL) AND TWO SEPARATE OUTPUTS |SEBIAL AND PARALIKLI CAN BB USED LIKH STANDARD BUFFER WITH ANY INPUT TO ANY OUTPUT BUT ALSO YOU CAN CONNECT 2 COMPUTERS TO 1 PRINTER. OR 1 COMPUTER TO 2 PRINTERS, OR 2 COMPUTERS AND J PRINTERS AND MORE = 1 COMPUTER TO 3 PRINTERS OR S COMPUTERS TO I PRINTER

HIOH CAPACITY - 6< KB TO 266 KB AND - 266 KB TO I MB [MODELS A AND B) PAUSE. COPY AND RESET FUNCTIONS SERIAL PORTS WITH 7 OR 8 BITS WORD LENOTH. 1 OR 2 STOP BIT, PARITY, XON/XOPF. DTR. RTS

DCB-A-64K I DGB-B-2b6K t 255 I"'

[■] Povai luppl; %ni p>r>ll<t cabia* ac* includtd

ALSO, WE HAVE THE MOST COMPLETE DATA CONVERTER UNIT C0NV8RTS nsi3J SERIAL TO CENTRONICS PARALLEL OR VICE VERSA. JUST BY MOVING JUMPERS BAUD RATE AND PROTOCOL FULLY PROCRAMABLE FROM 150 TO l')200 BAUDS INCLUDES DTR, RTE. XON/XOPP. PARITY .Ic

DCU

"I Pov.t .upplT tnd c.h

"DCU

serialOpaiallel directional converter

INTECTRA lnt,-Depl.232

(415) 967-8818 TX 345545

334 BYTE' JULY 1988

Circle 47 on Reader Service Card

The Amazing 4-SC/S\^

n Plug into the future

An A-BUS system with two Motherboards

A-BUS adapter [IBM) In foreground

With the A-BUS you can plug your PC (IBM, Apple, TRS-80) into a future of exciting new applications in the fields of control, monitoring, automation, sensing, robotics, etc.

Alpha's modular A-BUS offers a proven method to build your "custom" system today. Tomorrow, when you are ready to take another step, you will be able to add more functions. This is ideal for first time experimenting and teaching.

A-BUS control can be entirely done in simple BASIC or Pascal, and no knowledge of electronics is required!

An A-BUS system consists of the A-BUS adapter plugged into your computer and a cable to connect the Adapter to 1 or 2 A-BUS cards. The same cable will also fit an A-BUS Motherboard for expansion up to 25 cards in any combination.

The A-BUS is backed by Alpha's continuing support (our 11th year, 50000 customers in over 60 countries).

The complete set of A-BUS User's Manuals is available for $10.

About the A-BUS:

• All the A-BUS cards are very easy to use witfi any language that can read or write to a Port or Memory. In BASIC, use INP and OUT (or PEEK and POKE with Apples and Tandy Cnlor Computers)

• They are all compatible with each other You can mix and match up to 25 cards to fit your application. Card addresses are easily set with jumpers,

• A-BUS cards are shipped with power supplies (except PO-123) and detailed manuals (including schematics and programming examples).

Relay Card re-i40:si29

Includes eight industrial relays, (3 amp contacts, SPST) individually controlled and latched, 8 LED's show status Easy lo use (OUT or POKE in BASIC), Card address is jumper selectable

Reed Relay Card re-i56:$99

Same features as above, but uses 8 Reed Relays to switch low level signals (20mA max). Use as a channel selector, solid state relay driver, etc.

Analog Input Card ad-i42:S129

Eigfit analog inputs, 0 to -I-5V range can be expanded to 10OV by adding a resistor, 8 bit resolution (20m\0, Conversion time 120us Perfect to measure voltage, temperature, light levels, pressure, etc. Very easy to use,

12 Bit A/D Converter an-i46:$i39

This analog to digital converter is accurate to .025%. Input range is -4V to -i-4V, Resolution; 1 millivolt. The on board amplifier boosts signals up to 50 times to read microvolts. Conversion time is 130ms, Ideal for thermocouple, strain gauge, etc, 1 channel, (Expand to B channels using the RE-156 card).

Digital Input Card iN-i4i:$5g

The eight inputs are optically isolated, so it's safe and easy to connect any "on/off" devices, such as switches, thermostats, alarm loops, etc, to your computer. To read the eight inputs, simply use BASIC INP (or PEEK),

24 Line TTL I/O dg-i48:$65

Connect 24 input or output signals (switches or any TTL device) to your computer. The card can be set for: input, latched output, strobed output, strobed input, and/or bidirectional strobed I/O, Uses the 8255A chip.

Clock with Alarm cl-i44: $89

Powerful clock/calendar with: battery backup for Time, Date and Alarm setting (time and date): built in alarm relay, led and buzzer: timing to 1 /100 second. Easy lo use decimal formal. Lithium battery included.

Touch Tone® Decoder ph-i45:S79

Each tone is converted into a number which is stored on the board. Simply read the number with INP or POKE, Use for remote control projects, etc,

A-BUS Prototyping Card pr-i52:$i5

SVs by 4y2 in. with power and ground bus. Fits up to 10 I.Cs

ST-143

CL-144

RE-140

IN-141

AD-142

Smart Stepper Controller sc-i49: S299

World's finest stepper controller. On board microprocessor controls 4 motors simultaneously. Incredibly, it accepts plain English commands like "Move arm 10,2 inches left", Ivlany complex sequences can be defined as "macros" and stored in the on board memory. For each axis, you can control: coordinate (relative or absolute), ramping, speed, step type (half, full, wave), scale factor, units, holding ppwer, etc Many inputs: 8 limit & "wait until" switches, panic button, etc. On the fly reporting of position, speed, etc. On board drivers (350mA) for small steppers (1^0-103) Send for SC-149 flyer Remote Control Keypad Option RC-1 21: $49

To control the 4 motors directly, and "teach" sequences of motions Power Driver Board Option PD-1 23: $89

Boost controller drive to 5 amps per phase For two motors (eight drivers). Breakout Board Option BB-122:$19 For easy connection of 2 motors, 3 ft, cable ends with screw terminal board.

Stepper Motor Driver st-i43:$79

Stepper motors are the ultimate in motion control. The special package (below) includes everything you need to qet familiar with them. Each card drives two stepper motors (12V, bidirectional, 4 phase, 350mA per phase). Special Package: 2 motors (MO-103) + ST-143: PA-1 81: $99

Stepper Motors mo-io3: $i5or4for$39

Pancake type, 2'A" dia, 'A" shaft, 7,5°/step, 4 phase bidirectional. 300 step/sec, 12V, 36 ohm, bipolar, 5 oz-in torque, same as Airpax K82701-P2

Current Developments

Intelligent Voice Synthesizer, 14 Bit Analog to Digital converter, 4 Channel Digital to Analog converter. Counter Timer, Voice Recognition,

A-BUS Adapters for:

IBM PC XT, AT and compatibles. Uses one short slot Tandy 1000,1000 EX & SX, 1200,3000, Uses one siiori slot Apple II, ll-F. lie Uses any slot, TRS-80 Model 102, 200 Pluqs into 40 pin "system bus" Model 100, Uses40 pin socket (Socket is duplicated on adapter) TRS-80 Mod 3,4,4 D Fits 50 pin bus, (With hard disk, use Y-cable) TRS-80 Model 4 P, Includes extra cable. (50 pin bus is recessed) TRS-80 Model I, Plugs into 40 pin I/O bus on kB or E/1 Color Computers (Tandy),Fiis ROM slot, Muitipak. or Y-cable

133,569 133,. $69 134„,S49 136,,$69 -135 $69 -132,,$49 137,,$62 131„$39 138,,$49

A-BUS Cable (3 ft, so cond.) ca-i63: $24

Connects the A-BUS adapter to one A-BUS card or to first Motherboard, Special cable for two A-BUS cards: CA-162: $34

A-BUS Motherboard mb-i20:$99

Each Motherboard holds five A-BUS cards, A sixth connector allows a second Motherboard to be added to the first (with connecting cable CA161: $12), Up to five Motherboards can be joined this way to a single ABUS adapter. Sturdy aluminum frame and card guides included.

Add $3.00 per order for shipping. Visa, MC, checks, M.O. welcome. CT & NY residents add sales tax. CCD. add $3.00 extra. Canada: shipping Is $5 Overseas add 10%

ALPHA mrm[lm&^

a Sigma Industries Company

242- B West Avenue, Darien, CT 06820

Technical info: (203)656-1806

ffil^cl" 800 221-0916

Connecticut orders: (203) 348-9436

All lines open weekdays 9 to 5 Eastern time

Circle 12 on Reader Service Card

JULY 1988 -BYTE 335

Capital Gain.

Time and again, you've heard it said, "To make money, you have to have money."

The truth is, you have to know how to save money before you can think about making more.

That's why more and more people are joining the Payroll Savings Plan to buy U.S. Savings Bonds. That way, a little is taken out of each paycheck automatically.

In no time, you'll have enough Bonds for a new car, your child's education, even a dream vacation.

Whatever you save for. Bonds are the safest, surest way to gain capital.

Take

, stockXsBO^ in^^erica.

when you put part of your savings

into U.S. Savings Bonds you're helping to build a brighter future for your country and for yourself

I«n A public service of Ihis publication and The Advenising Council.

336 BYTE' JULY 1988

DATA ACQUISITION ID GO

INTERFACE FOR ANY COMPUTER

FREE IBM SOFTWARE

Connects via RS-232. Fully IBM compatible. Built-in BASIC. Stand alone capability. Expandable. Battery Option. Basic system: 16 ch. 12 bit A/D, 2 ch. D/A, 32 bit Digital I/O. Expansion boards available. Direct Bus units for many computers.

(201) 299-1615 P.O. Box 246, Morris Plains, NJ 07950

Circle 97 on Reader Service Card

EPROM PROGRAMMER

$ 3 4 9

THE EP-rS A GREAT VALUE AND HERE'S WHY:

READS, PROGRAMS, COPIES OVER 350 EPROM AND EEPROMS FROM 30 MFC'S INCLUDING 2716-27513,2804-28256,27011

• READS/WRITES INTEL MOTOROLA STRAIGHT HEX S BINARY

• OPTIONAL HEADS PROGRAM INTEL 874X,e751,87051,6755

• MENU-DRIVEN CHIP SELECTION BY MFC S PffJiNO MODULES

• FAST, SLOW, QUICK PULSE PROGRAMMING ALGORITHMS SPUTS FILES BY BASE ADDRESS AND ODD/EVEN (16 S 32 BIT)

• AU. INTELUGENCE IN UNIT; Z80 MICROPROCESSOR BASED

• 5, 12,5, 21,25 V PROGRAMMING FOR CMOS 8, -A SUFFIX PARTS

• FREE PC-DOS SOFTWARE • RS232 TO ANY COMPUTER

• GOLD TEXTOOL ZIF SOCKET • 8 BAUD PARES TO 38,400

MONEY BACK GUAHArmE

• 2 FREE FIRMWARE UPDATES

• CHECKSUMS SUPPORTED

• ONE YEAR WARRANTY

• SAME DAY SHIPMENT

• UV ERASERS FROM $34,95

CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION 800/225-2102

BP^

/vMCROSYSTEMS 10681 HADDINGTON #190, HOUSTON, TX 77043 713/461-9430 TLX: 1561477 FAX: 713/461-7413

Circle 40 on Reader Service Card

'EXACT TERMINAL EMULATION AND COMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE'

• PRECISE EMULATION OFTHE DEC VT52, VT100, VT102,VT220

• EXPANSION MODULES FOR OVER 40 EXACT EMULATIONS

• 9 FILE TRANSFER PROTOCOLS,

• EASY TO USE, QUICK TO INSTALL, AND MUCH MORE

• IBM PC, XT, AT, PS/2 FOR INFORMATION 800/548-9777

SDnnONICS

303/593-9540 TELEX 450236

16 BIT RESOLUTION ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL

CONVERTER 12,000 SAMPLES/SEC

for IBM PC, XT & AT SINGLE PIECE PRICE $475

We nnanufacture a broad line of data acquisition and control tiardware and software for Apple and IBM computers.

Call for quotes on custom hardware or complete systems.

LAWSON LABS, INC.

5700 RAIBE ROAD COLUMBIA FALLS. MT 59912 800-321-5355 o: 406-387-5355

Circle 144 on Reader Service Card

LOGIC PROGRAMMER

1

UNIVERSAL LOGIC PROGRAMMER

• PROGRAMS, READS, DUPLICATES, TESTS AND

SECURES HUNDREDS OF 20-AND 24-PIN DEVICES

• 23 UNIVERSAL PIN DRIVERS WITH INDEPENDENT DAC, ADC & SLEW FUNCTIONS PROGRAM ALMOST ANY LOGIC DEVICE

• MENU DRIVEN OPERATION IS EASY TO LEAHN AND QUICK TO OPERATE

• CONNECTS TO ANY IBM COMPATIBLE COMPUTER VIA PARALLEL PRINTER PORT

• EDITSFUSE DATA & TEST VECTORS WITH FULL SCREEN EDITOR

• TESTS WITH VECTORS & SECURES AFTER PROGRAMMING

• SUPPORTS ALL POPULAR PLD DEVELOPEMENT SOFTWARE

• GOLD TEXTOOL ZIF IC SOCKET •ONLINE HELP FUNCTION

• MONEY BACK GUARANTEE • SELF CALIBRATING

• TOLLFREE TECH SUPPORT • JEDEC FILE IN/OUTPUT

• UPDATABLE VIA FLOPPY •ONE YEAR WARRANTY

• EPROM PROGRAMMERS ALSO • SAME DAY SHIPMENT

• JUST $798

CALL FOR FREE DEMO DISK 800/225-2102

MICROSYSTE/v^S 10681 HADDINGTON #190 HOUSTON, TX 77043 713/461-9430 TLX: 1561477 FAX: 713/461-7413

Circle 40 on Reader Service Card

6809

Single Board Computer

1^

PO, 2 send portl 4lpcjrallM

Circle 253 on Reader Service Card

RAM, EPROM, teol-tlme clock; wdlchdog timer, d4-pin 4.S ' >^ 6.5' PCS EXPANSION MODUUS: RAM, EPROM, CMOS RAM/battery, analog I/O, serial I/O, parallel I/O, counler/flmer, IEEE-488, EPROM programmer, (loppy disks, cassette, breadboard, keyboard/display.

■ —I WIntek Corp,

11 IW I Wa K Laloyelto, IN 47904 I 317-742 M2«

Circle 279 on Reader Service Card

California Digitai

17700Figuema Street • Carson, Caiifomia90248

Color MonHor

Ideal (or CAD/CAM and Desk Top publishing applications. The Roland CD/240 color monitor has a resolution of 720 pixels by 400 lines on a .31 mm dot pitch 12" non-glare screen, VGA specifications in text mode EGA in graphic mode.

Comparable monitor and card packages retail at over $1095. California Digital has made a special purchase and is able to offer the CD/240 and 132 column VGA/EGA graphic card for only $389.

Also Avanabte:Amdek«Conrac«Hltachi«Magnavox Uitsubishi«NEC«Panasonjc«Princeton«5amsung«Sanyo Sony*Tatung*Taxan*Thompson«Zenith

2ff'Analog Color

Ever try gathering a classroom of students around a 12 inch monitor? This 20 inch analog RGB monitor is the ideal solution. High screen resolution of 1200 pixels by 950 lines allow extra fine detail without the dots looking like golf balls. 256 colors and VGA compatible. Super value originally sold for over S2000.Only 350 available.

SdTCharacter

Daisy Wheel Printer

These Fujilsu Daisy Max 830 were manyfactufed for Motorola's Computer Division. TTie purchase order was canceied and Fujitsu was torced to liquidate these 80 character per second daisy wheel printers at "(ire sale" prices. Features: bullet prool construction, your choice ol either Centronics parellel or RS-232 serial interface, Diablo &30 wheels and commands, programmable line spacing in increments of 1/96" and column spacing of 1/120". The printer is also capable of underscoring, tjold overprint, shadow print, centers and justifies along with vector plotting.

Factory suggested price of the Daisy Max 830 was $2495, California Digital is ottering this liquidated special at only $629. Tractor and sheet feeders available.

One Two Ten

TEC501 Vi height sgl.side 49 39 35

TANDON 65U2 360K, V2 ht. 79 75 72

TANDON101/4fullht.96TPI. 99 89 79

FUJITSU 5V4" half height 95 89 82

MITSUBISHI new 501 half ht. 119 109 105

MITSUBISHI 504A AT comp. 149 139 135

TEAC FD55BV half height 109 99 89

TEACFD55FV96TPI,half ht. 119 109 105

TEACFD55GF for IBM AT 149 139 135

PANASOHIC 455 Half Height 109 99 89

PANASONIC 475 1.2 Meg./96 119 115 109

Switching power supply 49

Dual enclosure for SVd" drives 59

3V2" DISK DRIVES

SONY MP-53W 720K/Byte 129 125 119 SONY MP-73W, 2 Meg. TEAC 35FN 720 K/Byte TEAC35HN/30, 2 Meg. 5V4" form factor kit

159 149 call 129 119 115 159 149 145 20

8" DISK DRIVES QUME 842 double sided 189 179 175

QUME 841 single sided 119 109 99

SHUGART 851 Rdbl. sided 319 309 299 REMEX RFD4000 dbl. sided 189 179 165 OLIVETTI 851 189 179 185

40Meg. Tape

Head Crash, Power Spikes or just poor disk maintenance...

Don't loose data because you didn't back up. The All/40 is an inexpensive way to save and restore files in Itie event that your data has been distroyed.

This 40 megabyte half height tape back is manufactured by North Americas largest producer of data retrieval equipment. No need lo purchase a separate tape controller... the ALL/40 attaches directly to your existing floppy disk controller. Supplied software allows your computer to back up any time Day or Night. Come back in the morning and 40 megabytes of irreplacable data has been stored on one Scotch DC/2000 data cassette. Back up entire hard disk, modified files only, or by file name. Loss of data is inevitable but when you are backed up on an ALL/40 its not a catastrophe.

HHaehi 11 bf 17

Ploffef

The Hitachi 672/XD is a four color 11 by 17 (B size) plotter with superior accuracy and repeatability (,3mm). The 672 accepts HPGL 7475 commands and is both Centronics parallel and RS232C compatible. The 672 plots at a fast eight inches per second in axial direction and eleven inches at an angle of 45 degrees. The plotter also features a self contained digitizing function that allows data to be entered into your computer from printed graphs and blue prints. Four different color pens are supplied with the plotter but a wide variety of technical pens are available.

2400Baud Modem

2400 baud with forward error correcting make the Moxon MAX/2400 an unbelievable value at only S119.

Fully compatible with the Hayes command set and CCITT V,22 standards. Error correcting, aulobauding and "adaptive equalization" allow Ihe MAX/2400 lo maintain reliable data transmission over marginal phone lines. Manufactured by Maxon Systems, one of the worlds largest producers of consumer electronics. Orginally priced at $295. While supplies last California Digilal is offering Ihe MAX/24Q6 at only Si 19.

Smarfem 2400

The Smarteam 2400 offers all Ihe features of the Hayes Smart Modem 2400 tor a fraction of the price. Now is your opportunity lo purchase a 2400 baud modem for only $239- Also available: The MiniTeam 1200 ai only $129.

MODEMS

Avatex 1200E external, Hayes compatible S89

CTS 1200 baud modem 89

Hayes Smartmodem 2400 baud modem 529

Smarteam 2400 Hayes Compatible 259

Smarteam 1200 Hayes Compatible, 300/1200 119

Smarteam 1200B IBM 1200 baud card 119

UllraLink 1200 data and voice. Bell 202 99

Prometheus 1200 super features 289

U.S. Robotics 9600 bps. Courier HST

Signalman Mark VI, 300 baud internal PC 35

2t Megabyte Gold Card

The Gold Card from Silicon Valley Computers features shock mounted automatic head unloading, 15 watt drive coupled wilh a2K/byle sector buffer and advanced OMTI conlrolier for maximum reliability, 30,000 hour MTBF and lull 2 year warranty - Ihe best cost per megabyte hardcard available. Also available the 30 Meg. Gold Card at only S419,

UliC/SSOO

Uptop

The NEC PC/8500 laptop computer incorporates a 25 line liquid crystal display and modem that plugs directly into any RJ/l l wall jack. An auto log/on feature instnjcis Ihe 8500 to pfione the users host computer and automatically send password and log/on information. The computer also includes both serial and Centronics parallel ports packaged in this six pound laptop. This is the ideal computer for Realtors, insurance people or any individual that requires immediate access lo remote information. ROM based telecommunication software, spreadsheet and Wordstar also make the 8500 a great computer for students. Files can be transferred from this CP/M computer to any other including the IBM/PC.

HoathH/89

}r

40Meg9bfhfHardDiskKit

Forty megabyte internal hard disl< drive, controller and cables all for only $397. The kit includes the a 40 millisecond t\/liniscribe 3650 drive and a half slot Western Digital controller.

397

179

Hard lo believe,,- but we found a stash of brand new Zenith/Heath Model H/89 computers. Tbese computers feature the Zilog 2-80 CPU and operate under CP/M. The unit incorporates a 12 inch green screen, three serial ports and one 5Vi" disk drive. Zenith's original price was $1895. We have 350 units available for sale, while supplies last we are offering the H/89 at only SI 79Word processing and communication software included.

Shipping: First five pounds $3.00, each additional pound $.50 Foreign orders: 10% shipping, excess wiii be refunded. California residents add 6V2% sales tax. • CCD's discouraged. Open accounts extended to state supported educational institutions and companies with a strong "Dun & Bradstreet" rating.

Five Inch Winchester Disk Drives PrIcB does not Include controller, each two-iSEAGATE 225 20 Meg. % Ht. 269 259 SEAGATE 238 30 Meg. RLL 299 289 SEAGATE 251 51 M. 40mS. 419 399 SEAGATE 4051 51 M.35mS. 695 659 SEAGATE 4096 96 M.35niS. 795 779 MINISCRIBE 3425 25 m 8Sms. 279 247 MINISCRIBE3650 50m 61ms. 419 399 MINISCRIBE 6065 90 meg. 795 779 FUJITSU 2242 55 M. 35mS. 1299 1229 FUJITSU 2243 86 M,35mS.1695 1619 RODIME RO-204E 53 Meg, 895 859 MAXTOR XT1140 140 Meg. 2195 2129 TOSHIBA MKS670 M.30mS.1789 1729

Minchester Controllers for IBM/PC • XEBEC 1220 with floppy controller 189 PTC 5150CX 119 OMTI 5520 half card 99 OMTI 5527 HLL controller 129 ADAPTEC 2D70 RLL controller 179 ADAPTEC 2010A 159 WESTERN DIGITAL WD/1002WX2 89 • SCSI/SASI Winchester Controllers •

XEBEC 1410A5y<" loot print WESTERN DIGITAL 1002-05E 51/4" OMTI 20L

• Winchester Accessories • Installation Kit with manual Winchester enclosure and supply Dual 20/34 cable set Switching power supply

219 289

10 139 25 49

TOLL FREE ORDER LINE

(800) 421-5041

TECHNICAL & CALIFORNIA

(213) 217-0500

JULY 1988 -BYTE 337

Circle 88 on Reader Service Card

*FREE 3M Headcleaning Kit

DS-DD uuanmy uis ounis pg-HD

.73*. " 1.49

1.59 3 50 4.75

DC-1000 12.80 DC-300XLP .... 19,65

DC-2000 17.40 DC-600A 21.85

WHOLLY World's Finest

■^J^^^ Professional Quality ■mMm^J Color Diskettes

Metfa firm the Stitixe Stxnliits

Unlike other "so-called manufacturers" (fabricators, in reality)

these color diskeHes are Wholly KAO! m LIFETIME WARRANTY ■ 75%+ CLIPPING LEVEL ■ 100% Tested & Certif ied ■ 110% ol Industry Standards ■ Rainl)Ow Color Pack or Solid Pacl( for organizing your data files ■ Sturdy re-usable plastic storage box, includes Tyvel< sleeves, ID labels & W/P tabs

DS/DO Color 5.25" OS/HD Color

.79 . in Plastic Storage Box 1.29

DS/DD Color 3.50" DS/DD Softbox

1.69 . in Plastic Storage Box 1.35

3.50" High Density 2MB 3.49

SUMMER SPECIALS

★ Box of Ten 5.25" DS/DD-48 TPI n^Q Disks (min 10 boxes) U

★ Plastic Storage Box ol TEN 3.50" DS/DD l ogQ Rainbow Color Disl<s (min 5 boxes) I u

★ KAO High Density in Minidex/78 11700 Willi 60 KAO 5.25" DS/HD "AT" 0 /

★ KAO 3.50" DS/DD in IVlicrodex/25 QQOO Willi 25 KAO 3.50" DS/DD Ou

★ 3M 3.50" DS/DD in Flip'n File 1 75Q with 10 3IVI 3.50" DS/DD (min 5 boxes) .. I /

★ BASF in Minidex/60 with 1095 30 BASF 5.25" DS/DD (min 2 boxes) I 3

I 5.25" DS/DD 3.50" DS/DD 5.25" DS/HD

.75 1.59 1.49

(min. 5 boxes)

B A G E *FREE Plastic DMO r Library Case

1 5,25" DS/DD

3.50" DS/DD

5,25" DS/HD

.65*

1.35

.95

(min. 10 boxes)

Nashua

5.25" DS/DD 3.50" DS/DD 5.25" DS/HD

1.32

(min 10 boxes)

BLACK DISKS

.29 . .75... 1.05.

COLOR DISKS

. 5.25" DS/DD 48TPI 39

. 5.25" DS/HD 96TPI 82

3.50" DS/DD 135TPI 1.21

'5,25" Bulk Disks wilh Tyvek, color-coded ID labels and w/p labs, add 6C

YOUR NAME Disks/ ^CLjLOGO Envelopes

Put your name on tine world's best disl<ettes! Choose from 3M, BASF, KAO Color or Sony Media. Call for Information.

TERMS: VISA, Masteicaid or AMEX COD only addS3 00 Prepaid orders deduci 2% cash discounl PO's accepled Irom recognired inslilultons and corporalions on Nel 30 Stllpping: S-l/lOO or fewer disks

WE BEAT ANY PRICE!

Toll Free Order Line: Information Line:

1-800-523-9681 1-801-255-0080

TLX-9102404712 FAX-801-572-3327

n DISKCOTECH

DISKCO TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 213 Cottage Avenue P.O. Box 1339 Sandy, Utah 84091J

338 BYTE- JULY 1988

E(E)PROM PROGRAMMER $395

• No personality modules; Mcnii-drivcn device selection.

• BuUl-in Erascr/Timer option (550); Foam pad.

• User friendly software; Complete help menu.

• Direct technical support; Full I year warranty.

• Quick pulse algorithm {27256 under 60 sec).

• Programs 27xx to 1 Mbit; 2Sxx, fiSxx ; CMOS; EEPROMS.

• Micros: 874], -2, -8, -9 OR 87(C)51, 87(C)52, 8753, 9761

• IBM-PC, Apple, CPM or Unix driver, Autobaud RS232.

• Offsel/spiit Hex, Binary, Intel & Motorola 8.16,32 bit.

• Manual with complete sehemutics.

VISA MC AMEX Call today for dulasliccls

B&C MICROSYSTEMS

355 WEST OLIVE AVE. SUNNYVALE, CA 'J4086 PH: (408) 730-5511 FAX: (408) 730-5521 TELEX: 984185

Circle 28 on Reader Service Card

PROMPT DELIVERY!!!

C SAME DAY SHIPPING (USUALLY)

*^ QUANTITY ONE PRICES SHOWN tor MAY 10. 19B8

OUTSIDE OKUHOMA: NO SALES TAX

SIMM 1Mbit 41256 41256 41256 51258 41256 41256 41264

DYNAMIC RAM

1018KX8 100 ns

1048KXI 256KX1 256Kx1 256KX1

* 256Kx1 256Kxl 256KX1

+ 64KX'1

100 ns 60 ns 80 ns 100 ns 100 ns 120 ns 150 ns 120 ns

$450.00 38.50 16.00 15.50 15.50 15.95 13.95 12.50 16.95

EPROM

128KX8 200 ns 84Kx8 200 ns 32Kx8 250 ns i6Kx8 250 ns

STATIC RAM

2 32Kx8 120 ns 8Kx8 120 ns

OPEN 6Va DAYS, 7/30 am-IO pm: SHIP VIA FED-EX ON SAT.

WE EXPORT ONLY TO CANADA. GUAM, PUERTO RICO i VIRGIN ISLANDS

SAT DELIVERY INCLUDED ON FED-EX ORDERS

RECEIVED BY: TTi:SUAir SE/3lb Fr: P-1 (10.25'1 Hi

9 PM CST can usua Air seoo. orgua

MasterCard VISA or UPS CASH COD

Factory New, Prime Parts jjPqo

MICROPROCESSORS UNLIMITED, INC,

^eSs^o™ (918) 267-4961

No minimum order. Ploaso nolc inal pntcs suUitjcl ID 5ur,inc£. eilr.-j up io SHot packing malt-iiaii Ofdeis iBcelvM by ly be dellveiM Ihe neil morning, vis Federal Eipreas Standard anlecd ncJl day Prioilly One " S10.Z5!

Circle 169 on Reader Service Card

Satellite Communication

MICROSAT II

Expansion Board

$700

• For IBM PC/XT/AT and compatible.

• Satellite data receiver - 9600 baud.

• Satellite bulletin board.

• Satellite video and audio option - Add $200

PERSONAL SPACE COMMUNICATIONS

707 Johnson Road, Blaine WA 98230 |604|597-6298 TLX 04-508306 FAX |6041597-6214

TANDY ADD-ONS

For Tandy 1000, SX, TX lOOO. SX

$399.95

TRUE DATA PRODUCTS 115 So Main Street Uxbridge, MA 01569 TeL 617-278-6555 1-800-635-0300

Hours: 9 a m,-6 om . Sal 10 a m -4 p m.

Circle 303 on Reader Service Card

MICRO CHANNEL

ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT SUPPLIES

INTRODUCING: The PS/2 Burn-In Board!

For Design and Manufacturing Engineers

1. First Passive Backplane for PS/2 Micro Channel

2. Test adapters willioul power cycling computer

3. Test adapters; without damaging computer

4. Optional module and software provides single step bus emulation

CALL now for your FREE Catalog. Quality PS/2 compatible products available.

ONTARQFT on target Associates

TADnPT '0^^ ^^^'^^ Ave., # 602

TA n)^rT Sunnyvale, CA 94086

lAKt^bl (408) 980-7118

PS'2, and Mit:ro Channel arc iradcma/Ls of IGM Corp.

Circle 191 on Reader Service Card

Everex AT 1800 Basic System S899 (MADE IN U.S.A. with quality)

ClocWCalen Eretei HDJFD com

FCC class -a" apDm-sa J8 Hou' taaoty firgli lomi

12 MEGTflflc Di. Mn.i swilcn AT KffyDcard Runs Aulocafl. Lclus. Xem iJoveii. all prop Soiiwaip £00 pagss o( aocumoriiaiic

B0267 CO'Pr

r.'ono Syslem (Basic Sys + Monograptiics card */Dri pan, HvRes monilor w/slandlS 989 Upgrade Oplians |Call lo' opiions nol lislod)

A Evofox 20UM0M/7!Mog Hatddisk S250/S425/Sfi99 B 8/10MHz 1

System 800 XT S595

8789

W/20M

• Fully IBM XT compatible

• 8088 4.77/8 MHZ. 360K Dr.

• 256K on Momerboard

• MaKi-Swilch Keyboard ■ Hi-Res Won. w/Sland

• Here. Compai. Graphics Card w/pp

B0286-10 10/8 AMI BIOS, 512K, 1.2 meg Teac 200 w P/S. Maxi-switch KB ■ Hi-fles Won.. Graphics card w/pp a slots. Clock, calendar Free sei-up ulilily. support 1 AA meg dr.

Schwab Computer Center

"The Evoroi Slore" - Aulhoflzed Everex Dealer

3?B2 El Cammo Peal, Sania Clara, CA 95051

M-F 10-7. SAT H-7 VISA/f,?C«e Dealer/Consultant Inqutrfvs-Welcome Prices suDject lo DHAM market.

Circle 187 on Reader Service Card

Circle 242 on Reader Service Card

FAMOUS MAKER

COMPUTER SALE

/f I I I I I ! I I I I I I » \r r

Our new compurer deal is so good rhor we con'r rell you rhe manufoaurer's name. This is o quoliry compurer monufocrured by one of rhe biggesr nonnes in rhe business. A 14 billion dollar gionr who builds rhe compurers from rhe chips on up! However, because of rhe low price we're selling rhem or, rhe monufocrurer won'r ler us prinr rheir name.

Standard Features

4.77/8MHz Turbo Processor Speed 640 Kbyte of RAM memory standard

Builr-in seriol communicorions porr Duilr-in porollel porr 4 siofs for sysrem enhoncemenrs Hercules comporible display odopror High resolurion green TTL moniror Clock calendar wirh barrery bock-up MS-D05/GW Basic software version 3.2.1 Integrated producriviry sofrwore One year v/orronty

These PCs come wirh 640 K memory srondord.Mosrcomparibles sold rodoy hove only 256K Ar rodoy's high fWA prices, rhe exrro memory you need ro run mosr programs odds onorher $200 onro rhe orher guy's price—don'r be fooled by a lower price on o sysrem rhor needs expensive upgrades Our sysrem comes complere.

Complete System with 1 Floppy, Hi-res Monitor end Software

Add $200 for RGB Color System

Complete System with 1 Floppy, 20Mb Hard DisK Monitor & Software —NOT AVAILABLE AT PIE RETAIL STORES—

$699

$999

QUANTUM

Q540 Hard Drive

1 each

• 42.7 Mbytes copociry » 45ms ovg. access rime • 30 day warrant/

2-4 ea. 5+ ea.

PRIORITY

ELECTRONICS

800-423-5922

21622 Plumnner Street Chotsworrh, CA91011 FAX 818-709-4062

• Some Day Shipping before 2 pm FT

• No surchorge on credif cord orders

• Prices ore subject ro chonge wirhoui norice

• Shipping charges added ro order

• Reroil prices moy voty

• Limired ro sroci-;

Circle 209 on Reader Service Card

merican Semiconductor

Complete units as low as

MODELS XT, AT, & 386

Not a Lease—You own it

★ 5 Year Warranty Available!

★ Instant Credit!

★ Technical Support!

Call for Details 1-800-825-SAVE

merican Semiconductor

Specializing in Computer Components, Hardware, and Software

MATH CO-PROC: EPROMS:

SIMMS;

8087 $107.00 27128 $4.25 1 MB D/RAMS

80872 151.00 27256 3.90 $29.00

80287 169.00 2764 2.90 1 MB x 9

802878 239.00 27512 CALL 1 MB x 8

8028710 305.00 256 x 9

8038716 460.00 256 x 8

STATIC COL. RAM $12.00

DRAMS:

4164150 $200 LARGE INVENTORY OF

4164120 2 25 ALL PRIME PARTS.

256-100 12.00 FOR MORE DETAILS

256120 11.10 CALL 1-800-825-SAVE

256150 10.00 FAX: 1-813-889-0658

1-800-825-SAVE

EPROM/PAL Programmer

• PAL MODULE $295

• Programs 20 & 24 pin MMl (A.B), NS Tl PALS

• Read JEDEC file format

• Security. DIR. LOAD. SAVE. EDIT, READ, WRITE, VERIFY,

• User friendly menu driven SAW.

• EPROM MODULE (1, 4, 8 socket) S145

-16K to 1024K EPROM, CMOS EEPROM.

-Read Inlel, Motorola, TEK HEX file

-Very fast (Quick pulse), reliable, easy to use

■ BIPOLAR ROM MODULE S295

-UMI, NS, Tl & Signelics parts

• 8741/42/48/49/50 Module S195

-1, 4, 8 socket module available -8748 Disassembler included

• 8751/52/252/44 Module S245 -Normal, Inlelligent programming algorithm

• TTL & MEMORY IC TESTER MODULE S195 •Test almost TTL, CMOS, Dynamic, Static IC's

-Auto search for unknown IC part No.

• INTERFACE CARD & CABLE $50 ■This card is common to all above modules

-Fits in any PC/XT/AT or compatibles

• UNIVERSAL PROGRAMMER S545 -Programming Capability for E(E)PBOM, BIPOLAR. PAL, 8748, 8761, IC/RAM TESTER in one box -Includes interface card, cable and software.

473 Sapena CI., #24 Santa Clara, CA 95054 (408) 727-6995 FAX (408) 727-6996

XELTEK

CA residents add 6.5% tax. Add $8 for S/H

Circle 16 on Reader Service Card

Circle 17 on Reader Service Card

Circle 280 on Reader Service Card

"INDISPENSABLE"

Jerry Pournelle, Byte, 8/87

Vopt is the fast, safe disk organizer. It will quickly elinninate the file fragmentation that slows your disk operations.

Vopt includes Vmap for viewing the organization of your disks plus numerous other utilities that test and report on the efficiency of your system.

Call for a free demo disk!

*cft oc $3shipping/handling ;t>dt7.alO CA add 6.5% sales lax.

GOLDEN BOW SYSTEMS

2870 Fifth Ave., Suite 201 " ' '^ San Diego, CA 92103 800/284-3269

"D" SIZE PLOTTER

$22950" RETAIL

S1695™

INTRODLCnDRY OFFER

• Model PC 3600

• RepcataWlily .001"

• Speed at 7" Per Second

• Vacuum Paper Hold Down

• High Resolution Circles: Suitable for PCB Artwork

(415)490-8380 zefiicon

stevenson business park box 1669, fremont, ca 94538

■■SB IBMPC/VT220

EM220 . VT220. \n'l02 amikinon

$169 ' ^'""n/'''"

■ 132 Column motU's

• Color Support

• Hoi Key

S8BB TEK 4105

EM4105 $349

R'klronLv 4105 cnudallon

• Teklronix 4010 emulation

• VT220. VT102 emulation

• Picture files

' f^igh resolution lianieopy

• VGA and FGA support

Diversified Computer Systems, Inc.

3775 Iris Ave.. Suite IB Boulder, CO 80301 1303) 447-9251

!. 172:f; - DEC: IttSI I'C XT - IBM 0>qK

Circle 108 on Reader Service Card

Circle 283 on Reader Service Card

Circle 80 on Reader Service Card

SPEECH THING

For all PCs, eompatlbln, laptops

CLEAR, CLEAN, DIGITIZED SPEECH & MUSIC, UNLIMITED TEXTTO-SPEECH Attachss outside tha computer.

Now get popular speech technologies in ONE product! Speech Thing is a (ull-featured 8 bit D/A sound converter. Easily attaches outside the computer-no slots required. Sottware includes prerecorded speech vocabularies, synthetic text to speech (speaks any ASCII lext), demo progroms, and complete editing feotures. Price only 569.95. Also available: Voice Master PC plug in board for digitol recording, editing, and VOICE RtCOGNITION. (Requires Speech Thing (or sound output.) Only 579,95, Patented price/peitormonce breakthroughs! TO ORDER BY MAIL include Sd shipping & handling (56 Canada, SI 2 overseas) per order Visa, MasterCard phone orders accepted. 30 day money back guarantee, one year warranty. Ott>er voice I/O systems available for Apple. Commodore, and Atari computers.

Call Of write foaoy toi FREE Product Catalog

covox Inc. (503)342-1271

675 Congef St., Eugene. Oregon 97402

for the IBM PCIXriAT and Compatibles

VOYETRA

TECHNOLOGIES

333 FIFTH AVE, Dept. B, PELHAIVI, NY 10803 (914) 738-4500

REAL WORLD I/O

For PCyXT/ATs

^ _ ,

DC24 • 24-linc digital 1/0: 10 Mllz 8255. $95 AD500 • 8 channel ]l-hn (plus sign) inlegraling A/D; programmable gains of 1. 10. & 100. Hi-Z inpul and 7 digital lines. $239 \D100 • Single channel version of AU500 wiih 10 digital lines. $149 AD200 • ^ channel. 125 uS, 12-bit Km board. $239 ADA300 ■ 8 channel, 25 uS, 8-bit A/D; single D/A; 21 TTL 1/0 lines (10 Mil/ 8255). $239 DA600 • Fasi .setUing dual 12-bil D/A. $169 PD200 • Protot>pe/de\'elopmenl board ttilh address decoder, buffer; 100-f p;igc appliation/project manual. $99 XB40 • External connection/prototype board widi cable. $49 .1// boards Inilmle IIASIC Pascal, C. and Forth driim. 30 day return: I year warranty. Call for "Real World Interfacing" ciplilication notes

Real Time Devices, Inc.

P.O. Box 906 State College, PA 16804 (814) 234-8087

Circle 74 on Reader Service Card

Circle 272 on Reader Service Card

Circle 233 on Reader Service Card

NATURAL LANGUAGE INTERFACE

THE COMPUTER CHRONICLES MAKES KEEPING UP WITH THE INFORMATION AGE EASY

Stewart (]heifet and Gary Kildall are your eo-hosts for a weekly half-hour television program aimed at eoniputer users, owners, educators and computer industrj' professionals. If you're looking for help in finding out what's new and what's news, tune in to THE (X)MPIITER ("HRONK^LEvS every week on your local public television stiition.

Regular eommentiitors are .Ian Lewis. President of Ijcwis Research Corporation and publisher/editor of

JAN LEWIS GFX)R(iE MORROW

The Computer Chronicles is funded in part by McGraw-Hill's BVIE magazine. The Compnuer Chronicles is a co-production of WITF/ Harrisburj^ and KCSM/San Mateo.

IhperAge magiizine. and (ieorge Morrow, founder of Morrow Designs.

Topics this season include: CD ROMS — Shareware — Multitasking — Business Graphics — Investment Software — VC Imaging — PC Networks — Decision Support Software — Laser Printers — HyperCard — Input Devices — and MUCH MORE.

Each week THE COMPUTER CHRONICLES looks at the top stories of the week in Rimdoni Access, a news segment designed to keep you informed about the latest developments in the computer industry.

THE COMPUTER CHRONICLES, a weekly hdfhour of public television that just might be the help you need.

THE COMPUTER CHRONICLES IS NOW ON BIX

Bix, the Byte Information Exchange, now has a conference for the Computer Chronicles.

Now you can communicate directly with the staff of the Computer Chronicles to suggest topics for future shows or to request information or details on past shows.

Once on Bix, just type "join comp.chron" at the colon (:) prompt.

JULY 1988 -BYTE 341

I ^^9^ IC'Sp PartSp Components...Shipped Fast!

|\# 9 West Coast's Largest Selection...Call for More

RAM Upgrades!

...priced in sets of 9

• 64K/120ns

CALL

• 64K/150ns

CALL

• 256K/100ns

CALL

• 256K/120ns .

CALL

• 256K/150ns....

CALL

DYNAMIC RAMS

4iieffiooiis Call

MK4332y200ns ... Call

4164/200ns Call

4164/150ns Call

4164/12ans Call

4164/PINONE .... Call

4416/200ns Call

4416/150ns Call

4464/120I1S Call

4464/150ns 41256/100ns 41256/120ns 41256/150ns 41264/150ns 4128/150ns .

8118/4517 Call

1 MEQ/IOOns Call

™S4161/150ns .. Call

Call Call . Call . Call . Call . Call

STATIC RAMS

2102LP/450ns .... S.99 6116/120ns $2.95

2101/450ns 1.79 6116LP/150ns ... 2.45

2112/450ns 2.69 6264LP/120ns ... 4.95

2114/450ns 89 6264LP/150ns ... 4.45

21142 1.19 6264/150ns 4.25

2114L/2 1.99 62256/120ns 12.85

6116/150ns 2.45 62256/lOOns 19.95

74 HCT SERIES

74HCT00 $.25 74HCT02 25 74HCT04 74HCT08 74HCT10 74HCT27 74HCT74 74HCT138 74HCT157 74HCT160

74HCT161 $.65

74HCT163 .65

74HCT164 .65

74HCT175 .65

74HCT240 1.29

74HCT241 1.29

74HCT244 1.29

74HCT245 1.29

74HCT257 .65

74HCT259 1.10

74HCT540$1.99

74HCT541 1.99

74HCT563 2.99

74HCT564 2.99

74HCT573 1.99

74HCT574 1.99

74HCT640 1.99

74HCT646 2.99

74HCT563 2.99

74HCT564 2.99

LINEAR

CA3089

CA3403

LF347N

LF348N

LF356H

LF441

LM301

LM3Q9K

LM317K

LM317T

LM318

LM319

1.19 1.19 1.49

1 49 1.99 1.69

.30 1.00

2 95 1.75 1.15

.95

LM320T-XX .60 LM320K-XX 1.35 LM323K 425 LM324 35 LM335D2 1.19 LM336D2 1.19 LM337H LM337K LM338K LM340T-XX 60 LM340K-XX 1.35

2.49 4.95 6.95

LM358 LM376 LM380 LM386 LM393 LM497 LM565 LM556 LM558 LM564 LM565

.45 1.69 .95 .95 .65 2.50 .30 45 .85 2.75 1 50

LM566

LM567

LM723

LM733

LM741

LM747

LM748

LM1414

LM1886

LM1330

LM1350

LM1358

LM1372

LMI408LI

LM1458

LM1488

LM1489

LMI889

LM2003

LM2206

LM2111

LM2211

LM2240

LM2900

LM290t

LM2917

LM3045

LM3054

LM3079

LM3I30

LM3140

LM3160

LM3161

LM3162

LM3852

SI 10 75 30 30 30 60 .65 1.49 3.29 195 1.25 195 2.25 250 40 60 60 2.50 75 3.75 1.19 2.75 1.75 1 19 1 19 1.29 1.19 1.99 1.49 .95 .95 1.95 1.95 1.95 1.49

LM3900 LM3909 LM3911 LM3914 LM3915 LM3916 LM4024 LM4044 LM4136 LM4558 LM7555 LM7556 LM7660 LM7663 LM7BH05 LM78H12 LM8038 MC3423 MC3459 MC3470 MC3480 MC3486 MC3487 LM3524 TDA1170 TDAlieO TL074 TL081 TL082 . 85 TL084 1 25 ULN2003 1.19 ULN2064 1.79 ULN2074 1 99 ULN208I 149 ULN298I 199

74HC SERIES

74HC00. S.25 74HC125

74HC02 25 74HC132

74HC04 25 74HC133

74HC08 25 74HC138

74HC09 25 74HC139

74HC10 25 74HC148

74HC11 25 74HC151

74HC14 25 74HC153

74HC20 25 74HC154

74HC32 25 74HC157

74HC74 35 74HC161

74HC85 65 74HCI66

74HC112 ....65 74HC173

S.50 74HC174

.50 74HC175

.50 74HC240

.55 74HC244

.55 74HC245

.75 74HC368

.65 74HC373

.65 74HC374

3.75 74HC4020

.65 74HC4060

.65 74HC4066

1.15 74HC4075

.65 74HC4078 1.49

7400 .. 7402 ..

7404 . .

7405 ..

7406 ..

7407 ..

7408 . . 7410 .. 7414 .. 7420 . .

7426 . .

7427 . . 7430 . . 7432 . . 7438 .. 7442 ..

7446 ..

7447 ..

$.18 7474 ...

.18 7475 ...

.18 7476 ...

.18 7485 . . .

.35 7486 ...

.35 7490 ...

.25 7493 .. .

.25 7495 .. .

.35 74121 . .

.25 74123 ..

.25 74125 ..

.25 74126 ..

.25 74148 ..

.25 74150 ..

.25 74151 ..

.30 74153 ..

.85 74154 .. .95

74176

.35 74181

.35 74189

.35 74193

.45 74195

.45 74198

.45 74221

.65 74273

1.20 74365

.65 74366

.65 74367

1.20 74368

CO-PROCESSORS V20/30 ■ SIMM RAM MODULES

74C CHIPS

74C00 .. $ .25 74C154 $2.85 74C374 $1.69

74C02 . 74C04 . 74C08 . 74C10 . 74C14 . 74C32 . 74C90 .

.25 74C173 .. .99 74C903

.25 74C174 . . .99 74C906

.35 74C175 . . -99

.35 74C221 .. 1.25

.49 74C240 . .35 74C244 . 1.19 74 C373 .

74C912 74C922 1.69 74C923 1.69 74C929 1.69 74C932

1.19 1.19 6.95 3.95 3.95 4.89 14.89

Partial Listing Only!!! Call us for components...

74LS SERIES^

.45

1 25 1.95 2.75 2.75

2 75 395 395 I 50

75 2.50 2.50 2.95 295 6.95 6.95 3.75

1 49

2 69 2.99 6.99 1.69 1 69 1.99 549 599 1.65

.75

74LS0O . 74LS02 . 74LS03 . 74LS04 . 74LS05 . 74LS08. 74LS09 . 74LS10 . 74LS14 . 74LS27 . 74LS30 . 74LS32 . 74LS47. 74LS73 . 74LS74. 74LS75 . 74LS76 . 74LS85 . 74LS86 . 74LS90 . 74LS93 . 74LS107 74LS109 74LS123

$.19 74LS125

.19 74LS126

.19 74LS138

.19 74LS139

.19 74LS153

.19 74LS154

.19 74LS157

.19 74LS158

.35 74LS161

.28 74LS163

.25 74LS164

.28 74LS165

.99 74LS166

35 74LS173

.35 74LS1/4

.35 74LS175

.35 74L5189

.49 74LS190

.28 74LS191

.45 74LS192

.4 5 74LS193

.45 74LS195

.45 74LS221

.49 74LS240

$.45 74LS241

.49 74LS242

.45 74LS243

.45 74LS244

.59 74LS245

1.29 74LS257

.4 0 74LS258

.40 74LS259

.49 74LS273

.49 74LS322

.49 74LS323

.49 74LS365

.99 74LS366

.49 74LS367

.49 74LS368

.49 74LS373

3.95 74LS374

.49 74LS393

.49 74LS624

.49 74LS629

.49 74LS640

.49 74LS641

.65 74LS670

.99 7413688

$.99 99 .99 .99 .99 .69 .69 .99 .99 1.79 1.79 .59 .59 .59 .99 .99 .99 .99 1.89 1.89 1.89 1.89 99

74F SERIES

74F0O .. 74F02 .. 74F04 .. 74F08 .. 74F10.. 74F11 .. 74F20 .. 74F32 .. 74F64 .. 74F74 .. 74F86 .. 74F109 . 74F139 . 74F151 .

$ .35 74F153 .

. .35 74F157 .

. .35 74F158 .

. .35 74F160 .

. .35 74F161 .

. .35 74F163 .

.35 74F174 .

.35 74F175 .

.49 74F181 .

.49 74F189 .

. .49 74 F219 .

. .49 74F240 .

. .49 74F241 .

.59

S.59 74F243

.59 74F244 .

.59 74F245 .

.59 74F251 .

.59 74F258 .

.59 74F280 .

.69 74F373 .

.69 74F374 .

1.99 74F379 .

2.99 74 F399 .

4.99 74 F521 .

1.29 74F533 .

1.29 74F534 .

$1.29

. 1.29

. 1.29

. .79

. .79

. 2.89

. 1.49

. 1.49

. 1.99

. 2.99

. 2.99

. 2.99

. 2.99

IC SOCKETS

SOLDERTAIL

8PINL/P 14PINL/P 16PINL/P 18PINL/P 20PINL/P 22PINL/P 24PINL/P 28PINL/P 40PINL/P 48PINL/P 64PINL/P 2.49 HI RES

HR8S/T .. S.39 HR14S/T .49

. $.10 .12 .12 .16 .20 .22 .25 .27 ..29 .99

HR16S/T. HR18S/T. HR20S/T. HR22S/T HR24S/T. Hfl28S/T HR40S/T HR64S/T 4.99 WIREWRAP 8PINW/W $.59 14PINW/W .59 16PINW/W 69 18PINW/W .99 20PINW/W1.19

..59 ..69 .79 .89 .99 1.19 1.49

22PINW/W1.29 24PINW/W1.29 28PINW/W1.59 40PINW/W1.99 HI RES W/W HR8W/W $.79 HB14W/W 1.19 HR16W/W 1.29 HRiaW/W 1.39 HR20W/W 1.69 HR22W/W 1.79 HR24W/W 1.99 HR28W/W 2.29 HR40W/W 3.49

SPECIAL FUNCTION

VOICE RECOGNITION 16450- 16 BIT

CHIP SET $49.95 USART $16.95

YAMAHA DXY 8250 - 8 BIT

CHIP SET 29.95 USART 6.95

TMS 6100 5832-CLOCK .... 3.95

SPEECH CHIP. .. 9.95 58167 ■ CLOCK ... 8.95

TMS 5200 SPEECH CHIP . 7.95

8087 (5 MHz) ....$105. 8028710(10MHz) 365.

8087-2 (8 MHz). . 160. V20-5 (5 MHz) ... $9.95

80287 (5 MHz) . . 185. V20-8 (8 MHz) ... 12.95

80287-8 (8 MHz) 265. V30-8 (8 MHz) . 17.95

MOS EPROMS

1702A - 1ms S5.95

2532 - 450ns 4.50

2564 • 450ns 9.95

2708 - 450ns 4.25

2716 4.95

2716-1 5.95

27C16 5.95

TMS2716-450ns (3v)

2732 - 450ns 3.95

2732 - 250ns

27C32 695

2764 ■ 450ns 3.95

2764 - 250ns 4.95

27C64 - 450ns.... 695

27128 • 250ns .... 5.95

27128 - 450ns .. 27256 - 200ns .. 27C256 - 250ns. 27512 ■ 250ns..

8741

8742

8748

8749

8751

8755

68764

68766

68701

68705P

2816-EE 7.95

2864-EE 19.95

. $4.95 . 7.95 . 7.95 . 13.75 . 24.95 . 24.95 . 16.95 . 19.95 . 49.95 . 19.95

19.95 . 19.95 . 24.95

19.95

64Kx9(150ns) 256K x9(120ns) 1Mbx9(120ns) 256K X 8(120ns) 1Mbx8(120ns).

CALL CALL CALL CALL CALL

CRYSTALS

1000MH; S3 25

1 8432MH! 3 25 2000MHz Z 25 2097152MHz 225

2 4576MH; 2 25

3 OCOMHz ... 2.25 3 2768MHz 2.25 3 579MHz . 2 25 4000MHz 2.25 4.032MHz 2 25 5 000MHz 2 25

5 oeseMHz

6 000MHz 6 H4MHZ 6 5536MHz

8 OOOMHz .

9 000MHz . lO.OOOMHz

11 OOOMHz

12 000MHz 13.000MHz

S225 15000MHz S2 25

2 25 16000MHz 225

2 25 18 000MHz

2 25 18 432MHz . 2 25 20000MHz . 2 25 22 11B4MHZ

2 25 24 000MHz

2 25 36 000MHz

2 25 48 000MHz

2 25 32 768KHZ

2 25 225 2 2b 2 2b 2 25 225 2 25 1 50

Z80 SERIES

OSCILLATORS

Z80CPU... Z80CTC ... Z80DART . ZOOPIO .... Z80ACPU .

$1 49 Z80ASIO/0 $4.95

1.49 Z80ASI0/1 4.95

. 4.49 Z80ASI0/2 4.95

. 1.49 Z80ADART 4.99

1.99 Z80BCPU 2.99

3.99 3.99

280ACTC 1.99 Z80BCTC..

Z80APIO 1.99 Z80BPIO .

BIPOLAR PROMS/PALS

82S123 $ 1.29 74S189 $1.69

82S126 1.29 74S287 1.99

82S129 1.99 74S288 1.99

82S137 2.99 74S471 4.99

82S181 7.99 74S472 6.99

82S191 11.99 PAL 16L8 4.99

74S18a 129 PAL20L8 9.95

10OOMHz

1 8432MHz

2 000MHz 2 4b76MHz

2 500MHz

3 6864MHz 4000MHz 491520MHz 5000MHz 50688HHZ 6000MHz

6 144MHz

S5 50 6.500MHz . 5 50 7 168MHz . 5 50 8 000MHz 5 50 9 000MHz 5 50 lO OOOMHz 5 50 II OOOMHz 5 50 12000MHz 5 50 12 500MHz 5 50 14 318MHz 5 50 15 000MHz 5 50 15.360MHz 5 50 15 758MHz

55 50 16 000MHz 5 50 10 257MHz 5 50 18000MHz 5 50 18 432MHz 5 50 19 6608MHz 5 50 20 000MHz 5 50 22 OOOMHz . 5 50 24 000MHz 5 50 24 576MHz .

. 5 50 37 250MHz . 5 50 43 200MHz 5 50

550 550 5.50 bbO 550 550 5.50 550 550 5.50 550

CONNECTORS

62PIN ST (PC/XT) $1.95 50PIN W/W (Apple) 4.50 50PIN ST (Apple) 2.50 62PIN ST (AT) 4.95

EXTENDER CARDS

8000 SERIES

8031 S 2.95

8035/39 2.95

8080A 3.95

8085A 2.95

8086 7.50

8088 7.95

8088-2 9.95

14.95 24.95 19.95 34.95 . 525.00

80186-6 (5MHz) 80186-3 (8MHz) 80286-6 (5MHz) 80286-8 (8MHz) 80386 (16MHz).

8202 ...

8203 ...

14.95

8212 $1.95

8216 1.95

8224 1.95

8237A/S 5.95

6250 6.95

8251A/S 1.95

8253-S 1.95

8255-S 2.95

8257-5 2.95

8259-5 2.95

8272/765 4.25

8275 24.95

8279 4.95

8284 4.95

APPLE S14.95 IBM PC $24.95

S100 24.95 IBM AT 34.95

PROTO CARDS

APPLE. S100...

. $12.95 IBM PC $24.95

. 19.95 IBM AT 34.95

DIP SWITCH

1 POSITION $.49 7 POSTION $.89

2 POSTION 59 8 POSTION 89

3 POSTION 69 9 POSTION 1.29

4 POSTION 69 10 POSTION 1.29

5 POSTION 79 12 POSTION 1.49

6 POSTION 79

68000 SERIES

ECONO ZIPS

68000/8MHZ .... $12.95 68020/16MHZ .. $249.95

68010/8MHZ .... 19.95 68450 49.95

68010/10MH2 ... 39.95 68881/12MHZ .. 179.95

68020/12MHZ ... 149.95 68881/16MHZ .. 219.95

16 PINZIF $3.50 40 PINZIF $6.95

24 PINZIF 3.95 64 PINZIF 9.95

TEXTOOL ZIPS

6502 SERIES

6502 . 65C02 6502A 6502B 6510

6800 6802 6810

6800 SERIES

$2.95 6520 $2.95

11.95 6522 4.95

4.95 6532 4.95

6.95 6545 9.95

9.95 6551 4.95

S2.95 6821 $2.95

4.95 6845 4.95

2.95 6850 4.95

16 PINZIF $4.50 40 PINZIF $9.95

24 PINZIF 5.95 64 PINZIF 17.95

28 PINZIF 8.95

IC TEST CLIPS

14 PIN $3.95 40 PIN $19.95

16 PIN 3.95 64 PIN 39.95

24 PIN 12.95 68 PLCC 69.95

LCC SOCKETS

68 PIN $14.95 100 PIN $22.95

84 PIN 19.95 Ca;;(orMof«...

Since 1976...The Nation's TOP Computer Supplier

Advanced Computer Products, Inc.

Mail omen P.O. Box 17329 Irvine. CA 92713 Retail: 1310-B E. Edinger. Santa Ana. CA 92705

for Fast Service Order by Phone!

NEW PHONE FOR ALL USA

800-FONE ACP

800-366-3227 • 714-558-8813

• $25.00 Minimum MAIL OHDER OUR POLICY

• No Surcliarge lor VISA oi Mastercard

• Volume purchasing agieements available • Ordef-S subiecl lo availability

• Pricing subject lo change williOLt notice • Supply limliled on certain ilems

• ACP Retail store pricing may vary. Not responsible lot typos

• Limiled warranties and ottiet conditions may apply

Call for our NEW 1988 Catalog...

342 BYTE- JULY 1988

Circle 6 on Reader Service Card

ACP's Break thru Prices!!

Since 1976,„T/ie Nation's TOP Computer Supplier

Quantum Theory!

We made a Iruckioad purchase from Ihe factory and while the supply fasfs we are offering fhem at Itiis unbelievable price...

Quantum"^

Q450 42.6Mb

Unloimalled, <IOms, perlecl (or 286 & 386 AT's ACP...famous since 1976 lor delivering the Best Deals!!

TRUE BLUE!!!

REAL IBM® Internal 1200 Baud Modem

with diagnostic disc

Factory Direct! Amdek;S TTL Amber Monitor

12", Model 310A, List $240.

Wliile Supply Lasts!

88.

New! RAY-0-VAC@ i

Introductory ' Price 1

195

AT Replacement Lithium Battery

Direct replacement for real-time cloct^s, AT,286'386

PC COMPATIBLE CARDS

ACP Advanced Cards/IBM

Monographics/HGAw/print port . 55.

Colorgraphicsvrfprinlerport 55.

SuperEGA.Genoa compatible 169.

SupctVGA,1024x768 339.

Diamond Mulli 1/0,2s,p,g,c/XT. 139,

XTSix-Pakcompalible/OK 89.

XT 286 Accelerator card 269.

XTWulIil/Ow/llopp/contr ... 69.

XTdualFloppvconlroiler 29.

XT Serial UO'card 29.

XT/AT Parallel I/O card 29.

AT Serial I/O card 39.

XT/AT Game adapter pod .. 29. XT/AT EPROMpfogrammer . .149. AT3.5Mbw/Mullil/O,0K .... 199. AT SuperMULTI l/Ow/lloppy.... 119.

PS/2 Multi I/O 99.

PS/2 Floppy conlroller 1.4Mb. 89. HP Laserjet 1Mb Ram card . 349.

MOTHERBOARDS

XT Turbo w/8IOS,BMH? 39.

XT Turbo w/BIOS, 10MHz .... 99. AT 286 v;/BIOS. 10MHz 289. AT Baby w/BIOS, 12MHz.,. .299. vv/BIOS, 16MHz .., 1499.

AST Research

Xlormef/2B6,512K, lOMHz . . 699. Advantage 2/366,mod.ao,1Mb 725. Advantage 2/286.PS/2,0K , , 349. Advantage Premium 2B6,512K ,. 389. Rampage 2/2B6,PS/2,512K, 499.

Rampage 2B6.512K 489.

AST Sixpakplus, OK 119.

ATI Technologies

EGA Wonder 800 199.

VGA/VIP 319.

2400elc ml. Modem w/MNP-5,, IBS. GENOA

Super EGA ... call.

SuperVGA call.

GULFSTREAM

EZ-FAXBoardw/sollware .... ll88. HERCULES

Color Card/CGA 149. Grapliics Card Plus ,174. INTEL

liiboaid 38e/PC to 386 888.

Inboard386/ATto386 ,., 1059. Above eoard 2,P&2 mod50/60 299. Abo*/eBoard286.AT,512K.. 329. Above Board PS/2a6,model 30 . 349.

6087 (5MHz) 102.

8087-1 (10MHz) PS/2... 205.

8087-2 (8MHz) 158.

80287-6 (6MHz] , , , 185.

80287-8 (8MHz) 255.

80287-10 (10MHz) 309.

80387-16 (16MHz) , . . 549.

80387-20 [20MHz) ., , 799.

ORCHID Technology

Tiny Turbo 286-REDWCeD.', . 289.

OesignerVGA Board . . . 299.

RAMQUEST 50/PS/2, 2Mb, , 699.

PARADISE

Autoswilch 480 199.

VGA Plus 299.

aUADRAM

Ouad386XT 747.

Prosync(640x'180.752x410),, 269. Microfazerll buffer W/64K . .. 239.

Quadsprinl XT accelerator 96.

Liberty EMS >a" card, OK .. .98. Silver Quadboard. Sixpakcomp, 98. VIDEO 7

VEGA Deluxe 199.

Vega VGA 299.

Advanced PC Keyboards

5160 84keyXT/ATswitchable,..

5161 101 key XT/ATswilcliable . CM Products

Mach IIJoystick-lBM Macb II Joyslick-Apple

Mach IIIJoysIick-IBM

49.

Macti IIIJaystick-Apple , ,

. , 49.

Ganiecard III

.39.

KEYTRONICS

KB101 lOlkey/AT

89.

KB5151 e4key deluxe

119.

KRAFT

IBM PC/XT/AT Joystick.

33.

Mouse PC/XT/AT serial ,

69.

LIGIfTGATE

Felix for PC/XT/AT

159.

LOGITECH

Bus Mouse PC/XT/AT

99.

Serial l^ouse PC/XT/AT

99.

Serial Mouse PS/2

99.

MiCFIOSOFT

Bus Mouse w/PC Paintbrush..

105.

Serial Mouse w/PC Paintbnisli

. 105.

Serial PS/2 vv/PC Paintbrush ,

, lie.

MSC Technologies

PC Mouse serial PC/XT/AT,

. 98.

PS/2 Mouse serial

98.

PC Mouse bus PC/XT/AT

96.

SUMMAGRAPHICS

SummaSkelch

449.

FLOPPY DISK DRIVES

SONY

31/2"Micro Floppy 1.44Mb 149.

TEAC

55BV 360K Floppy/PC/XI/AT . 89. TOSHIBA AMERICA F0D4403 31/2" Micro 760K . .. 129. 31/2" Micro 1,44Mb vj/kit ., .. 139. ND04D 360K FloppyPCz-XT , . 64. rjD04E-G 360K Floppy AT gray 64. ND08DE-G 1.2Mb AT gray IIP.

649. 849.

369. 649. 849. 299.

HARD DISK DRIVES

MICROPOLIS

1333A 53Mb Full hL, 30ms,,, 133585MbFullhl„65ms. ,,. MINISCRIBE 365043MbHal(ht„61ms. ,, 6053 53Mb Full lit.,28ms 6085 85Mb Full hl..28ms, ,. 8438 38Mb Hail hL,B5ms.RLL PLUS Development Plus20 Hardcard. 20Mb.49m5, Plus40 Hardcard. ■10Mb,39ms. SEAGATE

ST225 25Mb.65ms, w/WD com 299,

ST138 38Mb New! 31/2- call.

ST238 38Mb,65ms.w/WD RLL 398.

ST251 51Mb..l0ms 449,

ST251-1 51Mb.28ms 499,

ST4D38 38Mb,40ms-ffEDuc£D,' 469, ST4096 96Mb.28ms-HeDucfD!, 799, WESTERN DIGITAL FilecardPS30 PS/2mDd,25/30 ., 389.

FilecardSO 449,

1006RAH Contr. 1:1intetleave 1003RAH Controller RLL/AT. 1003WA2Floppy/Har(J/AT ,, 1002-27X Controller RLL7XT 1002-WX1 Conltoller/XT , .

167. 149.

BACKUP DEVICES

ALPHAMICRO

VCR Video tape backup card 349.

IOMEGA

Bernoulli20Mb51/4-internal- .. 945. Bernoulli dual20Mb 51/46x1 , , 1699. Bernoullidual20Mba'exl. ... 1 895. Tri-pak20Mbcarlridge,51/4" ,,. 169. Tri-pak20Mbcartridge. 8". , . 25 5. PC3B Adapter card PC/XT/AT 189. PS4 A(japterPS/2mod.50,50,80 299. IRWIN

110D XT/AT 10Mb backup(inl),. 199. 120D XT 20Mb backup[int).... 369.

MSC AT 40Mb backup(inl) 499.

245P PS/2 40Mb backup . , 479. TALLGRASS Technologies

10201 AT 20Mb b3Ckup(inl) 336

1020iXT20Mbbackup(int). ...338. 10401 AT 40Mb backup(inl). ,..599. 1040iXTJOMbbackup[int). ,., 599. Cell lor External Pricing!

Advanced 386 Clones

AflvancGd386/16base system Advanced386/16w/40Mb , ,, Advanced386/16w/80Mb , , Advanced 286 Clones Advance 1)286/1 ObasB system. Advanced286/10w/20Mb..,Advanced286/10w/40Mb.... Advanced XT Clones AdvancedXT base syslem AdvancedM/XTw/mono/20Mb call lor options & details

Premium286Modell 40.40Mb Premium Workstation . . , Premium386Model340,40Mh .

call tor all AST models

COMPAQ Portable III Model20

Deskpro286 Model20

Deskpro3a6 ModeMO

Portable386 Model40

EPSON

Equity 1+

Equity ll-t

Equity 1(1+

HYUNDAI

Hyundal286

HyundaiXT

Hvundai PC LAN Terminal, .. NEC

MullispeedELbackhtLCD Multispeed HO, 20Mb SHARP

4501 Laptop single floppy,, ,.

4502 dual lloppy,640K , . , 4520 Laptop, 2QMb .. PC7100 Portable, 20Mb . PC7221 Portabie2B6.20Mb. TOSHIBA

Tl 000 Laptop single floppy .,

TllOOi-duallloppy

T1200 Laptop, 20Mb T3100Laptop286,20Mb , , T3200286lullkeybd,40Mb., , T5100 386. EGA, 40Mb .

1795. 2195, 2495.

. 649. 1099. 1299.

2995. 2195. 4699.

3COM

Ethernet card 399.

Ethernet II card 399.

WESTERN DIGITAL

StarLan/Novell starter kit ., 1077. (network for less than S400/node) Ethernet Plus adapter board . .. 239.

ViaNet LAN software 120.

Starhub . . 329.

Advanced MODEMS

1200baudw/software(int) 79.

1200baud External.. 89.

1200baud Pocket MODEM 99.

2400baud w/software{int).. . 149.

2400baud External 159,

HAYES

Smartmodem 1200Bw/sw(int) .. 299, Smarlmodem 1200 External.,.. 299. Smartmodem 2400B w/sw(int),. 447. Smartmodem 2400 External . 447. MIGENT

Pockei MODEM 1200 129.

PROMETHEUS

2400G External 199.

2400B/2 w/sotlv/are (inl) . , 149. 2400PS PS/2 v;/software(inI) 299, 1200B/2 vv/software(inIj sale!,,,. 79.

AMDEK

VIDEO 310A 12'amber HL.,, ,

410A12'amhergrnorwhite .,.,

128013-Graphics(1280i(800) ,.,

LaserDriveCDROMw/Mic'solt

IBM MONITORS

8503 12-Mono(6'10X4eO) ..

851214 Color analog

MEMORY LOSS?

Don't feel like the Lone Ranger,.,

we are also suffering from loss of

memory, ACP sells more Memory Upgrade

(C's than other other mail order

supplier,,,Bui!...the present shortage is driving

us up a walll. We can't get them al the right

price, but we are getting them,

PLEASE BEAR WITH US...as the market

price comes down our price will come down,

SELLING Chips? Call us, we're buying.

Special ^^iMPEK Purchase EPSON

CLOSEOUTS!^^^

• Bulk DS/DD 5 1/4" Diskettes OO^

box of 100 each OcG

• Quadram Quadsprint Card no upgrade PC/XT to 10 MHz sale 30,

■ Sixpack Compatible aa Quadram Silver Board, OK sale 90.

• Liberty Card, EMS. OK sale 98.

• EPSON EQuiiy 1+ sale 699.

• 1200 Baud Internal Modem 7A Willi software sale / w.

• Sharp PC5000 Portable sale 149.

• Omnitel1200 Baud Modem | aq

2 serial,'parallel/game/sDftware,,,Sale I b9.

• Diablo 620 Printer sale 249.

• Mindset Personal Computer OQO

360K/lioppy/mouse/joy/MS-DOS 2.0 C99.

8513 12"EGA(640x48D) , , 851416'Hi-res(1024x768).. MAGNA VOX Muttiscan 14"multimode EGA 14'v//grn&amber switch .

CGA13" color

TTL Mono 12'gm or amber ... NEC

Multisync II 13"TTL/analog .,, Multisync Plus 15" VGA/EGA. MultisyncXL20'(1024x768) . Monogmph sys (1024x1024)., SAMSUNG/LTI

Flalscreenl2" amber ITL

Mono 12'amber TTL

CGA 14 RGB Color .

EGA 14'EGA'CGA Color . .

SONY

CPD1302 13" Multiscan color,

CP01303 13-EGA

WYSE

WY3014' terminal

WY5014- lerminal

WY60 14" terminal ASCII.,.

595. 1395.

599. 399. .266.

595. . 945. 2275. 1555.

266.

395.

349, 419. 519.

DICONICS/KODAK

150P Portable pnnler(par) 339.

300P w/wide carriage(par} 539.

EPSON

LXaOOBOcolumn, 180cps ... 199. EX800.FX286e.FXB6e,LO85O.

LOIOSO.LOIOOO call.

ACP is lull line Epson dealer HEWLETT PACKARD

Laserjet Series II 1699.

Deskjet w/laser quality 895.

Scanjet llalbed scanner 1549.

IBM PRINTERS

Propr(nlerll,240cps 435.

PropfinlerX24,240cps24pin . .635. ProprinlerXL24,240cps24pin ,635. NEC

P2200,24pin(360K360cIpi) .,,. 399. P565XLCDlor,100cpsNLO., 1095. P660 Pinwriler, 65cpsNLQ .... 599. LC890SilentwriterLaser,. ., 3649. OKIDATA

ML393,180cpsMLO 995.

ML182., parallel 245.

ML192+, parallel 319.

ML193+, parallel 469.

Laserline6(req.lBMin1,),., 1399. PANASONIC

KX-PIOBO1, leOcpsdraft.par 185, KX-P1091i, 192cpsdralt,par , 198. KX-P1092i,240cps draft,132 339. KX-P1524,24pin,80cpsNLQ 495. SEIKOSHA

SL80A1.2.1pin 366.

SL130A1,24pin 749.

SBP!0A1,18pin,800cps 3299. SK3000A1.9pin.300cps.s/p .. 399. SK3005A1.9pin,300cps,132 . 499. TOSHIBA

P321SL,2'lpin,216cps 579.

P341SL,24pin,216cpE ... 699. P351SX,(coloraddSl79) ,,. 1099. Pagelaser 12. High volume ,,,, call.

HOUSTON INSTRUMENTS

DMP41 or42 2399.

DMP51 or 52 3099.

SCANCAD 2499.

DMP56A 4399.

ROLAND

DXV880. BpenABsize 1088.

DXV9B0

COMPUTER ACCESSORIES

P15 Power Director 89.

P25 4 outlet stand alone 62.

F20 Print Saver 289.

A200 PC Data Display Module , 888. KENSINGTON

Masterpiece Power Center ,. 98, Masterpiece Plus 108.

System Saver lie 69,

Syslem Saver ligs 119.

Printer Muffler. eOcolumn . 39.

MICROCOMP. ACCESSORIES 51/4" Rolltop Diskette File , ,.. 29.

31/2" Rolltop Diskette File 22.

PC Vacuum Cleaner 39.

CRT Valet {12 x12-} 119.

Underdesk Keyboard Drawer.., .49. FLIP n-FILE

FNFMiniXT,100 51/4-,smoke . 10. FNFMicroXT.100 31/2',smoke , 11. FNF Maxi,50 8', smoke.. .. 15. FNFMicro.25 31/2-. smoke. ,,. 8.

Universal Printer Stand 9.

DISKETTES-lltetlme warranty 5 l.-i" DS DD Diskelies PC'XT360K

Maxell MD2-0 11.

Verbatim Datalife DS/DD.. . .12.

Fuji MD2D 11.

Advanced Color w/plasllc box ,. 6.

5 1.4- DS'HD High Dersily ATl.2Mb

Maxell M02-DD' 23.

Verbatim OatalifeHD 23.

FujiMD2HD 22.

3 ^.•2~ High Density Dishs(1 '14Mb)

Maxell 49.

Verbatim Datalile 49.

Fuji 49.

Sony , .49.

PRINTER BUFFERS

Advanced 64K parallel buffer 129.

Advanced64K AB buffer, ,. 169.

SWITCH BOXES

Advanced 2-posilion AB, 3636 , ,. 29.

Advanced 2-position AB, 2525 . 29.

Advanced par/ser converter .. .69.

Advanced ser/par converter . , 69.

BuffaloSXPCshare(up!o7) 499.

Logical Connection 256K,. . 499.

INTELLICOM

Longlink-Parailel .... 199.

Longlink-Serial 199.

Ouicklink-ParloScr-64K . , ,149. Quicklink-Parto Par-64K ,. . .149. Megalink-4prt Buff-Par iSer , 299, TRIPPLITE

lsobar4 surge suppw/4 outlets , . 59. lsobar8 surge supp v;/8 outlets . 69. Line Conditioner vv/4 outlets,.. . 149.

Backup Power Supply. 450w 399.

Backup Power supply. 675w .. 575. Backup Power Supply. lOOOw , , 999, Backup Power Supply. 2000w 1299. GOLDSTAR DVM'SCOPES DM 6135-3.5 DVM , , , , 49.95

DM 6235-3,5 DVM 52.95

DM 6335-3.5 DVM 59.95

DM 6133-3.5 DVM 59.95

0S-7020-20MHZ Scope.. . 419.

OS-704C-40MH: Scope 699.

MEMORY UPGRADES

64K or 256K Upgrades(set of 9) call.

IMbSlMM'sorRains call.

nqj-no( copy protected cp-copy protected ALDUS-ncp

Pagemaker/IBM 499.

Pagemaker/MAC 379.

Freehand/MAC call.

ALPHA SOFTWARE-ncp AdvancedKeyworks1,0 ,.. . 175. Alpha/threel.O 232. AMER. SMALL BUSINESS-ncp

Design CAD 3D 3.0 168.

ANSA

Paradoxvl.1 329.

Paradox v2,0 w/EMS&EEMS ,., 424. ASHTON TATE-ncp

dBaselll plus 1.1 422.

Rapidfilel.2 219.

Multimate Advantagell 1.0 275.

Applause Presentation pkg .,, call. BORLAND-ncp

Sidekick plus 139.

Sidekick 1.0 sale'l old vers. . ,, 19.

Tuibo BASIC 1.0 69.

Turbo PASCAL 4.0 69.

TurboC1.5 69.

Rellex1.14 99.

Ouattro 149.

Eureka 99.

BRODERBUND-cp

Print Shop . .40.

Graphics Library 1 or 2 , 23.

Toy Shop . 37.

Memory Male 2.0-ncp 45.

COMPUSERVE

Subscription kit 29.

Groiiers Online Encyclopedia ,., 34. COMPUTER ASSOCIATES-ncp

Supercaic4 vl.1 ,., 339.

Superprojecl plus v3.0 . . .. 339. CROSSTALK COMM-ncp CrosslalkXVlv3,6l . 99.

Crosstalk MK4v1.01 139.

DAC SOFTWARE-ncp

DAC Easy Light vl.O 49.

OAC Easy Accounting v2,0 69.

DIGITAL RESEARCH-ncp

GEM Draw plus v2.01 185.

GEM Desktop Publisher 270.

EXECUTIVE SYSTEMS-ncp XTREEv2 0 45. XTREEProlessionalvl.O . . 89. FUNK SOFTWARE-ncp

Sideways v3,2 42.

InWorbvl 0 .59. 5lh GENERATION-ncp

FaslbackPlus 99.

FOX SOFTWARE

FoxbaEe+ single user. . .220.

GENERIC-ncp

Generic CADD 3,0 . .,65. LIFETREE-ncp

Volkswriter 3 Plus 160.

Toy Word vl.O 259.

LOTUS

Hal .99.

Lolus123/Hal Bundle call.

Manuscript 349.

MECA-cp

Managing your Money.Tobias ,, 129. MICROLYTICS

Goler 45.

Wordlinder 65.

MICROPRO-ncp

Wordstar PfolessionalRel 4 ., 269.

Wordstar 2000 Rel 3 199.

MICRORIM-ncp

R:BASE 5000 359.

R Base SystemV 469.

MICROSOFT-ncp

Windo\-/s385 139.

Windows 2.03 66.

OuickCvl.O 69.

QuickBASIC 69.

Wordv4.0 219.

Excel v2,0/AT 319,

NORTON-ncp

Utilities 4.0 69.

Commander 49.

6uides(aEsem,C.bas, or pascal) 59.

PAPERBACK SOFTWARE

VP Planner sale! ... .49.

VP Expert 69.

SURPASS SOFTWARE-ncp

Surpass v1,0 299.

SYMANTEC-ncp

0 S A v2.0 . ,, 219.

Q&AWrite 139.

Grand View 175.

TRA VELING SOFTWARE LaplinkPlus , .,, . .86.

TURNER HALL-ncp

SQ2! Plus 65.

Note-it Plus(Lotus123 notes) ., 55. Cambridge Spreadsheet Anist.,.. 75. 4Word(123Wordprocessing) .. 65. XEROX

Ventura 499.

WORDPERFECT-ncp

WordPerfect v5,0 240.

WofdPerlectLibraryv1,l ., 65.

WordPerfect Executive 125.

DalaPerfeci v2.0 299.

^ Advanced Computer Products. Inc.

Mall Order: P.O, Box 17329 Irvine, CA 92713 Retail: I3)0-B E. Edinger. Santa Ana, CA 92705

for Fast Service Order by Phone!

NEW PHONE FOR ALL USA

800-FONE ACP

800-366-3227 • 714-558-8813

• $25.00 Minimum MAIL ORDER QUR POLICY

• No Surcharge for VISA or Masiercard

• Volume purchasing agreemenls available • Orders subject to availadllily

• Pricing subject to change without notice • Supply limlited on certain items

• ACP Retail store pricing may vary Not responsible ior typos

• Limited wairanlies and other conditions may apply

Call for our NEW 1988 Catalog...

Circle 6 on Reader Service Card

JULY 1988 -BYTE 343

*JDR Microdevices Complete customer satisfaction...superior service...friendly, knowledgeable personnc quality merchandise. ■.providing the best values in leading edge technology.

STATIC RAMS

2112

256x4

(450ns)

2.99

2114

1024x4

|450ns)

.99

2114L-2

1024x4

(200ns)(LOW POWER)

1.49

TfV1M2016-100

2048x8

(100ns)

1.95

HM6116-4

2048x8

(200ns){CMOS)

3.29

HM6n6-3

2048x8

(150ns)(CMOS)

3.95

HM6116LP-4

2048x8

(200n5)|CMOS)(LP)

4.29

HM6116LP-3

2048x8

(150n5)(CM0S)(l.P)

4.95

HM6116LP-2

2048x8

(120ns){CIVlOS)(LP)

5.49

HM6264LP-15

8192x8

(150ns)(CMOS)|LP)

6.49

HM6264LP-12

8192x8

(120nsKCMOS)(LP)

6.99

HM43256LP-15

32768x8

(lS0ns)(CMOSKLP)

12.95

HM43256LP 12

32768x8

(120nsHCN10S)(LP|

14.95

HM43256LP-10

32768x8

{100ns)(CMOS)(LP)

19.95

SPCTSLIGHT

/ MB EPROMS

■ 128KX 8 ORGANIZATION "200 MS |Su : = "CMOS DESIGN

DYISIAMICRAn/IS

PIN ARRANGEMENT

biididbiyuHbiyijiiujisiisiiiisJisi

FOR LOW POWER I

4116-250

16384x1

(250ns)

.49

4116-200

16384x1

(200ns)

.89

4116-150

16384x1

(150ns)

.99

4116-120

16384x1

(120ns)

1.49

MK4332

32768x1

(200ns)

6.95

4164-150

65536x1

(150ns|

2.89

4164-120

65536x1

)120ns)

3.19

MCM6665

65536x1

(200n5)

1.95

TMS4164

65536x1

[150ns)

1.95

4164-REFRESH 65536x1

(150ns)(PIN 1 REFRESH) 2.95

TMS4416

16384x4

(150ns)

3.75

41128-150

131072x1

(ISOns)

5.95

TMS4464-15

65536x4

(150ns)

7.95

41256-150

262144x1

(150ns)

12.45

41256-120

262144x1

(120ns|

12.95

41256-100

262144x1

(lOOns)

13.45

HM5125B-100

262144x1

{100ns)(CMOS)

6.95

1 MB-120

1048576x1

{120ns)

34.95

1 MB-100

1048576x1

(100ns)

37.95

aaoa

I 8031 3-95

8035 1.49

8039 1.95

8052AH BASIC 34.95

8060 8085 8086

8155 I 8155-2 8741 8748 8749 L 8755

2.49 1.95 6.49 5.99 7.95 2.49 3.95 9-95 7.95 9.95 14,95 ,

18203

18205

18212

18216

18224

18228

18237

18237-5

18243

18250

18251

18251A

18253

18253-5

18255

14.95 3.29

1 49 1,49

2 25 2 25 3.95 4-75 1.95 6.95 1.29 1.69 1.59 1 95 1.49

8255 5

8259

8259-5

8257

8272

8274

8275

8279

8279 5

8282

8283

8284

8286

8287

8288

1.59 1-95 2.29 2.25 4,39 4.95 16.95 2.49 2,95 3.95 3.95 2.25 3,95 3.95 4,95 J

EPROMS

2708

1024x8

(450ns)(25V)

4.95

2716

2048x8

(450ns)(25V)

3.49

2716-1

2048x8

(350ns)(25V)

3.95

TMS2532

4096x8

(450ns)(25V)

5.95

2732

4096x8

(450ns)(25V)

3.95

2732A

4096x8

(250ns)(21V)

3.95

2732A-2

4096x8

(200n8)(21V)

4.25

27C64

8192x8

(250n3K12.5V CMOS)

4.95

2764

8192x8

(450ns)(12.5V)

3.49

2764.250

8192x8

(250ns)(12.5V)

3.69

2764-200

8192x8

(200n3)(12.5V)

4.25

MCM68766

8192x8

(350n»H21V)[24 PIN)

15.95

27128

16384x8

(250nsl(12.5V)

4.25

27C256

32768x8

(250ns)(12.5V CMOS)

7.95

27256

32768x8

(250n»|(12.5Vl

5.95

27512

65536x8

(250n5|[12.5V|

11.95

27C512

65536x8

(250ns)(12.5V CMOS)

12.95

MATH COPROCESSORS

8087 5 MHz S99.9S

8087-2 8 MHz SI59.95 8087-1 10 MHz S229.95 80287 6 MHz S179.95 80287-8 8 MHz S249.95 80287-10 10 MHz S309.95 80387-16 16 MHz S499.95 80387-20 20 MHz S799.95

x.V-Program VoWaga MEMORY PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO MARKET CONDITIONS. PLEASE CALL TO CONFIRM PRICES.

ml

B500

I.OMHi

6502 2.25 65C02 (CMOS) 7.95

6520 1.65

6522 2.95 6526 13.95

6532 5.95

6545 295

6551 2.95

Z-BO

B.SMHz

Z80 CPU

4.0 MHz

DISK

CaiMTROLLERS

B.OMHz

6502A 6520A 6522A 6S32A 6545A 6551A

2.69 2.95 5.95 11.95 3.95 6.95

Z80A Z80A Z80A 280A. Z80A Z80A Z80A Z80A

■CPU ■CTC ■DART ■ DMA PIO SIO 0 SIO 1 -SIO 2

3. a MHz

^5028 4.25^

BBOa

i.aiuHz

Z80B-CPU Z80BCTC Z80BPIO

I Z80B-OART Z80B-SIO 0 Z80B-SIO 2

^ Z8671 ZILOG

1.29 1.69 5 95 5.95 1.89 5.95 5 95 5,95

2.75 4.25 4.25 6.95

12.95

12.95 9,95 ,

1771

1791

1793

1795

1797

2791

2793

2797

8272

UPD765

MBBS76

MB8877 ] 1691 I 2143 I 3216

4-95 9.95 9-95 12 95 12 95 19 95 19,95 29 95 4.39 4.39 12 95 12 95 6.95 6 95 6.29 .

TV BO SERIES"

V20- 5 MHi V20* a MHt 10-95 I V20" 10 MHz 12,95 I U30 8 MHi 13.95 | 'Replaces 8088 t speed up PC 10-40%

CRYSTALS

PALS

UARTS

6800 6802 I 6803 6809 6809E 6810 6820 6821 6840 6843 6844 6845 6847 6850 6883

1,95 2.95 3.95 2.95 2.95 1,95 2.95 1,25 3.95 4.95 6 95 2,75 4,75 1.95 22.95

CLOCK CIRCUITS

I MM58167 9,95 I MM58174 9.95 ^MSM5832 2.95

BIT RATE IGEIMERATORSI

\ VC14411 9-95

BR1941 4.95

4702 9-95

LC0M8116 8.95

AY51013 AY31015 TR1602

I 2651 IM6402

I IM6403 IN5a250

LfVS16450

3.95 4.95 3,95 4.95 3 95 9 95 6.95 10,95

MISC.

32.768 KHi 1.0 MHi 1.8432 2.0

2.4576 3.579545 4.0 5.0

5.0688 6.0 6.144 8.0 10.0

10.738635 12.0

14.31818

16.0

18.0

18.432

20.0

22.1184

24.0

32,0

.95 2.95 2-95 1.95 1.95 1.95 1.95 1.95 1.95 1.95 1.95 1.95 1.95 1.95 1.95 1.95 1.95 1.95 1.95 1.95 1.95 1.95 1.95

g.OMHz

68B00 68B02

2.95 3,95

W IIMTERSIL

6SB09E

5,49

1 ICL7106 9.95

68B09

5,99

■ ICL7107 10.95

68B21

1.85

■ ICL7660 1.99

68845

4.95

■ rCl.S038 3.85

68850

1.75

■ ICM7207A 5.95

68000

9.95

m. ICM7208 15.95

ADC0804 , ADC0809

DAC0800

DAC0808

DAC1022

MC1408L8

8T28

8T97

DP8304

9334

9368

9602

ULN2003

MAX232

MC3470

MC3487 I AY5-3600 PRO 11.95 J

2.99

3.85

3.29

1.95

5.95

1.95

1.29 .59

2.29

1.75

2.85 .69 I .79 !

7.95

1.95

2.95

ISCILLATORS

l.OMHz 1.8432 2.0

2.4576

2.5

4.0

5,0688 6.0 6.144 8.0 10,0 12.0 16.0 18.432 I 20.0 24.0

5.95 5.95 5.95 5.95 5.95 4.95 4,95 4.95 4.95 4.95 4.95 4.95 4.95 4.95 4.95 4.95

16L8 16R8 16R6 I 16R4

74FO0 74F02 74F04 74F08 74F10 74F32 74F64 74F74 74F86 74F138 74F139 74F253 74F157 74F240 74S00 74S02 74S04 74S08 74S10 74S32 74S74 74S86 74S112 74S124 74S138 74S153 74S157 74S158 74S163 74S175 74S195 74S240 74S241 74S244 74S280 74S287 74S288 74S299 74S373 74S374 74S471 L74S571

S2.95 S2.95 S2.95 S2.95

1.29 .29

-79

.79

-95 1.29

.79 1.49 1.49 I 1,49 1.49 1.95 1.69 I 1.69 2.95 1,69 1.69 4.95 2.95 J

J^LSOO

74LS00

16

74LS112

29

74LS241

.69

74LS01

18

74LS122

45

74LS242

69

74LS02

17

74LS123

.49

74LS243

.69

74LS03

.18

74LS124

2.75

74LS244

,69

74LS04

16

74LS125

,39

/4LS245

79

74LS05

18

74LS126

39

74LS251

49

74LS08

18

74LS132

39

74LS253

.49

74LS09

18

74LS133

49

74LS257

39

74LS10

16

74LS136

39

74LS258

49

74LS11

22

74LS138

39

74LS259

1.29

74LS12

22

74LS139

39

74LS260

.49

74LS13

26

74LS145

,99

74LS266

39

74LS14

39

74LS147

99

74LS273

79

74LS15

26

74LS148

99

74LS279

39

74LS20

.17

74LS151

39

74LS280

1.98

74LS21

.22

74LS153

39

74LS283

-59

74LS22

.22

74LS154

1.49

74LS290

.89

74LS27

,23

74LS155

59

74LS293

.89

74LS28

26

74LS156

49

74LS299

1.49

74LS30

.17

74LS157

35

74LS322

3 95

74LS32

,18

74LS158

29

74LS323

2,49

74LS33

.28

74LS160

29

74L3365

.39

74LS37

26

74LS161

39

74LS367

39

74LS38

.26

74LS162

49

74LS368

.39

74LS42

.39

74LS163

39

74LS373

79

74LS47

.75

74LS164

,49

74LS374

.79

74LS48

85

74LS165

65

74LS375

.95

74LS51

17

74LS166

.95

74LS377

.79

74LS73

29

74LS169

95

74LS390

119

74LS74

,24

74LS173

.49

74LS393

79

74LS75

.29

74LS174

39

74LS541

1.49

74LS76

.29

74LS175

,39

74LS624

1.95

74LS83

,49

74LS191

,49

74LS640

.99

74LS85

.49

74LS192

.69

74LS645

.99

74LS86

22

74LS193

69

74LS670

.89

74LS90

39

74LS194

,69

74LS682

3,20

74LS92

49

74LS195

.69

74LS688

2,40

74LS93

.39

74LS196

,59

74LS783

22.95

74LS95

.49

74LS197

,59

25LS2521

2.80

74LS107

.34

74LS221

.59

26LS31

1.95

74LS109

,36

74LS240

.69

26LS32

1.95

7^aa

LINEAR

7400

.19

TL071

69

LM567

.79

7402

.19

TL072

1,09

NE570

2.95

7404

.19

TL074

1 95

NE592

98

7406

29

TL082

.99

LM723

49

7407

29

TL084

1,49

LM733

.98

7408

24

LM301

.34

LM741

29

7410

19

LM309K

1,25

LM747

69

7411

-25

LM3n

59

MC1330

1 69

7414

-49

LM311H

89

MC1350

1.19

7416

.25

LM317K

3-49

LM145S

.35

7417

.25

LM317T

.69

LM1488

49

7420

,19

LM318

1.49

LM1489

.49

7430

19

LM319

1 25

LM1496

.85

7432

.29

LM320 see7900

ULN2003

.79

7438

-29

LM323K

3.49

XR2206

3.95

7442

,49

LM324

34

XH2211

2,95

7445

,69

LM331

3.95

LM2917

1.95

7447

.89

LM334

1.19

C A 3046

89

7473

.34

LM335

1.79

CA3146

1.29

7474

,33

LM336

1.75

MC3373

1.29

7475

.45

LM338K

4.49

MC3470

1.95

7476

35

LM339

59

MC3480

8-95

7483

.50

LM340 see7800

MC3487

2.95

7485

.59

LF353

.59

LM3900

.49

7486

.35

LF356

.99

Lm39n

2.25

7489

2.15

LF357

.99

LM3909

.98

7490

,39

LIV1358

.59

LM3914

1 89

7493

.35

LM3B0

.89

MC4024

3.49

74121

-29

LM383

1 95

MC4044

3,99

74123

,49

LM386

.89

RC4136

1.25

74125

AS

LM393

45

RC455a

.69

74150

1.35

LM394H

5.95

LM13600

1 49

74151

.55

TL494

4.20

75107

1.49

74153

.55

TL497

3.25

75110

1.95

74154

1.49

NE555

.29

75150

1.95

74157

.55

NE556

.49

75154

1.95

74159

1.65

NE558

.79

75188

1,25

74161

,69

NE564

1,95

75189

1.25

74164

85

LM565

.95

75451

.39

74166

1.00

LM566

1,49

75452

,39

74175

-89

NE590

2.50

75477

1.29

74367

.65

H = TO-5 CAN, K

TO-3. T-TO 220

CMOS/HIGH SPEED CMOS

4001

.19

4066

.29

74HC154

1.09

4011

.19

4069

.19

74HC157

.55

4012

.25

4070

.29

74HC244

.85

4013

35

4081

.22

74HC245

85

4015

.29

4093

.49

74HC273

.69

4016

.29

14411

9.95

74HC373

.59

4017

.49

14433 14.95

74HC374

.69

4018

.69

14497

6.95

74HCT00

.25

4020

.59

4503

.49

74HCT02

.25

4021

.69

4511

.69

74HCT04

.27

4023

.25

4518

.85

74HCT08

.25

4024

.49

4528

79

74HCT32

.27

4025

.25

4538

.95

74HCT74

.45

4027

.39

4702

9.95

74HCT138

.55

4028

.65

74HC00

21

74HCT139

.55

4040

.69

74HC02

.21

74HCT161

.79

4042

.59

74HC04

.25

74HCT240

.89

4044

.69

74HC08

.25

74HCT244

.89

4046

.69

74HC10

25

74HCT245

.99

4047

.69

74HC14

.35

74HCT273

99

4049

.29

74HC32

35

74HCT373

99

4050

.29

74HC74

.35

74HCT374

.99

4051

.69

74HC86

.45

74HCT393

.99

4052

.69

74HC138

.45

74HCT4017

1.19

4053

.69

74HC139

.45

74HCT4040

.99

4060

69

74HC151

.59

74HCT4060

1.49

JDR Microdevices and tlie JDR Microdevices iogo are registered trademarks ol JDR Microdevices. IBM, AT, PS/2 are trademarks of International Business Machines.

344 B YTE • JULY 1988

Circle 134 on Reader Service Card

CAPACITORS

T/\\TALLM

1.0;/l

15V

,12

l.Oj/1

35V

.45

6 8

15V

42

2 2

35V

.19

10

15V

45

4.7

35V

.39

15V

.99

10

35V

.69

DISC

10i>i

50V

05

OOlfif 50V

05

22

50V

.05

.005

50V

.05

33

50V

05

.01

50V

.07

47

50V

.05

.05

50V

.07

100

50V

05

.1

12V

10

220

50V

.05

.1

50V

.12

MO/VaUTHIC

.Oliif

50V

.14

.1,/!

50V

,18

.047(/l 50V

.15

.47,;l

50V

25

VOLTABE REBLLATORS

7805T

49

7812K

1 39

7808T

.49

7905K

1.69

7812T

.49

7912K

1,49

7ai5T

.49

78L05

.49

7905T

.59

78L12

.49

7908T

.59

79L05

.69

7912T

.59

79L12

1.49

7915T

.59

LM323K

4,79

7805K

1.53

LM338K

6.95

SOLDER STATia\

UL APPROVED • ADJUSTABLE HEAT SETTING WITH TIP TEMPERATURE READOUT ■ REPLACEMENT TIPS AVAILABLE S2.95

DISCRETE

ELECTROLYTIC

RADIAL

AXIAL

V

25V

14

1//t 50V

14

4,7

50V

11

10 50V

16

10

50V

,11

22 16V

14

47

35V

,13

47 50V

,19

100

16V

,15

100 35V

,19

220

35V

20

470 50V

29

470

25V

,30

1000 16V

,29

2200

16V

-70

2200 16V

,70

4700

25V 1

,45

4700 16V1

25

1N751

,15

4N2a

,69

1N414825

4N33

,89

1N400410

4N37

1,19

1N5402

25

IVtCT-2

,59

KBP02

.55

MCTe

1.29

2N2222

,25

TILHI

.99

PN2222

.10

2N3906

10

2N2907

,25

2N4401

.25

2N3055

79

2N4402

.25

2N3904

.10

2N4403

.25

4N26

.69

2N6045

1.75

4N27

.69

TIP31

,49

WIREWRAP PROTOTYPE CARDS

FR-4 EPOXY GLASS LAMINATE WITH GOLD PLATED EDGE-CARD FINGERS SILK SCREENED LEGENDS. MOUNTING BRACKETS INCLUDED

FUJI PS/B

JDR-PR32

32 BIT PROTOTYPE CARD

69,95

JDR-PR16

16 BIT CARD WITH I/O DECODING LAYOUT

49,95

JDR-PR16PK

PARTS KIT FOR JDR-PR16 ABOVE

15.95

JDR-PR16V

16 BIT CARD FOR VIDEO APPLICATIONS

39.95

FOR AT

JDR-PRIO

16 BIT CARD WITH I/O DECODING LAYOUT

34,95

JDR-PR10PK

PARTS KIT FOR JDR-PRIO ABOVE

12.95

FOR XT

IBM-PR1

WITH +5V AND GROUND PLANE

27,95

IBM-PR2

AS ABOVE WITH I/O DECODING LAYOUT

29.95

BYPASS CAPACITORS

.01 ^/f CERAMIC DISC 100/S5,00 ,01//f MONOLITHIC 100 S10,00 .1 //I CERAMIC DISC 100 S6.50 -1 //f MONOLITHIC 100'S12.60

"SMAPABLE" HEADERS

CAN BE SNAPPED APART TO MAKE ANY SIZE HEADER. ALL WITH .V CENTERS

Tresistor metwdrks}

SIP

10 PIN

9 RESISTOR

-69

SIP

8 PIN

7 RESISTOR

-59

DIP

16 PIN

8 RESISTOR

1.09

DIP

16 PIN

15 RESISTOR

1-09

DIP

14 PIN

7 RESISTOR

.99

DIP

14 PIN

13 RESISTOR

.99

2)i40 2x40

11

STRAIGHT LEAD ,99

RIGHT ANGLE LEAD .,49

2 STRAIGHT LEADS 2,49

2 RIGHT ANGLE LEADS 2,99

m T

I SHDRTIIMEfU BLOCKS sitt.oa

WHY THOUSANDS CHOaSEJOR

* OUAUTY MERCHAISiaiSE COMPETITIVE PRiaS

* MOST ORDERS SHIPPED fA/ 24 HOURS

* FRIENDLY, KniDWLEDBEABLE STAFF

* 3D-aA Y MONEY BACK BUARANTEE » TOLL FREE TECHNICAL SUPPORT <■ EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE

CALL FOR VOLUME OUOTES

EXTENDER CARDS

FOR PROTOTYPE DEBUGGING AND TROUBLESHOOTING

EXT-BOSe FOR XT SYSTEM 29,95

EXT-S02B6 FOR AT SYSTEM 39.95

EXT-16 MICROCHANNEL 16-BlT 69.95

EXT-32 MICROCHANNEL 32-BIT 99,95

^SOLDERLESS DREADDDARDS

I WBU-D lOOTIEPTS. 2.95 WBU-204 1660 TIE PTS. 24.95|

WBU-T 630 TIE PTS, 6.95 WBU-206 2390 TIE PTS. 29.951

WBU-204-3 1360 TIE PTS. 17.95 WBU-208 3220 TIE PTS. 39.951

IDC CaiMNECTDRSIRIBBOlM CABLE

DESCRIPTION

ORDER BY

CONTACTS

10

20

26

34

40

50

SOLDER HEADER

IDHxkS

.82

1.29

1.68

2,20

2-58

3-24

RIGHT ANGLE SOLDER HEADER

IDHxxSR

.65

1.35

1.76

2,31

2.72

3,39

WIREWRAP HEADER

IDHxxW

1.86

2.98

3.84

4,50

5,28

6,63

RIGHT ANGLE WIREWRAP HEADER

IDHxxWR

2.05

3.28

4.22

4.45

4.80

7.30

RIBBON HEADER SOCKET

IDSxx

.63

.89

.95

1.29

1.49

1.69

RIBBON HEADER

IDMxx

5,50

6,25

7.00

7.50

8,50

RIBBON EDGE CARD

IDExx

.85

1.25

1.35

1,75

2.05

2,45

10' GREY RIBBON CABLE

RCxx

1.60

3.20

4,10

5 40

6.40

7,50

FOR ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS. SEE 0-SUBMINIATURE CONNECTORS. BELOW

O-SUBMIfMIATURE COIMIMECTORS

DESCRIPTION

ORDER BY

CONTACTS

9

15

19

25

37

50

SOLDER CUP

MALE

DBx>P

45

.59

.69

.69

1,35

1,85

FEMALE

OBxxS

,49

.69

75

.75

1.39

2,29

RIGHT ANGLE PC SOLDER

MALE

DBxxPR

,49

.69

.79

2.27

FEMALE

DBxxSR

.55

,75

.85

2,49

WIREWRAP

MALE

OBxxPVm

1.69

2.56

3.89

5,60

FEMALE

DBxxSWWf

2 76

4.27

6.84

9 95

IDC RIBBON CABLE

MALE

IDBxxP

1,39

1.99

2.25

4,25

FEMALE

IDBxxS

1,45

2.05

2 35

4,49

HOODS

METAL

MHOODxx

1.05

1,15

1,25

1,25

GREY

HOODxx

,39

.39

...

,39

-69

,75

ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS:

INSERT THE NUMBER OF CONTACTS IN THE POSITION MARKED xx OF THE ORDER Bv PART NUMBER LISTED EXAMPLE A 15 PIN RIGHT ANGLE MALE PC SOLDER WOULD BE DBI5PR

MDVNTINB HARDWARE 59(

ic sacKETSiaiP connectors

DESCRIPTION

ORDER BY

CONTACTS

8

14

16

18

20

22

24

28

40

SOLOERTAIL SOCKETS

XX ST

-11

,11

.12

,15

,18

.15

.20

.22

.30

WIREWRAP SOCKETS

XX WW

,59

.69

,69

.99

1,09

1,39

1,49

1-69

1.99

ZIF SOCKETS

ZIFxx

4.95

4.95

5,95

5,95

6.95

9.95

TOOLED SOCKETS

AUGATxxST

,62

.79

.89

1.09

1,29

1.39

1,49

1,69

2.49

TOOLED WW SOCKETS

AUGATxxWW

1.30

1.80

2.10

2.40

2,50

2.90

3.15

3.70

5,40

::0MPONENT CARRIERS

ICCxx

,49

.59

.69

,99

,99

.99

,99

1.09

1.49

DIP PLUGS (IDC)

IDPxx

,95

,49

.59

1.29

1.49

.85

1.49

1,59

FOR ORDERING INSTRUCTIONS SEE D-SUBMINIATURE CONNECTORS ABOVE

SPECTRONICS CORPORATION EPROM ERASERS

Model

Timer

Chip Capacity

Intensitv (uW Cm')

Unit Cost

PE-140

NO

9

8,000

S89

PE-140T

YES

9

8,000

S139

PE-240T

YES

12

9,600

SI 89

DATARASE

• ERASES 2 EPROMS IN 10 MINUTES ■ VERY COMPACT, NO DRAWER

• THIN METAL SHUTTER PREVENTS UV LIGHT FROM ESCAPING

■1. M'

JOYSTICK

■ SET X-Y AXIS FOR AUTO CENTER OR FREE MOVEMENT FIRE BUTTON FOR USE WITH GAME SOFTWARE ADAPTOR CABLE FOR IBM, APPLE II

^4

JOR MiCRODEVICES. 110 KNOWLES DRIVE, LOS GATOS, CA 95030 LOCAL (408) 866-6200 MX (408) 378-8927 TEUX171-110 „

RETAIL STORE: 1256 SOUTH BASCOM AVE., SAN JOSE, CA (408) 947-8881 HOURS: M-F 10-7 SAT. 9-5 SUN. 12^

Terms: Minimum order SlO 00 For shipping and handling include $2 50 tor UPS ground and $3 50 UPS air. Orders over 1 lb and foreign orders may require additional shipping charges—please conlaci ihe sales deparlment lor ihe amounl CA residenls musi include applicable sales tax Prices are subiecl lo change without notice We are not responsible for typographical errors We reserve Ihe right 10 limit quantities and 10 substitute manufaclurer All merchandise subject lo prior sale A lull copy o( ouf lerms is available upon request Items pictured may only be representative

moRDBi TOLL FREE Boa-ssasaaa

I"" III ,v -m^

COPYRIGHT 1988 JDR MICRODEVICES

CONTINENTAL U,S, AND CANADA

Circle 134 on Reader Service Card

JULY 1988 -BYTE 345

personnel

95

IT S TIME TO TRADE UP NOW THAT JDR BREAKS THE PRICE BARRIER ON 2400 BAUD MODEMS

■ AUTO DIAL ANSWER

■ SELF TEST ON POWER-UP

■ TOUCHTONE OR PULSE DIALING

• HAYES & BELL SYSTEMS COMPATIBLE » FULL OR HALF DUPLEX

• MIRROR II COMMUNICATIONS SOFTWARE INCLUDED MCT-241

MCT-12n200 BAUD 1/2 CARb $69.95

EXTtRIMAL MODEMS

MCT-12E 1200 BAUD S 99.95

MCT-24E 2400 BAUD $169.95

COMPUTER

ATTRACTIVE, STURDY STEEL CASES FIT THE POPULAR SIZED MOTHERBOARDS AND INCLUDE SPEAKERS. FACEPLATES EXPANSION SLOTS. FRONT PANEL KEYLOCKS LED INDICATORS AND ALL NECESSARY HARDWARE

1

XT STYLE FLIP-TOP XT STYLE SLIDE-TOP AT STYLE SLIDE-TOP JR. AT STYLE FLIP-TOP

, ■ INCLUDES 150 WATT POWER SUPPLY

$34.95 $39.95 $89.95 $149.95

POWER

FOR IBM XT COMPATIBLE $59.95

■ UL APR, 135 WATTS m y 5V 15A, . 12V 4.2A

-5V .5A, 12V 5A PS-135

PS-150 WOW MODEL $69.95

FOR IBM AT COMPATIBLE i

m 200 WATTS • t 5V 22A, * 12V 8A - 5V .5A. - 12V ,5A PS-200

DIABLO PRIIMTER

» LETTER DUALITY AT 20 CPS, 132 COLS

• 10, 12, 15 PITCH S PROPORTIONAL SPACING

• SERIALS PARALLEL INTERFACE

• AUTO PAPER LOAD, FRICTION FEED I FULL XEROX WARRANTY

CEIMTROMICS LASER PRIIMTER

MBAH TYPESET OUALITV AFFORUABLE AT lAST

• 8 PAGES PER MINUTE • 300 DPI RESOLUTION!

• 1 YEAR WARRANTY ■ CHOICE OF EMULATION BOARDS MULTI-PRINTER EMULATION BOARD:

EPSON FX-80 EMULATION —NOTHING ELSE REQUIRED IBM PC GRAPHICS, PROPHINTER 8 DIABLO 630 EMULATION REQUIRES ADDITIONAL FONT CARD

HPLJ+ EMULATION BOARD:

HP LASERJET EMULATION-3 RESIDENT FONTS S 2 PITCHES ADDITIONAL FONT CARD AVAILABLE

1.5MB RAM CARD $139.95

EXTRA FONT CARDS $199.95

TONER CARTRIDGES $59.95

. PFS FIRST PUBLISHER S99.95

ELXn IXLOLIJDLCDtjT:

IBIVI

COMPATIBLE KEYBOAROS

FULL a\E YEAR WARRANTY

IBM ENHANCED STYLE LAYOUT $79.95

■ AUTOSENSE FOR XT OR AT COMPATIBLES

■ LED INDICATORS • AUTO REPEAT FEATURE

■ SEPARATE CURSOR PAD MCT-5339

IBM AT STYLE LAYOUT $59.95

■ SOFTWARE AUTOSENSE FOR XT OR AT COMPATIBLES

• LED INDICATORS » AUTO REPEAT FEATURE MCT-5060

lUAXI-SWITCH KEYBOARDS

ENHANCED STYLE LAYOUT $84.95

■ STANDARD ENHANCED KEYBOARD LAYOUT

• TACTILE FEEDBACK

» LIGHTED NUM. CAPS, AND SCROLL LOCK

• NUMERIC S CURSOR KEYPADS, 12 -F" KEYS MAX-5339

MAX-506a MAXI-SWITCH, AT STYLE $64.95^

VGA

COMPATIBLE PACKAGE

MOIMITOR

SiCARD

TOGETHER

• 800X550 MAXIMUM RESOLUTION

■ 640X480

IN 16 COLORS

■ 320 X 200

IN 256 COLORS

■ IBM STYLE, ANALOG MONITOR

■ FULLY VGA, EGA, CGA, HERCULES & MONOCHROME COMPATIBLE

MEC MULTISYMC tSaa.^B

■ ORIGINAL CGA EGA PGA COMPATIBLE MONITOR

■ AUTO FREQUENCY ADJUSTMENT

• RESOLUTION AS HIGH AS 800 X 560

CASPER EGA «399.95

• 15 75 21 85 KHz SCANNING FREQUENCIES

■ 640 X 200 350 RESOLUTION • 31 MM DOT PITCH

■ 14'BLACK MATRIX SCREEN ■ 16 COLORS

CASPER RGB tg73.B5

■ COLOR GREEN AMBER SWITCH • 39MM DOT PITCH

• 640 X 240 RESOLUTION • 14" NON-GLARE SCREEN

■ RGB IBM COMPATIBLE ■ CABLE INCLUDED

SAKATA MaiMOCHROME

■ IBM COMPATIBLE TTL INPUT

■ 12- NON-GLARE SCREEN

• CABLE FOR IBM PC INCLUDED

SAMSUNG MONOCHROME MONITOR

MOIMITOR STAMOS

MODEL MS-100 $12.95

■ TILTS AND SWIVELS

■ STURDY PLASTIC CONSTRUCTION

MODEL MS-200 $39.95 • TILTS AND SWIVELS ■ BUILT-IN SURGE SUPRESSOR INDEPENDENTLY CONTROLS UP TO 5 AC OUTLETS

LOGITECH MOUSE V

#

PC MAGAZINE S EDITORS CHOICE \>-' ALL MODELS HAVE SERIAL SUPPORT IC0M1 COM2) 200 D PI RESOLUTION, LOTUS 1-2-3 SHELL, SELF-INSTALLING SOFTWARE AND POINT EDITOR"

SERIAL MOUSE W;PC PAINTBRUSH $99.95 BUS MOUSE W/PC PAINTBRUSH $99.95 BUS MOUSE W/PC PAINTBRUSH/CAD $149.95

3.5" FLOPPY DISK DRIVE

I

f.44 MB 3'/il" DRIVE

m ULTRA HIGH DENSITY • ALSO WORKS WITH 720K DISKS FDD-1.44 X BLACK FACEPLATE FDD-1,44 X BEIGE FACEPLATE

yBOK3Ve " FLOPPY UHIVE

FDD-3,5 X IFORXTI FDD-3.5 X IFORATI

$149,95 S149,95

346 B YTE • JULY 1988

Circle 135 on Reader Service Card

(^Seagate

THE NEW ST-26M DRIVE IS 30% FASTER WITH AN AVERAGE ACCESS TIME Of 28 MS. EASY TO INSTALL HALF-HEIGHT DRIVE. ST-251-1

VB HEIGHT DRIVES

BO MB, 65 MS, ST-BSS tBBS.OO

WITH MCT-HDC CONTROLLER $269.00

WITH MCT-ATFH CONTROLLER $339.00

3a MB RLL, BS MS, ST-B3B fB^a.OO

WITH MCT-RLL CONTROLLER $299.00

WITH MCT-ATFH-RLL CONTROLLER $389.00

■«0 MB, 40 MS, ST-BS1 f^sa.OO

WITH MCT-HDC CONTROLLER $469.00

WITH MCT-ATFH CONTROLLER $539.00

BO MB RLL, 40 MS, ST-B77 0433.00

WITH MCT-RLL CONTROLLER $549.00

WITH MCT-AT/FH CONTROLLER $839.00

FULL HEIGHT DRIVES

WITH MCT-HDC CONTROLLER WITH MCT-ATFH CONTROLLER

$569.00 $639.00

30 MB, 40 MS, ST-4038 80 MB, 28 MS, ST-4096

$559.00 $895.00

IIMTERFACE CARDS FROM MODULAR CIRCUIT TECHIMDLDGY

DISPLAY ADAPTORS

MOIMOCHROME GRAPHICS CARD fSa.BS

TRUE HERCULES COMPATIBILITY SUPPORTS LOTUS 123 ■ PARALLEL PRINTER PORT CONFIGURES AS CPTI OR LPT2 ■ USES VLSI CHIPS TO ENSURE RELIABILITY MCT-MGP

EIVHAIMCED BRAPHICS ADAPTOR mi4B.35

100% IBW COMPATIBLE. PASSES IBM EGA DIAGNOSTICS ■ 256K OF VIDEO RAM ALLOWS 640 X 350 IN 16 OF 64 COLORS • COMPATIBLE WITH COLOR AND MONOCHROME ADAPTORS MCT-EGA

COLOR BRAPHICS ADAPTOR »49.95

COMPATIBLE WITH IBM GRAPHICS STANDARDS

• SUPPORTS RGB. COLOR & COMPOSITE MONOCHROME

• 640 320 X 200 RESOLUTION. LIGHT PEN INTERFACE MCT-CG

A T ML/L Tl I/O CARD tSB.BS

USE WITH MCT-ATFH FOR MINIMUM OF SLOTS USED • SERIAL, PARALLEL AND GAME PORTS • USES 16450 SERIAL SUPPORT CHIPS FOR HIGH SPEED OPS MCT-ATIO

ATIO-SERIAL—2ND SERIAL PORT $24.95

MEMDRYCARDS

S7BK RAM CARD tSB.BS

A CONTIGUOUS MEMORY SOLUTION IN A SHORT SLOT

■ USER SELECTABLE CONFIGURATION UP TO 576K

■ USES 64K & 256K RAM CHIPS (ZERO K INSTALLED) MCT-RAM

EXPAMDEO MEMORY CARD flBB.SS

2 MB OF LOTUS INTEL MICROSOFT COMPATIBLE MEMORY FOR AN XT ■ CONFORMS TO LOTUS INTEL EMS • USER EXPANDABLE TO 2 MB ■ CAN BE USED AS EXPANDED OR CONVENTIONAL MEMORY RAMOISK AND SPOOLER MCT-EMS

MCT-ATEMS AT COMPATIBLE VERSION $139.95

MULTIFLIMCTiaiM CARDS DRIVE CDIMTRDLLERS

MOMOGRAPHICS MUL Tl I/O BIIB. 75

TOTAL SYSTEM CONTROL FROM A SINGLE SLOT'

■ CTRL 2 FLOPPY'S SERIAL. PARALLEL. GAME PORT

CLOCK CAL ■ HUN COLOR GRAPHICS SOFTWARE ON A

MONOCHROME MONITOR

MCT-MGMIO

FLOPPY DISK COMTROLLEH *B3.3S

QUALITY DESIGN FOR SINGLE SLOT CONTROL OF 4 FLOPPY'S ■ INTERFACES UP TO 4 FDD'S TO AN IBM PC OR COMPATIBLE ■ SUPPORTS BOTH DS DD AND DS OD WITH DOS 3 2 MCT-FDC

TEAC DISK DRtVE

3BaK S'W DRIVE

■ RELIABLE DIRECT DRIVE

MOTOR • DOUBLE-SIDED/ Jt

DOUBLE-DENSITY ^ FD-55B

HEIGHT FLOPPY DISK DRIVES

5V4 ■ TEAC FD-55G DS/HD 1.2M $129.95

5V4 FUJITSU M2551A DS/DD 360K $89.95

5V4 FUJITSU M2553K DS/HD 1.2M $119.95

S</4 DS/DD 360K $69.95

5V4 DS/HD-1.2M $109.95

3W MITSUBISHI DS/DD (AT OR XT) $129.95^

'ARCHIVE XL TAPE DACK-k

BACK UP 40 MB IN 40 MINUTES'

■ EASY-TO-USE MENU DRIVEN SOFTWARE

« USES STANDARD

OIC DATA FORMAT • FULLS INCREMENTAL \1

BACK-UP V

■ PARTIAL S FULL RESTORE AR 5240 XT -FOR XT S& AT S

AR 5540 AT - AT S ONLY 2X FASTER TAPE NOT INCLUDED ^ TAPE CARTRIDGE—40 MB $24.95

BOMB HARD DISK DIM A CARD

• SAVES SPACE AND REDUCES POWER CONSUMPTION

■ IDEAL FOR PC'S WITH FULL HEIGHT FLOPPIES

■ LEAVES ROOM FOR A HALF LENGTH CARD IN ADJACENT SLOT

MULTI I/O FLOPPY CONTROLLER 073.35

A PERFECT COMPANION FOR OUR MOTHERBOARDS

■ SUPPORTS UP TO 2 360K FLOPPIES, 720K WITH DOS 3 2

• SERIAL, PARALLEL, GAME PORT CLOCK CALENDAR

MCT-MIO

MIO-SERIAL—2ND SERIAL PORT $15.95 MUL Tl I/O CARD 053.35

USE WITH MCT.FH FOR A MINIMUM OF SLOTS USED

• SERIAL PORT CLOCK CALENDAR WITH BATTERY BACKUP ■ PARALLEL PRINTER PORT ADDRESSABLE AS LPTl OR LPT2

MCT-IO

A T MLIL TIFUIMCTIOM CARD 0133.35

ADDS UP TO 3 MB OF RAM TO YOUR AT

• USER EXPANDABLE TO 1 5 MB. OR 3 MB WITH OPTIONAL PIGGYBACK BOARD |0 K INSTALLED) » INCLUDES SERIAL AND PARALLEL PORT

MCT-ATMF-MC PIGGYBACK BOARD $29.95 ATMF SERIAL-2ND SERIAL PORT $24.95

1.B MB FLOPPY CONTROLLER 0B3.35

ADD VERSATILITY AND CAPACITY TO YOUR XT

■ SUPPORTS 2 DRIVES. BOTH MAY BE 360K OR 1 2 MB

■ ALLOWS DATA TO FLOW FREELY FROM XT S TO AT S MCT-FDC-1.2

FLOPPY/HARD COIMTROLLER 0133.35

XT SYSTEM STARVED FOR SLOTS'' THIS CARD FREES ONE UP ■ INTERFACES UP TO 2 FDD'S & 2 HDD'S, CABLING FOR 2 FDD, 1 HDD ■ SUPPORTS BOTH DS DD & DS OO WITH DOS 3 2 MCT-FH

AT/FH CONTROLLER

0143.35

FLOPPY HARD DISK CONTROL IN A TRUE AT DESIGN m SUPPORTS UP TO 2 360K 720K'T 2MB FDD'S AS WELL AS 2 HOD'S USING STANDARD CONTROL TABLES MCT-ATFH

RLL DISK CONTROLLER 0133.35

IMPROVE SPEED AND STORAGE OF YOUR AT COMPATIBLE ■ SUPPORTS UP TO 2 RLL HARD DISCS AND 2 FLOPPY DRIVES • SUPPORTS 360 720 1 2 MB FLOPPIES IN 5 25' S 3 5" MCT-ATFH-RLL

IIMBOARD 3BE/PC

faas.oo

UPGRADE YOUR XT TO A 3B6 FOR LESS THAN IIOOO

■ 16 MHZ PROCESSOR REPLACES 8088 ■ 1MB INSTALLED ■ EXPAND TO 3MB WITH PIGGYBACK CARD

■ SYR WARRANTY

INBOARD 386/AT $1199.95 ABOVE BOARD PS 286 $399.95 ABOVE BOARD 286 $369.95

27

JUST A NOTE TO LET YOU KNOW THAT MY SALESPERSON, HELEN MORSE, AT YOUR COMPANY HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL AND COURTEOUS. THIS IS A PLEASANT CHANGE FROM MOST TELEPHONE SALESPEOPLE I DEAL WiTH, PLEASE PASS MV THANKS TO HELEN. I PLAN ON DOING FREQUENT BUSINESS WITH JDR AS MY NEW COMPANY, ODEM INC. GETS GOING, AND HELEN'S ATTITUDE AND HELPFULNESS ARE A MAJOR REASON WHY I LIKE DOING BUSINESS WITH YOU,

R C K

BENSALEM, PA

JDR MICRODEVICES, 110 KNOWLES DRIVE, LOS GATOS, CA 95030^ LOCAL (408) 866-6200 FAX (408) 378-8927 TELEX 171-110

ORDER TOLL FREE800-338-5000

COPYRIGHT 1988 JDR MICRODEVICES

Circle 135 on Reader Service Card

CONTINENTAL U.S. AND CANADA

JULY 1988 -BYTE 347

BUILD YOUR aWIM SYSTEM

OVER Bo.aaa jdr systems

HAVE ALREADY BEEM BUILT. EASY TO ASSEMBLE l\ JUST S HOURS WITH A SCREWDRIVER. SAVE IttOniEY AIMO LEARM ABOUT YOUR COMPUTER AT THE SAME TIME.

IB MHZ AT COMPATIBLE

m 12 MHZ BABY AT MOTHERBOARD

■ 256K RAM MEMORY

■ MINI-AT CASE W/POWER SUPPLY

■ AT STYLE KEYBOARD

■ 1 2 MB FLOPPY DRIVE

■ FLOPPY HARD DRIVE CONTROLLER

■ MONOCHROME MONITOR

■ GRAPHICS ADAPTOR

IB MHZ XT CBMPATIBLE

INCLUDES SERIAL PORT, 2 PARALLEL PORTS. CLOCKCALENDAR AND GAME ADAPTOR RUNS COLOR GRAPHICS ON A MONOCHROME MONITOR • MOTHERBOARD

■ 256K RAM MEMOHV

m 135 WATT POWER SUPPLY

■ FLIP-TOP CASE

■ AT STYLE KEYBOARD

■ 360K FLOPPY DRIVE

» MONOGRAPHICS I 0 CARD

■ MONOCHROME MONITOR

IE MHZ 1MB3BE

»' R^- ft ■^ !>■ I- !■ r I- I

■ MYLEX 386 MOTHERBOARD

■ 1 MB RAM ON BOARD

■ 200 WATT POWER SUPPLY a AT STYLE CASE

■ ENHANCED AT STYLE KEYBOARD

■ 1 2 MB FLOPPY DRIVE

m AT FLOPPY HARD CONTROLLER m MONOCHROME MONITOR

■ MONOGRAPHICS CARD

IT'S A

MOTHERBOARDS

TURBO 4.77IB MHZ

m 4 77 OR 8 MHZ OPERATION WITH 8088-2 & OPTIONAL 8087-2 CO-PROCESSOR

■ FRONT PANEL LED SPEED INDICATOR AND RESET SWITCH SET SUPPORTED

■ CHOICE OF NORMAL TURBO MODE OR SOFTWARE SELECT PROCESSOR SPEED

MCT-TURBO

MCT-XTMB STANDARD MOTHERBOARD S87.95

■ 6 MHz. 10 MHz 10-1 WAIT STATE). 12 MHz (1 WAIT STATE! » USES ZYMOS ASIC S FOR LESS CHIPS, GREATER

RELIABILITY

■ SUPPORTS 256K-1024K MEMORY

■ RE-CHARGEABLE HIGH CAPACITY NI-CAD BATTERY

■ 6 16-BIT SLOTS. 2 8-8IT SLOTS

■ MOUNTS IN STANDARD XT CASE MCT-BATMB-12

MCT-BATMB 6/10 MHZ MINI 80286 BOARD $389.95

BOBBE BIB MHZ

f373.35 IE MHz MYUEX 3BB f1E43.aa

■ 8 SLOT (2 EIGHT BIT 6 SIXTEEN BIT) AT MOTHERBOARD

• HARDWARE SELECTION OF 6 OR 8 MHZ

• 1 WAIT STATE

■ KEYLOCK SUPPORTED. RESET SWITCH. FRONT PANEL LED INDICATOR

■ SOCKETS FOR 1 MB OF RAM AND 80287

■ BATTERY BACKED CLOCK MCT-ATMB

■ 1 MB RAM ON BOARD

■ 8 SLOTS. 2 8-BIT. 6 16-BIT

■ SUPPORTS 80287 MATH CO-PROCESSOR

■ SUPPORTS 80387 W ADAPTOR

■ 64 KB CACHE FOR NEAR 0 WAIT STATE

■ USES AMI BIOS MCT-386 MB

MCT-386 MB-4 4 MB MEMORY INSTALLED $2649.00 MCT-386 MB-MCB MATH CO-PROCESSOR ADAPTOR BOARD $149.00

IB MHi SIIMELE CHIP.

m SINGLE CHIP USES LESS POWER, IMPROVES RELIABILITY m KEY SELECTABLE SPEED. 4 77 MHz OR 10 MHz

■ 2 3 TIMES FASTER THAN A STANDARD

■ RESET SWITCH, KEYLOCK AND SPEED POWER INDICATORS SUPPORTED

MCT-TURBO-10

BEVELBPMEIMT TOOLS

EPRBM

PRBGRAMMER

PROGRAMS 27XX S 27XXX EPROMS UP TO 27512

■ SUPPORTS VARIOUS PROGRAMMING FORMATS AND VOLTAGES

• SPLIT OR COMBINE CONTENTS OF SEVERAL EPROMS OF DIFFERENT SIZES

■ READ. WRITE. COPY ERASE CHECK AND VERIFY m SOFTWARE FOR HEX AND INTEL HEX FORMATS MCT-EPROM

MCT-EPROM-4 4 GANG PROGRAMMER $189.00 MCT-EPROM-10 10 GANG PROGRAMMER $299.95 MCT-PAL PAL PROGRAMMER $269.95

MCT-MP PROCESSOR PROG. $199.95

dbjDR

IB JDRMICRODEVICES. 11

Li

i I

Microdevices

JDR MICRODEVICES. 110 KNOWLES DRIVE. LOS 6AT0S, CA 95030 LOCAL (408) 866-6200 FAX (408) 378-8927 TEUX171-110

I YEAR

WARRAMTY DIM MCTPRODUCTS 30 OAY MONEY BACK EUARAIMTEE TOLL-FREE TECHNICAL SUPPORT NEXT DAY AIR SHIP AVAILABLE

ORBER TBLL FREE 8BB-S38-SBBB

COPYRIGHT 19BS JDR MICRODEVICES

348 B YTE • JULY 15

CONTINENTAL U.S. AND CANADA

Circle 135 on Reader Service Card

UNIVERSAL E(E)PROM PROGRAMMER KITS FROM $95

• No personality modules; Mcnu-drlvcn device selection.

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• Programs 27xx to 1 Mbit; 25xx, 68xx, CMOS; EEPROMS.

• Micros: 8741,8742,8748, 8748H, 8749,8749H & more.

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• Manual with complete schematics.

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■ Disk 3na drive emulators up to 1.2 battery backed SRAM technologv

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■ Industrial control, instrumentation and manufacturing test systems in environments hostile to disks

■ Unattended remote site installations

List prices From 5529 (PCE-180K1 to S995 IPCE 1.2IViBI

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Cinle 29 on Reader Service Card

Circle 77 on Reader Service Card

Circle 96 on Reader Service Card

JL i J I J i J M—J

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ID

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] (216) 439-4091

25971 Cannon Road • Cleveland, Ohio 44146

Telex 6502820864 -Fax (216) 439:4093 ■

Motion Control & Data Acquisition

A card in your PC creates trie last LAB 40 bus

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*No Programming Packages for PC/XT/AT.

• Intelligent DC Servo; Joystick, numeric control, motion record/playback. C calls. Up to 16 axes. Two axis package w/motors $1550 (USA).

• 4-Axis Stepper w/source code & motor $316.

• Scope/FFT 650KHz A/D 4 ch. w/source $525. •IVIodules: 8 8. 12 bit A/D. Relay Stepper, Clock. Servo & Amps. Prog Controller (Forth, A/D, EEPROM, 68HC11, RS-232/422/485, LAB 40). "Adapter for RS-232 for Mac and others. •Free immediate technical support & literature. Call (415) 755-1978 or our BBS (415) 755-1524.

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Computer ronttnuum

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CHIP SHOP

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]

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4164 8087 4128 80287 41256 80387

1 meg chips V20, V30 and more

SABINA INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Phone 1-800-2SABINA FAX 714-595-4008

Circle 126 on Reader Service Card

Circle 238 on Reader Service Card

6805/6305 SINGLE CHIP

MICROCOMPUTER DEVELOPMENT SYSTEMS

Two systems allow the IBM PC/XT/AT to be used as a complete development system for the MOTOROLA 6805 series single chip microcomputers. Model MCPM-1 supports the MC68705P3, P5, U3, U5, R3, & R5 chips. Model MCPM-2 supports the MC1468705F2 & G2 cmos versions. Both systems are priced at $495 and include a cross assembler program, a Simulator/Debugger program and a programming circuit board with driver software. A system is also avail, lor the HITACHI 63705 ZTAT micro. THE ENGINEERS COLLABORATIVE P.O. Box 53, West Glover, VT 05875 (802) 525-3458

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BYTE 70 Main St. Peterborough, NH 03458

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Circle 98 on Reader Service Card

Circle 311 on Reader Service Card

Circle 43 on Reader Service Card

Editorial Index by Company

Index of companies covered in articles, columns, or news stories in this issue Each reference is to the first page of the article or section in which the company name appears

INQUIRY # COMPANY PAGE

ADDISON-WESLEY

51

760

ADVANCED MATRIX

TECHNOLOGY

67

766

ADVANTECH

67

777

ALLIGATOR TECHNOLOGIES

67

883

AMDEK

134

778

AMERICAN COMPUSTAR

67

AMERICAN ELECTRONICS

ASSOCIATION

11

942

AMERICAN MANAGEMENT

SYSTEMS

197

ANDY HERTZFELD

251

956

APPLE COMPUTER. 11,251,259,274

757

APPLECRATE

67

773

APPLIED LOGIC SYSTEMS

67

884

ARCHE TECHNOLOGIES

134

ASSOCIATION OF PERSONAL

COMPUTER CONSULTANTS

11

973

AT&T

274

ATARI

11

967

AUSTEC

274

AUTODESK

11

755

AXONIX

67

759

BIOPAC SYSTEMS

67

BLACKWELL SCIENTIFIC

PUBUCATIONS

51

969

BORLAND INTERNATIONAL

274

788

BROWN BAG SOFTWARE 67, 211

948

CARNEGIE-MELLON

UNIVERSITY

11

934

CCI

289

764

CENTRAL POINT SOFTWARE

67

936

CHEETAH INTERNATIONAL

197

CHIPS & TECHNOLOGIES

11

898

CMS

118

771

CNS

67

899

COLUMBIA DATA PRODUCTS ..

..118

955

COMMODORE BUSINESS

MACHINES 11,274

941

COMPLETE LOGIC SYSTEMS

197

900

COMPUADD

118

787

COMPUTER ASSOCIATES

INTERNATIONAL

67

COMPUTER SCIENCE PRESS

51

901

CONTROL DATA

118

774

COPIA INTERNATIONAL

67

902

CORE INTERNATIONAL

118

CROMEMCO

251

754

DATA INNOVATIONS

67

752

DELL COMPUTER 67, 89, 134

856

887

DIGITAL EQUIPMENT

11

893

DIGITAL RESEARCH 163, 274

957

775

DIGITALK

67

782

ENGRSOFT

67

885

EPSON AMERICA

134

951

EXWELLS SOFTWARE

211

FORESTER RESEARCH

11

943

FOUNDATIONWARE

197

903

FUIITSU AMERICA

H8

INQUIRY # COMPANY PAGE

753 GENERAL AUTOMATION 67

790 HAITEX RESOURCES 67

896 HAMMERLY COMPUTER

SERVICES 173

HECHT-NIELSEN 11

779 HITECH CONSULTING GROUP.... 67 HOUGHTON-MIFFLIN 51

962 IBM 11,111,251,259,274

972

770 IDENTIX 67

776 IMAGE SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY. 67

852 INSIGNIA SOLUTIONS 89

INTEL 11

895 INTELLIGENT GRAPHICS.. 155, 274 974

INTELLIGRAFK 197

INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH

ASSOCIATES 11

894 ISOGON 189

769 ITRON 67

JASON LOVEMAN 251

JOHN WILEY & SONS 51

768 KAPUSI LABORATORIES 67

939 KOEI 197

855 LABORATORY MICROSYSTEMS .. 89

786 LAYERED 67

886 LEADING EDGE HARDWARE

PRODUCTS 134

959 LIFEBOAT ASSOCL\TES 259,274

971

962 LOCUS COMPUTING 274

960 M&T BOOKS 259, 274

970

958 M.B.PARKER 259,274

961

791 MAPINFO 67

MARCONI ELECTRONIC

DEVICES 305

935 MAXIMUM STORAGE 197

MCGRAW-HILL BOOKS 289

857 MEGAHERTZ 89

767 MICROCOSM 67

897 MICROGRAFX 181

781 MICROMATH SCIENTIFIC

SOFTWARE 67

904 MICROPOLIS 118

MICROPORT 251

905 MICROSCIENCE

INTERNATIONAL 118

957 MICROSOFT 251, 259, 274

961 964

MICROSOFT PRESS 51

950 MICROSPEED 211

906 MINISCRIBE 118

756 N/HANCE SYSTEMS 67

NATIONAL BUREAU OF

STANDARDS 11

NATIONAL COMPUTER GRAPHICS

ASSOCIATION 11

NATIONAL TELEVISION SYSTEM

COMMITTEE 11

INQUIRY # COMPANY PAGE

780 NEW ENGLAND BIOGRAPHICS .. 67

907 NORTHGATE COMPUTER

SYSTEMS 118

762 NTH GRAPHICS DISPLAY

PRODUCTS 67

OSBORNE MCGRAW-HILL 51

944 PAPERBACK SOFTWARE 197

938 PAUL MACE SOFTWARE 197

PHILIP MORRIS 11

783 PINETREE SOFTWARE CANADA . 67 PLANAR SYSTEMS 11

908 PLUS DEVELOPMENT 118

909 PRL^iM 118, 197

937

940 PRODIGY SERVICES 197

966 QUANTUM SOFTWARE

SYSTEMS 274

955 QUARTERDECK OFFICE

SYSTEMS 251,259,274

959

949 QUICKSOFT 211

751 RADIO SHACK 67

765 RASTEROPS 67

910 RODIME 118

761 ROLANDCORP US 67

SCO 251

911 SEAGATE TECHNOLOGY 118

960 SEMANTIC MICROSYSTEMS 274

784 SHOPKEEPER SOFTWARE 67

785 SMITH MICRO SOFTWARE 67

SOFTLOGIC SOLUTIONS 251

758 SONY 11,67

854 STERLING CASTLE SOFTWARE .. 89

963 SUN MICROSYSTEMS 111, 274

851 SYMANTEC 89

947 SYMMETRY 211

945 SYSTEMS COMPATIBILITY 197

912 SYSTEMS PERIPHERALS

CONSULTANTS 118

TAB BOOKS 51

913 TANDY/RADIO SHACK 118

TELEBIT 11

TEXAS INSTRUMENTS 11

968 THE SANTA CRUZ OPERATION . .274

965 THE SOFTWARE LINK 274

763 THE VOICE CONNECTION 67

958 TOM WAGNER 274

789 TOOLS & TECHNIQUES 67

914 TOSHIBA AMERICA 118

772 TURBOPOWER SOFTWARE 67

U.S. ARMY LABORATORY COMMAND n

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 11 963 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNLSi AT

BERKELEY 11,259

USROBOTICS 11

VERSACAD 11

WCE PUBLISHING 11

975 WENDIN 274

XANADU 11

946 XENOSOFT 197

350 BYTE- JULY 1988

COMING UP IN BYTE

PRODUCTS IN PERSPECTIVE:

We are rounding up 14 state-of-the-art communication packages for August's Product Focus. These programs are made for the IBM PC and compatibles, and they all have advanced features that take some of the frustration out of telecommunications. We'll test them for their ease of use. Then we'll check their performance when working with varying file sizes and with batch tasks.

System review: Since Compaq and Advanced Logic Research released the first 20-MHz 80386-based computers several months ago, many companies have announced such systems. They offer levels of performance higher than 16-MHz 80386-based systems, usually for higher prices. We'll look at computers from Everex, Proteus, and Tatung.

Hardware review: Alternate input devices for the IBM PC are back in the news. We'll compare several and let you know what we think of their prospects.

Software reviews: When it's time to talk languages, what you won't find in most computer magazines is Ada. However, it has finally made its way to the Macintosh in the form of Meridien's Ada Vantage.

We'll also review Apple's A/UX system for the Mac 11. A/UX is a hefty implementation of Unix that is sold only on its own hard disk drive.

Application reviews: First up is VersaCAD's Macintosh Edition. Next, we've slated Tornado, a memory-resident "random information processor" from Micro Logic. Finally, we'll look at Dataplex from Tools and Technologies, a new data-entry and format-conversion program.

IN DEPTH:

Our August spotlight will fall on the C language, which has a commanding position in the microcomputer industry. While BASIC is what most people learn first—and other languages have their proponents—C is where you find the heaviest concentration of attention.

Within broad boundaries, C is considered to be the most portable language. The advantages for the program developer rest on the reduction in time it takes to make an IBM PC program, for example, operational on a Macintosh. With complex programs, this translation time can be both tirne-consuming and costly if a language is too rigidly identified with a particular microcomputer family. Not only will the programs be prone to erratic behavior, their performance will likely be much slower—if they can be made to perform at all.

FEATURES:

A few years from now, you may be able to interact with your computer using your eyes, your voice, and even your whole body. Our lead feature will discuss some of the innovative technologies that are already working in research centers around the country.

Will there be a glut or a dearth of new programs to run under OS/2? We've lined up top programmers, who will discuss porting their popular programs from MS-DOS to OS/2—and what that process means for OS/2 users.

BASIC, the language that everyone owns and loves to pick on, has grown up. We'll talk about features of several new versions of BASIC that make it a serious programming language.

Steve Ciarcia's Circuit Cellar will be a construction project on an 8051 development system. He'll demonstrate how to build a controller development tool that can be guided, instructed, and manipulated from your IBM PC.

MACINTOSH SPECIAL COVERAGE

August has other surprises as well. It's the advent of a special Macintosh supplement. The topics will run the gamut of what matters most in the Mac community. This actually is a "daughter" publication carried within the same binding as the normal August BYTE. It will include Short Takes, columns, and features. Jerry Pournelle and Ezra Shapiro will both provide bonus Mac columns. Also, Bruce Webster returns with a special column.

Features will cover local-area networking with Macintoshes, inside MuhiFinder, working with NuBus, effective programming on the Macintosh, color on the Mac II, writing HyperCard applications, and programming in Apple's version of Unix.

JULY 1988 'BYTE 351

READER SERVICE

To get further information on the products advertised in BYTE, fill out the reader service card by circling the numbers on the card that correspond to the inquiry number listed wXh the advertiser. This index is provided as an additional service by the publisher, wfho assumes no liability for errors or omissions.

* Correspond directly with company

Alphabetical Index to Advertisers

Inquiry No.

Page No.

3 1 ST CLASS EXPERT SYSTEMS 200

4 A + L MEIER VOGT 255

5 A + L MEIER VOGT 257

6 ADVANCED COMP. PROD. 342,343

7 ADVANCED LOGIC RESEARCH 8,9

8 ADVANCED LOGIC RESEARCH 8,9

15 ADVANTECH 325

9 AK SYSTEMS 325

10 ALPHA MICRO 127

11 ALPHA MICRO 127

12 ALPHA PRODUCTS COMPANY 335

13 ALPS AMERICA 276,277

14 ALPS AMERICA 276,277

• AMERICAN DESIGN COMP. ..322

16 AMERICAN SEMICONDUCTOR 340

17 AMERICAN SEMICONDUCTOR 340

18 AMERICAN SMALL BUSINESS .25

• AMPRO 166

19 APPLIED DATA SYS 40

• AST RESEARCH 33

20 ATI TECHNOLOGIES 241

21 ATRON 66

22 AUTODESK 191

• AVOCET 332

23 AVOCET SYSTEMS INC 210

24 B & B ELECTRONICS 323

25 B&C MICRO 328

26 B&C MICRO 323

27 B&C MICRO 323

28 B&C MICRO 338

29 B&C MICRO 349

30 B&WSYSTEMSINC 185

31 BASIS 208,209

32 BAY TECHNICAL ASSOC 34

• BINARY TECH 330

450 BIX 298,299

33 BLAISE 35

34 BORLAND CI!

35 BORLAND CI!

36 BORUND 1

37 BORLAND 1

38 BORLAND 69

39 BORLAND 69

40 BP MICRO 336

40 BP MICRO 336

42 BUS COMPUTER SYSTEMS .. 319

• BUYERS MART 310-318

• BYTE BACK ISSUES 158

311 BYTE BITS 349

• BYTE BOOK CLUB 272,273

• BYTE CIRCULATION 300

• BYTE MARKETING 297

• BYTE SUB MESSAGE 168

• BYTE SUB SERVICE 176

43 BYTEK 349

• CALIFORNIA DIGITAL 337

44 CALIFORNIA SFTW. PRODS. .309

45 CALIFORNIA SFTW. PRODS, .309

46 CAPITAL EQUIPMENT 202

47 CENTRAL COMP PROD 334

48 CLARION SOFTWARE 93

• CLEG SOFTWARE 146

298 CLUB AMERICAN TECHN. 224,225

51 CNS 98

52 CNS 98

53 COEFFICIENTSYSTEMSCO .202

54 COEFFICIENTSYSTEMSCO .203

55 COGITATE 330

56 COGITATE 323

57 COMPACT DISC PRODUCTS ... 52

58 COMPU COM CORP 332

59 COMPUSAVE 327

60 COMPUTER AGE LTD 304

• COMPUTER CHRONICLES ... 341

• COMPUTER CONTINUUM ... 349

61 COMPUTER DISC WAREHOUSE247

62 COMPUTER EXPO 216

63 COMPUTER MAIL ORDER 266,267

64 COMPUTER PRODUCTS CO . . 100

65 COMPUTER SUPPORT GRP. 96,97

67 COMPUTER SURLPUS STORE 332

68 COMPUTER WAREHOUSE ... 162

69 COMPUTER WAREHOUSE ... 162

70 CONTECH 332

71 CONTROL VISION 334

73 CORVUS SYSTEMS 82,83

352 BYTE- JULY 1988

Inquiry No.

Page No.

74 COVOX 340

76 CRESCENT SOFTWARE INC. , . 24

77 CURTIS INC 349

308 DATAPATH TECH 92

309 DATAPATH TECH 92

305 DATAPRO 246

78 DATA TRANSLATION 42,43

312 DAYTRON ELECTRONICS .... 283

79 DBFAST 60

80 DCS (DIVERSIFIED COMP.)... 340

290 DELLCOMP.(N.AMERICA)130-133

291 DELL COMP. (INT'L) 130-133

82 DICONIX 20,21

83 DIGITALK 140,141

84 DIGITALK 140,141

85 DIGITALK 142,143

86 DIGITALK 142,143

87 DISC INTERNATIONAL 332

88 DISKCOTECH 338

89 DISKETTE CONNECTION . . . 325

90 DISKS PLUS 98

91 DISKS TO GO 323

92 DSP DEVELOPMENT CORP... 114

93 DYNAMIC ELECTRONICS .... 325

94 ECOSOFT 55

96 ELECTRONIC ENERGY CTRL.. 349

97 ELEXOH 336

98 ENGINEERS COLLABORATIVE 349

292 EVEREX SYSTEMS 19

293 EVEREX SYSTEMS 19

294 EVEREX SYSTEMS 28,29

295 EVEREX SYSTEMS 28,29

288 FLAGSTAFF ENGINEERING ..196

289 FLAGSTAFF ENGINEERING ..196

296 FORTRON CORP 206

297 FORTRON CORP 206

103 FOX SOFTWARE 23

104 FTG DATA SYSTEM 323

105 GATEWAY 2000 159

106 GENERAL PARAMETRICS. ... 149

107 GENOA SYS. CORP 79

108 GOLDEN BOW 340

109 GRAFFPOINT 330

110 GRAPHTEC 287

111 GTEKINC 18

112 GTEKINC 18

113 HAMMERLY COMPUTER SERV. 71

114 HAYES MICROCMP.PROD.178,179

115 HENSE & PARTNER 27

116 HEWLETT PACKARD 13

117 HITECH EQUIPMENT 330

118 HOLMES MICROSYSTEMS ... 230

119 HOLMES MICROSYSTEMS ... 230

120 HORSTMANN SOFTWARE ...150

• IBM CORP 187

121 IC EXPRESS 328

122 IGC 250

• INTECTRA 323

• INTECTRA 334

123 INTEGRAND 152

124 INTELLIGENCEWARE 15

• INT'L PREVIEW SOCIETY 91

125 10 TECH 186

126 10 TECH 349

127 ITRON 245

128 JADE COMPUTER 331

129 JAMECO 320,321

130 JAWIN COMPUTER 334

131 JAWIN COMPUTER 334

132 JENSEN & PARTNERS 169

134 J.D.R. MICRODEVICES . . 344,345

135 J.D.R. MICRODEVICES . . 346,347

135 J.D.R. MICRODEVICES 348

136 KADAK 58

137 KEA SYSTEMS 46

138 KEA SYSTEMS 330

139 KILA SYSTEMS 54

140 KNOWLEDGE GARDEN 271

141 KONAN 221

142 KONAN 221

143 LAHEY COMPUTER SYSTEMS 203

144 LAWSONLABS 336

145 LINK COMPUTER GRAPHICS . 330

146 LOGICAL DEVICES 334

147 LOGICAL DEVICES 334

148 LOGICAL DEVICES 334

Inquiry No.

Page No.

149 LOGICAL DEVICES 334

150 LOGITECH 73

151 LOGITECH 73

152 LOGITECH 74,75

153 LOGITECH 74,75

• LOTUS DEVELOPMENT CORP.. 99

• LOTUS DEVELOPMENT CORP. 101

154 MACONLY, INC 182

• MACMILLIAN BOOK CLUBS 48,49

155 MANNESMANN TALLY 153

156 MANNESMANN TALLY 153

157 MANX SOFTWARE SYSTEM ... 61

158 MARK WILLIAMS 30

• MAXELL DATA PRODUCTS 7

159 MEAD COMPUTER 333

160 MEDIA CYBERNETICS 263

161 MEDIA CYBERNETICS 263

162 MEGASOFT 334

163 MENDELSON ELECTRONICS. 151

164 MEP(MICRO ELECT. PROD) ..330

165 MERIDIAN TECH 238

166 MERRITT COMPUTER PROD ..52

167 MICRO 1 145

168 MICROCOM SYSTEMS 26

■ MICROCOMP.MKTG. COUNCIL 258 ' MICROMINT 324

169 MICROPROCESSORS UNLTD. 338

• MICROSOFT 56,57

171 MICROSOFT PRESS 170

172 MICROSOFT PRESS 170

173 MICROWAY 167

174 MITSUBISHI CHEMICAL 285

175 MIX SOFTWARE 237

177 MONTGOMERY GRANT 329

178 M.H.I 256

179 NANTUCKET 172

180 NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS ...288

181 NATURAL MICROSYSTEMS ... 36

182 NEC HOME ELEC.DIV. .. 248,249 307 NEC HOME ELEC.DIV. .. 160,161

186 NEC INFO SYSTEMS Clll

304 NORMEREL 62,63

188 NORTHGATE COMP SYSTEMS 193

189 NORTHGATE COMP SYS. 194,195

190 OKIDATA 59

191 ON TARGET ASSOC 338

192 ON-LINE STORE 328

• ORACLE 77

193 ORION 64

194 OSBORNE/MCGRAW-HILL ... 293

195 OSBORNE/MCGRAW-HILL .... 92

196 PACIFIC COMPUTER 327

197 PACIFIC COMPUTER 327

198 PARSONS TECHNOLOGY 85

199 PATTON & PATTON 16

200 PAUL MACE SOFTWARE 213

201 PC PLUS 32

50 PERSOFTINC 81

187 PERSONAL SPACE COMM. ... 338 203 PERSONAL TEX 184

206 PETER NORTON 113

207 PETER NORTON 113

208 PRINCETON GRAPHIC SYS ... 41

209 PRIORITY ONE 339

210 PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC .... 325

211 PROGRAMMERS CONNECTION 39

212 PROGRAMMERS PARADISE ... 53

213 PROGRAMMERS SHOP 201

214 PROSTORINC 110

215 QUA TECH 326

216 QUA TECH 326

217 QUA TECH 326

218 QUA TECH 326

219 QUA TECH 326

220 QUA TECH 326

221 QUA TECH 326

222 QUA TECH 326

223 QUA TECH 326

224 QUALSTAR 54

225 QUALSTAR CORP 328

226 QUANTUM 87

227 QUARTERDECK 214,215

228 QUARTERDECK 214,215

301 QUELO 283

230 QUME 102

231 RADIO SHACK CIV

Inquiry No.

Page No.

• RAIMA 37

232 RAINBOW TECHNOLOGY .... 188

233 REALTIME DEVICES 340

234 RIX SOFTWARE SO

235 RIX SOFTWARE 50

236 ROSE ELECTRONICS 332

237 ROSE ELECTRONICS 332

238 SABINA INT'L 349

239 SAFEWARE 330

240 SANTA CRUZ OPERATIONS . , 165

261 S C SYSTEMS 261

242 SCHWAB CORP 338

243 SCIENCE & ENGINEERING S/W . 95

244 SEA LEVEL 309

245 SHAMROCK 175

246 SILICON SPECIALTIES 231

247 SILICON SPECIALTIES 231

248 SKAN TEKNOLOGIES 330

250 SN'W ELECTRONICS 144

251 SOFTDISK 10

252 SOFTKLONE 228

• SOFTLOGIC SOLUTIONS ....157

253 SOFTRONICS 336

254 SOFTWARE DEV. SYS 177

299 SOFTWARE LINK, THE 31

300 SOFTWARE LINK, THE 31

256 SOLUTION SYSTEMS 201

257 SPECTRUM 233

258 SPSS 180

302 SUPER MICRO 309

259 SUPERSOFT 94

260 SYSGENINC 107

262 TALLGRASS TECH 47

263 TALLGRASS TECH 47

264 TANDON 108,109

265 TANDON 108,109

306 TELEBYTE 58

266 TELEVIDEO 45

• TINNEY, ROBERT GRAPHICS . 204

• TOSHIBA AMERICA INC. . 116,117

303 TRUE DATA PRODUCTS 338

268 TRUEVISION 183

269 TURBO POWER 199

270 UNIVERSAL CROSS ASSBL, .. 332

• VERMONT CREATIVE SFTW. .223

271 VICTORY ENTERPRISES 46

272 VOYETRA TECH 340

• WAREHOUSE DATA PRODS.. . 219

273 WIESEMANN&THEIS 212

275 WHITEWATER GROUP, THE .. 244

278 WINTEKCORP 5

279 WINTEKCORP 336

276 WORLDWIDE SERVICES 304

277 WORLDWIDE SERVICES 304

280 XELTEK 340

310 XENDERCORP 283

281 ZENITH DATA SYSTEMS 275

282 ZEOS INT'L 154

283 ZERICON 340

284 ZORTECH 17

285 ZORTECH 171

286 Z-WORLD 325

287 Z-WORLD 325

INTERNATIONAL SECTION 88iS-1-40

No North American inquiries piease.

376 AL DOWNLOADING 8818-30

377 ALADDIN 88iS-16

378 ANALYTICAL ENGINES .. 88IS-33

379 BCL 8813-33

380 BIX 88IS-37

416 BLYTH 88iS-38

• BYTE BACK ISSUES 8818-28

• BYTE BITS 8818-33

• BYTE CIRCUUTION .... 8818-36

• BYTE SUB MESSAGE ... 8818-22

• CALEND 8818-27

381 COMPUADD 8818-5

382 CREATISOFT 8813-33

383 CUBIX 8813-11

384 DATRONIC 8813-20

385 DAWICONTROL 8813-24

386 DIETRICH 8818-33

READER SERVICE

Advertising Supplement included with this issue: Jameco Electronics (U.S. and Canada Subscribers)

* Correspond directly with company.

Inquiry No,

Page No.

387 GAMMA PRODUCTIONS . 88IS-18

388 GAMMA PRODUCTIONS . 88IS-18

389 GREY MATTER 88IS-17

390 GTGO 88IS-21

391 HOPE CIRCUIT 88IS-33

392 lES 8818-24

393 INES 8818-33

394 KIRIN COMPUTERS 8818-31

395 MAYFAIR MICRO 8818-25

• MCGRAW-HILL BOOKS . . 8818-39

396 MICRO TECHNOLOGY. .. 8818-19

• MICROMINT 8818-40

397 MICROPROCESS ENGR.. 8818-33

398 NOVELL DEVELOPMENT 8818-29

399 OLIVETTI 8818-13

400 PRECISION DATA 8818-20

401 PROCOM 88IS-2

402 PROCOM 8818-2

403 RHV 8818-23

• ROBT TINNEY GRAPHICS . 8818-34,35

404 SOFTECH 8818-30

• SOFTLINE CORPORATION 8818-15

405 STONE COMPUTECH LTD 8818-26

406 STONE COMPUTECH LTD 8818-26

407 STONE COMPUTECH LTD 8818-26

408 SUPERVIEWINVTMT. LTD. 8818-32

409 S-100 88IS-7

410 S-100 8818-7

411 TRIANGLE DIGITAL SERV. 8818-30 415 TRIANGLE DIGITAL SERV. 8818-30

412 USA SOFTWARE 8818-9

413 WARREN POINT INT'L .. . 8818-33

Inquiry No.

Page No.

REGIONAL SECTIONS

Midwest 88MW1-8

481 ALTEX ELECTRONICS .. . 8BMW-5

• BYTE TIPS 88MW-6

* COMPARE COMPUTERS . 88MW-3

483 HARD DRIVES INT'L .... 88MW-1

484 HARD DRIVES INT'L .... 88MW-1

485 KEITHLEY DAC 88MW-2

486 KORE, INC 88MW-4

• MICROCOMP.MKTG.COUNCIL 8BMW-7

* MICROMINT 88MW-8

488 Y.E.S. MULTINATIONAL . . 88MW-6

MId-AtlantIc 88M/AT1-B

• BYTE TIPS B8M/AT-4

500 COMMUNICATNS RES.GRP.. 88M/AT-3

501 COMPUTERLANE 88M/AT-7

* COMPUTERS FOR THE BUND8BM/AT-2

• MICROCOMP.MKT.COUNCIL 88M/AT-8

503 OWL COMPUTER 8BM/AT-6

504 SF MICRO 88M/AT-1

505 SURAH B8M/AT-5

Northeast 88 NE 1-24

526 APPLIED PROG. ELECT. 88NE-B,9

* BYTE TIPS 88NE-16

528 C.H.A.S. MICRO 88NE-18

Inquiry No.

Page No.

529 COMMUNICATNS RES.GRP.. .88NE-15

• COMPARE COMPUTERS . 88NE-21

• COMP. FOR THE BLIND . . . B8M/AT-18

530 COMPUTER AGE 88NE-23

• DATRAN CORP 88NE-6,7

531 F&WCOMM 88NE-14

532 FIRST MICRO 88NE-17

533 LOWELL CORP 88NE-16

541 MANZANA 88NE-1

542 MANZANA 88NE-1

• MICROCOMP.MKTG.COUNCIL 88NE-20

• MICROMINT 88NE-12

• MICROSMART 88NE-10,11

534 NEURALWARE 8BNE-13

535 PC LINK 88NE-4,5

536 PIONEER 88NE-24

537 POWER COMPUTERS . . . 88NE-19 539 PROSPERO SOFTWARE 88NE-2,3

• ROBT. TINNEY GRAPHICS 88NE-22

Pacific Coast 88 PC 1-16

509 ALTEC 88PC-14

• BYTE TIPS 8BPC-14

510 COMPUTERLANE 86PC-13

511 COMPUTOWN 88PC-10

• DATRAN CORP 88PC-6,7

512 D-DATA 88PC-9

513 MARKENRICH 8BPC-16

514 MARKENRICH 88PC-16

515 MERLIN PUBLISHING . . . . 88PC-4

• MICROCOMP.MKTG.COUNCIL . 88PC-8

Inquiry No.

Page No.

• MICROMINT BBPC-12

516 NU-MEGATECHNOLOGIES88PC-5

517 PCSIG 88PC-3

518 SF MICRO 88PC-15

519 SURAH 88PC-1

520 TATUNG SCI. & TECH 88PC-11

521 UNIVERSAL COMP. PROD. 88PC-2

Southeast 88SE1-8

• BYTE TIPS B88E-7

491 HARD DRIVES INT'L 88SE-3

492 HARD DRIVES INT'L B88E-3

493 KEITHLEY DAC 888E-2

494 KNAPCO 888E-1

• MICROCOMP.MKTG.COUNCIL . 888E-5

• MICROMINT 888E-8

495 OMEGA MICRO SYSTEMS 8BSE-4

• ROBT. TINNEY GPAPHICS 888E-6

496 WJL PRODUCTS B88E-7

Southwest B8 8W1-8

476 ALTEX ELECTRONICS . . . 888W-5

• DALLAS SOFTSTORE , . . 88SW-4

477 KEITHLEY DAC 888W-2

• MCGRAW-HILL BOOKS . . 8B8W-3

• MICROCOMP.MKTG.COUNCIL 888W-1

• MICROMINT 888W-8

• ROBT. TINNEY GPAPHICS . .88SW-6,7

■ Correspond directly with coivpany.

BYTE ADVERTISING SALES STAFF:

Dennis J. Riley, Director of Sales, One Phoenix Mill Lane, Peterborough, NH 03458, tel. (603) 924-9281

NEW ENGLAND

ME, NH, VT, MA, RI, ONTARIO

CANADA & EASTERN CANADA

John C. Moon (617) 262-1160

McGraw-Hill Publications

575 Boylston Street

Boston, MA 02116

ATLANTIC

NY, NYC, CT, NJ (NORTH) Leah 0. Rabinowitz (212) 512-2096 McGraw-Hill Publications I22I Avenue of the Americas— 36th Floor

New York, NY 10020

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PA, NJ (SOUTH), MD, VA, W.VA,DE,D.C. (215)496-3833 McGraw-Hill Publications Three Parkway Philadelphia, PA 19102

SOUTHEAST

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IL, MO, KS, lA, ND, SD, MN, KY,OH,WI, NB.IN, MI.MS Bob Denmead (312) 751-3740 McGraw-Hill Publications Blair Building 645 North Michigan Ave. Chicago, IL 60611

SOUTHWEST, ROCKY MOUNTAIN

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International Advertising Sales Staff:

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McGraw-Hill Publishing Co.

Liebigstrasse 19

D-6000 Frankfurt/Main 1

West Germany

69720181

Mrs. Maria Sarmiento Pedro Teixeira 8, Off. 320 Iberia Mart 1 Madrid 4, Spain 1 45 52 891

Michael Kamig

Andrew Karnig & Associates

Finnbodavagen

S-131 31 Nacka, Sweden

8-44 0005

Mr. Alain Faure McGraw-Hill Publishing Co. 128 Faubourg Saint Honore 75008 Paris France

(1) 42-89-03-81

SOUTH PAcinc

SOUTHERN CA, AZ, NM, LAS VEGAS

Jack Anderson (714) 557-6292 McGraw-Hill Publications 3001 Red Hill Ave. Building *1-Suite 222 Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Tom Harvey (213) 480-5243

McGraw-Hill Publications 3333 Wilshire Boulevard #407 Los Angeles. CA 90010

NORTH PACIFIC

HI, WA, OR, ID, MT, NORTHERN CA, NV (except LAS VEGAS), UT, W (^NADA

Mike Kisseberth (415) 362-4600

McGraw-Hill Publications

425 Battery Street

San Francisco, CA 94111

Bill McAfee (415) 349-4100 McGraw-Hill Publications 951 Mariner's Island Blvd.— 3rd Floor

San Mateo, CA 94404

Karen Lennie Ros Weyman

McGraw-Hill Publishing Co. 34 Dover St. London W1X4BR EnglandOl 493 1451

Emilio Zerboni McGraw-Hill Publishing Co. Via Flavio Baracchini I 20123 Milan, Italy (2)89010103

BYTE BITS (2x3) Dan Harper (603) 924-6830 BYTE Publications One Phoenix Mill Lane Peterborough, NH 03458

The Buyer's Mart (1x2) Mark Stone (603) 924-3754 BYTE Publications One Phoenix Mill Lane Peterborough, NH 03458

Regional Advertising

(So. CA, Mid-Atlantic, New York/New England) Elisa Lister (603) 924-6830 BYTE Publications One Phoenix Mill Lane PeterboiDugh, NH 03458

Regional Advertising

(Southeast, Southwest) Denise Vernier (603) 924-9281 BYTE Publications One Phoenix Mill Lane Peterborough, NH 03458

Scsvcx Ltd

400 Orchaixi Road, #10-01 Singapore 0923 Republic of Singapore Tel: 734-9790 Telex: RS35539 SEAVEX

Seavex Ltd.

503 Wilson House

19-27 Wyndham St.

Central, Hong Kong

Tel: 5-260149

Telex; 60904 SEVEX HX

Regional Advertising

(Pacific NW, Midwest, New York/New England) Scott Gagnon (603) 924-6830 BYTE Publications One Phoenix Mill Lane Peterborough, NH 03458

BYTE Deck Mailings National

Ed Ware (603) 924-6166

BYTE Publications One Phoenix Mill Lane Peterborough, NH 03458

A/E/C Computing Deck Computing for Engineers

Mary Ann Goulding (603) 924-9281 BYTE Publications One Phoenix Mill Lane Peterborough, NH 03458

Hiro Morita

McGraw-Hill Publishing Co. Overseas Corp. Room 1528 Kasumigaseki Bldg, 3-2-5 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-Ku Tokyo 100, Japan 3 581 9811

Mr. Ernest McCrary Empresa Internacional de Comunicacoes Ltda. Rua da Consolacao, 222 Conjunto 103

01302 Sao Paulo, S.P., Brasil Tel: (11)259-3811 Telex: (100) 32122 EMBN

JULY 1988 "BYTE 353

READER SERVICE

To get further information on tlie products advertised in BYTE, fill out tfie reader service card by circling the numbers on the card that correspond to the inquiry number listed with the advertiser. This index is provided as an additional service by the publisher, who assumes no liability for errors or omissions.

* Correspond directly with company

Index to Advertisers by Product Category

Inquiry No.

Page No. Inquiry No.

HARDWARE

315 ADD INS

15 ADVANTECH 325

12 ALPHA PRODUCTS COMPANY 335

20 ATI TECHNOLOGIES 241

21 ATRON 66

26 B&C MICRO 323

27 B&C MICRO 323

29 B&C MICRO 349

46 CAPITAL EQUIPMENT 202

60 COMPUTER AGE LTD 304

71 CONTROL VISION 334

77 CURTIS INC 349

78 DATA TRANSLATION 42,43

96 ELECTRONIC ENERGY CTRL .349

292 EVEREX SYSTEMS 19

293 EVEREX SYSTEMS 19

107 GENOA SYS.COMP 79

111 GTEKINC 18

112 GTEKINC 18

393 INES 88IS-33

125 lOTECH 186

126 10 TECH 349

485 KEITHLEY DAC 88MW-2

493 KEITHLEY DAC 88SE-2

477 KEITHLEY DAC 88SW-2

141 KONAN 221

142 KONAN 221

144 LAWSONUBS 336

513 MARKENRICH 88PC-16

514 MARKENRICH 88PC-16

163 MENDELSON ELECTRONICS . 151

173 MICROWAY 167

191 ON TARGET ASSOC 338

193 ORION 64

187 PERSONAL SPACE COMM.... 338 215 QUA TECH 326

217 QUA TECH 326

218 QUA TECH 326

219 QUA TECH 326

220 QUA TECH 326

221 QUA TECH 326

222 QUA TECH 326

223 QUA TECH 326

233 REAL TIME DEVICES 340

244 SEA LEVEL 309

302 SUPER MICRO 309

411 TRIANGLE DIGITAL SERV. 88IS-30 415 TRIANGLE DIGITAL SERV. 88IS-30

303 TRUE DATA PRODUCTS 338

268 TRUEVISION 183

286 Z-WORLD 325

316 DRIVES

541 MAN2ANA 88NE-1

542 MANZANA 88NE-1

260 SYSGEN INC 107

264 TANDON 108,109

265 TANDON 108,109

317 HARDWARE PROGRAMMERS

• AVOCET 332

25 B&C MICRO 328

28 B&C MICRO 338

40 BP MICRO 336

40 BP MICRO 336

43 BYTEK 349

Page No.

111 GTEKINC 18

112 GTEKINC 18

486 KORE, INC 88MW-4

145 LINK COMPUTER GRAPHICS . 330

146 LOGICAL DEVICES 334

147 LOGICAL DEVICES 334

148 LOGICAL DEVICES 334

149 LOGICAL DEVICES 334

210 PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC .... 325

280 XELTEK 340

310 XENDERCORP 283

318 INSTRUMENTATION

• COMPUTER CONTINUUM.... 349 97 ELEXOR 336

191 ON TARGET ASSOC 338

216 QUA TECH 326

220 QUA TECH 326

222 QUA TECH 326

319 KEYBOARDS/MICE

386 DIETRICH 8813-33

150 LOGITECH 73

151 LOGITECH 73

152 LOGITECH 74,75

153 LOGITECH 74,75

320 MASS STORAGE

9 AK SYSTEMS 325

10 ALPHA MICRO 127

11 ALPHA MICRO 127

57 COMPACT DISC PRODUCTS . 52

483 HARD DRIVES INT'L .... 88MW-1

484 HARD DRIVES INT'L .... 88MW-1

491 HARD DRIVES INT'L 88SE-3

492 HARD DRIVES INT'L 88SE-3

• MAXELL DATA PRODUCTS 7

174 MITSUBISHI CHEMICAL 285

401 PROCOM 88IS-2

402 PROCOM 88IS-2

214 PROSTORINC 110

224 QUALSTAR 54

225 QUALSTAR 328

248 SKAN TEKNOLOGIES 330

262 TALLGRASS TECH 47

263 TALLGRASS TECH 47

303 TRUE DATA PRODUCTS 338

MISCELLANEOUS

32 BAY TECHNICAL ASSOC 34

308 DATAPATH TECH 92

309 DATAPATH TECH 92

90 DISKS PLUS 98

• INTECTRA 323

123 INTEGRAND 152

166 MERRITT COMPUTER PROD ..52

259 SUPERSOFT 94

321 MODEMS/MULTIPLEXORS

47 CENTRAL COMP PROD 334

• CLEO SOFTWARE 146

58 COMPU COM CORP 332

114 HAYES MICROCMP.PROD.178,179

118 HOLMES MICROSYSTEMS ... 230

119 HOLMES MICROSYSTEMS ... 230

322

MONITORS

• MICROMINT 88MW-8

Inquiry No.

Page No.

307 NEC HOME ELEC. DIV. .. 160,161 182 NEC HOME ELEC. DIV. .. 248,249 208 PRINCETON GRAPHIC SYS ... 41 520 TATUNGSCIENCE&TECH88PC-11

323 NETWORK HARDWARE

24 B & B ELECTRONICS 323

55 COGITATE 330

127 ITRON 245

173 MICROWAY 167

181 NATURAL MICROSYSTEMS ... 36

187 PERSONAL SPACE COMM. ... 338

215 QUA TECH 326

217 QUA TECH 326

218 QUA TECH 326

221 QUA TECH 326

236 ROSE ELECTRONICS 332

237 ROSE ELECTRONICS 332

306 TELEBYTE 58

273 WIESEMANN&THEIS 212

324 PRINTERS/PLOTTERS

13 ALPS AMERICA 276,277

14 ALPS AMERICA 276,277

82 DICONIX 20,21

110 GRAPHTEC 287

116 HEWLETT PACKARD 13

• INTECTRA 334

155 MANNESMANN TALLY 153

156 MANNESMANN TALLY 153

186 NEC INFO SYSTEMS Clll

190 OKIDATA 59

230 QUME 102

283 ZERICON 340

325 SCANNERS/DIGITIZERS

288 FLAGSTAFF ENGINEERING .,196

289 FLAGSTAFF ENGINEERING .196

390 GTCO 88IS-21

257 SPECTRUM 233

408 SUPERVIEWINVTMT. LTD.88IS-32

326 SOFTWARE SECURITY

15 ADVANTECH 325

377 ALADDIN 88IS-16

74 COVOX 340

216 QUA TECH 326

232 RAINBOW TECHNOLOGY 188

327 SYSTEMS

7 ADVANCED LOGIC RESEARCH 8,9

8 ADVANCED LOGIC RESEARCH 8,9

• AMPRO 166

• AST RESEARCH 33

• BINARY TECH 330

42 BUS COMPUTER SYSTEMS ..319

298 CLUB AMERICAN TECH. . 224,225 383 CUBIX 8818-11

290 DELL COMP. (N.AMERICA)130-133

291 DELL COMP. (INT'L) 130-133

98 ENGINEERS COLLJ^BQRATIVE 349

294 EVEREX SYSTEMS 28,29

295 EVEREX SYSTEMS 28,29

296 FORTRON CORP 206

297 FORTRON CORP 206

105 GATEWAY 2000 159

• IBM CORP 187

139 KILA SYSTEMS 54

Inquiry No.

Page No.

533 LOWELLCORP 88NE-16

395 MAYFAIR MICRO 88IS-25

167 MICRO 1 145

* MICROSMART 88NE-10,11

304 NORMEREL 62,63

399 OLIVETTI 88IS-13

495 OMEGA MICRO SYSTEMS 88SE-4

536 PIONEER 88NE-24

231 RADIO SHACK CIV

504 SF MICRO 88M/AT-1

518 SF MICRO 88PC-15

405 STONE COMPUTECH LTD 88IS-26

406 STONE COMPUTECH LTD 88iS-26

407 STONE COMPUTECH LTD 88IS-26 266 TELEVIDEO 45

• TOSHIBA AMERICA INC , . 116,117 279 WINTEKCORP 336

281 ZENITH DATA SYSTEMS 275

282 ZEOS INT'L 154

287 Z-WORLD 325

328 TERMINALS

137 KEA SYSTEMS 46

SOFTWARE

329 APPLE2/MAC APPLICATIONS

Scientific/Technical

258 SPSS 180

330 IBM/MS-DOS APPLICATIONS

Business/Office

3 1ST CLASS EXPERT SYSTEMS 200 31 BASIS 208,209

38 BORUND 69

39 BORLAND 69

56 COGITATE 323

385 DAWICONTROL 88iS-24

79 DBFAST 60

92 DSP DEVELOPMENT CORP. ..114

103 FOX SOFTWARE 23

104 FTG DATA SYSTEM 323

108 GOLDEN BOW 340

124 INTELLIGENCEWARE 15

• LOTUS DEVELOPMENT CORP , 99

• LOTUS DEVELOPMENT CORP 101

179 NANTUCKET 172

398 NOVELL DEVELOPMENT 88IS-29

• ORACLE 77

195 OSBORNE/MCGRAW-HILI 92

198 PARSONS TECHNOLOGY 85

199 PATTON & PATTON 16

50 PERSOFTINC 81

• RAIMA 37

• SOFTLOGIC SOLUTIONS ,,..157

331

IBM/MS-DOS APPLICATIONS Scientific/Technical

312 DAYTRON ELECTRONICS .... 283 92 DSPDEVELOPMENTCORP. . . 114 120 HORSTMANN SOFTWARE ...150

173 MICROWAY 167

180 NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS ...288

534 NEURALWARE 88NE-13

203 PERSONAL TEX 184

354 BYTE' JULY 1988

READER SERVICE

Advertising Supplement included with this issue: Jameco Electronics (U.S. and Canada Subscribers)

* Correspond directly with company.

Inquiry No.

Page No. Inquiry No.

332

\BM/MS-DOS APPLICATIONS Miscellaneous

94 ECOSOFT 55

391 HOPE CIRCUIT 8818-33

333 IBM/MS-DOS APPLICATIONS

Word Processing

387 GAMMA PRODUCTIONS . 88IS-18

388 GAMMA PRODUCTIONS . 88IS-1B

334 IBM/MS-DOS—CAD

18 AMERICAN SMALL BUSINESS .25

22 AUTODESK 191

392 lES 88IS-24

403 RHV 88IS-23

278 WINTER CORP 5

335 IBM/MS-DOS—LAN 73 CORVUS SYSTEMS 82,83

336 IBM/MS-DOS—GRAPHICS

65 COMPUTER SUPPORT GRP. 96,97 106 GENERAL PARAMETRICS. ... 149

234 RiX SOFTWARE 50

235 RIX SOFTWARE 50

337 IBM/MS-DOS—LANGUAGES

4 A + LMEIER-VOGT 255

23 AVOCET SYSTEMS INC 210

34 BORLAND Cll

35 BORLAND Cll

36 BORLAND 1

37 BORLAND 1

83 DIGITALK 140,141

84 DIGITALK 140,141

85 DIGITALK 142,143

86 DIGITALK 142,143

94 ECOSOFT 55

132 JENSEN & PARTNERS 169

143 LAHEY COMPUTER SYSTEMS 203

157 MANX SOFTWARE SYSTEM ... 61

158 MARK WILLIAMS 30

• MICROSOFT 56,57

175 MIX SOFTWARE 237

539 PflOSPERO SOFTWARE 88NE-2,3

413 WARREN POINT INT'I 88IS-33

275 WHITEWATER GROUP, THE .. 244 284 ZORTECH 17

338 IBM/MS-DOS—UTILITIES

5 A + L MEIER-VOGT 257

33 BLAISE 35

• CALEND 88IS-27

44 CALIFORNIA SFTW. PRODS .. 309

45 CALIFORNIA SFTW. PRODS . . 309

51 CNS 98

52 CNS 98

382 CREATIVSOFT 88IS-33

76 CRESCENT SOFTWARE INC ... 24 113 HAMMERLY COMPUTER SERV. 71

136 KADAK 58

516 NU-MEGATECHNOLOGIES88PC-5 200 PAUL MACE SOFTWARE 213

206 PETER NORTON 113

207 PETER NORTON 113

227 QUARTERDECK 214,215

228 QUARTERDECK 214,215

269 TURBO POWER 199

• VERMONT CREATIVE SFTW. .223

Page No. Inquiry No

285 ZORTECH 171

339 IBM/MS-DOS-COMMUNICATIONS

53 COEFFICIENT SYSTEMS CO .202

54 COEFFICIENT SYSTEMS CO .203 500 COMMUNICATINS RES.GRP. 88M/AT-3 529 COMMUNICATINS RES.GRP. .88NE-15

• DATRAN CORP 88NE-6,7

• DATRAN CORP 88PC-6,7

80 DCS (DIVERSIFIED COMP.)... 340

109 GRAFFPOINT 330

138 KEA SYSTEMS 330

160 MEDIA CYBERNETICS 263

161 MEDIA CYBERNETICS 263

165 MERIDIAN TECH 238

252 SOFTKLONE 228

253 SOFTRONICS 336

340 OTHER APPLICATIONS

Miscellaneous

272 VOYETRATECH 340

341 OTHER APPLICATIONS

Languages

301 QUELO 283

254 SOFTWARE DEV. SYS 177

342

OTHER APPLICATIONS Utilities

270 UNIVERSAL CROSS ASSBL. ..332

343 MAIL ORDER/ RETAIL

6 ADVANCED COMP. PROD. 342,343

509 ALTEC 88PC-14

481 ALTEX ELECTRONICS . . . 88MW-5

476 ALTEX ELECTRONICS . . . 88SW-5

• AMERICAN DESIGN COMP. .. 322

16 AMERICAN SEMICONDUCTOR 340

17 AMERICAN SEMICONDUCTOR 340

378 ANALYTICAL ENGINES .. 8818-33 19 APPLIED DATA SYS 40

526 APPLIED PROG. ELECT. 88NE-8,9 30 B&WSYSTEMSINC 185

379 BCL 8818-33

• BUYERS MART 310-318

• BYTE BACK ISSUES 158

• CALIFORNIA DIGITAL 337

48 CLARION SOFTWARE 93

• COMPARE COMPUTERS. 88MW-3

• COMPARE COMPUTERS 88NW-21 381 COMPUADD 881S-5

59 COMPUSAVE 327

530 COMPUTER AGE 88NE-23

61 COMPUTER DISC WAREHOUSE247

62 COMPUTER EXPO 216

501 COMPUTER LANE 88M/AT-7

510 COMPUTER LANE 88PC-13

63 COMPUTER MAIL ORDER 266,267

64 COMPUTER PRODUCTS CO . . 100

67 COMPUTER SURLPUS STORE 332

68 COMPUTER WAREHOUSE ... 162

69 COMPUTER WAREHOUSE ... 162

511 COMPUTOWN 88PC-10

70 CONTECH 332

528 C.H.A.S. MICRO 88NE-18

• DALLAS SOFTSTORE . . . 88SW-4

Page No. Inquiry No.

384 DATRONIC 8818-20

87 DISC INTERNATIONAL 332

88 DISKCOTECH 338

89 DISKETTE CONNECTION .... 325

91 DISKS TO GO 323

93 DYNAMIC ELECTRONICS .... 325

512 D-DATA 88PC-9

531 F&WCOMM 88NE-14

532 FIRST MICRO 88NE-17

389 GREY MATTER 8818-17

116 HENSE & PARTNER 27

121 !C EXPRESS 328

128 JADE COMPUTER 331

129 JAMECO 320,321

130 JAWIN COMPUTER 334

131 JAWIN COMPUTER 334

134 J.D.R. MICRODEVICES . . 344,345

135 J.D.R. MICRODEVICES . . 346,347

135 J.D.R. MICRODEVICES 348

394 KIRIN COMPUTERS 88IS-31

494 KNAPCO 888E-1

154 MACONLY, INC 182

• MCGRAW-HILL BOOKS . . 888W-3

159 MEAD COMPUTER 333

162 MEGASOFT 334

164 MEP(MICRO ELECT. PROD) ..330

• MICROCOMP.MKTG.COUNCIL 258

• MICROCOMP.MKTG.COUNCIL 88MW-7

■ MICROCOMP.MKTG.CNCL . . 88M/AT-8

• MICROCOMP.MKTG.COUNCIL 88NE-20

• MICROCOMP.MKTG.COUNCIL . 88SE-5

• MICROCOMP.MKTG.COUNCIL 88SW-1

■ MICROMINT 324

• MICROMINT 88IS-40

• MICROMINT 88NE-12

• MICROMINT 88PC-12

• MICROMINT 88SE-8

■ MICROMINT 88SW-8

169 MICROPROCESSORS UNLTD . 338

177 MONTGOMERY GRANT 329

178 M.H.I 256

188 NORTHGATE COMP SYSTEMS 193

189 NORTHGATE COMP SYS. 194,195

192 ON-LINE STORE 328

503 OWL COMPUTER 88M/AT-6

196 PACIFIC COMPUTER 327

197 PACIFIC COMPUTER 327

535 PC LINK 88NE-4,5

201 PC PLUS 32

537 POWER COMPUTERS . . . 88NE-19

400 PRECISION DATA 88IS-20

209 PRIORITY ONE 339

211 PROGRAMMERS CONNECTION 39

212 PROGRAMMERS PARADISE ... 53

213 PROGRAMMERS SHOP 201

261 S C SYSTEMS 261

238 SABINAINTL 349

242 SCHWAB CORP 338

243 SCIENCE SENGR. SFTW. 95

245 SHAMROCK 175

246 SILICON SPECIALTIES 231

247 SILICON SPECIALTIES 231

250 SN'W ELECTRONICS 144

• SOFTLINE CORPORATION 8818-15

256 SOLUTION SYSTEMS 201

519 SURAH 88PC-1

505 SURAH 88M/AT-5

410 S-100 8818-7

409 S-100 88IS-7

521 UNIVERSAL COMP. PROD. 88PC-2 412 USA SOFTWARE 8818-9

• WAREHOUSE DATA PRODS.. . 219

496 WJL PRODUCTS 888E-7

488 Y.E.S. MULTINATIONAL .. 88MW-6

Page No.

344 EDUCATIONAL/ INSTRUCTIONAL

416 BLYTH 8818-38

• BYTE BACK ISSUES 8818-28

• BYTE BOOK CLUB 272,273

• BYTE CIRCULATION 300

• BYTE CIRCULATION .... 8818-36

• BYTE SUB MESSAGE 168

• BYTE SUB MESSAGE . . . 8818-22

• BYTE SUB SERVICE 176

• BYTE TIPS 88MW-6

• BYTE TIPS 88M/AT-4

• BYTE TIPS 88NE-16

• BYTE TIPS 888E-7

• COMPUTERS FOR THE BLIND88M/AT-2

• COMPUTERS FOR THE BUND 88NE-18

305 DATAPRO 246

140 KNOWLEDGE GARDEN 271

• MACMILLIAN BOOK CLUBS 48,49

• MCGRAW-HILL BOOKS . . 88IS-39

168 MICROCOM SYSTEMS 26

397 MICROPROCESS ENGR.. 8818-33

171 MICROSOFT PRESS 170

172 MICROSOFT PRESS 170

194 OSBORNE/MCGRAW-HILL ... 293

517 PCSIG 88PC-3

251 SOFTDISK 10

345

DESKTOP PUBLISHING

515 MERLIN PUBLISHING .... 88PC-4

MISCELLANEOUS

117 HITECH EQUIPMENT 330

• INT'L PREVIEW SOCIETY 91

• ROBT. TINNEY GRAPHICS . 8818-34,35

• ROBT. TINNEY GRAPHICS 88NE-22

• ROBT. TINNEY GRAPHICS 888E-7

• ROBT. TINNEY GRAPHICS . . 88SW-6,7

• ROBT, TINNEY GRAPHICS ... 204

239 SAFEWARE 330

404 SOFTECH 8818-30

271 VICTORY ENTERPRISES 46

346 OPERATING SYSTEMS

122 IGC 250

226 QUANTUM 87

240 SANTA CRUZ OPERATIONS .. 165

299 SOFTWARE LINK, THE 31

300 SOFTWARE LINK, THE 31

347 ON-LINE SERVICES

376 AL DOWNLOADING , 88IS-30

450 BIX 298,299

380 BIX 8818-37

396 MICRO TECHNOLOGY . . . 8818-19

276 WORLDWIDE SERVICES 304

277 WORLDWIDE SERVICES 304

JULY 1988 'BYTE 355

Computers For The Blind

Talking computers give blind and visually impaired people access to electronic information. The question is how and how much?

The answers can be found in "The Second Beginner's Guide to Personal Computers for the Blind and Visually Impaired" published by the National Braille Press. This comprehensive book contains a Buyer's Guide to talking microcomputers and large print display processors. More importantly it includes reviews, written by blind users, of software that works with speech.

This invaluable resource book offers details on training programs in computer applications for the blind, and other useful information on how to buy and use special equipment.

Send orders to:

National Braille Press Inc. 88 St. Stephen Street Boston, MA 02115 (617) 266-6160

$12.95 for braille or cassette, $14-95 for print. ($3 extra for UPS shipping) NBP is a nonprofit braille printing and publishing house.

SEND FOR YOUR 1) SUBSCRIBER I.D. CARD

SUBSCRIBERS ONLY!*

Use BYTE's Telephone Inquiry Processing System

Using TIPS can bring pivduct information as much as 10 days earlier.

If vdu are a new subscriber or have lost your I.D. card, circle #1 on the Reader Service Card; attach mailer label. We will immediately send your personal TIPS subscriber card.

GET PREPARED

2)

Write your Subscriber Number, as printed on your Subscriber I.D. Card, in bo.xes in Step 5 below. (Do not add O's to fill in blank boxes)

3)

Write numbers for information desired in boxes in Step 7b below. (Do not add O's to fill in blank boxes.)

CALL TIPS

4)

Now, on a Touch-lbne telephone dial: (413) 442-2668 and wait for voice commands.

ENTER YOUR SUBSCRIBER AND ISSUE NUMBERS

5)

When TIPS says: "Enter Subscriber Number"

(Enter by pushing the numbers and symbols [# or * enclosed in the boxes] on telephone pad

ignoring blank boxes)

Enter □□□□□□□□HIH]

6)

When TIPS says "Enter magazine code & issue code" Enter m fflEl El HI 11

ENTER YOUR INQUIRIES

7a) b)

When TIPS says "Enter (next) Inquiry Number"

Enter one inquiry selection from below (ignore blank boxes)

Repeat 7a as needed (maximum 17 inquiry numbers)

1. □ □ □

2. □ □ □ HI m

3. □ □ □ HI [ffl

4. □ □ □ H] 11

5. □ □ □ HI HI

6. □ □ □ I

7. □ □ □ I

8. □ □ □ I

9. □ □ □ I

10. □ □ □ I

11. □ □ □ I

12. □ □ □ I

13. □ □ □ I

14. □ □ □ I

15. □ □ □ I

16. □ □ □ I

17. □ □ □ I

END SESSION 8) End session by entering 13 H El m HI SI

9) Hang up after hearing final message If you are a subscriber and need assistance, call (60,3) 924-9281.

If you are not a subscriber fill out the subscription card found in this issue or, call BYTE Circulation 800-423-8912. ♦Domestic and Canadian Subscribers Only!

356 BYTE- JULY 1988

If your idea of Romance Languages includes BASIC and C, tlien we have a

^ eat deal for you.

XENIX

Name.

□ USA $22.95 for 1 year

□ Canada $25.95 U.S. for 1 year

□ Bill me

Q Payment enclosed

□ Charge to my ( ) VISA ( ) MasterCard

Account # Company _

Expires Address

Signature City/State.

[] This is a renewal order. Country

For direct ordering, call toll free 1 800 423-8272 weekdays 9:00 AM-5:00 PM EST. In New Jersey, call 1 800 367-0218. Please allow 6-8 weeks for processing your subscription.

Packed with in-depth information on the latest in microcomputing, BYTE magazine is written to stimulate the minds of almost half a million personal computing experts. Now, you too can enjoy BYTE each month at our special introductory rate. Subscribe now and save $19 off the newsstand price—12 issues for $22.95 instead of $42.00. You'll also receive our special IBM PC issue as part of your subscription!

487ESU-1

(Please Print)

. Code.

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BUSINESS REPLY MAIL

FIRST CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO. 684 TEANECK, NJ

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BVTE

Subscription Dept. P.O. Box 7640 Teaneck, NJ 07666-9866

llln,lM,l,llM,ll,MllnMnlnlnll,nlln.

Information Retrieval Service

To assist you in making your evaluations, purchasing decisions, or recommendations, you can request further information directly from the manufacturer or service company on products and services advertised in this issue. There is no charge, no obhgation. Just complete and mail the attached post-paid, self-addressed reply card, and we'll do the rest.

Circle numbers on reply card which correspond to numbers assigned to items of interest to you.

Check all the appropriate answers to questions "A" through "F".

Print your name and address and mail.

Fill out this coupon carefully. PLEASE PRINT. Requests cannot be honored unless the zip code is included. This card is valid tor 6 months from cover date.

A. What is your primary job function? (Check one only)

:M,1TI0N

JULY 487RSU

1 □ Business Owner, General

Management, Administrative

2 □ MIS/DP, Programming

3 □ Engineering/Scientific, R&D

4 □ Professional (law, medicine,

accounting)

5 □ Other

B. How many people does your company employ?

1 □ 25 or fewer

2 □ 26-99

3 □ 100-499

4 □ 500-999

5 □ 1000 or more

C Reason for request: (Check all that apply).

1 □ Business use for yourself

2 □ Business use for your

company

3 □ Personal use

D. Your next step after information is received;

1 □ Purchase order

2 □ Evaluation

3 □ Specification/Recommendation

E. Please indicate the product categories for which you influence the selection or purchase at your (or your client's) company or organization. (Check all that apply).

1 □ Microcomputers

2 □ Periplierals

3 □ Software

4 □ Accessories and supplies

F. For how many microcomputers do you influence the purchase of products at your (or your client's) company or organization?

1 □ 1 3 0 5-9

2 □ 2-4 4 □ 10 or more

Name

Tille

Company _ Address _

City

Zip

State_

Telephone_

1 2

28 29

55 56

82 83

109 no

136 137 163 164 190 191 217 218 244 245 271 272 298 299 325 326 352 353 379 380 406 407 433 434 460 461 487 488 514 515 541 543 568 569 595 596 622 623 649 650 676 677 703 704 730 731 757 758 784 785 811 812 838 839 865 866 892 893 919 920 946 947 973 974

5 6 32 33

111 112 138 139 165 166 192 193 219 220 246 247 273 274

300 301 327 328 354 355

301 382 408 409 435 436 462 463 489 490 516 517 543 544 570 571 : 597 598 ; 624 625 f 651 652 f 678 679 f 705 706 ; 732 733 ; 759 760 : 786 787 ■ 313 814 840 841

115 142

222 223

249 250

276 277

303 301

330 331

357 35B

384 385

9 10 11 12 13

36 37 38 39 40

63 64 65 66 67

90 91 92 93 »<

117 118 119 120 121

144 145 146 147 148

171 172 173 174 176

198 199 200 201 202

225 226 227 228 229

252 253 254 255 256

279 280 281 282 283

306 307 308 309 310

333 334 335 336 337

360 361 362 363 364

387 388 389 390 391

16 43

70 71 72 73

17 18 19 20 21 44 45 46 47 48

95

97

99 100 126 127 153 154

122 123 124 125

149 150 151 152

176 177 178 179 180 181

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248 275 302 329 356 383

410 411 412 413 414 415 416 417 418 437 438 439 440 441 442 443 444 445 464 465 466 467 468 469 470 471 472 491 492 493 494 495 496 497 498 499 518 519 520 521 522 523 524 525 526 545 546 547 548 549 550 551 552 553 572 573 574 575 576 577 578 579 580 599 600 601 602 603 604 605 606 607

627 628

654 655

I 681 682

' 708 709

I 735 736

762 763

i 789 790

815 816 817 816

921 922 948 949 975 976

843 844

870 871

897 898

924 925

951 952

978 979

630 631 632 633 634

657 658 659 660 661

684 685 686 687 688

711 712 713 714 715

738 739 740 741 742

765 766 767 768 769

792 793 794 795 796

819 820 821 822 823

846 647 848 849 850

873 874 675 876 877

900 901 902 903 904

927 928 929 930 931

954 955 956 957 958

981 982 983 984 985

230 231 257 258 284 285 311 312 338 339 365 366 392 393 419 420 446 447 473 474 500 501 527 528 554 555 581 582 608 609 635 636 537 638 639 640 662 663 664 665 666 667 689 690 691 692 693 694 716 717 718 719 720 721 743 744 745 746 747 748 770 771 772 773 774 775 797 798 799 800 801 802 824 825 826 827 828 829 851 852 853 854 855 856

232 233 234 235

259 260 261 262

286 287 288 289

313 314 315 316

340 341 342 343

367 368 369 370

394 395 396 397

421 422 423 424

448 449 450 451

475 476 477 478

502 503 504 505

529 530 531 532

556 557 558 559

583 584 585 586

610 611 612 613

74 75

101 102

128 129

155 156

182 183

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236 237

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290 291

317 318

344 345

371 372

32 23 24

49 50 51

76 77 78

103 104 105

130 131 132

157 158 159

184 185 186

211 212 213

238 239 240

265 266 267

292 293 294

319 320 321

346 347 348

373 374 375

400 401 402

25 26 27

52 53 54

79 80 81

106 107 108

133 1 34 135

160 161 162

187 188 189

214 215 216

241 242 243

268 269 270

295 296 297

322 323 324

349 350 351

376 377 378

403 404 405

879

Bl

905 906 907 908 909 910

932 933 934 935 936 937

959 950 961 962 963 964

986 987 988 989 990 991

425 426 427 452 453 454 479 480 481 506 507 508 533 534 535 560 561 562 587 588 589 614 615 616 641 642 643 668 669 670 695 696 697 722 723 724 749 750 751 776 777 778 803 804 805 830 831 832 857 858 859 884 885 886 911 912 913 938 939 940 965 966 967 992 993 994

428 429 430 431 432 455 456 457 458 459 482 483 484 485 466 509 510 511 512 513 536 537 538 539 540 563 564 565 566 567 590 591 592 593 594 617 618 619 620 621 644 645 646 647 648 671 672 673 674 675 698 699 700 701 702 725 726 727 728 729 752 753 754 755 756 779 780 781 782 783 806 807 808 809 810 833 834 835 836 837 860 861 862 863 B64 887 888 889 890 891 914 915 916 917 918 941 942 943 944 945 968 969 970 971 972 995 996 997 993 999

NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES

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Information Retrieval Service

To assist you in making your evaluations, purchasing decisions, or recommendations, you can request further information directly from the manufacturer or service company on products and services advertised in this issue. There is no charge, no obligation. Just complete and mail the attached post-paid, self-addressed reply card, and we'll do the rest.

J

Circle numbers on reply card which correspond to numbers assigned to items of interest to you.

Check all the appropriate answers to questions "A" through "F".

J

Print your name and address and mail.

I

NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES

BUSINESS REPLY MAIL

FIRST CLASS MAIL PERMIT NC 176 DALTON, MA

POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE

READER SERVICE PO Box 298 Dalton, MA 01227-0298 USA

Fill out this coupon carefully. PLEASE PRINT. Requests cannot be honored unless the zip code is included. This card is valid for 6 months from cover date.

A. What is your primary job function? (Checli one only)

1 □ Business Owner, General

Management, Administrative

2 □ MIS/DP, Programming

3 □ Engineering/Scientific, R&D

4 □ Professional (law, medicine,

accounting)

5 □ Other

B. How many people does your company employ?

1 □ 25 or fewer

2 □ 26-99

3 □ 100-499

4 □ 500-999

5 □ 1000 or more

C Reason for request: (Check all that apply).

1 □ Business use for yourself

2 □ Business use for your

company

3 □ Personal use

D. Your next step after information is received:

1 □ Purchase order

2 □ Evaluation

3 □ Specification/Recommendation

E. Please indicate the product categories for which you influence the selection or purchase at your (or your client's) company or organization. (Check all that apply).

1 □ Microcomputers

2 □ Peripherals

3 □ Software

4 □ Accessories and supplies

F. For how many microcomputers do you influence the purchase of products at your (or your client's) company or organization?

1 □ 1 3 0 5-9

2^2-4 4 □ 10 or more

Name

Title

Company _

Address

City

Zip

Slate_

Telephone

JULY 487RSU

2

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OUR SILENTWRITER IS CREATING HEADUNES ON SEVERAL FRONTS.

RIVERSIDE BOAT CLUB

OARS]\f^

FRESH ®Sj,evEnr a%^^

ROWING or SCULLING or ivhaUvcr you wnat to cal coUogo studonta anymore. It's not even just for peopli Today, there arc people rowing recreational and rac lakes, bayft, marshes, inlota, ovon the open oc v(t\a arc landlocked complclaly, there

f

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n.ll«LCSSO

The new NEC SilcnlWriler LC-890 laser primer breaks nc%v ground on scM:Tal fronls. Until now, buyers of laser printers iia\ii been ^vith a fundainenf.:»''-''^%5gn between

NEC's LC-890 printer, however, niakc-s thai issue a moot point—and adds nc\v meaning to tlie term "full featured." NEC eombi"*' " Vupport of .'Kdobe Systems ' """^n lanjiuagc •nlc 1

Our Silentwriter'" LC890 is the first desktop publishing printer that gives you both popular standards for creating graphics and type: true Adobe PostScript'-' and LaserJet Plus emulation.

That alone would be enough to cause headlines. But we also added many ; I—^■fBB!!^^^ more features to simplify desktop publishing. Like both Apple and IBM , ^^^^^^ I • compatibility PC stated, "the LC890

I , .cw,., |g actually better than having both an Apple

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awarded it an " Editor' s Choice.'' And cited it in their "Best of 1987" issue.

And because the Silentwriter has a simple, trouble-free printing mechanism, it will be creating headlines for years to come. In fact, it's twice as reliable as ordinary lasers, with an average hfe of 600,000 pages.

If you don't require the power of our LC890, con sider the rest of the family. The LC850 for text apphca tions and the LC860 Plus for text and less complex graphics.

To start producing your own headlines, call 1-800-343-4418 (in MA 617-264-8635). We'll send you reprints of all the great reviews and the name of the NECIS dealer nearest you.

NEC PRINTERS.THEYONLY STOP WHEN YOU WANTTHEM TO.

NEC

c&c

Computers and Communications

Circle 186 on Reader Service Card

NEC Information Systems, Dept. 1610,1414 Massachusetts Ave., Boxborough, MA 01719.

Reprinted rrom PC .Wagtizine Jan. 12,19SS. <S 1987 /,ilTCiimmunicatii)ns Company.

Tandy Computers: Because there is no better value*

The New Imdy 5000 MC

- ....— „.. ., „„,

SI o - «3 f

mm

,m LI I I I

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20 MHz Intel® 80386 microprocessor

2MB RAM, expandable to 16MB

Intel 82385 Memory Cache controller

Built-in VGA graphics, as well as MCGA, CGA, and EGA

Displays 256 colors, 64 shades of gray

Five IBM Micro Channel™ expansion slots, plus two dedicated memory slots

Built-in 1.44MB 31/2" disk drive plus three front-panel device slots

High-speed/high-capacity disk options

80387 co-processor socket

Supports MS-DOS®, MS® OS/2 and multiuser SCO® XENIX® operating systems

Our most powerful 80386 based computer .,. made in America*

The new Tandy 5000 MC Professional System is strictly business, from the look of its 256,000-color VGA graphics to the tactile feel of its keyboard.

Inside is pure performance, from the 80386 processor operating at 20 MHz to the fast memory with cache that provides RAM-fast access to your data.

The 5000 MC comes with a built-in 1.44MB 3'/2" floppy drive. There's room inside for a second 3'/a" drive (or hard drive) and two 5V4" floppy, hard or tape drives. Choose from ST-506 or ESDI — and SCSI support is coming.

Add a 20-MHz 80387 math coprocessor. Expand the memory to 16MB using two dedicated expansion slots, and you can still add up to five IBM® Micro Channel compatible expansion adapters.

And with its high-speed performance, the 5000 MC is a natural as the hub of a multiuser system or as a file server in a 3Com® office workgroup.

A Tandy 5000 MC with an 84MB hard disk drive is only $6999. Check out the new alternative in personal computing.

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Send me a Tandy 5000 MC brochure.

Mail to: Radio Shacl<, Dept. 89-A-200 300 One Tandy Center, Fort Wortii, TX 76102

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Price applies at Radio Stiack Computer Centers and participating stores and dealers. Monitor sold separately. Intel/Reg. TM Intel Corp. IBM/Reg. TM and Micro Channel/TM IBM Corp. MS, MS-DOS and XENIX/ Reg. TM Microsoft Corp. SCO/Reg. TM The Santa Cruz Operation. 3Com/Reg. TM 3Com Corp.

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